Elaina Linz

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Alcock, Frank

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

By 2020 80% of dams in the U.S. will reach the end of their lifespan, increasing the risk of structural failure. This looming threat coupled with our progressing environmental standards provoked upwards of a thousand dam removals in the U.S. Not all dams should be eradicated, however, those that pose an environmental or safety risk should be considered. The purpose of this thesis is improving the reader’s understanding of the economic and political incentives for defending water projects, and the conducive conditions that support the likelihood of successful dam removal proposals. Included are two case studies that follow an analytical framework for dam removal, examining motivation for removal, and the participating actors and laws. The Elwha River Restoration Project is a successfully executed removal project. Contrastingly, the case study of Glen Canyon Dam has no prospects for removal, despite countless efforts by environmental groups. By analyzing two case studies on opposite ends of the spectrum, the conditions for which a dam is removed or remains become more discernable. My findings suggest that dam removal with an objective that entertains economic agendas can break through political barriers with the facilitation of dam removal advocates such as environmental groups or Native Americans. Even without successfully achieving dam removal, advocates have furthered conversation and research.

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