DAM REMOVAL AND HABITAT RESTORATION COMPLETED! Some details and photos are below AND more at our
and
pages (including videos).
Summary
Ohio River Foundation coordinated efforts to remove the West Milton lowhead dam on the Stillwater River. The removal of this non-operating dam (1) reconnected 200 miles of the upper Stillwater River watershed to the downstream section, (2) removed a safety hazard and potential source of liability, (3) avoided current and future repair costs, and (4) presented additional recreational and economic oppotunities. The 100 year-old dam’s condition was deteriorating and sponsor funding was available to remove the dam at no cost to the Village of West Milton. West Milton, Ohio DNR, USFWS, Ohio EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, Stillwater River Watershed Council, and other agencies and entities supported removal of this dam.
Timeline
2015
Restoration work completed.
2014
Permit for removal was issued October 22, 2014. Removal activities began October 27, 2014. The dam removal was completed by December 1, 2014.
2013
Permit applications filed with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE was the lead agency for the permitting process.
2011-2012
Site investigations and project designs performed, pursuant to requirements under the WRRSP approved plan. Permit applications prepared for filing.
2010
In November 2010, the Ohio EPA issued an Environmental Assessment Document available HERE that finds no adverse impact from the dam removal. After public comments were received, it confirmed its decision in December 2010 in a Final Findings of No Significant Impact, stating that “no significant, substantive comments were received which would contradict our initial decision.”
