We’re trying something new.
To maintain and preserve the Canal System’s earthen embankments and the experiences of all who use our system, we are using new strategies to address seeps.
Royalton, Niagara County
Along the Erie Canal’s earthen embankment in the Town of Royalton, there have been three persistent seeps over the past 20 years. After we were able to properly inspect it… we found 14 more.
We’re launching a project that will ensure this infrastructure operates safely for generations to come.
The problem
We found persistent seepage along a one-mile stretch between Wruck Road and Peet Street.
Water levels in this area of the Canal have been reduced due to concerns over embankment integrity.
What we’ve tried
Embankment failures could have significant consequences for the communities nearby and areas downstream, which include loss of life, property damage, damage to essential infrastructure and the loss of benefits such as hydroelectric generation, navigation and water supply.
For more than 20 years, we’ve been monitoring three known seeps along the north side of the Erie Canal.
Due to dense vegetation on the outboard slope of the earthen embankment, our maintenance staff could not have previously fully inspected this location for more damage.
In the spring of 2021, we cleaned all vegetation three inches or less in diameter. That’s when we uncovered 14 additional seeps.
We immediately installed a filter blanket to stop the water leaking through.
We started monitoring the embankment daily.
In October of 2021, we installed a 176-foot-long clay wall to slow down the seeps.
This is only a short-term solution.
Our long-term solution
We installed a soil-bentonite slurry wall— the first project of its kind under the EEIP.
To seal the earthen embankment, a soil-bentonite slurry wall will be installed by Hohl Industrial Services, Inc. of Tonawanda and DeWind of Zeeland, Michigan.
They’ll be using DeWind’s “One-Pass Trenching Technology.” (See video at left.)
This tech creates a trench in the embankment and removes the soil. Simultaneously, the soil will be mixed with a bentonite slurry.
Once cured, the soil-bentonite wall provides a permanent underground barrier to any water.
Throughout the duration of the project, the Erie Canalway Trail and Empire State Trail will be detoured. Long-distance cyclists should follow the posted detour route along local roads.
The trail is expected to reopen in the spring of 2024.
Impact on Canal and trail users.
We appreciate your patience while this work is completed!
Director Brian U. Stratton