The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced it will use emergency authority to protect public safety and will begin to lower the dam at Ponderosa Park Resort.
A press release from the department said a recent inspection at the park revealed the dam had "significant erosion and slippage, in addition to the problems with the masonry spillway." The dam rests above state Route 45 and dam failure could damage the roadway and put motorists at risk.
ODNR officials had previously informed the dam's owners of deficiencies at the dam.
"Unfortunately, our warnings and orders have been ignored by the owners of Ponderosa Park," said David Hanselmann, chief of ODNR’s Division of Soil and Water Resources. "We have no choice but to exercise our authority to protect the public by ensuring downstream residents, roads and properties remain safe.”
Failure to lower the dam could result in polluted sediment, which has accumulated behind the dam. This could harm aquatic life in and along the creek.
Hanselmann said the actions underway will lower the masonry spillway to the point where little water will normally be impounded, but most of the sediment will remain behind the dam. The work will result in the creation of a wetland, which will benefit the watershed, though current of future owners could restore the dam.
The work should be completed within a month. ODNR will seek restitution of all state funds expended from the owners of Ponderosa Park Resort.
