To be or
not to be...
that is the dam question
A Playbook for Dam Decommissioning & Removal
To be or not to be.....
Contributors: Stephanie Landers, Kelly Schaeffer, Tim Oakes, Tyler Kreider, Michael Parker, Rebecca Allen, Chris Vella, Finlay Anderson, and GinaRenee Autrey.
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TA B L E O F CO N T E N TS
A Playbook for Dam Decommissioning & Removal What is Dam Decommissioning? Stage 1: Pre-Feasibility Stage 2: Project Evaluation (Feasibility) Stage 3: Developing Public Support & Final Approval Stage 4: Implementation (Design & Planning) Stage 5: Construction Stage 6: Post-Construction / Monitoring CONCLUSION Play Exposition: Factors to be Considered
The 6 Stages of Dam Decommissioning Stage 1 – Pre-Feasibility Beginning the Process - Project Initiation and Screening Pre-feasibility, or Stage 1, typically involves: • Identifying the candidate dam(s) structures • Identifying issues • Assessing potential future challenges • Identifying stakeholders • Coordinating permitting and licensing responsibilities and roles • Reviewing and screening information The actual steps and sequencing will vary depending on the jurisdiction, site conditions, stakeholder objectives, and other factors specific to each dam. An experienced consultant can help develop a conceptual solution for dam restoration or removal, dam safety, sediment re-use (if present), shoreline/ stream restoration, and form an initial high-level opinion of probable costs.
Strategic planning will help determine the proper course of action and reasoning around decision-making focusing on the owners’ organizational needs, existing infrastructure, and assessing values of the asset. There are eight essential factors to research in Stage 1 Pre-Feasibility that will be fully vetted and referenced throughout the remaining stages:
Structural Integrity
Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice
So, to keep or not to keep? At the end of Stage 1, if
Public Safety
Environmental Resources
First Nation, Historic and Cultural Resources
Economics
decisions around decommissioning are still unclear, then it is time to enter Stage 2.
Recreation, Land Use and Aesthetics
Social Considerations
At the conclusion of Stage 1 (Pre-Feasibility), this initial analysis may inform the decision-maker that the best option is to restore the dam, which may include adding hydroelectric capacity, as well as mitigating structural, public safety, and/or environmental risk with well-planned refurbishment. More commonly, a dam owner may complete Stage 1 and move to Stage 2 (Feasibility), to continue data gathering and analysis to inform their final decision.
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