Canal Corporation Takes Steps to Stabilize Hinckley Reservoir Water Level
New Alert System Being Developed to Inform Public of Future Changes
For Immediate Release: 07/31/2015
The Canal Corporation today announced it has reduced discharges from Hinckley Reservoir in order to preserve recreational opportunities and ecological advantages in the area.
Reservoir levels will only decrease at a rate of approximately one inch per day, barring additional rainfall, for the foreseeable future. The new release rate - 300 cubic feet per second (cfs), a reduction of 100 cfs from the operating diagram's prescribed release of 400 cfs - also protects the West Canada Creek fishery and avoids causing ecological harm downstream.
Currently, the level of the reservoir is approximately 5 1/2 feet lower than its average elevation for this time of year. Discharge levels from Hinckley Reservoir were recently increased in order to provide compensating flow to Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LLC because less water was released out of the reservoir earlier this year at the request of the Mohawk Valley Water Authority to assist it with its water supply needs.
In cooperation with reservoir stakeholders, officials from the New York State Canal Corporation and the New York Power Authority will closely monitor water levels and flows and return discharges to the rate prescribed by the operating diagram as soon as practicable.
To help keep members of the public and the surrounding communities informed, the Canal Corporation is developing a new email and text alert system which will provide updates related to the operation of Hinckley Reservoir and changes to its discharge rates. This subscription service will be available through the Canal Corporation's website later this summer, and will notify subscribers when changes to reservoir releases are made. These alerts will also be published on the Canal Corporation's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Brian U. Stratton, Director of the NYS Canal Corporation said, "We believe this reduction is necessary to prevent further loss of recreational activities on the Hinckley Reservoir, while protecting and preserving the various economic and ecological advantages of this important resource."
Marc Gerstman, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation said, "The new release rate is intended to protect the popular and economically important West Canada Creek fishery while minimizing possible ecological harm downstream while it is in effect."
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO said, "In conjunction with our Jarvis hydroelectric plant at Hinckley, NYPA controls discharges from the reservoir as directed by the Canal Corporation. We will continue to work collaboratively with officials and other stakeholders as operations and flows are optimized."
Patrick Becher, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Water Authority, said, "We commend the Canal Corporation and Power Authority for working together to take this appropriate step to maintain levels in the reservoir. We are also encouraged by the steps the Canal Corporation has already taken to improve communication among the reservoir's stakeholders, and with the general public."
The Erie Canal Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program invites artists to explore the past, present, and future of this iconic waterway through their unique artistic lenses. A partnership between the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canal Museum, the AIR program is a celebration of creativity, history, and stewardship.
The program supports the revitalization of the Erie Canal by blending art with storytelling to illuminate its cultural, environmental, and historical significance. Through exhibitions, events, and public programs, the AIR program brings new perspectives to the Canal's lasting impact on New York State and the nation.
We are thrilled to welcome the 2025 Artists-in-Residence, Kari Varner and Sarah Cameron Sunde, who will begin their year-long exploration of the Erie Canal. Stay tuned for updates on their journey!
Contact
Shane Mahar
shane.mahar@thruway.ny.gov
Office of Media Relations and Communications
(518) 471-5300