COLUMBUS, OH - The City of Fremont and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently agreed to partner in the construction of a new water supply reservoir for the city, and subsequent removal of the Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife has agreed to provide $5 million toward the construction of the new reservoir. Once completed, the reservoir will eliminate the need for the Ballville Dam, which currently impounds the city’s water supply.

ODNR has been interested in restoring river connectivity and ecosystem function on the Sandusky for many years. Constructed in 1911, the dam blocks upstream and downstream fish movement on the river. It prevents access to at least 22 miles of quality walleye spawning habitat that lies upstream. With the health of the Sandusky River walleye stock in question, access to spawning habitat above the dam may go a long way towards stabilization and improvement of this game fish population.

In addition, recent concerns about the condition of the dam and the quality of the water behind it have led the city to look for an alternative water supply.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with ODNR on a project that helps achieve water supply goals for the city, as well as natural resources management goals for ODNR,” said Fremont Mayor Terry Overmyer.

“This project further proves the strength of the connection that exists between conservation and economic development,” said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. “It will vastly improve the fish spawning habitat in the Sandusky River, help the city secure a quality water supply, improve water control safety, and guarantee the long-term health of an important tourism and business asset.”

“Walleye fishing is a tremendous economic engine for Ohio’s north coast. Lake Erie fishing has an estimated $800 million economic impact on the region,” noted Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham.

Preliminary work on the new reservoir has already begun. The tentative completion date for the 100-acre impoundment is May 2011.

The Ballville Dam will be removed in layers over a period of months to allow sediment accumulated on the upstream side to stabilize and vegetate. The river should be open for fish passage by the end of 2012 when the last of the dam is scheduled for removal. By the spring of 2013, Sandusky River walleye may be spawning as far upstream as Fort Seneca and beyond.