ODNR Division of
Soil & Water Resources
2045 Morse Road, B3
Columbus, Ohio
43229-6693

(614) 265-6610
Contact Us
Location Map
 

Removal Case Study: River Street Dam - Olentangy River

 

Historical Information

1. Dam Name: River Street Dam

2. Estimate height of dam in feet 185’ long 3.5’ height

3. Dam Type:

a) earthfill dam ____
b) concrete arch dam:  X
c) gravity dam ____
d) masonry dam ____
e) timber cribs ____
f) other, please explain_____

4. Location Description: River St. Dam was located on the Olentangy River just north of the sewage treatment plant.

5. Year Constructed: 1950’s

6. Dam Owner:

a) public:  X City of Delaware
b) private ____
c) abandoned _____

7. Dam Function:

a) generate hydropower ____
b) irrigation ____
c) domestic water supply ____
d) navigation ____
e) flood control:  X
f) recreation:   X
g) industrial water supply ____
h) unknown ____

8. What repairs have been done to the dam?  None

9. Reason(s) for Removal:

a) aesthetic enhancement ____
b) fish and wildlife habitat improvement:  X
c) cost savings ____
d) community revitalization ____
e) public safety hazard:   X
f) water quality improvement ____
g) recreational improvement:  X
h) alternative to dam ____

10. Project Sponsor (who initiated project):  City of Delaware

11. Dam Removal Funding Sources:

a) federal ____
b) state____
c) local governmental agencies ____
d) other (please explain):  City of Delaware

12. Cost of Dam Removal:  $44,500

13. List all Contractors by Name, include Address and Telephone #:
1) Kokosing Construction Co.

14. Permits Required:

a) federal:  X
b) state____
c) municipal ____

15. Dam Photographs:

a) before removal: X
b) during removal: X
c) after removal: X

16. Problems Encountered:

a) before removal: None
b) during removal: None
c) after removal: None

17. Before Removal:

a) Estimated Reservoir Area in acres______________________
b) Composition of river bed (e.g., sand, pebbles, boulders, bedrock):  Bedrock
c) Types of Fish caught in the river________________________
d) Water Quality i) behind the dam Good____  Fair:  X  Poor______

ii) below the dam Good:  X  Fair____Poor______

18. Were any studies of the river conducted before the dam was removed?: No

19. Have studies been conducted on the river after the dam was removed to
document changes in the river?:
No

If yes, who conducted the studies and who is the contact for obtaining them?
ODOT is required to monitor the biology of the river in this area for a
period of five years after the removal.