Geotechnical survey work taking place at Halifax’s Chocolate Lake

Halifax’s Chocolate Lake is undergoing geotechnical survey work.

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is advising residents that geotechnical survey work is taking place at Chocolate Lake from Tuesday to Friday this week.

The municipality says a contractor will be conducting the geotechnical survey work in support of the future rehabilitation or replacement of the Chocolate Lake Dam.

A floating platform with geotechnical survey equipment was scheduled to be on the lake between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“This came as a complete surprise yesterday, to look out and see what looked like a miniature oil rig sitting in the middle of the lake,” said area resident Jacqueline Shaw.

A release from the municipality said, “A floating barrier will be in place around the platform to ensure a safe distance is maintained from recreational lake users and for environmental protection. The contractor has all relevant permits and environmental protections in place, per requirements from Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.”

HRM says the work will not impact access or activities at Chocolate Lake or the beach.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis

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