Amaral, B. (2022, February 04). Environmental groups wanted to remove a dam in R.I.. they hit a wall of opposition. – The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 05, 2022, from https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/04/metro/environmental-groups-wanted-remove-dam-ri-they-hit-wall-opposition/

(https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/04/metro/environmental-groups-wanted-remove-dam-ri-they-hit-wall-opposition/ )

Destroying The Potter Hill Dam would be destroying the remaining barrier that blocks the flow of the Pawcatuck River, however, environmental groups, as well as federal officials, wanted to remove it to restore many natural ecosystems that were there before the dam’s construction. Despite their efforts, they were still met by opposition from the town of Westerly, who relied on the dam for power. The final obstacle occurred on Monday night when the Town Council anonymously voted against the renewal of the engineering contract. Now, the project has been shut down, and the dam will remain in operation. This created a dispute between environmentalists seeking to reintroduce fish species such as the river herring and the town of Westerly who are concerned about losing well water as well as water for their boats. While members included on the environmentalist’s side believe that the removal of the dam was a missed opportunity, leaders of the Town claim that the delay was the right decision as they need to figure out the right way to move forward. In short, the environmentalists are concerned about the health of the river and are more interested in restoring the river and the river ecosystems, whereas the townsfolk claim that the river will never go back to its natural state and it will instead be taking away their resources.  

I feel like this article sums up a lot of the disputes happening between environmentalists and those more concerned with human benefits. If the dam were to be removed, it would allow the flow of water which will make it easier for fish to move downstream. Also, allowing the river to flow back into its natural state will also lead to a cleaner, healthier body of water which will ultimately benefit the people as well. Though removing this dam will also be stripping the townsfolk of their well water, ports, and some source of power, there are solutions to these obstacles.