Stebbinsville Dam on Yahara River Slated for Removal

News Release Published:
February 11, 2010
by the South Central Region
Contact(s): Rob Davis,
Water Management Engineer, Fitchburg:
608 275-3316
608 275-3316

TOWN OF PORTER - Work is drawing near on removing the 92-year old Stebbinsville Dam on the Yahara River in northern Rock County west of Edgerton.
The dam, owned by Peter Burno under the name Wisconsin Edison Corp., has not generated electricity since 1996 and "has failed, is in very poor condition and is a hazard to public safety and to navigation of the Yahara River," said DNR water management engineer Rob Davis, Fitchburg.
Burno has submitted an application to abandon the dam and has given permission for it to be removed. DNR and the River Alliance of Wisconsin have secured about $110,000 in grant money to pay for taking out the structure.
The 300 foot long dam was breached through its right embankment in May, 2004, during a storm, its concrete is in "extremely poor condition and there are numerous very large cracks (which) are showing signs of movement" and "significant displacement," noted Davis.
Plans call for taking out the concrete portion of the dam and later grading both embankments, a step aimed towards restoring the area to its pre-settlement conditions. Restoration will include importing topsoil to cover fill areas, seeding and installing erosion mats.
Dam removal and site restoration will also improve the water quality and biological integrity of the Yahara River by making it easier for fish to migrate to upper portions of the river, reducing carp spawning habitat, and enhancing fish habitat.
The dam in its current configuration was built in 1918, but it is believed that a dam has been present at the site since around 1840.
The existing concrete spillway is functionally the same structure that was constructed around 1918. The site has served as a grist mill, flour mill and most recently used to produce electricity, according to an environmental assessment prepared by DNR.
DNR hosted a public information meeting on Jan. 6, 2009 at the Porter Town Hall to discuss the proposal to abandon and remove the dam.