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Effects of Removing the Dam on the Muskegon River at Big Rapids

Photograph of Remnants of the Big Rapids Dam

Photograph of Remnants of the Big Rapids Dam

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) are conducting studies to determine the biological, chemical, and physical effects of the removal of two small dams on the environment of the Muskegon River. In the summer of 2000, the City of Big Rapids removed from the Muskegon River the remnant of a hydroelectric dam located upstream of the Baldwin St. bridge. In the summer of 2001, the City removed a rock-pile cofferdam located near the water-supply plant located downstream of the bridge.

The removal of outdated and dilapidated dams and other structures from a river can be beneficial. The City of Big Rapids removed the dam remnant and rock-pile cofferdam from the Muskegon River to improve the riverine environment and to increase safety for recreational users of the river. The removal of these structures reconnects the upstream and downstream river habitats and reestablishes the riffle, pool, and run sequence typical of lower-peninsula rivers in this reach of the Muskegon River.

Dam removals, however, can also bring about unexpected consequences. Upstream and downstream habitats established during the existence of the dam will be disturbed. Revitalized erosion may attack riverbanks. Erosion of sediments deposited above the dam can remobilize any contaminants that may be contained in those sediments. The additional sediment load may be deposited downstream destroying habitats deemed environmentally and economically desirable.

The MDNR and the USGS, in cooperation with the City of Big Rapids, are determining the effects of the dam remnant and rock-pile cofferdam removal project. The MDNR is assessing the effects of the project on fish and macro invertebrate populations; the USGS is assessing the effects of the project on sediment transport, water quality, and stream habitat. The USGS will include the application of an existing sediment transport model to refine the model's ability to predict the transport and fate of the sediments for future dam removal projects in the upper Midwest similar to this Big Rapids project.

Links to Big Rapids Data

Streamflow, physical properties, dissolved major and trace elements, solids,nutrient, and organic carbon.

* Station 04121640 - May 22, 2000 - Muskegon River near Big Rapids, Mich. (Upper)
* Station 04121650 - May 23, 2000 - Muskegon River at Big Rapids, Mich. (Lower)

Suspended sediment and bedload data.

* Station 04121640 - Muskegon River near Big Rapids, Mich. (Upper)
* Station 04121650 - Muskegon River at Big Rapids, Mich. (Lower)

* Station 04121650 - Muskegon River at Big Rapids, Mich. (Lower)

Reference Tables for Water Quality- Streamflow, physical properties, dissolved major and trace elements, solids, nutrient, and organic carbon.

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Page Last Modified: Last modified: August 10 2005 11:20:56.