Dam removal methods, Elwha River, Washington

This paper reports on preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (FERC, 1991) for licence applications for the Elwha and Glines Canyon hydroelectric projects on the Elwha River, Washington, which included evaluation of dam retention and dam removal alternatives. Alternative methods for meeting resource objectives were evaluated for cost, engineering, and environmental constraints. Alternatives that were evaluated included dam retention with the addition of fish passage facilities, removal of both dams, and removal of either the Elwha or Glines Canyon Dam. Comparative environmental and economic evaluations necessitated the formulation of specific dam removal plans. The plans are considered reasonable approximations of actual dam removal programs for assessment purposes