Dams Are Coming Down All Over Pennsylvania

September 28, 2009 | Dams & Dam Removal, Restoring Rivers

Caitlin Jennings
Communications Associate

Just last week, another obsolete dam came down in Pennsylvania.  The removal of the Saucon Park Dam in Bethlehem that exacerbated flooding, blocked fish, and served no useful purpose is just part of a larger trend across the state.

Several other river sections once again became free flowing this year thanks to river restoration projects all over the Keystone state, including Blacksmith Run west of Smethport, Connoquenessing Creek near Pittsburgh, and Yellow Breeches Creek in the capital area on the Susquehanna’s west shore.  In fact, Pennsylvania has removed more dams than any other state—more than 150 to date. 

Pennsylvania communities have the potential to reap many benefits from removing their outdated dams, such as improved public safety, cleaner water, better natural flood protection, new jobs and other economic opportunities, increased property values, restored fish and wildlife, and more opportunities for outdoor activities. These opportunities would likely not be possible without the funding support of programs like American Rivers’ Free-Flowing Pennsylvania and Rivergrants programs.

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