Study: Removing dams less expensive than repairing, maintaining them

Removing aging dams can be significantly cheaper than saving them, according to a new study from the Division of Ecological Restoration, “Economic and Community Benefits From Stream Barrier Removal Projects in Massachusetts.”

Over a 30-year period, removal of the three dams in the study was 60 percent less expensive, on average, than repairing and maintaining them.

“A decade ago, dam removal was considered cost prohibitive mainly because of high permitting and engineering costs,” said DER Director Tim Purinton. “DER and partners have removed over 40 dams, and as dam removal becomes more commonplace, the science, engineering and permitting has become more efficient, predictable and less costly.”

A 2011 report from the state auditor’s office estimated that $60 million would be needed just to repair high-hazard municipally owned dams. The report identified 100 municipally owned dams in 62 communities that were rated in unsafe or poor condition.

Massachusetts is considered among the national leaders in dam removal projects. Many dams are being removed to improve the ecological conditions of rivers and streams and to help cities and towns meet water quality requirements.

In 2013, a state grant program was created to remove and/or repair dams in poor or unsafe condition and to improve coastal infrastructure.

On May 13, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced it is soliciting applications from municipalities for the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program. The program provides funding for the repair and removal of dams, levees and seawalls. Grants of up to $1 million are available for dam and levee projects, and up to $3 million for coastal protection projects. The program is funded by last year’s environmental bond law and the Dam and Seawall Repair and Removal Fund. Applications can be found on www.commbuys.com and will be accepted until 3 p.m. on July 14.

As part of the governor’s recently launched regulatory reform initiative, local officials are asking that eligible ecological restoration projects such as dam removal be exempted from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act and be given presumptive approval after a certain period of permit review inaction.

There are approximately 3,000 dams in Massachusetts, mostly in poor condition, according to the Division of Ecological Restoration. Most of these dams (85 percent) no longer serve their original purpose, and a large number pose a threat to public safety. Dams also affect aquatic health by blocking fish passage, slowing stream flow and raising water temperature.

Removing unsafe and obsolete dams rids their owners of liability as well as insurance and maintenance costs, while reducing flooding, safety and environmental risks.

Richard Ferreira, the emergency management director in Taunton, said the removal of the Whittenton Mill dam in his city greatly reduced the risk of flooding for area residents and the downtown.

According to the DER study, the real benefit of dam removal is that it is a one-time cost. The savings can be dramatic when public safety costs are factored in.

The report also looked at culverts, as improperly sized culverts, like dams, can serve as significant river barriers. The report found that on average, larger, channel-spanning culverts were 38 percent less expensive than in-kind replacement and maintenance over 30 years.

The MMA is a participant in the Massachusetts Dam Safety Alliance, which includes the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts, the Boston Society for Civil Engineers, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, Mass Audubon, the Massachusetts Organization of Scientists and Engineers, the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and the Massachusetts Water Works Association.

The DER report can be found at www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/der.