The US was a leader in dam building in the 20th century,
using the electricity to power economic development, as well as a clean, and
greenhouse gas free alternative energy source. However now Asia, Africa and
South America are following their example and this could be a potential problem,
as the US has come to see. Though it benefited greatly from dam building, the
US has recognized that in some cases, these dams were causing damage to the environment,
which was greater than their benefit to the whole country. The Elwha River is
one of the rivers that was blocked off by a dam, and is one of the most
affected.
The project started in the end of 2011, with the start of
the removal of two dams. The Glines Canyon dam and the Elwha Dam. The most
important aspect of the project is the fact that now after three years; species
that once inhabited the area are migrating back. Salmon for example are migrating
past the dam site, while trees and other vegetation are sprouting in the canals
once filled with water. While the sediment that was previously trapped is now
creating beaches in the connection of the river and
the sea.
The two dams were widely regarded as a positive change,
because they powered the growth of the whole peninsula. They powered the whole
industry in the region, which was the timber industry. However the dams began
doing more and more damage, endangering the fish and the well-being of the Elwha
Klallam tribe. They protested for the protection of salmon runs, and in the
1980s they joint several environmental groups and started to lobby for the dam
removal. The biggest step forward occurred in 1992 when the government purchased
the dams from the timber companies, and explored the idea of removing them. After
many years of lobbying and great effort in 2011, September the concrete removal
process began. Senator Bill Bradley said "The
reflection you see in Elwha is an image of what our country is capable
of," he told the crowd”
I believe that this
is a small step in the right direction, because it is providing, or re
instating the natural habitat of several species, such as salmon. From the
example of this dam removal project we can learn that if we have the will to
work against pollution and climate change we can achieve results. The fact that
such a small community is managing to cause change and to be a part of the
largest dam removal project, only shows that no matter how small organization
is, if they remain active and vocal they can achieve results. In this case it
was the removal of a dam, actually 2. These dams were causing damage to the
surrounding area, not only by flooding a region, but also by many animals who
inhabited the area were forced to migrate, especially the fish , but also other
animals on land, because dams produce great amounts of noise. Though dams are
helpful
It's interesting how the species that were once there are migrating back to the Elwha Dam! The dams sure are powerful, as you mentioned that they powered the growth of the whole peninsula. Good overview of the topic, you clearly established the most important things we need to know about the article.
ReplyDeleteLuka,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting article that you chose to write about. Although dams are very useful in generating electricity without the use of fossil fuels, they do influence the environment in several other ways. They affect soils in the area, erosion, water quality, species diversity, and people who used to depend on the river for centuries. This case was extremely interesting how a small group of people could act to bring about change.