NEW PHILADELPHIA — As part of the flood risk management operation of the reservoirs and dams in the Muskingum River Watershed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts an annual temporary drawdown of the normal pool elevation of the lake levels. The drawdown allows for additional flood storage capacity needed during the winter thaw and spring rains. Drawdown will begin in early November and the return to normal pool elevation will initiate in February. Normal pool elevations will be obtained in time for summer recreation season.

The temporary 2021-22 drawdown dates and lake levels at local sites are as follows:

Clendening, 5-foot drawdown beginning Nov. 15; Piedmont, 5-foot drawdown beginning Nov. 1; Seneca, 8-foot drawdown beginning Nov. 1; and Tappan, 8-foot drawdown beginning Nov. 15.

Shoreline projects planned for the winter of 2021-22 includes work at Seneca Lake. A 500-foot-long concrete block seawall will be built at the Seneca Lake Marina. This work is being done in conjunction with the Master Plan’s Marina deck replacement and Americans with Disabilities Act access project.