Lower Mount Pleasant is a historic earth dam located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, built in 1882 for the primary purpose of water supply. The dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 700 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet. Situated on TR Catawissa Creek in Hazle Township, this structure is under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities.

Despite its age and historical significance, Lower Mount Pleasant is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in November 2020 revealed the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are unclear, raising concerns about its ability to withstand extreme weather events and protect downstream communities and ecosystems.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Mount Pleasant presents a compelling case study in the challenges of managing aging infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental risks. As discussions around dam safety and resilience continue to gain importance, the future of Lower Mount Pleasant will likely involve close collaboration between local government, regulatory agencies, and the community to address its maintenance needs and ensure its long-term sustainability in a changing climate.