Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service announced yesterday a final environmental assessment and finding of No Significant Impact for the Cuyahoga River Brecksville Dam removal project.
This announcement is a final environmental signoff for a project that will restore a free-flowing Cuyahoga River between Brecksville and Cleveland, reported the EPA.
The full removal of the dam will eliminate a barrier to native fish migration patterns and improve the water quality and ecosystem of the Cuyahoga River.
The project will also include installing a pump that will help preserve the cultural significance of the watered portion of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
The decision was made in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as well as numerous agency stakeholders and the public.
According to the EPA, activities related to the removal of the dam may begin as early as the fall of 2018 and (with favorable weather conditions) can be completed by the end of the year.