Dam Removal Permitting
The design and permitting of a dam removal project can be complex due to the many factors that need to be evaluated. A removal can often be more complex than a repair project. There are issues to address in a removal that may not need to be addressed for a repair. Some of these issues are:
- Soliciting and handling public opinion regarding the removal. The loss of the impoundment may not be viewed as acceptable to everyone.
- Environmental consequences of the lowering of the impoundment, such as the loss of wetlands. It may be necessary to have this evaluated and possibly mitigated.
- Evaluating and handling accumulated sediment in the impoundment that may pose a risk to the downstream environment if released during the removal work.
- Wildlife consequences, especially those identified by DEEP's Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) and Fisheries programs.
- Flooding and riverine issues include a possible loss of detention storage and a change in flooding downstream. A change in the base flood elevation shown on FEMA rate maps may trigger a need to model the "before removal" and "after removal" flood profiles and submit data to FEMA for a map revision.
- Permitting for a removal or breach may require additional authorizations. Typically, authorizing a removal requires a Dam Safety permit, Army Corps of Engineers wetlands permit, and State Water Quality Certification. Solid Waste permits may be required for handling sediment, particularly if it is contaminated.
Complex dam projects, including removal, will usually require permits from multiple programs. Removal projects should be discussed in a pre-application meeting unless your consultant is very familiar with all the various program requirements. Any NDDB and Fisheries issues should be identified and addressed early on and before a pre-application meeting, whenever possible. With those issues identified, the pre-application meeting will be more productive as we will be able to discuss more specific engineering design and permit application issues. If necessary, DEEP will assemble staff from other permitting programs and may recommend that the pre-application meeting is coordinated with staff from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Follow this link to learn more about the pre-application process: Pre-Application Assistance
The dam owner should have an engineer retained before a pre-application meeting is held. The dam owner and the engineer should both attend because decisions made at the meeting can alter the project and incur savings or additional costs. All information generated for the project should be brought to the meeting, including plans, studies, reports, and designs. Typically, the engineer will present the proposed project and then the discussion will proceed into the permitting requirements and other issues associated with the project. When calling or emailing to set up a meeting, we will try to cover the essential issues to make sure the meeting will prepare all parties for a successful application process.
Follow this link for a list of licensed engineers: Licensed Engineers
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 August 26, 2025