Long Pond Flow Control Structure and Flood Mitigation
The Rennies River watershed has been subjected to major flood events caused by river flooding. One of the earlier major flood events recorded was in 1986 when 110 mm of rainfall caused flooding along Leary’s Brook and Rennies River. Increasing urbanization in the Rennies River watershed, more frequent and intense precipitation events, and anticipated increase in precipitation frequency and intensity due to climate change are expected to result in an increase in risk of flood damage along Rennies River.
The Rennies River Catchment Stormwater Management Plan (RRCSMP) was completed in 2014. On May 26, 2014, Council Directive CD# R2014-05-26/5 recommended the below to address flooding in the area.
To reduce flood risk and take action to safeguard residential dwellings and community infrastructure, the City is proposing to construct a flow control structure across the outlet of Long Pond to help protect areas downstream of Long Pond from flooding as well as associated flood mitigation infrastructure. The additional infrastructure (cast-in-place wall and two earth berms) are intended to mitigate flood damage to nearby infrastructure.
The proposed structure will be located on the downstream side of the Allandale Rd bridge and will allow for pedestrians to cross over the structure via a 3.0m wide walkway.
The project registration documentation will be submitted to the Province to start the Environmental Assessment (EA) process. Work on the detailed design, tendering and construction will not start until after the undertaking is released from EA review.
The City of St. John's wants to inform the public of this proposed project and address any questions or concerns they may have. Please read the FAQs and post any questions or comments in our Discussion area.
Feedback gathered through this project will be included in the City's submission to the Government of NL.
A virtual public meeting is scheduled for December 7th at 7pm. Click here to register.