By Julie Johansen
Early in May after cracks were found in the concrete of the spillway at Millsite Dam, that work was suspended. The cracks were patched and a plan was outlined for correction in the rest of the concrete. This plan has been submitted for approval on a national level but approval has not been received at the rehabilitation site so construction of the spillway is essentially at a standstill. However, there is a little work on the end of the spillway as crews correct the flip bucket previously poured. This is necessary so that when the water spills over, it will not wash away the rock underneath it.
However, according to project leaders, the embankment work is moving along smoothly. Two shifts are working nearly 24 hours each day to keep the layers moving upward. Using shouldering machines, layers of sand and gravel are laid each day while the night shift brings up the dirt to be even with it. The compaction work is also accomplished during the night shift. This is necessary to maintain working space for each shift and the machinery used. This level is more than one-third to the level of the berm. This work is slightly behind schedule and probably means that it will not be finished until spring because of the freezing weather that will prevent compaction in the colder months. All organic material, such as weeds and sticks, have to be removed from the dam in order to prevent spaces in the compacted dirt.
The outlet works are nearly finished, according to project leaders. Electricity and hydraulics are now in place in the outlet house and working well.
The bridge over the spillway for the golf course has been constructed off site and will be delivered soon, ready for installation.
