DNR TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING ON EFFECTS OF DAM REMOVAL NEAR NEW ALBANY LOOP ISLAND WETLANDS

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently has plans to remove a 100’ by 6’ lowhead dam from Silver Creek, located approximately 760 feet east of the intersection of Beharrell Avenue and East Spring Street in the near vicinity of the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands.

As part of the project, Mayor Gahan has asked DNR to host a public hearing to inform the public of any potential impacts that the project may have.

“The City of New Albany is taking steps to ensure the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands are not harmed by the removal of the dam,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We want to make sure that the crown jewel of the Ohio River greenway, the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands, is preserved, protected, and will not be negatively impacted by the removal of the dam.”

The City Engineer has also requested that project managers further study of the impact of removing the low-head dam in Silver Creek, including erosion, water flow speeds, realignment of river channels, changes in flow patterns, along with a variety of possible impacts to the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands which resides downstream of the dam.

DNR has agreed to host a public hearing on March 31, 2021 at 5:00PM EST. The hearing will be held at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, located at 180 West Spring Street in New Albany.

The full public hearing notice from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can be found by clicking here.