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), stone and sand are being placed within the excavated section of the embankment. The soil and topsoil that were previously excavated to allow construction of the new drainage system were stockpiled nearby and will be re-used as earthen fill after the stone and sand placement is complete. Temporary dewatering wells are running continuously during construction to maintain low groundwater levels for safe construction.

Sand is placed in the Dike excavation as part of a new drainage system. Dewatering wells, shown in the foreground as standing white pipes, keep the groundwater table low during construction.  Pre-cast concrete manholes and collection pipes (not visible) are also part of the new drainage system.

At the North Dam (the embankment that faces Lebanon Borough), stormwater and sediment control measures and other site preparation work is nearing completion.  Sediment control basins help to mitigate soil erosion during construction. Temporary dewatering wells are also currently in continuous operation to lower the phreatic level (groundwater table) in the embankment to a pre-determined level for safe construction.  As with the on-going construction at the Dike, this system will be in continuous operation during major earth construction at the North Dam.  Sand and gravel have been stockpiled in anticipation of construction of the new drainage system for the North Dam.

Two sediment basins and a large gravel pile await the beginning of construction at the North Dam. Dewatering wells are working near the base of the embankment.

At the South Dam (the embankment that faces Molasses Hill Rd), site preparation is ongoing, and the dewatering system installation was just recently completed.

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. 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. The water body of the reservoir will remain open during construction, as will the recreation area.