Over to you Mother Nature.
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority said Thursday debris has been cleared away that was preventing the sluice gate at Stratford’s RT Orr Dam from closing. With the gate now closed, Lake Victoria can replenish.
How quickly that happens, depends on rainfall.
The conservation authority said they are monitoring flows in the Avon River below the dam. Water levels may be lowered in the channel between the dam and John Street to maintain flows downstream.
On Wednesday, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority issued an update on the Dam gate situation.
Related: Lake Victoria to be drained for debris removal – My Stratford Now
The authority says water levels in the lake are lowering at a rate of 25 millimeters per hour, with debris still located under the sluice gate.
“As the water level recedes, the river channel will become narrow, exposing most of the lake bed,” said Upper Thames River Conservation Society.
“The authority’s aquatic biologist has been on site monitoring the water level, quality, and impact on aquatic species. The gradual draw down has provided time for species to move to larger pools of water, however as water levels continue to drop and water temperatures increase, some aquatic wildlife may get stranded.”
The authority says staff have started relocating some stranded species, including mussels.
They add the draw down will continue until it has reached a point for them to get rid of the debris, allowing the gate to close again before refilling the reservoir.
