High water levels force closure of Iroquois Dam gates

Recreational boaters and anglers who utilize the Iroquois Dam will have to make other arrangements due to the large amounts of rain the area has experienced. High water levels have forced the closure of the gates used by recreational boaters.

PHOTO CREDIT - Ken Heaton, Panoramio.com

Iroquois - May. 18, 2011 - Recreational boaters and anglers who utilize the Iroquois Dam will have to make other arrangements due to the large amounts of rain the area has experienced. High water levels have forced the closure of the gates used by recreational boaters.

Ontario Power Generation released the following statement:

In accordance with the operating regulations of the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control, Ontario Power Generation’s Ottawa/St. Lawrence Plant Group advises users of the St. Lawrence River, including recreational boaters and anglers, that the gates of the Iroquois Dam have been lowered once again, to reduce the level of Lake St. Lawrence.

Brent Morton, Operating Manager at the R.H. Saunders Generating Station, located west of Cornwall, said that the lake level and the recent rain events have made it necessary to close the gates once again. Ongoing maintenance activities and the weather may mean that they will stay in a lowered position for an indefinite period.

The gates used by recreational boaters are not available at this time.

Media notification will be given about changes in the gate positions when possible.

Ontario Power Generation would like to remind all users of the river to take every precaution around its dams and generating stations across Ontario and to practice safety on Ontario’s waterways.