Town of Brunswick – Van Derheyden Dam Reconstruction and Improvements

by | Sep 18, 2018 | Construction, Engineering

Laberge Group was retained by the Town of Brunswick to provide design and reconstruction services to address safety and compliance issues at the Van Derhyden Dam. Cognizant of the budgetary restrictions of the Town, Laberge Group has prioritized the delivery of cost-effective solutions.

In addition to addressing the necessary repairs, reconstruction, and improvements to the dam itself, the design also incorporates the enlarging of an undersized spillway and the replacement of deteriorating concrete in the sluiceway. The drainage capacity resulting from these improvements is designed to withstand 150% of a 100 year storm.

Laberge Group engineers have managed the regulatory requirements of multiple entities, including the Town of Brunswick, Rensselaer County, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Laberge Group conducted a complete safety inspection and subsequently prepared and submitted all evaluations, plans, reports, and permit applications required by NYSDEC, including:

  • Hazard classification evaluation
  • Evaluation of the dam’s spillway capacity and structure stability
  • Safety Inspection Report (SIR)
  • Inspection and Maintenance plan (I&M)
  • Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
  • Determination of the dam’s conformance with current dam regulations

In the next phase of this ongoing project, Laberge Group will provide bidding services, contract administration and on-site construction observation.

Laberge Group was retained by the Town of Brunswick to provide services addressing safety and compliance issues at the Brunswick and Van Derhyden Dam. Services included a Safety Inspection Report, an Inspection and Maintenance Plan, an Emergency Action Plan, and a Hazard Classification Evaluation for the Van Derheyden Reservoir Dam. The scope of services included:

  • Perform a safety inspection of the dam, Prepare a Safety Inspection Report (SIR) and submit the Report to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
  • Prepare an Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) plan for the dam as required by NYSDEC, unless a plan currently exists.
  • Prepare an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam and submit the plan to NYSDEC.
  • Evaluate the hazard classification of the dam.

As a continuation of the dam safety work, these additional engineering services were provided:

  • Site visit to document condition changes.
  • Collect any additional measurements needed for design.
  • Perform a Hydrology and Hydraulic (H&H) analysis for each dam.
  • Perform a stability analysis for the Van Derhyden Reservoir Dam for compliance with NYSDEC Dam Safety requirements.
  • Develop a permit application for Brunswick Dam modifications.
  • Develop plans, design report, and permit applications for the Van Derhyden Reservoir Dam for review and approval by NYSDEC and ACOE.
  • Prepare an Environmental Assessment Form for State Environmental Quality Review Act compliance for each dam.

GET IN TOUCH

Concerns regarding dam safety are prevalent in communities throughout New York State. If a dam in your community is aging and the infrastructure is deteriorating, get in touch to see how Laberge Group can help. We’re happy to be a resource for you.