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Board weighs partial or full removal of Burlington Dam #3 after hydraulic modeling
Summary
HDR presented modeling that found a downstream hydraulic roller at Burlington Dam #3 would be eliminated only by a 1V:20H ramp slope; the Board asked HDR to study sediment impacts and seek SHPO approval before selecting partial (top 5 ft) or full removal. NDDWR confirmed removal would not affect upstream water rights.
The Ward County Water Resource Board discussed possible removal options for Burlington Dam #3 at its Jan. 12 meeting after HDR modeling showed the downstream hydraulic roller would persist under most ramp slope options. Engineer Chris Korkowski of HDR reported that modeling of ramp slopes at 1V:4H, 1V:6H, 1V:10H and 1V:20H showed the roller persisted in all but the 1V:20H slope.
HDR presented two alternatives: partial removal of the top 5 feet of the dam — leaving abutments in place — or full removal; staff will evaluate the sediment impacts if the dam is removed and coordinate necessary historic-preservation review. Water Resource Board Attorney Bryan Van Grinsven advised checking existing water-rights agreements with upstream users; Van Grinsven and Korkowski noted the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (NDDWR) confirmed removal would not affect upstream water rights. The Board took no final action on removal pending HDR's sediment analysis and SHPO review.
