HISTORY

of

P H GLATFELTER COMPANY

LAKE MARBURG DAM AND FACILITIES

(PROJECT 70)

          In 1956, after placing in production Glatfelter’s new large #7 paper machine, it became apparent to the late elder Mr. Glatfelter that considerably more water would be needed for their paper-making facilities in the years to come.  Thus, the company retained the engineering firm of Gannett, Fleming, Cordry & Carpenter, Inc. of Harrisburg to make a thorough study to devise and develop a plan for obtaining the needed water.  After thorough research and analysis, this engineering firm then recommended in 1958 the construction of a dam that would create a reservoir just up stream from the confluence of he West Branch of Codorus Creek and a smaller tributary of this referred to as the East Branch.  Acting upon these recommendations, the Company began making plans to acquire more than 2000 acres of land for the dam site and reservoir.           

At practically the same time, the Department of Forests and Waters of Pennsylvania published findings of a water study of the Codorus Creek Basin, and they in turn recommended a development plan similar to that of the Company.  But their use was entirely different.  The Commonwealth was especially interested in the development of the proposed recreational lake and park in connection with the Commonwealth’s “PROJECT 70” (A fund to provide $70 million by 1970 to acquire land and water sites for new state park development and for expansion of existing sites). So, starting at the same time for different reasons, both the Company and the Commonwealth found a definite need for a dam on the West Branch of the Codorus Creek and the resultant reservoir. 

            To solve the dual-interest problem and to permit both the Company and the Commonwealth to achieve their basic needs, the Company offered to build a recreational lake for the Commonwealth.  More specifically, the Company proposed to construct a dam across Codorus Creek to impound a 48,500 acre-foot reservoir.  The Company would own, operate and maintain the dam; it’s spillway and a pumping station. Further, the Company would assure a certain level of the reservoir adequate for recreational needs.  The Commonwealth own and maintains the reservoir and all the recreational facilities.  In 1963, the Commonwealth agreed and in the November 1963 referendum the ball started to roll.  The Company spent more than $6 million to build the dam and it’s other facilities and the Commonwealth spent almost $5 million for some land acquisitions and highway work.  The embankment and all of the Company’s facilities were constructed for the Company by S.J. Groves & Sons. of Camp Hill & Minneapolis St. Paul, Minn.  The project was totally completed and put in complete operation by August 1967.

 General Information

Drainage Area:        25 square miles above main dam + 15 square miles from East Branch

Area when full:       1,275 acres

Shore line length:    Approximately 26miles

Length:   Approximately 4 miles extending from Dam Breast to just West of Black Rock Road.                                                                      

Width:  From Smith Station Road thru Marburg Flats along Rt. 216 approx. 2 ¾ miles.

Volume when full:  Approximately 15.8 BILLION GALLOINS

Waters from: Furnace Creek, West Branch Codorus Creek, Long Run and other small streams.

Maximum water depth:  105 feet.

Valve closed: December 6, 1966- Started filling – full 3 years later.