Kernsville Dam Removal Project

Alternatives Analysis

The Alternatives Analysis for the proposed New Kernsville Dam removal project is attached(Click Here to View)The analysis concludes that alternatives that would avoid or minimize the effect of the project on historic properties has been considered and that the preferred alternative is complete site removal.

Proposed Mitigation

It was determined that the dam removal project will have an adverse effect on the Schuylkill River Desilting Basin, which is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  The dam is considered a contributing resource to the historic property.  In accordance with Section 106, it is necessary to mitigate for the adverse effect. In consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, the Blue Mountain Wildlife organization, and Schuylkill River Greenways, the PA DEP offers the following as mitigation:

• Three or four interpretive kiosks will be installed after the project is complete.
• One kiosk will be placed near the parking area and will supplement the Blue Mountain Wildlife sign which is near the newly-created wetland.  It will further detail the Schuylkill River Desilting Project.
• The remaining kiosks will be installed at highly visible and accessible locations near the project location.  One will address the dam itself.
• The other two kiosks may address the:
  • Recreational history of the area as well as the future, enhanced recreational opportunities resulting from the dam removal
  • The trail systems and their histories
  • The canal and/or Schuylkill Navigation history
• Each kiosk will include text and be supported by graphics, including historic photographs, maps, and other illustrations, as appropriate. The consulting parties will be afforded an opportunity to review and comment on the kiosks prior to finalization and fabrication.

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Prior Studies

• Dam Breach Analysis and Flood Routing
• Dam Breach Analysis Appendix A
• Dam Breach Analysis Appendix B
• Final Emergency Action Plan

Emergency Action Plan

Certified Statement

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2019 New Kernsville Sounding Layout 1

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Silt Volume Scenario 1

Silt Volume Scenario 2

Silt Volumes Bottom Surface from 2018 Sounding

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Inorganic Sample Results

• Sample 1
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• Sample 9

Organic Sample Results

• Sample 1

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• Sample 2

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• Sample 3

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• Sample 4

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• Sample 5

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• Sample 6
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• Sample 7
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• Sample 8
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• Sample 9
  • Sample 9a
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  • Sample 9c

Soil and Water Sample Location Map

Impoundment Water Sample Lab Results