Effort to fix flooding problem in Bethlehem Township

Effort to fix flooding problem in Bethlehem Township just got a boost

Updated Jan 20; Posted Jan 20

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By Sara K. Satullo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Bethlehem Township is hopeful that a state grant helps put a stop to frequent flooding in Municipal Park that renders the township-owned recreational area a soggy mess for days after rain.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded the township a $57,600 grant this week to kick off the Nancy Run tributary restoration project. The township is providing matching funds and applying for another grant to complete the work, said Kate Ebel, senior environmental scientist for the Wildlands Conservancy, which is partnering with the township on the restoration.

Bethlehem Township to improve stormwater system

In a piece of good news for our stream, it looks as though Bethlehem Township will be making some major improvements to the stormwater system that empties into the Monocacy Creek.  After reading THIS article though, some Monocacy TU members were concerned about the project.  As it turns out some of the information in the article was not complete, and overall this will be a positive for the stream.  The plans call for a new BMP (storm water pond) to be constructed and a new channel to be constructed that would empty into the creek.  This pond and channel will hopefully reduce the velocity of the storm water as it enters the stream, and also reduce the sediment load of the water.  The design firm estimates it could reduce the sediment load by thousands of pounds per year.

Save the Farm!

On May 10th, the Friends of Johnston will be holding the "Save the Farm" event.  This is a free, family event which hopes to raise awareness, and funds, to help save the historic Leconby Farm.  This is an important piece of land that boarders the Monocacy Creek, and saving it will not only be beneficial to the stream but will benefit the community too.  Please consider attending.