As we become more aware of outdated dams and the cost of maintenance versus benefits, we begin to realize that some 80 to 120-year-old structures no longer produce the energy output they once did to outweigh environmental concerns. Many dams, along with highways, were built/rebuilt post WWI because we had ample workforce and machinery to build superhighways and huge dams to harness a river’s potential energy. Michigan, as a whole, lacks the gradient to be as efficient as states in mountain areas.
General Impacts of Hydroelectric Dams~
**Environmental Impacts**
Altered Water Flow: Dams significantly alter the natural flow of rivers. This can disrupt the life cycles of aquatic organisms that depend on specific flow conditions for spawning, feeding, and migration. For example, fish species such as salmon and trout rely on steady flows to reach their spawning grounds. When water flow is reduced or altered, it can lead to decreased fish populations and biodiversity.
Sediment Trapping: Dams trap sediments that would naturally flow downstream, replenishing riverbeds and deltas. This sediment is crucial for maintaining habitats for various species. Without it, downstream areas can suffer from erosion, loss of fertile soil, and degradation of aquatic habitats. The trapped sediment can also accumulate behind the dam, reducing the reservoir’s capacity and potentially leading to dam failure if not managed properly.
Water Temperature Changes: Reservoirs created by dams often have different thermal properties compared to natural rivers. The water released from the bottom of a reservoir can be significantly colder than the river water, affecting species adapted to specific temperature ranges. Conversely, surface water releases can be warmer, which can also disrupt local ecosystems.
Nutrient Distribution: The alteration of water flow and sediment trapping can change the distribution of nutrients in the river. This can impact the growth of aquatic plants and the animals that depend on them. Nutrient-rich sediments are essential for maintaining productive ecosystems, and their absence can lead to reduced primary productivity and changes in species composition.
Habitat Fragmentation: Dams create physical barriers that can prevent the migration of fish and other aquatic species. This fragmentation can lead to isolated populations, reduced genetic diversity, and increased vulnerability to environmental changes. Fish ladders and bypass systems are often implemented to mitigate this issue, but they are not always effective for all species.
Specific Impacts of Older Dams~
Structural Integrity: Older dams, such as those over 100 years old, may face significant structural challenges. The risk of dam failure increases with age, which can lead to catastrophic downstream flooding and habitat destruction. Regular maintenance and upgrades are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of these structures.
Maintenance Issues: Aging infrastructure requires more frequent and intensive maintenance. Any lapses in maintenance can exacerbate environmental impacts, such as increased sediment release during repairs. This can lead to temporary spikes in turbidity and sedimentation downstream, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats.
Altered River Dynamics: Over time, the presence of a dam can significantly alter the geomorphology of a river. Changes in sediment transport, water flow, and erosion patterns can reshape the river channel and floodplain, affecting the surrounding landscape and habitats. These changes can have long-term impacts on the river’s ecological health and resilience.
Boyne USA Hydro Facility/Energy Production~
The Boyne USA Hydro facility in Boyne City, Michigan, produces about 660 megawatt-hours per year, which accounts for approximately 8% of the resort’s energy needs(estimate from 1990- with recent growth, that percentage is considerably smaller). This small-scale hydroelectric plant was originally constructed in 1909 and partially rebuilt in 1929. Despite its age, it continues to contribute to the resort’s energy mix, highlighting the potential for small hydro facilities to support local energy needs. The dam was purchased from Consumers Energy on June 18,1963 with explicit directive stating that:
Second party, by the acceptance of this instrument, hereby covenants and agrees that the premises herein conveyed shall NOT be used in any manner for the purpose of generating electric energy or for the propulsion of machinery by the use of any water power developed by the dam herein conveyed, or any other dam now or hereafter be constructed, in whole or in part, on sold premises, or any other dam located upstream or downstream from said premises, which will necessitate the use of the premises herein conveyed or the use of any water or water rights connected with said premises. It is expressly understood and agreed that the aforesaid covenant shall be deemed to be a covenant running with the land and shall be binding upon the second party, its successors and assigns, Forever.
However, in September of 1982, Boyne began producing power for private use, some was sent to grid, but none today. This also began a time when the river no longer was allowed for public use for angling. At that time, FERC made recommendation of public access, boat ramp, restrooms and lighted parking lot- but Boyne claimed it would be too costly to dredge and nobody wants to fish the pond because it is muck filled and not desirable. Which brings up the question “How do they advertise it as one of the most pristine trout streams with abundant cool water bass and pike fishing in the pond”?
Environmental Concerns~
Sediment Release: There have been instances where the Boyne USA Hydro facility released sediment trapped behind the dam. This can smother downstream habitats, reduce water quality, and impact aquatic life. Sediment release events can lead to increased turbidity, which can affect fish and invertebrates that rely on clear water for feeding and reproduction.
Water Flow Management: The management of water flow at the Boyne USA Hydro facility can impact the downstream ecosystem. Sudden releases of water, known as “hydropeaking,” can cause rapid fluctuations in water levels and flow rates, which can harm aquatic life and disrupt natural processes. Consistent and predictable flow regimes are essential for maintaining healthy river ecosystems.
Erosion and Habitat Degradation: The facility has faced issues with erosion of the river’s embankments, both upstream and downstream. Erosion can lead to loss of habitat for aquatic and riparian species, increased sedimentation, and changes in river morphology. Addressing these issues requires ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to stabilize the riverbanks and protect habitats.
“Run-of-the-river” refers to a type of hydroelectric power generation that relies on the natural flow of a river, with minimal or no water storage. Unlike traditional hydroelectric dams that create large reservoirs, run-of-the-river systems typically use a small dam or weir to divert part of the river’s flow through a channel or penstock to generate electricity.
Here are some key points about run-of-the-river systems:
- Minimal Storage: These systems have little to no water storage, which means they are more environmentally friendly as they don’t flood large areas.
- Flow Dependence: The power generation is directly dependent on the river’s flow rate, making it an intermittent energy source.
- Environmental Impact: They generally have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional dams, as they maintain more of the river’s natural flow and ecosystem.

Wednesday August 21, 9 am. I went down to get macroinvertebrate sample for kids lesson. hard to find any stoneflies/caddis/mayflies when half of the river has been High and Dry for 24 hours.
Public Trust Doctrine and Private Profit/Public Trust Doctrine~
The Public Trust Doctrine holds that certain natural resources, like water, are preserved for public use, and the government must protect these resources for the public’s benefit. This doctrine is meant to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably and equitably, balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including the environment, recreation, and industry.
Private Profit Concerns~
There is ongoing debate about whether the use of public trust resources, such as rivers, for private profit aligns with the doctrine’s principles. Critics argue that private entities may prioritize profit over environmental and public health, leading to overuse and degradation of the resource. In the case of the Boyne USA Hydro facility, concerns have been raised about whether the river is being used primarily for private gain without adequate consideration for the broader public interest.
Conclusion
Hydroelectric dams, including older facilities like the Boyne USA Hydro facility, have complex impacts on river ecosystems and surrounding habitats. While they provide renewable energy, they also pose significant environmental challenges. The balance between private profit and public trust is a critical issue that requires careful management to ensure sustainable and equitable use of water resources. There is a volume of reading on HYDROPOWER REFORM COALITION
Please consider writing FERC and help influence the decision to open this water to public use and not renew the Hydro Power license-
Sign on here SAY NO TO BOYNE HYDRO