Dam removal news and updates from OARS.

The MEPA office has issued the Secretary’s Certificate on the Talbot Mills Dam project. The Certificate, including comment letters, is available below, select “Secretary’s Certificates” tab.

Next Step: submit an Environmental Impact Report that covers any issues raised in the Certificate; we anticipate that will be submitted before the end of the year. As always, don’t hesitate to contact OARS if you have any questions.

OARS VISITS IPSWICH DAM

OARS staff visited the Ipswich River dam in downtown Ipswich, Mass., on Sept. 7 in a field trip hosted by the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program and Division of Ecological Restoration, Mass ECAN, the PIE-Rivers Partnership, and Ipswich River Watershed Association. It started with a beautiful 45-minute paddle to the Ipswich River dam. A tour of current river restoration work showcased the successful rebuilding of a sewer line under a multi-use trail with riverbank restoration and a discussion of community involvement in the proposed dam removal.

Wildlife, including turtles and otters, have gotten stuck at the dam (see below). We also learned about community involvement in the project and how the removal will benefit the surrounding ecosystem and recreation. This project is at a similar stage in the process as the Talbot Mills Dam project on the Concord River.

OTTER ACTUALLY GOES OVER THE DAM

And for fun, a REAL story of an otter going over a dam this summer comes to us from the Ipswich River.

After 3 days of trying to swim up the Ipswich Mills Dam the otter was tired and could be heard crying. So a team from Ipswich got together to help this otter out.

Thanks to everyone who helped relocate our furry friends above the dam!

CAN FISH REALLY GET PAST THE ESSEX DAM IN LAWRENCE?