WOODFIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A coalition of environmental and recreation groups is urging the Metropolitan Sewerage District board to consider the potential removal of the more than 120-year-old Craggy Dam on the French Broad River, saying the move could improve river health, reduce flood risks and expand recreation opportunities.
Craggy Dam, built in 1904, is a low-head hydropower facility located on the French Broad River in Woodfin adjacent to the Metropolitan Sewerage District’s wastewater treatment plant. When operating, the dam generates electricity that offsets a portion of the plant’s energy use.
But aging infrastructure and recent outages have prompted MSD to evaluate costly repairs to extend the facility’s life. At the same time, environmental organizations and community partners say removing the dam could provide greater long-term benefits while protecting ratepayers.
Groups including American Rivers, MountainTrue, RiverLink, Sierra Club, Southern Environmental Law Center and American Whitewater announced Wednesday they are supporting efforts to explore that option.
Erinn McCombs, Southeast conservation director for American Rivers, said the coalition’s immediate goal is to ensure the process for evaluating the dam’s future is transparent and based on independent expertise.
“Our goal is to help remove the dam if it is in the public interest and to work with MSD if that is the case,” McCombs said during a virtual briefing. “For now, we simply want to ensure the process moving forward is independent, transparent and informed by the best available expertise.”
A recent engineering analysis examined the potential outcomes of removing the dam and concluded there were no physical, financial or environmental barriers preventing its removal, according to coalition leaders. The study identified potential benefits including improved fish passage, expanded recreation and elimination of the safety risks associated with low-head dams.
Low-head dams are known for creating powerful recirculating currents that can trap swimmers and paddlers. Kevin Colburn of American Whitewater said more than 1,400 drownings at similar dams have been documented nationwide.
“While we’re not aware of any incidents at Craggy Dam, it is absolutely capable of producing this kind of outcome,” Colburn said, adding that river use upstream of the dam has increased dramatically in recent years.
The study also found removing the dam could reduce upstream flood elevations by 7 to 10 feet in certain areas during major flood events. Advocates say that could benefit nearby businesses and properties that frequently flood along the river.
Lisa Raleigh, executive director of RiverLink, said reconnecting the river could also boost the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
An independent study conducted before Tropical Storm Helene found the French Broad River watershed generated about $3.8 billion annually for the regional economy, much of it tied to tourism and recreation.
“Craggy effectively blocks both the ecology and the economy from flowing downstream,” Raleigh said.
Coalition members emphasized they are not asking the MSD board to remove the dam immediately. Instead, they are urging the board to evaluate the possibility of selling the hydropower facility to a qualified buyer who could pursue removal.
Before that could happen, MSD would need to determine the fair market value of the hydropower facility. Advocates say the valuation should be conducted by an independent firm with experience in hydropower economics and jointly commissioned with American Rivers to ensure transparency and protect ratepayers.
MSD officials have estimated more than $3 million in capital improvements could be needed if the dam remains in service.
Coalition leaders are asking the board to pause additional spending on the facility while the valuation process is considered.
The issue is expected to be discussed at the MSD board’s next meeting on March 18.
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, who serves on the MSD board, said she supports exploring the possibility of removing the dam but wants to ensure customers are protected from additional costs.
“I am in favor of exploring the removal of the dam and the restoration of the natural river,” Manheimer said. “My primary concern is any potential cost to customers. It is early in the process, and I look forward to learning more about the tradeoffs, but I am hopeful we’re ultimately able to remove the dam.”