The levee system helps protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding caused by high water levels on Lake Erie, Maumee Bay, and the Ottawa River.
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in 1987, the levee system was designed to reduce flood risk in the Point Place neighborhood. Today, the City of Toledo operates and maintains the system in accordance with federal standards established by USACE.
The 4-mile flood protection system includes earthen levees, flood walls, removable flood closures, pump stations, and drainage infrastructure that work together to reduce flood risk during periods of high water.
Why it Matters
The Point Place levee protects approximately 320 acres and has prevented an estimated $41.8 million in flood damages since it was constructed.
The levee has successfully protected the community during numerous high-water events, including the record lake levels in 1998. While no levee can eliminate flood risk entirely, the levee in Point Place is considered a low-risk system and is expected to perform as designed.
Maintenance
The City of Toledo performs routine maintenance and works with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct regular inspections.
Maintenance activities may include:
- Inspecting the levee, flood walls, pump stations, and flood closures
- Repairing erosion or settlement
- Addressing animal burrows or drainage issues
- Working with property owners and USACE to authorize encroachments whenever possible
- Removing encroachments that cannot be authorized and interfere with inspections, maintenance, or the levee's performance
These activities help preserve the integrity of the levee and ensure it continues to meet federal operation and maintenance requirements.
Keeping the Levee Clear
Structures, landscaping, fences, sheds, retaining walls, and other improvements placed on the levee or within its easement can interfere with inspections, limit maintenance access, damage the levee, or reduce its ability to perform during a flood event. Trees and other woody vegetation can weaken the levee over time by creating pathways for water, obscuring erosion, and preventing inspectors from identifying potential problems.
Help Protect the Levee
The Point Place levee is part of the community's flood protection system. Residents can help keep it functioning as intended by avoiding new structures, landscaping, or tree plantings within the levee easement and by allowing city crews access for inspections and maintenance.
The City may issue fines or orders to remove any encroachments.
Annual Inspections
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers periodically conducts comprehensive inspections of the levee with support from City staff.
These inspections are led by licensed engineers and technical specialists who physically walk the levee, evaluate its condition, document observations, and identify any maintenance or repair needs.
Inspection results support future risk assessments and help ensure the levee meets federal standards.