Phase I ESA – Dam Inspection & Evaluation for Dam Safety Permit, Cortland, IL

Phase I ESA – Dam Inspection & Evaluation for Dam Safety Permit, Cortland, IL

Pioneer performed a Phase I visual inspection of the existing Class III “Low Hazard” embankment dam in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer guidelines. The visual inspection of the embankments identified areas of potential seepage and sloughing, and as a result, additional investigation was recommended to further evaluate the safety and structural integrity of the dam.

Pioneer subsequently performed a geotechnical investigation of the dam to determine if it met the requirements of the Illinois Administrative Code Section 3702 (Construction and Maintenance of Dams) including General Permits 98-01 and 02-01, and the permit requirements of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Office of Water Resources (OWR). The geotechnical investigation included the advancement of soil borings along the dam alignment, performing in-situ and laboratory tests on soil materials, surveying the dam cross-sections, and characterizing the strength of the site’s materials.

In completing this inspection and evaluation, Pioneer performed state-of-the art engineering analyses, such as slope stability and seepage analyses, in accordance with the US Army Corps of Engineer criteria.

Based on the successful completion of the evaluation and the favorable results, Pioneer coordinated with the owner and the IDNR in obtaining the permit for the dam.