Binghamton Announces Partnership With American Rivers To Study Removal Of Rockbottom Dam

Binghamton Announces Partnership With American Rivers To Study Removal Of Rockbottom Dam

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) - Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Thursday announced the City will partner with American Rivers, a national conservation nonprofit, to explore removal of Rockbottom Dam on the Susquehanna River.

Mayor Kraham said: "For decades, residents have advocated for additional recreational opportunities on the Susquehanna River, a concept complicated by the dangers posed by Rockbottom Dam. The potential environmental, flood resilience and safety benefits of removing Rockbottom Dam are significant, but we must ensure it's studied carefully. This legislation is a meaningful first step toward better understanding the options available to the City to make this part of the river safer and tap into its full potential."

American Rivers is a national conservation organization focused on safeguarding rivers and streams to support clean drinking water, wildlife and community development opportunities. In May, the organization's work removing low-head dams across the country was highlighted in the New York Times.

Low-head dams, like Rockbottom Dam, are in-water artificial barriers that typically span the width of a waterway to create a backup of water. Unlike larger dams, low-head dams are typically less than 25 feet tall and are designed to have water flow continuously over them. This creates a recirculating current that can trap people and debris.

In 1975, three Binghamton firefighters were killed at Rockbottom Dam in a two-day rescue and recovery effort.

The removal of low-head dams, like Rockbottom Dam, can restore habitat for fish and wildlife, reduce flood risk and open rivers to recreation.

Through a cooperative agreement with American Rivers, the City will explore removal of low-head dams on the Susquehanna River, including Rockbottom Dam. American Rivers will manage a feasibility study for dam removals, contract with technical experts and identify grant funding.

City Council approved legislation authorizing the agreement at Wednesday's business meeting.

The initial phase of work is at no cost to the City of Binghamton. Any potential future phases, which could include physical dam removal, would require coordination and permitting through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

Rebuilt in its current form in 1981, Rockbottom Dam is a nine-foot tall structure that spans 460 feet across the Susquehanna River, according to NYSDEC records.

In 2017, the City explored hydroelectric power generation at Rockbottom Dam, but deemed it infeasible due infrastructure size and regulatory requirements.

American Rivers Northeast Regional Director Andrew Fisk said: "American Rivers works with communities across the country to help them meet their goals for making rivers healthier and safer. We do that in ways that best meet a community's needs. In Binghamton, we stand ready to work with community leaders on better understanding Rockbottom Dam and other low-head dams that endanger public safety and prevent city residents from fully enjoying their river."

City Councilmember Hadassah Mativetsky said: "I am excited to be working with American Rivers who has tremendous experience and expertise in many areas relevant to our river from flooding to historical waste. If the study leads us to a path forward to removal of the low head dams, there will be immediate safety and environmental improvements on the Susquehanna. Longer term, should exciting economic development opportunities materialize, this kind of big swing is likely what is needed to get residents of Southside East the traffic flow needed for a grocery store and other desired clearly reasonable amenities that have been flagged by our Conklin Corridor study. "

Binghamton Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 729 President David J. Holleran said: "IAFF Local 729, Binghamton Professional Firefighters Association strongly supports Mayor Kraham and City Council in their efforts to explore removal of the Rockbottom Dam, referred to by some as a killing machine. Sadly, our fire department lost 3 firefighters, who died heroically while trying to save others caught up in the boil of the Rockbottom Dam. Since its installation, the dam has been a hazard to all who come in close proximity to it. For years, Binghamton firefighters have trained to mitigate the hazards of the dam if a rescue were needed, but no amount of training can eliminate its tremendous dangers. The dam also serves as an obstacle when trying to navigate the river during rescue operations. This association, its members, and our department look forward to the results of this partnership."