Canal Integrity

Preserving NY’s iconic Canals for the next 200 years

As responsible stewards of the Canal system, we must ensure its integrity.

To protect the New York State Canal system and preserve it for generations to come—from problems only exacerbated by climate change—we’re laying the groundwork today.

 

What is an earthen embankment?

An earthen embankment is an engineered structure or dam wall of the canal, which is made from soil, rock, clay, and other “earthen material’ and impounds (holds) water for a prolonged period above the adjacent land surface elevation.

See more examples
Erie Canal, Brockport, NY | The image depicts concrete Canal walls in the foreground and maintained embankments in the distance (where we cleared the vegetation and then planted native shrubs)

Erie Canal, Brockport, NY | The image depicts concrete Canal walls in the foreground and maintained embankments in the distance (where we cleared vegetation and planted native shrubs).

Program Mission

To restore, maintain and manage approximately 125 miles of earthen embankments along the 524-mile Canal system to ensure the Canal continues to operate safely for generations to come.

Program Vision

A future state where Canal embankments are safe, secure and well maintained for the benefit of adjacent communities, boaters and trail users, and where our approach balances public safety and the habitat, carbon sequestration, and recreational benefits of the ecosystems along the Canal.

This is a non-embankment area between Guard Gates 1 & 2 (Waterford) that was previously covered in dense vegetation. It has been well-maintained for several years. The clear area used for recreation, coupled with access to the water, has been a strong selling point for the adjacent neighborhood.

Guard Gates 1 & 2, Waterford | Image depicts a canal bank (not an earthen dam – because the bank does not rise above the surrounding area) that was previously covered in dense vegetation but has been well-maintained for several years. The clear area for recreation, coupled with access to the water, has been a strong selling point for the adjacent neighborhood.

This video walks you through the varying features along the Canal embankments in the Town of Royalton. A sinkhole was discovered adjacent to the Canalway Trail in mid-October. Keeping our embankments clear from brush and debris is an important way to allow our crews to do proper inspections for seeps that can lead to sinkholes like this one.

Earthen Embankment Integrity Program

The Canal system reaches 524 miles across the state. Of those, about 125 miles run through earthen embankments. To maintain and preserve these embankments and the experiences of all who use our system, we have developing an Earthen Embankment Integrity Program (EEIP).

 
 

The more you know

We want New Yorkers to be informed about embankment management so that, together, we can ensure that the Canal System is safely maintained and preserved for generations to come.

Below, find more resources to help you understand our program. Looking for something else? Email canalcommunications@canals.ny.gov and we can help!

 

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any question or feedback.

Email
CanalCommunications@canals.ny.gov