Trees and brush to be cleared from Hearns Pond, Hudson Pond dams

SEAFORD (Dec. 21, 2010) – As part of DNREC’s new dam safety program, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife staff will begin clearing trees, brush, vines and debris from the Hearns Pond Dam north of Seaford and Hudson Pond Dam south of Ellendale in late December and early January.

New dam safety regulations adopted in December 2009 require removal of trees and brush covering Delaware dams to give dam safety inspectors better access to the structures. Many dams are so covered with vegetation that inspectors are unable to check for structural problems such as sinkholes, leaks and cracks, which can ultimately lead to dam failure if left undiscovered. Trees can add to the problem.

“If tree roots penetrate the dam, they can create pathways for water to seep through and undermine the structure,” said DNREC Dam Safety Engineer David Twing. “Large branches and trees falling on a dam also can cause damage.”

DNREC has ownership of five Delaware dams, two in the Milford area and three in Sussex County including the dams at Hearns Pond and Hudson Pond.

The Hearns Pond and Hudson Pond dam projects will begin with removal of undergrowth that currently covers the ground surface. After clearing the brush away, the surface will be smoothed and seeded with grass. A number of trees also will be removed.

“These two dams are the start of a multi-year project. It’s going to be a process, and we want people to understand that the goal is to make dams safer,” Twing said.

For more information on dam safety and clearing, please call 302-834-5557.

Vol. 40, No. 417