Information
Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't we just build a big retention pond east of Findlay?
- An effective retention pond would have to cover 1 square mile and be more than 60 ft. deep.
- During the August flood approximately 82 billion gallons of water passed through Findlay – more than 10 times what the reservoir holds!
Why don't we just dredge the river out two feet and reduce the flood level by two feet?
- Dredging the river two feet will not reduce the flood stage by two feet.
- The added capacity gained by dredging two feet of the river bottom at its normal width of 150 feet is insignificant compared to the quantity of water in the river when it is at flood stage – one half to one mile wide in spots.
- Dredging is also a temporary solution. Sediment removed ultimately will redevelop in a relatively short time.
Why don't we just dig small retention ponds in local neighborhoods?
- Would only hold storm water from the City of Findlay and only help flash floods.
- Would not address the water coming into Findlay from the south and the east.
- Would have to be dry ponds (empty holes – resulting in esthetic as well as safety concerns) to have storage capacity.
- Cost would outweigh the benefit of their small impact.
Why don't we just install flood levees?
- Flood levees may be part of an overall solution.
- Levees require special consideration of effects on other areas.
- Levees can cause contractions or restrictions in the river that do not exist now, causing flooding in new areas, particularly east of Findlay.
- Storm sewers would have to be pumped over the flood walls.
- Would require building pump stations throughout the city.
- Flood levees also require temporary flood walls at all the bridges.
Is development the cause of flooding?
- Despite the development, the amount of rainfall it takes to cause a flood has not changed in 50 years.
- February 1959, 3.14 inches of rain - river rose to 16.76 feet.
- February 2008, 3.38 inches of rain - river rose to 16.50 feet.
- Only 6% of the watershed is urban, not all developed.
- 94.1% of the rain falls on cropland, and finds its way to the Blanchard River and its tributaries.
How can we help?
- Understand that the process takes time, but we are committed to seeing it through.
- Remind your legislators that we need to work together to keep this project moving forward.
- Public contributions are being accepted through The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to support planning, design and construction.