Residents Air Concerns on Removal of Dam
About 300 people showed up this week to air suggestions and concerns on removal of the Matilija Dam, north of Ojai.
While nearly everyone seemed to favor the dam’s demise, the 20 speakers at the meeting Thursday in Ventura raised questions over safety, the environment and the cost of the project.
The reservoir created by the dam holds only about 1.3 million gallons--5% of its original capacity--primarily because of sediment trapped behind the dam.
There are several options for removing the dam. One includes taking chunks from the top of the dam and allowing the sediment to gradually wash downstream. Another is to scoop the sediment from behind the dam and dump it elsewhere.
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