Dismantling the Past, Renewing the Future: Removing Paulina Lake Dam on the Paulins Kill River

The Paulins Kill River, New Jersey’s third largest tributary to the Delaware River, recently marked a significant milestone in its journey to restoration. On November 24, a crucial step was taken with the notching of the Paulina Lake Dam, signaling a pivotal moment in the effort to return the river to its natural state. This initiative, led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and supported by a collaborative effort among several organizations, aims to restore the Paulins Kill River ecosystem, improve water quality, and allow native aquatic species to migrate freely.

Understanding the Project

Located in Blairstown Township, Warren County, the Paulina Lake Dam has posed challenges to both the river’s health and surrounding communities. It was originally constructed 128 years ago to produce hydropower, but has not functioned in that capacity for more than 50 years. Delaware River tributaries do not have the necessary size or flow to meet even a fraction of modern energy needs.

The 13-foot-high, 207-foot-long timber crib, rock-filled structure is classified as a Class II, Significant Hazard Dam due to its proximity to the Township of Blairstown. Its removal or rehabilitation became necessary to mitigate risks to life and property. Additionally, the dam has impeded fish passage along the Paulins Kill River, impacting the habitat for native brook trout and migratory species.

The dam removal and subsequent bank stabilization aims to reconnect over 7.6 miles of mainstream and tributary habitat along the river, and improve aquatic and terrestrial connectivity, improve surface water quality, enhance recreation and public safety, and eliminate the risk of a potential unplanned breach. The removal of the dam will also reconnect upstream and downstream populations of the endangered dwarf wedge and triangle floater mussels while increasing river ecology and public recreation.

Spearheaded by TNC in partnership with Blairstown Township, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration and Division of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Princeton Hydro, and Riverlogic-Renova Joint Venture, the project received funding through grants to support the removal of the Paulina Lake Dam. The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) awarded a grant to TNC to fund a substantial portion of the removal through the Paulins Kill and Pequest Watershed Natural Resource Restoration Grant Program.

Notching and Deconstruction

TNC recently completed preliminary notching of the 128-year-old Paulina Lake Dam. From November 24 through December 1, contractors from the Riverlogic-Renova Joint Venture worked in the river using heavy equipment to successfully remove a 40-foot long, six-foot high section of the structure, enabling a controlled release of the water impounded behind it.

Click below to watch as the first notch is made:

Notching is performed to dewater gradually, preventing large amounts of sediment from flowing downstream all at once and potentially harming habitat. The gradual deconstruction ensures the river’s stability and minimizes environmental disruption. The project team made subsequent reductions of the dam’s height by one foot each day, totaling a six-foot reduction. Complete removal of the dam is slated for July through September of 2024.

Reporters from WFMZ 69 News visited the dam removal site to witness the first notch and talk with State Director of TNC in New Jersey Dr. Barbara Brummer, Blairstown Mayor Rob Moorhead, Director of Freshwater Programs at TNC in New Jersey Beth Styler Barry.

“Rivers remember,” said Beth Styler Barry, Director of Freshwater Programs at The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey. “The instant the first notch was made we could already see the Paulins Kill transforming into a more natural shape. Now with six vertical feet taken out, the water that has been stagnant for more than a century is flowing, cooling and aerating, and the natural floodplains are once again exposed and ready to revegetate.”

Click below to watch the full interview:

Princeton Hydro, contracted by TNC to provide site investigation, engineering design, permitting, and construction oversight services for the dam removal, has been working closely with Riverlogic-Renova Joint Venture to complete the deconstruction process.

“The first day of dam demolition is always exciting; seeing the river flowing through the breached Paulina Lake Dam after the first notch was very rewarding,” said Paulo Rodriguez Heyman, Managing Member of the Riverlogic-Renova Joint Venture, the team leading the construction for the project. “Removing a high-hazard dam is challenging and requires the unique expertise of working in a dynamic river system. We are honored to be part of this collaborative team.”

Embracing the Future

The removal of the Paulina Lake Dam stands as one integral facet of a larger restoration plan initiated in 2013, envisioning the removal of multiple dams along the Paulins Kill River. In removing the Paulina Lake Dam, the downstream-most dam on the Paulins Kill, TNC continues to build upon previous watershed-wide restoration activities that includes removing four dams: the Columbia Lake Main and Remnant Dams (2019), the County Line Dam (2021), and now the Paulina Lake Dam.

This multi-pronged effort includes wetland restoration, land protection, and floodplain reforestation—with more than 60,000 trees planted to date throughout 130 acres of floodplain. TNC has executed a 10-year “measures and monitoring” program, which began in 2016, to track conservation successes. This comprehensive effort brings hope for a rejuvenated and thriving river environment.

“The removal of Paulina Lake Dam is not just about dismantling a structure and removing a safety hazard, but paving the way for a renewed riverine landscape, where the flow of life returns to its natural course,” said Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, President of Princeton Hydro and Engineer-of-Record for the Paulina Dam removal project. “As a mission driven firm, we seek out projects that will have a positive ecological impact. We are proud to share that three of the dam removals that we designed on the Paulins Kill – Paulina Lake Dam, Columbia Lake Dam, and County Line Dam – will reconnect 45 miles of mainstem and tributaries for targeted migratory fish species like American shad, American eel, and sea lamprey.”

Resident fish and other aquatic organisms including mussels and trout will also benefit from habitat and water quality improvements, as will birds, pollinators and land-based animals that rely on the river for survival.

The Paulina Lake Dam Removal will be the final step in the TNC-led restoration of the lands and waters of the Paulins Kill.

As the restoration journey continues, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, environmental stewardship, and the dedication of communities and organizations striving to preserve and restore our natural landscapes.

Stay tuned for further updates on the incredible transformation of the Paulins Kill River!

• Dam and Barrier
• Stream Restoration