October 7, 2011
Update on Lake St. Martin Emergency Channel
- The Government of Manitoba advises construction of the Lake St. Martin emergency channel is on track to be completed in November, however, progress on the final stage depends on weather conditions and logistical issues.
- The roads and other infrastructure are approximately 50 per cent complete and the channel is close to 20 per cent finished.
- There are over 100 workers and more than 80 pieces of heavy equipment working on the project.
- Ditches, dikes and temporary roads have been constructed on either side of the 6.5-kilometre outlet.
- The work site is remote and workers, equipment and supplies must be moved by boat or barge across eight km of Lake St. Martin to the site. As well, the terrain is challenging to work in and water has to be pumped out of each area before construction can begin.
- Once the project is finished, the Fairford Dam structure will be able to remain open through the winter, which will help lower Lake Manitoba water levels and result in lower levels on Lake St. Martin.
More information is available at www.manitoba.ca/flood.
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