WMass communities get state help to evaluate possible dam removal

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The state will help seven communities study the benefits of removing old dams, including ones in Easthampton, Westfield and West Springfield.

The goal, according to the Healey-Driscoll administration, is to make rivers healthier, help fish and wildlife and prepare for climate change.

The Bear Hole Reservoir Dam in West Springfield poses a significant hazard, according to the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration.

The state said Monday it will award $350,000 to the seven communities to study the advisability of dam removals.

In Western Massachusetts, the projects include:

– Manhan River Dam, Easthampton.The Manhan River Dam is said to be a significant hazard dam in Easthampton. Removal would benefit migratory and coldwater fish species, important habitats, nearby infrastructure and surrounding environmental justice communities, the state says.

– Bear Hole Reservoir Dam, West Springfield.This is said to pose a significant hazard. Its removal would reduce risk to downstream infrastructure and improve important coldwater and priority habitats as well as connectivity for aquatic species.

– Westfield Reservoir Dam, Westfield/Montgomery.This dam is also considered by the state to be a high hazard dam. Its removal would protect downstream infrastructure and restore the health of a coldwater stream, the state said.

Elsewhere in Massachusetts, the dams to be studied are: Mill Pond Dam in Littleton, Adams Dam in Townsend, Tremont Mill Pond Dam in Wareham and the Old Mill Pond Dam in West Tisbury.

According to the department, the state’s waterways are home to more than 3,000 dams, most of them outdated and in poor condition. They can harm water quality, block fish and wildlife passage and raise flood and safety risks for communities.

Taking out old dams can help communities handle big storms better, save money on upkeep and bring back plants and animals, state officials say. These first studies will help dam owners learn about each dam and decide what to do next.

“Dam removal is an important part of the Commonwealth’s ambitious, whole-of-government approach to conserve biodiversity,” said Tom O’Shea, commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, in a statement Monday. “Free-flowing, restored rivers are critical for fish and wildlife and make our communities safer, healthier, and better prepared for severe storms.”

Beth Lambert, director of the Division of Ecological Restoration, said these studies are the first step toward deciding which dams should go.

“DER is proud to support these endeavors and steward dam removal efforts throughout the state that benefit both people and nature,” Lambert said.

Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .