Increased activity on levee project
As part of further geophysical and archaeological studies, Zoar residents will soon see people operating ground-penetrating radar such as this being used by a Corps contractor in Kentucky.
During an online meeting on Nov. 19, Nathan White, archaeologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, updated village residents and consulting parties on the current status and construction schedule for the Zoar Levee project.
“We are gathering steam for some additional activity starting in the next couple of weeks,” said White, who presented a map indicating where further geophysical and archaeological studies will be conducted.
Activity will take place near the Sewing House on Second Street, near the ball field on First Street and in an area near the levee running from First Street to a little beyond Second Street.
“Residents may notice people walking around the village carrying magnetometers or using ground-penetrating radar,” White said.
DR Reed & Associates, a national company providing engineering, construction and flood risk-management services, has been awarded the geophysical/archaeological contract.
Flood risk was the impetus behind the current work on the levee. In recent years water had begun leaching under the levee, indicating a possible future levee failure. Because of this, the Corps conducted an 18-month study to determine whether to repair the levee, destroy the village and allow the area to flood, or move the village to higher ground and allow the lower area to flood.
Additional updates
White said testing of the relief wells installed in October will continue until the end of November. He also said the Corps plans to stick to a tight construction time line on the internal erosion interception trench, beginning January 2021, unless significant archaeological items are discovered.
The purpose of the IEIT is to arrest any backward erosion piping that may have already occurred. A small weighted filter berm also will be installed to prevent backward erosion piping in the area between the levee toe and the IEIT. A reverse filter in the ponding area will help prevent any new soil erosion.
One other possible cause for delay could center around the coronavirus pandemic. As of now there is no need to adjust the schedule. However, if cases increase and additional counties are elevated to “purple” status, adjustments may have to be made.
“The safety of the public, contractors and Corps workers is of paramount importance,” White said. “We will follow whatever guidance is issued during the pandemic.”
Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, White said public meetings will continue to be held online until further notice. He also said while there was not much updated information to share with the public this time, the frequency and duration of the meetings will increase soon as the project gains momentum.