The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has officially okayed the removal of the Leavittsburg Dam in Trumbull County on Wednesday.

However, while this is a step forward, the decision on whether the dam will be removed or not will still be considered by the Board of the Trumbull County MetroParks.

According to a filing from the Ohio EPA dated Wednesday, December 4, the agency has issued a permit to remove the Leavittsburg Dam from the Mahoning River.

Trumbull County Metroparks Executive Director Zachary Svette tells 21 News the Trumbull Metroparks Board still needs to decide on whether or not the dam will be demolished.

According to Trumbull County Metroparks' website, the project would remove a fish passage barrier on the Mahoning River and enhance biological diversity potential in the area of the dam.

The Metroparks argued that removal of the dam was necessary because it poses a drowning hazard and it is bad for the environment.

This project was not free of concerns though as Trumbull County officials like Warren Township Trustee Ed Anthony expressed concerns of potential erosion and damage to nearby property, as well as concerns of potential exposure to hazardous material and wildlife concerns.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy previously said ownership of the dam should be transferred to Warren Township to put the liability on them and that there was no reason the park should own the dam.

No time frame was given for when the Metroparks would decide whether or not to remove the dam and that the Board is still examining their options before making a final decision.

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