Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP headquarters at 79 Elm Street in Hartford is currently closed due to recent water damage impacting multiple areas of the building. We are working to remediate the situation and get the building back open to staff and the public as soon as possible. While the building is closed, Staff continue to work either remotely or in alternate locations. We continue to be able to receive documents via U.S. Mail or courier service, and our electronic file submittal protocols remain unchanged. For updates, please click here

Dam Removal

Over the past 100 years, the United States led the world in dam building. We blocked and harnessed rivers for a variety of purposes including hydropower, irrigation, flood control, water storage, recreation, aesthetics, and wildlife conservation. Today, Connecticut has more dams per river mile than any other state.

While dams can benefit society, they also come with downsides. Dams deplete fisheries, degrade river ecosystems, alter recreational opportunities, and create downstream risks to public safety. Many dams that were once at the epicenter of a community’s livelihood are now in poor condition, too expensive to maintain, or no longer serve their intended purposes.

A backhoe demolishing a dam

Not all dams damage rivers in exactly the same way, and some support significant wetland growth or are very important in supporting recreational opportunities for a community. When a decision is being made whether or not to remove a dam, the benefits must be weighed against the environmental and social impacts. The links below provide information for people interested in removing a dam.

 

Benefits of Dam Removal Dam Removal Permitting

Dam Removal Resources Frequently Asked Questions

Past Dam Removals in CT

 

For further information contact the DEEP Dam Safety Regulatory Program at (860) 424-3706 or by email at DEEP.DamSafety@ct.gov

 

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Content last edited November 2025