Reconstructing a High Profile Dam
The design and reconstruction of the Windsor Dam signified one of the largest dam repair initiatives in the Commonwealth. The 245-foot-long dam impounds the 62-acre Windsor Reservoir, which serves as the Dalton Fire District’s only backup supply for drinking water. Due to the dam size and its close proximity to numerous homes, businesses and infrastructure, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) classifies it a high hazard dam.
A High Hazard Dam in Critical Need of Replacement
Over time and with torrential rains, the dam’s spillway began to show signs of deterioration and needed repair. Our team conducted dam inspections, provided evaluation reports, made recommendations and initiated dam reconstruction.
From an engineering perspective, this project represented a very carefully orchestrated approach to the complicated task of reconstructing a very large, high hazard dam that was in critical need of replacement. Reconstruction of the dam during winter months and the dam’s remote location exacerbated the project’s complexity.
As part of this project, we also engineered and oversaw the removal of a nonfunctional dam along May Brook, located within the Windsor Reservoir watershed. This activity was undertaken to provide mitigation for unavoidable impacts associated with the Windsor Dam reconstruction. Removal of the dam has resulted in the restoration of fish passage to approximately one mile of a designated cold water fishery, and has been applauded by regulators.
Improved Public Safety & Water Supply Restoration
The successful outcome of this project resulted in improved public safety and restoration of a standby water supply for the District, as well as the restoration of May Brook’s natural environments. This project was also the recipient of an American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) Silver Award.
Services Snapshot
Tighe & Bond’s scope of services included providing planning, design, permitting and construction engineering services. The project also included repair and maintenance on two access roads.
