Get the Facts: Why is there a continued push to remove low

HARDIN, Ky. —

There are thousands of dams across Kentucky, and some of those dams are considered low-head dams, which are known for creating a recirculating current that can be deadly.

The dams can be 1 to 15 feet in height, although larger ones exist, and water flows over the top of the dam.

"So if a paddler or a swimmer or an animal goes over the edge of the dam, they'll effectively just get pulled under," said Michael Washburn, Kentucky Waterways Alliance executive director. "You can be Michael Phelps, and you're very rarely gonna be able to swim yourself free."

Emily Lawson, environmental coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, says the current creates something called a "boil."

"The water is actually a lot less buoyant, and it will reduce your buoy