Ryerson spillway removed
RICHHILL TWP. – Earlier this week the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) began working to remove a section of the dam spillway on the lake at Ryerson Station State Park after the state took emergency action to drain the reservoir after damage was found to the dam. Officials said the spillway is being removed to avoid a possible flooding situation in the reservoir in case the region should experience hard rainfall while repairs to the dam are being completed.
In late July, officials emptied the 62-acre lake at Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County after a state inspection revealed serious structural damage.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in conjunction with the state Department of Environmental inspected the dam and found problems that were significant enough to warrant the impromptu draining of the massive lake.
DCNR officials said that the dam continues to deteriorate since it was drawn down nearly two weeks ago and that assessments since the water was drained have revealed significant damage.
According to a DCNR press release, precautionary evacuations of some downstream residences and one business could be required if rains filled the reservoir putting pressure on the structurally unsound dam but added once the spillway is opened, an evacuation would not be necessary.
The State Department of Environmental Protection and DCNR officials have kept area residents abreast of the potential danger.
“Our first priority is ensuring the health and safety of residents who live downstream,” DCNR State Parks Bureau Director Roger Fickes said in a press release. “With the lake drained, there is no threat but we have alerted people to be aware. Removing a portion of the dam will prevent the reservoir from refilling and keep residents safe as we continue our assessment of the structure.”
DCNR said a 100-foot section of the 200-foot spillway – built to help maintain overflow from the reservoir – will be removed over the next month by state officials to avoid a possible break in the dam.
According to park manager Dennis Miller, the dam has experienced some seepage over the last few years, but sharp changes in the leakage warranted swift action.
Greene County Chairwoman Pam Snyder said county officials personally notified each of the 54 homes that could be affected by a possible break of the possible flooding.
“The dam was constructed in 1960 on the Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek and the state park began operations in 1967.
The state will have engineers study the dam and the damage and begin repairs, but also added that no timeline for refilling the reservoir has been established.
Miller said the remainder of 1,162-acre state park will remain open.