State Seeks Input on Potential Removal of Bloede Dam

The 105-year-old Bloede Dam in Patapsco State Park may be removed, in an effort to improve safety and improve fish passage through the Patapsco River.

It's an option that the Department of Natural Resources is considering and would like public input on. The dam, which was built in 1907, is the largest of the dams along the river at 30 feet high and 160 feet long.

State officials have been removing dams upstream since 2010, according to a study on the dam.

While fish ladders were added in the 1990s to help fish navigate the dam, studies have shown that very few fish travel up the dam, according to a state report.

Also, several people have died on the dam over the years, making it a public safety hazard.

A recent study looked options for the dam, which also included not removing the dam and restoring it. Removal of the dam could cost roughly $2.3 million, according to the state report.

To read more about the dam, visit the DNR website.

The department is also taking comments on the analysis of the dam at two open house meetings scheduled this month at the Catonsville Library: Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To submit written comment to the state, email bloededam@dnr.state.md.us.