Tag: Highland Dam

Highland Dam Removal Creating New Concerns

The partial demolition of the Highland Dam has caused new problems in the West Fork River, including dropping water levels and exposed sewer lines.

Bill Hoover, general manager of Greater Harrison Public Services, tells the Exponent Telegram that the department has been monitoring water levels since April. He says he’s never seen the water level this low.

While there hasn’t been any damage to the exposed sewer lines, Hoover says it’s possible. Freezing temperatures and heavy rains can both cause line breakage.

A sewer line break would subsequently contaminate the West Fork River.

Clarksburg Water Board President Paul Howe says the problems should be addressed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and that neither the Water Board nor Greater Harrison Public Works should be liable for the cost of repairs.

The Fish and Wildlife Service couldn’t be reached for comment.

West Fork River Dam Removal Project Underway

  Officials have started a three-month undertaking to remove three dams along the West Fork River in Harrison County.

The Exponent Telegram reports that crews began work Monday removing the West Milford Dam.

Callie McMunigal, the Appalachian partnership coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says crews are letting the water descend from the dam incrementally each day this week.

McMunigal says there will be salvage efforts for stranded mussels along the river and cleanup efforts for trash debris as the water is released.

Workers will then remove the Two-Lick Dam, followed by the Highland Dam.

The Clarksburg Water Board wants to rid itself of liability and maintenance costs associated with the dams, while federal officials want to restore the river to its natural state and improve fish habitat.

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