Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - For boaters passing, the damage is visible in the imposing break wall that separates the Buffalo Outer Harbor from Lake Erie at its north entrance.
The US Army Corps of Engineers says winter was harsh on the Old Breakwater Wall in Buffalo. Crews are now preparing to fill the gaps in that wall.
Amy Gaskill with the US Army Corps of Engineers says there's a portion of the breakwater wall that's been damaged. "We've had pretty tough weather this past couple of winters and, and that water just kind of came through there and moved some of those stones," explains Gaskill. She adds there was a lot of wave action with the highest water levels in history.
Gaskill says a floating plant crew will go out and place stones in the gap. "Hopefully, we'll see some more permanent changes over the next couple of years with that," adds Gaskill. She says there are also issues with the West breakwater wall, and there's work scheduled there. Come fiscal year 2025, work will be done on the South Pier.
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Gaskill says assessments are part of the regular work once winter comes to an end. She says the stones placed in the gaps last for some time. "I'm not sure how long it's going to take but they work pretty rapidly with this big, brand new big derrick boat called The Cobra that they use to place these stones," says Gaskill.
Gaskill says breakwalls protect the shoreline from from erosion. They also make it easier for boats come in and out of the waters.
