I&M seeks input on fate of aging St. Joe River dams in Elkhart, Mottville

Indiana Michigan Power is seeking public input as it starts to explore the fate of its aging hydroelectric dams on the St. Joseph River in Elkhart and Mottville, Mich.

Relicense it and keep it running? Or decommission it and possibly remove the dam, which could significantly affect the river for boating, fishing and recreation?

For now, I&M offers a brief online survey, available through this fall, but also will host two open houses on the topic. They will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 9 and 11 at the Northern Indiana Event Center, 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart.

Find the survey and learn more at www.hydrocommunityconversation.com.

“I&M is carefully examining several options, as the facilities’ Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license comes due,” the utility states in an information sheet. “This input will help guide considerations for the potential relicensing or decommissioning of the facilities. I&M is committed to gathering community feedback and analyzing impacts on recreation, the environment, the local economy, and other factors.”

“I&M’s studies will carefully examine the different ways the facilities currently support recreation to understand any impacts related to keeping the facilities or removing them. Please let us know what you value most about the river, and any concerns you would like to avoid.”

The Elkhart dam began operations in 1913 and the Mottville dam in 1923. If their aging issues aren’t addressed, I&M says, it could lead to “escalating maintenance costs” and affect the river’s flow and wildlife. Planning for I&M’s overall use of power-generating resources (like solar, wind, hydro, etc.) will run through late 2026, the company says.