The Atlas Dam, one of Northampton's most scenic and treasured historic sites, is likely to be partially demolished in the coming weeks.

The dam was erected around 1902 on the Hokendauqua Creek and provided electricity to the Atlas Cement Company, then the nation's largest cement manufacturing plant.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said the demolition of about 200 feet of the dam will take place this summer, but was unable to provide any timetables.

He said the borough has not received any information about the dam for some time and that work was expected to take place earlier.

Trees and other brush were seen on top of the dam preventing water from cascading into the creek over the weekend.

An aspect of the dam removal project is to take out the silt which has built up on the creek bed for years. The silt will then be used for recreation.

In February, the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection provided a $420,900 grant to the Martins Jacoby Watershed Association for the project.

Zarayko said the announcement was a surprise and the borough had no knowledge of it.

The land, creek and dam is on private property, owned by the Horwith family.