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U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Recommends Removing Nine Fox River Dams to Rehabilitate River

Multi-year study finds removal of aging, obsolete dams would reduce water pollution, aid fish and wildlife recolonization, support native plants and small mammals, increase public safety, and cut municipal dam maintenance costs.

A Fox River Without Dams

The water quality studies have shown that a river without low-head dams is safer and healthier for people and the environment.

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Aging, obsolete dams up and down the river impede the natural, connected flow of the Fox River, creating a host of economic, environmental, and safety problems that residents and visitors of the Fox River Valley have to deal with. 

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  • Without dam removals, wastewater treatment upgrades are estimated to cost taxpayers as much as $150 million within the next ten years with continual operations and maintenance costs; dam removals are only a one-time investment of $5 million with no O&M fees. 

  • Dams slow down the river’s natural flow, trap sediment, and foster algae blooms and poor water quality. 

  • Within the past decades, over 20 people have fatally drowned after being pulled in by the strong currents below the Fox River’s various dams. 

  • Dam removal is the best solution for rehabilitating the Fox River and returning it to its natural, free-flowing state – and the Army Corps of Engineers is offering to cover 65% of the cost of dam removal.  

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Read more here.

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You Think!

Take a look at the Army Corps’ Study & Send Us Your Feedback! 

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ABOUT THE FOX RIVER STUDY GROUP

The Fox River Study Group is a diverse coalition of stakeholders using science to guide the region toward a cleaner, safer and more beautiful Fox River. We use research, data and collaboration to support sustainable policies and development across the Fox River watershed.

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USING SCIENCE TO GUIDE THE REGION TOWARD A CLEANER, SAFER AND

MORE BEAUTIFUL FOX RIVER

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

The Fox River Implementation Plan (FRIP), first released in 2015, recommended steps to improve wastewater treatment and reduce runoff pollution that will cut phosporus levels in the river by 75%. Learn more.

IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN
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NEWS

Read the latest stories on 

Fox River water quality, public engagement and plans to improve the river. Visit the news section.

NEWS
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RIVER RESTORATION

Restoring natural process and habitat is one of the most effective and lowest cost ways for communities to improve water quality and safety on the Fox River. Learn more.

RIVER RESTORATION
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WATER QUALITY ACROSS THE FOX RIVER WATERSHED HAS STEADILY IMPROVED SINCE 1998
Read the Illinois State Water Survey Report and more 
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THE FOX RIVER WATERSHED IS HOME TO NEARLY ONE MILLION ILLINOIS RESIDENTS 

CONTACT US

Address

682 State Route 31

Oswego, IL 60543   

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Phone

630-538-3909

 

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