Initial placement of the Chimney Hollow Main Dam concrete for the plinth started Feb. 10. For the main dam, the plinth will provide a “watertight” connection between the asphalt core and the dam foundation. The plinth can also be thought of as the link between dam and earth.  

The foundation under the plinth was diligently cleaned and inspected prior to plinth concrete placement approval by the on-site engineer, Stantec. The foundation was to be essentially “toothbrush clean” at time of concrete placement. About 50 cubic yards of concrete was applied during February's initial pour, with plinth construction continuing through April 2023.  

Construction of the plinth is a critical piece of the dam construction and is the first piece of the main dam to be built.