The Manhan River Dam
Photo cregit: Google Erth
EASTHAMPTON — A dam removal study for the Manhan River Dam will be funded through the state after the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $350,000 toward supporting dam removal studies in seven municipalities.
The funding will help municipalities perform a dam removal study in preparation for climate change and in an effort to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. These preliminary design studies, managed by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration and funded by ResilientMass, help dam owners assess risks and opportunities associated with potential dam removal projects.
“It is always excellent to bring state and federal grant funding to Easthampton,” DPW Director Greg Nuttelman told Reminder Publishing. “To my knowledge, this is the first time the Easthampton DPW has received funding from the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, so this is a relatively new endeavor for us.”
Nuttelman added the city was made aware of the site being a high priority from MassDER after the removal of the Lyman Pond dam on the Manhan River in Southampton. The study will focus specifically on the impacts of the destruction of the Manhan River Dam and fish ladder, which in turn could help the city save on costs as well as improve the health of a major fish habitat.
“Submitting for this funding was worthwhile to help the community make better informed decisions on the future of the dam and fish ladder as both structures continue to age,” added Nuttelman.
Nuttelman said the destruction of the Manhan River Dam would reconnect approximately 377 downstream miles to 79 miles upstream.
There are over 3,000 dams in Massachusetts, most of which no longer serve their original purpose and many of which are in disrepair, according to the state. Dams degrade water quality, block passage for fish and wildlife, and increase flood risks and public safety hazards for communities.
“Dam removal is an important part of the commonwealth’s ambitious, whole-of-government approach to conserve biodiversity,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “With every aging unwanted dam removed, we help people and nature thrive together. Free-flowing, restored rivers are critical for fish and wildlife and make our communities safer, healthier and better prepared for severe storms.”
Removing unwanted dams and restoring river health aids communities in becoming more resilient to extreme weather, eliminates maintenance costs and risks for dam owners, and boosts biodiversity. Preliminary design studies will support dam owners in gathering and synthesizing information for each dam to inform further projects.
“These communities are taking the first step toward improving climate resilience, public safety and vital habitats for fish and wildlife,” said DER Director Beth Lambert. “DER is proud to support these endeavors and steward dam removal efforts throughout the state that benefit both people and nature.”
Nuttelman said that the dam was originally constructed sometime in the 1680s to provide hydropower and was eventually dismantled in 1947. In 1998, the dam was repaired and rehabilitated and currently the pool behind the dam is recreationally fished for trout and other species.
“I am hopeful that the study will fuel a meaningful community conversation about the dam and the long term cost/benefits associated with maintaining it in its current state versus removing it,” added Nuttelman.
Nuttelman also noted that since the destruction of the former Lyman Pond Dam in Southampton, the Manhan River Dam is the final obstruction on the river from its confluence with the Connecticut River, to the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir, its headwaters in Southampton.
“The fish ladder does pass fish but there may be more significant benefits to removal, and the fish ladder is dependent on consistent operation and maintenance,” added Nuttelman. “Informal conversations with Mass. Department of Fish & Game staff have indicated that removal of the Lyman Pond Dam has led to benefits in Southampton and removal of the Manhan River Dam may lead to more significant gains.”
