Pawtuxet Falls Restoration: Lessons from Narragansett Bay's Largest Dam Removal
Location
UMass Amherst
Event Website
http://fishpassage.ecs.umass.edu/Conference2012/
Start Date
6-6-2012 4:05 PM
End Date
6-6-2012 4:25 PM
Description
In August, 2011, the Pawtuxet River flowed freely into Narragansett Bay, R.I., for the first time in more than 200 years. The removal of Pawtuxet Falls Dam was the culmination of years of planning and permitting by the Pawtuxet River Authority, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, and a partnership of more than a dozen state, federal and non-profit organizations, with technical support provided by EA Engineering, Science and Technology. The project restored seven miles of spawning habitat for American shad and river herring to Narragansett Bay's third-largest tributary. The project team overcame a number of significant design challenges, including public concerns regarding aesthetics and historic preservation; contaminated sediments; poor construction access; concerns about flood vulnerability; and an unprecedented regulatory scale. We'll share innovative solutions and adaptive management approaches that resulted in successful outcomes, and can be applied to similar projects throughout the country.
Pawtuxet Falls Restoration: Lessons from Narragansett Bay's Largest Dam Removal
UMass Amherst
In August, 2011, the Pawtuxet River flowed freely into Narragansett Bay, R.I., for the first time in more than 200 years. The removal of Pawtuxet Falls Dam was the culmination of years of planning and permitting by the Pawtuxet River Authority, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, and a partnership of more than a dozen state, federal and non-profit organizations, with technical support provided by EA Engineering, Science and Technology. The project restored seven miles of spawning habitat for American shad and river herring to Narragansett Bay's third-largest tributary. The project team overcame a number of significant design challenges, including public concerns regarding aesthetics and historic preservation; contaminated sediments; poor construction access; concerns about flood vulnerability; and an unprecedented regulatory scale. We'll share innovative solutions and adaptive management approaches that resulted in successful outcomes, and can be applied to similar projects throughout the country.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/fishpassage_conference/2012/June6/35
Comments
Andy Lipsky is a Senior Scientist at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology leading ocean planning and ecosystem restoration efforts. Mr. Lipsky recently completed a two year appointment at the White House National Ocean Council and the Council on Environmental Quality. He also served as USDA NRCS's National Water Quality Leader and the State Biologist for NRCS in Rhode Island.