AN EARLY warning system at Chaffey Dam that let residents of Woolomin know about a probable maximum flood event will be removed.
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WaterNSW has provided advice to Tamworth Regional Council that due to the upgrades at the dam, which finished in 2016, the warning system is no longer required.
Woolomin village lies at the foot of the dam and residents were previously considered at risk if the dam's water ever broke its walls.
A letter from WaterNSW, that manages the dam, said a probable maximum flood is the largest possible flood that could occur in any catchment.
"For Chaffey Dam it is significantly larger than any on record for the valley, but it is still statistically possible," it reads.
"In recent years Chaffey Dam has undergone a number of upgrades including the construction of an auxiliary spillway and raising of both the dam wall and the morning glory spillway.
"For this reason, the early warning system for Woolomin is no longer required and the two towers are being removed.
"WaterNSW is committed to informing the community and key stakeholders about the work and ensuring minimal disruptions."
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The dam itself is monitored daily by staff and has annual inspections by an engineer.
The work to remove the two towers will take place in late July or early August and should take two days.
The upgrades in 2016 enabled the dam to comply with NSW Dam Safety Committee standards for extreme floods and works to increase the storage from 62,000ML to 100,000ML. The dam wall was raised by 8m.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
