A meeting about the Francis E. Walter Dam Reservoir Reevaluation Study is expected to address concerns over the future use of the water within the reservoir and New York City’s intent for being part of the study. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday at Mountain Laurel Resort, 81 Treetops Circle, White Haven.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, is encouraging area residents to attend.

The meeting, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its partners, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, will include a brief comment period for attendees.

“I have serious reservations about any potential proposal that would relinquish control of one of our region’s natural resources to government officials in New York City,” said Heffley. “This water grab could have a devastating impact not only on whitewater rafting outfitters and tourism in eastern Pennsylvania, but also the City of Philadelphia, which relies on the Delaware River as its main water source. I have already met with representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Environmental Protection to discuss my concerns.”

Officials from New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection say their intent is not for taking the water from the state as a way to harm recreational uses of the Lehigh River and use it as part of the city’s drinking supply.

In an email sent to the Times News, Paul Rush, deputy commissioner, said, “The upcoming study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will examine whether Francis E. Walter could help the Delaware River confront a number of challenges that will affect us all. New York City believes the study should center on protecting the estuary and lower basin during times of severe drought.

“As the climate changes and ocean levels continue to rise, we know that salt water from the Atlantic Ocean will tend to push farther upriver.

During droughts, that saltwater could stress natural ecosystems and threaten the quality of drinking water supplies for Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“New York City is not interested in drinking water from Francis E. Walter Reservoir or controlling its operations,” Rush said. “Our water system has 19 reservoirs in New York, and that is frankly more than enough for us. We are, however, interested in seeing the Army Corps conduct a fair, comprehensive, science-based study that could help all of us who rely on the Delaware River to survive and thrive.”

A nonprofit group, Friends of the Lehigh River has formed to create awareness of the study.

“New York City is looking 100 or more years ahead to its future water supply,” said Jim Thorpe River Adventures/Lehighton Outdoor Center owner and Friends of the Lehigh River President Jerry McAward. “Are Pennsylvanians looking that far ahead? No way. We think they should be. In the future, water is gold. Make no mistake about it. This is a fight for water supply.”

According to the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, the Lehigh River is a drinking water source for approximately 180,000 people throughout the region.

Working with the Friends of the Lehigh River, Carbon County Community Foundation president Amber Breiner has created a petition to help gather as many voices as possible before the meeting. The petition is available online at: https://cccfoundpa.org/few-petition.

“We need to let the Army Corps and all parties involved know now that any revisions to the flow management plan must continue to prioritize the needs of the people in the immediate region of the Lehigh River,” Breiner said.

The Carbon County commissioners, both the former board and the current board, passed resolutions to keep the current flow management plan in place and enhancing it for Pennsylvania’s use.

The Army Corps will also accept written comments by email, at PDPA-NAP@usace.army.mil, or in writing until Jan. 29.