San Clemente Dam Removal and Carmel River Reroute
Known as the largest dam removal and river restoration project in California’s history, the nationally recognized San Clemente Dam Removal and Carmel River Reroute Project is setting a precedent for future dam removal and river restoration projects.
Since its construction in 1921, the 106 foot high dam had posed a significant barrier to steelhead migrations and restricted access to 25 miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat. In recent years, the dam ceased to serve a useful purpose having lost approximately 95 percent of its storage capacity due to more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sediment that had built up behind it.
Upon being deemed seismically unsafe by the California Division of Safety of Dams, a public/private partnership formed between California American Water (SCD Owner) the California State Coastal Conservancy, and National Marine Fisheries Service to resolve the seismic issue as well as restore the natural ecosystem. Overall, the Project is expected to improve water quality, sediment transfer, fish passage and aquatic habitat, and to restore natural character and function to the water bodies and upland habitats both within the project footprint and on a watershed level.
Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) has been managing the project for California American Water since 2009, and for the last three years has served as Construction Manager for this $83 million, multi-stakeholder project. Dylan Wade, who serves as the Resident Project Representative for the multi-year design-build project will discuss the project design, funding and multi-stakeholder process, construction considerations, restoration goals and approaches, and the projects lasting benefits. Nearing the end of the third year of construction, the Carmel River is ready to flow in its newly constructed channel.
Known as the largest dam removal and river restoration project in California’s history, the nationally recognized San Clemente Dam Removal and Carmel River Reroute Project is setting a precedent for future dam removal and river restoration projects.
Since its construction in 1921, the 106 foot high dam had posed a significant barrier to steelhead migrations and restricted access to 25 miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat. In recent years, the dam ceased to serve a useful purpose having lost approximately 95 percent of its storage capacity due to more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sediment that had built up behind it.
Upon being deemed seismically unsafe by the California Division of Safety of Dams, a public/private partnership formed between California American Water (SCD Owner) the California State Coastal Conservancy, and National Marine Fisheries Service to resolve the seismic issue as well as restore the natural ecosystem. Overall, the Project is expected to improve water quality, sediment transfer, fish passage and aquatic habitat, and to restore natural character and function to the water bodies and upland habitats both within the project footprint and on a watershed level.
Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) has been managing the project for California American Water since 2009, and for the last three years has served as Construction Manager for this $83 million, multi-stakeholder project. Dylan Wade, who serves as the Resident Project Representative for the multi-year design-build project will discuss the project design, funding and multi-stakeholder process, construction considerations, restoration goals and approaches, and the projects lasting benefits. Nearing the end of the third year of construction, the Carmel River is ready to flow in its newly constructed channel.
Location
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Date & Time
Thursday, November 19, 2015 at noon
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Date & Time
Thursday, November 19, 2015 at noon
