Four low-head dams exist today within the construction area and present significant public safety hazards. They also function to create uniform hydraulics and an un-natural aesthetics throughout the project reach. It is believed these dams were built in the mid 1920’s to originally facilitate the image of the Grand River and served the purpose to dilute raw sewage. In 2015, the City of Grand Rapids completed the removal of their combined sewer overflow points. Visual and physical evidence exists to show these dams are deteriorating. The original purpose of the low-head dams is no longer being served and is no longer needed.
The dams also present barriers to fish passage and connectivity. A MDNR report by Hanshue and Harrington (2017) indicate that the low-head dams in the Project Area “likely represents a barrier to native fish species (e.g. Walleye Sander vitreus, suckers (family Catostomidae) during low flow conditions,”. The dams are also deteriorating or have failed.