Dam Removal Sediment Management Methods to Achieve Regulatory Consensus
Kathy Hoverman, PE
RES
Richmond, VA
It is well documented that dams often have high sediment loads within the reservoir. How and if these sediments will affect the river post dam removal is often a primary topic and concern during the regulatory review. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss different methods of sediment management that may be needed to satisfy community or regulatory concerns.
RES participated in the construction of five different dam removals in 2024. Each one had different sediment considerations for different reasons. Projects were constructed in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oregon and California. Two projects include two or more dams, for a total of 9 impoundments and five different regulatory concerns and considerations regarding sediment management. The resulting sediment management methods included active sediment mobilization, controlled passive release with a period of drying prior to full removal, active removal and on-site drying and disposal, uncontrolled release, and downstream capture methods.
This presentation will discuss the regulatory drivers and conversations that evolved into the sediment management conducted at each of the projects. The presentation will also discuss the process and challenges with the implementation of the sediment management and results.
About Kathy Hoverman, PE
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