ODNR: Building Limits At Buckeye Lake Dam

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has sent a letter to residents living in Buckeye Lake. It includes new limited rules for building along the 4.1 mile dam.

ODNR Chief of parks and recreation Gary Obermiller, wrote that no additional construction of residences and other structures such as wall systems, patios, swimming pools, sidewalks and utilities will be allowed on the dam without a permit. Likewise no docks, boatlifts or other such equipment will be permitted into the dam without the express approval of the Director of ODNR.

Obermiller says the intention is to preserve the remaining structural integrity of the dam and prevent further erosion. ODNR says it will allow the use of privately owned docks that are not located along the dam during the summer season without a fee, but state owned docks won’t be for lease this year due to the lake’s low level.

Recenlty the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a report raising concerns about the structural integrity of the 183-year-old dam and suggested the lake be drained to reduce the risk of failure. Governor John Kasich has indicated that the state will instead maintain the water level at winter pool, until a new dam is in place which will take almost 5 years and cost $150 million. The Buckeye Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a second dam study in hopes of quickening the replacement of the dam.

On a related note amendments were added to Governor John Kasich’s biennial budget that would provide ten million dollars in capital appropriation to begin work on the troubled dam and another million dollars to promote tourism. The bill still needs to be voted on by both the house and the senate and signed by the Governor.