San Clemente Dam

This page gives a short history of the San Clemente Dam and description of the planned dam removal project and its environmental impact and related issues and controversies.

History

The San Clemente Dam was built in 1921 on the Carmel River to supply the water needs of Monterey's growing population and tourism industry.

Geology and Ecology of Carmel River Watershed

• Seismic
• Endangered species
• Sedimentation
  

  

  San Clemente Dam being overtopped by highly sedimented flow during a rain storm. Image: NOAA

Current Topics

• 1990s - California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of the Safety of Dams(DSOD) issued a safety order which determined that in the event of the maximum credible earthquake or probable maximum flood the dam would potentially fail creating a public safetly issue .
• 2006 - DWR released a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS). The EIR explored CalAm's preferred option of strengthening the Dam and four alternative projects, including the Carmel River Reroute and Dam Removal option.
• 2008 - DSOD stated the Reroute and Removal project would address the dam's public safety issues and other environmental impacts caused by the dam making it the best option for all stakeholders .

Dam Removal

Benefits of reroute plan:

• Permanent resolution to the dam safety concern
• Access for endangered steelhead trout to 25+ miles of spawning and rearing habitat
• Restoration of sediment to the downstream reach of the river and Carmel River State Beach
• Restored ecological connectivity for riparian and aquatic habitats

Disclaimer

This page may contain students's work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.