What are the potential environmental downsides to dam removal?
Dam removal does result in fundamental changes to the local environment. The reservoir will be eliminated, and with it the flat-water habitat that had been created. Wetlands surrounding the reservoir will also be drained, although new wetlands are created both in the newly restored river reach above the former dam site and in the river below. Sediment that collects behind a dam, may contain toxics such as PCBs, dioxide, and heavy metals. An initial sediment analysis conducted by Barr engineering shows that Argo Pond’s sediments are not contaminated, but further tests will have to be performed before the dam is removed. Through proper removal techniques sediment release downstream can be prevented, water turbidity diminished, and water quality protected.
