Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/33090
Title: Rock demolition and hazardous debris removal for ecosystem restoration on the Elwha River
Authors: Ertle, Charles W.
Roth, Michael Jason, 1975-
Judson, John S.
Vankirk, George H.
Keywords: Elwha River (Wash.)
Ecosystem restoration
Restoration ecology
Elwha Dam (Wash.)
Upper Elwha Dam (Wash.)
Debris removal
Rock demolition
Publisher: Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/GSL TR-19-21
Abstract: The Elwha River is a unique river system located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and was dammed in the early 20th century for hydroelectric power. Approximately one century later, these dams, the Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam, were removed to restore the river’s natural ecosys-tem. In 2015, the National Park Service (NPS) engaged with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to provide subject matter expert support to the final stages of the restoration project. In September 2016, ERDC conducted a project for removal of hazardous rebar that was remaining in the river bed at the Elwha Dam site. The rebar was protruding from the dam foundation and created a safety hazard for the public. The project also included explosive demolition of numerous large boulders in the vicinity of the former dam sites that created flow constrictions with large velocity gradients and hydraulic jumps. The demolition objective was to improve passage conditions for the numerous species of trout and salmon that migrate up the Elwha River. This report documents the rebar removal and boulder demolition and provides recommendations for techniques to remove the remaining Elwha Dam foundation in the future if desired by NPS.
Description: Technical Report
Gov't Doc #: ERDC/GSL TR-19-21
Rights: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/33090
http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/33090
Size: 70 pages / 19.05 Mb
Types of Materials: PDF/A
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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