SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The state has given approval to remove a defunct dam in northeastern Washington, an action that will restore Sullivan Creek to a pristine state.
The state Department of Ecology this week issued a permit to begin the process of removing Mill Pond Dam in Pend Oreille County. The 55-foot tall concrete dam was built in 1921.
Ecology said removing Mill Pond Dam will eliminate a man-made barrier to upstream fish passage, which may help give fish access to 16 miles of new habitat in Sullivan Creek. It also will allow natural sediment to move downstream and improve water quality by cooling the water off substantially.
