As water spilled over the dam on a warm, humid afternoon at the Pumping Station, a group of dedicated volunteers gathered with a common goal: restoring one of northern Schuylkill County’s most beloved fishing destinations.

Known affectionately as “The Pumpy” by generations of anglers, the site once served as a water source for Shenandoah, about 6 miles to the north. In the early 1900s, water was pumped over a hill into the borough, which had grown to nearly 36,000 residents and was considered one of the most densely populated places in the country.

Dave Sarno, a local resident and advocate for restoring the dam, said the biggest hurdle remains obtaining final approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

“DEP told us back in 2009 that the spillway had to be fixed,” Sarno said. “(DEP) said that in order for the dam to be back as what it once was, we needed to enlarge where the water spills over. ‘Do you realize what that would cost?’ Close to $3 million. We don’t have that kind of money.”

The property near Brandonville remains owned by the Borough of Shenandoah.

“The borough officials have been wonderful,” Sarno said. “They have given the association three years to try and work things out. Our political (state) leaders, Dane Watro, Dave Argall and Tim Twardzik, have been very helpful in trying to get us grant money. Those guys have been so cooperative. The association can’t thank them enough.”

The Pumping Association recently secured a grant to build a pavilion where the group hopes to host community events.

“This is going to be a fantastic facility for everyone to come and enjoy,” said Rick Grabowski, a trustee and registered nurse with Geisinger Life Flight. “The concept of a nice pavilion, a place where people can come, was a goal of ours that seemed pretty far-fetched almost three years ago. Now it is a reality.

“We have a hatchery with palomino trout in it. Our goal is to raise fish and stock the dam. We also want to hold fishing tournaments and youth fishing rodeos.”

The association hosted a fishing rodeo last year and awarded prizes to participating children.

Local businesses are also supporting the effort, according to brothers Dave and Cali Briggs, who are heavily involved in the project.

“My uncle Johnny Widitz brought me over here all the time,” said Cali Briggs, a trustee and former Ringtown resident who now lives in Shenandoah. “At first, I wasn’t big on fishing. Now I love it.

“This place was so fantastic. I met people from all over. People from Hazleton, Tamaqua, Jim Thorpe and even Beltzville drove here. It was a fisherman’s paradise.”

Reviving The Pumpy is no small project, Dave Briggs said.

“You know, we have taken every step to get this up to the standards DEP has required,” Briggs said. “We had a woman from Weatherly who works for DEP inspect the property two years ago, and she was surprised. She said, ‘Why aren’t you fishing? This is such a beautiful place and great for fishermen.’ I told her DEP said we can’t use it until the dam is fixed. She even said she saw nothing wrong.”

However, concerns about dams such as this one grew following federal flood-control requirements enacted during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.

Those regulations also affected Shenandoah’s Sandy Beach reservoir, a popular summer swimming destination that closed in 1999.

Dave Briggs, the association’s treasurer, said membership continues to grow. Last year, the association had 297 paid members. This year, the group expects to surpass that number.

“We have a person telling us there is no reason why we couldn’t fish,” Briggs said, referring to DEP. “We’re scratching our heads trying to figure it out.

“We want people from not just Schuylkill County, but Carbon, Luzerne and surrounding areas to come and see what we’ve accomplished over the past three years. We’re excited, to say the least. This is a labor of love for all of us. It’s not just a handful of people. We have nearly 40 volunteers who help clear the spillway, which DEP required. They cut trees and underbrush, the pipes are clear, and water is flowing without any problems.”

Briggs said nearby East Union and Union townships have also been cooperative. East Union Township waived permit fees for the project.

The group envisions a future in which the dam once again becomes a premier fishing destination, much like it was during opening day celebrations in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

Young anglers would arrive the night before, set up camp and wait until dawn for the official start of fishing season. After the signal was given, lines hit the water.

Fishermen proudly displayed their licenses on their hats as fish wardens patrolled the shoreline checking permits.

“Our plan isn’t just about fishing,” Briggs said. “We want Boy Scout troops from anywhere to come here and camp and enjoy nature. Some places charge a fee for Boy Scouts. Not us. This is a free spot for everyone.

“We want to build outdoor stoves where people can cook and enjoy meals together. That’s one of many goals.”

Briggs said the site brings back fond memories.

“My uncle brought me and Cal over here, and we fed the fish,” he said. You put 25 cents in a slot, got a bag of fish food and fed the fish in the hatchery. This place holds so many memories for so many people. We want today’s kids to make memories of their own as well.”

Briggs laughed when he heard stories about youngsters hitchhiking from Shenandoah just to spend the day fishing at The Pumpy.

“Those days were so great for kids growing up and finding ways to enjoy the simple things in life, like fishing.”

Shenandoah Borough Councilman Mike Whitecavage said the borough fully supports the effort.

“The borough is backing the revitalization,” Whitecavage said. “The Pumpy Association secured a $77,000 pavilion grant on its own, while the borough will contribute $12,000 for a well to provide water for the site and future kitchen facilities.

“Senator Argall’s office has been a tremendous help in securing grant funding. The association can’t thank his office and staff enough.”

The fish are thriving. Now, supporters say, all that’s needed is DEP approval.