Dam Removal: Issues, Considerations, and Controversies (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 20, 2006 |
| Report Number |
RL33480 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Nic Lane, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
River management is complex, and in many cases decisions must be made to balance conflicting values. Dams are built because they provide numerous benefits to society, including flood control, navigation, irrigation and drinking water, hydropower, and recreation. But they are not without their detriments: dams also block fish passage, alter natural river systems, modify sediment and water temperature regimes, and inundate sites of cultural importance. Every dam is built with an expected life span and will eventually need to be repaired, replaced, or removed. [â¦] As America's dams age, their owners, regulatory agencies, and the public must decide how to manage these structures. Although decisions regarding dams are unique to each location and highly reflective of local interests, Congress has been, and will likely continue to be, asked to fund dam removal programs and to become involved in specific dam removal issues. Considerations leading up to dam removal, and issues related to dam removal itself, are the focus of this report.
