Dam At Horseshoe Lake Is 'Failing,' Sewer District Says

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The dams at Horseshoe Lake and Lower Lake are "out of compliance" with Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) requirements.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District recently completed the Lake Erie Tributaries Master Plan, including a study of the Doan Brook Watershed and the dams in the Shaker Lakes. Both dams are designated "Class I" by ODNR.

“As ‘Class I’ dams, there is a probable loss of life and severe damage to public roadways if these were to fail and send water downstream uncontrolled. There’s no doubt about it: the dam at Horseshoe Lake is failing and that’s why ODNR ordered Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights to drain it,” said Frank Greenland, director of watershed programs for the sewer district.

The sewer district is hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to discuss its findings and recommendations for the dams. The meeting will be streamed live via Zoom at neorsd.org/shakerlakes and audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions via Zoom’s chat functionality.

There will also be a presentation delivered on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. to a joint Cleveland Heights Committee of the Whole and Shaker Heights City Council work session.

This meeting is being streamed live via Cleveland Heights’ YouTube page and will be available at youtube.com/cityofclevelandheights/live.

“These stormwater master plans are detailed and document the problems and necessary solutions in the Doan Brook watershed. We must work collaboratively to address the non-compliant dams as well as chronic flooding downstream," Greenland said.