PA topped the nation in dam removal in 2012

(Pittsburgh) -- A new report says Pennsylvania removed more dams from waterways last year than any other state.

The report by American Rivers says 13 of the 65 dams removed nationwide in 2012 were in Pennsylvania. The group is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that works to restore the natural flow to rivers.

Three of the dams were on Darby Creek, just west of Philadelphia. The report says their removal helps to alleviate local flooding and re-establish almost 10 miles of free-flowing river.

Other dams removed last year were the Hereford Manor Upper and Lower Dams, Westinghouse/Trafford Dam on Turtle Creek, two dams on the East Branch Brandywine Creek, a dam on Quemahoning Creek, Rakes Pond dam, Siebert Dam on Miller Run, and dams on Little Fishing Creek and Perkiomen Creek.