Rock Barriers

[carolinabassin]

I am fairly new to the area and was wondering if anyone knows what the rock barriers are for that were recently installed??? They have blocked me from a few of my favorite holes. Thanks!

[bassman10.66]

The rock barriers are for are farmers. They need to raise the water level for the crops.

[Derrick]

Here you go;

STATUS AS OF: June 3, 2010

Head of Old River (HOR) Barrier:

The spring Head of Old River rock barrier was not installed this season. Instead, as in 2009, a Non-Physical Barrier (NPB) was installed. Installation began April 5 and was completed on April 15. The operation of the NPB supported the VAMP fish study and includes a determination of the NPB's effectiveness. The salmon smolt monitoring was concluded on May 26 at the end of the VAMP, however the NPB will stay in operation through June 15th in compliance with our NMFS biological opinion to benefit non-VAMP smolts that may still be in the river.

Agricultural Barriers (Old River near Tracy [ORT], Middle River [MR], Grant Line Canal [GLC]):

Construction of the MR barrier began on May 19. Due to equipment problems, closure of the MR barrier was delayed to May 24. All flap-gates are in the tied open position.

Construction of the ORT barrier began on May 10 and the boat ramp was completed on May 13. Closure of ORT barrier was achieved on June 3 at 8:30 a.m. All flap-gates are in the tied open position. However, crews have discovered slight settlement at the upstream boat ramp. The problem will not impair boat ramp operations and settlement repair is scheduled for June 7.

The Installation of the GLC barrier will begin in mid-June after the removal of the NPB. The GLC barrier site needs to remain open to allow passage of a large barge/crane that will be dismantling the NPB on June 16.