Expedited Environmental Compliance for Fish Passage: Gold Ray Dam Removal

In 2010, Jackson County, OR received $5 million in grant money from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to remove the 38-foot high, 360-foot long, defunct hydroelectric facility. Gold Ray Dam was identified by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a top priority for fish passage improvement that hindered the movement of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed coho salmon. Also, in its current condition Gold Ray Dam was a liability concern for Jackson County and a maintenance burden for taxpayers.  HDR Engineering, in partnership with Slayden Construction and River Design Group, led a design-build team that convened an interagency working group to proactively address environmental challenges and allowing for successful acquisition of all permits and clearances in less than 8 months..  Gold Ray Dam was the third main stem dam to be removed along the Rogue River and the river now flows unobstructed for over 150 miles.  This restoration project provided substantial benefits to salmon and steelhead but was only successful due in large part to motivated stakeholders. This presentation highlights the lessons learned from an accelerated project schedule and provides helpful tactics to make future restoration projects “shovel-ready.”