“Many of these problems were identified even before my time as the Director at ODNR and the fact that they are being recognized outside of the agency for the enormous risk they pose to the people in the community does provide me with a great sense of relief.”
Sean Logan, Former ODNR Director, 2007-2011
“As a former director of ODNR and as one who has also had the experience of owning a boat on Buckeye Lake, I believe that the recent report issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers must serve as a call to action to resolve the critical issues that threaten the community. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources should move forward immediately to ensure public safety and the future of the lake itself.”
Sam Speck, Former ODNR Director, 1999-2007
“As a former Director of ODNR, I would urge residents and lawmakers alike to support the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as they work to alleviate the long term public safety risk associated with the dam, and to explore ways to maintain a strong Buckeye Lake community. These are not new issues and need to be promptly addressed.
Francis Buchholzer, Former ODNR Director 1991-1995
“For more than 160 years, Buckeye Lake has been one of Ohio's truly unique resources. Through its commitment to fix the dam, the State of Ohio will be making a very considerable investment in one of Ohio’s more significant natural resources. The state’s decision is the right one and is a win-win for everyone as property owners and business operators will have their investments protected, downstream residents and their community leaders will benefit with the assurance that the dam meets modern safety requirements, and Ohioans will benefit from the enhancement and protection of Buckeye Lake’s environmental and recreational value.”
Don Anderson, Former ODNR Director 1995-1999
“The Emergency Management Association of Ohio is committed to working with the state and local partners to create a long-term safe and stable solution for the citizens of Licking, Fairfield and Perry Counties. Our priority is to make sure that the people living around this flood zone are safe and we will work to ensure we have the proper plans and procedures in place to protect our citizens.”
Emergency Management Association of Ohio, Brad Gilbert, President,
“Any decision made to remediate the serious Buckeye Lake dam issue will have far reaching consequences. The safety of all individuals who live and work in the Buckeye Lake region and nearby enclaves must always be the ultimate priority. The Licking County Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the Army Corps of Engineers study must be addressed immediately and the issues it raises acted upon with a sense of urgency and purpose. Whatever plan is adopted and executed will come with significant pain and sacrifice. However, we are confident that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in conjunction with state and local entities, can create a plan that prioritizes public safety, but also considers the enormous economic impact that a reinvigorated and thriving Buckeye Lake will have on the region for decades to come.”
Licking County Chamber of Commerce, Cheri Hottinger, President & CEO
The ODNR is right to take protective action to protect people and property near Buckeye Lake. As confirmed by the Army Corps report, the Buckeye Lake dam poses a clear and present danger to life and limb and to the natural environment.
A catastrophic flood would endanger lives and property. It also could contaminate water sources with raw sewage from the wastewater treatment plant in Buckeye Lake village and dangerous chemicals stored or used at some 75-identified company facilities in the inundation zone. Finally, the ecologically fragile Cranberry Bog -- a national natural landmark -- could suffer irreparable impact.
The old adage 'better safe than sorry' certainly applies to the Buckeye Lake situation. So while its actions may not be popular with all, ODNR is making the right call and exhibiting solid leadership.
Ohio Environmental Council, Jack Shaner, Deputy Director
“ I wish to extend my thanks to everyone at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for their efforts as they work to address the countless issues that currently plague the Buckeye Lake Dam. I think we all realize and agree that taking lives and property of residents around Buckeye Lake out of harm’s way is always the most important priority.”
Frank Foster, Former Mayor, Village of Buckeye Lake 2002-09
“The deficiencies that were identified in the report have been well known for years; however the recent revelations of the danger they now pose to the dam and the people in the area cannot be ignored. The condition of the dam must be addressed to protect lives and preserve the future of Buckeye Lake itself.
The Buckeye Lake Wastewater Plant is designed to withstand a 100 yr. flood event. Licking County has a general Emergency Action Plan in place and I will be working with the Licking County EMA, Ohio EPA and ODNR to update the plan to address critical areas at the Treatment Plant that could be affected in the event of a dam failure.”
Licking County Water & Wastewater Dept. Kevin C. Eby, Director
“The LEADS Community Action Agency has read the report of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Assessment of Buckeye Lake Dam and we have spoken to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on several occasions relating to that report. We support the efforts of ODNR to implement a permanent solution to this threat and to protect the lives and property of the residents of Buckeye Lake.”
LEADS, Ken Kempton, President & CEO
“I applaud Governor Kasich's commitment to spare a long-term future for Buckeye Lake by building a new dam.
“Good move, Governor @JohnKasich to spare a long-term future for the Buckeye Lake region. #BuckeyeLakeDam”
Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, Rick Platt, President & CEO