CANFIELD, Ohio – In this excerpt from The Business Journal Roundtable Series featuring Mahoning River revitalization, panelists discussed the complexities surrounding the removal of lowhead dams along the Mahoning River. Gavin Switzer of Friends of the Mahoning River emphasized that dam removal is often misunderstood, with most of the work and funding devoted to environmental studies and dredging efforts.
“People think it’s just tearing the dam down,” Switzer said. “But 80% of the cost goes to preparation—studies, sediment removal, and environmental safeguards—long before any demolition begins.”
Switzer pointed out that stagnant water behind the Leavittsburg dam contributes to broader water quality issues, especially given the area’s lack of functioning septic systems.
Justin Mondock of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments confirmed that Trumbull County is moving forward with a wastewater treatment project aimed at mitigating failing septic infrastructure in the Meadowbrook area.
Watch the full discussion HERE.