Home / Environment / Lake Erie Ice Boom Removal Begins Amid Repairs
Lake Erie Ice Boom Removal Begins Amid Repairs
7 Apr
Summary
- Ice boom removal started Monday, April 6, after official approval.
- Repairs to the breakwall are necessary before boom spans are removed.
- The ice boom prevents large ice chunks from entering the Niagara River.
The removal of the Lake Erie Niagara River ice boom is underway, signaling the arrival of spring in Western New York. This crucial ice boom, composed of 22 approximately 500-foot steel pontoon sections, prevents large ice formations from impacting the Niagara River and surrounding communities.
Official approval for the removal was granted by the International Niagara Board of Control and the International Joint Commission, allowing the New York Power Authority to commence work on Monday, April 6. Initial efforts this week involve repairing the breakwall, where the boom sections are temporarily affixed, to address wear and tear from the past winter.
Once breakwall repairs are complete, the New York Power Authority will proceed with the staged removal of the ice boom spans from the lake. These sections will be temporarily secured to the breakwall before being transported to their storage site on Hamburg Street. The process also includes removing and storing ice buoy barrels and other equipment.
