Instead of waiting until March next year…
Robin
From: Melanie
Skinner
Sent: Friday, 25 October 2013 10:30 AM
Subject: [NCA MEDIA RELEASE] LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN WATER LEVEL TO RISE [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Security: UNCLASSIFIED
LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN WATER LEVEL TO RISE
The National Capital Authority (NCA) today announced the water in Lake Burley Griffin can be returned to its normal level.
Lake Burley Griffin was lowered in late 2011 to undertake major engineering works on Scrivener Dam.
NCA Acting Chief Executive, Andrew Smith said a technical assessment was commissioned to determine if the lake level could be raised prior to finishing work on
the dam.
‘The NCA has received independent advice that it is safe to return the lake to full supply level,’ Mr Smith said.
‘An additional 3500 megalitres of water is required to return the lake to normal levels, so now we just need to wait for rain.
‘It may take some time for the community to see a noticeable change. 25mm of rain is needed across the entire catchment for 24 hours to increase the lake to
normal levels,’ he said.
Rowing ACT President, David Bagnall welcomed the announcement.
‘It is great the decision to raise the lake level has been made prior to the peak recreation period,’ Mr Bagnall said.
‘We are all looking forward to spring and summer rain to bring the lake back to the normal level which will be great for all lake users.’
At the normal lake level, Scrivener Dam holds back 33 megalitres water, with a surface area of 664 hectares (approximately seven square kilometres). The full
supply level will be maintained at 555.93 metres Australian Height Datum.
As well as providing a recreation resource, the lake has created important wetland habitats for native fish, birds and wildlife.
The major engineering works at Scrivener Dam involve the replacement of 120 anchor bolts, which provide structural support for the flap gates. The flap gates
are opened in flood events to regulate the water level of Lake Burley Griffin.
The works are on schedule to be completed by March next year and are under budget.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Melanie Skinner |
National Engagement Director
National Capital Authority
( (02)
6271 2893 | ( 0417
713 863 | 2 (02)
6273 4427
National Capital Authority |
Treasury Building, King Edward Terrace, PARKES ACT 2600
GPO Box 373, CANBERRA ACT 2601 | ; www.nationalcapital.gov.au |
Twitter: @NCA_Media
I work part-time hours on Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri, however am available on the mobile for any urgent issues.
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