KALAMAZOO, MI — The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) is warning residents to avoid walking on sediment deposits from the Morrow Dam found on the Kalamazoo River. “The sediment deposits in the Kalamazoo River are incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs,” KDPS Assistant Chief Matt Huber said in a March 23 news release. “In some places, the deposits can be 10 feet deep, or more, and are like quick-sand. One wrong step could spell disaster.”
Sediment deposits developed after a hydroelectric dam operator unexpectedly drained its impoundment. In February, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy submitted a field investigation report that estimated 114,000 cubic yards of sediment was coating about seven to eight miles of the river, downstream of Morrow Dam. Dredging is still underway in Comstock Township, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) suggests more dredging may be needed, the city said.
“As the weather warms up this week, we know more and more people will be drawn to the Kalamazoo River, which is why we are warning residents about the dangers of these sediment deposits,” Huber said.