130 years since construction of dam between Muhu and Saaremaa, costing 106,000 gold rubles
The dam between Saaremaa and Muhu islands was completed 130 years ago, built by islanders for 106,000 gold rubles. Discussions are ongoing about creating openings in the dam to improve water exchange and ecological condition.
The dam between Saaremaa and Muhu islands has turned 130 years old. It was built by islanders over two years, costing 106,000 gold rubles. Four years ago, a high-voltage power line that posed a danger to birds was dismantled from the dam. Now, discussions continue about creating openings in the dam through the Väikeväin strait to improve water exchange and the ecological state of the water area, reported "Aktuaalne kaamera". Representative of the Väikeväin Strait Society, Heiki Hanso, stated that it is no longer a strait but two deep sea bays, and the dam across Väikeväin is the largest hydraulic engineering structure in Estonia, while Väikeväin itself is the largest human-altered water body in the country. The strait needs openings in the dam – scientists have pointed this out long ago. Construction would possibly take only a couple of months, but the latest price quote was around 10 million euros.
