Hager GeoSciences Inc tow a self contained floatable GPR unit across the Ipswich River above the dam to investigate the bedrock layer at the proposed upper falls location.
Thanks to our project partner- the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) we were able to move forward on two Priority Dam Removal Projects. The Ipswich Mills Dam Feasibility study (see the video here) was completed in late 2019, and while numerous investigations revealed that removal would not have a negative impact on the river or most nearby structures, further research was needed to understand the type of soils underneath the nearby EBSCO building and whether timber piles were present. Understanding the sub-surface conditions at EBSCO will help to understand what if any impact dam removal would have on the building and will help inform the design of mitigation techniques.
With EBSCO employees working from home, we were able to work with the Town of Ipswich, EBSCO and project partners to access the building and conduct Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Seismic investigations to further investigate sub-surface conditions. These investigations will inform mitigation of potential building settlement. You may have seen Hager GeoSciences Inc. staff on the river this week investigating the Upper Falls region of the river, just above the dam. Understanding more about this area will help determine not only what type of mitigation may be required, but also what a free flowing river may look like post dam removal.
But wait, that’s not all! The last dam (moving up river) encountered on the main-stem of the Ipswich River is the South Middleton Dam, owned by Bostik Inc. Removal of this dam, which currently does not support fish passage, will restore over 57 miles of river and stream habitat for both migratory and fluvial fish species, making it one of the largest river restoration projects in Massachusetts! Learn more about the project here. Bostik Inc. received a unanimous vote from the Middleton Conservation Commission to issue an Order of Conditions for the Notice of Intent to remove the South Middleton Dam. Additional Ch. 91 (The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act) and Ch. 401 (Clean Water Act State Certification of Water Quality) permits have been submitted and will be released in the Environmental Monitor soon.
We are so excited, that despite 2020 being a trying year in terms of many other components, it has not hindered our ability to further important restoration projects with our dedicated project partners and technical staff! Thank you to everyone who attended our own dam removal chat with the experts on Tuesday, May 26th, and to the many Ipswich River supports who remotely attended the Middleton Conservation Commission meeting to show support for dam removal.