Study: Removal of Ballville Dam most affordable
10/29/2011FREMONT -- A feasibility study that examined the cost and consequences of removing or repairing the Ballville Dam showed the most affordable option is to take out the 100-year-old dam.
Scott Peyton, project manager for Stantec Consulting of Cincinnati, presented the findings at a public meeting Thursday called by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Removal has been proposed by ODNR to help restore the Sandusky River's natural flow and enhance walleye spawning.
Mr. Peyton said leaving the dam in place but repairing it and repaying a loan from the state for the construction of a new reservoir would cost $9.6 million. Simply removing the dam would cost $8.8 million, he said. State and federal funds would cover the cost of removal.
An environmental impact study is the next step..