Ask Mr. Answer Person: "Is it true there is talk about blowing up the upper and lower dam?"

Theresa e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "Is it true there is talk about blowing up the upper and lower dam?  What is the history behind them?  What happens if they were not there?  And what do they do for the river now?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "Thanks for your wonderful e-mail, Theresa.  Even though the rumor is absolutely, totally, 100 percent FALSE, just the thought of someone pushing down the plunger on an explosives detonator made my whole day!

But to get serious: There are no plans to remove the Upper Dam or Lower Dam.  Both dams have deteriorated since their construction nearly 100 years ago.  But the Lower Dam especially is useful for preventing fish like the Asian Carp from moving upstream and causing problems.  The Upper Dam could be removed with less impact on the fish population, but for now there are NO plans to remove either dam and DEFINITELY no plans to blow up either dam. (Rats!)