Nice NYTimes article on dam removal. The Elkhorn needs to be on this list too...

[travel.nytimes.com]

Thanks for posting this. I just read on AR that Pennsylvania has removed more dams than any other state. More than 150. In the article you linked to, I loved that the author referred to this as the "age of dam removal."

Sorry to be so out of the loop on the BWA's communications with the distillery, but in your opinion, should we be doing more to educate our local community about the benefits of dam removal? What about the distillery? Would it be beneficial to provide to them some management plans that other small dam owners have used to drive their projects? Is it possible that they can't even fathom the scope of the project and any potential risks? What about offering a cost benefits analysis that was generated by other small dam owners? Are they aware that there may be grant monies to assist?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2009 01:07AM by kwildman.

Ooops, meant to link to the AR article: Dams Are Coming Down All Over Pennsylvania

The distillery could pull a marketing opportunity out of this.

It's not a bad idea, but you'd have to find a small dam owner in need of a massive fire suppression system with no sufficient municipal supply of water, otherwise it's not really a viable alternative.

That's really where we sit. I'm getting more and more on Fred's bandwagon. Forget trying to have the dam removed, let's concentrate on modification instead.

Next question, where do you get money for modification?

Hanley

It's possible that Jim Beam would consider paying for a modification that would keep their pool for fire suppression and have a chute for boats, especially in light of the recent upstream drowning. I have some info on designs and costs.

Fred

I think it's about time we scratched this itch again. Let's see if we can find a time to get together and discuss these issues.

I've got it, how about during a road trip to the New/Gauley?

Hanley

One thing. It is my understanding, from a reliable source, that JB has a new plant manager. So the conversation will probably have to start at the beginning again.

We can always go back and do our impressive dog and pony show again.

I still have the PowerPoint presentation.

-bo

Your modification idea sounds like a great one. Can you post the design and the estimated costs in the forum????

Since so many dams have now been removed, perhaps it's possible that a dam owner already tackled the issues that Jim Beam faces. I sent e-mails to outreach at AR and to AW. I asked if they were aware of anyone who removed a dam and faced the same or similar obstacles.

Does the Power Point presentation contain the info. Fred has concerning modifications?