Potential consequences from Maple River dam removal based on sediment properties.

Abstract

The oxymoron of dam removal brings to question its practicality. The process of removing it is an ecological disturbance, yet it repairs river ecosystems by reversing harmful effects from the dam's existence. Lake Kathleen is the impoundment-formed-lake of the Maple River Dam, and with the dam's impending removal, knowledge about what lies within the lake and river is important. We sampled in Lake Kathleen and along the Maple River to discover chemical and physical properties of the sediment, to understand possible ecological effects of the dam's removal. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphate (PH4) levels differed in Lake Kathleen, as did sediment size. However, no difference was found for nitrate (N03) levels, ammonium (NH4) levels or ratio of C to N (C:N). These findings provide valuable information in regards to possible consequences of the dam's removal on the Maple River. This project is the first of its kind, by studying ecological components before and after dam removal.