Dam Decommissioning Workshop Announced

Material for the meeting:

• Registration Form
• Agenda
• Presentations
  • Overview of Current Dam Decommissioning Activities (Kate White, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
  • Dam Decommissioning: Hydrology and Hydraulics (Kate White, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
  • Introduction to Ice Processes and Dam Decommissioing Considerations in Ice-Affected Rivers (Kate White, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in association with the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is pleased to host a workshop to discuss Options, Opportunities and Challenges associated with Dam Decommissioning. Co-hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Northwestern Michigan College and the Implementation Team for the Boardman River Dams Settlement Agreement; this workshop will be held April 24-25 in Traverse City, Michigan.

Over the past two decades the decommissioning and subsequent removal of dams has emerged as a central focus for infrastructure management, river conservation and the restoration of fisheries populations. While many have embraced the concept of dam decommissioning and removal, engineering aspects combined wtih ecological, economic and social considerations, often result in projects with multiple endpoints.

This workshop is intended to introduce and develop the methodology and procedures for initiating, planning, analyzing, and ultimately designing long-term sustainable dam decommissioning and associated river and stream stabilization/restoration projects. The workshop will be structured to include generalized lectures as well as technical breakout sessions at which attenees will be encouaraged to actively participate. Sample topics to be discussed include: overview of dam decommissioning considerations and alternatives; hydrology and hydraulic considerations; sediment fate and transport, geomorphology; innovative approaches to channel restoration/relocation; invasive species; recreational and fisheries considerations; ise regime impacts; societal/property ownership rights; collaboration and partnering opportunities; case study histories; and more.

The workshop is scheduled Monday, April 24th, from noon to 4:30 PM, and Tuesday, April 25th, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Download the agenda for more details.

To register, download the Registration Form and fax to Jennifer Jay, 231-995-1715.

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Jay, Phone: 231-995-2617 or email: sroonis@message.nmc.edu.