Ambler Borough, which owns Loch Alsh dam, has begun an analysis study of the dam that will model various storm events and what the impacts on the dam and surrounding community would be.

The last time an analysis was done was in 1992.

The analysis will be carried out upon the completion of the dam’s restoration, which has widened the dam’s aprons (walls) and increased the drainage pipe from a 10 to 24 inches.

Mary Aversa, Ambler Borough manager, said the Borough has also observed more runoff into Loch Alsh from Rt. 309 since the construction.

Elizabeth Russell, assistant to the borough manager, said after Hurricane Irene, the borough had pumps at the dam to drain the water.

Construction of the dam is being funded by an H2O grant of $520,000, with a $130,000 match from the Borough. With the new 24-inch pipe addition to the project, the borough is over the grant by $240,000.

”It’s the cost of doing business,” said Aversa, adding that borough officials want to protect the residents down stream.

The analysis will redo the flood maps for the community, looking at the new design of Loch Alsh dam to identify who could be affected if the dam did breach.

A new emergency procedure and emergency action plan will be created based on the results of the analysis.

The analysis will be shared with Upper Dublin Township.