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Ipswich Mills Dam, Amanda Siow 2024
Dam Busters 201
Streamlining Permitting for Restoration
See below for resources, links, tips, and a video recording. Webinar originally held May 7, 2025.
The regulatory permitting system for working in rivers and wetlands is complex and was designed to limit development impacts. Efforts are now underway to streamline permitting for restoration while continuing to protect our invaluable natural resources. This presentation provided updates and perspectives on progress in the regulatory space and state initiatives that support restoration projects.
Presented by: E. Heidi Ricci and Michael Chelminski
Recording
Highlights:
3:50- Start of presentation
4:46- Goals for presentation
6:30- the need for increasing the pace of restoration
11:19- overview of timelines for case study dam removals
14:19- Ox Pasture Brook Dam (Rowley, MA)
15:41- Montsweag Dam (Woolwich, ME)
17:13- Bartlett Rod Shop Co. Dam (Pelham, MA)
20:09- Gravesleigh Pond Dam (Pittsfield, MA)
21:32- Carding Mill Dam (Harwich, MA)
24:00- South Branch Gale River Dam (White Mountain National Forest, NH)
26:00- Dudleyville Pond Dam (Shutesbury, MA)
29:13- Themes from case studies
30:12- What are the barriers to more, faster dam removals?
32:38- How is the regulatory framework complicated?
33:56- Wetlands Protection Act
36:04- Chapter 91- Waterways Act
39:15- Rethinking harm
40:27- Reforms to date & other states
41:40- The Vision
47:50- Q&A
Have a permitting story to share?
Answers to questions not answered during the live webinar:
1) What states have the best (most consistent, efficient, and effective) permitting processes for dam removal in your experience? Where are the models and in what ways do they / don't they translate to Southern NE?
PA, CT, VT, and NH all have streamlined permitting for dam removals. American Rivers has a wealth of information on dam removals nationwide including an interactive map and a Community of Practice that people can join. https://www.americanrivers.org/threats-solutions/restoring-damaged-rivers/
2) Can a Historic District Commission deny a permit for a dam removal?
It depends on the local land use rules and authority of your local Historic District Commission.
3) Both of you alluded to dam removal projects which might fit certain criteria which could trigger a streamlined permit pathway, beside small dams in headwater streams, what other conditions would maybe fit into this tier of projects?
A dam that is a high hazard and receives an order for action from the Office of Dam Safety may be able to be removed using Emergency Certification procedures. Discussions are ongoing about what types of additional/new streamlining may be appropriate for various categories of projects. Sign up for the Campaign to receive updates and information on opportunities to weigh in.
Do you have any feedback on the webinar?
Additional Resources
Mass Audubon- Learn about and join the Campaign to Accelerate Wetland Restoration Across the Commonwealth here
Environmental Policy Innovation Center- Streamlined Permitting Database
CLF & Mass Audubon- Research Memo
Funding Sources Spreadsheet
SNEP Network- Buffer Restoration Guide
Franklin Regional Council of Governments- River Restoration Design & Permitting in Massachusetts: A Guide for Inland Rivers
American Rivers- National Dam Removal Community of Practice Website
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