CS2C - Concurrent Session 02C: Navigating Dam Removal Challenges: How Practitioners Address Common Concerns

Removing dams is now a common practice and a good option for dam owners who determine the cost and impacts of their dams outweigh the benefits. Many dams are old, obsolete, and are becoming unsafe. Along with economic, environmental, and recreational benefits, dam removals can be permanent solutions to dam safety problems. More than 2,000 dams have been removed in the U.S. and dam removal practitioners regularly manage and hear a common set of concerns from regulators, agencies, and surrounding communities. Each of these concerns has been successfully managed, but it requires diligent project planning and collaboration between the dam owner and project designers throughout the project process. Over the course of the presentation, the speakers will outline the key stages of the dam removal process, including planning, outreach, design, funding, implementation, and monitoring, noting the common concerns and examples of successful mitigation measures at each step.

Some of the most common concerns include sediment management, working around existing infrastructure, and managing species of special concern. Sediment management is a critical consideration during dam removal as the disturbance of accumulated sediments may pose environmental and engineering challenges. Effective sediment assessment and management are necessary to mitigate downstream impacts, protect water quality, and restore aquatic habitats. Addressing surrounding infrastructure, such as utility pipes, retaining walls, culverts, and bridges, requires engineering to minimize disruptions to the services they provide. Species of special concern are frequently managed during dam removals as their populations often depend on the river restoration and habitat access provided by removing the dam but can be disrupted during dam deconstruction. Assessing the ecological implications, habitat restoration, and the potential for species resurgence are key aspects of responsible dam removal.

In this talk, American Rivers and Inter-fluve will dive into the details of the dam removal process with tips on how to navigate common concerns. Collaborative efforts among the dam owner, partners, and agencies, including dam safety officials, ensure the implementation of thorough and effective measures to address common concerns and safeguard public safety and the environment throughout the dam removal process.