HUBBARD TOWNSHIP — Talks regarding the removal of a dam and sediment to stabilize a body of water have resumed, half a decade after they were first initiated.

At a meeting earlier this month, Trustee Jason Tedrow reported that the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments reached out to him about the Valley Mould Dam, which sits behind the township building.

A request for qualifications, days later, stated the project would include removing a designated amount of fine-grained sediment from behind the dam and the disposal of that and filtrate, as well as the “cost-effective” removal of the dam in a manner that will improve Little Yankee Run’s water quality and habitat for aquatic life.

“(Hubbard

Mayor) Ben Kyle had initiated that project; at this point, Eastgate is tentatively expecting to receive some money in regards to that,” Tedrow said. “They’ve (Eastgate) reached out to the city to manage the project; the city has not responded in the affirmative to be part of that project.”was

Tedrow said he was told Eastgate reached out to Ellwood Engineering, which reportedly favored removing the dam, but it is refusing to hold the contracts.

THE CITY

Kyle, who is still recovering from injuries sustained in a Jan. 1 car crash, spoke about the project Friday, saying that the city, Eastgate and other interested parties, such as the land owner, were continuing a discussion that happened “decades prior” about the Valley Mould Dam.

“I’ve heard many stories about the dam itself, what it was used for, and any potential negative impact that it could have,” Kyle said. “Once I was in office, I was able to have a discussion with Eastgate as they were working to remove dams along the Mahoning and other former industrial dams.”

Kyle said the property was later sold to Ellwood Engineering, which he said is willing to let Eastgate do some research.

“There was no true city involvement other than the fact that it exists in the city, but it’s privately owned, and it’s owned by now, Ellwood,” Kyle said.

Kyle said Eastgate is seeking a hydraulic study on the dam to understand the potential impact of its existence, as well as the life forms that exist around it.

Kyle said he also has heard stories from previous mayors about the dam.

“I believe that, as we move forward, unused, unwelcome dams throughout the country from former industrial complexes — they are being removed to improve water quality and water flow,” Kyle said. “I think that there’s just a lot of research that’s being done to see what could happen and what grants are out there, and Eastgate was taking the lead on that.”

Kyle acknowledged that the city could pick up the project once he returns to work.

“I think that once Eastgate gives some more information because they truly are a leader for projects like this and the water quality initiatives,” Kyle said.

“Over the last couple of years, they were working with the EPA and working with other agencies to determine are there funds available? Should the funds be spent on a project like this?”

Kyle said there are a lot of unknowns and “a lot of due diligence needs to happen.”