Refilling of Lyman Run Dam delayed

Building the new dam at Lyman Run State Park was a massive undertaking, but the refilling of the 40-acre lake isn't far off.

Filling of the popular lake at Lyman Run State Park has been delayed, pending the go-ahead from the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection.

Meanwhile, other park improvements, including modern restrooms with shower facilities at two campgrounds, should be ready for operation in about two weeks.

An engineering study by Lehigh University this summer called for the sealing of surface cracks on the new dam before the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection gives the go-ahead to restore the 40-acre Lyman Lake.

That work is now underway, with Bill Anskis Company Inc. of Elysburg as the contractor, and should be completed sometime around Oct. 15.

The park was once a premier tourist attraction, drawing about 130,000 visitors a year. However, the lake was drained in 2000 after structural deficiencies were detected in the dam. The state approved $17 million for the new dam in 2004.

Once the refill order is issued, tiny Lyman Run and other water sources will fill the impoundment over a period of three to four months. The lake should be fully restored before Memorial Day.

Plans call for the lake to increase in depth by about one foot per day for the first 13 days, after which time the filling will be suspended while inspections are performed. Another five feet will be then be added, followed by more checks. If all is well, the lake restoration will then be completed.

The new dam is 50 feet high and 1,000 feet long. A previous dam had stood since the early 1950s, creating a cold-water lake that was popular with trout anglers, boaters and swimmers.