The Provemont Pond Dam Spillway Replacement Project, located in Leland Township, Leelanau County, Michigan, was initiated in 2017 to address the deteriorating conditions of the spillway and inadequate spillway capacity at Provemont Pond. With our dedicated technical team collaborating with the Township, the objective was to enhance spillway capacity, replace deteriorated components, and improve overall structural integrity. The project also involved tree clearing on the embankment to ensure the longevity of the dam.
Backfilling Over the New Spillway Pipe
The Project Story
Provemont Pond, nestled in the heart of Leland Township, boasted a scenic park that featured a dam with a small lake. The spillway, a critical component of the dam, had a concrete intake structure along the lake shore, controlled by stoplogs. Over time, the spillway and associated structures, including a discharge pipe through the embankment, had fallen into a state of disrepair. The pond had been drained for a considerable period, necessitating urgent intervention.
We conducted a thorough analysis, revealing a pressing need for increased spillway capacity. To address this, we implemented a multifaceted approach. Firstly, the top of the concrete intake structure was strategically cut down on each side to allow water to spill over the sides, augmenting the discharge through the main spillway. Simultaneously, a comprehensive design was developed for the replacement of the deteriorated discharge pipe that conveys water from the concrete intake structure, through the embankment to the downstream creek.
Shaping the Auxiliary Overflow Spillway
Modified Spillway Intake Structure
As a cost-effective solution for adding spillway capacity, a depression was designed into the embankment near its west end, to serve as an auxiliary spillway. This innovative addition served as a passive, fail-safe mechanism; in the event of rising water levels, the auxiliary spillway would come into play, working in tandem with the main spillway to efficiently manage excess water flow. The overall strategy successfully addressed the deficient spillway capacity, breathing new life into the aging infrastructure.
An additional facet of the project involved clearing trees on the embankment. Recognizing the concern for vegetation on embankment stability, tree removal was incorporated into the project to ensure the long-term health and resilience of the dam’s embankment.
Outcome
The Provemont Pond Dam Spillway Replacement Project, spanning from 2017 to 2019, culminated in a resounding success. The increased spillway capacity, coupled with the strategic replacement of damaged components and the introduction of the auxiliary spillway, has revitalized the dam's functionality. Provemont Pond and Park is once again a thriving feature in Leland Township, offering not only a picturesque setting but also renewed confidence in the dam's ability to withstand environmental challenges.
The tree clearing on the embankment serves as a testament to the project's commitment to holistic infrastructure health. By addressing not only the immediate concerns but also proactively mitigating future risks, the project has left a lasting impact on the resilience and sustainability of Provemont Pond Dam.
In conclusion, the Provemont Pond Dam Spillway Replacement Project stands as a model for proactive infrastructure management, showcasing the positive outcomes achievable through thoughtful analysis, strategic design, and dedicated execution. The collaboration of our technical team, the contractor and the Township resulted in a successful rejuvenation of a vital community asset.
Provemont Pond Restored