After almost a decade, Wehr’s Dam repairs finally completed
Years after South Whitehall Township residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of rehabilitating Wehr’s Dam in 2016, the day has come — major repairs are finally done.
“Nearly ten years ago, a group of dedicated citizens — cognizant of our rich local history — led a grassroots effort to save Wehr’s Dam from likely demolition,” Commissioner Jacob Roth wrote on Facebook in announcing the completed repairs. “They faced an uphill battle, sparring with powerful interests and elected officials who had little use for the crown jewel of the South Whitehall park system; but in the end, they were successful. Our community owes them a profound debt of gratitude for their efforts.”
Herb Bender, director of township operations, said two sections of the dam had to be cut out and replaced with new rebar and concrete, and the sluice gate was repaired by township public works crews.
Debate over the dam, a low head dam that crosses the Jordan Creek in Covered Bridge Park and was originally constructed in 1904, began in 2014 when the Wildlands Conservancy approached South Whitehall about removing it, citing its negative impact on the health of the Jordan Creek.
An engineering study commissioned by the group found fractures and missing chunks of concrete and water seepage under and through the structure.
Yet residents mobilized against the proposal, showing up to meetings with placards and T-shirts emblazoned with the “Save Wehr’s Dam” message.
A 2012 inspection report from the Department of Environmental Protection found that Wehr’s Dam was in “overall good condition,” but also noted that material beneath the wright abatement must be replaced and cracks needed to be repaired. The DEP’s routine inspections do not include underwater inspections, like the Wildlands Conservancy study did.
The Wildlands study, of which the DEP was a funder, projected removing the dam would cost up to $623,000, and a full-scale fix up to $951,000.
A referendum vote was held in 2016, with 53% of voters approving the borrowing of $600,000 to renovate the dam instead of removing it.
Yet for years after, the status of the dam languished on the “old business” section of South Whitehall meeting agendas, as the township sought needed permits. After a pandemic-related delay, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded the dam safety permit in January 2021.
Last May, the township Board of Commissioners approved a timeline for soliciting proposals to begin repairs and budgeted $850,000 toward renovating the structure.
“With the recent repairs and proper routine maintenance, I am hopeful that the dam will be enjoyed by generations to come,” Roth said in his post.
Diane Kelly, the board president, said she was relieved to see the repairs done.
“Wehr’s Dam is a treasured part of our township history that is over 100 years old and is enjoyed by our residents and visitors to the Covered Bridge Park,” Kelly said. “I am thankful to have played a small part in working to fulfill the wishes of our residents who cast their votes to save the dam and preserve its history.”
Bender said the dam will undergo a final DEP inspection in early spring to make sure no further repairs are needed, particularly to make sure any water seepage has stopped.