Why is the US removing its dams? Multiple demolitions planned along Klamath River by 2024
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: The most extensive dam removal project in US history is currently taking place along the California-Oregon border, and it is expected to continue until the end of the following year with the assistance of heavy machinery and explosives. However, the real challenge lies ahead in the next decade as workers collaborate with Native American tribes to sow and supervise around 17 billion seeds.
Their aim is to restore the Klamath River and the surrounding area to its original state before the dams were constructed over a century ago. This ambitious endeavor represents a crucial step in environmental restoration and conservation efforts. The extensive dam removal project carries a hefty price tag of $500 million, with funding coming from both taxpayers and PacifiCorp's (electric service company) ratepayers. The demolition process has already made significant progress, with crews successfully removing the smallest dam, Copco No 2. The remaining three dams are scheduled for removal next year. While this restoration effort is a crucial step in reviving the natural flow of the river and benefiting the ecosystem, it will come at a cost for some homeowners in the vicinity. Once the project is completed, these homeowners will no longer have the picturesque lake they had lived on for many years.
Why is the US removing its dams?
The demolition of the dams is part of a significant national movement aimed at restoring the natural flow of rivers and revitalizing the habitats for fish and various ecosystems that support wildlife. This initiative aligns with the broader effort to remove dams across the United States, with over 2,000 dams already taken down as of February. The majority of these demolitions occurred within the past 25 years, as reported by the advocacy group American Rivers, per KCRG.
Upon completion of the demolition project by the end of next year, an impressive stretch of over 400 miles of river will be opened up for threatened species of fish and other wildlife. In comparison, the removal of 65 dams in the US last year resulted in the reconnection of 430 miles of river. The magnitude of this endeavor underscores the nation's commitment to environmental conservation and the restoration of vital ecosystems.
Why were the dams built?
In 1918, PacifiCorp constructed the dams with the purpose of generating electricity. However, these dams had significant consequences for the natural flow of the river and disrupted the lifecycle of salmon. Salmon, which spend most of their lives in the Pacific Ocean, return to the cold mountain streams to lay eggs. These fish hold cultural and spiritual significance for various Native American tribes, who historically relied on the massive salmon runs as a vital food source.
Tragically, in 2002, a combination of low water levels and warm temperatures led to a bacterial outbreak that resulted in the death of over 34,000 fish, primarily Chinook salmon. This devastating event sparked decades of advocacy from Native American tribes and environmental groups, ultimately leading to a pivotal decision last year. Federal regulators approved a plan to remove the dams, marking a significant step forward in restoring the natural flow of the river and safeguarding the vital salmon population for future generations.
What would be the impacts of dam demolition?
Despite the dams producing less than 2% of PacifiCorp's energy generation, their impact on the environment has drawn opposition from environmental groups and tribes. The ongoing project involves emptying three reservoirs over a 3.5 square-mile area, exposing the soil to sunlight for the first time in a century. Over the past five years, Native American tribes have diligently collected seeds by hand and sent them to nurseries to sow along the restored riverbanks.
Additionally, helicopters will bring hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs, including tree roots, to create fish habitats along the banks. This accelerated growth seeks to counter the dominance of foreign plants like starthistle, which have displaced native vegetation. By adopting this proactive approach, authorities hope to preserve the natural balance and biodiversity of the region, an endeavor that would typically take decades to achieve naturally. The restoration efforts signify a significant national movement to return the country's rivers to their original state and protect vital ecosystems.
"Why not just let nature take its course? Well, nature didn’t take its course when dams got put in. We can’t pretend this gigantic change in the landscape has not happened and we can’t just ignore the fact that invasive species are a big problem in the west and in California," said Dave Meurer, director of community affairs for Resource Environmental Solutions, the company leading the restoration project.