Project Location: Project reach extends along the Raisin River from Nooney Dam, at the outlet of Vineyard Lake, to immediately downstream of Mill Street bridge in the Village of Brooklyn. This project area is located entirely within Columbia Township, Jackson County, Michigan.

Description of Problem: The Brooklyn Dam (BD) is regulated by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) due to its height and size of the associated impoundment. EGLE classifies the BD as a High Hazard Potential Dam as loss of life and severe impacts are expected if a dam failure occurred. BD as largely seen today was constructed in 1939 and was used to supply hydroelectricity for the adjacent manufacturing plant. The dam is no longer used to supply hydroelectric power but had been in operation as recently as 2006. The dam is an earthen structure with a 32-foot-wide concrete spillway with an earthen embankment which extends 300 feet to either side of the spillway. The maximum height of the earthen embankment is 22.5 feet and the spillway is 18 feet in height (EGLE Dam Safety Report 2016). The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), River Raisin Assessment highlights the importance of this high gradient reach of the River Raisin, near Brooklyn to its health and associated aquatic life. Fish and other aquatic animals are typically most diverse and productive in high gradient habitat. The report states that the total length of the River Raisin is 149 miles in length and only 5% has high gradient habitat that is found only in the headwaters and localized in Brooklyn and small reaches in Manchester and Tecumseh. Much of the high gradient habitat has been inundated by dams and their impoundments eliminating this unique and productive habitat and fragmenting the river therefore not allowing fish to freely move through the river.

Proposed Project: Removal of the High Hazard Potential BD, restoration of approximately 2,600 ft. of the River Raisin utilizing Natural Channel Design (NCD) through the former impoundment, replacement of the Mill Street bridge and construction of natural rock rapids over Nooney Dam.

Partners and Collaboration: River Raisin Watershed Council, Jackson County Drain Office, Village of Brooklyn, DNR, Michigan Department of Transportation, EGLE, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Niswander Environmental, Green Watershed Restoration and Five Smooth Stones are key partners.