By LYN TREMBLAY

The recent bursting of the Fish Hatchery Dam that sent a massive volume of water down Potter’s Creek and through the village of Normandale has some people wondering about the stability of the ‘Misner Dam’ that creates Silver Lake in Port Dover.

The Maple Leaf asked Norfolk County’s Engineering Manager John Hamilton to comment on the issue.

"It seems there has always been water coming out of the sides of the dam. I am not a dam engineer so I don’t have the expertise to say it is serious or it is not serious."

Unlike the 20-acre Fish Hatchery reservoir which was 15 feet deep in places, Silver Lake has had a silt build up that has decreased its depth in recent years. Mr. Hamilton stated, "if the dam broke it would drain Silver Lake. It looks like there is a lot of water there, but it is mostly muck."

That comment echoes that of General Manager of Public Works and Environmental Services Eric D’Hondt. "Would a burst be catastrophic? No. Silver Lake is so badly silted, the dam doesn’t hold back that much water. Some boathouses would be affected but it would not be as bad as what has happened in Normandale."

General Manager D’Hondt added that because it is a privately-owned dam, if it did burst it would be "an interesting legal issue."

In recent years, Port Dover resident Jim Dover has been leading the charge to have Silver Lake dredged. Councillor John Wells discourages the action. "Why would we be interested in dredging? The first thing we should do is to get ownership or lease of that dam. What is the point of dredging? If the dam gave way all would be for naught."

Mr. Hamilton informed The Maple Leaf that he plans on having a meeting with Mrs. Sheila Miller (who may have ownership).

He stated, "I would suggest that perhaps it should be inspected. Norfolk County does not have any jurisdiction, but maybe we can offer some guidance."