EPA, Ohio and Partners Highlight Sediment Cleanup Project Start in Cuyahoga Falls
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined Reps. Emilia Sykes and Shontel Brown, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters and other project partners to kick off the long-anticipated cleanup at Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
“I’m proud that EPA provided funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative toward this enormous project, but we wouldn’t be here today without our partners,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “This kind of close collaboration is important to Administrator Lee Zeldin — so much so that it is one of his key pillars, along with ensuring clean air, water, and land for all communities — in his vision for ‘Powering the Great American Comeback.’”
The cleanup under the Great Lakes Legacy Act is one of the largest of its kind and will make significant progress toward restoring beneficial uses of the river to the communities of Northeast Ohio and closer towards delisting the Area of Concern.
“The Cuyahoga River is a symbol of both our progress and our opportunities with water quality here in Ohio,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Today, we take a major step forward in restoring this river to its healthy, natural, free-flowing state, which is something that hasn’t happened in more than 100 years.”
“As a member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and a supporter of the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative of 2025, I’m proud to celebrate the beginning of the removal of the Gorge Dam,” said Rep. Emilia Sykes. “After decades of local advocacy, a nearly $10 million federal investment is making soil remediation and dam removal possible. I look forward to seeing the recreation and enjoyment that will come from a free-flowing Cuyahoga River, a sight not seen for 100 years.”
“The Gorge Dam Cleanup Project is a win for clean water and a win for Northeast Ohio. Cleaning up the Cuyahoga River in Summit County also benefits us in Cuyahoga County - because the river connects our communities,” said Rep. Shontel Brown. “This is more good news for Northeast Ohio made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the work of state and local officials.”
“The Cuyahoga River is a cornerstone of our region’s history, and this project ensures it will also be a cornerstone of our future,” said Rep. Max Miller. “By removing decades of contamination, we are restoring a natural resource that supports our economy, our environment, and our quality of life. I’m proud to see federal, state, and local partners working together to deliver results for the people of Northeast Ohio.”
EPA estimates more than 850,000 cubic yards of sediment will be dredged from the dam pool behind Gorge Dam on the Cuyahoga River. After the material is removed it will be transported, stabilized, and placed in a specially constructed placement area within the park.
The project is expected to take place over the course of two construction seasons. Following completion of the sediment remediation work, the dam will be removed in a subsequent project.
For more information on the project, please see EPA’s Cuyahoga Gorge Dam GLLA Cleanup website.
Background
The project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and project partners through a cost-sharing agreement. Non-federal partners on this project are the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the City of Akron, FirstEnergy/Ohio Edison, and Ohio EPA. Additional financial and technical support comes from Summit Metro Parks, City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Lake Erie Commission and Summit County.