Voice Support for Removing Milburnie Dam in North Carolina

December 9, 2011 | Dams & Dam Removal

Lynnette Batt
Associate Director, River Restoration Program, NC

Milburnie Dam, Neuse River | Lynette Batt

We have a great opportunity to remove the outdated Milburnie Dam, located on the Neuse River in Raleigh (Wake County), North Carolina. But we need your support–please submit comments to the Corps by December 14th.

This project has been identified as a regional priority by scientists, and follows a number of other dam removal/river restoration efforts in the Neuse, an important waterway for fishing and recreation. Removing this dam would:

• Restore free-flowing conditions in the river and improve stream habitat for fish, mussels and other native species
• Open access to an additional 15 miles of river for the migration and spawning of fish such as American shad and striped bass
• Improve water quality by eliminating stagnant conditions behind the dam which cause unnatural sediment build up, low oxygen, and higher temperatures
• Increase safety in the area by eliminating an unnecessary hazard
• Improve the river for paddling and fishing opportunities

For more information, See the public notice here (pdf) and information on proposed plans here.

Take a moment now to submit comments to the Army Corps of Engineers by December 14 urging them to consider removing the Milburnie Dam. To do this, just copy the email below and send it to John.T.Thomas.JR@usace.army.mil

Subject: Please remove the Milburnie Dam

Dear Mr. Thomas,
I am writing regarding Corps Action ID# SAW-2010-00020. I am voicing support of the proposed removal of the Milburnie Dam in Wake County, NC, as referenced by the above Corps Action ID. The project would have significant environmental, recreational and public safety benefits. Specifically, removing the dam would:

• Restore free-flowing conditions in the river and improve stream habitat for fish, mussels and other native species
• Open access to an additional 15 miles of river for migratory fish such as American shad and striped bass
• Improve water quality by eliminating stagnant conditions behind the dam which cause unnatural sediment build up, low oxygen, and higher temperatures
• Increase safety in the area by eliminating an unnecessary hazard
• Improve the river for paddling and fishing opportunities

I recognize that there are important considerations for this project such as managing sediment and considering wetlands, but I feel that the project sponsor has a responsible plan for addressing these issues, and that the overall long-term benefits provided by the project outweigh short-term impacts and changes.

Please consider this support for removing the Milburnie Dam, and thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

The deadline for comments is coming up fast (December 14th). So please take action today!

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