The Wilmington City Council agreed to clear the way for the removal of the historic mill Dam 6 on the Brandywine despite some community uproar over the plans.
During the Feb. 1 Wilmington City Council meeting, nine members voted to approve an ordinance granting a temporary easement allowing access to city property. The approval will facilitate the deconstruction of Dam 6, a deteriorating mill dam owned by the Dupont Experimental Station and located next to the facility.
European settlers built the mill race and dams on the Brandywine to channel the force of water to power mills. But the dams restricted American shad and other fish from swimming upstream to their spawning grounds. Work began a few years ago to begin removing Brandywine dams.
Opponents fear the dam removal will reduce the historical significance of the river, limit recreational activities and the mill race would dry up, leading to decreased property values.
Although the ordinance was aimed at enabling the use of city property to further the dismantling of Dam 6, public comments focused on the dam removal and flooding along the Brandywine.
Community members speak up for and against dam removal
Vere Archibald, the site leader for Dupont Experimental Station, said that due to property damage caused by river flooding, the company supports the effort to remove Dam 6.
Residents of Brandywine Falls, a private community located downriver from Dam 6, expressed their opposition to dam removal on the river. Dam 5, a wall built by early European settlers to support their commercial activity, can be seen from the banks of the community.
At the request of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or DNREC, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is processing approvals to conduct a study to assess the potential impact of removing the dam.
Brian Winslow, watershed conservation director for the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, said research has found dam removals increase biological diversity in the water, lower air temperatures, increase oxygen levels and reduce flooding, creating safer conditions for recreational activities in waterways.
Brandywine Falls residents who spoke during the council meeting said they have not had the opportunity to provide input on decisions regarding dam removal. They said the dams provide visual charm, historic value and contribute to recreational activities on the water.
They also said they wanted to see more research that shows that dam removal would benefit the ecosystem or mitigate flooding. One resident requested “a moratorium on any historic dam removal efforts” until the studies are complete.
Jim Shanahan, executive director of the Brandywine River Restoration Trust, said that the nonprofit has worked to document the history of the colonial-era dams and will preserve the historical record.
Shanahan announced that the organization plans to build a website to present the history of industrial development on the Brandywine and its dams. Interpretative panels installed near the waterway will feature QR codes linked to the website. A booklet, public presentations and free tours will also be a part of their outreach efforts.
Various other nonprofit and governmental entities are also pursuing dam removal from the Brandywine. Residents of Brandywine Falls said they plan to push back against these efforts in other forums.
Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. Join her on the Facebook group Delaware Voices Uplifted. Support her work and become a subscriber.
