A project sponsored by the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, 2001 - 2003 (Environment Canada - Atlantic Region)

Dam Removal Process

The process of removing a dam is mainly about:

(a) Identifying and working within a defined framework or process

(b) Doing initial research by undertaking a preliminary assessment
of the structure and the river system

(c) Identifying and addressing stakeholder issues

(d) Assembling a team of experts and preparing the detailed plans (water management, sediment management, stream restoration and fish rescue/recovery)

(e) Removing the structure and restoring the stream and its habitat

(f) Monitoring the effects of the removal on the river's hydrology, ecology and the nearby infrastructure

Since each dam and the river it blocks have their own specific characteristics, it is not always possible to rely on past removal cases to evaluate the outcomes of each removal project. For this reason, all of the issues, especially the most critical ones must be addressed before the deconstruction phase takes place. All possible risks associated with the eventual removal must be brought to their lowest probability of causing harm to the river or the community in which it flows.

For more detailed information on the Dam Removal Process, please consult our guide, "Reclaiming Free Flow - An Information Guide on Removing Small Abandoned Dams" (pdf).