ODNR Continues Dam Safety Improvements Across Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH – Work to reduce risk and improve safety at state-owned dams continues at nine sites around Ohio as the nation prepares to observe National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

More dam risk reduction projects are planned over the next two years following recent approval of additional capital projects funding that becomes effective July 1. The projects generally will include dams within some of Ohio’s state parks and will correct deficiencies caused mainly by age, structural design and natural wear and tear.

Currently, dam safety risk-reduction construction projects are ongoing at Lake Alma, Pike Lake, Pond Lick Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Portage Lakes, Grand Lake St. Marys, Dow Lake, Jefferson Lake and Acton Lake dams.

All the dams being worked on are classified as “high-hazard potential,” or Class I, meaning their sudden failure poses a possible risk to property and persons downstream. This “high-hazard potential” classification does not reflect a dam’s condition or level of safety.

The dams are among 179 dams maintained by ODNR and 1,500-plus publicly and privately-owned dams that are regulated by the Ohio Dam Safety Program housed at ODNR in its Division of Soil and Water Resources. For more information, visit ohiodnr.gov.