Dam Removal - A New Option for a New Century

In November 2002, the Aspen Institute released a report "Dam Removal – A New Option for a New Century." This report is a product of a two-year dialogue among a twenty-six-member panel of experts with diverse values and views on the various options associated with dam removal. The report focuses on the policy and practice aspects of dam removal and contains supporting recommendations for effectively integrating the consideration of dam removal into water resources planning processes. It offers practical advice on when, why and how to evaluate whether dam removal should be considered a viable management option. Significantly, the report provides emphasis and detailed information on priority issues and lessons learned from the collective experience of the participants. A PDF version of the report and the accompanying pamphlet is available at: www.aspeninst.org/damremovaloption. Hard copies are also available (410-820-5433 and 202-736-5823).

The Aspen report complements a recent EWRI Task Force examination of dam removal issues. Overall, it fits well conceptually within the framework of the Task Force’s "White Paper on Removal of Functioning Dams." EWRI Governing Board member Kyle Schilling served on the Aspen Institute panel and will co-present a paper, with Stephanie Landloff, on the Aspen report at the EWRI World Water Congress in Philadelphia (June 23-26, 2003).

In addition, EWRI is planning a workshop titled "Dam Removal – Lessons Learned" for late summer of 2003. The workshop will focus on what has been learned from the actual dam removal process and will not be a debate over the pros and cons of the issue. If you are interested in participating in the workshop please contact either Don Phelps at DonPhelps@aol.com or Brian Parsons at bparsons@asce.org.