Case Studies

Edwards Dam Removal

Hundreds of dam removals in the United States have successfully led to the restoration of ecosystems.

The Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River was the first hydroelectric dam removed in the United States. It was removed in a landmark case in which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted against the wishes of the owner not to relicense the dam. Here is a comprehensive timeline of the Edwards Dam construction, removal, and the effects of the dam removal decades later.

Similarly to the Brunswick Dam, the Edwards Dam construction in 1837 blocked the migration of millions of fish across species such as shad, herring, striped bass, Atlantic salmon, sturgeon and alewives. In turn, the disappearance of these fish had far-reaching outward consequences on other species like eagles and otters. The construction of the dam had essentially destroyed the fishing industry in Augusta. Over time, people began dumping toxic mill waste, log waste, and sewage into the river, creating fish kills and discouraging everyone from even getting close to fishing or swimming in the water.

However, after the Clean Water Act in 1972, the river reached a turning point. The water quality improved, and this sparked a new interest in river restoration. The newly-formed Kennebec Coalition, a gathering of environmental non-profits began to advocate for the dam’s removal, arguing that it would have environmental benefits for the river ecosystem and economic benefits for the town. The dam provided less than 0.1% of Maine’s electricity, only employed a small number of people, and blocked endangered fish species. Restoring the fishery would bring a much larger economic benefit than keeping the dam.

After a hard-fought legal battle, the FERC eventually voted not to relicense the Edwards Dam in 1999. As soon as the dam was removed, the fish came right back. With the return of species such as Atlantic sturgeon, shad, and alewives, so came the return of the animals that eat these fish including otters, mink, blue heron, osprey, and eagles. The water quality continued to increase. Community spaces, like parks and trails were built along the river. People were out on the river for the first time in decades.

If you want to read more about the success of the Edwards Dam removal, read this article detailing the process and the effects.