Talbot Mills Dam Removal

Revitalizing the Concord River: The Talbot Mills Dam Removal Project

Welcome to the Talbot Mills Dam Removal Project webpage, managed by OARS. This vital restoration effort aims to remove the Faulkner (Talbot Mills) Dam in North Billerica to restore the natural flow of the Concord River and reestablish migratory fish habitats. This is a Priority Project under the State’s Division of Ecological Restoration and, upon completion, will bring significant ecological, social, and economic benefits to the region.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Why Remove the Talbot Mills Dam?

The Talbot Mills Dam on the Concord River in Billerica, MA, has long impeded fish migration and river health. Removing the dam will reconnect the SuAsCo basin with the Gulf of Maine, facilitating the most extensive restoration of migratory fish breeding habitat of any dam removal project in Massachusetts.

Key Objectives

 

 

 

 

  • Restore fish migration pathways
  • Improve riverine ecosystem health
  • Enhance public safety by removing an aging infrastructure
  • Foster community engagement and education about river restoration

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A Look Back: The History of Talbot Mills Dam

 

Built in the early 19th century, the Talbot Mills Dam has been a significant feature of North Billerica’s industrial landscape. It played a crucial role in the region’s textile industry, marking an era of industrial growth. Today, as we move towards its removal, we honor its historical significance while focusing on ecological restoration.

ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY AND WILDLIFE BENEFITS

Five Main Migratory Fish Species in the SuAsCo Rivers

 

The SuAsCo rivers are home to several key migratory fish species that rely on the connectivity between the ocean and freshwater habitats for their life cycles. Here are the five primary species:

Alewife and Blueback Herring (River Herring)

 

Often grouped together as “river herring,” these fish are essential to the river ecosystem, providing food for a variety of predators. They migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers and lakes to spawn.

American Eel

 

This fascinating species travels from freshwater rivers to the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean to breed. The American eel’s complex life cycle involves significant migrations between marine and freshwater environments.

American Shad

 

Known for their historical significance and as a vital food source for early Americans, American shad migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn, enriching the riverine ecosystem.

Sea Lamprey

 

As one of the most ancient fish species, sea lampreys have a unique lifecycle. They migrate from the ocean to freshwater streams to spawn, where their larvae develop in river sediments before returning to the ocean.

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These diadromous species, meaning they spend part of their lives in the ocean and part in rivers and lakes, are crucial for maintaining the health and biodiversity of the SuAsCo river systems. The Talbot Mills Dam removal project aims to restore these natural migration pathways, ensuring the survival and prosperity of these vital fish populations.

Reconnecting the Rivers and the Ocean

 

The Talbot Mills Dam currently obstructs 35 miles of mainstem rivers, 100 miles of tributaries, and 260 acres of lakes and ponds. Removing the dam will restore the natural flow of the Concord River, reconnecting these waterways with the ocean and allowing migratory fish to reach their historic spawning grounds. This restoration will benefit migratory and local fish and a wide array of other wildlife species that rely on free movement along the river.

Beneficiaries of Dam Removal

Turtles

 

Species like the Blanding’s turtle will gain access to a greater range of habitats, improving their chances for survival and reproduction.

Fish Species

 

The reconnection of these waterways will significantly benefit migratory fish such as river herring and American shad. Restoring their spawning habitats can help their populations recover, increasing their resilience to climate change and supporting the larger food web.

Mammals

 

Otters, muskrats, and beavers will benefit from the increased connectivity, allowing them to move freely and access more diverse habitats.

Birds

 

Birds such as the great blue heron and the bald eagle, which rely on fish as a primary food source, will thrive with the increased fish populations.

Marine Life

 

Restored fish populations will support commercial and sports fisheries in the rivers and the Gulf of Maine, benefiting species such as tthe Atlantic bluefin and harbor seals.

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Removing the Talbot Mills Dam is crucial in enhancing the entire riverine ecosystem. This project will support a diverse range of species by reestablishing natural migration patterns and improving habitat connectivity, fostering a more resilient and vibrant ecosystem.

Benefits of Dam Removal

Water Quality

 

When water velocity is slowed, as it is behind a dam, the temperature increases as it’s warmed by the sun. This temperature shift and associated water quality changes can make the water uninhabitable for some species during the warmer months. The SuASCo rivers have many dams, resulting in a compounding effect on temperature increase as the water moves downstream and spends time in the impoundments behind each dam. As temperature increases and water slows, dissolved oxygen decreases. Most aquatic organisms rely on oxygen dissolved in water to breathe, and limited dissolved oxygen can be deadly for aquatic life. Improving water quality does not only benefit aquatic life, however. Thousands of people currently get their drinking water from the Concord River, and improved water quality will also help them.

Improved Riverine Functions

 

The upstream areas of watersheds supply the downstream estuaries and marshes with sediment, nutrients, and other components necessary for a healthy ecosystem. Dams block natural sediment and nutrient transport, disrupting their conveyance downstream and often resulting in a buildup behind the dams. Excess nutrients, especially when compounded with warm water, can result in algae blooms, some of which may be toxic for people, animals, and other nuisance aquatic plants.

Flood Mitigation

 

The dam creates an artificially higher water level upstream. Because it is a run-of-river dam, it does not control flooding downstream like some larger dams. Removing the dam would both reduce flooding upstream and remove the risk of a catastrophic failure, which would release a significant amount of water at once, potentially flooding downstream properties.

Climate Resilience and Floodplain Access

 

The Talbot Mills Dam is surrounded by development, meaning the upstream river channel is currently constricted on either side. With the dam’s removal, the river width above the dam site will decrease as the natural channel returns and some of its historical floodplains will be restored. When large storms occur, the river can fill the floodplains with water rather than the surrounding streets and properties. More extensive floodplains also slow the water’s speed, making it less destructive as it moves downstream. As we expect more intense rainstorms with climate change, allowing the river to utilize these floodplains to manage floodwater naturally will benefit the surrounding communities.

Healthier Ecosystems

 

Along with all the other benefits, restoring a river’s natural functions results in a healthier ecosystem. When the river benefits, all the systems that rely on it also benefit. For example, a migratory bird that passes through the Concord River watershed and can feed on fish and insects then has the nourishment to travel to another entirely different ecosystem where the bird contributes to the food web and ecosystem functions. Fish that migrate through the Concord River to spawn also feed bass, bald eagles, seals, whales, tuna, cod, and other fish and birds out in the ocean. These examples demonstrate how interconnected the SuAsCo watershed is with the greater ecosystem.

Recreation

 

The SuAsCo watershed is already an excellent place to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching along the rivers. Removal of the Talbot Mills Dam would provide an opportunity to engage in each of these activities in a new and different way. It is very difficult for boaters to get around the Talbot Mills Dam.

Decommissioning Aging Infrastructure

 

There are around 161 dams in the SuAsCo watershed. Many of these, including the Talbot Mills Dam, are privately owned. The Talbot Mills Dam is an intermediate-sized, significant hazard dam. Due to its size and the amount of water stored behind it, dam failure could result in economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or other impacts. As the dam ages and its condition deteriorates, this risk to the community downstream and the liability to the dam owner becomes more imminent.

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PROGRESS SO FAR

While the Talbot Mills Dam removal project is gaining new attention, this effort has been ongoing for decades. Multiple studies have been completed on the dam itself, as well as on the water quality and river health, fish populations near the dam, and impact on water supply infrastructure. This work has been funded by various organizations, including the Nyanza Chemical Waste Dump Superfund Site Natural Resource Damages (NRD) Trustee Council, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) Priority Project Program, DER’s Regional Partnerships Program, Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Fuller Foundation, and the National Park Services’ Wild & Scenic Rivers Program.

Key Studies and Milestones

Concord River Diadromous Fish Restoration Feasibility Study

 

Conducted by Gomez and Sullivan Engineers, this study assessed the potential for restoring fish passage to the Concord River watershed. It concluded that modifications to existing infrastructure could facilitate fish passage, identifying the Talbot Mills Dam as the primary blockage.

Review of Talbot Mills Dam Removal Feasibility Study

 

Streamworks, PLLC reviewed the 2016 Feasibility Study and generally agreed with its findings. The review suggested follow-up analyses and noted the potential for improved water quality in the Concord River.

Merrimack River Comprehensive Plan for Diadromous Fishes

 

A comprehensive plan developed by the Technical Committee for Anadromous Fishery Management highlighted the removal of the Talbot Mills Dam as a top priority for restoring fish populations in the Merrimack River watershed.

Talbot Mills Dam Removal Targeted Impact Analysis

 

Gomez and Sullivan Engineers assessed the impacts of dam removal on the Town of Billerica’s drinking water intake. The study found no significant effects on the intake or water supply.

Review of Targeted Impact Analysis

 

Streamworks, PLLC reviewed the 2021 Impact Analysis, confirming its accuracy and recommending further studies. They supported moving forward with the design and permitting of the dam removal.

Talbot Mills Dam Removal—Intake Pump Performance Analysis

 

Woodard and Curran New England studied the potential impacts on Billerica’s drinking water intake, concluding that dam removal would not likely cause issues. They recommended considering alternative water supply sources due to existing water quality concerns.

Talbot Mills Dam Removal Conceptual Design

 

Gomez and Sullivan Engineers developed a conceptual design for dam removal, assessing upstream and downstream impacts, infrastructure scour, and sediment management.

Talbot Mills Dam Removal Preliminary Design

 

OARS contracted Gomez and Sullivan Engineers to advance the design to the preliminary (permit-ready) stage. The design process included 60% complete drawings for the MEPA EENF filing and 75% complete drawings for the MEPA SEIR filing.

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These studies and design efforts have laid a solid foundation for the Talbot Mills Dam removal project, ensuring that the ecological and community impacts are thoroughly understood and addressed.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Join the Journey: Public Participation and Education

OARS is committed to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout this project. We value community input and strive to provide transparent, accessible information.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Sign up for project updates
  • Attend public meetings and presentations
  • Explore the Story Map of the dam site and Merrimack River history
  • Review and comment on project documents

 

Upcoming Events

  • Presentation to the Middlesex Canal Association Annual Meeting
  • Public Meeting on Talbot Dam Removal

 

Public Meetings

Public involvement is a crucial part of the Talbot Mills Dam removal project. Several public meetings, workshops, and other events will occur throughout the project where you can learn more and get involved.

Additional meetings and events will be held throughout the project. Sign up for email updates below to be notified about upcoming meetings. Your participation and input are valued as we progress with this important project.

 

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

IN THE NEWS

A variety of news outlets have reported on Talbot Mills over the years. Read a few recent articles below.

Town officials, conservation groups disagree on fate of Talbot Mills Dam

May 16, 2023

by Peter Currier | May 16, 2023 | The Lowell Sun   BILLERICA — Town officials and a local conservation group disagree on how to proceed with the Talbot Mills …

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Removing dams restores river ecology, here’s how Massachusetts is stepping up

September 15, 2022

by Wendall Waters | September 15, 2022 | Wicked Local   Dams can create beautiful waterfalls and lovely ponds. Some generate hydropower. On the other hand, in Massachusetts dams are infrastructure that has …

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LTC Covers The Merrimack and Concord Rivers—Talbot Mills Dam Removal Project

August 12, 2022

by LTC | Aug 12, 2022 | LTCLowellMA   In this special LTC Covers series, we will be exploring the many aspects of the rivers that run through Lowell, the …

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Historic Talbot Mills dam meeting hears public concerns in Billerica

June 29, 2022

by Melanie Gilbert | May 16, 2023 | The Lowell Sun   BILLERICA — Bob Martin, the owner of the Talbot Mills Dam, doesn’t want the dam. Never has.But he …

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Talbot Mills Dam removal in Billerica would return Concord River flow, fish populations

June 27, 2022

by Heather McCarron | June 27, 2022 | Wicked Local   Ever since Charles Osgood sought to put the Concord River to work by constructing a stone crib to control its flow …

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The Five Minute Read. Dams, roads, polls and drone news

June 26, 2022

by Melanie Gilbert | June 16, 2024 | The Lowell Sun   Removal of a 312-year-old dam to be discussed.   BILLERICA—The fate of the 312-year-old Talbot Mills Dam is …

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Fishing for a dam change at Talbot Mills dam in Billerica

June 21, 2022

by Melanie Gilbert | June 21, 2022 | The Lowell Sun   BILLERICA — The Talbot Mills Dam won’t celebrate its 313th birthday next year if a public hearing scheduled …

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It’s historic water over the Talbot Dam

March 13, 2016

by Marlies Henderson | May 16, 2016 | The Lowell Sun   BILLERICA—The Billerica dam over the Concord River and its waterfall are an iconic landmark. If you haven’t enjoyed …

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Regulatory Milestones and Key Documents

This section provides access to essential project documents, including feasibility studies, impact analyses, and environmental reports. These documents outline the scientific and regulatory framework guiding the removal of Talbot Mills Dam.

Project Timeline

FAQs AND MULTILINGUAL RESOURCES

We understand that removing the Talbot Mills Dam raises various questions and concerns. Our FAQ section provides answers in multiple languages to ensure comprehensive understanding and engagement.

Don’t find an answer to your question on the FAQ?

 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE. YOURS WILL BE ANSWERED IN THE NEXT UPDATE!

 

Stay Connected

For more information or questions or to provide feedback, please get in touch with us at (978) 369-3956 or via email at EcoRest@oars3rivers.org. We are here to assist and engage with our community every step of the way.

 

This webpage aims to be a comprehensive resource for all stakeholders, from experts and local residents to curious individuals seeking to learn more about the Talbot Mills Dam removal project. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a healthier, more vibrant Concord River.

Project Partners