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Priority Projects
Project Name: Mill River Habitat Restoration Project
The Mill River habitat restoration project was awarded priority project status in 2007. Read the press release.
Site Location and Description:
This holistic, system-wide project will result in the re-establishment of diadromous fish passage through the Mill River watershed, including the 266-acre Lake Sabbatia, the 137-acre Watson Pond, and the 152-acre Winnecunnet Pond. The project will restore access to 37 miles (10 mainstem miles plus 27 miles of tributaries) of riverine and natural pond habitat for river herring, American eel, and resident fish species, including alewife spawning habitat in the three lakes. This project will also provide habitat connectivity within the river system for resident species, will provide added safety and security to the City of Taunton and will bring much needed positive attention to benefits the Mill River. Whittenton Dam received national attention after its near failure threatened downtown Taunton during an October 2005 flood event and although stabilized, remains in fair to poor condition.
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Proposed Solutions: |
The Taunton State Hospital and Reed and Barton Dams are no longer serving their original purpose and are barriers to fish passage.
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Determine feasibility of removing the dams or providing aquatic species passage. |
Whittenton Dam is in fair to poor condition following its near failure in 2005 when emergency rock rubble replaced the failing timber structure. This dam remains a barrier to fish passage. |
Determine the feasibility of removing the dam to increase public safety and promote fish passage. |
Morey's Bridge Dam is classified as a high hazard due to the condition of the spillway gates. This dam impounds water for recreational use on Lake Sabbatia. It is also a barrier for fish passage.
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Improve the safety of this dam and bridge and eliminate fish passage barrier as part of reconstruction plans. |
Species to benefit:
river herring, American eel, freshwater mussels and resident fish species
Status:
A feasibility study was initiated in the spring of 2007 to examine habitat restoration along the Mill River. Public meetings and a citizen advisory committee will be included throughout this project.
Project Needs:
Funding needs for the next phase of the project will include: sediment management, permitting, engineering designs, construction.
Page last updated April 2007
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