 Posted: Fri, Nov 23 2007, 5:13 pm EST Post subject: Water levels lowered in Brainerd Lake |
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| Water levels lowered in Brainerd Lake
Dam to get inspected By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer Posted: Friday, November 23, 2007 11:30 AM EST CRANBURY — Residents who notice that the water in Brainerd Lake is lower than normal need not worry about drought or global warming. Public Works Manager Jerry Thorne said he opened Brainerd Lake’s spillway almost a month ago to lower the water level and to allow township engineers to conduct a state-required inspection of the dam and to allow for repairs to retaining walls. The state Department of Transportation requires the township to lower the lake every other year so that it can inspect the dam where the water meets Main Street, said Township Administrator Christine Smeltzer. ”We have to make sure it’s safe,” said Ms. Smeltzer. “The water flows through and may cause problems down stream.” Ms. Smeltzer said the water flows from Brainerd Lake to Cranbury Brook and ends up in the Millstone River. Mr. Thorne said he received a 30-day permit to lower the water level from the state’s Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. He said he closed the spillway Wednesday and residents should see the lake’s water returning to its normal levels shortly. Township Engineer Cathleen Marcelli said structural and hydraulic engineers accompanied her on Nov. 6 to inspect the dam. The group compared the structure’s current state to prior inspections and also noted modifications or changes that needed to be made, she said. Historically, the trees on the damn can cause structural problems and some may need to be removed, Ms. Marcelli said. The trees, which take root in the bridge, may cause deterioration prompting their removal, Mr. Thorne said. The DEP will review the report and either agree or make additional recommendations, she said. ... http://www.packetonline.com/articles/2007/11/23/cranbury_press/news/doc4746ff30b653f110464255.prt |
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