Floating barge on Chocolate Lake scoping out conditions for updated dam
The municipality says the testing will run until Friday but will not affect swimming or other activities
A floating platform appeared near a Halifax swimming spot Tuesday morning, carrying equipment that will be used to collect data for infrastructure upgrades.
In a statement, the Halifax Regional Municipality said contractors will be testing and taking samples on Chocolate Lake until Friday evening.
The contractors are drilling holes in the soil and bedrock to test conditions around the dam. The survey of the grounds will run from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m AT.
The municipality said the collected data will be used as part of the rehabilitation of the dam or the construction of a new one. Contract bids for the rehabilitation project opened last summer and initial work started in September.
City staff said the work is in the design stage and further decisions about the project will be made after the testing. Staff did not speak to the condition of the current dam, but said the project is in the interest of public safety.
Lake access not impacted
This week's work won't have an impact on activities at the lake or access to the site. The beach at the lake remains open with lifeguard supervision depending on the weather.
A floating barrier will be around the platform to keep recreational lake users away from the equipment and to protect the environment.
The municipality's statement said the contractor has the necessary permits and environmental protections in place as required by the provincial Environment Department.
The dam project is being funded by the province and the municipality.