RJA #11a: Introduction

Dam removal is a heated debate in the science community currently,  as more dams are being removed new effects are being determined.   The removal of each specific dam can have different effects on the environment depending on size and locality.  Dam removal currently is being assested on a case by case basis.   The removal process is asseesed based on enironmental impacts as well as cost of repair.  The full envirnmental impacts are still not known.  These effects can be viewed as both good and bad, adding to the controversy.  Even though removing a dam causes sevre envronmental impacts on flow, fish and wildlife, sediment and water quality in the long run removing a dam is more benifitcal to the environment.