Mr. Thomas McDonald, P.E. Professional Engineer II (C/E) Water Management NYS Canal Corporation 30 S Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207 January 19, 2018 Project No. 16-5719C Via email: thomas.mcdonald@canals.ny.gov LETTER REPORT EMBANKMENT INSPECTION REPORT 2003MON3173_3188S NEW YORK STATE CANAL CORPORATION SPENCERPORT, NEW YORK Dear Mr. McDonald: Paul C. Rizzo Engineering New York PLLC (RIZZO) completed an inspection of embankment 2003mon3173_3188s on September 29, 2017 by Mr. A. Hans Hasnay, P.E and Mr. Braulio Vargas. This is the southern section of the embankment and is located near Spencerport, New York (43.1884N, 77.7663W to 43.1874N, 77.7607W). The weather was cloudy (approximately 65 F). The inspection started at 1130 hours and concluded at 1230 hours. This section is located within an area of commercial development. Some areas along the outboard slope are overgrown with bushes and trees. A possible leak located on the outboard slope was observed. An outboard slope failure was noted at one location. This embankment inspection report includes photographs at select locations (Attachment A). Figures are also provided showing the extent of the embankment section and the locations at which the selected photographs were taken (Attachment B; Figure 1), and a LiDAR map showing the elevations at this section of embankment (Attachment B; Figure 2). The embankment inspection sheets containing field notes are also included (Attachment C).
Mr. Thomas McDonald, P.E. 2 January 19, 2018 Below is a summary of notable observations: 1. There is an existing seep at the east end of the section that is being monitored. 2. A possible new leak observed near the toe of embankment, located at 43.18764N, 77.76455W. Probably caused from fallen tree. 3. Slope is covered with large trees; a lot have fallen with rootball exposed, possible hazard for seepage. 4. High flows in the creek along the toe of the embankment have caused severe undercutting at three locations: 43.18773N, 77.76430W 43.18745N, 77.76274W (partial slope failure at this location) 43.18759N, 77.76333W 5. Localized outboard slope failure was observed at 43.18745N, 77.76267W. 6. The crest is narrow and there is a loss of embankment section at the undercut/washout areas. Based on the ranking and rating system developed by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the structure has a Condition Rating of 1 (Immediate Emergency Contract Recommended). This section was assigned a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Apparent Class A Hazard Classification due to the lack of development in the likely inundation area. Based on our field observations the assigned hazard classification is appropriate. The continuing undercutting, sloughing and washout cycle that is gradually undermining the embankment is a serious issue and should be address. The hazard class is low but based on its condition and the potential loss of the ability to operate the canal in the event of a failure it is recommended that this section of the embankment be given a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Category II - High Urgency rating. RIZZO recommends the following remediation actions be taken as soon as possible:
Mr. Thomas McDonald, P.E. 3 January 19, 2018 a) Trained Section staff should perform inspections of this embankment section at least every two months during the navigation season. Prioritize this section for enhanced attention under the Bank Walker Program. b) Remove vegetation from overgrown areas on the embankment and at toe and establish appropriate ground cover vegetation. c) Evaluate potential remediation plans to deal with the on-going undercutting and erosion caused by the stream at toe. d) Implement remediation plans including restoring the embankment at the wash out areas. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at (914) 332-0037, Ext. 401 or e-mail at hans.hasnay@rizzoassoc.com, or you may also contact Mr. Thomas Edwards at (412) 825-2168 or e-mail at tom.edwards@rizzoassoc.com. Respectfully submitted, Paul C. Rizzo Engineering New York, PLLC A. Hans Hasnay, P.E. Vice President New York AHH/BV/TE/zat Attachments A. Hans Hasnay, Vice President, RIZZO Associates, Inc.
ATTACHMENT A PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPH 1 LARGE TREES ON SLOPE PHOTOGRAPH 2 FALLEN TREES A-1
PHOTOGRAPH 3 EXPOSED ROOTBALL FROM FALLEN TREE PHOTOGRAPH 4 POSSIBLE NEW LEAK A-2
PHOTOGRAPH 5 CULVERT PHOTOGRAPH 6 CREEK A-3
PHOTOGRAPH 7 UNDERCUTTING SPOTTED PHOTOGRAPH 8 TOE OF THE EMBANKMENT A-4
PHOTOGRAPH 9 FALLEN TREES ON CREEK PHOTOGRAPH 10 SLOPE FAILURE A-5
PHOTOGRAPH 11 CREST PHOTOGRAPH 12 INBOARD RIPRAP A-6
ATTACHMENT B FIGURES
ATTACHMENT C INSPECTION SHEETS