Haxall Canal Draining January 5, 2019 - May 1, 2019
The Haxall Canal, which starts from the head gates near the west end of Brown's Island and extends to the 12th Street level control structure has accumulated large quantities of sediment from the James River and has reached levels that undermine the functionality of the level control structure and head gates, in addition to the aesthetic features the canal provides to the City.
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| Sediment in the canal before the last dredging |
The Canal was dredged this summer to survey and better assess the quantity of sediment requiring removal
from the canal. The maintenance project will remove the large quantities of sediment and is scheduled to be completed by May 2019.
The Haxall Canal was previously drained and dredged of sediment in 2008. The City is expected to perform this required maintenance every 10-15 years. In addition to routine dredging maintenance, the Canal is periodically drawn down to lower levels for routine maintenance most often associated with cleaning trash and debris that undermine the functionality of the head gates and level control structure.
DPU staff have worked closely with Venture Richmond to establish the dates necessary for the current drawdown of the canal and will continue to do so in the future. In addition, Game and Inland Fishery staff have been notified of the canal draining and will be on standby to possibly assist with fish trapped in the canal when drained. Unfortunately this is not a finite process and a small number of fish could be killed, odors from stagnant water may be present, and there will be unpleasant aesthetics as a result of an empty canal bed.
The Haxall Canal was previously drained and dredged of sediment in 2008. The City is expected to perform this required maintenance every 10-15 years. In addition to routine dredging maintenance, the Canal is periodically drawn down to lower levels for routine maintenance most often associated with cleaning trash and debris that undermine the functionality of the head gates and level control structure.
DPU staff have worked closely with Venture Richmond to establish the dates necessary for the current drawdown of the canal and will continue to do so in the future. In addition, Game and Inland Fishery staff have been notified of the canal draining and will be on standby to possibly assist with fish trapped in the canal when drained. Unfortunately this is not a finite process and a small number of fish could be killed, odors from stagnant water may be present, and there will be unpleasant aesthetics as a result of an empty canal bed.
In addition to draining the canal, citizens should expect frequent construction traffic and equipment on a small portion of Brown's Island from Tredegar Street where this vehicular/pedestrian access will be closed to the public throughout the duration of the project. All other pedestrian access points to Brown's Island will remain accessible and open to the public throughout the duration of the project.
For more information regarding this project, please contact Angela Fountain, DPU/DPW Public Information Manager at 804-646-7323 or Howard Glenn, DPU Operations Manager at 804-646-1920.
For more information regarding this project, please contact Angela Fountain, DPU/DPW Public Information Manager at 804-646-7323 or Howard Glenn, DPU Operations Manager at 804-646-1920.
