Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Neshaminy Basin Water Resources Planning (1987-1990)
The Neshaminy Water Resources Authority, based in Bucks County, Pennsylva-
nia (Figure B-9), was the entity responsible for the development of a multipurpose
impoundment program begun in 1966, under the guidance of the Soil Conser-
vation Service, funded under PL 566. Intended initially to function as a flood
control program, with several large multipurpose impoundments designed for
flood detention storage, water supply, and recreation, and a group of dry impound-
ments for flood control only, the system was partially constructed by 1980. One
large impoundment was not yet constructed, and a water supply diversion from
an adjacent river was planned as part of a supply for a then-new nuclear power
plant. The agency decided to reevaluate the overall program for water supply,
water quality, and flood control in light of the changing land use in the water-
shed from agriculture to suburban residential. It was apparent that the impact of
phosphorus-laden runoff on water quality in the human-made lakes was a major
problem and limited contact recreation. The impact of the river diversion on lake
chemistry was also an issue.
Figure B-9
Neshaminy Basin, southeastern Pennsylvania, with dam network built under
PL 566.
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