Dam Removal Resources

Our Restoration staff collaborates with dam owners, federal, state, local and nonprofit partners to facilitate, promote, and implement river and stream restoration in Massachusetts. the Restoration staff focuses on restoring rivers and streams by removing unsafe or obsolete dams and obstructions to reconnect natural and cultural river communities.

Click here to find out the status of our restoration projects.

DER is eager to provide technical assistance to dam owners interested in river and stream restoration.
- Click here to read the guidance document prepared for dam owners by the EOEEA.
- Click here to read about how dam removal fits with the MA Wetlands Protection Act.

See more Dam Removal Resources, below.

To learn more about restoring rivers through dam removal, contact Tim Purinton at 617-626-1542 for the Restoration fact sheet.

Completed Dam Removal Projects

• Yokum Brook, Becket Ballou Dam removed in December 2006
• Red Brook, Wareham and Plymouth Robbins Dam removed in September 2006
• Galloway Brook, Barre Upper Cooks Canyon Dam removed in June 2006
• Yokum Brook, Becket Silk Mill Dam removed in 2003
• Town Brook, Plymouth Billington Street Dam removed in 2002
• Housatonic River, Dalton Old Berkshire Mill Dam removed in 2000

Current Dam Removal Projects

Restoration Potential Model

A GIS-based analytical framework that assesses the environmental impact of dams on aquatic resources from their contributions to environmental degradation. For more inofrmation contact Chris Leuchtenburg at (617) 626-1547.

Site Reconnaissance

Riverways supports initial engineering studies of portential restoration sites to inform land owners, agencies, and partners of the opportunities and constraints particular to the site.

Fact Sheets

• Permitting Small Dam Removal (pdf)
• Funding Sources for Small Dam Removal (pdf)
• Conservation Commissions and Dam Removal (pdf)