Lower Monongahela River Project

The Pittsburgh District anticipates breaching the dam the week of July 8, 2024, using explosives for controlled demolition. The demolition timeline depends on assuring the new lock near Charleroi is fully operational.

Roughly, between the communities of Elizabeth and Braddock, the project pool elevation will rise approximately two feet in elevation. Between the communities of Elizabeth and Charleroi, the project pool elevation will drop by approximately 3.2 feet. The gated dam near Braddock will control the water elevation from Braddock to Charleroi, resulting in a 30-mile river pool.

No. The Lower Monongahela River Project, including removing the dam in Elizabeth, does not negatively impact flooding.

If you are currently between the Braddock dam and Lock and Dam 3 or up the Youghiogheny to about Bachman Island, you will see about a two-foot increase in the pool elevation from what you typically see today. If you are between Lock and Dam 3 near Elizabeth and Lock and Dam 4 near Charleroi, you will see about a 3.2-foot decrease. For dock and permit questions contact the Regulatory Office via email: regulatory.permits@usace.army.mil 

The best, most reliable method to contact the Pittsburgh District Regulatory Office for dock and permit questions or concerns is via email: regulatory.permits@usace.army.mil 

We are continuing to lock navigation through the lock out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the public, our construction contractors and our staff. All river traffic will be required and directed to use the locks until the entire dam is removed and the locks are closed. It is anticipated that the dam will be completely removed before the end of calendar year 2024.

Of the total 73 reefs, 52 will have a 3-foot draft or more, which is the water depth over the reef. The remaining 21 reefs will have between a one and 3-foot draft. All reefs are constructed within the Slow No-Wake zone, which extends 100 feet from each shoreline, per Pennsylvania law. The fish reefs extend 50 feet from the from the shoreline. Watercraft operators are responsible for the safety of themselves, their passengers, and their personal property and must follow local waterways and boating laws. Boaters can find a map of the reef on the Pittsburgh District website and on updated Monongahela River Navigation Charts.

No. It is the boater’s responsibility to avoid the reefs and to follow Pennsylvania boating laws on the river, which designates 100 feet from each shoreline as a Slow No-Wake zone.

During the week of July 8, vessel operators should anticipate a lock closure that will last a minimum of three days, but it may last as long as 12 days following the initial dam breach.

The Pittsburgh District does not anticipate dangerous river conditions associated with removing the dam at Locks and Dam 3. As always we encourage all boaters to Know the waterways before heading out, Take a boat safety class, and always Wear a lifejacket when operating a boat.

Based on where the pool elevation has been for the past 20 years, we expect to see roughly a two-foot water surface elevation increase up to about river mile 9-10, located downstream of Buena Vista near Buchman Island. Beyond that point, the pool increase is negligible. Similar to the Monongahela River, we do not anticipate any increased flooding on the Youghiogheny River associated with the Lower Mon Project.

No. In accordance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, if the government adjusts the water level within navigation servitude, it is the responsibility of the facility owner to adjust their facility at their cost. The only exception to this law is a discretionary authority granted for facilities owned and operated by government agencies that have a current and continuing need. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has no authority to adjust privately owned facilities.

Yes. Send an inquiry with you Army Corps’ permit number (i.e. LRP-YEAR-XXXX) to regulatory.permits@usace.army.mil

Yes. The full demolition will last from July until December. Although there may be some additional short delays due to the demolition process, the Pittsburgh District anticipates normal locking procedures and priorities on the Monongahela River. We strongly encourage all recreational boaters in the area to pay extra attention to their surroundings.

The Pittsburgh District has designed the fish reefs to mitigate the loss of the tailwater (shallow water) habitat once the dam near Elizabeth is removed. The fish reefs will provide a diverse habitat for fish and other aquatic species. They provide a place for fish to rest, spawn and feed.

The Pittsburgh District will not restrict boaters from fishing near the stone fish reefs. The fish reefs will be marked by warning buoys. The Pittsburgh District would like to caution all boaters to follow Pennsylvania laws of following the Slow No-Wake zone within 100 feet of shorelines and abide by all laws established by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

No. Private property damage associated with the pool changes is not expected. The pool changes are within the navigational servitude of the United States. Any facility within navigation servitude is required to have a permit in accordance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which clearly defines the requirements of facilities or lands within the aforementioned navigational servitude.