American Rivers reports that these 17 dams were removed in Pennsylvania in 2014
Atlas Dam, Hokendauqua Creek, Lehigh County - The water supply dam for the Atlas Cement Plant,built in 1869,was 12-feet high and 600-feet long. It was removed to restore access to 25 miles of aquatic habitat.
Commodore Dam, Hinty Run, Indiana County - Built in the 1940s, this 16-feet high and 230-feet long dam created a lake used for public water supply by the Green Township Water Authority. It was removed o increase habitat connectivity for wild brook trout and eliminate a high-hazard dam.
Cove Valley Christian Camp Dam, Little Cove Creek, Franklin County - Owned by the Cove Valley Christian Camp, the removal of this 25-feet high dam is expected to improve water quality and passage for resident fish.
Derry Run Basin C Dam, Tributary to Little Conewago Creek, Dauphin, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties - This 8-feet high by 220-feet long earthen dam experienced partial failure and the owner determined it was not needed for stormwater management.
Duck Marsh Pond Dam No. 26 & Duck Marsh Pond Dam No. 27, Mosquito Creek, Clearfield County - These earthen dams, were built in the 1950s by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for waterfowl habitat and lake fishing. Removal of Dam No. 26, 10 feet high by 670 feet long, and Dam No. 27, 8 feet high by 600 feet long, will reconnect habitat for brook trout and improve recreational opportunities.
Duck Pond Dam, Muddy Run, Butler County - This sheet metal dam, 6 feet high by 100 feet long, was built in the 1980s by the state Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create waterfowl habitat. It never functioned as designed and its removal opened nine miles of habitat to allow for a spawning run for lake fish, restoration of wetland functions, and elimination of a public safety hazard.
Furnace Creek Dam, Furnace Creek, Berks County - Built around 1960 for municipal water supply purposes, the earthen dam was 63 feet high by 372 feet long.
Han Maum Dam, Trib to Leavitt Branch Broadhead Creek, Monroe County - This dam was removed in November 2014.
Hershey School Intake Dam, Spring Creek, Lebanon County - This 5.5-feet high by 35-feet long concrete dam was removed in April 2014 because it was no longer serving a useful purpose.
Kladder Dam, Frankstown Branch, Blair County - A 10 foot high by 100 foot long water supply dam built in the 1920s, its removal will end a blockage to fish passage to a previously unknown wild brook trout stream and eliminate a liability for the borough.
Mt Joy (SICO) Dam, Little Chiques Creek, Lancaster County - This 4 feet high by 80-feet long stone masonry dam was originally built by a private owner for recreational purposes. -
Picric Dam, Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek, Cameron County - This 4-feet high by 100-feet long dam no longer served a useful purpose, and its removal opened up 21.6 miles of habitat for fish passage and eliminated obsolete infrastructure.
Rounick Pond Dam, Mill Creek, Lancaster County - This 6-feet high by 50-feet long masonry dam was removed because it was no longer serving a useful purpose.
SunRay (Hospital) Dam and unnamed remnant, Conewango Creek, Warren County - Built in the early 1900s, this 10-feet high by 200-feet long dam was built to supply the Warren State Hospital with water and was no longer serving that purpose. It’s removal opened more than 27 miles of habitat for endangered freshwater mussels and fish host species, improved public safety, reduced flood risk, and improved safety for boating access.
Two Mile Run Dam, Two Mile Run, McKean County - This 3-feet high by 30-feet long dam was removed to restore five miles of river.
Washburn Run Dam, Washburn Run, Clinton County - The dam, 5 feet high by 46 feet long, was built In the 1930’s by the state Game Commission for water supply. Its removal opens one mile of habitat for wild brook trout and improves the thermal profile of the river.
First Published: February 1, 2015, 5:00 a.m.