Fish Passage (Fremont, OH)
Location 
The Ballville Dam project is located in Sandusky County, Ohio, on the Sandusky River approximately 10 miles upstream of the mouth at Sandusky Bay in Lake Erie, 1.5 miles southwest of the city of Fremont.
Project Description
The presence of the dam blocks the passage of migratory fish (e.g., walleye and white bass) to the upstream areas of the river, which contain ideal spawning habitat. Spawning habitat has been severely degraded by the presence of the dam and modifying the dam would provide access to higher quality spawning areas further upstream. The project will evaluate the environmental benefits associated with the development of a plan to remove the dam and/or implementation of a fish passage system, such as technical fishways, rock ramps, or off-channel fish bypasses.
Importance
The Sandusky River and Sandusky Bay spawning stocks are very significant contributors to the Lake Erie walleye population. This population spawns in the Sandusky River and Bay and provides for a significant spring and fall fishery in Ohio waters. Walleye is of enormous ecological and economic importance to all jurisdictions.
Consequences
If nothing is done to promote fish passage at Ballville Dam, it is likely that walleye populations will decline or become dependent on annual stocking programs.
Nonfederal Project Sponsor
- The city of Fremont is the project sponsor.
- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is a particularly important proponent of this project.
Congressional Interest
- Senator George Voinovich (R-OH)
- Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
- Representative Robert E. Latta (R-OH-5)
Current Status
The feasibility stage was initiated at the end of 2007. Continued activities will depend on future appropriations.
Issues
Modification or removal of the dam for the purpose of fisheries and ecosystem restoration is complicated by two factors. First, the city of Fremont uses the dam to impound water for municipal water supply. Second, a flood damage reduction project is located downstream of the dam. It is unknown at this point if modifications to the dam will have any adverse impacts on the flood and coastal storm damage reduction project.
Funding (feasability only)
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $400,000 | * | * |
| Funding to date | $96,000 | $96,000 | * |
| Funds required to complete project | $304,000 | * | * |
*No data provided.
Ballville Dam Project Manager Michael Greer Click here to download a copy |