Dam project almost done in J'burg

BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG - - Work to rehabilitate the dam in the borough's section of Thompson Park is nearing completion, according to the county engineer's office.

Ronald Sendner, a supervising engineer, said the project is winding down and should be completed within a month. The focus of the work is to stop seepage underneath the dam, which holds back Manalapan Lake.

The dam has a number of cracks in it that Sendner described as "superficial" in nature and in need of grouting. They are located in the retaining wall and are about a quarter-inch in size.

"There was a seepage problem under the dam and that was the primary focus of the project," Sendner said.

To cut off the seepage underneath the dam, the engineers drove steel sheeting about 30 feet below the water and then placed a concrete cut-off wall between the dam and the sheeting, he said.

The work explains why residents driving by the lake could see a giant crane and areas around the dam sealed off and drained. Manalapan Lake is at the edge of Thompson Park, near Forsgate Drive and Buckelew Avenue.

Mayor Anthony LaMantia described the project as maintenance of the dam.

The work was done by JH Reed out of South Plainfield, and the contract was in the amount of $1,240,750, Sendner said. The design was done by the PMK Group, which also did construction administration.

The project, which began in late October, was funded by Middlesex County.

Sendner said cracks in a retaining wall are not unusual and are considered a "minor" problem.

In addition to the crack repair and seepage work, new fencing was installed to prevent access to the dam. Sender said a tightly knit fabric was used so the fence cannot be easily climbed.

A new gangway was also installed. The gangway is a small aluminum bridge that allows access to the gates of the dam.