The largest dam removal project in United States history is underway along the California-Oregon border — a process that won’t conclude until the end of next year with the help of heavy machinery and explosives.

  • irkli@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    11 months ago

    What’s not well known is that dams also have a limited life – they silt up. They produce most hydro power when new, which declines as silt fills the dam, raising the bottom/lowering head.

    There’s a great book I have somewhere, is it CADILLAC DESERT? about the big 20th century push to “tame nature” and dam every river to make it “produce”. Total folly.