Draft:FirstEnergy Dam removal

The FirstEnergy dam is the largest dam in the Cuyahoga river in Cuyahoga Falls, in the US state of Ohio. It is scheduled for removal.

Start of the project
The removal of the Gorge Dam in Cuyahoga Falls is a critical initiative aimed at restoring the natural state of the Cuyahoga River. Built in 1913 for hydroelectric power, the dam has been inactive since the 1950s. After years of planning and coordination, the decision to remove the dam was solidified in October 2023 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local partners finalized a $100 million agreement to fund the sediment cleanup and dam removal. The agreement is part of a larger $130 million project funded by a combination of federal, state, and local sources, including contributions from environmental agencies and stakeholders dedicated to river restoration​

Cost breakdown of the project
The $130 million budget for the Gorge Dam removal project is allocated across several key components::

Sediment remediation and disposal
Approximately $100 million. This includes the removal and safe disposal of nearly 875,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment that has accumulated behind the dam over decades​.

Dam removal
Around $10 million. This involves the engineering, labor, and equipment necessary to dismantle the 58-foot-high, 428-foot-wide concrete structure​​.

Site preparation
Estimated at $10 million. Preparation activities include clearing vegetation, setting up access routes for machinery, and ensuring safe working conditions​​.

Environmental monitoring and restoration
Approximately $5 million. Post-removal monitoring will track the river's ecosystem recovery, water quality, and sediment management, alongside restoration efforts to prevent erosion and promote natural habitat regeneration​.

Project management and contingencies
Estimated at $5 million. This covers coordination among multiple stakeholders and contingency funds for unforeseen issues​.

Project plan and timeline
The project is designed with a detailed plan to ensure environmental safety and successful restoration:

Site preparation and initial activities
Timeline: Early 2024 Details: Site preparation involves the clearing of vegetation and the establishment of access routes for heavy machinery. This phase is crucial for setting up the infrastructure needed for subsequent activities. Preparation activities will ensure that the work area is safe for the upcoming removal operations. This phase also includes surveying and marking areas for sediment removal and dam demolition.

Sediment removal
Timeline: Mid-2024 to early 2026 Details: The primary phase of sediment remediation involves the extraction of nearly 875,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. This sediment, polluted with industrial waste from decades of river use, will be transported to a designated 30-acre disposal site near the Chuckery area of Cascade Valley Metro Park. The disposal site will be lined with containment systems to prevent leakage of contaminants into the surrounding environment. The sediment removal process will be conducted in stages, with continuous environmental monitoring to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Specialized dredging equipment will be used to minimize the disturbance to the riverbed and prevent the resuspension of pollutants.

Dam removal
Timeline: Late 2024 to mid-2025 Details: Concurrent with sediment removal, the physical dismantling of the dam will commence. This involves the use of heavy machinery and controlled demolition techniques to safely break down the 58-foot-high, 428-foot-wide concrete structure. The removal process will be planned in stages to prevent a sudden release of water and to protect downstream areas from potential flooding. Debris from the dam will be carefully managed to prevent any negative impact on the river environment. The removal of the dam will restore the natural flow of the Cuyahoga River, facilitating the migration of aquatic species and improving overall water quality​.

Environmental monitoring and restoration
Timeline: Throughout the project and post-removal Details: Continuous monitoring will be conducted to assess the impact of the removal on the river's ecosystem. Water quality tests will measure levels of pollutants, and sediment displacement will be tracked to ensure that contaminants are not spread during the removal process. Restoration efforts will focus on rehabilitating the riverbank and surrounding areas, enhancing aquatic habitats, and re-establishing natural vegetation to prevent erosion. This phase also includes planting native species along the riverbank to stabilize the soil and provide habitat for wildlife

Project Management and Contingencies
Timeline: Throughout the project Details: Effective management and coordination among multiple stakeholders are crucial for the project's success. This includes regular meetings and updates with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as community outreach to keep the public informed. Contingency plans will be in place to address any unforeseen issues that may arise during the project, ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget

Site selection and initial assessment
The Chuckery area of Cascade Valley Metro Park was chosen as the sediment disposal site due to its historical use as a dumping ground, making it a suitable location for handling contaminated materials. The site spans approximately 30 acres and was selected based on several criteria, including its capacity to contain the volume of sediment, proximity to the removal site, and environmental impact considerations.

Site preparation activities
1. Clearing and Access Setup:

Vegetation Clearing: The first step in preparing the Chuckery site involves clearing existing vegetation. This includes removing trees, shrubs, and underbrush to create a clear area for sediment deposition. This step is crucial to prevent interference with the sediment containment and to ensure a smooth operation for machinery. Access Routes: Establishing access routes for heavy machinery and transport vehicles is essential. These routes will be designed to minimize environmental disturbance and ensure safe and efficient transportation of sediment from the dam site to the disposal area.

2. Containment Systems:

Lined Containment Areas: The site will be equipped with lined containment systems to prevent any leakage of contaminants into the surrounding environment. These liners are made from materials designed to withstand the chemical properties of the sediments and prevent seepage into the groundwater. Sediment Cells: The sediment will be deposited in designated cells within the containment area. Each cell will be carefully monitored and managed to ensure that the sediment remains stable and contained.

3. Environmental Safeguards:

Erosion Control: Measures will be put in place to control erosion at the disposal site. This includes installing barriers and using erosion control mats to prevent soil displacement and runoff. Monitoring Systems: Continuous environmental monitoring systems will be installed to track the levels of pollutants and the integrity of the containment systems. This monitoring will ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly.

4. Soil Sampling and Analysis:

Preliminary Testing: Prior to sediment deposition, additional soil samples from the site will be collected and analyzed to establish baseline conditions. This helps in assessing any changes or impacts during the disposal process. Ongoing Testing: Regular soil testing will be conducted throughout the project to monitor for any signs of contamination spread or containment failure. This ongoing analysis is crucial for maintaining environmental safety standards.

Timeline and coordination
Initial Clearing and Setup: Early 2024 Containment Installation: Mid-2024 Sediment Transport and Deposition: Mid-2024 to early 2026 Continuous Monitoring and Final Assessment: Throughout the project and post-completion

The preparation of the Chuckery site is a key component of the Gorge Dam removal project, ensuring environmentally responsible management of extracted sediment. The planned activities aim to safeguard the surrounding ecosystem while facilitating the restoration of the Cuyahoga River

The removal of the Gorge Dam is a landmark environmental restoration project aimed at revitalizing the Cuyahoga River. With a significant investment, the project will enhance the ecological health of the river as well as provision of long-term economic and recreational benefits for the region. By 2026, the Cuyahoga River is expected to flow freely from Kent to Lake Erie.