Pennsylvania Dam Removal to Restore Fish Habitat

Migratory fish will once again be able to reach a stretch of their historic habitat in Pennsylvania when an old dam once built to provide water for steam-powered locomotives is removed this week, according to news from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Fisheries Service.

The 15-foot-high Heilman Dam on Mahoning Creek will be removed using a hydraulic hammer mounted on an excavator. Owned by the Borough of Lehighton, the dam is not only no longer needed for railways, but is considered a public safety hazard and liability.

"It was a no-brainer, really," said John Hanosek, manager of Lehighton Borough. "Removing the dam is the most logical decision for economic and public safety reasons. Plus, it restores Mahoning Creek to its natural state and allows us to create a safe riverside park for our community. We're looking forward to seeing shad swimming past the park, and we thank our partners for helping make this happen," he added.

NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) is providing technical assistance and feasibility and assessment funding for the $120,000 river restoration project. Since it was established in 1996, the CRP, along with its partners, has helped fund more than 1,500 restoration projects across the U.S.

Once the dam is removed, American shad, herring and other migratory fish will be able to travel all the way from the Atlantic Ocean up to the headwaters of Mahoning Creek -- more than 250 miles.

"Removing the Heilman Dam will improve community safety and help restore populations of American shad, herring and other migratory fish to the river," said William T. Hogarth, director of NOAA Fisheries Service.

After the dam is removed, the Fisheries Service and its partners will plant the restored stream channel with native grasses, shrubs and tree seedlings. About 3 acres of land in the area will be converted into a riverside public park, and the borough plans to increase boating and fishing opportunities along Mahoning Creek.