Dam Removal Both Unique, Precedent Setting

AUGUSTA -- The removal of the Edwards Dam almost 10 years ago was hailed as precedent setting, with more to come.

But was it?

It was the first time the federal government ordered a dam removed because the environmental problems from impounded water outweighed the economic benefits it produced.

More than 430 dams have been removed since Edwards Dam was breached with a rush of water and fanfare on the Kennebec River on July 1, 1999, according to Stephanie Lindloff, senior director of river restoration for American Rivers.

But none were quite like Edwards.

No functioning hydroelectric dams have been ordered removed over the objections of dam owners, for environmental reasons -- only Edwards -- according to Lindloff and Celeste Miller, hydropower spokesperson for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

So far, Edwards is not just the first dam to be removed under such circumstances. It's the only one. "The unique nature of Edwards was, it was ordered removed," Lindloff said. "That has proved to be quite rare."

But that doesn't mean the removal of Edwards didn't change things beyond the restoration of water quality and sea-run fish.

"Edwards was an inspiration and provided valuable lessons -- that people can keep that vision alive, that you really can restore a river," said Laura Rose Day, executive director of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, a nonprofit organization leading collaborative efforts to restore the Penobscot River, including the purchase and planned removal of two dams.

"The success of the removal of Edwards Dam and the recovery of the Kennebec River, the proof that's in the restored river, that really drove many people to think it's possible to restore the Penobscot on such a large scale. Previously that would have been unthinkable," Day said.

Jeff Reardon, New England conservation director for Trout Unlimited, said all dam removal projects are unique, but the removal of Edwards has made other dam removals easier.

"Each project is unique," Reardon said. "But, as a successful model, I think (Edwards) worked out pretty well."

Lindloff said Edwards' removal prompted much more discussion nationally about removing dams that no longer serve a purpose, or that may be doing more harm than good.

She estimates 70 dams nationally will be removed this year, for public safety reasons, for environmental benefits, and because some are no longer cost-effective to run.

"Edwards Dam marked a huge turning point for restoration and dam removal in general," she said. "It sparked a more pointed discussion within communities facing the question of what to do about a dam. They learned dam removal is an option. So we're seeing more and more communities pursue dam removal rather than repairing dams that no longer serve a purpose. I think the results of the Edwards Dam removal, the resurgence of the fishery, and the fact Augusta has really embraced being a river community, has really been a wonderful example."

Recent examples of that include the removal of the Fort Halifax Dam in Winslow from the Sebasticook River last year, and the plans to remove dams on the Penobscot.