129-46 Free Flowing: Benefits and Costs of Dam Removal In Idaho

Abstract:

The subject of dam removal in Idaho is a multifaceted issue with economic, environmental, social, and structural factors. Dam removal has become a topic of contentious debate in the last several years in Idaho, as both serious benefits and costs exist due to river damming. Analyses of the advantages of dam removal exist for the Northwest as a region, but none have been performed specifically for Idaho, which necessitates this analysis. This paper, through a synthesis of existing research, federal documents, and grey literature, constructs a thorough examination of the benefits and costs of dam removal in Idaho.  A focus on highlighting the effects on native biodiversity and ecosystems, Indigenous perspectives, potential consequences for energy production, and impacts on agriculture and navigation aims to create as holistic a view of dam removal as possible. Allowing fish stocks, sediments and water to travel freely up and down undammed rivers would improve the health of riparian ecosystems, and would honor treaties between the federal government and Indigenous groups in Idaho. Conversely, the disadvantages of dam removal include the costs of upgrading energy infrastructure and the power grid to accommodate solar, wind and geothermal energies, as well as the necessary testing and remediation of possible sediment contamination. This analysis indicates that the burdens imposed upon Indigenous groups and ecosystems by the damming of rivers cannot be completely alleviated by any amount of money or other remedial efforts, but only by dam removal. In contrast, the costs associated with dam removal can be eased by monetary supplementation, as well as changes and upgrades to transportation and irrigation infrastructure. Ultimately, the choice between whether or not to breach dams in Idaho comes down to a decision between protecting economic interest in the present and near future, versus protecting ecosystems, the environment, and the lives of indigenous Idahoans for years to come. 

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