U.S. Army Corps of Engineers abandons study at Foster J. Sayers Dam

HOWARD, Pa. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has discontinued its study into making modifications at Foster J. Sayers Dam to sustain aquatic habitat during historical low-flow conditions.

The study was going to look into if the area could sustain aquatic habitat if engineers began lowering water levels between the months of July and November.

“We feel it is not in the federal interest to continue to spend additional federal funding on further evaluation,” said Anastasiya Kononova, Baltimore District project manager.

“Based on findings from the modeling and environmental analysis of various alternatives, environmental benefits could occur from adjusting releases during low flows, but these benefits are marginal.”

Officials said public feedback played a role in the decision to abandoned the study.

"We listened to and considered the feedback received from stakeholders and members of the public through various means like our initial public workshop, attendance at borough council meetings and email study status updates. This feedback played a critical role in our decision to conclude the study in addition to the modeling results,” said Col. Ed Chamberlayne, Baltimore District commander.

The project was receiving some backlash from residents as they felt it would reduce recreational activities in the area.

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