The three major dams in the southeast, the Rafferty, Alameda and Boundary dams, had "minor damage" from the flooding this year, but overall worked well in containing the excess water, and will need some repairs before next year.
The three major dams in the southeast, the Rafferty, Alameda and Boundary dams, had "minor damage" from the flooding this year, but overall worked well in containing the excess water, and will need some repairs before next year.
These were part of the preliminary findings of a special review of the province's dams completed for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority; the review is now to form the basis of a 10-year infrastructure renewal plan for the dams.
"Creating a 10-year infrastructure renewal plan will not only ensure that we have reliable water supplies and effective flood protection long into the future, it will give Saskatchewan a more effective planning process for rehabilitation of our dams and water management structures," said Environment minister Dustin Duncan.
As part of the review, the minister had asked the Watershed Authority to inspect all dams affected by high water levels and high water flows in 2011. These special inspections were designed to identify any immediate actions needed as a result of unprecedented runoff and rainfall.
There was minor damage noted, related to this year's flooding, that will need to be addressed in the short term, but the overall conclusion was that the dams performed extremely well under challenging circumstances in 2011. The government provided the Watershed Authority with an additional $1.9 million this year for urgent repairs identified as part of this process.
According to the Watershed Authority, "the review found that no substantive reduction in the safety of the Watershed Authority's dams occurred as a direct result of the flooding in 2011." The review does also suggest that upgrades are required over the long term to ensure the water management infrastructure remains safe and effective for decades into the future.
The review initiated by the province also included a request to examine operations at Saskatchewan's major dams, including the three in the southeast. In response to the Watershed Authority's internal review, two hydrologists at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. John Pomeroy and Dr. Kevin Shook, were engaged to review the Gardiner Dam over the past year.
The Watershed Authority has also been directed to work with the International Souris River Board and the International Joint Commission to do a review of operations in the Souris Watershed, which involve the Rafferty, Alameda and Boundary dams.
"Floods of this magnitude are rare events. These operational reviews will provide an independent and public process to learn from the experience this year and be better prepared for similar events in the future," said Duncan.
