Buffalo Lake Dam Project
Update date Meeting
June 30, 2012
Purpose of this Meeting
• Provide update on status of the project
• Describe the timeline for the project
• Questions and Answers
SITE OVERVIEW
Buffalo Lake
North
Existing Embankment
Existing Primary
Spillway
Existing Boat Launch
and Parking
Existing Lock
and Gates
How Did We Get here
• Primary cause - Flood of June 2008 and rerouting of traffic over the “Dredge Bank”.
• DNR orders the road closed and to fix, replace
or remove dam by 2012.
• The “Dredge Bank “ was constructed in 1855
How Did We Get Here
• 2010-2011 alternatives evaluation - AECOM
study
• January 22, 2011 public presentation
• State Bldg. Commission Approval - April 2011
• Included in state FY2011-2013 Budget
• Mead and Hunt contracted June 2012
January 22, 2011 Meeting Summary
• Condition of Existing Structures and
Embankment
• Present Conceptual Alternatives and Range of
Costs
• Conceptual Public Use and Recreation
Improvements
• Discuss Buffalo Lake Drawdown and Potential
Construction Impacts
• Questions
Condition of Lock and Sluice Gates
The lock’s stone walls
are generally in good
condition.
Voids in the lock floor
were observed by the
diver.
Upstream face of sluice gates.
Gates are in fair condition.
Corrosion and some pitting is
present.
Condition of Primary Spillway
Downstream surface of concrete
capped spillway.
Generally in good condition.
Note additional flash boards
placed for dive inspection.
Left Abutment Wall - Downstream
Constructed of stone masonry.
Stonework is failing.
Wall is in poor condition.
Condition of Primary Spillway
Right Abutment Wall
Better condition than left wall.
Note steel tieback whalers.
Tuck pointing of masonry joints.
Right Abutment Wall
Erosion of lower joints.
Condition of Embankment
South Portion of Embankment
Looking West
Upstream slope very steep
Rip rap cover is sparse with no
bedding to prevent erosion.
North Portion of Embankment
Looking South
Rip rap cover is sparse with no
bedding to prevent erosion.
Condition of Embankment
Downstream Slope of
Embankment in South Portion.
Steel probe pushed in 4 feet by
hand.
Upper zone of embankment is
very loose.
South Portion of Embankment
Large sinkhole repaired in 2008.
WDNR Conclusions and Preferred Options
The preferred options identified below may change based on funding, public input, and
final design.
Montello Dam Feature
Preferred Option
Range of Costs
Sluice Gates and Lock
Chamber
Replace Existing Gates at
Current Location (B)
Primary Spillway
Replace Entire Spillway and
Include a Fish Passage
Structure (B)
$2.5 - $3.0 Million
Option D: Two-way Road and
Walking Path from North End
to Existing Boat Launch
Location
Pedestrian / Bike Path on
South Half (D)
$5.0 - $6.0 Million
Embankment
Public Use and Recreation
Enhancements
Launch, Piers, Wharfs,
Benches, Lights, Portage
Project Total
$400,000 - $450,000
$350,000 - $400,000
$8.25 - 9.85 Million
WDNR Conclusions and Preferred Options (Continued)
What to Expect:
•Most Likely Need Full Drawdown and a Partial Breech of the Primary Spillway
•Best Case – Begin Drawdown After Labor Day – Finish Construction the Following Summer
or Fall
•Best Case – Begin in 2012 – Could be 2013
•Selected Options Should Allow Concurrent Construction of Gates, Spillway, and
Embankment
Project Components
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Install Slurry Cutoff Wall
Embankment Stabilization
Spillway Replacement
Replace Sluice Gates
Fish Passage
Boat Landing
Public Use Facilities
Projected Schedule – per Mead & Hunt
and DNR
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Contract Signed - June 2012
Begin Drawdown – September 4, 2012
Provide Review Documents – September 2012
Provide Final Design Documents – January 2013
Advertise for Bid – February 2013
Bid Date – March 2013
Contract Award & Construction Start - May 2013
Drawdown Dependent Construction Complete, Refill
Buffalo Lake – May 2014
• Substantial Completion – November 2014
• Project Close Out – December 2014
Next Steps
• June 30, 2012 - public update meeting
• August 18 - meet with Lake District and EA
comment period on drawdown
• Late September - public meeting on proposed
final design
Thank You!
Questions?