The Mahoning River flows over the Leavittsburg dam as seen from West Market Street. Staff photo / R. Michael Semple

WARREN TOWNSHIP — While Warren Township officials and many township residents have indicated they do not want the Leavittsburg Dam taken out, members of the Trumbull Metroparks, which owns the dam, are reviewing what will be the best option for the aging structure.

Warren Township Trustee Ed Anthony said trustees will meet with a committee of eight local residents to discuss the dam who also want to meet with Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, which has a plan to remove dams in different areas along the Mahoning River.

The plan to remove the dams is aimed at speeding up the natural cleaning process of the river and potentially spur recreational or economic development along its banks.

“We are gathering information to see how many homes would be affected if the dam is removed. Once we get all that we want to meet with Eastgate,” Anthony said.

Frank Migliozzi, health commissioner with the Trumbull County Combined Health District, has said some residents along the river have permitted septic systems whose pipes discharge to the water’s edge, some near the dam. He said the systems are monitored annually.

Migliozzi has said if the dam is taken out, it will alter the water level and result in stagnant water, creating nuisance problems.

“That is what a lot of residents are concerned about. This has to seriously be looked at,” he said at a recent public meeting on the topic.

Metroparks board member John Brown said discussions on the dam have been ongoing for bringing the river back to its natural course and condition with no dam.

“We are the owners of the dam and laying out the money for it. It takes up 1 percent to 2 percent of our budget to pay the insurance for the dam,” he said.

Brown said Eastgate wants to remove 10 dams along the river with Leavittsburg being the 10th. The dam is located at North Leavitt Road and West Market Street

Zachary Svette, Metroparks director, said there have been discussions with Eastgate, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Trumbull Health Department, and Trumbull Sanitary Engineer over the dam and septic issues. He said no final decision on the removal has been made by the board.

“We are making sure we are not impacting one set of people over another on this. There are kayakers and canoers who use the water and people who live along the river,” he said.

Metroparks board member Nicolette Darkangelo said the board needs to look at the lifespan of the dam and when it would breach since it will not last forever.

“That is a valid issue. There are different views in the community on how the river has been utilized outside of being a natural resource,” she said.

Brown said Warren city is looking at taking Summit Street dam out.

Svette said the board will review what impact removal of the dam will have on recreational opportunities there such as Canoe City in Leavittsburg and Swift Park in Braceville.

The Girard-McDonald dam will not be removed because it is used by McDonald Steel.

Darkangelo suggested having meetings with trustees and residents to discuss reasons for and against taking out the dam.

Brown said a hydrology study will be done in 2020 on Mahoning River. Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement, distribution and management of water

About 100 residents attended an informational meeting by the Ohio EPA on the dam earlier this month on what factors go into deciding if a dam should be removed. Residents worried about the impact of more flooding in their neighborhood and the effect on wildlife in the area asked questions and expressed concern.

William Zawiski, supervisor for water quality with the Ohio EPA, said many factors determine a dam’s removal such as safety, water quality, aquatic habitation, flood control, historical significance and community improvements.

Zawiski said the dam is not used for flood control or for drinking, but more for recreational and social purposes.

He said many of the dams along the Mahoning River likely will be taken out by the rivers themselves eventually, which is a safety concern. He said when dams are taken out, the river will restore itself with new vegetation.

Residents at the meeting expressed concern about wildlife such as eagles, otters and beavers, and want money spent on dam removal used for road improvements and other projects.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com