A dam on the Connoquenessing Creek in Jackson that was slated to be removed this year likely will remain in place until 2009.

Frank Moone, a trustee for Wild Waterways Conservancy, which owns the site, said the group remains committed to removing the dam, but it will take longer than expected.

The conservancy has retained an environmental engineering firm, and Mr. Moone said the company is doing survey and other work that is needed before the dam can be removed. He said that because many environmental factors are involved, the state Department of Environmental Protection requires a lengthy review period and studies.

"We had hoped to do the actual dam removal this year, but we now expect that the review process and preparations will delay the actual demolition until sometime in 2009," he said. "All this, of course, depends on water levels and other conditions."

After the dam is removed, Wild Waterways will work with Jackson to restore the creek banks with appropriate plantings, Mr. Moone said. The group also plans to build a canoe/kayak launch on the site. It would be one of five the group is constructing on the Connoquenessing. Four are to be built this summer, he said.

Funding for the launches is expected to come from The Sprout Fund's Community Connections grant program, a part of the Pittsburgh 250th celebration.

"We will be holding a dedication ceremony for the launches later this summer, probably in August," he said. "Another launch is being constructed by another Connoquenessing watershed group in Forward, bringing the total to six launches on the 'Connie' by sometime next year."

The Harmony Water Authority sold the dam and surrounding two acres to the conservancy in 2007 for $1 plus closing and other costs totaling about $500.

The property is in the Harmony Junction neighborhood, which was flooded in September 2004 when storms from Hurricane Ivan hit the area. Jackson acquired much of the surrounding land through the federal hazard mitigation grant program and plans to use it as a park.

"The township's board of supervisors will continue to evaluate the property and will most certainly entertain any ideas that the conservancy group has for it," said Rich Crown, Jackson manager. "However, we have to look out for the best interest of the residents both of Jackson and downstream."

Removing the 100-year-old dam could improve water quality in the area, Mr. Moone said.

The nonprofit conservancy, whose mission is to protect and enhance the natural resources of the Connoquenessing and Slippery Rock creek watersheds, estimated the project could cost about $100,000.

The dam was built in the early 1900s to provide cooling water for an electric generation plant used by the Harmony trolley line, said Jeff Smith, a former member of the Harmony Water Authority board. It replaced a dam built in the early 1800s that had provided water for a mill, he said.

The water authority acquired the dam property from the now-defunct Jackson Township Water Authority when Harmony began providing water to that area several years ago.