Hamilton Dam team discusses project

The Hamilton Dam and Restoration project team reported the physical and environmental changes they plan for the dam and parks along the Flint River Feb. 25. Team members showed what changes need to be made to ensure a cleaner river system. Examples of physical changes were shown to illustrate what the completed project would look like.

Demolition of the dam walls was also discussed.

"The Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of what we do with the channel," Jamie Brown said.  "Engineers believe that having the walls there will keep it cleaner, but that's not true."

Brown said the only other option would be to reconstruct the walls. However, involvement from the Department of Natural Resources would increase the likelihood of demolition.

Examples of improvements included creating a cleaner river system and opening the north and south bank areas for public view.

Brown discussed options for decontamination of the river. He said the team would first have to remove the petroleum parcels to the east, near Atwood Stadium.

"It will get worse as we go west," Brown said. "But as time goes on, contamination will become latent and will be diluted by ground water."

A study of the sediment of the river could also lead to a cleaner environment for fishing. Dana Dougherty, who works specifically on the technical aspects for the project, said the main goals are to keep the water treatment plant open and to create a clean environment for fish. However, determining the depth and the level of sediment contamination will be studied further.

The project will also include opening the area for public view on the south side of the bank.  The team plans to improve access to the amphitheater and create pedestrian paths along the river. They hope to open the area and create visibility from Saginaw Street. Reopening the grand fountain on the north side is also part of the project.

Brown said the project could take up to 20 years. For cleaning, he expects the project to cost about $50 million. The team is applying for grants.

Planning for the project has been funded by the Downtown Development Authority.

While residents expressed concerns about flooding in the area, project developers ensured them that public safety is a main concern.

Urban planner Charles Smith said, "We will make sure that whatever we do will not change the flooding elevation."

The team has done six studies to ensure the city's safety.

"We're going to be turning a negative into a big positive," Smith said.