Rehabilitate Wastegates

Wastegates are original canal engineering features to control the water levels in each prism pool, by either opening to drain or closing to raise the water level. When draining, the wastegates safely direct water to the Delaware River or a tributary flowing to it.

It is critical for waste gates to be operational – so that pool levels can be lowered before or during a storm surge event or raised to conserve water during low flows. Currently all waste gates must be operated by hand in their locations – which demands extraordinary (and sometimes dangerous) measures by DCNR staff to operate during storm and flooding events.

The following wastegates need immediate attention, especially when considered in conjunction with the removal of the obstructions.

 
 

  • Brock Creek Aqueduct (Yardley) [mile 14.0] - the last wastegate that can function to drain the canal upstream of the flood-prone areas of Morrisville.

  • Maple Street (Morrisville) [mile 10.2] - the Maple Street wastegate in Morrisville was rendered inoperational by the Morrisville River levee which was constructed below the canal in the 1930s.

  • Mill Creek wastegate (Falls Township) [mile 5.7] - This wastegate lies just downstream of the two obstructions and becomes essential again when the two obstructions are remedied.

  • Supplemental wastegates – other locations may also be recommended.

These wastegate rehabilitations provide an excellent opportunity to consider modernization of these wastegates. Modern aluminum waste gates were incorporated within the rehabilitated Tohickon Aqueduct in 2001, providing precedent for future options that strike a balance between historical integrity and public safety. Similar solutions – including the capability for remote operation - should be assessed as strategic investments to protect both the water and trail infrastructure while ensuring safety for the public and park staff. If not modernized, wastegates can been replaced with recreated historic wastegates made of stone, wood, iron and concrete materials.

This task is the first part of a more comprehensive hydraulic solution that Delaware Canal 21 is pursuing as its 2024 Demonstration Project. Click below to learn more about it: