By: Averi Clark
The County of Chester has been working with the Federal Government for approximately ten years on an on-going rehabilitation of land near the Brandywine River. During this council, two dams have been integrated within the river. As safety regulations continue to change, the local and federal government must follow through with plans in accordance to such alterations. For Chester County, this means a recent update in dam infrastructure and drainage of a nearby pond. According to an agent of the Department of Emergency Services, the new service plan will take one to two years to complete. However, within the vicinity are areas that need to be maintained naturally, so not to disrupt the ecosystem.
On site, there is at least one herd of deer, a population of fish, bog turtles, and recently endangered- bald eagles. The eagles raise major concerns from Apple Cross residents, as they are cherished “neighborhood pets”. Regardless, construction to expand and rebuild the dam is a necessary safety precaution according to state and federal law. In Chester County, there are 36 high-hazard dams. Each high-hazard dam is required to maintain an Emergency Action Plan and submit a copy of their plan to the County Emergency Management Division. These plans must stay up to date with new penal codes and restrictions. No-one, but Apple Cross residents, have been exposed to these issues first hand- as of yet. Public safety is, and should be the first priority to the government and community, but new regulations and preservation authorities are threatening other lives in these areas. The dams and other safety structures have created undesired erosion of water and excess nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates, which almost inevitably lead to eutrophication.
The growing possibility of the pond becoming a dead-zone has created an opportunity for the county to intervene and drain the water. The limited life left in the pond will most likely migrate through the drains down stream. But, it is inevitable that there will be several organisms stranded without a habitat or necessary nutrients. By draining the pond, creating more barriers for flood hazards will be cheaper, and easier. Nonetheless, draining the pond would be a major disruption to the natural habitat and ecosystem, impeding on an area already dominated by greater human populations. The issue is ultimately a question of intrinsic value versus public safety. The Chester County departments of Water Resources Authority, Conservation, and Dam Operators, must consider these factors and how they will be perceived and accepted by the public.
The Downingtown STEM Academy has been invited by Chester County to tour the otherwise restricted area to evaluate and study the circumstance for educational purposes.