Pennsylvania American Water last week commemorated the completion of the approximately $10.2 million rehabilitation of its Watres Dam and Reservoir in Spring Brook Township, Lackawanna County.

The 12-month construction project included widening the spillway and related upgrades to improve the dam’s stability in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requirements for dam safety.

“At more than $10 million, this project represents one of our largest capital investments in Pennsylvania this year and demonstrates our commitment to maintain and upgrade the water infrastructure that serves our customers,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape,. “We appreciate DEP’s cooperation during this major initiative to help protect our water supply and ensure the structure meets all safety standards.”

“We commend Pennsylvania American Water for taking a proactive approach to addressing the safety concerns at the Watres Dam. While working closely with the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania American Water swiftly made the needed repairs to ensure the continued delivery of dependable water supplies, while protecting of the safety of downstream residents and communities,” said DEP acting Secretary John Hanger.

The rehabilitation project included widening the dam’s existing spillway from a 75-foot wide rock cut channel to approximately 440 feet wide. The expanded spillway capacity will allow flow from the probable maximum flood, commonly referred to as a 1-in-10,000-year storm event, to safely pass through the dam. Additionally, crews improved grading of the dam’s downstream slopes and installed drainage systems to safely collect and convey seepage from the dam.

“Pennsylvania American Water proactively inspects all of its dams several times each year,” said David Kaufman, vice president of engineering for Pennsylvania American Water. “Through our inspection program, as well as review by outside engineering firms, we are able to identify areas that need to be addressed to maintain compliance with all DEP regulations.”

Watres Reservoir holds approximately 1.9 billion gallons of water, which supplies the company’s Watres Water Treatment Plant in Wilkes-Barre. The dam was originally constructed 1925.

NewsClip: Watres Dam Gets $10 Million

11/14/2008