The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is now considering removal rather than replacement of Lower Lake Dam but, at this time, no decisions have been made.
Similar to the dam at Horseshoe Park, the dam at Lower Lake is out of compliance with regulations of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Like Horseshoe, Lower Lake Dam is a Class I dam, meaning its failure would lead to extensive property damage downstream and probable loss of life.
NEORSD has been studying possible ways to achieve compliance with ODNR regulations. The sewer district contracted with an engineering firm that developed, and shared with the public, initial plans for replacing the dam, which called for high concrete flood walls and a large auxiliary spillway.
However, for reasons listed on its website, NEORSD is now recommending removal instead of replacement of the dam. This would result in the elimination of the lake, restoration of this section of Doan Brook, and the return of this area to its natural state.
There is a great deal of additional information needed regarding this alternative and, at this time, no decisions have been made. Further information on the NEORSD recommendations, including a question and answer page and a recording of its August 19 virtual public meeting, is available at neorsd.org/lower-shaker-lake-project.