Tag: The Clarksburg Water Board

Work Continues on Dam Removal Despite Lawsuit

Removal of the first of three Clarksburg Water Board dams continues despite a last-minute legal move to try to halt the project.

The Exponent Telegram reports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently overseeing the removal of the West Milford, Two-Lick and Highland Dams on West Fork River.

The dams are being removed so the board can save on maintenance costs, and so the West Fork River can be restored to its natural state.

Farmer John Stenger filed a lawsuit against the water board Tuesday. Stenger owns property along the deep-water pools near the West Milford and Highland dams. His lawsuit contends that the demolition of the dams would damage his right to access of the pools.

Callie McMunigal of the Fish and Wildlife Service declined to comment on the lawsuit. She says the Service hasn’t been given any notification to stop work.

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.

Exit mobile version