Work is continuing on the Earthen Dam Rehabilitation project at Round Valley. Each dam is in a different stage of construction or pre-construction.
At the Dike (the embankment crossed by County Route 629), major excavation work is underway. Soils will be excavated from the downstream slope of the embankment and stockpiled. Excavation will proceed from mid-slope to the toe of the embankment. Stone and sand will be placed in the excavation to filter and collect any water that may seep through the embankment from the reservoir. The excavated soils and topsoil will be re-placed over the new sand and stone filter and the structure will look largely the same after construction.
The Dike project area has four sediment control basins with diversion channels, outlet structures complete with skimmers, and overflow spillways. Sediment control basins help to control soil erosion during construction. Each basin has been placed to capture runoff and control erosion and sediment from the embankment excavation itself or from a staging and stockpiling area. The basin near the Canoe/Kayak launch is the most visible to the public and is in place for a staging and stockpiling area being utilized adjacent to it.
Stormwater and sediment control measures are under construction at the North Dam (the embankment that faces Lebanon Borough). Temporary dewatering wells are in operation at the North Dam in order to lower the phreatic level (groundwater table) in the embankment to a pre-determined level.
At the South Dam (the embankment that faces Molasses Hill Rd), installation of instrumentation and temporary dewatering wells is underway, in addition to construction of the initial phases of stormwater and sediment control structures in anticipation of major earthwork in 2021.
State Park visitors should take note of the closure of Route 629 between Old Mountain Road and the boat launch area – this road is closed entirely to the public, including hikers, joggers and bicyclists.
The water body of the reservoir will remain open during construction, as will the recreation area. As of the date of this update, the boat launches have been closed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife through July 27, 2020 due to the number of Division staff that are furloughed during this period. Additional information is available at https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/wmaland.htm#note.
State Park visitors should not walk along the reservoir’s edge as the lowered water level has exposed mud that is dangerous to walk on. Visitors should observe all posted signage and avoid construction areas.
