C/A.
-10-
42.
43.
We also inspected the Shing Mun Gorge Dam site,
and so far as were able to examine the rock exposures in
the gorge itself, in the trial trenches already made, and
in others which were made during our visit, our investigation
leads us to the conclusion that with careful design and
good workmenship, a masonry dan safely to impound water to
a level of about 625 feet above datum, could be constructed
at this site. In view of the magnitude of the structure,
it will be necessary most fully to explore the foundation
conditions before our final recommendation can be made, and
we gathered that this exploratory work would be promptly
put in hand. Apart from the question of foundation con-
ditions, full particulars of rock levels throughout the area
of the base of the dam will be necessary before the drawings,
specification and bill of quantities can be prepared.
Although the urgency of bringing in additional
water is great, we feel that no effort should be spared
thoroughly and completely to investigate the conditions at
the site of the Shing Mun Gorge Dam: the more thoroughly
this is done the less the risk of unforeseen additions
either in design or estimates.
As Mr. Henderson rightly observes, the Shing
Mun Valley should be developed to the utmost. To store
water to a depth of 175 feet, and a top water level of 600 above datum would give a storage of 2,000 million gallons: the addition of 25 feet would increase the capacity by about
1,000 million gallons. The dam in either case, whilst not
being of record height and cross section, would nevertheless
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