Overview

About the Project

A Call to Action

State law, as enforced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), requires that dams be designed to fully accommodate highly extreme weather events where dam failure could result in the loss of human life. This requirement applies to all dams, new or old, and Piqua’s hydraulic dam system was not originally designed to meet rigorous requirements for safety. ODNR has notified the City of Piqua that progress must be made on design modifications or enforcement action will be taken. Design changes would affect Swift Run Lake, Echo Lake and Franz Pond, and the City recognizes that these water bodies and the canal that connects them are important to the public for many reasons, and is working through this project engagement process to identify a suitable outcome that fulfills safety goals, retains the quality of life of our residents, and is cost effective.

Where is the Project?

Located on the north edge of Piqua, the project is focused around three areas:

  • Area I – Swift Run Lake

  • Area II- Echo Lake

  • Area III – Franz Pond

The Team

  • The City

    The City of Piqua is leading this project and will serve as the main point of contact and liaison between the consulting team, ODNR, and the public. The City will be responsible for the following:

    • Forming the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)

    • Reviewing and providing feedback on any outreach materials

    • Attending public meetings and meetings with the CAC

    • Guiding the selection of the preferred alternatives

    • Assisting in identifying stakeholders

  • The Consultant

    Stantec and OHM Advisors have been selected by the City to assist with the engineering and public engagement as part of this study.

    Stantec is an international professional consulting firm providing services in engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, planning, surveying, and environmental sciences for infrastructure and facilities projects. As part of this effort, the Stantec team has thoroughly studied the project sites and will develop and refine the potential design alternatives for each site that align with ODNR requirements.

    OHM Advisors is a community advancement firm providing services across the architecture, engineering, and planning spheres. OHM will guide the community outreach and engagement for this study. This will involve working closely with the City, the Stantec team, and local leadership to develop outreach collateral, generate and monitor a project website, and host in-person or virtual public meetings.

The Citizen Advisory Committee

Want to know more about this group and their role on the project? Select the button below to view the CAC handout!