Draining Begins at Buckeye Lake

The water at Buckeye Lake is being lowered following the state’s decision to maintain winter lake levels until its deteriorated dam can be replaced. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says partial draining would begin Thursday and will continue for about a week. A recent U.S Army Corps of Engineers report concluded there is a high risk of failure at the 4.1-mile earthen dam. The report said such a failure could put 3,000 lives at risk. Governor John Kasich has said Ohio will replace the dam and keep the late at lower winter levels of about 3 feet. ODNR says recent rains have put the lake more than 10 inches above winter level.