By DAVID HULSE

LACKAWAXEN - A jointly-funded state private project to restore the headwaters of Teedyuskung Creek is expected to be the pilot project for others across Northeastern Pennsylvania, Sally Jones told the Lackawaxen Township Supervisors last week.

The watershed specialist for the Pike County Conservation District said a federally backed, $115,000 state "Growing Greener" grant and some $40,000 in cash and services provided by the Woodloch Springs community will repair minor flooding.

Jones said the creek, which also has a surprisingly diverse cold water fishery, is a tributary of the Lackawaxen River and while the stream is contained entirely within the development, its restoration would be beneficial to the entire township.

Consulting engineer Shandor Szalay said the increase in storm runoff from the 400-unit development has created more "small floods" in the 900-foot headwaters area of the state-protected high quality water, special protection stream. Those floods have collapsed streambeds and degraded the downstream water quality.

The restoration project would reinforce the streambeds with tree revetments, flow deflectors and boulder toe willow posts. The grates on some 16 storm water drain detention basins would be decreased in size to slow the runoff process. Some 2000 "live stake" tree plantings of willow and dogwood will also be planted to further stabilize the bank areas.

Jones said more projects like the Teedyuskung restoration would be forthcoming and encouraged residents with similar stream problems to contact the Conservation District at 570/226-8220 for additional information about the model program.

In unrelated business at the October 18 meeting, Township Solicitor Jay Rose announced that Tennessee Gas Pipeline has now refiled its applications for construction of a controversial gas pumping station on property near the Central fire station. Rose said the project will require months of preparation and applications probably will not come before the Supervisors until next year.