The dam and spillway at Frank Bentz Pond just west of Thurmont off Md. 77. The state plans to demolish the dam and turn the pond into a stream that flows into Hunting Creek.
The dam and spillway at Frank Bentz Pond just west of Thurmont off Md. 77. The state plans to demolish the dam and turn the pond into a stream that flows into Hunting Creek.
The dam and spillway at Frank Bentz Pond just west of Thurmont off Md. 77. The state plans to demolish the dam and turn the pond into a stream that flows into Hunting Creek.
The dam and spillway at Frank Bentz Pond just west of Thurmont off Md. 77. The state plans to demolish the dam and turn the pond into a stream that flows into Hunting Creek.
The dam and spillway at Frank Bentz Pond just west of Thurmont off Md. 77. The state plans to demolish the dam and turn the pond into a stream that flows into Hunting Creek.
The dam for a memorial lake in Thurmont just west of Catoctin Mountain Park is set to be demolished, more than 100 years after its construction.
The Frank Bentz Memorial Lake dam has been deemed unsafe by the Maryland Department of the Environment, Dam Safety Division. Plans to demolish the dam are being designed now, said Perry Otwell, director of engineering and construction at the Department of Natural Resources. The demolition will probably begin in the summer of 2022, although no final decisions have been made, he said.
The dam and spillway at Frank Bentz Pond just west of Thurmont off Md. 77. The state plans to demolish the dam and turn the pond into a stream that flows into Hunting Creek.
The pond needs to be cleaned first. it is filled with the same sediment coming from above since the dam was fixed years ago. Biggest question is why only after the 10 or 12 years that it was repaired to make safe is it being torn down and how much money was wasted the last time? Who is going to take care the park ? How much will the maintenance on grass, bench's, lighting and whatever else they decide to throw in versus water and stocking fish for kids to do something other than use the other 3 parks in town? Who is going to Police it ? Is there a real plan and has there been a real cost put to this ?
What this article doesn't address is the amount of sediment that has accumulated in the pond. As part of the dam removal, I would think the pond would have to dredged prior to removing the dam. Accumulated sediments cannot be allowed to flow downstream which would destroy fish habitat and reduce stream channel capacity. How will the large grade difference between the top & base of the dam be addressed? The state better get a good, skilled contractor, otherwise this project could be an environmental disaster .
Rockfish has the most intelligent, reality-based post thus far. The sediment, as well as the possible change in water current and direction is true. You simply cannot take away a manmade structure that has been present for 100 years and expect things to go back to normal. I caught my first fish there back in the 1970's ...
the sediment would get carried downstream and not be a continuing problem. Nature is VERY good about taking care of such things once man stops screwing around with things.
If the dam is removed the bridge 100 yards past the dam will take the force. The limited square footage in the opening under the bridge won't take the volume of water rolling out of the mountain. Plus, during high rains the debris will be very high and this will block the opening under the bridge.
The span of road between the dam and bridge is being undermined and Rt. 77 at this point is collapsing. The dam should stay.
If the dam is removed, the removal company should put up a large escrow for 5 years for a flood fund.
The amount of water flow in Big Hunting Creek will not be affected at all my the elimination of Frank Bentz pond. The water flow is controlled by the Hunting Creek Lake since it was constructed in the '70.
Very disappointed to see this go. It has been a recreation spot for so many in the community. I understand that cuts must take place though, otherwise taxes will continue to increase more and more.
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(8) comments
The pond needs to be cleaned first. it is filled with the same sediment coming from above since the dam was fixed years ago. Biggest question is why only after the 10 or 12 years that it was repaired to make safe is it being torn down and how much money was wasted the last time? Who is going to take care the park ? How much will the maintenance on grass, bench's, lighting and whatever else they decide to throw in versus water and stocking fish for kids to do something other than use the other 3 parks in town? Who is going to Police it ? Is there a real plan and has there been a real cost put to this ?
What this article doesn't address is the amount of sediment that has accumulated in the pond. As part of the dam removal, I would think the pond would have to dredged prior to removing the dam. Accumulated sediments cannot be allowed to flow downstream which would destroy fish habitat and reduce stream channel capacity. How will the large grade difference between the top & base of the dam be addressed? The state better get a good, skilled contractor, otherwise this project could be an environmental disaster .
Rockfish has the most intelligent, reality-based post thus far. The sediment, as well as the possible change in water current and direction is true. You simply cannot take away a manmade structure that has been present for 100 years and expect things to go back to normal. I caught my first fish there back in the 1970's ...
the sediment would get carried downstream and not be a continuing problem. Nature is VERY good about taking care of such things once man stops screwing around with things.
Wonder what the Frank Bentz family thinks about this?
If the dam is removed the bridge 100 yards past the dam will take the force. The limited square footage in the opening under the bridge won't take the volume of water rolling out of the mountain. Plus, during high rains the debris will be very high and this will block the opening under the bridge.
The span of road between the dam and bridge is being undermined and Rt. 77 at this point is collapsing. The dam should stay.
If the dam is removed, the removal company should put up a large escrow for 5 years for a flood fund.
The amount of water flow in Big Hunting Creek will not be affected at all my the elimination of Frank Bentz pond. The water flow is controlled by the Hunting Creek Lake since it was constructed in the '70.
Very disappointed to see this go. It has been a recreation spot for so many in the community. I understand that cuts must take place though, otherwise taxes will continue to increase more and more.
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Keep it clean. No vulgar, racist, sexist or sexually-oriented language.
Engage ideas. This forum is for the exchange of ideas, not personal attacks or ad hominem criticisms.
TURN OFF CAPS LOCK.
Be civil. Don't threaten. Don't lie. Don't bait. Don't degrade others.
No trolling. Stay on topic.
No spamming. This is not the place to sell miracle cures.
No deceptive names. Apparently misleading usernames are not allowed.
Say it once. No repetitive posts, please.
Help us. Use the 'Report' link for abusive posts.