The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has set new construction and dock policies at central Ohio's Buckeye Lake, where federal officials have warned a deteriorating dam could fail.
The department wrote in a letter sent to Buckeye Lake residents Tuesday that no new docks, boatlifts or other equipment will be permitted on the earthen dam without express approval. The construction of homes, patios, pools and sidewalks won't be allowed without a proper permit.
A recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report concluded there's a high risk of failure at the dam at Buckeye Lake, about 30 miles east of Columbus. The report said such a failure could put 3,000 lives at risk.
ODNR says the restrictions are intended to preserve the dam's remaining integrity.
