The Hood River Watershed Group (HRWG) selected RDG to perform dam removal and stream restoration design and permitting, and construction oversight of Odell Creek Hydroelectric Project dam on Odell Creek in Hood River County, Oregon. The existing concrete dam, fish ladder, and screen were constructed in 1984. The concrete dam consisted of a 12 foot high concrete structure spanning 30 feet across Odell Creek. The existing fish ladder and screen did not meet current fish passage standards. A methodical dam removal and stream restoration plan was put forth to maximize protection of fish and aquatic resources in order to fully remove the dam in an environmentally sensitive manner
RDG developed the dam removal plan, hydraulic modeling, engineering design and construction drawings and specifications necessary to remove the dam and reconstruct the channel. RDG assisted in procuring a contractor and provided construction oversight throughout the dam removal and channel restoration implementation to ensure contractor compliance with the design intent.
RDG PROJECT MANAGER
Scott Wright, PE
CLIENT
Hood River Watershed Group
LOCATION
Odell, Oregon
PROJECT ELEMENTS
Stakeholder meetings
Concrete dam removal
Site survey, topography and LiDAR
Hydrology and hydraulic modeling
Stream channel restoration
Construction administration
“River Design Group’s wealth of knowledge with dam removal and restoration was vital to the successful design, permitting and construction of our project. Their experience and positive reputation was a tremendous help for permits. I’ve worked with RDG for over 10 years and continue to be impressed with their quality of work and integrity.”
–Cindy Thieman, HRWG Director