TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- A Dam removal plan years in the making could move forward as early as Monday.

Water in two ponds along the Boardman River in and near Traverse City are to be lowered this week as crews move forward with the removal of the Brown Bridge, Sabin and Boardman dams.

Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality issued drawdown permits last week for the project.

Brown Bridge Dam is owned by the city. Grand Traverse County owns Sabin and Boardman dams. Plans also call for significant improvements to Union Street Dam, which is owned by Traverse City.

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