Releases reduced to minimum

Now that contractors have finished installing one siphon at Gilboa Dam, DEP has decreased the diversions through the Shandaken Tunnel and is stopping the operational releases from Ashokan Reservoir that allowed for installation of the siphon. Ashokan releases are returning to the minimum community release level in accordance with the Ashokan Release Interim Protocol. The Ashokan Release Channel was gradually decreased today from 220 to approximately 10 MGD, with the last decrease at 3:00PM. The current release channel turbidity is 6.5 ntu.

The new siphon was turned on today and is capable of releasing up to 250 MGD from Schoharie Reservoir. The siphon startup was coordinated with Schoharie County and Town of Gilboa officials, NYPA, NYSDEC and the NWS. DEP will use the siphon to help prevent the reservoir from spilling, thereby allowing workers to continue the dam reconstruction in the area below a temporary notch in the spillway, including the construction of a second siphon.

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