Lake Riviera Dam Upgrade to be Strengthened

The ongoing replacement of the Rainbow Lake and Lake Riviera dams will now include the addition of a tieback system for the Lake Riviera bulkhead as well as the removal of material at the Lake Riviera outlet structure.

The additional aspects of the project will cost $85,190. The change order for the project was approved unanimously by the township council on Tuesday.

The changes were recommended by the township engineer because the Lake Riviera dam is considered a "class one" dam, said Business Administrator Scott Pezarras.

In the event of a dam break, "property damage could be sustained down Kettle Creek" that could also include life or death injuries to residents, Pezarras said.

The additional reinforcement of the dam was not included in an initial engineer's report because the dam, under the law, does not legally require it.

"The calculations of the flow of the dam were such that they were just shy of where they would have to be done," Pezarras said. "If you have an excessive rain, you could go over that number. When it was found that it was 'that close,' they suggested we go for the change order."

The state ordered the dam replaced following a review of all of the dams in New Jersey following a review nearly a decade ago, officials have said. The state has picked up half the cost of the dam's replacement.