Determining whether to remove or repair dams involves consideration of environmental, economic, engineering and community issues and concerns. A primary factor in the removal of many dam removal decisions is the economic reality of maintaining an old, obsolete dam. In Wisconsin, on average, dam repair costs two to five times more than dam removal. But, keeping a dam in safe condition is not a one-time expenditure. Many small communities are facing the decision of whether to spend more than their entire annual budget to repair a dam that is no longer economical.
Scientists agree that dams devastate rivers.
Dams fundamentally change the biological, physical, and chemical functions of rivers. Therefore it is important to consider the impacts that local dams have on our rivers and streams. The idea of removing a dam may seem radical at first. But many communities are recognizing that it just doesn't make sense to keep an expensive, unsafe and uneconomical dam that negatively impacts the stream running through their town. While not appropriate in all situations, the River Alliance advocates for the selective removal of old, unsafe and uneconomical dams.