August 20, 2000

Contact: Geoff Ryan (718/595-6600)

Temporary Low Water Level At Kirk Lake

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will lower the water level at Kirk Lake starting on September 5, 2000, according to an announcement by DEP Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E.

"It is important that all boats and floating docks that could be affected by lowering of the lake be removed before September 5th," said Commissioner Miele. "In order to complete work associated with construction at Kirk Lake, the water level must be lowered eight feet below its summer elevation. The lake will remain at this level for approximately one week for removal of the temporary cofferdam, which enabled us to maintain water levels in the lake while work was in progress. After the cofferdam is removed, the lake will be allowed to rise to its normal level."

Improvements to Kirk Lake's infrastructure include a new concrete spillway, replacement of the original outlet valve, a new valve chamber, and rehabilitation of the existing chamber.

In the 1980s, all City-owned dams in the upstate watersheds were inspected to determine both their condition and compliance with the National Dam Safety Act. The Boyds Corner Dam was found to be deficient and was replaced. The rest of the dams were found to be perfectly safe, but some of their physical features did not conform to the Federal standards established in 1976, well after the dams were built as early as 1870. As part of its watershed-wide infrastructure improvement program, the City is upgrading all of its dams and spillways to the Federal standards, starting with its oldest impoundments in the East-of-Hudson watersheds. Rehabilitation has been completed or is underway at the Amawalk, Cross River, Titicus and West Branch Reservoirs, as well as at Lakes Gilead, Gleneida and Kirk."

"The upgrades of these dams will ensure protection of local communities in the unlikely event of a catastrophic storm, as well as long-term, improved operating efficiency and compliance with Federal standards," said Commissioner Miele.