ACTION ALERT: Write to MEPA showing support for the removal of the South Natick Dam.
An earthen dam and concrete spillway owned by the Town of Natick, the present-day Charles River Dam, was re-built in 1934 after the original was destroyed in a 1929 flood, and it is rated in “poor condition” by the MA Office of Dam Safety.
In 2021, after receiving a Dam Safety Order due to the dam's deteriorated condition, the Town of Natick started the Charles River Dam Advisory Committee to decide whether to repair or remove the dam. After extensive study and public comment, the Town has decided to proceed with dam removal. The Town determined that dam removal is more financially viable, avoids ongoing public safety issues, and improves river health. Furthermore, repair would require the loss of 60 mature trees on the earthen dam, while removal preserves the vital mature trees, which improve air and water quality, reduce heat island impacts, and mitigate flooding.
The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office is allowing community members to show their support for this dam removal project. We need your help demonstrating community support for removing the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
It’s as easy as just one email––just click the button below, copy the text, add your name, and share why you support the South Natick Dam Removal Project for a cleaner, connected Charles River.
SUBJECT: Charles River Dam Removal River Ecological Restoration Project, EEA No. 16832
Dear Eva Vaughan,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the South Natick Dam Removal and Charles River Ecological Restoration Project. I am writing to offer my perspective on the ecological impacts of the Charles River Dam in South Natick and the benefits of removing it.
Talk about your relationship with the Charles River, your story, and your perspective on why dam removal is a positive thing. Your voice makes the biggest impact!
This project is a really exciting opportunity to restore the Charles River and is regionally important. I am excited to support the dam's removal and the restoration of the Charles River for the following reasons:
Improve Water Quality and River Health
Behind dams in impoundments, there is slower-moving water, higher water temperatures, lower dissolved oxygen levels, more invasive plant species, more frequent and severe cyanobacteria blooms, and a lower biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates. Removing the dam would improve water quality by allowing the water to flow freely through large areas of the Charles River, remaining cool and oxygenated.
Reconnect a Large Section of the Charles River and Tributaries
Removing the South Natick Dam would reconnect 19.6 miles of the main stem of the Charles River between the South Natick Dam and the Sanford Mill Dam in Medway. This would be a vast improvement. The section of the river upstream of Natick is the largest free-flowing section of the river. It is also critical for resident fish and aquatic wildlife to pass into the river and tributaries, providing additional spawning grounds and opening access to cool, free-flowing river sections. Based on the state’s Coldwater Fisheries Resources map for the Charles River watershed, removing the South Natick Dam would reconnect Noanet Brook and Trout Brook in Dover to several other tributaries upstream of Natick. Additionally, improved water quality will foster a more hospitable habitat for fish and wildlife to thrive.
I urge the Commonwealth to support the successful permitting process of this important beneficial ecological restoration project for the Charles River.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Town
Are you looking to learn more about the case for removing the South Natick Dam? Check out our one-pager >>
Questions? Contact CRWA Associate Attorney Zeus Smith, Esq.
