Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who operates the dam?
A: Hamilton Township Public Works, The Director of Public works is Bill Montag he can be contacted at (609)625-6311 x200 or email BMontag@townshipofhamilton.com.

Q:Does the lake get lowered? If so when and for how long?
A: Quote from Public Works Director "I will be putting in for a lake lowering permit in September to the NJ Fish and Game. The dates will be the same as last year, November 1 to February 28. The NJFWS will not let me go past the date of February 28 due to the fact that the fish start spawning in Mid-March. In the past the Township only put a permit in for 30 days but I feel that doesn't give the residents a big enough window to be able clean around their property. And also with the trouble with the gates it will take a while to get the water level down."

Dam spillway level may not reflect lake level

After an email discussion with the Public Works Director we theorized that the level of the water at the spillway may not be a true representation for the whole lake. When the water in the lake reaches the spillway it begins to swell from the force of the current. The amount of swell may vary depending on the volume of water traveling over the dam.
I will be measuring the lake level deviation from normal from my dock which 3/4 mile away from the dam. Since there is no established normal level I used watermarks from surrounding docks as guides. The log is viewable on the right hand side of this blog. An entry of zero in the lake column means the lake is at the established normal level. The dam column represents the level at the dam spillway, 3" - 6" is the established safe level there. The Public Works Director will be using comparing these values against the dam spillway log. If there is a significant difference between the two values, I assume corrective action would be taken for judging the lakes true level.

Boaters on Lenape put in danger

The lake level was down close to a foot this past weekend, far more than the 1 to 2 inches mentioned in the letter sent out by the Public Works Director. Four boats that I know of either hit bottom or an object and were damaged. On Sunday a boat hit an underground cable installed by the Atlantic County Rowing Assoc., which got wrapped around his propeller and damaged his boat. Depending on who you talk to this cable should have been removed after the rowing season.

It is my feeling that in the future boaters and lake homeowners be notified the following:
1) Why this is happening now and not out of season?
2) How many inches will the lake be lowered?
3) How many days will the level be down?
4) Is it safe to leave your boat moored or will it end up beached?
5) Is it safe for boating?
6) If the level goes below the amount announced.

I am working on a map of the lake showing safe areas to boat as well as areas to avoid when the level is down.

Reasoning for the dam work being done this week

Email from the Director of Public Works
Mark,
You are exactly right, Mr. Perugini and myself both explained our concerns of timing. The County officials said that it was "prudent" to have it done on the 6th due to the fact that the river will meet mean-low water level and it would take another month to for the river reach that low. And there are large voids in the apron at the bottom of the dam. For more technical answers residents can call the County Engineer Joe D'Abundo at 645-5898.
Hope this answers your questions. Thanks again for your help.
Also, we are only lowering the level just so the water is not coming over the spillway. So it won't be dangerously low for boaters. And as soon as Walker Diving is done making repairs we will close the gate.

Bill

Lake to be lowered for dam repairs

I as well as a few people that have emailed me do question the reasoning for doing it this week. With the 4th falling on a Wed many homeowners / campers will be taking long weekends. If it only a few inches that’s ok, however if it’s lowered to an unsafe level for boating, people will be upset. If you would like to voice your concern please attend the Township Committee Meeting Monday 7/2.

From Hamilton Twp Director of Public Works

"Lake Lenape update June 29, 2007

During the ongoing inspection and repair work on the Lenape Dam facilities, O’Brien and Gere Engineers, the contracted engineering firm for Atlantic County and Hamilton Township, have discovered some voids within the dam apron on the downstream areas of the spillway. It has been determined that it is advisable to fill these voids at this time. Atlantic County has authorized the dive team of O’Brien and Gere to grout these voids on July 6, 2007. In preparation of this work the lake level will be lowered enough to avoid overflow over the dam on that date, when divers and contractors are in the water. Water levels will begin to be adjusted accordingly beginning on or about July 4, 2007. Lakefront residents will be notified by email, phone or directly to advise them of the upcoming work. It is anticipated the lake levels will be lowered one to two inches over present conditions for this limited period of time.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to the boating public or residents along the lake, however the importance of these repairs is a matter that must take precedence at this time. For further details about the repairs to be done, please contact County Engineer Joseph D”Abundo at 609-645-5856."