Dean Creek Dam Rehabilitation Plan Available for Review

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invites Tioga County residents and other interested individuals to review the draft rehabilitation plan for the Dean Creek Watershed Pelto Dam and Pylkas Dam.  These dams are earthen embankments located in Tioga County, New York.  The dams were designed by NRCS and constructed in 1955 by the Pilot Watershed Program.  The dams have provided flood protection for over 67 years for downstream property and infrastructure.  Both dams are classified as high hazard structures and they do not meet current safety and performance criteria.

Hard copies are available at the Tioga County library in Owego and the Town of Spencer.  An electronic version will also be posted on the New York NRCS website (www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/watershed-and-flood-prevention-operations-wfpo-program/new-york/new-york) from October 6, 2023 through November 6, 2023.  Visitors can click on Dean Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Plan information under Watershed Rehabilitation.

NRCS built the original structures in cooperation with the Tioga County Legislature, Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Town of Spencer (referred to as sponsors).  The agency then worked with these sponsors to develop the plan for the rehabilitation project with estimated installation costs of $7,283,220 ($5,124,870 will be paid from NRCS Small Watershed Rehabilitation funds and $2,158,350 from non-federal funds).

Public comments on the Draft Plan-EA for the rehabilitation of Pelto Dam and Pylkas Dam should be sent to Blake Glover, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 441 S. Salina Street, Suite 354, Syracuse, NY 13202.  Specific inquiries about this rehabilitation plan can be referred to David Walowsky, State Design Engineer, Natural Resources Conservation Service, by phone at (315) 477-6531 or by email at david.walowsky@usda.gov.