The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) currently owns and operates thirteen dams and water control structures within its watershed. Historically these structures were constructed for flood control, low flow augmentation, recreation, erosion control, power generation and municipal drinking water sources. Most of these structures were constructed in the 1960’s while others were built over 100 years ago.
The Hay Creek Dam was originally constructed in 1967 by Big Creek Conservation Authority and is approximately 4.5 km from Lake Erie. The dam came under the ownership of LPRCA after the Big Creek and Big Otter Conservation Authorities merged in 1970.
The Hay Creek dam is an earthen berm structure with a concrete gravity spillway containing 8 to 10 wooden stoplogs depending on operations. Port Ryerse Road crosses over top of the dam with the abutments and berm supporting the bridge deck and roadway. The dam was originally constructed with a shear pin mechanism to pass high flood flows. The mechanism was disabled due to unpredictable shearing and operation of the pin. The dam has a bottom draw valve that is flushed regularly,
The structure is 51 years old and experiencing noticeable concrete deterioration. The downstream wing walls historically separated from the abutments requiring a cross member to be installed for stability. The reservoir is subject to water quality impairments such as increased water temperatures, elevated turbidity, accumulated sediment deposition (primarily sand bedload), and elevated nutrient levels in the water column (nitrogen).
In 2014, Riggs Engineering was hired by LPRCA to undertake a close-up visual inspection of the Hay Creek dam. The inspection has identified a number of concerns with the structure specifically relating to public safety. In 2016 Riggs Engineering completed a independent Hydraulic Study of the Dam that assessed the impacts of the disabled shear pin mechanism. LPRCA is requesting a detailed Dam Safety Review and Condition Assessment of the dam and its associated features including the reservoir be completed with recommendations for corrective actions. The final report shall explore alternatives for the structure including repair, replacement, modifications, decommissioning, etc.
