
50% more snow than normal last
winter was a sinister precursor of
unprecedented flooding in this
province in 2011. PLT. If construction can be completed by this fall, levels on both lakes would be lowered before spring run-off begins, reducing the likelihood of flooding in 2012.
Several different options were examined by KGS and AECOM with technical support from Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation and Manitoba Water Stewardship. The option to quickly build an emergency channel that will allow for ongoing maximum flows through the Fairford River water control structure was assessed as the best option to provide emergency relief from high lake levels, and protect homes and communities along lakes Manitoba and St. Martin. The assessment is based on data which includes site visits, topographic analysis, seismic bedrock investigation, aerial photography, LIDAR surveying and geotechnical work.
The five-mile emergency channel is expected to be 300 ft. wide and up to 25 ft. deep. Details of the construction project are being finalized and consultation with the affected First Nations communities will continue as the project proceeds on an emergency basis. It is expected to involve the excavation of as much as 2.5 million cubic metres of earth, *50 pieces of heavy equipment and 150 staff. Preliminary work has already started at the construction site.
The report from KGS and AECOM is available at www.manitoba.ca/floodwww.manitoba.ca/flood.
PLT. Just add this to the spiralling costs of doing nothing about climate change! *And, of course those 50 pieces of heavy equipment will only be emitting water vapour!
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