The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft report recommending the removal of dams along the Fox River, including in Geneva.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Fox River Study Group are partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers to assess the feasibility of restoring the river connectivity and habitat for fishes, mussels and wildlife along a stretch of the Fox River from Algonquin to Montgomery.
The draft report considers three alternative plans to restore the river connectivity and habitat, including a no action option. The tentatively selected plan includes full removal of the Fox River dams in Carpentersville, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora, Aurora, and Montgomery. The recommendation involves demolition, removal and disposal of the existing dam structures.
The Geneva dam is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The City of Geneva will not have final authority on the dam's future since the decision rests with the State.
The report's findings will be detailed and public comment will be accepted at several meetings scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 on:
- Monday, Sept. 18 at the Kane County Branch Court, 530 S. Randall Road, St. Charles;
- Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin; and
- Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Waubonsee Community College, 18 S. River St., Aurora.
The full, draft Project Implementation Report and Environmental Assessment (PIR/EA for the Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study in Kane and McHenry counties can be found on the Army Corps of Engineers website.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting written comments and questions via email through Monday, Nov. 6.