Lehigh River

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Lehigh River, Pennsylvania - Providing ecological flows that meet project purposes

The Lehigh River is part of the Delaware River Basin and influenced by operation of the F.E. Walter and Beltzville Reservoirs in Pennsylvania. Through the Sustainable Rivers Program and with funding from the Delaware River Basin Commission, a study was started in 2011 that sought to develop basin‐wide ecosystem flow recommendations for non‐tidal riverine habitats of the Delaware River basin. Utilizing these basin‐wide ecosystem flow recommendations, The Nature Conservancy and the USACE Philadelphia District entered into a Cooperative Agreement to conduct a more detailed assessment on the influence of the District’s reservoir operations in the Lehigh River watershed, a major tributary to the Delaware River.

Past efforts in the Lehigh River watershed have focused primarily on the positive and negative impacts of modified operations and release flows on recreation and water quality. The focus of this assessment was to better understand how present and potential future operational changes may affect the ecology of the Lehigh River. The study purposes included summarizing flow alteration and potential ecological effects of reservoir releases from F.E. Walter Reservoir and Beltzville Reservoir in the Lehigh River watershed in order to identify the potentially‐affected groups of species and assess how well their flow needs are met. Information from this and preceding studies provide a basis for development of specific flow recommendations to support improvements to ecosystem function within the limits of their authorized operations.

The F.E. Walter Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Lehigh River in 1961 and has prevented more than $222 million in flood damages. It also supports downstream recreation on the Lehigh River with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir - The F.E. Walter Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Lehigh River in 1961 and has prevented more than $222 million in flood damages. It also supports downstream recreation on the Lehigh River with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases (USACE photo).

Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972 and has prevented more than $36 million in flood damages. The project is located on Pohopoco Creek, a tributary of the Lehigh River, and is multi-purpose, providing flood control, water supply, and recreational capabilities.

Beltzville Dam and Reservoir - Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972 and has prevented more than $36 million in flood damages. The project is located on Pohopoco Creek, a tributary of the Lehigh River, and is multi-purpose, providing flood control, water supply, and recreational capabilities (USACE photo).

Lehigh River - Lehigh River upstream of F.E. Walter Dam and Reservoir (USACE photo).

Lehigh River - A reach of the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Gorge Pennsylvania State Park downstream of Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir (USACE photo).

Anoxic conditions deep in the reservoir during drought operations resulted in iron precipitate for many miles below the dam. Populations of aquatic insects were affected, which underscores the importance of understanding flow-ecology relationships when operating reservoirs.

Iron Precipitate below Francis E. Walter Dam - Anoxic conditions deep in the reservoir during drought operations resulted in iron precipitate for many miles below the dam. Populations of aquatic insects were affected, which underscores the importance of understanding flow-ecology relationships when operating reservoirs (USACE photo).

Water quality sampling locations on the Lehigh River mainstem, tributaries, and Corps reservoirs. Data collected supported operations, as well as a comprehensive water quality study and model.

Lehigh River Water Quality - Water quality sampling locations on the Lehigh River mainstem, tributaries, and Corps reservoirs. Data collected supported operations, as well as a comprehensive water quality study and model.

A USACE Philadelphia District Ecologist installing water quality monitoring equipment in the Lehigh River.

Water Quality Monitoring in the Lehigh River - A USACE Philadelphia District Ecologist installing water quality monitoring equipment in the Lehigh River (USACE photo).

Consideration of alternative operations at Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir includes water quality, flood risk management, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and other project concerns.

Lehigh River and Francis E. Walter Dam - Consideration of alternative operations at Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir includes water quality, flood risk management, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and other project concerns (USACE photo).

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Story

The Lehigh River is a major tributary of the Delaware River in the northeast region of Pennsylvania. The Lehigh supports a diverse array of outdoor activities. This attraction provides annual and long-term economic benefits to the region, state and local economy, and offers recreational opportunities for tens of thousands of people each year. In addition to recreation (angling and whitewater rafting), flood risk management, water quality, water supply, and hydroelectric development are all of interest. The Lehigh River below F.E. Walter Dam and Reservoir also provides water supply for hundreds of thousands of watershed residents. Read More

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District
The Nature Conservancy
Delaware River Basin Commission
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

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