Administration announces $25M for removal of 8 unsafe dams

At an event in Pittsfield on Dec. 1, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced an investment of $25 million to remove eight aging dams in central and western Massachusetts, including the abandoned, high-hazard Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield.

The administration said the removal of hazardous and aging dams will restore fish and other wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, promote climate resiliency, and make communities safer.

“This summer, we saw firsthand the catastrophic impacts of severe flooding and the stress and pressure it puts on our dams,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a prepared statement. “This is a lifesaving investment that will protect our residents’ and communities’ safety and security.”

Communities face significant financial burdens in removing or repairing dams, and the funding will ease the strain on local budgets. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said the funding helps cities and towns “proactively prepare for future weather events.”

The projects are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Of the $25 million, $20 million will support the removal of Bel Air Dam, and $5 million will go toward the removal of the following seven dams in areas managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife: Thousand Acre Reservoir Dam in Athol, Cusky Pond Dam in New Braintree, Salmon Pond Dam in Brookfield, Patrill Hollow Pond Dam in Hardwick, Schoolhouse Pond Dam and Arnold Pond Dam in Sutton, and Weston Brook Dam in Windsor.

Joining Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer for the announcement were Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo, Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea and Office of Dam Safety Director Bill Salomaa.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of Fish and Game are working to examine the safety of the state’s dams for repair or removal based on expected precipitation as the climate crisis brings more extreme rain and flooding.

The Office of Dam Safety maintains records of dams statewide and ensures compliance with regulations pertaining to dam inspections, maintenance, operation, and repairs. Dam owners are responsible for registering their dams, notifying ODS of a property transfer, and inspecting and maintaining dams in safe operating condition. In the case of high- and significant-hazard potential dams, owners are also required to develop an emergency action plan to be used if there is an incident of failure, overtopping, or damage to a dam.

The Division of Ecological Restoration makes grant and loan funding available for dam repairs, breaching, or removal under the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program and the DER Priority Projects Program.