Oakland Dam Hydroelectric P-5730

The Oakland Dam removal began in July 2023, marking the largest dam removal to date in Pennsylvania.

From the American Rivers press release:

“Oakland Dam, a dangerous and obsolete former hydropower dam, is 755 ft long and 16 ft high. Removal will eliminate a severe safety hazard at #350 on the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail, eliminating the need for water trail users to portage around this barrier. The project will also reconnect 250 miles of aquatic habitat for sportfish, iconic freshwater mussels, and other critical fish and wildlife.

Project partners include American Rivers, the Boroughs of Susquehanna and Oakland, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Upper Susquehanna Coalition via Tioga County Soil & Water Conservation District, PA Department of Environmental Protection, PA Fish & Boat Commission, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. This river restoration project is funded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Department of Community & Economic Development, River Bounty, and Susquehanna County.

Oakland Dam once provided electricity to Barnes Kasson Hospital and to Susquehanna Depot, a major railroad hub for the northeastern US, located on the banks of the Susquehanna River in what is now Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park. Hydropower generation was abandoned in the early 2000’s due to an accidental breach in the center of the dam.”