The ice boom — comprised of 22 steel pontoons — is installed every winter across the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Erie to reduce the amount of ice that would otherwise flow from the lake into the river and potentially clog up the water intakes NYPA uses to generate hydropower at its Niagara Power Project.
The new location permits the ice breaker easier access to the ice boom for monitoring and maintenance following its installation last month.
“The ice boom supports the winter operations of NYPA’s Niagara Power Plant by preventing the buildup of ice in the plant’s intake structures,” said Harry Francois, NYPA regional manager for Western New York. “This relocation makes it easier for workers to access the ice boom for installation, removal, and in case of repairs.”
NYPA purchased the 15.5-acre marina in 2008 for its vessels involved in the installation, maintenance, and removal of the ice boom. The marina is also open for recreational boats during the summer with on-land storage for boats during the winter.
The relocation work was performed by Nichols Long & Moore Construction of Lancaster and included the installation of a new 250-foot sea wall, construction of a new equipment storage building and a new access road.
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