Two lakes being lowered

Coastline land owners will be able to access water at own risk, says NS Power

Residents in the Lake Vaughan Reservoir and Gavels and Kings Lakes shoreline areas have received a letter from Nova Scotia Power to inform them that these lakes will be lowered to their natural level in order to continue the Tusket dam refurbishment project in Yarmouth County.

The lowering will take place starting the week of July 26 to mid-February 2022. A second lowering is anticipated mid-July 2022 to midFebruary 2023. It is expected to take two construction seasons to complete the work.

Dam refurbishment work began in the summer of 2017 but came to a standstill following a decision by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board that the Crown (the province) did not consult enough with Indigenous communities. That situation was resolved in February 2019.

That same year cracks were found in the bedrock during construction, under the existing dam and in the area where the new dam will be built, which meant water was getting into the construction zone. This prevented NS Power from moving ahead with construction until the work could be done in a dry environment.

COVID caused another delay in the project.

The project is now moving ahead. Permits required to lower the lakes about 13 feet have been obtained.

Residents will be able to access the lakes during this time, however, it must be done at their own risk, says NS Power. With lower water levels the shoreline will recede exposing slippery, uneven and unstable surfaces.

There is an extensive environmental protection plan for the project; including measures to address erosion, sedimentation, wetlands and fish migrations and spawning activities. The timing of the lowering is driven by maintaining water levels until the upstream migration of gaspereau is completed.

Before the work begins, property owners are responsible for removing residential docks and pleasure craft from the water that could be impacted by the lowering.

With lower water levels the shoreline will recede, exposing Mi’kmaw archaeological heritage. NS Power has been working with the Mi’kmaq to ensure these archaeological resources are honoured and protected. Archaeologists will be working on site and there will be onsite monitoring and security.

NS Power is asking for the public’s assistance in respecting these sites during the drawdown. Unauthorized disturbance of the site – including digging, collecting or metal detecting – is prohibited by law and subject to fines starting at $10,000. If you see someone moving or taking anything, you are encouraged to contact the Mi’kmaw Onsite Monitors or local RCMP at 902-742-9106.

A virtual information session will be held ahead of construction to provide an overview of the project and answer questions. Those interested in attending can email Tusketdam@nspower. ca to sign up. The date, time and login information will be sent in advance.