Sturgis dam drawdown to start Monday
CENTREVILLE - The water level in the Sturgis Dam reservoir, part of the Sturgis hydroelectric project, will start drawing down Monday, Sept. 11, as part of needed repairs to the Langley Covered Bridge.
The city of Sturgis will oversee the drawdown of the reservoir area upstream of their dam and hydroelectric plant on the St. Joseph River near Centerville. This drawdown is expected to impact the river by lowering water levels in an area from the dam upstream to Mendon. Water levels may be expected to rise downstream of the dam as far as Three Rivers.
The depth of the reservoir will be reduced three feet over the course of several days, with a maximum drawdown rate of six inches per day. Those with boats or other watercraft docked on the river should make necessary arrangements to move or secure their craft, as the drawdown is expected to significantly lower the water level upstream of the dam.
In order to protect hibernating wildlife along the affected shoreline, and because the construction work will not be complete before Oct. 15, the level per Michigan Department of Natural Resources requirements will stay lowered until April 30.
The process of returning the level, known as an impoundment, to its normal level is expected to start May 1. The impoundment will be maintained at a level two feet below the normal level for 30 days. After 30 days, the impoundment level will slowly be brought back to the normal operating level.
Those with questions about the drawdown may call St. Joseph County assistant manager/engineer Garrett Myland at 269-467-6393, ext. 70, or Sturgis electric superintendent Chris McArthur at 269-659-7298.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis dam drawdown to start Monday
