Lock Haven Council hears $27M dam upgrade plan, consultants outline 2 new production wells

Lock Haven — City engineering consultants told the Lock Haven City Council on Feb. 7 that required safety upgrades to the Olin Keller (Oldhampton) dam and associated reservoir work form a multi‑phase program that would cost in the neighborhood of $27 million.

Consultants said Phase 1 will focus on a parapet wall and concrete repairs to the spillway so the dam can safely pass larger flows, and Phase 2 would address the intake tower, mechanical systems and a new access bridge. "Phase 1 project is just the parapet wall and the concrete work required at the spillway," one consultant said. The firm also reported significant fracturing in the dam foundation and seepage that will require drilling and drainage measures.

The council was told work at Keller Reservoir could add roughly $15 million to the program, and that doing either reservoir project alone could restrict the city’s water supply while the other is offline. "This is about $27,000,000 project that the [city is] requiring in the interest of public safety," the consultant said.

Separately, consultants described a groundwater plan to develop two production wells in the Youngdale/McKinney Road area as supplemental sources. "We feel each well is capable of providing at least 500 gallons a minute," hydrogeologist Jim Balliett said, describing initial pump tests. He added that combined output in early estimates is roughly 1,500,000 gallons per day, but stressed that a formal simultaneous pump test and a hydrogeologic report to DEP and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission are required to determine sustainable yield and permit the wells.

On financing, staff outlined a likely funding mix if a PENVEST application and other grants succeed: roughly 30% grant funding and the balance borrowed. The presentation estimated about $19 million would be financed and that, at current low interest assumptions, debt service could be about $750,000 per year. City staff said the debt service would be apportioned through the Central Clinton County Water Filtration Authority so participating water users share costs.

Why it matters: The repairs respond to state dam‑safety criteria and aim to reduce public‑safety risk. The work also links directly to the city’s ability to supply water during construction: consultants warned that taking a reservoir out of service without an alternate supply could create operational constraints.

Next steps: Staff reported a PENVEST application under review with a hoped‑for April consideration; consultants said the next technical step on wells is a formal pump‑test plan and permitting work followed by a hydrogeologic report for DEP and the basin commission.