Thousands of US Dams at Risk of Collapse: Shocking Report Reveals Grim Future for Rural America

The Controversial Plan to Remove Dams

In southwestern Wisconsin, the removal of nearly 12,000 USDA-built dams has sparked intense debate. These dams, primarily situated in agricultural regions, were originally constructed to mitigate flooding. Their presence has long been a part of the landscape, but now their future is uncertain.

The concept for these dams originated during the Dust Bowl era when the lack of vegetation led to severe flooding. Federal agencies sought to control water flow by building these structures. However, as contracts expire, the responsibility for these aging dams shifts to local authorities.

Steve Becker, Wisconsin’s state conservation engineer for NRCS, explained that counties now have complete autonomy over these dams. They can choose to maintain, rehabilitate, or decommission them, but the federal support is no longer guaranteed.

Local officials in Vernon County, where several dam failures occurred, have turned to NRCS for guidance. A comprehensive study revealed that many dams are vulnerable due to age and increased rainfall, prompting recommendations for decommissioning.

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The Aging Infrastructure Crisis

The Rapidan dam incident in Minnesota highlighted the fragility of America’s dam infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s 91,000 dams a “D” rating, primarily due to their age, with the average dam being over 60 years old.

As urban development expands, the risk to human life from dam failures increases. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, with rising precipitation levels and more intense storms testing the limits of these structures.

NRCS data shows that nearly 6,600 watershed program dams have completed their contracts, with more expected in the next five years. This means many regions will face tough decisions about their dams’ futures.

In a 2015 memo, retired NRCS engineer Larry Caldwell warned of a “perfect storm” of issues threatening dams. He cited seven major concerns:

• Nationwide presence of these dams
• Aging infrastructure
• Climate change-driven extreme weather

These factors, occurring simultaneously, could lead to widespread crises in many communities.

Funding Shortfalls and Potential Solutions

The cost of repairing the nation’s dams is staggering. The Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates that non-federal dam repairs alone would cost $157.5 billion. Despite recent federal funding, much more is needed to address this issue comprehensively.

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The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $3 billion for dam safety, including $118 million specifically for USDA watershed program dams. While helpful, this is merely a downpayment on the extensive work required.

Wisconsin’s Steve Becker noted that replacing the southwest Wisconsin dams would cost millions, a price tag far beyond current resources. As a result, decommissioning, or “notching out” the dams, is seen as a more affordable solution.

Lori Spragens of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials emphasized that the aging dams are a daily concern. Despite funding improvements, the overall situation feels like “one step forward, two steps back.”

Exploring Natural Flood Mitigation

In addition to traditional infrastructure solutions, there is growing interest in natural methods to manage floodwaters. These strategies include relocating communities away from flood-prone areas and adopting agricultural practices that retain water on the land.

Vernon County is considering these natural solutions as part of their flood management strategy. Local conservationist Ben Wojahn recognized that flooding will remain a significant challenge, with or without the dams.

Decommissioning the dams is not seen as a final solution, but rather a step in a broader approach to flood management. The community continues to seek ways to adapt and protect themselves from future flooding events.

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Understanding the best path forward requires balancing the costs and benefits of maintaining versus decommissioning aging dams. Each community must weigh their unique circumstances and resources to decide the most effective strategy.