News Release

April 9, 2007

REGULATING DISTRICT’S
CONKLINGVILLE DAM SUCCESSFULLY REPAIRED

The Hudson River - Black River Regulating District successfully completed repairs of three eight-foot diameter valves at the Conklingville Dam.  Each valve was successfully tested under full load and returned to service.
 
“The entire project, from contract procurement to design and fabrication, through construction and final inspection was a success,” stated Glenn A. LaFave, Executive Director.  Following Board and State approval of the engineering and construction contracts, Troy Boiler fabricated and delivered four steel gate structures, including two 9 feet wide by 11 feet high bulkhead gates used to hold back water from the Great Sacandaga Lake.  D.A. Collins Construction Co., Inc., project construction contractor, performed work on the valves including the pin replacement in all three valves.

Seaway Divers recovered the missing pin, from valve #1, approximately 100 feet downstream from the dam.  The recovery of the pin allowed Regulating District and consulting engineers to identify the cause of the pin failure.  Chief Engineer Robert S. Foltan, P.E. stated that “a retainer key, used to lock the pin in place, deteriorated over the years allowing the pin to work loose.  The new pin and retainer key are fabricated from stainless steel, which has a life expectancy of more than 100 years.”

Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc. (DTA), consulting engineer on the project, inspected each valve and its mechanical components.  They observed operation of the valves and found their condition to be good.  “A full inspection of each valve revealed little wear or deterioration to the valve disc, shaft or liner, despite the fact the valves have been in operation for more than 75 years,” Mr. Foltan said.  Valve #2 experienced an unusual vibration and noise in December 2006, which prompted the Regulating District to remove the valve from service.  “Our inspection of valve #2 revealed no mechanical problems that would have caused the unusual noise and vibration,” stated Foltan.  Engineers from DTA suspect that something caught on the valve disc, repeatedly striking the interior surface of the valve, causing vibration and noise.

The Board wishes to commend and express its appreciation to the Offices of the New York State Attorney General and Comptroller for their prompt attention to the review and approval of the contracts for this project.