Reevaluation Study

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Francis E. Walter Dam Reevaluation Study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, in partnership with the Delaware River Basin Commission and New York City Department of Environmental Protection, is conducting a feasibility re-evaluation study for Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir.

Prior & Ongoing Study Efforts:

To date, the study team has assessed an array of possible alternatives including structural modifications and operational changes. Further analysis and modeling have been ongoing to understand any potential impacts to the flood risk management mission, recreation, and the environment. The primary objective of this thorough evaluation is to avoid or minimize any unforeseen impacts.

Study Approach & Next Steps:

The study’s refined focus will consider future use of the Francis E. Walter Dam Reservoir during Delaware River basin emergency drought conditions to support/aid salinity repulsion in the Delaware Estuary and provide low flow augmentation. It’s important to note that a key constraint of the study remains the same - avoiding and minimizing any impacts to the authorized purposes (Flood Risk Management and Recreation). It’s also important to note that the type of drought conditions that could trigger the operational changes being considered with this study last occurred in 2002 and a total of seven times since 1965. The study has received approval for additional time and funding to complete. USACE anticipates releasing a draft report for public review in the Summer of 2026.

Since this study effort exceeds allowed Congressional funding and time limits, an additional resource request was approved by the Secretary for increased time and funding to complete the needed engineering analysis. The study completion date is anticipated for March 2027 based on the additional analysis required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the study partners

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Philadelphia District, in partnership with the Delaware River Basin Commission and New York City Department of Environmental Protection, has initiated a feasibility re-evaluation study for the Francis E. Walter Dam. USACE will also be coordinating with a number of federal and state resource agencies throughout the study process.

Why is the Delaware River Basin Commission involved in the study?

Statement from the Delaware River Basin Commission:

“The DRBC has broad authority under federal and state laws to provide for the planning, conservation, utilization, development, and management of the water resources throughout the Delaware River Basin. The Lehigh River, its tributaries, and the F.E. Walter Reservoir are located within the Delaware River Basin. The DRBC’s management responsibilities include water supply, flow management, drought management, flood risk management, water quality, recreation, aquatic life, and fisheries. Therefore, any potential changes to the river flows or reservoir uses or operations are of interest to DRBC and its members, including Pennsylvania and the other basin states of Delaware, New Jersey, and New York.”

Why is New York City involved in this study of F.E. Walter Dam?

Statement from New York City Department of Environmental Protection:

“New York City owns and operates three large reservoirs on the headwaters of the Delaware River. Those reservoirs are part of a drinking water system of 19 reservoirs that provides high-quality drinking water to 9.6 million people in New York City and New York State. Those reservoirs also release a significant quantity of water downstream to support multiple objectives on the Delaware River, including cold-water fisheries, enhanced flood attenuation, and flow targets that stretch as far south as Montague and Trenton. As such, New York City plays an important role in river management, drought planning and climate change modeling on the Delaware River. New York City does not want to draw drinking water from F.E. Walter Reservoir, have control of its operations, or purchase space within the reservoir. Its interest in the study is related to drought planning in the face of sea-level rise that is accelerating due to climate change, and how the operation of reservoirs throughout the basin can help meet these future challenges.”

What are the expected impacts on recreational water releases from F.E. Walter Dam?

Recreation is a congressionally authorized purpose of F.E. Walter Dam. USACE has no plans to downsize the recreation program.

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F.E. Walter Dam Photos

Project Index Map for Francis E. Walter Dam

The Francis E. Walter Dam has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages since its construction.

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.

Study Documents

1985 General Design Memorandum

General Design Memorandum, August 1985
Appendices and Design Memos To Be Posted At A Later Date

2015 Initial Appraisal Report

Initial Appraisal Report, July 2015

Jan. 9 2020 Public Meeting Materials

Stakeholder Meeting (April 2024)

Background

The Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir Project (formerly Bear Creek Dam) was completed in 1961 as a single purpose flood control project. The Water Resources Development Act of 1988 added recreation as another authorized purpose. The project is located on the Lehigh River, approximately 77 miles above the confluence with the Delaware River, in Carbon and Luzerne County in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The dam has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages since its construction.