CONCORD, Mass. – Controlled releases of water are planned by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, New England District, from East Brimfield Dam in
Sturbridge, Mass., on Sunday, April 24, 2016 to provide adequate river flows
for recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting on the Quinebaug River,
according to Corps of Engineers officials. This water release is subject to
change or cancellation, if conditions require.
The Corps of Engineers will
provide water release flows from East Brimfield Dam of approximately 350 cubic
feet per second (cfs) starting on Sunday, April 24 about 5:30 a.m. and continuing
until about 3 p.m., according to Project Manager Keith Beecher of East Brimfield Dam in Sturbridge, Mass.
Depending on the weather, the
Corps anticipates approximately 150 participants in about 120 crafts taking
advantage of the water releases for recreational purposes. The water release
supports the annual Sturbridge Lions All American River Race.
East Brimfield Lake Dam
was constructed at a cost of $7.1 million. The 520-foot-long, 55-foot-high dam
can impound a 29,900-acre-foot reservoir, which is equivalent to 9.7 billion
gallons of water. Since it was placed in operation in 1960, it has prevented flood
damages of $132.2 million ($225.8 million, adjusted for inflation).
The reservoir area offers recreational opportunities,
including swimming, picnicking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, boating, and nature
study, and attracts more than 124,000 visitors annually.
The water releases that
support these recreational activities are subject to an adequate volume of
water being available for release and could be cancelled or modified during low
flow or high flow conditions.
For details on East Brimfield Lake contact the Park Ranger
staff at 508-347-3705 or visit the website at:
www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/EastBrimfieldLake.aspx