(Danville) — For the first time in more than a century, water is flowing freely behind the White Mill area.
Crews this weekend removed most of the 130-year old low-head dam between the White Mill and the Danville Family YMCA. Two years ago, Danville City Council voted to remove the Long Mill/White Mill Dam. They cited public safety and flooding concerns. They also pointed to the nearby development underway.
The dam was a five-foot high, 1,150 foot wide low head dam built in 1894 by Dan River Mills to power The Long Mill on the north side of the Dan River, and the White Mill on the south side.
Planners say they will need several environmental permits to start work on recreational attractions for that portion of the river, and keeping the dam would have made that process much more difficult.
Opponents were worried what removal would do to water levels in that area. They fear that portion of the river may be too low to allow for kayaking or any other recreational activities. Staffers say removal will lower the flood plain on nearby land. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says it will open up access to natural features which can improve water quality; enhance fish and wildlife; create recreational opportunities; and reduce flood risks.
Low head dams have been cited as a factor in several recent deaths in the region. The dam near the former Brantley Steam plant was removed in 2011 after five-year old Kolton Karnes drowned when he fell out of a fishing boat.
Five people died in 2021 when they went tubing over a low head dam at the Duke Power facility near Eden, North Carolina. Four more were hurt.
In August 2020 an adult was killed and another hurt when their canoe went over the Long Mill Dam and overturned.
Photo courtesy Travis Hackworth