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Rewilding the River: Assessing the Environmental Effects and Regulatory Influences of the Condit Dam Removal Process

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Date

July 2024

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2026-07-01

Authors

Safari, Neda

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East Carolina University

Abstract

The goal of dam removal projects is to improve river ecosystems by facilitating the restoration of natural water flows, sediment movement, water temperatures, and the ability of fish to migrate. However, if the removal of dams fails to be properly managed, it can also result in the movement of significant amounts of sediment and may have additional long-term impacts on the fish population and the environment. Although numerous dams have been removed in the United States, there is still a need for a comprehensive framework that mandates long-term and in-depth assessments regarding the ongoing ecological alterations and outcomes of restoration efforts on different fish species populations. Also, the current legal and regulatory frameworks that regulate the removal of dams could hinder the ability of government agencies to monitor and manage the post-removal conditions effectively. Multiple federal, state, and municipal permits are necessary, but regulations fail to sufficiently consider unexpected outcomes or provide clear guidance for issues such as ongoing monitoring obligations and expenses. Therefore, this research has three objectives: 1) analyzing the legal and regulatory structures that regulate the process of removing dams, with a focus on identifying areas that need improvement based on the analysis of the Condit case study; 2) examining the policies and strategies that influenced the decision-making process for the removal of Condit Dam as well as their effects on the physical alterations of the river after its removal; and 3) investigating the ongoing effects of dam removal more than ten years later, aiming to determine the impact of the regulation on the river's physical and ecological response. This research uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The effectiveness of regulations pertaining to dam removal was evaluated using the Framework for Analyzing Public Policies, with a specific focus on the case study of Condit Dam removal. To address the second objective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants who were involved in the Condit project. The data obtained from these interviews was then analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The effects of dam removal were evaluated using descriptive statistical analysis of fish population dynamics before and after the dam removal. The analysis of the fish population indicates that both species showed fluctuations; the Fall Chinook had a more dramatic peak and subsequent sharp decrease after the dam removal because of the sediment, followed by signs of possible recovery. The population of Spring Chinook salmon has shown reduced but consistent levels, with a drop in 2019 followed by a partial recovery. In addition, the interview findings were analyzed to determine key patterns and trends in stakeholder perspectives throughout the project. By analyzing both the policy dimensions surrounding the removal decision as well as the ongoing ecological responses of the river system post-removal, this study aims to provide insights for facilitating better dam removal processes and outcomes in the future. The findings highlight poor investment of funds and monitoring initiatives for assessing fish populations. Effectively managing the need for continuous assessments, especially after major events such as dam removals, poses a continuing challenge that requires increased financial support. The study’s results suggest that cooperation and standardizing processes across regulatory bodies might enhance the efficiency of dam removal efforts while maintaining environmental protection. Furthermore, a flexible and well-financed funding structure for dam removal projects, based on comprehensive pre-removal analysis and post-removal monitoring, could improve the effectiveness of river restorations accomplished through dam removals.

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