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August 2024
The water level at Forge Dam is low yet again.
The dam and the main penstock are leaking which is why the level drops when we don't have much rain. It's something that was identified at the end of the restoration works and has been allocated funds for repair.
FoPV is very concerned about the situation and we are all feeling frustrated at having to wait for action. 8 months has passed since we were informed that council officers were working on the commissioning of feasibility studies, and considering the potential costs and procurement options to remedy leakages in a number of dams across the city. Forge Dam is apparently one of 3 or 4 such dams.
The latest information that we have is that Forge Dam is being dealt with together with those other dams in a city wide approach.
We continue to press the council for updates and confirmation that these works will start soon, especially as we are providing the finance for the penstock, and we shall keep members informed via email updates and the newsletter.
UPDATE - 29 Aug 24
We've had an update from the council which is more positive than negative, but sadly no dates!
The council's Capital Delivery Service are dealing with Forge Dam now, who are
'awaiting a fee proposal from a specialist civil engineering company (on the Environment Agency’s framework) to undertake the feasibility / investigative work which will have the aim of providing a solution to the leaking sluice gate – this is expected within the next few weeks.'
We are also attempting to set up a face to face meeting with them so hopefully we'll be able to bring you more news in a few weeks.
UPDATE - 19 Sept 24
As mentioned in the previous update, FoPV managed to arrange a meeting with the Council in early September to discus the ways forward.
Sheffield City Council is intending to appoint an engineering design & build consultancy to undertake feasibility design work to address the leaking sluice gate at Forge Dam. Options will be considered as part of this process which will seek to fix the current leak and thus ensure that water in the pond remains at the optimum level throughout the year.
Initial investigations and feasibility design work are likely to take until the end of 2024. Approvals and permits will then need to be sought from the Environment Agency to be able to proceed with the works, with the aim of repair works commencing in summer 2025.
The Council hope to be able to provide a further update once they have been able to appoint an engineering design & build consultancy.
In the meantime FoPV will continue to press for updates, and we have a face to face meeting scheduled for mid December 24.