State finds funds for local dam removal

At a meeting of the MMA’s Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment on May 11, representatives from the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration discussed new sources of funding and technical assistance available for dam removal projects across the state.

In January, former State Auditor Joseph DeNucci reported that 100 dams owned by 62 cities and towns are in unsafe or poor condition “and have the potential to cause loss of life or significant property damage in the event of dam failure.” The problem, however, has been that cities and towns have little or no funding available to address the problem dams.

The Division of Ecological Restoration identified a variety of state and federal grant sources that allowed the agency to leverage $13.8 million to help communities with the removal of five dams last year.

“Massachusetts has more than 3,000 dams, many of which no longer serve a useful purpose and are degrading aquatic habitat,” said Acting DER Director Tim Purinton. “We are seeing dramatic environmental improvements after dam removal, including the creation of wetlands, the establishment of floodplains, and the return of fish.”

The largest dam removed last year was the Briggsville Dam on the North Hoosic River in Clarksburg. Also removed last year were the Upper Hathaway Brook Dam and the Lower Hathaway Brook Dam in Dalton, the 160-year-old Sawmill Pond Dam on the Eel River in Plymouth, and the Forge Pond Dam in Freetown.

The state spent $109,000 on the Sawmill project and provided technical assistance on the Hathaway Brook projects.

As a result, Massachusetts was second in the nation for most dams removed. These efforts saved communities millions of dollars, allowed restoration projects to go forward, and improved water quality and stream flow.

More than two dozen additional dam removal projects are under way, according to the DER.

For more information on dam removal and restoration, visit www.mass.gov/dfwele/der.