HAWLEY - With the lake level restored to where it was before Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, PPL, which owns Lake Wallenpaupack has closed the spillway gates, and is continuing preparation for a required inspection of the dam this fall. 

During the controlled release from Sept. 12 to 18, about 8 billion gallons of water passed through the spillway gates, while an additional 4 billion gallons passed through the Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant, said Paul Canevari, PPL community relations director for the Pocono region.

Through those efforts, the lake level was reduced by about 7 feet, and the lake’s capacity to store stormwater runoff was increased from less than 10 percent to more than 40 percent.

“We are now prepared for any additional rainfall we might get and can resume preparations, weather permitting, for testing of the dam and related facilities,” Canevari said.

By continuing to operate the hydroelectric plant, PPL will draw down the lake level several additional feet to support testing and maintenance that is required every five years by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Depending on the weather, the drawdown will continue through the start of the inspection work, which is currently scheduled for Oct. 3. Residents with lakefront property are encouraged to remove docks and other personal property from the water, although it is not mandated by PPL.

Property owners and boaters can find updates on the drawdown and lake level at www.ppllakewallenpaupack.com.