Popular Washington Co. Recreation Spot Could Soon Become Big Empty Hole
COKEBURG (KDKA) -- Some local avid outdoorsmen know the fight to preserve a century-old landmark is going to take a new-age approach.
Efforts to save Cokeburg Dam in Washington County went viral after the Department of Environmental Protection ordered the club that operates it to drain all of the water out of it.
"It was devastating. That's why I'm standing here right now," says Chad Strennen, of the Ellsworth Sportsmen's Club. "I did all kinds of stuff on social media - sent pictures, requests for people to post photos and memories and stuff."
"To think they might lose one of the nicest recreation spots in the area," said George Burcin, a former president of the Ellsworth Sportsmen's Club. "We're all small coal mining towns, and all these kids from the Bentworth area and other school districts enjoy this lake."
Cokeburg Council says the repairs mandated by the DEP to prevent potential flooding would cost over a million dollars.
"So this dam hasn't moved, hasn't threatened anybody for well over a hundred years," said Chuck Yurchick, a retired geologist.
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Many say draining the lake would actually pose a safety hazard. At least five fire departments use it to battle fires.
"You take that away; you might as well be telling every person in this room, we don't care about you anymore. Your house is going to burn down," said Cokeburg VFC Chief Travis Lohr. "Honestly, we can only do so much."
But there will be a hefty fine if the borough doesn't comply. KDKA has learned that fine could cost up to $5,000 a day.
Sen. Camera Bartlotta says she has questions for the DEP as well and plans to head to Harrisburg to get answers.
