A Public Consultation in Embro to Determine the Future of the Dam

Saturday, 20 June 2015 11:30

A 5 month process will be undergone beginning on Tuesday to come up with a solution on what to do with the Embro Dam

EMBRO - Aging Dams at two conservation areas in the county are set to be looked at to determine what the best outcome for both will be. A consultation will be held in Embro on Tuesday evening in regards to the conditions and sustainability of the dam that currently is in the Embro Conservation Area. Supervisor of Water Control Structures at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Rick Goldt, spoke with Heart FM and explains what is planned to happen to the Dam. "So at this first meeting the consultant will provide an overview of the Ontario Conservation Authority Class and Environmental Assessment Process. That requires certain steps and certain investigations to take place and certainly the public interaction for the opportunity to comment on opportunities, or plans for the future of the dam." The Conservation Authority is holding this public consultation at the Embro Zorra Community Centre from 7-9pm to answer any concerns residents may have that could include removing the dam entirely.

Issues regarding the aging structure will be the focal point of the first of 3 public consultations on Tuesday evening from 7-9 at the Embro Zorra Community Centre. Goldt outlines concerns that have been raised for not one but 2 dams in the area. "This study for the Embro Dam and also the Harrington Dam we have had past Dam safety assessments and they have raised concerns with the stability for the dams, general repairs that may be required, and also have made recommendations that there are options for the dams for the future." An Investigation will be taking place in Embro with November 2015 being the deadline for an answer to be reached.

Goldt says he hopes to see all of the surrounding area in attendance. "There may be a loss of function in this Conservation Area of the Dam, it may be removed that is one option. One of the recommendations put forth by consultants may require that there be changes to the structure. I think the big thing for the residents is they want to know what it is all about, and what the implications for those options are." Harrington will be holding a similar investigation meeting on June 25th following a report from 2007 showing the Dams having issues with spillway capacity and general stability of both sites.