Arts Center cited for dam safety planning

BUSHkill - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has cited the Mountain Laurel Performing Arts Center for failing to update a dam safety plan. But a spokesperson at the center said Thursday that the center no longer owns the dam or the pond. The Sept. 6 citation for the First Pond Dam, in Lehman Township came as part of announcement of 46 dam citations, statewide, following a two-year enforcement program. The 57 owners of these dams are now subject to new notices of violations. They were initially contacted by the department in the spring of 2004, but “since have made no real progress toward creating or updating their emergency action plans.” They now have 30-day deadlines to submit environmental assessment or a plan to breach and drain the impoundment. Last March, developer John Wolfington’s Mountain Laurel Development Group purchased the bulk of the 675 acre, former Unity House resort where the center is located. The $17 million purchase cleared the bulk of the financially troubled center’s debt and left Mountain Laurel situated on a remaining 42-acre tract, with a $1 per year lease. The center spokesperson said the pond was part of the Wolfington sale.