State mandating Heaters Pond dam work

OGDENSBURG — The state has mandated Ogdensburg to armor Heaters Pond with concrete, at a cost of at least $600,000, officials announced Monday night.

Mayor Steve Ciasullo and two engineers from Vancleaf Engineering returned with three options to satisfy the mandate. One option is to remove the dam, or two other ways to lower the pond level.

The council will vote on a resolution on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. to authorize $29,600 for an engineering analysis of the three options.

Ciasullo said on Monday night, the state defines a dam as anything holding back water. Heaters Pond is classified as a High Hazard Class 1 because if the water at the top of the mountain breaches the dam during a “100-year storm,” life downstream could be endangered.

The state wants construction to begin by the end of 2015. Non-compliance would result in a daily fine.

One of the following four options would satisfy the state's requirements for now.

Full armoring of the dam would require steel plates and a retaining wall of concrete.

The earth mound could be removed to cause the area to go back to its natural state. The state confirmed Heaters Pond used to be a trout production stream. There may be money from various groups to help pay for this option, officials said.

The pond water could be lowered in comparison to the dam, creating a larger barrier. A permit, engineer, contractor, and construction fees would still be required. The swim lanes would probably be moved, officials said.

In order to pay for the modifications, Ogdensburg has a $400,000 trust fund. Also, if needed, the borough has been approved for a low interest loan of any amount up to $660,000. The borough could then pay back 2 percent of the loan taken, possibly amounting to $33,000 for the next 20 years. Borrowing money would probably result in higher taxes, officials said.

The council is planning a special meeting for residents to voice their desires.

Swim team director Anthony Nasisi suggested the borough needs to find a larger venue for future meetings on the subject to accommodate more residents. Judy Perentin also wanted more input from residents.