Study Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District has partnered with the Philadelphia Water Department for a feasibility study in the Wissahickon Creek Watershed.

The study examines and considers potential solutions to problems in the watershed. The study was initiated after a reconnaissance report determined the watershed had a poor-quality aquatic habitat, stream-flow variability issues, flooding problems, and overall ecosystem imbalances. Several possible solutions under consideration include stabilization of the stream bank, natural stream channel restoration, fish passage construction, and wetlands creation.

There are 10 different sites under consideration in the study, including Little and Big Ridge Avenue Dams, Monoshone Creek, Carpenter’s Woods, Gorgas Lane, Livezey Dam, Cresheim Dam and Creek, Magargee Dam, Cathedral Run, and Thomas Mill Dam.

In addition to PWD, the Corps is working with other agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Biohabitats, Inc. Funding for the feasibility study is cost-shared between USACE and PWD.

The project partners hosted a public meeting in January to discuss project alternatives and to gather feedback from the community.