Connecticut Land Bank Takes Action to Prevent Dam Disaster

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant progress regarding the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank's acquisition of a property impacted by a deteriorating earthen dam. The meeting highlighted the completion of critical due diligence efforts, including a survey and property research that revealed the dam's precarious condition. To mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure, engineers recommended lowering the water level by three feet, a task that has now been successfully completed.

The meeting also addressed a Phase 2 environmental site assessment conducted by the EPA, which evaluated the buildings on the property and tested sediments behind the Kinneytown Dam. Officials are currently reviewing the final report and have scheduled a meeting with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEP) to discuss the implications for the dam removal project.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the impact of severe flooding on August 18, which washed out adjacent railroad tracks. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been conducting emergency repairs, utilizing access through the Kinneytown Dam property. This collaboration has not only facilitated repairs but also improved access to the site for future work.

Officials emphasized the urgency of addressing the dam's instability, noting that the flooding posed a significant threat to the surrounding area. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working closely with the DOT and DEP to ensure the safety and progress of the dam removal project.