The dam’s deteriorating conditions posed an environmental threat.
The Michigan Section of the American Public Works Association (APWA) selected the City of Litchfield, Michigan, Mill Race Dam Removal as its 2025 Project of the Year in the Structures Less Than $1 Million category.
Built in 1880 to power Stock Mill, Litchfield’s Mill Race Dam had long fallen into disrepair. It posed safety risks and contributed to inflow and infiltration issues in the City’s sewer system. With deteriorating conditions and increasing environmental concerns, the City partnered with Jones & Henry Engineers to investigate solutions.
Jones & Henry identified that water from the failing dam’s impoundment infiltrated the sewer system, leading to excessive wastewater lagoon levels. Residents had an opportunity to take ownership and restore the dam, but costs proved prohibitive. With support from Michigan’s Dam Safety Unit and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the City moved forward with dam removal and stream restoration, incorporating riffles and pools to maintain ecological balance.
Parrish Excavating completed the removal in less than a month in early 2024. The project mitigated safety hazards and improved sewer system efficiency, preventing overflow risks. Spring storms tested the “new” Mill Race, which performed as designed, with no erosion. Dam Safety and the DNR praised the project’s success and will continue monitoring stream health.
“We were able to rid the City of a dangerous structure in a public park while protecting the integrity of the sanitary sewer system,” states Aaron J. Davenport, Senior Vice President and Kalamazoo Office Director for Jones & Henry Engineers.
“The City of Litchfield has partnered with Jones & Henry Engineers on multiple projects over the years, and we are always impressed by their professionalism and dedication, says Nicole Benson, Litchfield City Manager. “This award is a testament to their environmental restoration and infrastructure improvement expertise.”
The removal marks a significant step in preserving Litchfield’s infrastructure while enhancing environmental sustainability for future generations.
Benson says Jones & Henry’s contributions to the Mill Race Dam Removal project were instrumental in enhancing ecological sustainability, improving water flow, and ensuring the long-term health of Litchfield’s local waterways.
“We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition alongside them,” she says.
“The Removal of the Mill Race Dam is noteworthy in that it highlights the cooperation between public works and environmental sustainability,” explains Davenport. “The project ensures that the resulting watercourse is ready to become a pristine stream habitat for its next 145 years.”
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