Common Challenges in Removing Dams in Heavily Developed Watersheds in Connecticut

The small state of Connecticut has over 4,000 dams, which block the runs of ten native diadromous fish species.  Dam removals not only remove migratory barriers but restore natural stream functions to promote fish restoration. Most dams were built for hydromechanical mills, around which towns developed. Removal of dams is complicated by many legacies and new developments including sediment contamination, encroaching infrastructure, hidden utilities, competing water uses, surrounding residential development and aesthetic considerations, desire for historical preservation, differing views on what constitutes a healthy river, and sentimentality.  Projects are also challenged with increasing regulation, increasing fees by contractors, and decreasing availability of grants.  Most projects in Connecticut  are undertaken by State-NGO partnerships designed to be more nimble than government agencies.  After over 25 years of working on these projects, we have identified many challenges, learned how to address them, and developed effective approaches.  Many of the completed projects may be considered 'low-hanging fruit'.  The challenges will become formidible as we turn our attention to larger dams and  more complex projects.