$4.2 million project repaired failing century-old structure

Seaford, Del. – Governor John Carney, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Representative Daniel Short, Seaford Mayor David Genshaw, and local officials were joined by local residents today to cut the ribbon marking the completion of the Hearns Pond Dam project.

“Maintaining and improving our infrastructure is critical for our residents and our economy,” said Governor John Carney. “The dam at Hearns Pond was ranked as the highest priority dam in the state in need of repairs and increased capacity. With every heavy rainfall, the local community held their breath in concern for the stability of this dam. Today, residents and businesses of the Seaford community can rest easier knowing this dam is the first in the state to undergo a total rehabilitation and is fully compliant with our new dam safety program.”

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) work together as state agencies to inspect, design, construct, and maintain Dams statewide.

In 2013, Hearns Pond Dam was identified as the highest priority dam in the state in need of repairs and increased capacity. Hearns Pond Dam is the first project completed under this partnership agreement between DNREC and DelDOT.

“We’re grateful to the DNREC team for their work with us to develop a comprehensive dam safety program,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan. “With the successful completion of this project, we will now move on to performing similar projects for the dam at Trussum Pond next year, and the dam at Records Pond, which is in the design stage.”

“As we stand here on the new Hearns Pond Dam, we mark the end of its history of failure and flooding and the beginning of its role in properly protecting the Seaford community during future storm events,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Now, we look forward to working in partnership with DelDOT to do the same for other communities.”

Hearns Pond Dam failed during a storm in August 2001 and was overtopped with Damage during a June 2006 storm. DNREC funded a study to evaluate the condition and potential hazards of the dam and develop alternatives to bring the dam into conformance with new Delaware Dam Safety Regulations. The rehabilitation consisted of replacing the spillway and the twin box culverts at the dam with a larger spillway and culvert to pass the flow of water, plus the embankments are armored with precast articulated concrete blocks. A new boat ramp was also reconstructed. The contractor for these improvements is KC Construction of Ivyland, PA.

“I am thankful for the much needed safety improvements at Hearns Pond Dam,” said State Senator Bryant Richardson. “And greatly appreciate the amount of coordination between our state agencies, and the patience of nearby residents during this project.”

It’s reconstruction has been years in the making and was direly needed,” said State Representative Danny Short, R-Seaford. “It was twice damaged by storms and topped DNREC’s list of impoundment structures in need of repair. The new dam will safeguard homes and businesses downstream, as well as the historic Hearns & Rawlins Mill that sits on the banks of the pond.”

Mayor of Seaford, David Genshaw said, “Hearns Pond along with the Mill is a great part of Seaford’s history. Like many, I remember the storm back in 2001 and again in 2006 that washed out the dam. Hearns Pond is enjoyed by many and it will be wonderful to celebrate the completion of the dam securing its future for many to enjoy.”

Upcoming Rehabilitation Projects:

• Records Pond Dam, Laurel (Construction FY 19)
• Burtons Pond, Long Neck (Construction FY 21/22)
• Blairs Pond Dam, Milford
• Silver Lake Dam, Milford
• Millsboro Pond Dam, Millsboro
• Reconstruct dams in order of priority (one every two years). 100% state funds; availability of funding.

Repair Projects:

• Spillway improvements at Chipmans Pond Dam, Laurel; Concord Pond Dam and Craigs Pond Dam, both near Seaford; Construction started in July 2017
• Spillway improvements at Mudmill Pond Dam near Marydel (Tentative Schedule 2018)
• Spillway repairs at Garrisons Lake Dam near Cheswold (Tentative Schedule 2018 or 2019)

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