The Borough of Northampton is concerned with the impact the destruction of the Atlas Dam will have on box turtles in the area.

According to the Pennsylvania Herp Identification, the eastern box turtle is listed as a species of special concern. This means although the species is not yet considered endangered or threatened, it is uncommon or it has unique or highly specific habitat requirements.

Surrounded by woodland, the dam and creek are located on privately owned land.

The Northampton council and administration believe the creek should be retained in its present, natural state. Along with the box turtle, small wildlife and a host of species of birds have made the creek their home.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko last Friday acknowledged a letter was forwarded July 29 to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service inquiring if a study of the habitat in the area of the Atlas Dam had been conducted.

The letter asks for the results of such a study, if conducted, and the costs of the review.

"We have not heard anything back," Zarayko said.

He added the borough heard from other sources bids were sought for the partial demotion of the dam. The letter to the federal agency states the reply should be forwarded to Councilman Ed Pany, who has supported the dam remaining in its current condition.

"I heard nothing," Pany said.

The issue became public in February when notice was released by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarding a $429,000 grant to the Martins Jacoby Watershed Association for partial removal of the dam.

The grant included funding for silt removal and creating a parklike setting with fill on the banks of the creek.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. and others on council said the money would have been better spent to restore the dam.

"Blindsided," Council President John Yurish said on learning of the dam's future and the grant award.