Alexander R. Hoar, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300
Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035; Voice 413-253-8631; FAX 413-253-8482;
E-Mail alex_hoar@mail.fws.gov
Decommissioning a hydroelectric project regulated by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) has been preferred to continuing the project in some cases.
Removal of dams, including non-hydro dams, has been identified as a strategy for restoring
habitat and access for fish. Opportunities for decommissioning exist in FERC’s
relicensing process. The National Environmental Policy Act provides procedures for
evaluating decommissioning and dam removal, and for developing an administrative record as
a basis for reasoned decision-making. Settlement negotiations have provided a forum for
collaboration and agreement on dam removal. Considerations in these processes include
affected resources, impacts, benefits, economics, and support. Participants have included
dam owners, non-governmental organizations, and state and federal governments. Procedures
and considerations from projects are reviewed, including Edwards Dam (ME), Clyde River
(VT), and 15-Mile Falls (NH/VT).
