Bear Gap No. 2 Dam Spillway Rehab
NOTE: Please know that only authorized individuals are allowed to access the site currently.
Update: The current focus is preparation for the new spillway chute slabs. Proper treatment of the underlying bedrock is essential to stabilize the foundation and ensure that the new spillway can handle a full range of hydraulic conditions and prevent erosion beneath the structure. The concrete spillway slabs will be constructed on a stable foundation built to withstand fluctuating conditions.
Welcome to the Bear Gap No. 2 Dam Improvement Project
At Aqua, we’re committed to our mission of protecting and providing Earth’s most essential resource: water. This includes delivering safe, reliable drinking water to our customers and extends our commitment to protecting our water resources.
Aqua is dedicated to operating, maintaining and updating the Bear Gap No. 2 Dam to ensure its long-term functionality, public safety and preservation for future generations.
About
The Shamokin Reservoir, located within the Weiser State Forest Roaring Creek Tract in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, was formed in 1923 following the construction of Bear Gap No. 2 Dam, which impounds flow from the South Branch Roaring Creek
The reservoir, which is 67 feet deep and covers 61 acres, collects flow from 13.3 square miles of watershed, all of which is located within Weiser State Forest. In 2003, this area was sold to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to establish the Roaring Creek Tract for the benefit of land conservation and protecting water quality. Although DCNR owns this area, Aqua Pennsylvania is responsible for operating and maintaining the reservoir. It serves customers in parts of Schuylkill, Columbia and Northumberland counties.
Project Overview
As part of Aqua’s Dam Safety program, Bear Gap No. 2 Dam is evaluated for structural stability and spillway capacity to safely pass the most severe flood conditions. As a result of these evaluations, it was determined that the original concrete spillway, which was constructed in phases from 1923 to 1946, was built without certain safeguards that are now standard in modern dam construction.
It's important to note that Aqua proactively initiated this project. The planned improvements will increase water supply reliability and help protect downstream communities from potential dam safety-related risks in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Division of Dam Safety design criteria.
Project Timeline
September 2020 – Aqua Pennsylvania hired Schnabel Engineering to design a new concrete spillway chute that reflects the state of modern concrete spillway construction. Schnabel is a national leader in engineering with highly specialized experience in analysis, design and construction support for the rehabilitation of existing dams. As Engineer of Record, Schnabel will be responsible for the design and quality assurance aspects of the project.
August 2023 – Aqua Pennsylvania contracted David F. Ronca Construction to build the proposed spillway.
October 2023 – Construction commenced. There are several project components following different timelines:
- Phase 1: This will include the construction of a cofferdam to allow the contractor to safely perform work within the spillway. This will result in the lowering of Shamokin Reservoir by 15 feet and lowering McWilliams Reservoir, located four miles upstream, by five feet. The new concrete spillway will be constructed within the footprint of the existing spillway but will feature a different design that increases the hydraulic capacity of the spillway. The duration of the project depends on many variables that are subject to change, but it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
FAQs
What is the goal of the project?
The goal of the project is to improve the concrete spillway to be consistent with modern design practices.
Who oversees the project?
Aqua Pennsylvania is overseeing the project. The work will be conducted according to the Letter of Authorization issued by PADEP Division of Dam Safety who approved the design.
Will the reservoir be lowered for construction?
Shamokin Reservoir at Bear Gap No. 2 Dam will be lowered 15 feet and McWilliams Reservoir at Bear Gap No. 6 Dam will be lowered 5 feet. These levels are expected to return to normal following the spillway construction phase of the project. Boaters who purchase permits should contact DCNR for more information.
Will the dam protect areas downstream from flood?
Bear Gap No. 2 Dam was designed as a water supply dam to maximize storage. This means that flood waters above the normal pool are passed over the spillway and into the downstream area. This is different than a “flood control” dam that is designed to store flood waters and discharge slowly over time. While the presence of Bear Gap No. 2 Dam may provide some flood protection, it is not designed for that purpose. The proposed project will not change this fact.
Will the project affect drinking water usage?
No. While the project will consist of temporarily lowering the reservoir, there is no concern about our ability to ensure an adequate water supply.
Will you be cutting down trees as part of this?
Tree removal will be conducted as part of the access road construction. Once the project is complete, Aqua will work with DCNR to establish native vegetation within the disturbed areas.
Will there be impacts to access?
Will there be impacts to access to Weiser State Forest Roaring Creek Tract?
No. Construction vehicles will be accessing the site via a temporary access road off State Route 55, separate from the public access road to the park.
What are expected noise levels from the project?
Generally, activities such as concrete demolition and rock excavation are expected to be noisy. The location of the site within the valley and local noise restriction regulations, however, will mitigate any disturbances to local residents.
While our time onsite will vary from season to season, we anticipate our working hours to be 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
How long until the work is complete?
The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. This is dependent on many variables that are subject to change, and we will provide regular updates on this webpage.
Interested in more information?
Please fill out the form below, and a project representative will be in touch asap. Thank you!