Most Virginia impoundments are for hydropower or drinking water. In addition, many dams were built in the 1700's and 1800's to supply mechanical energy to mills. Small gristmill dams are mostly gone now, removed by floods. Other dams built in the 1800's as part of canal systems are, in most cases, just a small Class 1 or Class 2 rapid in a free-flowing stream today. However, there are still some large dams in cities such as Richmond and Fredericksburg.
Dams interfere with fish migration, and some still block it completely.
Such dams are targets for removal, especially Embrey Dam in Fredericksburg. In the 1970's, the proposed Salem Church Dam on the Rappahannock was blocked - but it is taking an additional 30 years to remove Embrey Dam. Huntington District John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir and water history Philpott Dam and Reservoir and reports Regional Permit for bulkheads, rip-rap, etc.