Klamath Basin Dam Removals

In 2010, River Design Group worked as part of a multi-disciplinary consulting team led by CDM Smith to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for potential removal of four dams on the Klamath River. RDG was selected for the EIS team to provide leadership and expertise in dam removal and fish passage alternatives.

Informed by numerous public meetings and consultations with local and tribal governments throughout the Klamath Basin, the EIS analyzed the impacts and benefits across a broad spectrum, including ecological, aesthetic, historic, cultural, economic, social, and health. As part of the analysis, various scenarios were evaluated that would leave all or part of the facilities in place while meeting the intent of volitional fish passage. The EIS also described environmental effects that cannot be avoided for each alternative analyzed, as well as a synopsis of major impacts and benefits for each alternative.

Moving forward to 2017, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) selected AECOM to be the technical representative for KRRC and to advance the plan for dam removal permitting and construction.  Because of our vast experience with dam removal and prior EIS experience in the Klamath Basin, RDG was selected by AECOM as a strategic partner to help move this historical project forward.  We are currently working on aquatic resource mitigation plans, river and reservoir restoration plans, and public outreach and workshops to help this monumental project.