Headgates dam at high risk
Critical infrastructure work is required on the Headgates reservoir, or Harvey Lake as it is otherwise known.
Dam Safety B.C. has the earthworks dam listed as a high risk. The spillway was nearly breached twice in 2013 and again in 2017.
The 40 megalitre dam at 660 metres above sea level is the final link in the Duteau Creek Watershed. The valley bottom reservoir is located just upstream from the Duteau Creek water treatment plant, which is on Whitevale Road.
“The dam was built at the turn of the century and other infrastructure dates back to the 1940’s,” Zee Marcolin, RDNO General Manager of Utilities said. “We are undertaking a geotechnical study of the dam. It has been determined that a dam failure would not result in loss of life, but it is close to the Duteau treatment plant, which could be impacted.”