Contractors will work 6 days a week for the duration of the project, weather permitting.
There is increased activity at the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant on the St. Joseph River while I&M is performing maintenance work. The project must completed in order to raise the water level to its normal spring and summer operating level.
Weather permitting, crews will be working 6 days a week for the duration of the project.
This week, contractors are installing an impermeable layer of material and will protect it with a layer of stone. This activity will reduce existing seepage pathways where it is applied and lengthen the distance any residual upstream seepage has to travel to reach the base of the dam. This work is being performed in the area between the dam and the boat barrier.
I&M will complete the maintenance work and then begin the process of raising the water levels back up with the goal of reaching summer levels by Memorial Day. It is possible water levels could remain lower for a longer period of time if complications arise.
The work will not affect I&M’s ability to generate electricity from the plant. The largest impact will be to those who would usually put boats and other marine crafts in the water during the spring and summer months.
If you drive or live near the Elkhart Hydro Facility on Johnson Street, near downtown Elkhart, we encourage you to practice the below safety tips:
- Stay focused on the road. Please keep your eyes on the road and not focus on construction activities at the plant.
- Do not approach crews. Employees are focused on the job at hand and you will be a distraction and a safety concern for crews.
- Do not enter construction zones, danger zones or areas designated as private either upstream or downstream of the plant.
- Follow all safety measures in place such as fences, booms, buoys and barriers which are in place to protect the public.
For more hydroelectric safety measures, click here.
If you have a question or concern, we have a dedicated customer service team ready to assist you. You can contact them at 260-408-3724 or email them at IMCustomerService@aep.com. Updates will also be available on IndianaMichiganPower.com/News.
Previous Updates and information: