NexSens Provides Tools for Researching Dam Removal

Buck Creek

Research tools for the project include a rooftop weather station, stream gauge station, and two water quality monitoring stations. Each of the remote stations use wireless telemetry to stream environmental data into Wittenberg's Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center.

The Springfield Conservancy District is exploring stream restoration efforts that include modification or removal of the four dams. Though planned changes to the dams are primarily for recreational purposes, they will help restore the natural flow of sediments and fish along the entire river and provide a healthier ecosystem for Buck Creek.

Many precautions have been taken to observe and address concerns such as flood hazards, wetland soils, endangered species, historic properties and sites, combined sewer overflows, and stream integrity. Dr. Ritter has been studying the project's effects on Buck Creeks ecosystem for some time.

The new monitoring network allows researchers at Wittenberg to monitor the weather, stream flow, and water quality as it occurs, helping to facilitate safe dam removal and assess the impact of stream restoration.

Located in Southwestern Ohio, Buck Creek and its tributary, Beaver Creek, run through a series of low-head dams in Springfield, Ohio. Removal of the first low-head dam and modification of another is scheduled to begin in Fall, 2009.

For more information on the latest in environmental data logging and software technology, contact Paul Nieberding at 937.426.2703.