Construction works at William Hovell Dam as part of Goulburn-Murray Water's (G-MW) ongoing program to ensure all its dams meet appropriate and current safety standards are to commence this month.
G-MW Manager Major Projects Andrew Reynolds said William Hovell Dam was constructed over 35 years ago to meet the standards of the day. Dam design techniques have changed significantly since 1973 and this project will bring William Hovell Dam in line with modern dam engineering requirements.
Recent engineering reviews have found that while the dam is safe for normal day-to-day operation, works are required to ensure the dam will continue to perform satisfactorily for decades to come.
The upgrade works will secure the dam and spillway so that the structure can safely pass the very large floods that could flow into the dam. Work will also be completed to protect the upper section of the embankment against water seeping through an existing defect or cracking that could develop in the future.
"The $7.7 million upgrade is a significant investment to ensure the long term future of William Hovell Dam. Local projects like this provide an economic benefit in regional areas, particularly during these ongoing and difficult drought conditions," said Mr Reynolds.
Water levels in the reservoir will not be influenced by construction. G-MW will operate the storage to maximize the volume of water harvested over the season.
During the project the recreation areas around the main dam wall and the King River immediately downstream of William Hovell Dam will be closed to ensure the safety of the public and construction workers. Access to the picnic grounds and lake will still be available from the existing boat ramp throughout the project. The Upper King Valley Road will remain open during the project.
Construction will continue until May 2010. The timing of construction during the summer period is required for key components of the works when storage levels are low and when the weather is more favourable for major earthworks activities.
The William Hovell Dam upgrade is G-MW's ninth project in an ongoing program to improve the integrity of dams and reservoirs across northern Victoria. The William Hovell Dam project follows recent upgrades at Eildon Dam, Cairn Curran Dam and Laanecoorie Dam.
G-MW manages 17 water storages across northern Victoria, that represent nearly 70 percent of Victoria's total water storage capacity and include some of Australia's largest water storages at Dartmouth and Eildon.
Members of the community can learn more about the William Hovell Dam Safety Upgrade Project by contacting the Project Manager, Mr Chris Kelly, on (03) 5824 5628 or by visiting G-MW's website www.g-mwater.com.au/williamhovellupgrade
- ENDS -
Media Contact: Sheree Fitzgerald
Position: Corporate Communications Adviser
Telephone: 03 5833 5754