Dam Removal
Although water powered mills did play an important role in American history, it is now known that many of these abandoned structures have had dramatic impacts on the waters in which they were built. Beran Environmental Services has positioned itself as a leading expert in dam removal and stream restoration, working closely with landowners, non-profit organizations, and the regulatory community. Our team of scientists, engineers, and construction specialists offer a full suite of services that address the chemical, physical, and biological alterations associated with dams and their impoundments. We provide stream and watershed assessments, macro-invertebrate surveys, land surveys, engineering and design, permitting, sediment sampling, dam removal, and a host of restoration capabilities.
Below are just a few of our many successful dam removal and stream restoration projects.
Patton Dam Removal
Patton Dam was a low head dam located on Chest Creek, a tributary of West Branch Susquehanna River and Approved Trout Water. The dam was considered a threat to public safety impediment to aquatic life.
The removal of Patton Dam was completed in several stages, including removal of a metal walkway, a concrete cap and underlying fill material, and metal sheet pilings.
Here we utilize a cofferdam to allow removal of the sheet pilings which were as much as 36-inches below the stream bottom.
Smethport Reservoir Dam Removal
Before
In-Progress
In-Progress
Smethport Reservoir Dam was located on Blacksmith Run, a small stream with naturally reproducing wild trout. The dam was considered a threat to public safety and impediment to native trout.
In-Progress
In-Progress
In-Progress
BES completed a restoration plan, breech, removal, and riparian enhancement.
After
In-Progress
After
Through a partnership with American Rivers and Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, an upstream culvert was replaced with a bottomless arch culvert to further encourage passage of native brook trout.
Eckenrode Mill Dam
BES designed and removed Eckenrode Mill Dam, a former ice dam, working with PADOT, American Rivers, and the Cambria County Conservation District.
The dam was removed working under a PADOT bridge with a mini-excavator and hydraulic hammer. Following removal, the streambank restoration was implemented.
Ellsworth Dam Removal
Before
In-Progress
In-Progress
Ellsworth Dam located on Pigeon Creek, was trapping sediment and debris as well as diverting stream flows toward a railroad embankment.
In-Progress
In-Progress
In-Progress
After
In-Progress
After
BES completed a restoration design, dam removal and concurrent sediment removal, and a stream re-alignment.
Firepond Dam
Pre-Construction
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
BES removed the Firepond Dam, a former fire department intake impoundment.
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
The removal involved sediment removal, streambank stabilization, and instream structure and stream channel improvement.
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
Pre-Construction
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
BES worked with the US Forest Service and American Rivers on this project.
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
Post Construction
Construction In Progress
Construction In Progress
Collapsible Dam
BES designed, permitted, and removed a wooden and steel dam structure, capable of expanding in height, to restore the connectivity of the Connoquenessing Creek. This structure was removed using hand-tools only as access to the dam by equipment was not possible.
Bendigo Dam Removal
Before
In-Progress
In-Progress
The Bendigo Dam was located in Bendigo State Park across the East Branch Clarion River - an approved trout water which is stocked by PA Fish and Boat Commission.
In-Progress
In-Progress
In-Progress
This approximately 200-foot long cut-stone and concrete dam not only interrupted the natural flow dynamics of the stream but had also begun to deteriorate sufficiently to create safety concerns.
After
In-Progress
Modified Mudsill Cribbing
Following drawdown, sediment was removed from the eastern bank and areas around the thalweg to reduce the mobilization and downstream transport of sediments as part of a sediment management plan.
Modified Mudsill Cribbing
Modified Mudsill Cribbing
Modified Mudsill Cribbing
A modified mud sill cribbing was constructed to stabilize the banks and provide fishing access.
Rock Cross Vane
Modified Mudsill Cribbing
Rock Cross Vane
A rock cross vane was installed at the convergence of two channels, directing the thalweg closer to the fishing pier and cribbing to improve fish habitat and increase public angling opportunities.
Fishing Pier
Modified Mudsill Cribbing
Rock Cross Vane
Let's go Fishing!