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Rainstorm takes out old Gates Mills dam
(by Sali McSherry - March 03, 2011)
Rainstorm takes out old Gates Mills dam
By SALI McSHERRY
The low-neck dam just south of the Old Mill Road bridge in Gates Mills broke Monday morning, causing flooding on village-owned property and other damage.
Village Service Director David Biggert said the dam collapsed due to excessive storm water.
The bridge at Wilson Mills and Chagrin River roads was closed Monday morning when the river water rose above the 100-year flood elevation, village Engineer Christopher Courtney said. The river surface was less than 5 feet from the top of the arches under the bridge, he said.
After rising about 11 feet, the river receded Tuesday to less than 4 feet, he said.
The bridge reopened Tuesday morning after the Ohio Department of Transportation reviewed the situation.
The dam most likely will not be rebuilt because of the expense, which would be in the seven-figure range, Mr. Courtney said.
He said he expects water quality and fish traffic to improve with the dam gone.
The dam originally was constructed in the early 1800s to supply water to a rake factory and a grist mill in Gates Mills, Mr. Biggert said.
It was a historical remnant and provided no functional use, Mr. Courtney said.
Trout, which used to swim upstream and were thwarted by the dam, may again swim farther south in the river, he said.
The river rushed over its banks and the backyards of residents just northwest of Old Mill Road, near the bridge. Water crept up to the edge of a house at the corner of the two roads, backyards were flooded, and, in some cases, the top railings of fences were all that could be seen.
Nearly a foot of water was found behind the flood wall that separated the riverbank from the back of St. Christopher's Church by the River on Old Mill Road.
Heavy water spilled over the village tennis courts and entered the fire station. Dumpsters located in the outdoor service department area just off the bank appeared as if they were in the middle of the river, officials said.
No evacuations within Gates Mills were required as a result of the dam's collapse, Mr. Biggert said.
The cities of Eastlake and Willoughby Hills were contacted, Mr. Biggert said, and were advised of the collapse and notified to be on the alert for a potential storm surge in the river.
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