WHO: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District
WHAT: The Corps of Engineers is conducting a stakeholders meeting and a public meeting to discuss the progress and activities of its East Branch Dam Safety Project. The goal of the stakeholders meeting is to provide an update to local partners and agencies on the progress that has been made since the last meeting in September. Stakeholders will also provide an update on their agencies efforts throughout the region at the 10:30 a.m. meeting. The goal of the public meeting is to provide an update on the Dam Safety Project and give the community the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
WHEN: Stakeholders meeting, Wednesday Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the East Branch Dam Maintenance Building
Public Meeting, Wednesday Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Johnsonburg High School Auditorium
WHERE: Johnsonburg High School, 315 High School Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845
WHY: Public safety is the number one priority of the Corps' Dam Safety Program. In 2008, the Pittsburgh District initiated a dam safety investigation into seepage-related concerns at East Branch Clarion River Lake near Johnsonburg in Western Pennsylvania. To reduce the risk to the public, Pittsburgh District implemented several interim risk reduction measures, including increased monitoring; 24/7 staffing; updated emergency action plans; and reduced water levels in the reservoir to relieve pressure on the dam. These and other short-term actions allow us to operate the dam and to meet our public safety objective until long term repairs are complete. A Dam Safety Modification Study was completed and approved in October 2010 and recommends a cutoff wall be constructed within the dam. Approval to initiate construction was received in August 2011. The first construction contract for site development was awarded in September 2011.
For more information, visit: www.lrp.usace.army.mil/rec/lakes/eastbran.htm
CONTACT: Public Affairs Office at 412-395-7500 or Email: EastBranch@usace.army.mil
Release no. 12-251