Matilija Dam Restoration Project Progress

In 1948, in spite of many reservations and objections

, construction of the Matilija dam on the Ventura River in California was completed. Its stated function was water storage and flood control. However, what became alarmingly clear quickly afterwards were two environmental mishaps - disastrous fall in numbers of the steelhead trout and emptying of once-full beaches due to sediments from the Ventura River.

Now, fifty years later, the capacity of the Matilija Reservoir on the dam has been reduced by more than 90%. This is due to the six million cubic yards of sediments being trapped behind it. With its cracking concrete and silt packed reservoir, Matilija Dam is no longer useful . The Ventura River is asleep behind the dam. With removal of the dam, ocean-going fish will be able to use the river to spawn. The beaches will also be full of sediments sent down by the river from the vertical canyons of Matilija Creek. A fair scheme is to undo the destruction done by the once conceived bad idea.

Approximately 200 feet high, Matilija is the largest dam at all measured for dismissal . Preliminary studies have suggested that breaking down the dam is pretty easy. However, the enormous volume of silt deposits filled the reservoir puts forth a much complex challenge. If let out all at one go, the water bodies downstream would suffer from calamitous floods. Transporting the excessive dregs is a million-dollar issue or one worth a few million dollars actually. Several options are being considered for the same. Initial price approximations limit from $20 to $180 million. Detailed studies are desired to make confident that the whole removal of the dam is carried via environmentally protected and sound means.

There are some benefits of removing the dam. It will reinstate the river to its free-flowing state. The return of a proper population of steelhead trout will revitalize the recreational fishery which is valued at nearly $25 million. Natural territory for the numerous animal species that thrived earlier the building of the dam will be improved. Dam elimination will make possibilities for outdoor spare within the the Ventura River, Matilija Creek, and beaches downstream.

The damn dismantling plan was proposed long ago but not much has been achieved. However the dam dismissal is now facing disapproval too. There are some species of turtles and birds which prosper along the existing dam and reservoir. Certain groups are now raising concerns about these animals once the dam structure in brought down. Some sections of the dam are being dismantled part by part. A expert survey is held every time a part has to be removed. Dialogs with Matilija dam stake holders are now being held more repeatedly to hasten the project.

The Ventura County is making a few efforts to restore the normal settings that existed before the dam wall. However the question of unexpected flooding and debris is causing this project to move at a pace slower than expected. There is a problem of depositing the dredged silt as well. The silt cannot be transferred to the nearby forests or beaches as it will be mixed with the cement and rubble from the dam. Thus, we see that the damn removal work is happening but more consideration and speed is needed.

Matilija Dam Restoration Project Progress

By: Jim Knight

POST COMMENT

Enter Into The Wisdom City : Salamanca Mastering The Lemonade Cleanse *** North Conway - The Ultimate Excursion Serpentine Belt Refurbishing Is Not As Hard As You Think Improve Vertical Jump Why You May Want To Consider A Prenuptial Agreement Ready to watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Again? Taking Care Of Your Boardshorts Looking To Hire A Skip Locally? Nordic Walking: Burn More Calories With Less Effort A Beat Aesthetic AORTIC STENOSIS AETIOLOGY