City Files Petition For Administrative Review on Dam Removal

Recently, DNR approved a permit to remove the historic Silver Creek dam near Providence Way. The city of New Albany has filed a petition for administrative review, asking a judge to verify compliance with several regulations, most notably because no hydrologic or hydraulic modeling was performed to evaluate the effect that the dam removal would have on water levels or erosion with respect to the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands.

A US Fish and Wildlife hydraulic engineer partner on the project even recommended conducting simple hydraulic modeling to understand the effects of dam removal, but none have been completed so far. The city is also asking that a biological survey be completed before the removal of the dam, showing what impact the removal will have on current fish and wildlife in the area.

“The dam was built in 1904 to provide boating and fishing opportunities to the once-popular nearby Glenwood Park,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We simply want to fully understand the effects that the removal of this century old dam will have on our local waterways, wildlife, and nearby neighborhoods.”

A full copy of the petition for administrative review can be found by clicking HERE