Darby Creek, PA

American Rivers is working with multiple partners to remove several dams and restore Darby Creek near Philadelphia.

Darby Creek was the site of a number of early colonial villages and, as a result, had multiple mills and factories powered by dams.  These dams were an important part of the communities throughout the 19th century, but as more efficient industrial processes were developed, the dams were no longer needed.  The outdated dam infrastructure blocks passage for migratory fish like American shad, alewife and American eel, species whose presence was pivotal to early colonialists and Native Americans. The dams also collect debris and contribute to localized flooding

The Darby Creek Dam Removal and Habitat Restoration Initiative will reconnect fragmented habitats in the lower 10.5 miles of Darby Creek with the Delaware River and remove public safety hazards from the river corridor. Darby Creek runs through a densely populated urban area and following the implementation of this project, local communities will be able to enjoy the creek as an asset.  These dams were identified as problem sites within an Army Corps of Engineers study assessing localized flooding problems in the communities along the Lower Darby.  The removal of these structures should help address localized flooding problems by restoring the natural ability of the free-flowing creek to store flood waters.

The Darby Creek passes through some of south Philadelphia’s oldest communities.  The watershed covers 77 square miles in Chester and Delaware Counties and joins the Delaware River at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Darby Creek is a local landmark, providing fishing, bird watching, and parks for relaxation.

For more information, please contact Laura Craig.