Downing Ridge Dam Removal Design, Permitting and Construction

Princeton Hydro was contracted by American Rivers to complete the design and permitting phases, as well as construction oversight, for the removal of the Downing Ridge Dam and associated restoration of the East Branch Brandywine Creek. The Downing Ridge Dam (aka Brandywine Dam) was located on East Branch Brandywine Creek in Caln and East Caln Townships in Chester County, PA approximately 0.25 miles upstream of where U.S. 30 (Coatesville Downingtown Bypass) crosses over East Branch Brandywine Creek. The dam was a 5.25-foot high, 182-foot long concrete structure constructed in 1917 to provide water for two paper mills owned by the S. Austin Bicking Paper Manufacturing Company. Based on information presented in the original plan map for the dam dated June 20, 1917, the concrete dam replaced an existing dam at the site.

Project elements led by Princeton Hydro included: data review; site investigation and geomorphic assessment; sediment sampling and characterization; resource delineation; hydrology and hydraulics analysis; engineering and restoration design; permit application submission and regulatory approval; meetings and public outreach; construction oversight; and as-built survey and dam removal certification.

The Downing Ridge Dam Removal Project involved complete removal of the 182-foot long concrete dam and the 44-foot long concrete abutment wall located on the west stream bank. The concrete abutment wall on the east stream bank remained to buttress the stream bank and protect the head of the mill race.