The Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society continues its fight to preserve the natural character of Wyoming Valley's stretch of the Susquehanna River. The following editorial appeared in local newspapers in late February and early March of 2004.
Not Everyone in the Community Supports the Inflatable Dam
Sam Merrill, President, Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society,
Jennifer Lavery, Chairperson, Northeastern Group, Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club
During the past several months, news reports have highlighted a renewed interest in proposals for a riverfront development project in the Wyoming Valley, including a proposal for a dam on the Susquehanna River. Although casting a positive light on the Susquehanna River would be good for the region's future, suggesting that the entire community supports every component of the riverfront project is misleading. On the contrary, local environmental groups have voiced consistent opposition to damming the river, and we remain opposed to the proposed inflatable dam.
The leaders of the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society and the Northeastern Group, Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club, oppose the inflatable dam for several reasons: (1) we expect that conflicts with current River users would result if the dam were built, (2) scientific studies suggest that the dam would negatively impact wildlife, and (3) due to sewage contamination, the water quality of the Susquehanna River currently is unsuitable for the types of recreation the dam would supposedly permit. Overall, we believe that the Susquehanna River can serve as a valuable economic resource without significantly altering its natural character with a dam.
The Susquehanna's water quality was cited in the inflatable dam feasibility study prepared by Gannett Fleming, Inc. as a major obstacle to the dam's potential for economic success. That study suggested that raw sewage overflows must be eliminated before the dam is constructed. Since the long, and costly, process of correcting the sewage discharges has yet to begin, we question the wisdom of forging ahead with plans to construct an inflatable dam.
Proponents of the inflatable dam point to the supposed benefits of maintaining a stable pool from spring through autumn. However, impounding the River for long periods of time could have serious consequences for residents' health, as well as for the River's wildlife. The pool created by the dam would eliminate or degrade island and shoreline habitats that are used by nesting waterfowl and by migrating wading birds. Furthermore, scientific studies suggest that rising River levels cause nearby pond levels to rise due to rising ground water. Along with creating breeding areas for disease-carrying mosquitoes by altering the normal drying cycle that the ponds may experience in summer, elevated ground water levels also could inundate the roots of trees for much longer periods than they can tolerate, thereby "drowning" the floodplain forest. Loss of the forest would mean not only a loss of wildlife habitat, but also a loss of the flood control and nutrient-filtering benefits the forest provides.
The higher water temperatures that would result from damming the River would favor less desirable aquatic species such as carp. Fishermen and others would be affected by the increased active recreation that dam proponents envision for the new "lake." Although the pool would be too shallow and too narrow to permit water skiing, personal watercraft, such as jet skis, could be used, conflicting with current River users. The Susquehanna has been called a valuable natural resource -- "natural" being the key word. The North Branch of the Susquehanna River has just been designated as Pennsylvania's 2004 featured "River of the Year." Pennsylvania Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, Michael DiBerardinis, called the North Branch a gem that is clearly appreciated by those who enjoy its scenic beauty and recreational values. He noted the work being done by local government and conservation organizations to ensure the river's continued vitality and impact on regional tourism. The Riverís 192 free-flowing miles between Binghamton and Sunbury can be enjoyed, and can serve as an economic asset, without being altered with an inflatable dam.
Recognizing the opportunity to introduce residents and tourists to the River's natural beauty, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has proposed creating a "water trail" along the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County and has established the Susquehanna Warrior Trail hiking path along the River's banks from Plymouth to Berwick. Audubon Pennsylvania currently is designing the Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail, an automobile route that will extend from Maryland to New York State, and includes a stop at Wilkes-Barre's Riverfront Parks, where Audubon Society members have observed more than 130 bird species.
Nationally, wildlife watching generates an estimated $38.4 billion annually. Hence, these initiatives can produce enormous economic benefits for our region without jeopardizing the health of the Susquehanna River corridor, and without burdening taxpayers with the expense of constructing and maintaining an inflatable dam.
Constructing an inflatable dam in the Susquehanna River is unnecessary at best, and likely detrimental to the River's ecosystem at worst. As we strive through the long process of eliminating the sewage overflows and mine water contamination that plague the River, we should learn to appreciate the Susquehanna's natural beauty by living in harmony with the River as our forebears did.