WATER TREATMENT CENTER DAM REPAIR

Engineering Community Development - Fries, VA

Dates: 4-day Weekend in October 2016

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Groups involved: Washington and Lee Engineering Community Development, SERCAP, and Fries Community Center.

ECD - https://www.facebook.com/wluECD/                    SERCAP - http://www.sercap.org/

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Background:

Fries, VA (pronounced freeze) is a small town of roughly 600 in Appalachia Virginia. I have led four service projects to Fries, working with their Water Treatment Center, Community Center, and Theatre.

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Project Details:

Managed a team of 6 students in mixing mortar, collecting large stones, and creating a final section of an unfinished dam. Diverted water through a sluice gate while making additions to the wall. The final part of wall was created by laying rocks interlaced with mortar. Also filled small leaks with sealant while be mindful of mortar’s impact on the water quality downstream.

Corresponded with Water Treatment center managers on a project that would help the treatment of water in Fries, VA. By repairing the dam, the treatment center received 10% increase in water pressure. I initiated trips and a sustainable, multi-year connection between W&L engineering students and the Fries, VA community.