Steeles Mill Dam, Hitchcock Creek, NC

This 15-foot tall by 100-foot long dam in Rockingham, North Carolina was originally built in the late 1800s as a hydropower dam.  The dam ceased generating power in 1999 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a license exemption in 2001.  NOAA is working with the local community in order to remove this dam and restore access to historic spawning habitat for American shad and American eel.  The removal of this dam, which began in July 2009, will provide these migratory fish access to 15 new river miles.  The removal is partially funded through the American Rivers-NOAA Community-based Habitat Restoration Partnership.

For more information, contact Peter Raabe with  American Rivers at 919-682-3500.

Read the Press Release