H2Ohio, ODNR Announce Removal of Covington Dam in Miami County

COVINGTON, Ohio – As part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) funded the removal of a low-head dam on the State Scenic Stillwater River in Miami County. The project will improve water quality in the river, throughout the watershed, and downstream into the Great Miami River by restoring the stream gradient, floodplain connectivity, and fish passage.

   The Stillwater River begins in western Darke County and flows southeast where it joins with Greenville Creek in Covington. Both the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek are State Scenic Rivers, known for exceptional water quality and wildlife habitats.

   “Keeping our rivers healthy is a key part of H2Ohio, and to do that, we take on many targeted projects to address water quality from all angles,” said Governor DeWine. “Today we celebrate that the State Scenic Stillwater River will be free-flowing all the way to Greenville Creek, another State Scenic River, highlighting this region’s beautiful natural resources.”

   Removing the 130-foot-wide dam reconnects more than 55 linear miles of the Stillwater River, a major tributary of the Great Miami River watershed. Fish, mussels, and crayfish will benefit from the reconnected river and newly created riffle habitats. In addition, the dam removal will eliminate a former public safety hazard and create safer recreational conditions for paddling and fishing.

   “Strong partnerships lead to successful projects, and completing this project will lead to better water conditions downstream of Covington,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Improving water quality and habitats are key components of H2Ohio, and this project is another example of how we reach those goals.”

   The Covington Dam removal project is a collaboration between the ODNR H2Ohio Rivers Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Village of Covington. H2Ohio Rivers supported the project with a $500,000 grant. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Village of Covington spearheaded early surveys and permit applications to start this project.

   The dam removal is also supported by other local partners, including the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District. Monitoring work this summer will assess changes to the distribution and abundance of fish species at the project site and several upstream areas.
 
   H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization. For more information visit h2.ohio.gov.

   ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.