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From: pmauer@dnrmail.state.il.us
Category: Advice
Date: 6/8/99
Time: 3:17:05 PM
Remote Name: 163.191.195.10
Doug,
Most earth embankments seep. Seepage is slow and generally not a problem in itself. Piping is the movement of water through cavities in the embankment. Generally, piping includes the movement of soil particles with the water. It is a problem when it becomes uncontrolled or the rate causes lower reservoir levels. Covering the upstream face with a compacted layer will get you some reduction in the seepage that is occuring through the embankment. Do you know how the dam was constructed? If the dam was well compacted and has developed seepage, your new layer may go through the same aging process. You will also have to have the capability to completely drain the reservior and allow the embankment several weeks to dry out. Your soil type indicates that the natural materials in the abutments and the floor of the reservoir may be contributing to the seepage. It may not be possible to control all seepage by reworking the embankment. You should have an investigation made regarding the location of origination the seepage. It will let you make an educated guess of the reduction you would get by sealing the upstream face. It may be more cost effective to simply control the seepage as it exits the embankment, ensuring that piping failure of the dam does not occur.
Paul Mauer