Dam removal study sought

Potomac River project could lead to boating, fishing

Kevin Spradlin

CUMBERLAND — Some people around the table last week were so engrossed in the possible end result of a Potomac River project in Cumberland that they were already picking out their swimwear.

First, however, the city of Cumberland must receive and review proposals for a feasibility study that will cover every aspect of how, if and when it’s possible the Potomac River Industrial Dam could be removed and what impact that might have on water quality, fish populations and potential recreational river patrons. The city’s engineering department is hosting a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting July 1 to review potential bidders’ questions. All bids must be received by 3 p.m. July 8 and will be opened one week later.

The study could take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

The dam, constructed in 1959 as part of a flood control project, is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and maintained by the city of Cumberland. The dam no longer provides flood protection but does help to provide water for the re-watered C&O; Canal project.

Among other things, the study is to “assess the impact of dam removal on boating, angling, swimming and other recreational uses of the river impoundment.” The successful bidder also will assess the possibility of constructing a whitewater rapids reach in/near the impounded area and identify a site for a canoe/kayak and/or motor-boat launching facility, according to the request for proposals.

It couldn’t be better timing for some stakeholders at the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. Members of that organization’s Economic Development Committee, including Kolin Jan, chamber president, hosted last month Frostburg State University professor Robert Kauffman, who has floated an idea for a whitewater rapids park to various state agencies for years.

The whitewater effort is one of many short- and long-term possibilities, committee members said Thursday during a meeting with Deidra “Dee Dee” Ritchie, natural resources planner with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Boating Services.

Ritchie, an avid boating enthusiast, said DNR is interested in maintaining or improving water quality and removing obstacles for both fish populations and recreational boat movement — a sentiment echoed by the study RFP. The dam’s removal could spur the American eel population above the dam and open the habitat also to walleye, smallmouth bass and other game and non-game fish. The fish are the top priority in large part because the study’s $50,000 funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ritchie said. Up to $30,000 more could be needed.

Committee co-chairman Rick Thayer asked Ritchie if removing the dam would be similar to removing dams at PPG Industrial Park and the Celanese dam. Ritchie said this dam would be much more labor-intensive and costly.

“I can’t even begin to estimate how much the dam removal would be,” she said.

Ritchie said stakeholders should begin identifying possible funding sources now — for the money to remove the dam, should the study’s results approve such an action, as well as the expected $12 million or more it would take to create Kauffman’s whitewater rapids recreation park.

Jan said community members are doing just that during a visioning session July 22.

Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts continue to use the river.

“I was stunned to see kayakers on the Potomac River,” said Frank Fotia of a recent weekend experience. “We waved. They waved back. I wondered how they got down there.”

Said Thayer: “The answer is, not very easily.”

Jan said whatever the study’s outcome, potential projects should be viewed with separate short-term and long-term approaches. Funding through DNR for a boat ramp or canoe and kayak launch at or near Canal Place might already be available.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.