Army Corps observes National Dam Safety Awareness Day

USACE Philadelphia District
Published May 28, 2020
The Francis E. Walter Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1961 and has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages. It also supports recreation in the Lehigh Valley with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

The Francis E. Walter Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1961 and has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages. It also supports recreation in the Lehigh Valley with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1971 and has prevented more than $73 million in flood damages. The project is multi-purpose, providing flood control, water supply, and recreational capabilities. Pennsylvania manages the state park on site, which attracts numerous visitors each year.

Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1971 and has prevented more than $73 million in flood damages. The project is multi-purpose, providing flood control, water supply, and recreational capabilities. Pennsylvania manages the state park on site, which attracts numerous visitors each year.

The Prompton Dam was constructed in 1960 to reduce flood risks primarily for the communities of Prompton, Pennsylvania, Hawley, Pennsylvania and Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The 1230-foot long and 147-foot high earthen dam was built in response to severe floods on the Lackawaxen River in 1936, 1942 and 1955.

The Prompton Dam was constructed in 1960 to reduce flood risks primarily for the communities of Prompton, Pennsylvania, Hawley, Pennsylvania and Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The 1230-foot long and 147-foot high earthen dam was built in response to severe floods on the Lackawaxen River in 1936, 1942 and 1955.

The General Edgar Jadwin Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1960 and has prevented more than $34 million in flood damages.

The General Edgar Jadwin Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1960 and has prevented more than $34 million in flood damages.

Blue Marsh Lake construction was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1979 and has prevented more than $95 million in flood damages. The recreation program at the project attracts almost 900,000 visitors a year.

Blue Marsh Lake construction was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1979 and has prevented more than $95 million in flood damages. The recreation program at the project attracts almost 900,000 visitors a year.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District recognizes National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31, which commemorates the 1889 failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pa. The event was the nation’s worst dam failure and resulted in more than 2000 deaths.

The USACE Philadelphia District owns and operates five earthfill dams in eastern Pennsylvania, which have prevented approximately $415 million in flood damages since their construction:

Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County (completed in 1978 - authorized purposes of flood control; water supply; water quality; and recreation)
Beltzville Lake in Carbon County (completed in 1972 - authorized purposes of flood control; water supply; water quality; and recreation)
Francis E. Walter Dam in both Luzerne and Carbon County (completed in 1961 - authorized purposes of flood control and recreation)
Prompton Lake and Jadwin Dam in Wayne County (both completed in 1960 - authorized purpose of flood control)

Dam safety activities include regular inspections, routine maintenance, major rehabs, and assessments; communication and multi-agency emergency exercises; structural modifications; and management.

USACE owns and operates more than 700 dams in the United States, including six of the ten largest reservoirs; however, there are more than 90,000 dams across the country. Living with dams and managing risk is a shared responsibility. People are encouraged to understand their risk; prepare for emergencies; and to listen to guidance from their local officials.


Contact
Steve Rochette
Stephen.Rochette@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-034