Analysis, Restoration of Loch Alsh Dam Underway

Ambler Borough has begun an analysis study of Loch Alsh dam that will model various storm events and what the impacts on the dam and the community would be.

The last time an analysis was done was in 1992.

The analysis will be completed with the completion of the dam’s restoration, which has widened the dam’s aprons (walls) and increased the drainage pipe from a 10-inch pipe to 24 inches.

Mary Avera, Ambler Borough Manager, said the Borough has also experienced more runoff into Loch Alsh from Rt. 309 since the construction.

Elizabeth Russell, assistant to the borough manager, said after Hurricane Irene, the borough had pumps at the dam to drain the water.

Construction of the dam is being funded y an H2O grant of $520,000 with a $130,000 match from the Borough. With the new 24-inch pipe addition to the project, the borough is over the grant by $240,000.

”It’s the cost of doing business,” said Aversa. She added that they want to protect the residents down stream.

The analysis will redo the flood maps for the borough, looking at the new design of Loch Alsh dam and identify who could be affected if the dam did breach.

A new emergency procedure and emergency action plan will be created for the borough based on the results of the analysis.

The analysis will be shared with Upper Dublin Township.