The official word from NYS Canal Corp: Canal Crews Responding to Partial Failure of Erie Canal Embankment Work Ongoing to Close Breach and Assess Condition of Embankment Work continues today to stabilize the embankment of the Erie Canal in the Village of Albion, Orleans County, and to assess the cause of a partial failure July 30 of a portion of the embankment, the Canal Corporation announced. Canal Corporation officials emphasized that there is no imminent threat of a full collapse of the embankment. Boat traffic on the Erie Canal has been suspended for a 10-mile-long section between Albion and Holley, Orleans County. Guard gates at those two locations remain closed to draw down water levels so that engineers can inspect and repair the damage. Local residents were alerted about the incident Monday night. Canals personnel assisted boaters in removing and securing their craft within the affected section. Maintenance crews from Orleans County and other local governments assisted Canal crews Monday in emergency action to fill large sinkholes that developed outside the Canal's south embankment. Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, "Our first priority is to stabilize the embankment so that life and property in the surrounding area are fully protected. At the moment, the situation is under control, and we will be making plans for repairs as soon as the water levels are drawn down enough for a full engineering assessment to be made." Albion-Eagle Harbor Road is closed between Gaines Basin Road and State Street in the vicinity of the failure. The Canal Corporation is working closely with the State Office of Emergency Management and local emergency management officials on scene. More information will be reported when it becomes available. Fred Tug 44