|
PPL's Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant is powered by the water contained by a 1,280-foot-long and 70-foot-high dam, which creates the popular 5,700-acre Lake Wallenpaupack. The lake has many benefits beyond clean, renewable electricity generation [link to the history and benefits section]. The generation process begins when water from the bottom of the lake flows into a 14-foot-wide pipe called a flow line.
The water travels 3.5 miles through the flow line to the power plant where it spins two turbines as it rushes past them. The turbines spin within each of the two generators to create 44 megawatts of electricity, which is enough power for about 35,000 typical homes. As the water exits the power plant, it flows into the nearby Lackawaxen River.
The ability of generation plants like Wallenpaupack to quickly respond to increases in electrical demand or fill in for large plants helps reduce stress on the electricity grid. PPL also can use the hydroelectric plant to manage lake levels in support of recreation or flood control, and to provide water to the Lackawaxen River in support of boating or fish habitat. | | 
|
PPL built Lake Wallenpaupack in 1926 as a hydroelectric plant. The project took 2,700 people about two years to complete, which included the construction of the dam, power plant, flow line and Tafton Dike. Once the dam was closed off, the reservoir took about seven months to fill to become Lake Wallenpaupack.
The Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant is operated remotely from a control center 85 miles away in Allentown, Pa. The plant is owned by a subsidiary of PPL Generation, and had its operating license last renewed in July 2005 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
In addition to providing a water source for the generation of clean, renewable electricity, the 5,700-acre lake plays a critical role in regional water management. At 13 miles long and about 60 feet at its maximum depth, the lake also provides year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, boating and water-skiing.
Its recreation benefits extend beyond the lake. Water released into the Lackawaxen River reduces its temperature in the summer, making it more suitable for some fish, most notably trout. Warmer lake water released to the Lackawaxen in winter leaves waters open so bald eagles can obtain food throughout the year, much to the delight of bird-watchers and other nature lovers. And water releases are scheduled at certain times of year to support boating and recreation on the river.
Lake Wallenpaupack also serves as a flood control resource for the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers. The lake's ability to hold water and store it for gradual release at an appropriate time helps to limit the effects of flooding downstream. PPL manages the lake level, in accordance with its FERC license, to support recreational uses and provide the maximum water-storage capability at times when flooding is most likely to occur.
PPL owns most of Lake Wallenpaupack's shoreline and uses sound land management practices to help protect the quality of the lake's water and the natural beauty of the shoreline.
>> Learn more history about the dam
| | |
 |
PPL’s Lake Wallenpaupack welcomes anglers in national fishing contest
Somewhere in the depths of Lake Wallenpaupack a largemouth bass, walleye or a rainbow trout may be swimming with a $1 million tag and waiting for a juicy worm as part of the second nationwide “Wanna’ Go Fishing for Millions?” contest sponsored by Cabela’s®, a leading outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor equipment.
“Lake Wallenpaupack is a popular destination for anglers throughout the year, and now they have another reason to come here in search of a possible million-dollar fish and other tagged fish that qualify for other prizes,” said Paul Canevari, PPL’s community relations director for the Pocono region. A tagged smallmouth bass was caught in Lake Wallenpaupack last year as part of the contest.
“The contest is being conducted in several locations across the country, so when Cabela’s approached the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission about a suitable location in Pennsylvania, we were honored that they chose Lake Wallenpaupack once again,” he said. “If you haven’t visited Lake Wallenpaupack, now’s a good time to experience it and come prepared with your lucky lures and love of the outdoors.”
Lake Wallenpaupack is one of 12 lakes in Pennsylvania and one of 19 states nationwide participating in the Cabela’s contest with fish stocked with prize-winning tags. Bodies of water chosen for the contest are in states where Cabela’s has retail stores. The contest started Saturday, May 5, and continues through July 8. Prize winners will be announced online after July 8.
Contest details are available here at or at any Cabela’s retail store.
________________________________________
Website and toll-free phone line for water conditions
As a reminder, PPL provides a toll-free phone number and website to provide people with quick information on the Wallenpaupack power plant’s generation schedule, discharge to the Lackawaxen River, and lake elevations.
Fisherman, rafters, boaters and anyone who uses Lake Wallenpaupack or the Lackawaxen River for recreation are often interested in water conditions. When the hydroelectric plant is generating, the amount of the water in the river increases. River users should check when the plant is generating to stay safe.
Dock and boat owners also find the information useful to monitor lake levels. As the lake level rises or drops, most docks must be moved accordingly. Dock owners away from the lake for extended periods of time can check the lake’s elevation periodically to see if their docks need attention.
The information is updated daily or when there is a change in the generation schedule. For more information, visit www.lakelevelppl.com or call 1-800-807-2474.
___________________________________
What does it mean to be a front-lot owner?
Back by popular demand, PPL’s Lake Office invites you to attend one of two workshops about what it means to be a front-lot owner here on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Learn about the history of the lake and Shoreline Use Permitting Policy. We will cover the types of uses that are permitted, how to find the Project Line and normal high water mark, as well as the common violations and how to avoid them.
Whether you’ve lived here for generations or have just bought a home on the lake, we’d like the chance to meet you.
Choose from two Saturday dates being offered: May 12 (8:30-10:30 a.m. at Wallenpaupack Communities Association meeting) and July 28 (9-11 a.m.).
Registration is not required. For questions, contact PPL's Katie Lester at 570-251-6196 or kelester@pplweb.com.
______________________________________
|
|
PPL Lake Wallenpaupack Office
126 PPL Drive
P.O. Box 122
Hawley, PA 18428-0122
1-877-PPL-LAKE (1-877-775-5253)
lakewallenpaupack@pplweb.com
Office hours: Available by appointment only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and select Saturdays during the summer. | |
|
Heather Hopkins
Policy Supervisor | |
|
Heather Hopkins is PPL’s Lake Wallenpaupack policy supervisor, responsible for managing the shoreline permitting system. She started with PPL in 2005.
Her main responsibilities include management of the lakes’ 1500 front-lot properties including community access, commercial, and residential. Management of these properties entails performing routine inspections of the shoreline to ensure compliance with PPL’s policies and local, state and federal regulations. She is also responsible for the issuance of shoreline use permits and License Agreements, and addressing and responding to all front lot owners’ questions and concerns. Heather also presents various programs to educate the public on PPL’s shoreline management program.
Heather's passion for protecting this beautiful resource goes beyond the office because the lake area is also where she calls home. She and her family reside in the Lake Wallenpaupack community. | |
|