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It describes the role of the Corps in planning and building water resource improve- ments and explains the procedure leading to the authori- zation of such projects. For ease of reference, the material is arranged according to the type of project, i.e. flood damage reduc- tion, navigation, or shore and bank protection. There is also a reference at the end of the booklet that lists Corps' projects by community. A map showing the location of all Corps' projects in the state is provided on the next page. The Corps of Engineers water resources develop- ment program exerts a significant impact on New Hamp- shire's physical, economic, and social environment. This publication affords citizens the opportunity to learn about the various projects and to determine how they can partici- pate in decisions regarding present and future activities. For further information, call the Corps of Engineers at 617-647-8777, or write: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England Division Public Affairs Office 424 Trapelo Road Waltham, MA 02254 U . S.- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413 US Army Corps of Engineers New England Division ~~~This publication is authorized by the Secretary of the Army as required by PL 99-662. Propsrty Of CSC Library QUEBEC We"""^I StcR A I N rth 5 d o I~ f~W P aM I erOlin urne Hoverll SACO tin Solo cr ~~~~RiVER WINNIPESAUKEE r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ono erU ?t~WNpLAKE SAUKEE M A I N E MASC ebaflon 0C PORTSMOUTH HARBOR & PISCATAOUA RIVER mm, -.712111 km MMOrd COCHECO RIVER LITTLE HARBOR 1041 H"Al"IME90, ~ ~BELLAMY RIVE ~bCharlestown/~~ ~ C~6;�~ IAPE IE ,nn~e~l EXETER RIVER I~r /-~a~ RYE HARBOR W, wilaopl~)I HAMPton HARBOR ISLES OF SHOALS HARBOR AS Nashua A S Corps' Projects in New Hampshire Fl0D DAMAGwaE REDUCTION NAVIGATILON SHORE AND BANK PROTECTION ' I0 5 0 0 00 30 MILE S * ~~~~~DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NEW ENGLAND -DIVISION, CORPS OF ENGINEERS 424 TRAPELO ROAD WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02254-9149 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF May 1990 Public Affairs Office Enclosed is the 1989 Water Resources Development in New Hampshire booklet that describes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resource projects and activities in the state, These encompass flood damage reduction, navigation, and shore and bank protection work. This book contains the most up-to-date information on Corps' projects and proposed projects in New Hampshire through 1989. If you would like additional copies of this booklet or booklets about our projects in other New England states, call us at 617-647-8777, or write: Public Affairs Office U..S. Army Corps of Engineers 424 Trapelo Road Waltham, MA 02254-9149 Please inform us if the name and/or address of your agency or company is incorrect. Other comments and suggestions are appreciated. Sincerely, WARREN E. NORDMAN Chief, Public Affairs Enclosure US Army Corps of Engineers New England Division Leaders in Customer Care The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers entered a new era with the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. The act's nonfederal cost sharing provisions focused on an entirely different manner of doing business. With our cost sharing partners, we are finding new and innovative ways to manage water resources projects and reduce costs to American taxpayers. Our partners are not only bearing half, or more, of the construction costs, but also those associated with studies of water resources problems. Over the past three years, this partnership has completed a smooth transition that will provide a healthy water resources program for the future. In the summer of 1988, a natural disaster brought home the importance of such a program. America was in the middle of a massive drought, one that rivaled the "dust bowl" days of the 1930s. But there was a difference. The nation didn't totally dry up. Aided by water resources projects built since the years of the Great Depression, the Corps was able to do a lot of things to aid navigation, water supply and hydro- power operation-even recreation. If it were not for the massive reservoirs throughout the tributaries of the Mississippi River, navigation on that mightiest of rivers would have stopped in June-absolutely! During the summer and into the fall, some 65 percent of the flows into the Mississippi, past Memphis, came from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' reservoirs. In addition, our lakes and dams enhance our national stewardship of the environment. Nine of the 191 finalists in last year's "Take Pride in America " awards program helped protect public lands at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' projects. These finalists were selected from 530 nominations representing 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. We are proud of our "Take Pride in America " finalists, and we are proud of our projects. But most of all, we are proud of the new-found partnerships that will continue to build and operate our vital water resources for our future generations. This booklet is one of a series detailing water resources programs in the 50 states and U.S. posses- sions. I hope you find it interesting and feel some pride of ownership. HENRYJ. HATCH Lieutenant General, USA Chief of Engineers Partnership has changed the way we do business. It has committed us to pursue new strategies to deal with old problems. We are also finding that partnerships mean results. With a program of more than $3 billion annually for civil works projects, the Army Corps of Engi- neers is the largest water resources development and management agency in the federal government. The civil works program consists of water resources project activities-planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance, and regulatory program activities. Numerous navigation and flood control projects serve additional purposes. The Corps produces nearly 30 percent of the nation's hydropower. One hundred fifteen Corps' lakes store 275.2 million acre- feet of water for agricultural, municipal and industrial use. In the 1930s and 1940s, many of the Corps'reservoirs were built for a host of benefits, including reducing flood stages on the Lower Mississippi River. Last year the drought clearly illustrated the capabil- ity of Corps' multiple purpose reservoirs to respond in a water shortage situation. Undertakings such as the "Pick-Sloan " plan, with its six mainstem dams in the Missouri River, bequeathed an unforseen legacy to the nation-stable, low-water flows on the Lower Mississippi. We, in the Army, look forward to continuing this public service. The Corps of Engineers' qualifica- tions to provide construction management services to other military and civilian federal agencies is greatly bolstered by our major new management initiatives. Commitment to efficient project manage- ment-making solid cost estimates, delivering projects on schedule and within the estimate, controlling costs-demonstrate our resolve to responsibly serve the nation. We are counting on you, as partners, to help us make sure the nation's resources are put to good use. ROBERT W PAGE, SR. Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) The Corps at a glance Flood Damage Reduction The Corps builds dams, hurricane protection barriers, and other structures that save lives and limit damage caused by floods. Nonstructural measures, such as floodproofing and wetland preservation, are also considered. Navigation In order to facilitate commercial trade and local corn- merce, the Corps maintains and improves the depths of harbors, rivers, and various waterways. Shore and Bank Protection Corps' projects retard erosion by restoring shores and beaches damaged by wind and water and stabilizing riverbanks weakened by flooding. Hydroelectric Power As an alternative to nuclear power and oil-related energy sources, the Corps operates hydroelectric power plants at several of its flood control dams. Natural Resources Management At each of its dam and reservoir sites, the Corps protects woodlands and lakes that serve as important habitats for fish and wildlife. Many of these projects also provide the public with opportunities to enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, and other recreational activities. Emergency Response and Recovery When disaster strikes, the Corps stands ready to supple- ment state efforts by mobilizing its resources to provide quick and timely disaster relief assistance. Other Programs and Services The Corps controls aquatic plants that hinder navigation, ensures that water at its reservoirs meet stringent crite- ria, and lends its water resource expertise to state gov- ernments. More recently, the Corps has teamed up with the EPA to clean up hazardous wastes. Table of Contents Page No. Page No. A. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers B. Description of Projects......43 Programs and Services .....1 .RVRBSN ...........4 I. INTRODUCTION.2 ~~~~~~~~~Merrimack ..............45 S.ITRDCTONe...........2 Connecticut..............46 Scopes................2 Piscataqua ..............47 Today's Corps .............3 Anrsacoggn.............49 Project Formulation.4 . ................49 Environmental Commitment .......6 II. FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION.... 50 II. FLOODING IN NEW ENGLAND.... 8 D n eevis5 Ill. FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION . ...16 Blackwater Dam in Webster.......54 Structural and Nonstructural Measures ...16 Edward MacDowell Lake in Peterborough 56 Floodplain Management Services .....16 Franklin Falls Dam in Franklin......58 Reservoir Control Center.... .....18 Hopkinton/Everett Lakes in Hopkinton and Weare.............60 IV. NAVIGATION ... . .........22 Otter Brook Lake in Keene .......68 Surry Mountain Lake in Surry ......70 V. SHORE AND BANK PROTECTION ..25 Shore Protection.25 ~~~~~~~Local Protection Projects ........73 Bank Protection ... . ........27 Beaver Brook, Keene .........74 Cocheco River, Farmington.......76 VI. HYDROELECTRIC POWER ... . ..29 Israel River, Lancaster.........80 Keene ...............82 VII. CONTINUING AUTHORITIES Lincoln...............84 PROGRAM (SMALL PROJECTS)....30 Nashua...............86 Stony Brook, Wilton..........88 Vill. NATURAL RESOURCESIl.NVGTO.............9 MANAGEMENT.3....................90 Fish and Wildlife.32..................92 Recreation ..............32 Bellaco River .............92 Recreation at Corps' Dams (Pictoral) ....34xceter River.............92 Hampton Harbor............94 IX. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND Isles of Shoals Harbor..........95 RECOVERY..............36 Lake Winnipesaukee ..........95 Disaster Preparedness ... . .....36 Lamprey River.............96 Emergency Operations ... . .....36 Little Harbor..............96 Contaminated Water/Drought Assistance. 38 Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River . 97 Rye Harbor ..............99 X. OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 39 Water Quality Control Program ......39 IV. SHORE AND BANK PROTECTION .. .100 Water Resource Planning Assistance to States ...............39 Charlestown..............102 Aquatic Plant Control ... . ......39 Hampton Beach ............102 Permits Program... . ........40 North Stratford.............102 Corps/EPA Wastewater Treatment Shelburne...............103 Construction Grants Program... . ...40 Wallis Sands State Beach ........104 Hazardous Waste... . ........41 West Stewartstown ...........105 Page No. C. Studies ............................107 Flood Damage Reduction ..............108 Androscoggin River Basin ............108 Ashuelot River .....................108 Mascoma River .....................108 Saco River ........................108 Spicket River .......................108 Winnipesaukee River ................109 D. Appendix .......................... 11 I. COMMUNITIES WITH CORPS' PROJECTS ..........................112 II. GLOSSARY .........................114 III. INDEX ...............................116 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Programs and Services Introduction Scope The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a major designed earthwork on Breed's Hill that proved prac- role in developing and managing our country's water tically invulnerable to British cannon. The British even- resources. Corps projects reduce flood damage, facili- tually took the hill (later called the Battle of Bunker Hill) tate navigation in rivers and harbors, protect stream- when the patriots ran out of gunpowder, but at a cost in banks and the coastline, generate hydroelectric power, casualties greater than any other engagement of the war. provide outdoor recreational opportunities, and conserve Gridley was to play other critical roles in the early and safeguard the environment. The water resource days of the Revolution. On the evening of March 4, 1776, activities conducted by the Corps are as diverse as the Gridley, along with 2000 men and 360 oxcarts loaded needs of the public they serve, with entrenching materials, moved into Dorchester This publication examines the role and responsibili- Heights. By daylight, two strong protective barriers ties of the Corps in: looked down at the British. An astonished General Howe, ~ Flood Damage Reduction ~commander of the British forces, reportedly remarked � Navigad Damage Re ~tion ~that the Americans had done more in one night than his �*hr NaviganPrttion entire army would have done in six months. Exposed to � Shore and Bank Protection the American batteries on Dorchester Heights and not * Hydroelectric Power � Natural R esources Management strong enough to fight Washington's troops in other parts � Emergency Response and Recovery of Boston, the British army and fleet departed Boston on March 17, never again to occupy Massachusetts. Roots Most of the pre-Revolutionary War engineers in this traces its history back to April 26,1775, country were British. Recognizing a need for American The Corps traces its history back to April 26, 1775, engineers to provide the expertise needed by a growing seven days after the first shots of the American Revolu- nation, Congress provided for a Corps of Cadets in 1802 tionwerefird atLexngto, Masacusets. ecogiz-nation, Congress provided for a Corps of Cadets in 1802 tion were fired at Lexington, Massachusetts. Recogniz- to be educated at West Point, New York. This became ing that the need for military engineering skill would be the first en ineerin school in America and is now the important in the war with England, the Massachusetts t hfseirncoi Agca a Provincial Congress appointed Boston native Richard U n ited States Military Academy. From the ranks of these first cadets came the Army Gridley to the rank of Colonel and chief engineer of the engineers that explored the west; improved canals, water- troops being raisd in the colony.engineers that explored the west; improved canals, water- Itroops beaoing raised in the 175 Gicolony, ways, and harbors; and built lighthouses, roads, bridges, In the early morning hours of June 17, 1775, Gridley, and railways for rapidly expanding territories. working under the cover of darkness, constructed a well- Under the direction of Colonel Richard Gridley, American patriots worked diligently throughout the early morning hours of June 17 1775, designing a stout earthworkfortification that helped protect American soldiers from British cannonade in the historic Battle of Bunker Hill. 2 In the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 1I Z 1775, the British lost more men than in any other encounter of the Revolutionary War. The strategic defenses built by Colonel Richard Gridley and his men were instrumental in keeping American fatalities to a minimum. Today's Corps and ensure combat readiness. The military and civil The foresight and innovative spirit of the Corps' (nonmilitary) works missions of the Corps complement earliest days have served the public interest and contrib- each other, allowing our engineers to develop in peace- uted to America's rapid ascent to world leadership. To- time the skills the nation would need in a defense mobili- day, the Corps' civil works activities add to our quality of zation or other national emergency. life and support our nation in many ways. In addition to There are 13 Corps division offices worldwide, 12 of water resource projects built both in America and which are located in the U.S., including one in New Eng- abroad, such as the Panama Canal and the St. Lawrence land. Civilian employees account for 98 percent of the Seaway, the Corps has constructed NASA facilities and Corps' civil works staff, with military officers and non- provided military engineering support for our nation's commissioned officers making up the remainder. The allies. The Corps provides our armed forces with modern Corps' New England Division oversees a wide variety of facilities to strengthen the country's defensive capability engineering and construction activities in the six-state In August 1914, Army engineers- succeeding where two previous attempts Jailed- completed construction of the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Construction of the canal's locks, dams, and piers, shown above, was an astounding engineering feat, and the canal stands today as a monument to the determination and skill of the Corps. 3 Army engineers contributed to both planning and construction of our nation's capital. When the Capitol Building had to be reconstructed in 1857 the Corps built two new wings and redesigned the dome with cast and wrought iron. The completed dome, which weighed almost nine million pounds, was used by President Abraham Lincoln during the preserve the Union. region (Western Vermont falls under the jurisdiction of lic. The Corps then arranges cost-sharing agreements the Corps' North Atlantic Division). New England has for further planning with the nonfederal sponsors, such 6100 miles of coastline and 19 principal river basins that as the local or state government or other public entity. lie entirely or partially within its borders. Although it rep- When cost-sharing agreements are finalized, a Definite resents only two percent of the nation's land area, New Project Report, which describes the recommended solu- England contains nearly five percent (12 million) of the tion and includes an evaluation of the project's expected population. Its water resource needs reflect the diverse impacts, is prepared. After appropriate review from fed- priorities of both urban and rural residents, and its four- eral and state officials, nonfederal sponsors, and other season climate presents a wide variety of water resource public agencies, and approval by the Assistant Secretary challenges. of the Army for Civil Works, a project can then be de- signed and constructed. All small projects are planned, Project Formulation designed, and constructed under the Corps' Continuing There are several systematic steps involved in the Authorities Program. implementation of every Corps of Engineers project. Local citizens or agencies normally first identify a water resource problem, such as persistent flooding or the need to improve a harbor. They contact the Corps or their There are several steps involved in the construction of Corps' congressional representative to discuss the problem. projects, as illustrated on the following page. After citizens Upon receiving the request, Corps engineers will make a identify a water resource problem, such as persistentflooding field visit to the area and verify the need. From this field (one), they contact the Corps of Engineers (two and three). visit and evaluation of other information, the Corps can Corps' officials then verify the need by visiting the affected determine whether the problem warrants Corps' partici- area (four), and determine if the problem warrants Corps' pation and can be addressed with a small project, which involvement (five). If so, the Corps conducts a reconnaissance does not require specific congressional authorization, or study (six), which examines a wide range of potential solutions, a large project, which must receive specific congres- then releases those findings to the public (seven). Cost-sharing sional authorization and appropriation of funds. agreements forfurther planning are arranged with the For a small project, the Corps will first conduct a nonfederal sponsors (eight). At this point, a Definite Project reconnaissance study. This study examines a wide Report, which recommends a specific solution, is prepared range of potential solutions, each of which is reviewed (nine). After the report is reviewed and approved by all for its economic and engineering practicality, acceptabil- appropriate officials (ten), a project can then be designed and ity, and impact on the environment. Once completed, the constructed (eleven). Corps' work stands as testimony to its reconnaissance phase findings are released to the pub- theme, "Leaders in Customer Care" (twelve). 4 -. - -. - 7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~FF ~~~~~~) .Ai. (Th~~~~~~~~~~a ~/12U~--I-2 expectations of the public and possible solutions are discussed and incorporated into all phases of project development. The Corps of Engineers encourages full participa- tion by the people and their elected officials and is com- mitted to an open planning process. The Corps can only New England Division reach sound conclusions on the best use of water re- US Army, sources with the active involvement and strong support of the public, and takes pride in its theme for the 1980s, Corps of Engineers "Leaders in Customer Care." MAINE A| AINE 4 ~~Environmental Commitment VERMOliT The Corps maintains a strong commitment to our environment. It strives for a proper balance between (J fir' ll sdeveloping projects and conserving our country's natural resources in its search for the best possible solution to a water resource need. REW ! AiATLANTIC OCEAN I5ASSACHUSETT RHODE ISLAND CONNECTICUT If a larger and more comprehensive project is war- ranted, a congressional resolution must first be obtained. This resolution authorizes the Corps to study and resolve the water resources problem. Congress then appropri- ates the funds required for the Corps to conduct a recon- naissance study. The rest of the planning process is similar to that of smaller projects. Construction of large projects, however, must be specifically authorized by Congress. For all projects, large and small, the anticipated benefits must outweigh the economic and environmental costs of their implementation. The construction costs of all projects are shared between the federal government and nonfederal sponsor, based on the project's purpose. Many projects designed and constructed by the Corps are turned over to municipalities or states for operation and maintenance. A fundamental and vital part in the planning of all projects is public involvement. Public input often helps generate useful information and comment from local and state officials and other interested parties, such as fish- ermen, environmental organizations, and civic groups. In The crest of the Army Corps of Engineers. The olive branch, New England, the "town meeting" tradition is much in held in the eagle's right claw, connotes the peaceful nature of evidence through lively citizen involvement. The public the Corps' mission and its concern for the environment. The has many opportunities to review and comment on arrows, held in the left claw, indicate the Corps' readiness to Corps' project recommendations. Meetings, confer- defend the nation. The oak branch, lower right, standsfor ences, forums, and informal workshops are held with the fortitude. The Corps' motto, "Essayons," means "Let public throughout the planning period. The concerns and Us Try." 6 r ~~~In this regard, the Corps conducts its civil works program in full compliance with the National Environ- mental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. This law encourages a productive and enjoyable harmony between people and their environment and the understanding of how ecologi- cal systems and natural resources enrich our nation. The Corps upholds the spirit of N EPA with established plan- ning principles, quality engineering standards, and pro- fessional operating procedures. Concern for the integrity of the environment begins at the planning stage. All studies of proposed projects, as well as alternative plans, include an Environmental Assessment, which examines the impacts each potential solution may have on the environment. If the effects of a project on the area's ecology are expected to be signifi- cant, a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement may be prepared. All practical options and alternatives, including measures that preclude construction, are con- sidered from the outset in selecting a solution that best resolves the water resources problem while protecting the quality of the environment. If the construction of a water resource project is the Corps' recommended op- tion, the facility is carefully planned to minimize environ- mental damage. Consideration is given toward blending a project's features with the surrounding natural and Baker Cove in Groton, Connecticut, is a wetland that houses man-made lan dscape. several different forms of life. Before building a proposed project in a given area, the Corps looks closely at the effects such a project may have on the environment and surrounding wetlands. The Corps considers all options, including those that preclude development, in finding a solution to a water resources problem. 7 Flooding in New England Rain. So important for the sustain- ment of life, rain enhances all living things. When it first begins to rain, the terrain absorbs the precipitation. Oli" Rivers and streams welcome rainfall's replenishing value. Yet too much rain can be de- structive. The saturated ground soon overflows. Rivers and streams, peaceful only days earlier, become swift-moving torrents. Cities and towns along the riverbanks fall victim to the onrushing water, which destroys everything in its path-automobiles, -S bridges, property, lives. Hurricanes can cause similar destruction, producing turbulent winds and heavy rains that lift the sea to a dangerous height several feet above normal. New England has a long history of flooding. Through the years it has / been hit with various storms that have caused milions of ollars indam- 1017 Floodwaters swirl around homes and trees in this Vermont ages. Some of the more destructive -1-9-27 commun ity' during the November 192 7flood. The storm claimed 2] hurricanes and floods the area has lives and caused $29.3 million in property damage. experienced since 1900 occurred in November 1927; March 1936; Sep- tember 1938; September 1954; and August 1955. However, some of the highest flood levels in New England history occurred in April 1987 and gave many Corps dams their most serious test since they were built. - Despite having six dams channel excess water through their emer- gency spillways because their reser- voir capacity had been reached, the 35 dams under the jurisdiction of the Corps' New England Division held back billions of gallons of water that otherwise would have caused severe flooding downstream. The amount of water held back by these dams from this heavy rainfall was equivalent to a reservoir that could put the entire state of Rhode Island under more than one foot of water. Damages pre- vented by Corps flood control projects during the April 1987 storm amounted ~ ~ '~~ to $474 million. The following pages depict some of the damages inflicted by these storms and explain why the Corps actively pur- 102~The rampaging vwaters of the North Nashua River ripped through the sues its responsibilities to reduce flood L7936 downtown area of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, during the March 1936 damage. (information on the Corps' flood, taking with it homes, automobiles, and commercial and Flood Damage Reduction Program industrial property. Eleven lives were lost from this flood and damages begins on page 16). were estimated at $66.4 million. $7~~~~~~~~~~ 9U+44 1936 ~much of Hartford, Connecticut, during the March 1936flood. The spring floods of 1936 brought widespread disaster from Maine to Maryland and helped mold political and public opinion that culminated in the Flood Control Act of 1936, which recognized the proper involvement of the federal government in flood control. (Copyright 1936 The Hartford Courant). ~~~~~~~ 1938 The heav rains of the September 1938 Contoocook River to, . . . ,, . '";w-"A 'A7 '' flood a section of East i~, Jaffrey, New Hampshire.....I... This storm, with its 121 : -!;~~' m.p.h. gusts, took the mmmt',~" " :;. . . ''..~ lives of eight people in New England and caused :..~..,''~ ~?: damages of $48. 6 million.......-,:t " :'*'"'' :':: -' (about $ 740 million inj today's dollars).:,:::?:: .... ... : ' /i l ~::: ': .,,...... t 1954 Hurricane Carol, which : C ......EE 1954 ~struck the New England [A _ I I I I 4 @ | | i @coast in August 1954. caused damages estimated at $186 million ~ |,~~~~~~~($685 million in today dollars). The storm achieved its greatestfur' in a band stretching from New London, Connecticut to the Cape Cod Canal. All that remains of the Rhode Island Yacht Pawtuxet Neck section of Warwick, Rhode island, is a cradle ofpiles after the structure was destroyed by Carol's :high winds and waves. ( Copyright 1954 The Providence Journal Company.) ;1 A 'A section of Providence 1.9...4PT~ lies under water from .the rains of Hurricane I10 lo~~~~~~~~~~ig vnsadMfvs 1954 The call "all ashore" was taken literally at the Quonset Naval Air Station in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, when Hurricane Carol whisked this air-sea rescue boat out of the water and on to Quonset Highway in August 1954. (Copyright 1954 The Providence Journal Company.) The Blackstone River overflows its banks and floods several businesses and homes in Pawtucket, Rhode Island as a result of the heavy rains of Hurricane Diane in August 1955. 11 44,,#''O''7/' J I I 12 4 No natural disaster in New England history compares with the devastation caused by the sudden and torrential 1955 rainfall which accompanied Hurricane Diane in August 1955. The disaster killed 90people and caused almost $458 million (about $1. 82 billion in today's dollars) in property damage throughout the six-state region. In Connecticut alone, Diane's floodwaters killed 47people and caused damages totalling about $370 million (about $1.3 billion in today 's dollars). The rains of Hurricane Diane fell on ground already saturated by the rains of Hurricane Connie one week earlier. One of the communities that sustained heavy damage was Winsted, Connecticut. The waters of the Mad River overflowed its banks and roared through Main Street (top photo, opposite page), uprooting foundations andflooding homes and businesses. When the floodwaters receded, the devastation became apparent (bottom photo). Main Street had become a pile of rubble, cluttered with debris rippedfrom its understructure. The storm also forced hundreds of New Englanders to evacuate their homes, including a Connecticut woman (above) who was dramatically rescued from ravaging floodwaters. (Copyright 1955 The Hartford Courant). Only two months later, as Connecticut was getting back on its feet, another severeflood disrupted rehabilitation measures and caused losses estimated at $6.5 million. In response to these major floods, the Corps built several dams and local protection projects that, in a recurrence of the August 1955flood today, would prevent damages of $1.04 billion. 13 4 14 demonstrate, floodwaters pose a powerful< _ (Top) Waterfrom the Quinebaug River S,~.x ;,. : - pours over the Pomfret Street Bridge in Putnam, Connecticut during the height of . the storm. f (Center) This Southbridge, Massachu- setts home was toppled when theflood- itsfoundation. Note the overturned auto- mobile on the left; its only identifiable -. remains are its tires. - (Bottom) The roofs of automobiles seem tofloatlike lilypadswinthis Weymouth , -erfu Massachusetts parking lot. I Blackstone River roar through Webster Square in Worcester, Massachusetts fo ater om the Quinebaug River washed away its foundation. Note the overpiturned auto-nings. Flood Damage Reduction Structural and Nonstructural Measures constructed five hurricane barriers in New Eng- Water covers most of our planet, defines our land. All are operated and maintained by local boundaries, washes our shores, and dots our country- communities, except for the navigation gates at side. It's as common as the afternoon thunderstorm and the barriers in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the puddle under foot. Our country has been blessed Stamford, Connecticut, which are operated by with abundant water resources that help feed our people, the Corps. transport our goods, generate power, and provide recre- Local Protection Projects-structures that provide ational opportunities. Yet as life-sustaining and enhanc- flood protection to specific communities. Unlike ing as water is, its destructive potential is enormous dams, which protect wide regions of a state, a and tragic. local protection project helps safeguard the resi- Flooding is part of the natural hydrologic cycle of dential, commercial, and industrial areas of a the earth. Excess precipitation, such as driving rain- particular city or town from flood damage. Local storms or a combination of excessive rainfall and melting protection projects often consist of earthen dikes snow, can transform streams into swollen rivers. The and concrete floodwalls that confine floodwaters violent winds and heavy rains of hurricanes can whip to a river channel. Conduits, or diversion tunnels oceans and lakes into furies that devastate the shoreline, that divert floodwaters around or under potential In the 1930s, parts of the U.S. experienced disastrous flood damage sites, can also be part of a local floods that caused loss of life, damaged property, and protection project. Other works that can be part of disrupted transportation systems. Recognizing that the a local protection project include pumping sta- federal government should help state and local govern- tions, which pump floodwaters through or over a ments find solutions to serious flood problems, Con- dike or floodwall into the river, and channel modi- gress called on the Corps in 1936 to establish a policy on fication, which deepens, widens, and/or realigns controlling floodwaters. Today procedures taken by the a river channel to improve water flow and in- Corps to limit flood damages are known as its Flood crease capacity. Local protection projects are Damage Reduction Policy. operated and maintained by local communities. There is no flood-free season in New England. Melting snows abetted by rainfall can cause problems in Corps' Flood Damage Reduction works, while cost- winter and early spring. Hurricanes can occur during ing about $23 billion nationwide, are credited with pre- summer and fall, and coastal storms can wreak havoc at venting damages of more than $150 billion-almost $7 in anytime. The Corps' Flood Damage Reduction Program damages prevented for every $1 spent. In New England, is aimed at reducing the effects of floods, thereby limit- Corps' projects have cost about $482 million while pre- ing flood damage. venting flood damages of almost $2.3 billion. (Descrip- The Corps has built several different types of struc- tions of Flood Damage Reduction projects in New tures designed to reduce flooding in commercial and Hampshire begin on page 50). residential areas. These include: Corps-operated works, such as dams and hurri- � Dams-barriers, usually consisting of earthfill cane protection barriers, are managed, operated, and (sand and clay) covered with rock, that are con- maintained in accordance with high professional stand- structed across a river or stream to impound wa- ards. All Corps' works, including local protection proj- ter or create a reservoir. Dams temporarily hold ects, are regularly inspected by Corps engineers for back excess water to relieve swollen downstream signs of structural weakness or distress. waterways of further potential flooding, then While structural works provide many flood control gradually release the stored water after the flood benefits, they are not the only solution in some cases. crest has passed. Reservoirs can also be used Many times a nonstructural measure is the best approach for other purposes, such as water supply, hydro- power, conservation, boating, and other recrea- tion. Since 1935, the Corps has built 38 dams in New England, and presently operates and main- The Corps built several projects in response to the severe tains 31. Nationwide, the Corps has constructed flooding caused by Hurricane Carol in August 1954 (The over 600 dams, with about 400 of these having Boston Post), and extremely heavy rainfallfrom Hurricane flood control as their primary purpose. Diane in August 1955 (Boston Sunday Herald). Hurricane � Hurricane Protection Barriers-earthfill structures Diane had already been declassified as a hurricane when it covered with rock, built across harbors or parallel struck New England, but its drenching rains caused the most to the shoreline, that protect the coast from tidal severeflooding in New England history. Corps structures, such surges and coastal storm flooding. They are as dams, hurricane protection barriers, and local protection sometimes constructed with openings for naviga- projects, help reduce the disastrous effects offloods by saving tion and recreational purposes. The Corps has lives and limiting property damage. 16 TODAY THOUGHT Fairs~.J~' Li S. fl I1 oeawo o714I~l E 1 ~ ~ FSny and -ild o~day TowE_ T WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBHER ,1545 I'l E- 100 Mile an Hour Hurricane Ravages N. E. Score Missing --- Thousands Left Homeless Hundreds of Beach Cottages Swept Away By BEN GRAY I ~~~~~~~~~~New England -ontd 35 dod and -ornyrd a-n- I $500,550,000 proprty lshy wind, an.. .d fire lost night after, th, horri.... passed loaing tragedy and shasohl- in it. wahe. IIt sans the gretest property I.s. in the sin. 3State, rea by a huricane t. L... of life wo far be. low thehrine of Sept. 21, 1938, hodt II ...ge IgrirCoa-]-o fblob dr by MIr orrterboro _rrr soith op t. tU-ol-o-onIidsfo og hlond So...d Io MIe C-andian bontrr UIt. hrtt of destrocion and d-Aotafio toy h ... ty o stN- Eogloool Shotes. ( OthIr ho..rsooe sto-e, nod ylcst.- 05 Pora 2, 3, 4,5,.7, 8,. t. 15, I&16.3 Winds, Flood and Fire Wreak Havoc on Cape H~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~sfot, Hfumridlo 70 Mo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Israne FearedLsti Conn Starror ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3, OrIke,,,0 Lsts ,5,rd000 0rStaOfteO Among,,,,0 Dsaste,,r Aresrrdo0003 lC -High Tr,pfoafY -o tU I-N- JJ-b- I. I. Doight AdIIm h~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~os IV.Y l Pado 2. Il 3W.1 - ~dW, 1 VOL. CCIX 3.052 LAT CITY OITION AE-370 SOSTO, SUNDY. AUGST 23, 955-ON HUNORO EIGHY PAGES *** d o i22d . SWENY CENT 57 N.E. DEAD--SCORES MISSING~~~1 to a flood problem. Nonstructural measures include: a riverbank that may seem ideal for high density develop- ment might be best used as a park, golf course, or for � Wetland Preservation-this involves the acquisi- other open space purposes. The decision on floodplain tion of wetlands by the federal government to usage rests with each community. The Corps cannot prevent development. Wetland preservation elim- require local interests to implement floodplain regula- inates potential long-term flooding problems, tions. However, if the Corps has constructed flood control thereby preserving the wetlands' environmental works in that community, the adoption and enforcement and water retention values. of zoning regulations may be required to achieve ex- � Floodproofing-lessens the potential for flood pected flood reduction benefits. damage in existing and planned buildings. For Under the Floodplain Management Services Pro- example, existing structurally sound buildings gram, the Corps can: could have their basement windows blocked, reducing the likelihood for damage. New struc- a Survey and map the floodplain; tures can be built on elevated foundations, allow- * Assist cities and towns in preparing floodplain ing floodwaters to pass below. regulations and flood emergency plans; � Emergency Evacuation-provides for the tempo- Provide architectural, engineering, and other rary evacuation of people and movable goods technical assistance for the floodproofing of from the floodplain to safer ground. This measure buildings, structures, or properties located on the is usually accompanied by flood warnings issued floodplain, by the National Weather Service or local govern- * Assist states in developing hurricane evacuation ments. plans for densely populated coastal areas; and � Permanent Evacuation-permanently removes � Provide information on flood-related issues, such structures, buildings, and other damageable as the effects urbanization may have on rivers properties from the floodplain. The vacated prop- and streams. erty could then be used for parking, recreation, or The Corps also provides available hydrological other open space purposes compatible with the information, such as previous flood levels of the flood- flood risk. plain, to private organizations and individuals upon re- The Corps considers both structural and nonstruc- quest. Those who may find this information valuable tural measures when developing plans for flood damage include engineering firms, real estate agencies, and reduction. residential and industrial developers. The purpose of the Floodplain Management Ser- Floodplain Management Services vices Program is not to discourage development on the floodplain, but rather to encourage the most appropriate New England rivers, lakes, and streams sometimes use of flood-prone areas. Floods will cause damage as overflow their banks and spill their waters into adjacent long as people claim land that has historically belonged low-lying areas. These areas, known as the floodplain, to streams and rivers. By managing development of the are an integral part of a river system. They are reserve floodplain, fewer lives and less property are exposed to areas carved out by the river itself to hold surplus wa- the flood risk, thereby decreasing the social and eco- ter-nature's safety valve for the discharge and overflow nomic costs of flood damage. of its streams and channels. Flooding in these riverine Reservoir Control Center and coastal locations caused little damage until they were developed and occupied by industrial, commercial, As a flood situation develops, considerable judge- and residential interests. When development occurs on ment and experience are required to efficiently manage the floodplain, there is a risk that the river will reclaim its Corps dams and reservoirs. Weather conditions, reser- right of passage, damaging roads, buildings, homes, and voir storage capacity, and the flood levels of rivers are posing threats to life. important factors when operating dams that maximize Flood-prone communities across the U.S. have the protection of downstream communities and minimize learned the lesson that flood protection works alone are flood damage. The nature of New England weather re- not the answer to flood problems. As part of its flood quires the region's dams and reservoirs be professionally damage reduction efforts, the Corps encourages the managed by trained engineers and hydrologists. These wise use and management of floodplains through proper skilled technicians, using sophisticated communications planning. This support is called the Floodplain Manage- equipment, form an integral part of the Corps' flood con- ment Services Program. trol efforts known as the Reservoir Control Center (RCC). Through the Floodplain Management Services The RCC is located at the Corps' New England Program, the Corps uses its technical expertise in water headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. From this resource planning to furnish state and local officials with site, Corps engineers closely monitor precipitation, river floodplain information. This data helps a community levels, and tidal levels in New England. The state-of-the- enact floodplain zoning regulations, which limit new art communications equipment used by RCC personnel construction on the floodplain and regulate the use of is complemented by the Geostationary Operational Envi- floodplain lands. For example, lowlands stretching along ronmental Satellite (GOES) System. The GOES system 18 These photos demonstrate reasons why development on thefloodplain is unwise. The top photo shows the undevelopedfloodplain of the Quinnipiac River in North Haven, Connecticut. The river can be clearly defined, with the adjacent low-lying areas inundated with water. The bottom photo shows the developed floodplain of the Concord River in Bedford, Massachusetts, after the heavy rains and snowmelt of March 1968. The house was eventually bought by the state five years later and removed. 19 serves as a communication link for the relay of hydro- The GOES network, or the New England Division logic and meteorological data. Information from about 50 Satellite System (NEDSAT), plays a key role in helping the data collection platforms at key locations along rivers, Corps reduce flood damage. About 50 data collection streams, and other bodies of water is relayed to a station- platforms (DCPs) are situated on various rivers and ary satellite, which transmits this data by radio signal to streams throughout the five New England states (opposite the RCC. Engineers then examine and analyze this hydro- page) where the Corps has dams and hurricane protection logic information for potential flood conditions. This data barriers. Hydrologic and meteorological data from these indicates when to open or close flood control gates and DCPs are relayed to a satellite stationed above the earth when to release stored floodwaters from reservoirs once (top photo). The satellite then transmits this information by downstream flood conditions have receded. During flood radio signal to the Corps' Reservoir Control Center in emergency periods, additional information is obtained by Waltham, Massachusetts. The data tell Corps' engineers telephone, teletype, and radio from field personnel and when to open or close the floodgates of Corps' dams and other agencies, such as the National Weather Service hurricane protection barriers, thus limiting damage to and the U.S. Geological Survey. communities downstream. The GOES system also provides The Reservoir Control Center has helped minimize the national weather maps displayed by local TV or prevent severe and damaging floods in many New weathermen during theirforecasts. England communities. The Corps is proud of its commit- ment to provide the public with improved flood protection through the professional management of its dams and hurricane protection barriers. 20 INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY | '.\ I 5 NEDSAT: ' S A network of remote, data collection /i Z platforms (DCP's) in five major river basins, which report hydrologic data, such as water level and rainfall, from important index stations on rivers and streams. All DCP's,shown by dots on RIVER NH Ithe map, sense water data and transmit it by radio to NOAA's Geostationary VT I SWELLS RIVER Operational Environmental Satellite ' WOODSTOCK (GOES). It is relayed back to Earth, and is received at the satellite ground f'RMNEY. .CAMPTON station at NED Headquarters in Waltham, � o ) RUMNEMassachusetts. There it is used for � PLYMOUTH WEST HARTFORDaPO timely and effective operation of flood WEST LEBANON FRANKLIN control projects. BRISTOL 1 { RIVER HILL �* SOUCOOK *CONCORD T NORTH WALPOLE CONCORDN KEENE GOFFS FALLS ( PETERBOROUGH SOUHEGAN _-J �ATHOL ATHL LOWELL WEST DEERFIELD. � MONTAGUE CITY EAST 0 LOWELL CENTER PEPPERELL ~~/ . . ~NEIW E"NLAN D ~~~~/ ~ MA * BARRE D'1tI-SIO:N I 1 HEADQUARTERS IE 0 GIBBS CROSSING WALTHAM C( WESTFIELD �INDIAN ORCHARD � NORTHBRIDGE C --~.- . ~THOMPSONVILLE . WEBSTER nHALL a d --'f- - ----- - - ------ - --_ _ WOONSOCKET � MEADOW *MAD RIVER DAM | *�EAST 'SIMSBURY PUTNAM S E A.T BRANCH UNIONVILLE R HARTFORD WI AT) SNORBTRHOOEKLDTHAO WILLIMANTIC Rl i \ t : BROOK**THOMASTON ' I BLACK0 ,HANCOCK BROOK ROCK ' WATERBURY J | *HOP BROOK . / * BEACON FALLS C 4 STEVENSON A8 A m~ LONG ISLAND SOU'ND 2 STAMFORD NEW ENGLAND DIVISION NEDSAT GOES SATELLITE SCALE IN MIES RANDOM REPORTING DATA Io 0 10 20 30 40 o COLLECTION SYSTEM REVISED 4/86 21 Navigation Since colonial times, harbors and rivers have and mooring basins for commercial and recrea- played important roles in the nation's settlement, de- tional vessels. These can include: fense structure, and industrial growth. Today, along with -Anchorages. These are areas dredged to cer- --Anchorages. These are areas dredged to cer- air, rail, and truck transportation, the waterways of the ta depths allowing boats and ships to moor or tain depths allowing boats and ships to moor or United States provide a vital link in our country's com- anchor. mercial trade chain. Channels, canals, and intracoastal ahor --Breakwaters. Usually built offshore, break- seaways provide an efficient and economical means of waters protect harbors, channels, anchorages, waters protect harbors, channels, anchorages, moving cargo within the U.S. and to and from foreign and the shoreline by intercepting the energy of nations. The Corps develops, maintains, and improves aocing e approaching waves. these waterways as part of its navigational responsibilities. rachn b --Jetties. These structures stabilize a channel by Improvements of U.S. navigable waters are in- preventing the buildup of sediment and directing tended to promote industrial production, develop and and confining the cha nnel's tidal flow. Jetties are and confining the channel's tidal flow. Jetties are expand waterborne commerce, facilitate the harvest of usually built at the mouth of rivers and extend usually built at the mouth of rivers and extend seafood, reduce navigational difficulties and hazards, perpendicular from the shore. and meet the requirements of recreational boating. Fed- eendi from eor --Training Dikes. Extending from riverbanks or eral interest in navigation improvements stems from the estuarine shores into the water, training dikes Commerce Clause of the Constitution and from subse- redirec t the u rrent, preventing sediment from redirect the current, preventing sediment from quent decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Congress settling and ensuring that adequate depths are first assigned the Corps the responsibility for improving main taine d. maintained. rivers and harbors for navigation in 1824. Today, U.S. commercial waterways are one of the world's most exten- � Monitoring and maintaining the dimensions of sive navigational systems, covering over 25,000 miles federal waterways to ensure continuing vessel and linking about 350 Corps-maintained ports and har- safety, consistent with the needs of user traffic. bors, including more than 160 harbors and 11 major ports * Removing obstructions, such as sunken vessels in New England. or snags, that endanger general navigation. Navigational activities undertaken by the Corps include: Navigational improvements must be made in the public interest and be equally accessible and available to � Constructing major harbors and enlarging river everyone. Feedback from individuals, harbormasters, channels to meet the requirements of commer- and port authorities regarding activities in federal chan- cial shipping. nels is always welcomed. All reported navigational haz- * Developing canals, harbors for small boats, and ards and obstructions are investigated and removed, if other inland waterways to meet the needs of comrn- warranted. The Corps also reviews statistics on the use mercial and recreational navigation. of New England ports to identify areas that may need * Building water-related structures and dredging maintenance or improvement. (Descriptions of Corps' certain areas to provide safe channels, harbors, Navigation projects in New Hampshire begin on page 90). One of the Corps'navigational responsibilities is to ensure that the dimensions of river channels and harbors, such as Black Rock Harbor in Bridgeport, Connecticut, continually meet the requirements of marine interests. 22 Jetties help provide safe channels for commercial and recreational vessels. The jetties at Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich, Massachusetts, also help prevent the buildup of sediment in the channel by directing and confining the tidalflow. i'l~t The Corps develops harbors, like Camden Harbor in Camden, Maine, for small boats to meet the needs of commercial and recreational navigation. 23 4~~~~~~~~~ Z'f0ff S 4 d ,~,.~.,~,~,. The three breakwat ers (above) at New Haven Harbor in New Haven, Connect- icut, help protect the harbor (left) from storm-driven winds and waves. 24 _~~~~~~~~~~ if U_ ;{,~~%~tA~r&'(7A isv I2 Shore and Bank Protection Shore Protection * Groins. They extend perpendicular from the The shoreline is where land and ocean meet. Its shore in a fingerlike manner to trap and retain charm attracts a growing number of people every year sand, thereby retarding erosion and maintaining who enjoy its recreational value. The greatest concentra- shore alignment and stability. tion of New England's population exists along or near the * Jetties. Usually built at the mouth of rivers and coastline, and the preservation of the region's shores extending perpendicular from the shore, jetties and beaches is essential to the healthy growth of its are designed to prevent channel shoaling by economy. New England's 6100 miles of coastline are directing and confining stream or tidal flows. recognized as one of its most valuable resources. * Sand Replenishment or Beach Nourishment. However, water and wind can erode the shoreline Quantities of sand placed on the shoreline widen which, if not checked, can cause serious damage. Corps' and restore beach areas and retard the ocean's shore protection works help protect shores and restore inland advance. Sand replenishment helps pro- beaches eroded by storm-driven waves. tect the backshore by moving the high waterline The Corps' work in shore protection began in 1930, further away from the shore, and the enlarged when Congress directed it to study ways to reduce ero- beach areas add to recreational enjoyment. sion along U.S. seacoasts and the Great Lakes. Recom- * Seawalls. Built along a shoreline, seawalls protect mendation for federal participation is based on shore the land against erosion, flooding, and other ownership, use, and benefits derived. If there is no public damages due to wave action. Seawalls are con- use or benefit, Corps' participation is not recommended. structed of various materials, including reinforced Maintenance of the restored shore is a nonfederal re- concrete. sponsibility. * Training Walls. These are built along channel The Corps of Engineers uses both structural and banks to narrow the channel area, thereby accel- nonstructural methods to control shore erosion. These erating the velocity of the water's flow and pre- include: venting the buildup of sediment. * Vegetation. Planted beach grass and other plants Groins help preserve New England'sfragile shores and beaches that are subject to strong winds and waves. These Corps-built groins, at Clark Point in New Bedford, Massachusetts, retard erosion and help to maintain the stability of the shore. 25 This shore protection project at Oakland Beach in Warwick, Rhode Island, is a good example of how Corps' works help protect shores and restore beaches. Sand replenishment, which widened and restored the two beach areas on the far left and far right, slows the ocean's inland advance. The four groins maintain shore alignment by trapping and retaining sand. The stone revetment, in the center of the photograph between two groins, retards erosion. Seawalls protect the shoreline against erosion and flooding. At Merriconeag Sound in Harpswell, Maine, storm currents were eroding the shoreline and A. : X threatened to wash away a 19th century burial ground when the Corps built this 270-foot-long seawall to stem the erosion 4 : ,~,.. ' process and protect the valued historical //// `" .i ~~~~~site. ~26 26 The retaining wallion the Nonewaug River in Woodbury, Connecticut (left) is made of gabion, or wire mesh baskets filled w~ith stone. The right photo shows gabion in closer detail. trap sand and catch windblown sediment with Bank Protection their long stems. The roots help retain existing Like the shoreline, inland riverbanks and stream- sand deposits. Vegetation stabilizes eroding areas banks can slowly erode from wind and water. Flooding of not exposed to direct wave action and increases srascntk t olo temakcuigacl thesi' nfitreeation enanes Like sandmreplenish erated erosion and weakening their ability to hold back spendor vgtiof tenhandcaesan prvies stabiliry adfloodwaters. Riverbanks and streambanks weakened by spledor f th lanscap andprovdes tabiity erosion pose threats to adjacent land and structures. to backshore areas. When this occurs, the Corps can help threatened By protecting the backshore, shore protection public property by strengthening these banks, thereby works enhance property values and reduce or prevent stabilizing nearby roads and highways. Because work of the loss of historic or scenic aspects of the environment. this nature does not require major study, the Corps' can The Corps has constructed 33 shore protection projects act under Section 14 (Emergency Streambank or Shore- along New England's 345 miles of publicly owned line Protection) of its Continuing Authorities Program and beaches. construct small projects that expedite relief to weakened One of the major concerns of the Corps is the pres- riverbanks. Section 14 also strengthens coastal areas ervation and management of natural shoreline areas, weakened by wind and water. such as coastal marshes and dunes. These areas form a Structures built by the Corps that protect stream- first line of defense, dissipating the energy of the break- banks include: ing waves and reducing the flooding effects of storm- * Retaining Walls. Constructed of stone, reinforced driven waves and tides, and are crucial to maintaining concrete, precast concrete blocks, or gabion Whiler ecosiogspinciallycue byaluance.e (wire mesh baskets filled with stone), retaining Whileeroson i pricipaly cased y nauralele-walls support stream banks weakened by erosion. ments such as wind and water, its rate and severity can * Revetments. A facing of stone or concrete, a re- be intensified by heavy use and unwise development. vteti osrce ln h ako h Pedestrian and vehicular traffic can also contribute to shoeline is prontructe alogaintherso bank fooding. the destruction of shoreline defenses by destroying veg- *shorlne Slo perotectagionst Aaerosio large floodnes, etation, degrading dunes, and weakening bluffs and usal StnedloeProteion. byA layer of larvel stoesdn, banks. Groins, jetties, and other structures, while pro- u sualyonderslaprtcion bys laesine tof graveledng, tecting the shoreline, can sometimes interrupt natural erstonefo straflowwae prtetionk, deined tprevnoff shoreline processes, such as sediment transport. Corps' kerosioMad fom timbe low, wavee shettak pilndgnff shore protection works restore eroded shores and pre- *bulkheads Madevnsldg of timero steel shee piling, serve the natural beauty of our coastal areas. (Descrip- b ulhead ptrevebntkldn of thoeland anfromteroson tions of Corps' Shore and Bank Protection projects in t h sremakosoelnfomrsi. New Hampshire begin on page 100). More information about Section 14 and the Contin- uing Authorities Program is available on page 30. 27 Retaining walls, like this one made of precast concrete blocks on the Salmon River in Colchester, Connecticut, support 4~~ ~ streambanks and riverbanks weakened by erosion. Stone slope protection, a layer of large stones usually underlain by a layer of gravel bedding, reduces erosionfrom streamflow and waves. The stone slope protection on the Housatonic River in Salisbur, Connecticut, strengthens a 350-foot reach of the riverbank and stabilizes the roadway. The timber bulkhead at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield, Connecticut, prevents sliding of the land and protects the bank from erosion. 28 Hydroelectric Power As the population of the United States increases, power facilities, but there are seven hydroelectric power so does its need for electric power. Because depen- plants at Corps flood control dams which are owned and dence on foreign oil contributes to economic uncertainty, operated by nonfederal interests. These plants are alternative sources of power are being sought both in the located in: U.S. and abroad. One of the nation's most reliable energy -North Hartland, Vermont, about 500 feet down- alternatives is hydroelectric power-electricity produced stream of the dam at North Hartland Lake. This facility by flowing water. As the nation's primary agency for water produces 4 megawatts of power. All power generated at resources development and management, the Army this plant is used by the Vermont Electric Cooperative or Corps of Engineers plays a significant role in meeting the is sold to other utilities. nation's power needs by operating hydroelectric power -Quechee, Vermont, 2.5 miles upstream of the plants at a number of its large, multipurpose dams dam at North Hartland Lake and within the reservoir throughout the country. area. Built on Corps land, this plant produces 1.8 mega- In a series of laws and resolutions dating back to watts. Power is sold to the Central Vermont Public Serv- 1909, Congress has directed the Corps to give consider- ice Corporation. ation to the various uses of water, including hydroelectric -Waterbury, Vermont, at the base of the dam at power, when planning dams and reservoirs. Today, the Waterbury Reservoir. This facility generates approxi- Corps of Engineers owns and operates 71 hydropower mately 5.5 megawatts of power, which is used by the plants nationwide that help provide hydroelectric power Green Mountain Power Corporation. to industry and consumers. These plants, located on -Montpelier, Vermont, approximately 200 feet Corps project sites developed for flood control or other downstream of the dam at Wrightsville Reservoir. The purposes, generate approximately 90 million megawatt plant has the capacity to produce 1.2 kilowatts of power, hours worth of electricity every year. To produce the which is used by the Washington Electric Cooperative. same amount of electricity using alternative sources of -Franklin, New Hampshire, on Salmon Brook. energy, it would require 150 million barrels of oil, 900 Built on Corps land within the reservoir area of Franklin billion cubic feet of natural gas, or 44 million tons of coal. Falls Dam, this facility produces 0.2 megawatts of power. Corps' hydropower energy production is equivalent to Power is sold to the Public Service Company of New the output of almost 16 average-sized nuclear power Hampshire. plants. The Corps of Engineers is the nation's single -Bristol, New Hampshire, on the Newfound River. largest generator of hydroelectric power, producing 30 This plant produces 1.5 megawatts and lies on private percent of all hydropower in the U.S. This figure repre- property but within the reservoir area of Franklin Falls sents four percent of all U.S. electric energy. Dam. Power is sold to the Public Service Company of Most hydropower facilities at Corps' projects today New Hampshire. are developed by nonfederal interests without Corps' -Colebrook, Connecticut, at the base of the dam assistance. The Corps becomes involved with planning, at Colebrook River Lake. This facility will begin produc- constructing, and operating hydropower projects only ing 3.3 megawatts of power sometime in 1989. The when it is impractical for nonfederal interests. In New power will be sold to the Connecticut Light and Power England, the Corps does not operate any hydroelectric Company. Although the Corps does not presently :: operate any hydroelectric powerplants in New England, there arefive hydropower plants located at Corpsflood control projects in the region that are owned and operated by nonfederal interests. The North Hartland hydropowerfacility in North Hartland, Vermont, located 500 feet downstream of the Corps-operated North Hartland Lake Dam, is one such facility. 29 Continuing Authorities Program (Small Projects) Many large and comprehensive projects built by * Snagging and Clearing for Navigation (Section the Corps require both congressional approval and ap- 3)-permits the clearing and removal of obstruc- propriation of funds. However, the Corps can plan, de- tions from rivers, harbors, and other waterways sign, construct, and maintain smaller projects without when in the interest of navigation. specific congressional authorization. This allows the * Mitigation and Prevention of Shore Damage due to Corps to provide a more rapid response to certain local Federal Navigation Projects (Section 111)-pro- flood control, navigation, and erosion problems. The vides for the construction of facilities that mini- design and construction of small projects fall under the mize shoreline damages caused by existing Corps' Continuing Authorities Program. federal navigational works, such as breakwaters, Small projects must constitute complete solutions jetties, or groins. in themselves and not commit the Corps to any addi- tional improvement to ensure successful operation. As with congressionally authorized projects, small projects must be economically justified and environmentally ac- ceptable. Construction costs are shared with state or local governments according to the purpose of the proj- ect. There is a federal cost limitation to all small project construction. Small projects are constructed by the Corps for the following purposes: * Flood Control (Section 205)--permits the con- struction of small flood damage reduction proj- ects. Proposed projects must not have been previously authorized by Congress. Both struc- tural and nonstructural measures are considered. * Navigation (Section 107)-allows for the construc- tion of small navigation improvement projects. These projects can benefit commercial interests and/or provide recreational opportunities. * Emergency Streambank or Shoreline Protection (Section 14)-permits the construction of emer- gency streambank or shoreline protection works that help prevent damage to highways, bridges, public works, churches, hospitals, schools, and other public or privately owned nonprofit facili- ties. Shoreline protection works can consist of groins, revetments, or seawalls. Emergency streambank protection, which helps stabilize the The Continuing Authorities Program allows the Corps to streambank and prevent further erosion, usually build small projects in response to a community's more consists of revetments or retaining walls. immediate needs. In August 1955, the devastating floodwaters * Beach Erosion Control (Section 103)-provides of the Naugatuck River ripped through Torrington, for the construction of small beach restoration Connecticut, causing millions of dollars in damage (above). and protection projects. These small projects One of the ways the Corps responded to this flood was to build reduce damage and losses to backshore devel- concrete floodwalls (below) and stone slope protection along opment. the banks of the river, giving the community added protection. * Snagging and Clearing for Flood Control (Section While this project, Torrington (West Branch), was constructed 208)-allows for the removal of accumulated under Section 205 (the flood control authority) of the debris and other obstructions and the straighten- Continuing Authorities Program, other sections allow the ing of stream channels when in the interest of construction of small navigation and shore and bank protection flood damage reduction. projects. 30 31 Natural Resources Management Fish and Wildlife While the Corps has been developing and safe- high quality water for aquatic mammals and guarding the nation's water resources for nearly 200 birds; and years, it has a lesser known but equally important corn- *Carefully protecting environmentally sensitive mitment to conserve and protect our country's wood- areas that might house rare or endangered spe- lands and lakes at its project sites. Lands owned by the c ies, such as the Golden Club aquatic plant Corps to primarily store occasional flood waters also found in the Conant Brook Reservoir in Monson, serve as important habitats for fish and wildlife. Massachusetts. The Corps manages a diversity of terrestrial and The Corps employs specialists who help protect the aquatic habitats in New England. Its reservoirs offer a environment and oversee the effective management of mixture of woodlands, fields, marshes, streams, and the area's woodlands and lakes. These people include ponds that support a variety of native wildlife popula- foresters, biologists, ecologists, geologists, and land- tions, such as deer, beavers, wood ducks, foxes, song- scape architects. birds, trout, and bass. The Corps promotes wildlife habitat by: Recreation * Planting wildlife food plots, trees, and shrubs for Corps recreation areas, such as parks and camp- food and shelter; grounds, allow people to appreciate the full recreational � Thinning overcrowded forest stands to increase potential at each of its darns and reservoirs without dam- wildlife food and cover; aging the environment. These leisure activities vary from * Fertilizing, reseeding, and mulching eroded sites; project to project, but can include sight-seeing, bird- � Planting tree seedlings for reforestation; watching, boating and canoeing, picnicking, swimming, � Mowing fields for the benefit of wildlife; and walking, hiking, camping, and in-season fishing and �Installing nest boxes for birds and small mammals. hunting. The 31 Corps-operated dams and reservoirs in Ther ar 31 orp-oprate das ad reervirsNew England contain six campgrounds, 21 parks and inhere Egand toalin morpsoertane dams acdres.rvoirs picnic areas, 18 boat ramps, and designated trails for in Nw Enlandtotalingmorethan50,00 aces. hishiking, horseback riding, trail bikes, snowmobiling, and land area provides good habitat for wildlife when in its cross-country skiing. State fish and game agencies natural state. stock reservoirs with trout for sport fishing. Hunting var- The Corps encourages aquatic habitat by: ies from site to site, but can include deer, duck, quail, *Conducting tests on rivers and lakes to ensure rabbit, partridge, grouse, squirrel, and stocked pheasant. Over six million people visit Corps-owned lands in New England every year. As part of its commitment to provide safe and en- joyable recreational opportunities, the Corps conducts ~~~~ ~~an Interpretive Services Program. Under this program, park rangers with professional training in forestry, wild- life, or park management explain the principles of recrea- tion safety and the importance of our natural resources through guided walks, evening campground programs, and special park demonstrations. These services are available to park visitors during the summer months and to school, library, scouting, and other groups year-round. Thinning overcrowded forest strands- removing less desirable trees to make room for new ones-increases wildlife food and cover. Corps' rangers measure the height and width of a less desirable tree at Hodges Village Dam in Oxford, Massachusetts, to determine its volume of lumber, which will be sold to a contractor. 32 F a F -- hav~t ' The Interpretive Services Program allows Corps' rangers to explain the principles of recreation safety and the importance of our water resources to park visitors. Above, a ranger enjoys a light moment with a young patron at the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, Massachusetts, which is owned and operated by the Corps. The Army Corps of Engineers supplements the woodlands at A beaverpipe allows water to pass underneath a beaver its dam sites in New England by planting tree seedlings for dam, preventing the flooding of nearby roads and controlling reforestation. Hop Brook Lake Dam in Middlebury, the water level. This beaver pipe was constructed and installed Connecticut, is the site of this planting. at Surry Mountain Lake Dam in Surry, New Hampshire. 33 Recreation at Corps' dams aw *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VW~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are many recreational opportunities available at the 35 dams and reservoirs operated by the Corps ""-'~ ~~ ~New England Division. Clockwise, from top left: stocking trout at Hop Brook Lake &~~~ ~ Dam in Middlebury, Connecticut; snowmobiling at Blackwater Dam in Webster, New Hampshire; canoe racing at ....i�~~~~~1:�~~~~~~~~ * , ':' .Hodges Village Dam in Oxford, Massachusetts;flyfishing at Townshend Lake Dam in Townshend, Vermont; ice fishing at East Brimfield Lake Dam in '"~g~s~ :~!~~~t~~~~ "~Sturbridge, Massachusetts; and white water rafting at Littleville Lake in Huntington, Massachusetts. 34 35 Emergency Response and Recovery Natural disasters are both unpredictable and un- Corps can assist local authorities in their preparation by avoidable. They can strike at any time with varying de- taking immediate measures to protect life and property grees of severity. Hurricanes, tornados, abnormally high from the threat of damaging floods. These measures rainfall, snowmelt from an abnormal snowpack, or failure include: of dams or other flood control works can take heavy tolls Patcpininlalfodergcysmas4 of life and property.aPatcptninlclfodergcysmas States and local communities are responsible for *and exercises; answering the public's emergency call for help. However, p Srenthectiong won lfodcnrks; andshr there are times, such as the Blizzard of 1978, when the p r Contructiong temork;andlves nature of the disaster exceeds the resources and capa- a hs prontructingvemposresary lesigedtmes. bilities of local authorities. The Corps, with its expertise Thimiese prthectiv masure are dsgenedal temory meent- in mobilizing public and private resources, can respond ure. The Corps considers permanent rehabilitation work quickly to supplement community and state efforts and that protects against the threat of future disasters to be efficiently and effectively provide additional assistance. sprtfomergecmasr.Lolcmunts This support is part of the Corps' Emergency Response are responsible for maintaining or removing any emer- and Recovery operation.gecortmoaywrcosutdbyheCp. Emergency response provided by the Corps can be gecortmraywkcnsutdbyheCp. classified into three categories: Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Operations Emergency Operations, and Contaminated Water/ When disaster strikes, the Corps stands ready to Drought Assistance. supplement the emergency efforts of state and local Disaster Preparedness governments at their request. Disaster relief activities It is the responsibility of state and local govern-careoubyteCpsild: ments to be prepared for natural emergencies. The *Flood fighting and rescue operations. When nec- essary, the Corps furnishes flood fighting materi- als, such as sandbags, lumber, pumps, or rock. The Corps provided disaster relief assistance to residents of Chelsea, Massachusetts, when fire destroyed 18 city blocks in October 1973. 36 THE MIDEAST WAR: Egypt in Major Sinai Assault; Israel Punches Nearer Damascus TOthe Sni. rd Pht. Pg.i 1 SUN EDBoston Herald American LATE 0 ~~~~~~ Combining +he.best features of ithe Herald Traveler and Record American COMPLETE _Llleocn fege29 TELEPHONE 426-30tH MONDAY, OCTOBER 1t, 1973 32 PAGES FIFTEEN CENTS 80 Area Communities Billows of Smoke Blaze Raged 7 Hours Send in Firefighters Seen for 50 Miles Before Being Held Hurricane' FIre Destroys 18~~~~~~~~0 Blcs of Chesea DENSE SMOKE FROM CHELSEA FIRE billow- m~ysSnile-loet fornt es horn to ihia drerrtic photo token Fron Beeton side of the Tobin eriegea. Looter Ie-1 of bridge o-a opend Wo e-9e-,eoy..ocln. -On the I n ie The Story in Pictures, Page 3-Other Stories Pages 2, 4, 5 6, 7 Victims W~atch, in Disbelief SMeats Even Series Pete 17 A fire ttf historic proportions" raged thteSugh ithe southwsest quarter Hr -Say Hey" . lbh Mare titndred, CS Cheilse -td.... d,- armer -n i- did hy-asec n.et tre was o ,1..d AnC d a s e 12e o , i.teaioo of Chelsea last night, destroying ltundreds of tomes and businesses, dani- in onesam, 1, l50 em-tn andbral. lb.e Otto ,, r- is key . tn-Co .11y se mm.te aging city hall and threatening the entire dossntosen business district. -,.twgtroooC reteo 1SC TE.~ mtod-re te~ S SEs ~Stn, 5 te.,tad 0tkhnd. 150,. H'nt H SyC EEOaCSe. EtrS e~oS t Wol.d tonesetee game 01api. The abodtoen~tal blazh broke out at 3:36 p. to. in a vacant building at Ho1111550t.nnrnl oSidPat. C -ll a~l IVrSn so NI oerniut,Sbr 5 ESi Sunday Odi.- aten epank, gal Ste * Jets Humble Pats Pone so Scorad and Seomrer tss, and raged through 30 city Wlocks, destroying l8oaf them "s-no, rute .... s.ro sd ditetSSCI,,,Ija C SId Ste tootS COSCO INs Ye~e Trt des.din- J., and damaginag 1.2 others in the congested area nerth of Boston E.arbor. OSIEetroI..5ilUSiCCd O.on l erie-a 05ann05 t o n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,a'nao totte lan00 ts6,tin y h I-naOsSoC ntl. tnoteiroe .tigd ..Ca auh . h.-dErI 50C t mt otoo ySotao r oo,5 tield goat by eby eowseId. h , M . g " n on, p I C-1i , Hrgneo elen hrea. C~leaFieS. etreadI,1 ,b.1Ihd A.S. U. . ~~~~~~tee Clsit otr sudob_ t.ays "hap nloren C"eI". Cr."" .'Ly WCay 00C e, Unffit Co, afl 0-Se SOC a SoI~i d ypl-tS SoS. hSilled Caea~fal 085052 aOOes a aidat a[ peeo ronteyenn iol.,nAysmad. I..Cele MemorfieSOspal eorty todd1 , -, y,, Hoero or.idn titenii. 55 itt Spuc CE1 cI er l t mostd. I , Cattla. it at M fill...g ~.aa igh. ___ i. a-, i~i . STAo ON Jad Armory Houses Refugee Center Coma coo a f~~~f as~ert la too itoolileeaTHE DW I~s ~ h otsasieeptoe ot 0 01. H 000 soe," an chelsa. t re wntsttd L.- to oNlre neec, % 50r -- dore toe.Z rersne dntHg. a Fassaciat SP. - tram. 1.mee Gsate S~i. Idistoy-woe baeo tO Sty mere. Geo. rigeoel. Paid CoaO~, tote, tin Heird tone OS HetP seo.4Pe~te WHangr d ois onese H-aanpn.. n Tt.-en 3M o aaorm-raelseely Chat eoedle 00Gl Rtte t~lS., H ilaS i, sor He be. JM HCCkC o ea.cn. NOssl slEri per- 1-Msa iS TV-.Redl.o M . F~eChiat Onalil Paeegla. Dnoey Ott Jack Waisa..80 nsalSaemr ~moe Te tort oH It p-aa,~n bry 5 p.m. Moo La.ame 2 T.owg He ti.oa no.- dt.,f'.yW , Slaff pae sinngenPaH legrohen Coeingt al. nta~-lbgr. 50 sigh. e .t Tso T . solE s5 . t a tsot Mefttog 14 wid s Sday plA 2 .I h, W,55m is wehan adidoy pltii B t softetg t. Sod .a leed momay Sonten Ftao. aa eSOS H~pilt Ho 5.andmo. totie -iay so tieh. todN.e VoeeetrHe.o enm nos Nadieae is Nbf Wag-sg w 1oinr t0 baabm. M d ~ e. hadHs~ada COO Jose SItele 5e.y. tee. b a oe oa s He.nHat H0 fiegad.wee. buaen y tooglege. lons ee Pegs Fsoe) 37 � Removing logs, ice, and other debris that are Water contamination can occur from deliberate, blocking rivers and streams and could cause accidental, or natural events, such as flooding. For com- flooding. munities with contaminated water, the Corps provides � Repairing and restoring federal and nonfederal water tank trucks that haul water from safe sources to flood control and shore protection works dam- points established for local distribution. If feasible, the aged by flood, wind, or waves. Corps also lays temporary aboveground water lines, * Snagging and clearing channels affected by installs temporary filters, and provides mobile purifica- storms. tion units. * Providing temporary housing for disaster victims. For drought, the Corps can construct wells and * Providing technical assistance, such as ways to transport water by truck or pipeline to farmers, livestock, clear ice jams or strengthen dikes. and others within the distressed areas. Assistance can When requested by the Federal Emergency Man- be provided when either life or property is threatened. ageentAgecythe Corps can also assess municipal Because serious drought conditions could create daagemend pearedmgencrvyreot, rbidwater shortages for many small communities near Corps structures such as dikes and seawalls, and removerervisthCophadvlpddoutcni- debris from public property. gency plans for 28 of its reservoirs in New England. Dur- ing a drought emergency, the Corps, upon request from Contaminated Water/Drought Assistance state officials, can partially fill a reservoir for emergency The Corps provides emergency provisions of clean water supply purposes. drinking water to communities confronted with contami- Requests for emergency supplies of clean drinking nated water supplies or drought that could cause sub- water resulting from either water contamination or drought stantial threats to public health and welfare. are considered separately from flood and coastal storm emergency activities. 38 Other Programs and Services The Corps of Engineers supports its projects with *Ensuring that the ecosystems of reservoirs are various programs and provides technical assistance on maintained. water resource activities to other federal agencies and WtrRsuc lnigAssac oSae the New England states. Some of these services are listed below. In preparing and developing their own comprehen- Water Quality Control Program sive water resource plans, states will occasionally need to borrow the Corps' planning expertise. Recent activities To ensure the continued health and safety of the conducted by the Corps at the request of states include: public, the Corps conducts an extensive water quality -identifying industrial and commercial water con- monitoring and testing program at each of its 31 reser- sumption from public water supply systems; voirs in New England. Under this service, called the -Developing land use mapping from satellite Water Quality Control Program, the Corps periodically imagery; samples and analyzes reservoir waters to ensure they -Conducting an inventory of coastal structures, meet state water quality standards and are suitable for such as piers, wharves, and groins, at major ports; and water supply, recreation, or other purposes. This infor- -Evaluating the amount of water that can be con- mation also helps to detect pollution problems. sistently and safely removed from reservoirs. Water Quality Control Program activities at CorpsAqaiPlnCotl projects include:AqaiPlnCotl * Testing drinking wells and beach areas for bacte- Aquatic plants, such as pond lilies, algae blooms, rial contamination; waterweed, duckweed, and water milfoil, can sometimes * Monitoring the effects of acid rain in lakes, ponds, threaten shipping and trade in navigable waterways. The and woodlands; Corps' Aquatic Plant Control Program combats wide- * Monitoring high aluminum levels that might spread plant problems in navigable and other waters of threaten aquatic life; the United States. * Identifying sources of pollution that affect water In addition to navigational interests, the Aquatic quality; and Plant Control Program can be utilized to control aquatic plant growths threatening flood control and drainage, The Corps periodically samples and . / analyzes water at each of the 31 dams it operates in New England to ensure water quality standards remain high. Right, a4 laboratory technician at the Corps' Water , Quality Lab in Barre, Massachusetts, /~ monitors water at the Barre Falls Dam. 39 The Corps'Aquatic Plant Control Program limits plant problems threatening navigable waterways, drainage, andfish and wildlife. Hardvs Pond in Waltham, Massachusetts, is an example of how excessive aquatic plant growth can limit the productive use of a pond. fish and wildlife, agriculture, or public health. The pro- gram can also be administered to benefit scientific re- ARE WETLANDS search. ~~~search. IMPORTANT? Permits Program Some people consider wetlands, such as The Corps of Engineers has a mandate to protect swamps, bogs, and marshes, areas to be filled or navigation by regulating construction by others in navi- drained rather than conserved. However, most gable waterways. This activity falls under the Corps' wetlands have value and play an important role in Permits Program. the ecological balance of nature. Under its Permits Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, as well as re- Program, the Corps gives special consideration to lated decisions by federal courts, have greatly broad- proposed construction in wetland areas, recogniz- ened the Corps' regulatory authority to include the ing that healthy wetlands are important and produc- discharge of dredged or fill material into "waters of the tive natural resources that make significant United States," a term that includes certain wetlands contributions to our quality of life. and other valuable aquatic areas. Section 404 requires Wetlands provide a food chain resource and that the public be notified and public hearings be held habitat for an abundance and diversity of life not before a permit is issued. rivaled by most other types of environments. They The Permits Program now focuses primarily on are breeding, spawning, feeding, cover, and nur- weighing the economic and environmental benefits of sery areas for fish. They are important nesting, development against preserving the ecosystem when migrating, and wintering areas for ducks and deciding whether a permit for a proposed activity would geese. Wetlands may not yield their crop directly to be contrary to the public interest. When reviewing permit the people, but their yield is reflected in the abun- applications, the Corps looks at all the relevant factors, dance of finfish, shellfish, and waterfowl. including economics, fish and wildlife conservation, Wetlands are beneficial in other ways as well. wetland values, environmental concerns, flood damage They serve as buffer areas that protect the shore- reduction, navigation, shore erosion, recreation, public line from erosion and storm damage. They act as safety, water quality, and the general welfare of the public. natural water storage areas during floods and The Corps has introduced a number of nationwide storms by retaining high waters and gradually re- permits which require little or no processing, and taken leasing them, thereby reducing damaging effects. other measures to streamline the permit application Wetlands contribute to the production of agricul- process while maintaining environmental safeguards. tural products and timber. Freshwater wetlands may infiltrate and help recharge underlying or nearby aquifers, often the source of local drinking Corps/EPA Wastewater Treatment Construction water. Wetlands also purify water by filtering pollu- Grants Program tants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fre- The Corps recognizes the prominent role quently gives municipalities grants to construct waste- wetlands have in our ecology and places special water treatment facilities. The Corps and the EPA have a consideration on their value when making permit joint agreement whereby the Corps offers varying de- decisions. grees of technical assistance to the six New England 40 I~ Cornel po,~ or m~wh.~ pon off C~t~ofis0�I!! Cleaning chemical spills at hazardous waste sites is a team project between the Corps and the EPA. An area identified as a hazardous waste location was this site in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, near Cornell Pond and the Copicut River. states regarding the proper construction of these facili- ties. The Corps has helped EPA construct 70 wastewater treatment plants in New England. Upon request by the EPA, the Corps assists the states by providing construction management services, which includes preconstruction reviews, progress in- spections during the construction period, and adminis- trative and accounting assistance when construction construction of each wastewater treatment facility varies according to the respective state's resources and specific needs. Hazardous Waste The Corps and the EPA are also tackling another major environmental project: the cleanup of chemical spills in the country's most hazardous waste sites. This program is better known as "Superfund." Specifically, the Corps manages the design and construction of cleanup sites that are assigned to it by the EPA. EPA identifies sites and selects the most haz- ardous locations for priority action. Once a site is se- lected, the Corps prepares design and construction contracts for private industry, which does the actual de- sign and construction work under Corps' supervision. Once complete, projects are transferred to EPA which turns them over to states for operation and maintenance. Other Superfund support provided by the Corps to the EPA includes: -Technical assistance to ensure that remedial action at selected hazardous waste sites can be performed. Among some of the remedial actions Under an agreement with the EPA, the Corps offers technical that may be employed by the Corps at Superfund assistance to those New England states that are building locations are incineration, sanitary landfills, deep wastewater treatment facilities. This facility, in Lynn, well injection, land disposal, excavation and bur- Massachusetts, was completed in February 1985. ial, and chemical or biological treatment. 41 -Development of health and safety plans at the site. -Environmental monitoring during the construc- tion of remedial measures. Materials dumped at sites range from petroleum byproducts to toxic chemicals to explosives. Because of the danger that these materials may leak into the soil .l and nearby drinking water, the Corps considers its work in the Superfund Program to be among its most important. The cleanup of hazardous waste sites is an important environmental priority of the Corps and the EPA. In the case of New Bedford Harbor in Massachusetts (above), sediment is collectedfrom the harbor floor and tested to determine the volume of PCBs and other contaminants. Gauging the volume and location of these contaminants is a first step toward eventual cleanup. 42 ~~DecIpto fPoet II~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 River Basins Flooding may be caused by a combination of many the Connecticut, Merrimack, and Piscataqua-have factors related to the underlying river basin. Corps' Flood Corps' Flood Damage Reduction projects within their Damage Reduction projects, such as dams and Local drainage areas. New Hampshire's 9304 square miles Protection Projects, are designed and constructed as ranks third in New England, behind Maine's 33,215 part of an overall plan to limit flooding in a particular river and Vermont's 9609. basin. The following pages show where the five river ba- There are 19 principal river basins that lie entirely sins lie in the state. Maps of the Connecticut, Merrimack, or partially in New England. Of this number, five lie in and Piscataqua River Basins show the location of Corps' New Hampshire-the Connecticut, Merrimack, Andros- Flood Damage Reduction projects in each. coggin, Saco, and Piscataqua. Three of these basins- US Army Corps of Engineers ST. JOHN Major River Basins v in New England 0111/ PENOBSCO , ST. CROI Vr 1-- 7j g A KENNEEC [:/~ L~%~h j / |PRESUMPSCOT 4/ ; I u v PISCATAQUA N EW ? G;-- O t -AdsCHARLES NEW YORI(K 011 o \ a oNEPDNSET 4 4_TAUNTON ATLANTIC �~i � /\>S/e) OCEAN , BLACI(STONE d J~ \ ~ PAWCATUCK 44 CANADAI f gewasset R. "** 1' LINCOLN R LINCOLN Lincolnc: - VT. MAINE N / ! i ;�s/ E}~Squam / ~ MASS. - 0,% Lake a\ yV su bd~Winehnipesauk ee r" T NeFoundL FRANKLIN t {Merrimack River Basin FALLS DAM _ 's W'innisqa .. The Merrimack River Basin extends from the rugged White Moun- Andover tain region of northern New Hamp- L~~og~ v rt 1aon shire to northeastern Massachusetts. ,=lanklin It has a maximum length of 134 miles m At:. t t.and a maximum width of 68 miles. 1BLACKWATERlL~1;2$ _ AThe basin's 5010 square miles DAM h i din ~ make it the fourth largest river basin Pef acook/0 f 1' in New England. About 3810 square Contoocoj~okee J ,; g cmiles (76 percent) lie in New Hamp- HOPKINTOW- He ixON7RD shire, and 1200 square miles (24 HOPKINTON- Henniker,8 I Hopkinton percent) lie in Massachusetts. The EVERETT _ C= u s Merrimack River Basin covers parts I LAKES [ ,.r' wo.'l of every county (except Coos) in _ W eare r . New Hampshire, including all of Hills- EDWARD o borough and Belknap Counties, most ~~~~~~~MacDOWEL MANCHESTER of Merrimack County, and western sections of Rockingham County. LAKE W.Peterborough Derry STONY ~irr NASH I IHILL BROOK N HAMPSHIRE l NORTH NASHUA MASSACHUSETTSk AWRENCE NORTH NASHUA ~^SS^C.UEgTZS) RIVER TOHBURG LOWEL L * E4~~~~DAM ~ C/ oncord 0 DAM * LOCAL PROTECTION PROJECT S,-� STON ':i.'i:.44BA Y SCALE IN MILES 4 0 4 8 ?12 ONVILLE 45 CANADA Nt CAAA N CANADA LEGEND VT. -i/v - - , - - (r4</ iME rVT. DAM i J N I r N LOCAL PROTECTION PROJECT � '.s 'JN.H. q / $ 4i z~~~ttX --STATE BOUNDARY a: WS~~~~~~~~~~pe z~ > b.At ,^ .i1 u I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ a MASS - c N <~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~ St.~~~~~~- bISRAEL RIVER, LANCASTER ' st. f I. Foodsville o,, r~~~~averhill UNION VILLAGE DAM -HO.!' oS NARITFO ' ,,gi NORTH HARTLAND LAKE q u HartlandJ NORTH SPRINGFIELD LAKE t Ca rt ~~~9_~~ mont WESTOIN "-''gar R. Connecticut River Basin yprngfield[ Springfield ~ The Connecticut River Basin, BALL MOUNTAIN LAKE - SURRY MOUNTAIN LAKE one of the largest river basins in New TOWNSHEND LAKE BEAVER BROOK, KEENE England, stretches from southern ~BrattleboOTTER BROOK LAKE Quebec to Long Island Sound, off the rVaTtl ' * ,.KEENE . Connecticut coast. It has a total ...... V ...._ N.H. length of 280 miles and a maximum IOI TO 81.es - ICH HILL DAM width of 60 miles. KNOR1GHPTOILL DAM\_ 'I AOf the 11,250 square miles in 1NIGHTVILLE DAlMl, LAKT I YIlE the basin, 3046 square miles, or LITTLEVILLE L _AKE FALLS DAM about 27 percent, lie in New Hamp- L $.I1ARRE FALLSDA HOLYOKE AND SPRINGDALE .- L i T- shire; 3928 square miles (35 percent) CHICOPEE ALt$ ,.',,,,,,, ~ lie in Vermont; 2726 square miles (24 WEST SPRINGFIELD AND RIVERDA1E "aWEST WARREN percent) lie in Massachusetts; and COLEBROOK .j.i - COH CNANT BROOK DAM 1436 square miles (13 percent) lie in MERAD RIIVEIr [ o LOAKEo REcoI Connecticut. About 114 square miles WINST-ED'' 3-, / :(one percent) are located in Quebec. SUCKER 1100K DAM HARTFORD In New Hampshire, the Connecticut FOLL _ O-EAST HARTFORD River Basin occupies the western FOLILY I~)�2Kw B Lt .i.f }halves of Coos and Grafton Counties, most of Sullivan and Cheshire Coun- ties, and the western fringe of Merri- mack County. New HavenF ond,,n LONG ISLAND SOUND 46 Piscataqua River Basin The Piscataqua River Basin lies mostly in southeastern New Hampshire, with a por- tion lying at the southern tip of Maine. Of the basin's total area of 1022 square miles, 776 square miles (76 percent) lie in New Hamp- i,~~ ~shire and 246 square miles (24 percent) lie in |~ U =~. i> ,Maine. The Piscataqua River and its largest PISCATAQUA |x'*tributary, the Salmon Falls River, form a par- NRIVER BASIN |ME I tial border between New Hampshire and ' C**Ni, Great East Lake Maine. The Piscataqua River Basin has a maxi- N.H C mum length of 48 miles and a maximum width * ? ht of 35 miles. In New Hampshire, it occupies ~,~:, ~most of Strafford County, and the northern two-thirds of Rockingham County. MASS. $ *.,o. t E~~ FARMINGTON erw!c H A M P S H I R * *** LEGEND * LOAL PO1ECflON ^0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~; SCALE IN MILES 0 4 8 47 /' N C A N/A I) A ~~~ ~~NEW N~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ o A e f \ BRUNSWICK tt Washington .._.. MNIAINF :~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ;;E Alt k BISN " Saco River Basin co D H The Saco River Basin storetches from east- ry Beach ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~N ern New Hampshire into southern Maine. It cov- amp Ellis ers an area of 1697 square miles, of which 870 -)iiddeford e square miles (51 percent) lie in New Hampshire �'K and 827 squa re mi les (49 percent) in Maine. The basin has a length of nearly 75 miles and a maxi- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~eamum width of 44 miles. In New Hampshire, the basin occupies nearly all of Carroll County, the northeastern ~~fringe of Grafton County, and the southeastern fringe of Coos County. ~ Bar~~~~CLEI Mills 4 0 4 e 48 Saco River Basin *,DOCAR:EC The Saco River Basin stretches from east- B{F~ferj. .0ry Beach erm New Hampshire into southern Maine. It cov- ":}� a p m. ers an area of 1697 square miles, of which 870:;Biefd, square miles (51 percent) lie in New Hampshire .idfr and 827 square miles (49 percent) in Maine. The basin has a length of nearly 75 miles and a maxi- , mum width of 44 miles. In New Hampshire, the basin occupies nearly all of Carroll County, the northeastern fringe of Grafton County, and the southeastern fringe of Coos County. SCALE IN M.LES 4 0 4 48 N~~~~~~ A C ,-,. X NEW N (~&J/'- BRUNSWICK WASHINGTON( ? EMAINE i 'ANDROSCOGGIN 4;.roscoggi River Basin RIVER BAS, d The~~~~ Andocgi Rie1aiwhc.isXA and~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:': stethe toteAlnitca.Itocpe :]AUGUSTA percent) ~ ~ :,~ in Ne aphr. t:,�v X i~~~~~~~~~~~~i Mi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ley a. -~~~~~ ~~ SADDLEBACK B ~~~~~~~~MTN. Hampshirek theg~rk N.dro. soggin MT. ~~BWASHINGTON i abbatus ThompJ ester Androscoggin River Basin Spring The Androscoggin River Basin, which lies partly in northeastern New Hampshire and partly in western Maine, begins at the Canadian border and stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies 3450 square miles, with 2730 square miles (79 percent) lying in Maine and 720 square miles (19 percent) in New Hampshire. The basin has a maximum length of 110 miles and a maximum width of 65 miles. In New Hampshire, the Androscoggin River Basin cov- ers nearly half of Coos County. SCALE IN MILES 4 0 4 8 12 49 Flood Damage Reduction The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed protection to specific communities rather than wide areas 13 flood damage reduction projects in New Hampshire of a state. In New Hampshire, they have prevented an that significantly reduce flooding and associated dam- estimated $1.9 million in flood damages. Local protection ages. projects are operated and maintained by the respective The seven Corps-built dams (including the two municipalities, except for the Israel River project in Lan- dams built at the Hopkinton-Everett Lakes project) pro- caster, which is operated by the town but maintained by tect wide regions of the state. Costing an aggregate the Corps of Engineers. $39.9 million to construct, they have prevented flood The following pages give a brief history and de- damages estimated at $200 million (as of September scription of the flood damage reduction projects con- 1989) while also offering the public a variety of recrea- structed by the Corps in New Hampshire. tional opportunities and enhancing the environment. The Corps has also completed seven other flood Note: Figures given for damages prevented by each damage reduction projects in New Hampshire at a cost flood control project are estimated through September of $3.7 million. These works are more commonly referred 1989. to as local protection projects because they provide flood TOWER CONTROL ROOM STONE SLOPE PROTECTION "-' .................................SCONE GRTE (SAND,AND LGRAVEL)DMPERvos\\ -: . "" ~ ~ ' , , 'o' /, \ U o 0 o o a \\ STORAGE / \ \ \CONCRETE \:S CHAMBER BEDROCK / \ SAND DRAIN CONDUIT CONDUIT GATE (SAND, SILT AND CLAY) TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF AN EARTHFILL DAM 50 Flood Damage Reduction Projects in New Hampshire Dams and Reservoirs Blackwater Dam in Webster Edward MacDowell Lake in Peterborough Franklin Falls Dam in Franklin Hopkinton/Everett Lakes in Hopkinton and Weare Otter Brook Lake in Keene Surry Mountain Lake in Surry Local Protection Projects Beaver Brook, Keene Cocheco River, Farmington Israel River, Lancaster Keene Lincoln Nashua Stony Brook, Wilton 51 Dams and Reservoirs Blackwater Dam in Webster Edward MacDowell Lake in Peterborough Franklin Falls Dam in Franklin Hopkinton/Everett Lakes in Hopkinton and Weare Otter Brook Lake in Keene Surry Mountain Lake in Surry 53 Blackwater Dam Location: Blackwater Dam in Webster is located on the Blackwater River, about 18 miles northwest of Concord. From Concord, it can be reached by taking U.S. Route 93 to U.S. Route 4 west, then south on Route 127. Purpose: Blackwater Dam significantly reduces flooding in the downstream communities on the Blackwater and Contoocook Rivers, including Webster, Hopkinton, and Boscawen. In conjunction with the Franklin Falls Dam (page 58) and the dams at Hopkinton and Everett Lakes (page 60), Blackwater Dam also reduces flooding in the major industrial, commer- cial, and residential centers on the Merrimack River, including Concord, Manchester, and Nashua, and the Massachusetts cities of Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. Since its com- pletion, Blackwater Dam has prevented an estimated $15.3 million in flood damages, including $6.1 million during the heavy rains of April 1987. History: Construction of Blackwater Dam began in May 1940 and was completed in Novem- ber 1941 at a cost of $1.3 million. The work included relocating about three miles of Route 127 and constructing smaller roads adjacent to the project. Description: The project consists of: -An earthfill dam with stone slope protection. The dam is 1150 feet long with a max- imum height of 75 feet. -Two earthfill dikes with stone slope protection totalling 1650 feet. Little Hill Dike, located about three miles northwest of the dam, is 1230 feet long and has a maxi- mum height of 28 feet; and Dodge Dike, situated about .5 mile west of the dam, is 420 feet long with a maximum height of 20 feet. -Three gated rectangular conduits. Each conduit measures five feet three inches high, three feet six inches wide, and 65 feet long. A fourth ungated rectangular conduit was permanently plugged in 1951 to increase the effectiveness of the reservoir during flood periods. -A spillway cut in rock with a 240-foot-long concrete weir. The weir's crest elevation is 18 feet lower than the top of the dam. Additional There is no lake at Blackwater Dam. The flood storage area of the project, which is Information: normally empty and only utilized to store floodwaters, covers approximately 3280 acres and extends upstream about seven miles through Salisbury, having a maximum width of one mile. The entire project, including all associated lands, covers 3580 acres. Black- water Dam can store up to 15 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to 6.7 inches of water covering its drainage area of 128 square miles. The Corps has issued a license to the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development to conduct a forestry and fish and wildlife management pro- gram on 3475 acres of reservoir lands. A 10-mile section of the Blackwater River mean- ders through the project area and offers a pristine streamside environment popular with canoeists. Reservoir lands also offer a 19-mile-long snowmobiling trail network that is also used for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The Blackwater River is heavily stocked with rainbow and brown trout by the state and supports self-sustaining brook trout, perch, bass, panfish, and brown bullhead. There is in-season hunting and/or trapping for state-stocked pheasant, as well as black bear, deer, partridge, raccoon, fox, fishercat, and rabbit. Duck hunting is permitted at Greenough Pond, a 40-acre marshy area located within the project area. 54 Blackwater Dam 55 Edward MacDowell Lake Location: The dam at Edward MacDowell Lake is located on Nubanusit Brook in Peter- borough, about 14 miles east of Keene. From Nashua, the dam can be reached by taking U.S. Route 3 to Route 101A west (which turns into Route 101) through Peterborough. Con- tinue on Route 101 for about two miles and follow signs to the dam. Purpose: Edward MacDowell Lake provides flood protection primarily to Peterborough. The project also provides flood protection to the downstream communities of Hancock, Ben- nington, Antrim, Deering, Hillsboro, and Henniker, all on the Contoocook River. Since its completion, the dam at Edward MacDowell Lake has prevented an estimated $6.9 million in damages, including $1.8 million during the heavy rains of April 1987, when the flood storage area behind the dam was filled to capacity. During this storm, excess water had to be discharged through the spillway. History: Construction of the dam began in March 1948 and was completed in March 1950 at a cost of $2 million. Description: Edward MacDowell Lake consists of an earthfill dam with stone slope protection 1100 feet long and 67 feet high; a gated concrete conduit, seven feet high, seven feet wide, and 275 feet long; and a chute spillway cut in rock. The spillway at Edward Mac- Dowell Lake is unusual in that instead of being located adjacent to the dam as most spill- ways are, it is located 3.2 miles northeast of the dam, at Halfmoon Pond. The spillway has a concrete weir 100 feet long with a crest elevation 21 feet lower than the top of the dam. Discharges from the spillway flow from Halfmoon Pond into Ferguson Brook which, in turn, discharges into the Contoocook River. Additional There is a conservation pool at Edward MacDowell Lake covering an area of 165 Information: acres and having a maximum depth of about seven feet. The flood storage area of the project, which is normally empty and utilized only to store floodwaters, totals 840 acres and covers parts of Hancock, Dublin, and Harrisville. The lake and all associated project lands cover 1469 acres. Edward MacDowell Lake can store almost 4.2 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to 5.4 inches of water covering its drainage area of 44 square miles. The Corps operates a small picnic area at the top of the dam with seven picnic tables and 11 fireplaces. However, most of the reservoir lands (1030 acres) are licensed by the Corps to the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game, which conducts a fish and wildlife management program. Canoes, rowboats, and boats having motors of up to three horsepower are permitted on Edward MacDowell Lake. A stream that winds through Dins- more Swamp, which is a 600-acre marshy area located on project lands, is particularly popular with canoeists. Project lands also offer trails for hiking and cross-country skiing; snowmobile trails; undeveloped open space for ball playing and other sporting activities; drinking water; and sanitary facilities. Edward MacDowell Lake is stocked by the state with trout and bass. The three miles of Nubanusit Brook that wind through project lands offer warm water fishing for bass, pickerel, brown bullhead, and perch. Ice fishing is permitted. The state stocks pheasant for hunters, and there is in-season hunting and/or trapping for ruffed grouse, woodcock, beaver, deer, rabbit, fox, raccoon, fishercat, and mink. 56 m Edward MacDowell Lake 57 Franklin Falls Dam Location: Franklin Falls Dam in Franklin is located on the Pemigewasset River, which joins with the Winnipesaukee River about three miles downstream to form the Merrimack River. From Concord, it can be reached by taking U.S. Route 93 to Route 127 south, or U.S. Route 3 to Route 127 north. Purpose: Franklin Falls Dam is a key unit in the comprehensive plan of flood damage reduc- tion for the Merrimack River Basin. It provides flood protection to communities along the entire length of the Merrimack River, including Franklin, Northfield, Boscawen, Canter- bury, Concord, and Bow. Along with Blackwater Dam (page 54) and the dams at Hopkin- ton and Everett Lakes (page 60), Franklin Falls Dam also reduces flooding in the principal industrial and residential centers on the Merrimack River, including Manchester and Nashua and the Massachusetts cities of Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. Since its com- pletion, Franklin Falls Dam has prevented flood damages estimated at $55.1 million. History: Construction on the project began in November 1939 and was completed in October 1943 at a cost of $7.9 million. The work involved: -Relocating a cemetery in Hill; -Moving several homes on the floodplain in Hill to other locations; -Demolishing several homes located on the floodplain in Hill; and -Relocating about nine miles of Route 3A. Description: The project consists of an earthfill dam with stone slope protection 1740 feet long and 140 feet high; two gated horseshoe conduits, each 19 feet high, 22 feet wide, and 542 feet long; and a chute spillway founded on rock with a concrete weir 546 feet long. The weir's crest elevation is 27 feet below the top of the dam. Additional Franklin Falls Dam has a permanent pool of 440 acres with a maximum depth of Information: about seven feet. The flood storage area of the project, which is normally empty and is utilized only to store floodwaters, totals 2800 acres. This acreage extends about 12.5 miles upstream through the towns of Hill, Sanbornton, New Hampton, and Bristol, and ends at Ayers Island Dam in Bristol, which is owned by the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. The project and associated lands cover 3683 acres. Franklin Falls Dam can store up to 50.2 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to 2.8 inches of water covering its drainage area of 1000 square miles, which represents the largest drainage area upstream of the 35 dams built by the Corps' New England Divi- sion. There are two hydroelectric power plants upstream of Franklin Falls Dam, within the reservoir area, that are owned and operated by private interests. One plant, Salmon Brook Station, is situated at the Giles Pond Dam on Salmon Brook in Franklin, approxi- mately .75 mile from Franklin Falls Dam. This facility was built on Corps land and pro- duces 0.2 megawatts of power, which is sold to the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. The second plant, Newfound Hydroelectric, is situated at the Newfound Hydroelectric Dam on the Newfound River in Bristol, approximately 11 miles upstream of Franklin Falls Dam. This facility, which lies on private property but discharges within the Franklin Falls reservoir area, produces 1.5 megawatts of power, which is also sold to the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. A third hydroelectric power facility, Eastman Falls Station in Franklin, is situated at Eastman Falls Dam, about 1.5 miles downstream of Franklin Falls Dam. Situated on private property, Eastman Falls Station is owned by the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. The 440-acre permanent pool behind Frank- lin Falls Dam is created by the backwaters of the Eastman Falls Dam, which requires this pool to generate power. The Corps has issued a license to the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development to conduct a recreation, forestry, and fish and wildlife man- agement program on 3682 acres of reservoir lands. Designated snowmobile trails, also used for hiking, cross-country skiing, and dog sled training, are available within the proj- ect. A 12.5-mile section of the Pemigewasset River flows through project lands, offering the public canoeing and other types of boating. The Pemigewasset River also offers cold water fishing and ice fishing for bass, pickerel, perch, brown bullhead, and occasionally salmon. Trout are stocked by the state in the Smith River in Bristol, near scenic Profile Falls, a popular spot with visitors located about eight miles north of the dam. For hunters, the state stocks pheasant and partridge, and in-season hunting andlor trapping is avail- able for deer, raccoon, woodcock, fox, beaver, duck, and occasionally bear. 58 ,,,,~~~~~~~~~~~~~,~,~ r - ~~~~~�1~~~~~~~~~~~A L:~~~;=� ~ 4: ~~% P J?=::~ P .i r Franklin Falls Dam 59 Hopkinton-Everett Lakes Location: The dam at Hopkinton Lake, located on the Contoocook River in Hopkinton, and the dam at Everett Lake, located on the Piscataquog River in Weare, are connected by a two- mile-long canal and in moderate to severe flooding are operated as a single flood damage reduction project. From Concord, the dam at Hopkinton Lake can be reached by travelling on U.S. Route 89 north to Route 9 (and 202) west to Route 127 north. From Manchester, the dam at Everett Lake can be reached by taking either Route 114 west through the Riverdale section of Goffstown, then right along River Road for about five miles, or the Everett Turnpike to Route 101 west to Route 114 west to Route 13 north. Purpose: The Hopkinton-Everett Lakes project provides flood protection to residential, com- mercial, and industrial property downstream on the Contoocook and Piscataquog Rivers, which are tributaries of the Merrimack River. Hopkinton Lake protects the communities of Concord (including the Contoocook and Penacook sections), Boscawen, Canterbury, and Bow, while Everett Lake protects Manchester (including the Riverdale section) and Goffs-I town. Operating in conjunction with other Corps dams in the Merrimack River Basin, the project also helps protect major industrial centers along the Merrimack River, including Nashua and the Massachusetts communities of Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. Since their construction, the dams together have prevented an estimated $47.2 million in flood damages. Of this amount, the dam at Hopkinton Lake has prevented $38.3 million, in- cluding $18.4 million during the heavy rains of April 1987. The dam at Everett Lake has prevented damages of $8.9 million, including $6.2 million during April 1987. History: In November 1927, New England rivers and streams, including the Merrimack River and its tributaries, went on a rampage. The resulting floods claimed several lives and caused serious flood damage. Less than nine years later, in March 1936, the worst flood in three centuries inundated the eastern and central United States. In New England, floodwaters claimed 24 lives, left 77,000 people homeless, and caused damage in New Hampshire and Massachusetts estimated at $36 million ($350 million in today's dollars). As a result of this devastation, New Hampshire and Massachusetts soon initiated a comprehensive plan to reduce the Merrimack River Basin's disastrous flooding potential. In June 1938, Congress approved the construction of the Hopkinton-Everett dams as part of a coordinated system of flood control for the basin. When completed, the Hopkinton- Everett Dams would provide assurance that the horrors of the 1927 and 1936 floodwaters would not ravage communities in central and southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. In September 1938, barely three months after Congress approved the project, the basin again suffered crippling flood losses when the most powerful hurricane ever to hit the region slammed into the northeast, overflowing riverbanks and causing widespread destruction. This storm served as a reminder that devastating floods could strike at any time and wreak havoc with lives and property. Despite all good intentions, roadblocks soon appeared. One major problem re- volved around reimbursement from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to compensate for the economic losses New Hampshire would incur by storing floodwaters behind the pro- posed dams. It wasn't until 1957 that the state legislatures of New Hampshire and Massachusetts established the Merrimack River Valley Flood Control Commission, which cleared these roadblocks and smoothed the way for the project's construction. An interstate compact was approved and the Corps initiated design studies. Construction of the dams began in November 1959 and was completed in December 1962 at a cost of $21.5 million. The work included relocating portions of Routes 9, 202, 114, and 127; utilities; an abandoned rail- road; and four cemeteries. 60 I I I I IP - I I'll, "I'l, --- II I I II I I I i r I I I Hopkinton Lake 61 Description: Hopkinton Lake consists of an earthfill dam with stone slope protection 790 feet long and 76 feet high; three gated square concrete conduits, each measuring 11 feet high and 11 feet wide, with two conduits 124 feet long and the third 128 feet long; and a spillway excavated in rock. The spillway at Hopkinton Lake is unusual in that instead of being lo- cated adjacent to the dam as most spillways are, it is located about 1.8 miles east of the dam. The spillway, situated across Cressy Brook, has a concrete weir 300 feet long with a crest elevation 21 feet lower than the top of the dam. Everett Lake consists of an earthfill dam with stone slope protection 2000 feet long and 115 feet high; a gated circular con- crete conduit eight feet in diameter and 350 feet long; and a spillway excavated in rock with a concrete weir 175 feet long. The weir's crest elevation is 17 feet lower than the top of the dam. The project also has four earthfill dikes with stone slope protection (two at each dam) totalling 16,300 feet in length. At Hopkinton Lake, Dike One is located on Elm Brook, about .25 mile east of the dam, and is 5220 feet long with a maximum height of 66 feet. Dike Two, located adjacent to the spillway across Cressy's Brook about 1.8 miles east of the dam, has a length of 4400 feet and a maximum height of 67 feet. At Everett Lake, Dike Three, located on Stark Brook about five miles north of the dam near the intersection of Routes 13 and Winslow Road, is 4050 feet long with a maximum height of 50 feet. Dike Four, located on Route 77 about five miles north of the dam and .5 mile west of Dike Three, is 2630 feet long with a maximum height of 30 feet. The features that distinguish the dams at the Hopkinton-Everett Lakes project from other Corps-built dams in New England are two canals that act in conjunction to divert the floodwaters of the Contoocook River stored behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake to the flood storage area behind the dam at Everett Lake. During minor and moderate flooding, there is enough flood storage area behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake to store the flood- waters from the Contoocook River, and there is enough storage area behind the dam at Everett Lake to hold back floodwaters from the Piscataquog River. However, when major flooding occurs, there is not enough land behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake to hold the large volume of floodwaters from the Contoocook River. If not held back, these floodwaters would race downstream and threaten lives and property. There is, however, enough land behind the dam at Everett Lake on the Piscataquog River to hold not only potentially dam- aging floodwaters from the Piscataquog River, but also the excessive floodwaters from the Contoocook River that the dam at Hopkinton Lake cannot contain. The two canals act together to direct Contoocook River floodwaters from behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake to the flood storage area behind the dam at Everett Lake. Canal I is located about .25 mile upstream of the dam at Hopkinton Lake and diverts water from the Contoocook River into Elm Brook Pool, situated behind the dam. The earthen canal is lined with rock and is approximately 3450 feet long and 120 feet wide. Canal II is situated roughly halfway between the two dams; it is this canal that connects the flood storage area behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake with the flood storage area be- hind the dam at Everett Lake, allowing the two dams to function as a single unit. This ca- nal has a total length of 10,400 feet (about two miles), of which 8400 feet was cut in earth with a width of 160 feet. The upper 2000 feet of the canal is Drew Lake, a natural body of water with a width roughly the same as the rest of the canal. During major flooding, flood- waters pass from the Contoocook River to Canal I to Elm Brook Pool, then pass into Canal II to Everett Lake. Most flooding on the Contoocook River is either minor or moderate and does not require the transfer of excessive floodwaters through the canals. Since the project's com- pletion in December 1962, the diversion of Contoocook River floodwaters from behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake to the flood storage area behind the dam at Everett Lake has oc- curred only seven times, the last in April 1987 when the combined reservoir area of the two dams was filled to 95 percent of capacity, its highest level ever. 62 Canal II (both photos) connects the flood storage area behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake with the flood storage area behind the dam at Everett Lake, allowing the dams to function as a single unit. Canal II is a 10,400-foot-long strait, of which the upper 2000feet is Drew Lake (top). Floodwaters pass from Elm Brook Pool behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake to Drew Lake/Canal II. These floodwaters then flow down the canal and empty into the flood storage area behind the dam at Everett Lake. The bottom photo shows the end of Canal 11 as it empties into the Everett Lake flood storage area. 63 Additional The flood storage area behind Hopkinton Lake totals 3700 acres and extends about Information: 8.5 miles upstream through Henniker to the Contoocook Valley Paper Company. This acreage includes areas that are normally empty and areas that have permanent bodies of water. Some of the larger bodies of water behind the dam at Hopkinton Lake include the 220-acre permanent pool on the Contoocook River, which has a maximum depth of 14 feet; the 456-acre Elm Brook Pool; the 47-acre Drew Lake, which makes up the upper 2000 feet of Canal II; and two lakes, approximately 87 and 35 acres respectively, located within the confines of Stumpfield Marsh. The flood storage area behind Everett Lake to- tals 2900 acres and extends westerly up the Piscataquog River in Weare; northerly up Choate Brook, which lies mostly in Weare with a small portion lying in Dunbarton; and northerly up Stark Brook in Dunbarton. This acreage includes a 130-acre permanent pool with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Together, the flood storage areas behind both dams can hold 52.6 billion gallons of water, which would cover approximately 8000 acres (12.5 square miles). This is equivalent to 6.8 inches of water covering its drainage area of 446 square miles. The lakes and all associated project lands cover 9945 acres. The Hopkinton-Everett Reservoir area offers the public a wide variety of recreational opportunities. At Hopkinton Lake, the recreational area situated behind the dam, known as Elm Brook Park, offers boating, a boat ramp, and swimming on a 300-foot-long beach. Elm Brook Park also has 130 picnic tables and 62 fireplace grills; four picnic shelters; a .5-mile-long nature trail; horseback riding over several miles of project roads; cross-coun- try skiing; snowmobiling on designated trails; an open field for ball playing and other sporting activities; drinking water; and sanitary facilities. Other recreational activities popular at Elm Brook Park include canine field trials, which test a dog's temperament, skill, and ability for tracking, hunting, and guarding, and the flying of radio-controlled model airplanes. The Corps has issued a license to the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) to conduct a forestry and fish and wildlife manage- ment program on 3282 acres of land at Hopkinton Lake. As a result, Hopkinton Lake of- fers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. The various bodies of water behind the dam, including Elm Brook Pool, Drew Lake, and the two bodies of water at Stumpfield Marsh, offer what many consider to be some of the best bass fishing in the state. There is also year-round fishing in these areas for self-sustaining perch, pickerel, and brown bullhead. Ice fishing is permitted. Hunters will find state-stocked pheasant, as well as ruffed grouse, quail, duck, and geese. In addition to the good fishing and hunting availa- ble at Stumpfield Marsh, this 700-acre area (including approximately 122 acres of water and 578 acres of woodlands) provides a waterfowl nesting area for species such as wood duck, mallard, hooded merganser, and black duck. One of the few blue heron rookeries in the state is located in Stumpfield Marsh, which lies undisturbed, as it was before the Hopkinton- Everett Dams were built. Stumpfield Marsh is part of the land that is licensed by the Corps to DRED, but the marsh area itself is managed in cooperation with the Fish and Game Department. The Corps also leases about 13 acres of land at Hopkinton Lake to New England College in Henniker for baseball, football, soccer, field hockey, and outdoor basketball. At Everett Lake, the Corps has issued a license to DRED to conduct a forestry and fish and wildlife management program on 2957 acres of land. Another 50 acres of land are leased to DRED to operate Clough State Park, which offers 110 wooden and 60 con- crete picnic tables; two picnic shelters; about 80 fireplace grills; swimming on 900 feet of beach; boating for canoes, sailboats, and rowboats (boats with motors are prohibited); a boat ramp; an open field for ball playing and other sporting activities; drinking water; and sanitary facilities. About 15-20 miles of old roads at Everett Lake, including old Route 77, Bassett Mill Road, and the lower end of Sugar Hill Road, provide cross-country skiing trails and designated trails for snowmobiling. 64 I ,? I 0 I I I i i .I I Ii i Ii I r Everett Take 65 I Everett Lake offers good year-round fishing for self-sustaining bass, pickerel, and brown bullhead. The state stocks brook, brown, and rainbow trout in the Piscataquog River, which empties into Everett Lake. The 19-acre Stark Pond Waterfowl Marsh Area, which lies on reservoir lands and is managed by DRED, offers fishing for self-sustaining perch, pickerel, and brown bullhead. There is in-season hunting for state-stocked pheas- ant, as well as ruffed grouse, woodcock, bear, deer, and rabbit. 66 HOPKINTON- EVERETT LAKES \ Points of Interest ,i( Hopkinton Dam 2 Everett Dam .% Elm Brook Park P O fi Clough State Park Flood Control Structure -,6? Drew Lake Water at Normal Pool Level n7 Stumpfield Marsh Water at Flood Crest Level Stark Pond Projec t Boundary PoDin ner T resTown Line .t Everett Dam Rowells Brookidge -Parkved Road 0 2 3 Miles 67 Otter Brook Lake Location: The dam at Otter Brook Lake in Keene is located on Otter Brook, a tributary of the Branch River, which in turn is a tributary of the Ashuelot River. From Keene, the project can be reached by travelling two miles east on Route 101 to Branch Road. Purpose: In conjunction with Surry Mountain Dam (page 70), Otter Brook Lake provides flood protection to Keene, Swanzey, Winchester, and other communities along the Ashuelot River. Along with other Corps dams, Otter Brook Lake helps reduce flooding along the Connecticut River. Since its completion, Otter Brook Lake has prevented damages esti- mated at $23.9 million, including $3.6 million during the heavy rains of April 1987, when the flood storage area behind the dam was filled to capacity. During this storm, excess water had to be discharged through the spillway. History: Construction of the project began in September 1956 and was completed in August 1958 at a cost of $4.4 million. The work included relocating Branch Road and a portion of Route 9. Description: The project consists of an earthfill dam with stone slope protection 1288 feet long and 133 feet high; a gated concrete horseshoe conduit, six feet in diameter and 589 feet long; and a chute spillway founded on rock with a concrete weir 145 feet long. The weir's crest elevation is 21 feet lower than the top of the dam. Additional Otter Brook Lake contains a 90-acre recreation pool that has a maximum depth of Information: 20 feet. The flood storage area of the project, which is normally empty and utilized only to store floodwaters, totals 375 acres and extends about 2.3 miles upstream into Roxbury. The lake and all associated project lands cover 582 acres. Otter Brook Lake can store 5.7 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to seven inches of water covering its drainage area of 47.2 square miles. Otter Brook Lake features a popular recreational area one mile north of the dam that is accessible only from Route 9 and is situated about four miles east of Keene. It offers a picnic area with 90 tables and 55 fireplace grills; swimming on a 400-foot-long beach; a change house; boating for canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and boats with electric motors (gas-powered motors are prohibited); a boat ramp; a ball field; snowmobiling; cross- country skiing; drinking water; and sanitary facilities. Otter Brook, both upstream and downstream of the lake, is stocked by the state with brook and rainbow trout, and supports self-sustaining pickerel, perch, and bass. Ice fishing is permitted. There is in- season hunting and/or trapping for deer, beaver, muskrat, fishercat, and wild turkey. 68 Otter Brook Lake 69 I r| Surry Mountain Lake Location: The dam at Surry Mountain Lake is located on the Ashuelot River in Surry, about five miles north of downtown Keene and .5 mile north of the Keene-Surry line, on Route 12A. Purpose: In conjunction with Otter Brook Lake (page 68), Surry Mountain Lake provides flood protection to downstream communities on the Ashuelot River, including Keene, Swanzey, Winchester, and Hinsdale. Along with other Corps dams, Surry Mountain Lake also helps reduce flooding along the Connecticut River. Since its completion, it has prevented dam- ages estimated at $52 million, including $7.9 million during the heavy rains of April 1987, when the flood storage area behind the dam was filled to capacity. During this storm, excess water had to be discharged through the spillway. History: Construction on the project began in August 1939 and was completed in October 1941 at a cost of $2.8 million. The work included relocating a portion of Route 12A and a utility line. Description: The project consists of an earthfill dam with stone slope protection 1800 feet long and 86 feet high; a concrete horseshoe conduit 10 feet in diameter and 383 feet long; and an L-shaped spillway excavated in rock with a concrete weir 338 feet long. The weir's crest elevation is 18 feet lower than the top of the dam. Additional Surry Mountain Lake contains a 265-acre recreation pool with a maximum depth of Information: 15 feet that was established in 1962 at the request of the town. The flood storage area of the project, which is normally empty and utilized only to store floodwaters, totals 705 acres and extends about five miles upstream. The lake and all associated project lands cover 1779 acres. Surry Mountain Lake can store almost 10.6 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to 6.1 inches of water covering its drainage area of 100 square miles. The Surry Mountain Recreation Area, which is accessible on Route 12A from Keene (about .75 mile north of the dam entrance), offers visitors many recreational opportunities. A large, shady picnic area offers 80 tables and 45 fireplace grills. There is a 600-foot-long sandy beach and swimming area, and a boat ramp is available for those who enjoy ca- noeing, sailing, and motorboating. The .75-mile-long Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is popular with hikers. Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers enjoy the old abandoned roads and the five acres of open field, which are also used for ball playing and other sporting activi- ties. The recreation area also has a change house, drinking water, and sanitary facilities. Fishing opportunities abound within the project. Surry Mountain Lake offers self- sustaining largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and bluegill. A section of the Ashuelot River that runs through project lands offers streamside fishing for state-stocked brook and rainbow trout. Ice fishing is permitted. There is in- season hunting and/or trapping for state-stocked pheasant, as well as deer, ruffed grouse, woodcock, wild turkey, raccoon, fox, fishercat, beaver, mink, and otter. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the panoramic view from atop the dam, which re- veals the wide U-shaped valley encompassing Surry Mountain Lake. The scenery is espe- cially spectacular during the foliage season. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project area, and several waterfowl species thrive in the shrub swamp at the upper end of the lake. The project's diverse habitat also supports many species of birds, including the broad-winged hawk, herring gull, osprey, kestrel, and songbirds. Whitetail deer and black bear have also been spotted utilizing their natural environment. The privately-owned Surry Mountain Campground lies on nonfederal land adjacent to the project area and offers 35 campsites. 70 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 Local Protection Projects Beaver Brook, Keene Cocheco River, Farmington Israel River, Lancaster Keene Lincoln Nashua Stony Brook, Wilton 73 Beaver Brook, Keene Location: The Beaver Brook Local Protection Project in Keene is located on Beaver Brook, a tributary of the Ashuelot River. It is about 42 miles west of Manchester. Purpose: The project reduces flood damages to residential, commercial, industrial, and pub- lic property along a 3.5-mile-long reach of Beaver Brook. This reach begins at Three-Mile Swamp and flows southerly for 2.5 miles before it enters Keene's business district in the heart of the city. Beaver Brook then flows for about one mile through the business district before joining The Branch, which then flows into the Ashuelot River immediately outside of the downtown area. History: Flooding along this 3.5-mile-long reach of Beaver Brook, particularly along the one mile of stream that passes through Keene's business district, has been a recurring prob- lem. The business district, from Water Street to Beaver Brook's confluence with the Ashuelot River, is home to much of the city's commerce and industry and some of Keene's oldest and more densely populated neighborhoods. Since 1927, floodwaters from Beaver Brook have caused extensive damage to this area. Four of the more damaging floods on Beaver Brook in the last 40 years occurred in November 1950, October 1959, April 1960, and December 1973. The worst flooding on record, the hurricane of September 1938, caused damages totalling $1.1 million along the Ashuelot River and its tributaries. Along Beaver Brook, these losses were estimated at $218,000 and included damage to 347 homes, 15 commercial firms, and 10 industrial plants. The Beaver Brook Local Protection Project was built between May-November 1986. Its construction dramatically demonstrates how a project can prevent damage during unexpected flooding. Only six months after it was completed at a cost of $2.7 million, the project prevented an estimated $1.6 million in flood damages during the heavy rains of April 1987. The project was built under Section 205 of the Continuing Authorities Program (small projects), and is operated and maintained by Keene. Description: Work on the project consisted of: -Replacing an existing 190-foot-long stone dam located at Three Mile Swamp with a 250-foot-long concrete dam and spillway. Three Mile Swamp is a natural flood storage wetland that is about six feet deep. The concrete dam and spillway is designed so that Three Mile Swamp will maintain its existing water level during non-flood periods and temporarily store floodwaters during periods of heavy rain- fall and/or snowmelt. When filled to capacity, floodwaters behind the dam would cover 106 acres, including lowlands that lie adjacent to Three Mile Swamp. The dam does not eliminate flooding on Beaver Brook; instead, it temporarily stores floodwaters in the natural flood storage retention area of Three Mile Swamp and the adjacent lowlands, preventing these floodwaters from racing downstream and posing threats to lives and property, especially in Keene's business district. -Constructing a stilling basin immediately downstream of the spillway. Water com- ing over the spillway at a swift rate hits the stilling basin, which dispels the water's energy and considerably slows its velocity. -Constructing two earthfill dikes totalling approximately 1285 feet. These dikes protect Route 10, situated adjacent to Three Mile Swamp, from flooding when the dam is storing floodwaters in the wetland. Dike A begins at the dam and runs par- allel to Route 10. It is approximately 1100 feet long, has a maximum height of 12 feet, and has stone slope protection. Dike B, which runs perpendicular to Route 10, is about 185 feet long and has a maximum height of eight feet. -Deepening and widening about 1750 feet of Beaver Brook channel between Water and Marlboro Streets in the heart of the city's business district. The channel was deepened to an average depth of seven feet and widened to a minimum width of 17 feet. The channel improvement increases the flow of Beaver Brook and helps keep the stream from overflowing its banks, especially during minor flooding. 74 Completed only in 1986, the Beaver Brook project in Keene has already prevented an estimated $1.6 million in flood damages. The project includes a 250-foot-long concrete dam across Three Mile Swamp (center) and a 1100-foot-long dike that runs parallel to Route 10 (left). -Constructing slope protection in the section of Beaver Brook between Water and Marlboro Streets. The slope protection consists of precast concrete paving blocks (gridblock), and was built on the lower four feet of each bank. Approximately 1480 feet of slope protection was built on the left bank, and approximately 1585 feet was constructed on the right bank. -Constructing an 80-foot-long retaining wall on the right bank of Beaver Brook, in the section between Water and Marlboro Streets. The wall consists of precast concrete blocks and has a maximum height of nine feet. Important to the project are city-built retaining walls, situated on both banks in the section of channel between Water and Marlboro Streets. These walls, constructed in pre- vious years to help control Beaver Brook flooding, act in conjunction with the Corps-built works to provide flood protection to Keene. On the left bank, the retaining walls consist of approximately 120 feet of granite block and about 150 feet of gabion; on the right bank, the retaining wall consists of approximately 85 feet of gabion. 75 Cocheco River, Farmington Location: The Cocheco River Local Protection Project in Farmington is located along the Cocheco River. Purpose: The entire project protects about 45 acres of industrial, commercial, and residential property in the center of Farmington. Since its completion, it has prevented an estimated $110,000 in flood damages. History: The limited channel capacity of the Cocheco River frequently caused the river to overflow, resulting in flood damage to the center of Farmington. The town suffered seri- ous flood damage in March 1936 and May 1954. This limited channel capacity was aggra- vated by periodic ice jams. Cakes of ice that had lodged against obstructions in the river, such as debris and several small wooded sand bars and islands, plagued Farmington for many years and was the cause of most of the area's flooding. To increase the channel capacity of the Cocheco River, the Corps built a project on the upper part of river between the Central Street Bridge and the South Main Street Bridge. The work, constructed as a small project under Section 205 of the Continuing Authorities Program, was completed between June-November 1956 and cost $87,500. The project was turned over to Farmington for operation and maintenance. In January 1957, however, ice cakes, flowing from the upper part of the Cocheco River between the Central Street and South Main Street Bridges to the lower part of the river, below the South Main Street Bridge, lodged in the vicinity of Dames Brook, located about 2000 feet below the South Main Street Bridge. The river overflowed and caused considerable flood damage to one of Farmington's major industrial employers. Town offi- cials, businessmen, and manufacturers, weary of the periodic ice jams that continually jeopardized their community, approached the Corps and emphasized the importance of a project that would extend to the lower part of the Cocheco River the same degree of pro- tection afforded to the upper river by the existing project. The Corps responded by con- structing a project on the lower river between June-November 1959 at a cost of $48,600. This work was also constructed as a small project under Section 205 of the Continuing Authorities Program, and was turned over to Farmington for operation and maintenance. Description: The entire project extends along a 7800-foot-long stretch of the Cocheco River. It begins at the Central Street Bridge and ends at a point 4700 feet downstream of the South Main Street Bridge. Work completed on the upper part of the river centered mostly on the approximately 3100 feet of river between the Central Street and South Main Street Bridges. It involved: -Constructing about 3000 feet of earthfill dike along the left bank of the river. The dike, constructed of materials excavated from the channel, begins at point about 200 feet downstream of the Central Street Bridge and ends at the South Main Street Bridge. -Constructing approximately 125 feet of concrete floodwall, 10-12 feet high, along the left bank of the river. The wall extends from the existing masonry wall at the Central Street Bridge to the beginning of the earthfill dike. -Constructing a concrete cap on the existing masonry wall to give the wall addi- tional height, thereby providing an extra measure of flood protection. -Enlarging and straightening about 3100 feet of the Cocheco River. -Straightening about 600 feet of the Mad River at its confluence with the Cocheco River. -Removing an abandoned wooden dam. -Clearing and snagging about 2000 feet of the Cocheco River. This work extended from the South Main Street Bridge to the mouth of Dames Brook. 76 The Cocheco River Local Protection Project extends along 7800feet of the Cocheco River and is divided into upper and lower halves by the South Main Street Bridge (center). This photo shows the entire project as it winds through Farmington. 77 Work completed on the lower part of the river, below the South Main Street Bridge, involved: -Widening and deepening about 4000 feet of the Cocheco River, beginning at the South Main Street Bridge and extending downstream. -Snagging and clearing an additional 700 feet of the Cocheco River, beginning at the point where the aforementioned widening and deepening ended. -Constructing 200 feet of earthfill dike with stone slope protection along the left bank, just downstream of the bridge. This dike was constructed of materials exca- vated from the channel. -Straightening and widening the lower end of Dames Brook, from the Elm Street Bridge to its confluence with the Cocheco River. Additional In the early 1960's, the project suffered significant flood damage. Consequently, the Information: Corps repaired and restored the project between September-December 1964. This work included widening and reshaping the channel; constructing stone slope protection at areas subject to severe erosion; and constructing a deflecting stone groin at the conflu- ence of the Mad and Cocheco Rivers. The work was completed as a small project under Section 205 of the Continuing Authorities Program and cost $47,000. In April 1984, heavy flooding significantly eroded two sections of the 3000-foot-long dike on the upper part of the river. Emergency repairs included placing stone slope pro- tection along these eroded areas and repairing a drain pipe. This work, constructed under the Corps' emergency repairs authority (Public Law 99 of the Flood Control Act of 1941), was accomplished between September-October 1985 and cost $137,000. The upper half of the project begins near the confluence of the Mad and Cocheco Rivers (top left) and involved constructing 3000 feet of dike along the left bank of the river, and enlarging and straightening about 3100feet of the river channel. 78 The lower half of the Cocheco River Local Protection Project included widening and deepening 4000feet of the river, beginning at the South Main Street Bridge (lower right). 79 Israel River, Lancaster Location: The Israel River Local Protection Project in Lancaster is located on the Israel River, about 93 miles north of Concord. The project is approximately 0.5-mile upstream of the Main Street Bridge, and approximately 1000 feet upstream of the covered bridge on Mechanic Street. The project was built at the site of a former wooden dam owned by the Twin State Gas and Electric Company. The Israel River flows into the Connecticut River about 1.5 miles downstream. Purpose: The project protects about 12 acres of commercial, industrial, and residential prop- erty in the center of Lancaster, including the Town Hall and police station, from flooding due to ice jams. Data on damages prevented are not available. History: The Israel River is a steep, mountainous stream that becomes relatively flat as it flows through Lancaster. During the winter, large amounts of ice form upstream and float downstream to the flatter reaches, where it adheres to the bottom of the channel, particu- larly in the area of the Main Street Bridge in the center of town. These ice jams reduce the channel depths and limit the flow capacity of the river, causing the river to overflow its banks and flood public and private property. Since 1895, Lancaster has suffered more than 20 ice jam floods, the most serious occurring in March 1968. In March 1970, the Corps constructed an emergency rock dike across the Israel River at a point immediately upstream from the mouth of Otter Brook. The purpose of the dike was to hold floating ice upstream until a permanent structure could be constructed. Construction of the present project began in May 1980 and was completed in Sep- tember 1981 at a cost of $552,000. It is a small project, built under Section 205 of the Corps Continuing Authorities Program. Description: The project consists of: -A 160-foot-long, six-foot-high weir, made of earth and rock. The weir impounds ice and prevents it from flowing downstream and lodging against the Main Street Bridge. It is protected by layers of gabion, which are steel wire mesh baskets filled with stone, and is covered with 3-5 inches of concrete, which protects the gabion wires from cutting and other damage caused by ice and debris. A sheet of steel constructed along the center of the weir helps prevent water from flowing through the structure. Four openings in the weir, each four feet wide, provide passage for migratory fish. These openings contain slots for wooden stoplogs, which are inserted in late fall to prevent water from passing through the weir and insure a winter pool of about 56 acres behind the weir. The stoplogs are removed in the spring. -A three-foot-deep stilling basin, lined with gabion, located immediately down- stream of the weir. Water coming through the weir at a high velocity hits the stilling basin, which dispels the water's energy and considerably slows its acceleration. -A 90-foot-long earthfill dike with stone slope protection, constructed in a low area adjacent to the weir's right abutment. The dike, with a maximum height of 10 feet, confines the river when the river is restricted by ice jamming at the weir. Because of the project's unique design, it is monitored by the Corps of Engineers to measure its effectiveness. 80 A 160-foot-long weir (top left) across the Israel River in Lancaster is designed to impound ice, reducing the threat of ice jams downstream. The project protects about 12 acres of commercial, industrial, and residential property. 81 Keene Location: The Keene Local Protection Project is located along the Ashuelot River in Keene and Swanzey. Purpose: The project increases the Ashuelot River's channel capacity, allowing the reservoir behind the dam at Surry Mountain Lake (page 70), located five miles upstream, to empty more rapidly. This increased channel capacity improves the river's flow conditions, which in turn reduces cellar flooding in Keene, improves the efficiency of drains and sewers in Keene during high water periods, and helps reduce flooding on farm fields situated along the river. Data on damages prevented are not available. History: Construction was accomplished between June-August 1954 at a cost of $44,100. The project is maintained by Keene. Description: The project involved snagging and clearing approximately 22,800 feet of the Ashuelot River, beginning at the railroad bridge in Keene and extending to the covered bridge at Swanzey Station in Swanzey. The work included removing trees, brush, and other debris in the river. The work also involved the excavation of two cutoff, or "short cut" channels. The Ashuelot River flows in a north-south direction. However, two sections of the river in Keene and Swanzey meandered back and forth in an east west direction for several thou- sand feet. The cutoff channels bypass these winding, roving sections of channel and provide a "short cut" route for the river, allowing it to flow in a north-south direction. Where once the river meandered east-west for a total of 5600 feet, the two cutoff chan- nels now permit the river to flow in a north-south direction for approximately 1800 feet. One cutoff channel is located in the vicinity of the mouth of the South Branch in Swanzey, and the second is 500 feet above the mouth of White Brook in Keene. 82 The Keene Local Protection Project involved the excavation of two "short cut" channels in the Ashuelot river that eliminated winding sections of stream. The sections of the Ashuelot River between the white arrows in the above photographs delineate the "short cut" channels. One cutoff channel is located in the vicinity of the mouth of the South Branch in Swanzey (left), and the other is 500feet above the mouth of White Brook in Keene. 83 Lincoln Location: The Lincoln Local Protection Project is located on the East Branch of the Pemige- wasset River in Lincoln, about 80 miles north of Concord. The East Branch joins with the Pemigewasset River about one mile downstream of the project. Purpose: The project provides flood protection along the right bank of the river in the vicinity of the Mill Shopping Mall, the site of a paper mill at the time the project was constructed. Data on damages prevented are not available. History: In October 1959, Lincoln and other communities in northern New England experi- enced severe flooding. A locally-built wooden crib dike on the East Branch of the Pemige- wasset River, which provided flood protection to the former paper mill, was seriously damaged by the flood. Although the paper mill did not suffer any flood damage, it was feared that additional flooding, however minor, might cause the dike to fail and leave the paper mill vulnerable to flood damage. Lincoln officials, fearful of losing what was at that time the town's major employer, asked the Corps to repair and restore the dike. The resto- ration and repair work took place between July-December 1960 and cost $140,000. The project is operated and maintained by Lincoln. Description: The project begins at a dam that was owned by the former paper mill and extends 1450 feet downstream along the west bank of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. Work included: -Restoring 1400 feet of existing dike. This dike begins at the dam's west abutment and extends 1450 feet downstream along the river's right bank. The restoration work included the placement of stone slope protection. -Constructing 230 feet of earthfill dike with stone slope protection. The dike begins at the dam's west abutment and extends northerly. -Excavating 1350 feet of channel. The October 1959 flood washed much of thb stone protection covering the dike into the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. The Corps removed these stones and boulders from the river, and those stones with a circumference larger than six inches became part of the stone slope protection constructed by the Corps on the restored dike. 84 OEM JOE 4-R VI uR I c [,Isr aeli b )(alTin iectvm A olcct, if a r,,d i pn M Kro I h 01 Poi i i a Ri,,,t r, in k vi I re vit, 1401) r1f '11) i 11 ill A, e )I I th f o hl A Ink v V( , W hw I 9 ult,,; e X 0 I m", o,j /Y50 Zvr h, I i m as Location: The Nashua L..ocal Protncltio Pro'ect is located at the confiuence of the Nashua and Merrimack Rivers in Nash!ua, about 18 mries south of NManchester Purpose: The project protects about 70 acres of industrial and residential property in the lower section of the city. It has prevented an estimated S172.000 in flood damages History: Nashua experienced serious flooding in both March 1936 and September 1938. In 1936, the lower section of the city was flooded to depths ranging from ten to 17 feet. caus- ing damage estimated at $1.9 million In 1938, this area was flooded to depths ranging from five to eight feet. Construction of the project began in June 1946 and was completed in May 1949 at a cost of $273,000 The project is operated and maintained by Nashua. Description: The project consists of -An earthfill dike approximately 3025 feet long with a maximum height of 16 feet. The dike starts at the Boston and Maine Railroad Bridge that spans the Nashua River and extends easterly along the river's right bank to the Merrimack River. The dike then continues southerly along the Merrimack River before ending at high ground south of Crown Street. The dike is continuous except for three sec- tions of concrete floodwall Stone slope protection was placed on the dike in areas where the river velocities are high. -Three sections of concrete floodwall totalling approximately 400 feet. One section of wall is on the right bank of the Nashua River, near its confluence with the Merri- mack River. The other two sections are on either side of the Hudson Bridge. along the right bank of the Merrimack River. -A pumping station, located adjacent to the Hudson Bridge. behind the dike The pumping station handles interior storm and sanitary drainage from an area of 615 acres within the city This drainage is carried through a conduit and is discharged into the Merrimack River -A second earthfill dike approximately 400 feet long with a maximum height of five feet. This dike, located approximately 600 feet south of the 3025-foot-long dike's southern end, is situated several hundred feet inland from the Merrimack River. It lies perpendicular to the river, across Cinder Road. 86 One of the features of the Nashua Local Protection Project is a 3025-foot-long dike that helps protect 70 acres of industrial and residential property,. The dike starts along the right bank of the Nashua River (top left). After the Nashua River joins the Merrimack River, the dike continues along the Merrimack River before ending several hundred feet past Route III (center). While much of the dike is hidden under brush, a section of dike with stone slope protection can be seen between the north and south overpasses of Route 11]. The structure behind this section of dike is the pumping station. 87 Stony Brook, Wilton Location: The Stony Brook Local Protection Project in Wilton is located on Stony Brook, near its confluence with the Souhegan River. It is about 18 miles northwest of Nashua. Purpose: The project reduces ice jam flooding on Stony Brook, safeguarding residential, com- mercial, and industrial properties in Wilton's downtown area. Data on damages prevented are not available.4 History: Stony Brook was prone to flooding from heavy rainfall, which caused serious flood damage in September 1938, June 1944, and October 1955. However, most flooding on Stony Brook was caused by ice jams. In late winter and early spring, ice floating down- stream on Stony Brook would lodge against obstructions in the stream, limiting its flow capacity. These obstructions included several boulders, shoals, and logs that supported a thick growth of brush; soil that had sloughed off the east bank; and masonry blocks that had fallen from adjacent walls. The ice jams caused Stony Brook to overflow its east bank, flooding residential and commercial properties. Ice jams caused serious flooding in March 1936, March 1968, January 1969, and January 1970. Following the flood of January 1970, which caused record damages, town officials contacted the Corps and requested assistance to protect property that was vulnerable to ice jam flooding. The Corps started and completed the project in November 1971 at a cost $19,500. It is a small project, built under Section 208 of the Continuing Authorities Program, and is maintained by Wilton. Description: The project involved snagging and clearing trees, brush, boulders, logs, and other debris from a 1000-foot-reach of Stony Brook. The project begins near the northerly of two dams on Stony Brook and extends 1000 feet downstream, ending about 600 feet above the intersection of Highland and Main Streets. The removal of this debris restored the channel to its original width of 65 feet. The gravel and soil removed from Stony Brook was placed on the east bank. The Corps snagged and cleared a 1000-foot-long stretch (between the arrows) of Stony Brook to reduce flood damages caused by ice jams. 89 Navigation The Corps has completed 10 navigation projects in in today's rivers and harbors has been constructed by New Hampshire that have improved rivers, harbors, and the Corps within the past 50 years, costing an aggregate lakes used by commercial interests, fishermen, and the $6.65 million. (More information on the navigational role many recreational boaters that benefit from New Hamp- of the Corps is available on page 22). shire's coastal and inland waterways. The following pages describe the Corps' navigation Initial work on some of the projects dates back to projects in New Hampshire. Depths given for channels the 19th century. However, most of the navigational work and anchorages are those at low tide. The project at Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia consists of a navigable passageway through Weirs Channel (center). Weirs Channel connects Meredith Bay (bottom) with Paugus Bay (top). 90 Navigation Projects in New Hampshire Bellamy River Cocheco River Exeter River Hampton Harbor Isles of Shoals Harbor Lake Winnipesaukee Lamprey River Little Harbor Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Rye Harbor The entrance to the Bellamy River, which flows through Newington and Dover. ]Bellamy River This project, completed in 1906, consists of a three- mile channel, seven feet deep and 60-75 feet wide The Bellamy River flows through Dover into Little (7.5 feet deep and 50 feet wide in areas where rock was Bay, which connects Great Bay to the southwest with the encountered), extending up the Cocheco River from its Piscataqua River to the east, in Newington. The river confluence with the Salmon Falls River to Dover's Upper today is used only by recreational boaters. Narrows area, located near the town center. The project In the latter part of the 19th and early 20th century, was built to facilitate shipping, which at that time con- the Bellamy River was used as a shipping channel be- sisted chiefly of coal and building materials. However, no tween Great Bay and Sawyer's Mill in Dover, with brick commercial navigation has been reported on the river for being the principal commodity. Completed in 1896 to many years. accommodate commercial navigation, the project con- sists of a four-mile-long channel, five feet deep and 50 feet wide, extending from Little Bay to Sawyer's Mill, near the Route 108 Bridge. The project lies on the west side of Exeter River Dover Point. No shipping has been reported on the river for The Exeter River originates in Chester and follows many years. a meandering course eastward for 43 miles before emp- tying into Great Bay in Newmarket, near the mouth of the Lamprey River and about eight miles southwest of Ports- mouth. The Corps' project is on the lower 8.3 miles of the Exeter River, known locally as the Squamscott River, Cocheco River which flows through Exeter, Newfields, Stratham, and Newmarket. Used mostly by small recreational craft, The Cocheco River flows for 34 miles in a south- boating activity today is limited primarily to the river's easterly direction and joins with the Salmon Falls River in lower two miles. Dover to form the Piscataqua River. The Cocheco River The Corps began work on the Exeter River in 1882 is located about nine miles northwest of Portsmouth and to facilitate the shipment of coal from Great Bay to Exe- serves small recreational and fishing vessels. ter. This work consisted of constructing an 8.3-mile-long 92 The Cocheco River (left) joins with the Salmon Falls River (right) in Dover to form the Piscataqua River. The entrance to the Exeter River in Newmarket. 93 channel, 40 feet wide, extending from Great Bay to the and Hampton Beaches and forms the mouth of the upper wharves at Exeter, in the vicinity of what is now the Hampton River. A small lobstering fleet, charter fishing Phillips Exeter Academy Boathouse. For the channel's boats, and numerous recreational craft are based in the first 5.6 miles, from Great Bay to Oxbow Cut, the channel harbor. is six feet deep. From Oxbow Cut to the upper wharves at The project, completed in 1965, involved: Exeter, the channel was constructed to a depth of five -Constructing a 0.7-mile-long channel, eight feet feet. In 1903, this latter section of channel, from Oxbow deep and 150 feet wide, extending from the ocean Cut to the upper wharves at Exeter, was deepened to 5.5 through the entrance to the harbor. Material dredged feet, and a five-foot-deep turning basin, 200 feet long from the channel was placed at the northern end of and 110 feet wide, was constructed at the upper wharves Hampton Beach in conjunction with the Corps' beach in Exeter. replenishment project (page 102). In 1911, the Corps modified the project by straight- -Extending and raising existing state-built stone ening the channel at the Stratham Bridge (Route 108). jetties on each side of the entrance to the harbor. The existing 1300-foot-long north jetty was extended another 1100 feet, and the outer 300 feet of the existing 1000- Hampton Harbor foot-long south jetty was raised. A walking surface was HamtonHarbor constructed on the top of the north jetty extension for Hampton Harbor in Hampton is situated behind fishing. Seabrook Beach and Hampton Beach, about 1.5 miles Work at Hampton Harbor was constructed as a north of the New Hampshire-Massachusetts state line. small project under Section 107 of the Continuing Au- The entrance to Hampton Harbor separates Seabrook thorities Program. The entrance to Hampton Harbor separates Seabrook (left) and Hampton Beaches. The Corps constructed a channel through the entrance and extended and raised the stone jetties on either side. 94 The three breakwaters at the Isles of Shoals form Gosport Harbor, in the center of the photo. The first breakwater connects Malaga Island, the small island at the far right, with the much larger Smuttynose Island; a second breakwater extends from Smuttynose Island across to Cedar Island (middle of photo); and the third breakwater connects Cedar Island with Star Island. breakwater, 530 feet long, between Cedar and Star Islands. The breakwaters provide vessels with a safe Discovered by Captain John Smith in 1614, the refuge in Gosport Harbor. Isles of Shoals are a three-mile-long cluster of eight rocky islands and ledges located off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. Bisected by the boundary line of Rye, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine, the Isles of Lake Winnipesaukee Shoals are about five miles east of Rye Harbor. Four of the islands-Star, Cedar, Smuttynose, and Malaga-are Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire is a situated such that they afford a small harbor, known as renowned summer resort and boating center situated Gosport Harbor. This harbor, 32 acres in area, is used by about 30 miles northeast of Concord. The 72-square- commercial and charter fishing boats and recreational mile lake, the largest in the state, has a maximum length vessels, as well as excursion boats from Portsmouth. It is of approximately 20 miles and a maximum width of about also used by the U.S. Coast Guard out of Portsmouth eight miles. The western end of the lake, known as Mere- during search and rescue operations. The Isles of dith Bay, discharges into the 3000-foot-long Weirs Chan- Shoals are popular for summer conferences and are nel, which leads into Paugus Bay, known locally as Long home to a marine biology center operated by Cornell Bay (Paugus Bay forms the head of the Winnipesaukee University. River). Located in Laconia, Weirs Channel is used princi- Work in the Isles of Shoals began as early as 1821, pally by mail boats, passenger boats, and numerous when private interests constructed a stone breakwater recreational craft. between Malaga and Smuttynose Islands. In 1904, the The project, completed in 1882, involved construct- Corps repaired and strengthened the breakwater to a ing a navigable passageway through Weirs Channel so length of 240 feet and constructed a second stone break- that boats could travel safely from Paugus Bay to Mere- water, 700 feet long, between Smuttynose and Cedar dith Bay. Weirs Channel was dredged to a depth of five Islands. In 1913, the Corps repaired and strengthened feet and a width of 50 feet, and obstructing shoals were the existing breakwaters and constructed a third stone removed. 95 The entrance to the Lamprey River in Newmarket. Lamprey River 1 B), leads into the southerly end of Portsmouth Harbor. Little Harbor is used today mostly as an access route for The Lamprey River flows easterly for 42 miles and recreational and fishing boats and other small craft empties into Great Bay in Newmarket, about eight miles based at Sagamore Creek, a popular boating center west of Portsmouth. A small recreational fleet is based situated immediately northwest of the harbor. Small near the mouth of the river. boats also use Little Harbor as a refuge. During the 1880s, Newmarket required 5000 tons of Commercial sailing schooners operating along the coal annually to heat large manufacturing plants, several coast at the turn of the century needed a safe harbor of commercial establishments, and residential areas. Other refuge as they waited for moderate tides in Portsmouth commodities shipped to the town, including salt, iron, Harbor. At that time, Little Harbor was too shallow to and cement, amounted to between 7-8000 tons annu- accommodate these schooners. The Corps began work ally. Completed in 1883 to accommodate commercial in Little Harbor in 1887 and, after several modifications, shipping, the project consists of a 2.5-mile-long channel, completed the project in 1903. The project consists of: five feet deep, extending from Great Bay to the vicinity of -Two stone breakwaters, one on each side of the the Route 108 Bridge in Newmarket. The first two miles harbor entrance. The north breakwater, off Jaffrey Point of the channel, from Great Bay to the Lower Narrows, is in New Castle, is 550 feet long. The south breakwater, off 100 feet wide, and the channel's last 0.5 mile, from the Frost Point in Rye, is 900 feet long. The breakwaters Lower Narrows to the vicinity of the Route 108 Bridge in were completed in 1894. Newmarket, is 40 feet wide. -A 3000-foot-long entrance channel, 12 feet deep No shipping has been reported on the Lamprey and 100 feet wide, extending through the harbor to the River for many years. vicinity of the Bascule Bridge (Route 1 B). -A 12-foot-deep anchorage basin, 700 feet long and 300 feet wide (about 40 acres in area), lying immedi- Little Harbor ately south of the entrance channel. The commercial sailing schooners for which the Little Harbor is situated between the island of New project was designed were phased out of existence in Castle to the north and Rye to the south. The harbor's the late 1920s. northwesterly end, located at the Bascule Bridge (Route 96 Portsmouth Harbor and the Isles of Shoals (page 95) situated nine miles offshore, and local and transient boats based at or visiting the Piscataqua River nearly 20 boating facilities in the area. Formed by the confluence of the Salmon Falls and Initial work in Portsmouth Harbor began in 1881. It Cocheco Rivers, the Piscataqua River originates at the consisted of: boundary of Dover, New Hampshire and Eliot, Maine, * Constructing a 1000-foot-long breakwater be- and flows southeasterly for 13 miles to Portsmouth Har- tween New Castle and Goat Islands. The break- bor, comprising a partial border between the two states. water, completed in 1881, now serves as a The last 8.8.miles of the Piscataqua River constitute causeway for an access road to New Castle. Portsmouth Harbor, which stretches across New Castle, * Removing two ledge areas in the middle of the Portsmouth, and Newington, and the Maine communi- harbor. One area, Gangway Rock, was opposite ties of Kittery and Eliot. the western end of the Portsmouth Naval Ship- Located about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Ports- yard, on the New Hampshire side of the channel. mouth Harbor is the sole deep draft harbor in New Removal of this ledge to a depth of 20 feet began Hampshire. It handles about 3.5 million tons of shipping in 1881 and was completed in 1888. The second a year for New Hampshire, eastern Vermont, and south- area was about 0.6 mile upstream, near the ern Maine. Items include petroleum products, iron and southwestern end of Badgers Island, on the steel scrap, salt, limestone, and fish products. The har- Maine side of the channel. Removal of this ledge bor is used by submarines from the Portsmouth Naval to a depth of 18 feet began in 1881 and was com- Shipyard in Kittery and for fuel deliveries to Pease Air pleted in 1891. Force Base in Newington. Portsmouth Harbor is also used extensively by a large lobstering fleet, charter fish- The Corps has more recently completed two proj- ing vessels, commercial fishermen, excursion boats to ects in Portsmouth Harbor constructed at separate The project at Little Harbor, situated between New Castle and Rye, included the construction of a breakwater off Frost Point (right); a breakwater off Jaffrey Point (left of the Frost Point breakwater); and an entrance channel leading up to the Bascule Bridge (bottom). 97 times. The first project, approved by Congress and corn- This work, constructed as a small project under Section pleted in 1966, consists of: 107 of the Continuing Authorities Program, consists of: � A 6.2-mile-long channel, 35 feet deep and gener- � A 0.4-mile-long main channel extending from ally 400-600 feet wide, extending northwesterly Little Harbor, located immediately south of Ports- from deep water between New Castle and mouth Harbor between New Castle and Rye, Seavey Islands (approximately 2.6 miles from the through the Bascule Bridge (Route 1 B), then west mouth of the Piscataqua River) to a turning basin to the mouth of Sagamore Creek. The channel is located about 1700 feet past the Atlantic Terminal six feet deep and 100 feet wide. At Sagamore Sales dock in Newington. The bends were wid- Creek, the channel forks into northern and west- ened to approximately 700 feet by removing erly channels, described below. ledge at Henderson Point, Gangway Rock, Badg- � A 75-foot-wide northerly channel, six feet deep, ers Island, the U.S. Route 95 Bridge, and Boiling extending 0.7 mile between Leachs Island and Rock (The small shoal at the U.S. Route 95 Portsmouth to deep water south of the bridge Bridge was removed in 1969). connecting Shapleigh and Goat Islands. � Two 35-foot-deep turning basins. The first turning � A 75-foot-wide westerly channel, six feet deep, basin is located above Boiling Rock and is 950 extending 0.9 mile up Sagamore Creek to the feet long. The second is situated at the end of the public landing at the Sagamore Avenue Bridge in aforementioned 6.2-mile-long channel in Newing- Rye. A six-foot-deep anchorage, three acres in ton and is 850 feet long. area, was constructed at the upper end of the The Corps completed a second project in 1971 that channel. serves a large recreational and small lobstering fleet The swift currents of the Piscataqua River make based in the area of Sagamore Creek, a popular boating Portsmouth Harbor one of the fastest flowing commercial center located at the southerly end of Portsmouth Harbor. port waterways in the northeastern United States. Along Portsmouth Harbor. The 6.2-mile-long channel, 35feet deep and generally 400feet wide, was widened by removing ledge in its bends, including one at Badgers Island, just left of center in the photo. 98 Rye Harbor with a twisting channel that features sharp bends, inade- Rye- Harbor quate turning basins, constricted areas, narrow lift bridges, and submerged ledges, these fast currents Rye Harbor in Rye is located about five miles south make navigation in Portsmouth Harbor increasingly diffi- of Portsmouth Harbor. Roughly rectangular in shape, cult, especially for vessels approaching 700 feet in Rye Harbor is about 2000 feet long, 900 feet wide, and length. With petroleum representing over 60 percent of 39 acres in area. It is used by lobstering and fishing the port's commerce, ani accident involving a petroleum fleets, charter boats, and recreational craft. carrier could result in an oil spill with catastrophic envi- In 1941, the state built an eight-foot-deep anchorage, ronmental and economic consequences. In recent years, about 10 acres in area, at the head of the harbor. The the amount of waterborne commerce handled by Ports- Corps project was completed in 1962 and consists of: mouth Harbor has increased, and the harbor is expected *A20-otln hne,10fe ie xed to play a continuing and significant role in the region's A n 230fromtheo ochann 100 feet headoftehro, extnd- economy. However, unless the harbor is improved to i n g diamthel oentortheha of the starebuitacorage The accommodate more and larger vessels and made safer canli 0fe epfrisfrt60fete for deep-draft navigation, it will not remain competitive. bchanel s eigh feet deep for it17is 00 feet, to hen At the request of Congress, the Corps studied the b eoeihtfetadee for70feet thehabr harbor's dangerous navigable conditions and designed a * A six-foot-deep anchorage, five acres in area, on plan that addresses the problem. This plan includes tenrhsd ftecanl widening the section of channel between the two vertical *Aeihothdee anorage five acre the cannea, lift bridges from 600 to 1000 feet; widening the northern o n teigs-outh-sdee acofae five cacrsnnael. limit of the channel adjacent to Badgers Island by 100ontesuhidofhecael fee; ad wdenng he outernlimit of the channel at * The repair and restoration of two existing state- Goat; Isand fromning tohesouether built breakwaters situated on each side of the ThsGorauthoizead byo the WteRsources De-t harbor entrance. The north breakwater is 540 feet vlpethist wofrk,6an approvied by Ch ae eongrcess De- long, and the south breakwater is 530 feet long. scedlpent Atof begind aprvdiyCnges 19 8 9 The breakwaters were constructed in 1939. scheduled to begin in 1989. ~~~* The removal of two small ledge areas (This work was done in 1964). 99 Shore and Bank Protection Of the five New England states with a coastline on protection projects in New Hampshire to stem erosion of the Atlantic Ocean, New Hampshire's 40-mile coast is the shoreline and riverbanks. Two of these projects were the shortest. About 28 miles of coastline are privately built to protect the shoreline and four were constructed to owned, 10 miles are owned by state and local govern- strengthen inland streambanks. Total construction costs ment, and two miles are owned by the federal govern- amount to $1.5 million. ment. The state has approximately 4075 miles of rivers The following pages describe the Corps' shore and and streams, the lowest number in New England next to bank protection projects in New Hampshire. (More informa- Rhode Island's 724. tion on shore and bank protection is available on page 25). The Corps has constructed six shore and bank 40~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~, The shore can take a beating from storm driven winds and waves. In September 1961, Hurricane Esther raised havoc with Rhode Island's Narragansett Pier, slamming waves against the seawall and flooding adjacent streets. (Copyright 1961 The Providence Journal Company). 100 Shore and Bank Protection Projects in New Hampshire Charlestown Hampton Beach North Stratford Shelburne Wallis Sands State Beach West Stewartstown 101 Hampton Beach Hampton Beach in Hampton is one of the most popular public beaches in New England. It is approxi- mately 12 miles south of Portsmouth and 1.5 miles north of the New Hampshire-Massachusetts state line. The Corps first completed work at Hampton Beach in 1955 when 6450 feet of beach was restored and wid- ened by the direct placement of sand. The work begins at Haverhill Street and heads north along the shoreline. The first 5200 feet were widened to a general width of 150 feet, and the last 1250 feet of beach were widened to 175 feet. The cost of this work was $374,300. In 1965, the Corps completed additional work at Hampton Beach. The northern 2200 feet of beach was replenished, and a 190-foot-long stone groin was con- structed. The beach nourishment starts in the vicinity of Church Street and continues northward, and consists of sand obtained from the dredging of the channel at Hampton Harbor (page 94). This additional work cost $272,200. The beach was seriously damaged by a storm in / February 1972, when much of the New Hampshire coast- line was declared a National Disaster Area. The Corps completed a restoration of the beach in September 1973 at a cost of $415,000. The 1300 feet of stone slope protection along the Connecticut North Stratford River in Charlestown protects the town's wastewater treatment This project, located in the North Stratford section facility (center). of Stratford, is situated along the left bank of the Con- necticut River, adjacent to the Bloomfield (Vermont)- North Stratford Bridge on Route 105 and the town's fire station. The project is about 20 miles south of the Cana- Charlestown dian border. North Stratford suffered serious flooding from ice The project in Charlestown is located along the jams in 1964,1970, and 1973. In March 1979, an ice jam Connecticut River, which comprises the New Hampshire- caused record flooding, washing away 2000 feet of the Vermont border. Charlestown is about 25 miles north of Canadian National Railroad, destroying 27 homes, and Keene. causing damages estimated at $3.5 million. These flood- A section of the Connecticut River's left bank, near waters significantly undercut a section of the Connecti- Charlestown's wastewater treatment facility, was eroding cut River's left bank where the fire station is located, at the rate of 8-10 feet a year, posing a threat to the posing an immediate threat to the facility. This section of plant's stability. This section of the river is part of a pool the left bank, situated at a bend in the river, is subject to used by the New England Power Company's hydroelec- ice flow abrasion and had eroded considerably since the tric power plant in Bellows Falls, Vermont, located about fire station was constructed two years previously. The seven miles downstream. The erosion of the river's left fire station also housed the town library and selectman's bank was caused by the river's high velocity during flood office. periods, and also its oscillating water levels, which fluc- To stem further erosion and safeguard the fire sta- tuated relative to the amount of electricity being gener- tion, the Corps built 300 feet of stone slope protection ated at the plant. along the riverbank. Constructed between October- To stem the erosion and protect the wastewater December 1981, the work cost $180,000. It is a small treatment facility, the Corps constructed 1300 feet of project, built under Section 14 of the Continuing stone slope protection along the east bank. The project Authorities Program. was built between October 1974 and January 1975 at a cost of $113,000. It is a small project, constructed under Section 14 of the Continuing Authorities Program. 102 Hampton Beach Shelburne ~~~~~~~~~~~bank, resulting in considerable erosion of the bank and Shelburne ~~~~~~~~~~~the undermining of a bridge pier, which threatened the The project in Shelburne is located along the An- bridge's stability. droscoggin River at the Easterly Bridge, which provides The project involved placing 200 feet of stone slope access to the town's Hark Hill section. Shelburne lies on protection along the left riverbank to stabilize the bank the New Hampshire-Maine border, about 95 miles north and protect the endangered pier. The stone slope protec- of Portsmouth. tion was constructed upstream and downstream of the The accumulation of silt and gravel along the right Easterly Bridge and around the pier. Work took place bank of the river at the Easterly Bridge narrowed the between May-August 1977 at a cost of $37,700. It is a river's width from approximately 400 feet to 250 feet. The small project, built under Section 14 of the Continuing restricted channel diverted the flow of the river to the left Authorities Program. - bout 300 feet of stone slope protection along the , Connecticut River in North Strat ford protect afire station ththad been threatened by erosion. 103 Severe erosion along the bank of the Androscoggin River at the Easterly Bridge in Shelburne had seriously undermined a bridge pier. The Corps responded by constructing 200feet of stone slope protection upstream and downstream of the Bridge and around the pier. Wallis Sands State Beach Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye is about five miles south of Portsmouth and about nine miles northeast of the New Hampshire-Massachusetts state line. The project involved widening the northernmost 800 feet of the beach to a general width of 150 feet by the direct placement of sand, and constructing a 350-foot- long stone groin at the beach widening's southern limit. The work was completed in 1963 at a cost of $501,000. The beach and groin were seriously damaged by a storm in February 1972, when much of the New Hamp- shire coastline was declared a National Disaster Area. The Corps completed a restoration of the beach in Sep- tember 1973 at a cost of $95,000. Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye. 104 Two sections of earthfill dike totalling 657feet help protect the farmlands of Coos County Institution in West Stewartstown from high velocity flooding and soil erosion. The Corps-built sections of dike replace segments ofprivately-built dike weakened during heavyflooding in 1973 and 1974. Pictured above is the 500-foot-long northerly dike segment at a bend in the Connecticut River. West Stewartstown a new course through the farmlands. To protect the farm fields and crops, the Corps con- This project, located in the West Stewartstown sec- structed a total of 657 feet of earthfill dike with stone tion of Stewartstown, is situated along the Connecticut slope protection in two places along the left bank of the River in the northwest corner of the state, near New Connecticut River. The work replaces the section of dike Hampshire's border with Canada and Vermont. It is that was breached and provides additional protection to about 150 miles north of Concord. the existing dike. The northerly dike work is 500 feet long, Three severe floods within a 13-month span caused and the southerly dike work is 157 feet long. Although the serious crop damage at the farm division of Coos County project will not prevent overbank flooding, it will protect Institution in West Stewartstown. In addition to a farm, the farmlands from high velocity flooding and prevent this 1100-acre facility, established in 1867, includes a jail further soil erosion and subsequent deposition down- and nursing home. In June 1973, 200 feet of a privately- stream. built earthfill dike was breached, resulting in high veloc- The project was constructed between November- ity floodwaters racing across the low-lying farm fields. December 1975 at a cost of $54,700. It is a small project, About 60 acres of crops were flooded to an average constructed under Section 14 of the Continuing Authori- depth of one to two feet, substantially eroding the topsoil. ties Program. In December 1973 and in July 1974, the farm again expe- rienced severe flooding, with the river trying to establish 105 Studies 107 Studies Before taking measures to resolve a water re- dential properties, roads, bridges, and agricultural lands sources problem, the Corps will study the affected area situated along the Mascoma River. The Corps studied to determine if a project is feasible. The study examines structural and nonstructural ways to solve the potential a wide range of potential solutions based on their eco- flooding in eight communities within the river's 194- nomic and engineering practicality, acceptability, and square-mile drainage area, with the more serious flood impact on the environment. problem areas located in Canaan, Enfield, and the Mahan Listed below are areas in New Hampshire where Flats and Riverdale sections of Lebanon. the Corps has examined (since 1981) the feasibility of Upon conclusion of the study, it was found that building major projects for flood damage reduction, navi- Corps involvement was not economically justified. gation, or shore and bank protection purposes. Saco River Flood Damage Reduction The Saco River begins at the outlet of Saco Lake in Androscoggin River Basin the community of Hart's Location, located in New Hamp- shire's Crawford Notch area. The river follows a south- At the request of Congress, the Corps is studying easterly course for 125 miles and empties into the structural and nonstructural ways to reduce flood dam- Atlantic Ocean at a point between Maine's twin coastal ages in the Androscoggin River Basin (page 49). Floods cities of Biddeford and Saco. usually occur in the spring from heavy rain combined The Saco River is subject to frequent flooding, with melting snow and the breakup of ice. Properties in which damages commercial and residential properties the basin sustained extensive damages estimated be- along its riverbanks. In only the past 10 years, four major tween $12-25 million during the flood of April 1987. While floods have occurred along the river, including the flood the study's emphasis will be on flood problem areas, of April 1987 which caused damages to public property other related water problems and needs will also be ex- estimated at $2 million. At the request of Congress, the Corps is presently identifying flood problem areas on the river, with an em- phasis on developing structural and nonstructural plans that would reduce the potential of future flood losses. Ashuelot River Although the study's major emphasis will be on flood problem areas, other related water problems and needs The 64-mile-long Ashuelot River rises at North will also be examined. Pond in Washington and flows in a generally southwest- erly direction through several towns, including Gilsum, Keene, and Winchester, before flowing into the Connecti- cut River in Hinsdale. In late May and early June 1984, flooding from the Spicket River Ashuelot River caused extensive damage to several The Spicket River rises at Big Island Pond in Derry residential and commercial properties in Swanzey, Win- and flows in a southerly direction for about 16.5 miles, chester, Hinsdale, and particularly Keene. The Corps through Salem and the adjacent downstream Massachu- studied structural and nonstructural ways to alleviate setts communities of Methe and Lawrence, before potential flooding in these and 16 other southwestern entering the Merrimack River in Lawrence, communities within the river's 421-square-mile drainage entering the heavy rains of April 1987 caused commercial area. However, it was found that Corps involvement was and residential flood losses in these communities from not economically justified. Spicket River flooding. Flood damage areas in Salem include the Haigh Avenue area, which is situated be- tween the confluence of the Spicket River and Policy Brook, and the southern end of Route 28. Mascoma River After studying ways to reduce flood damages in these communities, the Corps concluded that it was Located in west central New Hampshire, the Mas- economically feasible to floodproof 30 residences along coma River rises in Dorchester and flows for 34 miles Haigh Avenue in Salem. The Corps also concluded that before entering the Connecticut River in Lebanon. flood protection measures for Methuen and Lawrence In late May and early June 1984, a severe storm were not economically justifiable at this time. resulted in heavy flood losses to commercial and resi- 108 Winnipesaukee River Winnipesaukee is filled in the spring and drawn down in Flooddamags oftn occr to ropery frotingthe fall (this is done by the state), and constructing chan- FLoo akaes Winniensocuke and property siuaedaontig t enel modifications along the river. The channel modifica- banksfte Winnipesaukee Rieadrng proertsioutds aongth tions, which include altering a bridge, deepening a heanks ofrtecWipniteauketion. During meinorads mod e aefl od channel, removing a dam, and floodproofing residences, igtheav preiptation.lDuringminoff cand eitherate stored- i will increase the river's flow and allow for greater dis- LkWinngeaue, thettlvlueae ofruoff cnetherb staeopraed incharges from Lakeport Dam during major flooding. The Lakepr DaminLcnipeaukeebrderesedfo the stake,-oprabth. modifications would be constructed in the communities However, during periods of severe flooding, the available o fFrnk1l87, Titon, Northfeciveld, approvalcfomnitWa.h storage in Lake Winnipesaukee and the amount of waterI n 18,teCrsecidapovlfmisWsh released from Lakeport Dam are too limited to handle the ington, D.C. headquarters to proceed with plans and exces runff. t Lak Winipesukeemajo flodingspecifications for the estimated $5.5 million project. rxesuls inrisnoff watLaer Winnielsaue, which floodilkerng rp However, that effort was deferred until the end of the ertesult If thesen flowaters areves whischare through Lakefotpp- 1989 Legislative session because local funding (over $4 port Dam, the channel capacity of the Winnipesaukeemilo)frtepjctwsntnludinhe18sae River would be exceeded and riverfront properties would budget. During the 1989 Legislative session, the New be subject to flood damage. Hampshire State Senate voted against providing local A plan to reduce the risk and severity of flood dam - funding to construct the project. Consequently, the age has been developed by the Corps of Engineers. The Corps terminated its involvement with the project. proposl invlves ajustig theschedue whe Lake(More information on the existing navigation project propsal nvoves djusingthe chedle hen akeat Lake Winnipesaukee can be found on page 95). 109 Appendix ill Communities with Corps Projects The communities listed below have either Corps' Damage Reduction, Navigation, or Shore and Bank Pro- lands or Corps-built projects lying within their borders. tection), and the page number in this booklet where the The listing indicates the project name, its purpose (Flood project is described. Community Project Name Page No. Bristol Franklin Falls Dam (Flood Damage Reduction) ..............58 Charlestown Charlestown (Shore and Bank Protection)................102 Dover Bellamy River (Navigation)......................92 Cocheco River (Navigation)......................92 Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River (Navigation) ...........97 Dublin Edward MacDowell Lake (Flood Damage Reduction)............56 Dunbarton Hopkinton/Everett Lakes (Flood Damage Reduction)............60 Eliot, Maine Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River (Navigation) ...........97 Exeter Exeter River (Navigation).......................92 Farmington Cocheco River Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction)......76 Franklin Franklin Falls Dam (Flood Damage Reduction) ..............58 Hampton Hampton Beach (Shore and Bank Protection)...............102 Hampton Harbor (Navigation).....................94 Hancock Edward MacDowell Lake (Flood Damage Reduction)............56 Harrisville Edward MacDowell Lake (Flood Damage Reduction)............56 Henniker Hopkinton/Everett Lakes (Flood Damage Reduction)............60 Hill Franklin Falls Dam (Flood Damage Reduction) ..............58 Hopkinton Hopkinton/Everett Lakes (Flood Damage Reduction)............60 Keene Beaver Brook Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction) ......74 Keene Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction) .........82 Otter Brook Lake (Flood Damage Reduction)...............68 Kittery, Maine Isles of Shoals Harbor (Navigation)...................95 Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River (Navigation) ...........97 112 Community Project Name Page No. Laconia Lake Winnipesaukee (Navigation) ...................95 Lancaster Israel River Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction) .......80 Lincoln Lincoln Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction).........84 Nashua Nashua Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction).........86 New Castle Little Harbor (Navigation).......................96 Portsmouth Harboi, and Piscataqua River (Navigation) ...........97 New Hampton Franklin Falls Dam (Flood Damage Reduction) ..............58 Newfields Exeter River (Navigation).......................92 Newington Bellamy River (Navigation)......................92 Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River (Navigation) ...........97 Newmarket Exeter River (Navigation).......................92 Lamprey River (Navigation)......................96 Peterbo rough Edward MacDowell Lake (Flood Damage Reduction)............56 Portsmouth Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River (Navigation) ...........97 Roxbury Otter Brook Lake (Flood Damage Reduction)...............68 Rye Isles of Shoals Harbor (Navigation)...................95 Little Harbor (Navigation).......................96 Rye Harbor (Navigation).......................99 Wallis Sands State Beach (Shore and Bank Protection)...........104 Salisbury Blackwater Dam (Flood Damage Reduction)...............54 Sanbornton Franklin Falls Dam (Flood Damage Reduction) ..............58 Shelburne Shelburne (Shore and Bank Protection).................103 Stewartstown West Stewartstown (Shore and Bank Protection) .............105 Stratford North Stratford (Shore and Bank Protection) ...............102 Stratham Exeter River (Navigation).......................92 Surry Surry Mountain Lake (Flood Damage Reduction) .............70 Swanzey Keene Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction) .........82 Weare Hopkinton/Everett Lakes (Flood Damage Reduction)............60 Webster Blackwater Dam (Flood Damage Reduction)...............54 Wilton Stony Brook Local Protection Project (Flood Damage Reduction).......88 113 Glossary Anchorage-an area dredged to a certain depth to allow Floodwalls-reinforced concrete walls that act as barri- boats and ships to moor or anchor. ers against floodwaters and confine them to the Bedrock-rock of relatively great thickness lying in its river channel, protecting floodprone areas. Flood- native location. walls are usually built in areas with a limited Breakwaters-structures, usually built offshore, that amount of space. protect the shoreline, harbor, channels, and an- Gabion Wall-a retaining wall constructed of stone-filled chorages by intercepting the energy of approach- wire mesh baskets. ing waves. Groins-structures that extend perpendicular from the Bulkheads-steel sheet piling or timber walls that pre- shore in a fingerlike manner to trap and retain vent sliding of the land and protect the streambank sand, retarding erosion and maintaining shore or shoreline from erosion. alignment and stability. Conduits-concrete tunnels or pipes that divert floodwa- Hurricane Protection Barriers-structures built across ters around or under potential flood damage sites. harbors or near the shoreline that protect communi- Culverts-large pipes, usually constructed below ties from tidal surges and coastal stormflooding. bridges and other water crossings, that allow water They are often constructed with openings for navi- to pass downstream and provide support to the gational purposes. crossing. Intake Structure-found at the entrance to a conduit or Dikes-earthfill barriers that confine floodwaters to the other outlet facility, an intake structure allows water river channel, protecting flood prone areas. to drain from a reservoir or river and is equipped Drainage Area-the total land area where surface water with a trash rack or other feature that prevents clog- runs off and collects in a stream or series or ging from floating debris. streams that make up a single watershed. Jetties-structures that stabilize a channel by prevent- Drop Structure-a device in a stream or channel that ing the buildup of sediment and directing and con- prevents water from rising above a certain eleva- fining the channel's tidal flow. Jetties are usually tion. Once water reaches a certain level, excess built at the mouth of rivers and extend perpendicu- water passes over the structure and is diverted to lar from the shore. another body of water. Outlet Works-gated conduits, usually located at the Earthfill-a well graded mixture of soil containing princi- base of a dam, that regulate the discharge of water. pally gravel, sand, silt, and clay, which is used with Pumping Station-a structure containing pumps that other materials to construct dams, dikes, and hurri- discharges floodwaters from a protected area over cane protection barriers. or through a dike or floodwall and into a river or Environmental Assessment-an examination of the ocean. positive and adverse impacts on the environment of Reconnaissance Study-a preliminary study that exam- a proposed water resources solution and alterna- ines a wide range of potential solutions to a water tive solutions. resources problem, each of which is reviewed for Environmental Impact Statement-a detailed environ- its economic and engineering practicality, accept- mental analysis and documentation of a proposed ability, and impact on the environment. water resources solution when the proposed solu- Recreation Pool-any permanent body of water im- tion is expected to have a significant effect on the pounded by a dam that offers recreational opportu- quality of the human environment or the area's nities or promotes fishery and wildlife habitat. ecology. Retaining Walls-walls made of stone, reinforced con- Feasibility Study-a detailed investigation, conducted crete, precast concrete blocks, or gabion that sup- after the reconnaissance study is completed, that port streambanks weakened by erosion. recommends a specific solution to a water resource Revetment-a facing of stone or concrete constructed problem. along a backshore or riverbank to protect against Floodplain-the land adjoining a river, stream, ocean, or erosion or flooding. lake that is likely to be flooded during periods of Sand Drain-a layer of pervious materials, such as sand excess precipitation or abnormal hightide. and gravel, placed beneath the downstream sec- Floodproofing-structural measures incorporated in tion of a dam that carries seepage to the dam's the design of planned buildings or alterations downstream limits and out into the stream. added to existing ones that lessen the potential for flood damage. For example, existing structures could have their basement windows blocked, or structures in the design stage could be built on stilts or high foundations. 114 Sand Replishment-quantities of sand placed on a Stoplog Structure-a designed opening in a floodwall shoreline to restore or widen a beach's dimensions. or dike that allows the passage of water during non- Sand replenishment strengthens beaches affected flood periods but closes during flood periods to by erosion, protects the backshore from wave prevent flooding downstream. Stoplog structures action, and stops the inland advance of water. can be made of wood or steel or concrete beams. Seawall-a reinforced concrete wall built along a shore- Training Dike-a structure extending from the shore into line to protect against erosion or flooding. the water that redirects the current, preventing Snagging and Clearing-the removal of accumulated sediment from settling and ensuring that adequate snags and debris, such as fallen trees, dead brush, depths are maintained. and silt, from river and stream channels. Snagging Training Wall-a structure built along channel banks to and clearing improves a channel's flow capacity narrow the channel area, thereby controlling the and eliminates a potentially dangerous flood situa- velocity of the flow of water and preventing the tion. buildup of sediment. Training walls and training Spillway-a channel-shaped structure, usually made of dikes have the same purpose: to ensure adequate concrete or excavated in rock, that allows water depths are maintained. exceeding the storage capacity of a reservoir to Vehicular Gate-an opening in a dike or floodwall that pass through or around a dam instead of overtop- allows rail cars or other vehicles to pass over the ping it. structure during nonflood periods. Vehicular gates Stone Slope Protection-a layer of large stones, usu- can be closed during flood periods by either stop- ally underlain by a layer of gravel bedding, de- logs or large steel gates. signed to prevent erosion from stream flow, wave Weir-a concrete structure designed as part of the spill- attack, and runoff. way that allows water to flow from the reservoir and over the spillway. 115 Index Page No. Page No. Androscoggin River Basin...........49 Glossary..................114 Androscoggin River Basin Study ........108 Appendix ..................1l Aquatic Plant Control .............3 Hampton Beach...............102 Ashuelot River Study.............108 Hampton Harbor ..............94 Hazardous Waste ..............41 Hopkinton/Everett Lakes ...........60 Bank Protection...............27 Hydroelectric Power .............29 Beaver Brook, Keene Local Protection Project ... 74 Bellamy River ................92 Blackwater Dam ...............54 Introduction . ................2 Isles of Shoals Harbor.............95 Israel River, Lancaster Local Protection Project . 80 Charlestown.................102 Cocheco River................92 Cocheco River, Farmington Local Protection Keene Local Protection Project.........82 Project .................76 Communities with Corps' Projects (Alphabetical Listing)............112LaeWnisuke............9 Connecticut River Basin ...........46 Lampey Winiveaker...............96 Contaminated Water/Drought Assistance.....38 LiclLoalmPrecto Project..96.....8 Continuing Authorities Program Little Harbor ................96 (Small Projects)..............30 Local Protection Projects ...........73 Corps/EPA Wastewater Treatment Construction Grants Program ........40 Mascoma River Study ............108 Dams and Reservoirs .............5 Merrimack River Basin ............45 Description of Projects.............43 Disstr Peprdess . . . . ............36Nashua Local Protection Project.........86 Natural Resources Management ........32 Edward MacDowell Lake ............56 Navigation (General) .............22 Emergency Operations ............36 Navigation (Projects) .............90 Emergency Response and Recovery . . .....36 North Stratford................102 Environmental Commitment ..........6 Exeter River.................92 Other Programs and Services..........39 Otter Brook Lake...............68 Franklin Falls Dam ..............58 Fish and Wildlife ...............32 Flood Damage Reduction (General) . . .....16 Permits Program...............40 Flood Damage Reduction (Projects) . . .....50 Piscataqua River Basin ............47 Flooding in New England ...8........ Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River . . ...97 Floodplain Management Services . . ......16 Project Formulation . .............4 116 Page No. Page No. Recreation.................32 Today's Corps............... 3 Recreation at Corps' Dams (Pictorial) ......34 Reservoir Control Center ...........18 River Basins.................4 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Programs Roots (of the Corps) .............2 and Services............... 1 Rye Harbor.................2 Wallis Sands State Beach...........104 Saco River Basin ..............48 Water Quality Control Program.........39 Saco River Study ..............108 Water Resource Planning Assistance to States . 39 Scope (of the Corps).............2 West Stewartstown..............105 Shelburne .................103 Wetlands .................40 Shore and Bank Protection (General) ......25 Winnipesaukee River Study ..........109 Shore and Bank Protection (Projects) ......100 Shore Protection ..............25 Spicket River Study .............108 Stony Brook, Wilton Local Protection Project . ..88 Structural and Nonstructural Measures......16 Studies ..................107 Surry Mountain Lake.............70 117