Environmental scientist Nate Hoffman provided a review of the $200,000 study now underway addressing potential removal of Wehr's Dam and restoration of the Jordan Creek in Covered Bridge Park, South Whitehall.

At the Oct. 9 meeting at the recreation center near the dam, Hoffman, project manager of the study, reported an underwater inspection of the dam has been conducted, and a topographic survey has begun on 3,100 feet of the stream from the S-Turn to a point west of the Pennsylvania Turnpike crossing.

As the session began, South Whitehall Director of Administration Howard Kutzler reviewed the credentials of Hoffman and Abigail Pattishall, vice president of conservation for the Wildlands Conservancy, the organization that obtained funding for the study.

Before Hoffman could begin, resident Michael Molovinsky, who wants to save the dam, asked whether there would be time for public comment.

He was told remarks would have to be written on forms for review by Wildlands Conservancy staff later.

"Thank you for the dog and pony show," Molovinsky said. "I'm leaving."

Hoffman proceeded to explain the various types of data to be collected for the study.

KCI representatives will go to the Department of Environmental Protection to look at inspection reports, historical records, and safety reviews of the dam.

They will screen for endangered species, collect aquatic data from the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission, and contact the state Museum and Historical Commission for recommendations.

Hoffman said if the dam is removed, it will be done in a controlled, methodical manner to avoid flooding and release of too much sediment.

Mark Miller, whose in-laws live downstream, asked whether dam withdrawal would cause flooding for them.

"These properties haven't been flooded for 30 years," Miller said. "The dam is like a retention pond."

Hoffman responded.

"It is a common misconception a dam prevents flooding," Hoffman said. "There will be less frequent flooding if the dam is removed."

If the dam is taken out, the stream will be narrower and will reconnect to its flood plain when the gabion baskets are pulled out, Pattishall said.

Hoffman said the 190-foot-wide dam, which is four times the natural width of the stream, bissects the fish communities.

Pattishall said the dam disrupts the natural flow of water and restricts fish passage.

Hoffman expects to have all the field work done by November for KCI personnel to work at synthesizing the data for a report in January 2015.

Kutzler said South Whitehall is committed to hiring an engineer who will provide a review of the KCI findings.

"A decision will not be made until the study and information are complete," Kutzler said.