Dean, C. (2015, August 10). When Dams Come Down, Salmon and Sand Can Prosper.The New
York Times. Retrieved August 23, 2015 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/11/science/elwha-river-dam-removal-project-washingt
In Washington state, the removal of a dam on the Elwha river has demonstrated that the beach can benefit from dam removals. Millions of cubic yards of sediment that had been trapped behind the dam are now flowing through the river to the coast and the mouth of the river, extending beaches and rebuilding estuaries. Dams have been contributing to coastal erosion because of the immense amount of sediment they withhold from traveling down rivers. Many environmentalists advocate for supplements of sand to beaches whose sand abundance is low due to dams. More plans to remove dams and restore the flow of sediment to the coast have been made, however when these plans will be put into action is undecided due to a need for dams because of low water-levels and drought.
This article relates to environmental science because it describes the ways in which dams alter certain environments. The effects that smaller beaches and estuaries had on the local wildlife is also relevant to environmental science. Now that these natural locations are beginning to return to their usual states, the landscape can more readily support wildlife. The removal of dams in this situation seems to be so plainly beneficial that one can wonder why dam removal is not more commonplace in areas that have the ability to part with dams. Here in California, it is understandable that dam deconstruction isn’t underway because of our need for water storage, however in places with water abundance it seems as though it’s time to rebuild the damage that dams have had on coastal habitats.
This article is kind of the epitome of dam in this day and age. Great to see people going beyond just discussing the restoration of aquatic habitats with the removal of dams. When they show it can be done… especially if it is somewhat cost effective, it is super important. Dams filling with sediment and eventually becoming inoperable is the eventual fate of all dams. Do it for Lonely Larry (imo)!
It really is a good summation of modern dams and their effects. And, especially since the eventual fate of all dams is just that, it’s beneficial to both ecosystems and energy-source-seekers that a new way of producing energy is developed. Do it for Larry ✌ ☮ ✌
Thanks for the comment!
It’s a difficult situation because on one end the environment is degrading due to human development and it would benefit all parties to restore the environment but then again how will we support our huge population without a concentrated and reliable water source?
Interesting insight Katie; good question. I really can’t provide a sure answer or solution to that question, but maybe we could take steps to focus more on reservoirs rather than dams for water sources; in all honesty I don’t know the nature of the relationship between dams and reservoirs, but I do know that whatever we decide to do, it has to end the damaging and significant environmental alteration that damming causes. Surely there are alternative routes that humanity can take to be more environmentally friendly while still providing accurate outlets for energy production and water sourcing.