Dam Demolition to Start in June

It won't be long now until crews start demolishing the dams behind the Sheraton Suites and former Samira restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls.

In fact, it was announced this past week that demolition for the Sheraton dam will be June 17-30 and July 1-19 for the Samira dam, according to the Falls News-Press. City officials as well as residents and kayaking entusiasts attended the second of two meetings Feb. 27 to discuss the future of the dams.

In December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a nationwide permit, which will allow for the removal of the dams. The project will cost just under $1 million and will be paid for by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Read more about last week's meeting on the Falls News-Press.

Why does the city want to remove the dams?

First, the removal means Cuyahoga Falls’ segment of the river would then meet Ohio Water Quality Standards for aquatic life and habitat. The dams negatively impact river systems by serving as barriers to fish migration and reduce fish habitat. They also act as sediment traps and modify water quality.

And second, removal of the dams would allow for kayaking, canoeing and white water rafting. The Cuyahoga Falls Department of Parks and Recreation has hired Colorado-based McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group to do an initial assessment of recreational opportunities for everyone, not just the experts, for kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting upstream of the Sheraton dam.