Politics & Government

Dam Study Smells Fishy to Palmer

Palmer Township is concerned about a study to remove two dams along the Lehigh River.

Palmer Township Supervisor Bob Lammi thinks that plans to remove two dams along the Lehigh River stinks.

Lammi expressed his concerns at the Board of Supervisors meeting Monday that a study to remove the Easton and Chain dams along the Lehigh River to allow fish mitigation is not only costly, but may damage the water levels around Palmer Township.

"There are a lot of consequences to the area," Lammi said. "Taking down the dams will change the culture of what the river, canals and banks look like."

Lammi wanted the township's stance to be stated before public comment on the study ended July 17.

A Maryland firm, KCI, is conducting the study in which it might take a decade for the dams to be removed.

Supervisors approved a motion so Lammi, working with Township Manager Christopher Christman, could address a letter issuing the township's concerns.

"The fish ladders have not been effective," Lammi said. "But I have concerns that the river level will drop substantially and that our piers will be exposed."

Supervisor Bob Smith wondered what the impact may be on a boat club and a boat launch that was installed.

Lammi also worried whether Palmer may have to pick up some of the tab if the study is approved. He stated that the cost to remove the dams could range from $12-18 million.

"It's a study to get fish up the Delaware River to the Lehigh River that will cost $12 to $18 million?" Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver asked.

"Those are gonna be some expensive fish," Lammi chuckled.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Palmer-Forks