The Swatara Creek in Pine Grove has been historically prone to flooding, with devastating floods affecting over a hundred homes and businesses within the community since 2004. When Tropical Storm Lee dumped over 15 inches of rainfall across the borough in 2011, the resulting floods impacted 90% of local businesses, resulted in $40 million dollars in total damages, contributed to substantial water pollution, and resulted in the loss of 250 jobs due to permanent business closures.
In response to this flooding disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed the Flood Recovery Committee (FRC), a regional coalition that consisted of 8 municipalities, business leaders, and representatives of federal and state agencies who came together to create the “2012 Pine Grove Area/Upper Swatara Watershed Recovery Strategy.” This strategy identified floodplain restoration as on the primary BMPs recommended. This would not only reduce flooding, but also improve water quality and create wildlife habitat.
The eastern side of the Swatara Creek near Guilford Mills in Pine Grove, PA was identified as the site of construction and, in the fall of 2019, work began on the 10-acre wetland and floodplain. The project, helmed by the Schuylkill County Conservation District, cost around $2.5 million in grants, was completed in the summer of 2020.
Aaron Clauser, of Clauser Environmental who was responsible for the environmental planning of the project, explained that the project design allowed for the use of water from a small unnamed tributary to provide hydrology for over 5.3 acres of newly constructed wetlands that provide wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.
The project has so far withstood tests from mother nature, and the Schuylkill County Conservation District will continue to monitor the success of the plantings, hydrology, and the wildlife structures that were installed. The District hopes that their natural solution to this flooding issue can be used as a model for other communities.
Schuylkill Conservation District is currently working to design and permit a number of other restoration projects throughout Schuylkill County, including two more large projects near Pine Grove. The district is always looking for both volunteers and financial support for its conservation and environmental education programs. Please contact the district at (570) 622-3742 x5 if you are interested in learning more.
State Investments for this Project
- Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener) Grant: $2,991,000 (Schuylkill Conservation District)
- Commonwealth of PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program: $2,000,000 (County of Schuylkill)