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Dam Removal
By Kelly Meinhart, Producer
 hen
we picture a dam in our minds, we most likely conjure up the image
of dams we’ve seen while driving by a major river; large dams
with flowing waterfalls that provide a picturesque scene for us
to call upon later. These dams serve a variety of purposes, like
creating hydroelectric energy or providing drinking water for neighboring
communities.
ut the dams we’re talking about when we talk about ‘dam
removals’ are the much smaller ones that you’d only
see by driving down a country road or canoeing or kayaking down
a river or stream. These smaller dams, often called ‘low head’
or ‘run-of-the-river’ dams were built about 100 years
ago to produce energy to run the mills that helped transform our
nation.
hese dams provided energy for the mills to produce grain and flour,
ship lumber and coal, and other daily goods necessary for pre-industrialized
life. In their day, these dams were extremely important to our future
growth.
ut those days have long since passed, and the need for these dams
went away with the invention of much larger and more efficient factories
that are now scattered throughout our countryside.
hat we are left with are hundreds of small dams that block the passage
of natural fish species, degrade water quality, and are no longer
serving their original purpose. While historic and often nostalgic,
there is another question to consider. Who will pay for the maintenance
of these dams? The original owners have long since passed away,
and so often times there is no one to claim responsibility for their
upkeep. Their upkeep is important, because if left to deteriorate,
they may cause serious health and safety risks to the neighboring
community, such as fishermen, kids taking a cool dip on a hot summer
day, or boaters.
n many cases its up to the homeowner or property owner to maintain
the dam, which can be very expensive. This week’s feature focuses
on dam removal, the reasons for doing it, the environmental impacts
that dams have on streams, how they are removed, and what happens
to a stream after the dam is removed. It’s sort of a ‘Dam
Removal 101’ if you will, and we use the example of a recent
removal project on the Conodoguinet Creek in Cumberland County to
tell the story.
As you'll see in this video, it takes many partners and a
lot of planning to get the job done. Watch
the video now to find out more!
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For more information
 PA
Fish and Boat Commission
American Rivers
Pennsylvania
Organization for Watersheds and Rivers
Conodoguinet
Creek Watershed Association |
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