Many dams have outlived their useful life. They become unsafe, are costly to maintain, and block fish passage. When removing a dam, eliminating the structure is only one part of the process. Sediment accumulated behind the dam must also be dealt with. In many cases, these sediments are contaminated. Allowing the sediment to move downstream can be harmful to aquatic life and humans.

We have experience designing dam removals in a broad range of environments. We also specialize in managing accumulated impoundment sediments and restoring stream and floodplain functions. We have worked on dam removals with heights of 1’ to 50’ and sediment volumes from 0 to 400,000 cubic yards. In other words, we know where to focus efforts to maximize river health and budget.

Reasons to remove dams

• Hydroelectric dams no longer function due to sediment

• Repair and ongoing maintenance is more expensive than removal

• Safety hazards are not worth the risk

• Access to upstream spawning habitats is blocked

• Public lands in the impoundment provide opportunity for angler access