News

August 27, 2008

DEP denies permit for inflatable dam

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
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Though the proposed Susquehanna River inflatable dam project was already dead in the water, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has formally denied a permit application to build it.

DEP spokesman Michael Smith said Tuesday the denial is “basically a moot point” because the project had already been cancelled.

The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority voted in March not to appeal another permit denial by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The authority’s consultant estimated it would cost $50,000 to $75,000 in county funds to fight the Corps’ permit denial.

A DEP permit was also required to advance the project.

Even if the county had eventually won permits from both government agencies, various environmental groups were expected to file injunctions to stop the project, leading to more delays and increased project costs, county officials said.

The federal government earmarked $14 million for the project, but the project cost escalated to an estimated $20 million.

According to an Aug. 15 letter sent to the county, DEP said the county sought the dam to compensate for lost recreational opportunities and Susquehanna River access restrictions caused by the Wyoming Valley Levee-raising.

“The permit application does not adequately address ‘non-dam’ alternatives for providing increased recreational opportunities and river access,” DEP told the county.

The letter also said the county’s application does not “adequately address” environmental concerns, including possible impact on migratory fish species and other fish and wildlife.

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