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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reached an agreement with Rensselaer County, the Town of Sand Lake, and the Burden Lake Preservation Corporation (BLPC) to rehabilitate the Burden Lake Dam. This intermediate hazard dam, located in Sand Lake, has been subject to safety violations and neglect for years. The new plan aims to address these issues and ensure the dam meets all safety standards.
Under an Order on Consent with the DEC, the involved parties will upgrade the dam and resolve outstanding safety violations. The agreement was approved by local legislatures and the BLPC board, ending years of uncertainty surrounding the dam's future. The plan includes reduced penalties and a schedule for restoration work.
Town of Sand Lake Supervisor Stephen Clemens emphasized the town's commitment to collaborating with the DEC and other parties to bring the dam up to standards. Larry McKeough, Chairman of the BLPC Dam Committee, expressed hope for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to support the project, which aims to preserve water levels, property values, and the ecosystem of Burden Lake.
The compliance schedule outlines key dates for submitting an Emergency Action Plan, Engineering Assessment, and revised Inspection and Maintenance Plan. It also includes deadlines for permit applications and construction milestones.
Burden Lake, spanning the towns of Sand Lake and Nassau, is a popular recreational area with approximately 340 residences. The lake provides opportunities for fishing and boating, enhancing the community's quality of life. The dam, built in 1863, was originally designed to power mills along Wynantskill Creek and regulate the lake's water level. A portion of Burden Lake Road, running along the dam, has been closed since 2021. The engineering assessment may explore future uses for this road segment after the dam's reconstruction.