BUNOLA, Pa. – Following a recent controlled explosion to initiate the removal of a dam in Elizabeth, concerns have arisen in the area. The aftermath of the explosion has left boaters at a nearby marina noticing significant changes in the shoreline.
David Shallenberger, a long-time resident with a deep connection to the Monongahela River in Bunola, expressed his dismay at the alterations brought about by the project. Accompanied by his wife, Lynn, they lamented the impact on their cherished summer spot, the Carousel Marina, now adorned with remnants of dead clams as testament to the ecosystem’s distress.
The demolition of a dam that stood since 1907 in nearby Elizabeth has led to visible changes down the Monongahela, with drastic drops in water levels causing concern among marina users. The Shallenbergers, among others, worry about the logistical challenges they may face in winter without adequate water levels to safely dock their boats.
As boats have had to be repositioned to avoid being stranded in mud, business at a neighboring restaurant has slowed down since the explosion, highlighting the broader economic ramifications of the project. The loss of about 40% of the marina has left many feeling the impact of what they perceive as a significant misstep in the project execution.
Scheduled to conclude in December, the project’s accelerated timetable, now set to finish by August 28, reflects the urgency in addressing the unforeseen consequences of the dam removal. With water levels lower than anticipated, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh Division has expedited efforts to mitigate the challenges faced by affected stakeholders.