Delaware River Basin Commission Says Existing Uses At F.E. Walter Dam In Carbon County Should Be Protected

Kristen Bowman Kavanagh, P.E., deputy executive director of the Delaware River Basin Commission, provided written testimony to the House Republican Policy Committee reaffirming DRBC’s position the Francis E. Walter Dam’s existing, congressionally authorized purposes of recreation and flood risk management should be protected.  

An ongoing study of the Dam was the subject of a Committee hearing on March 18, sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon).  Read more here.

The DRBC is a non-federal sponsor of the F. E. Walter Dam Re-evaluation Study.  As a study sponsor, DRBC represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and all Commission members.  

The study is looking at whether or not the dam may be modified or better managed to allow water in the reservoir to be used for additional purposes, for example, to augment low flows during drought, while maintaining its recreation and flood management authorizations.  

The dam is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and located in White Haven, Carbon County, Pa.

“Short-term weather patterns and longer-term climate patterns are changing and affecting the water cycle in the Basin.  It is prudent to begin to evaluate and plan for the impacts the Basin may experience in the future as a result of these changes.  At the same time, DRBC supports maintaining the existing uses of the reservoir for flood risk management and recreation and recognizes their value to the region.  These uses should be protected,” said Kavanagh in her written remarks.

Any recommendations that result from the study that suggest changes to the structure or operation of the dam and reservoir would require additional review at multiple government levels.  

For example, Congressional approval would be required to add or change any authorized uses.  Changes that would impact DRBC’s Comprehensive Plan for the water resources of the Basin would require Commission approval. 

“We know how much this water and this reservoir mean to the region, to Pennsylvania, and its residents, and we look forward to working with the Commonwealth and all stakeholders to sustainably manage, protect and improve our critical water resources – including F.E. Walter Reservoir – for our residents, public safety and a healthy environment,” Kavanagh continued in her written remarks.

DRBC was initially invited to provide oral testimony at the hearing and was planning to participate.  At the request of the Committee, the Commission was recently notified to submit written testimony only.

Click Here for a copy of DRBC’s testimony.

Hearing Testimony

Click Here for copies of other testimony presented at the hearing and to watch a video.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Delaware River Basin Commission website.  Click Here to sign up for regulator updates.  Follow DRBC on Twitter.  Visit them on YouTube.

[Posted: March 18, 2021]  PA Environment Digest