Environmental Quality Commission: October 21, 2026
To: Members of the Environmental Quality Commission
From: James McDermott, Water Quality Technician
Title
Consider Motion of Support for Ames Mill Dam removal timeline and next steps.
Body
Action Requested:
The Environmental Quality Commission is asked to approve a motion to support the Ames Mill Dam removal timeline and next steps.
Summary Report:
EQC members are asked to discuss considering a motion that would support the proposed Ames Mill Dam removal timeline and next steps.
Background Summary:
James McDermott, City of Northfield Water Quality Technician and Jennifer Tonko, Executive Director for Clean River Partners will provide a presentation at the meeting and welcome questions and input from the EQC.
Background
Post Consumer Brands owns the Ames Mill Dam. The aging structure no longer serves its original milling purpose. The first dam dates to 1855, the year Northfield was founded. The existing concrete dam was constructed in 1919. According to the accompanying project presentation, a 1997 inspection recommended studying potential removal. Malt-O-Meal explored a replacement option in 2007, but cost and limited funding for privately owned dams prevented the project from advancing.
On November 21, 2023, the City Council adopted the Ames Mill Dam Feasibility Report’s recommended Option 3, removal of the dam with installation of long rock rapids. Council also authorized staff to explore ownership transfer and funding. The current work follows that direction by examining whether the City can proceed under acceptable environmental, financial, and ownership conditions.
The long rock rapids concept would replace the dam’s abrupt drop with a more gradual series of rock features intended to allow fish passage and improve river safety. Final engineering would determine the configuration, water levels, river appearance, and recreational conditions. The feasibility concept provides a direction for further s...
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