Plainwell Dam Spillway Removal and Channel Restoration
Taplin was contracted to perform the removal of a former hydroelectric dam spillway and remediation of PCB contaminated sediment with shoreline restoration along the Kalamazoo River. The site previously housed a 1903 hydroelectric dam and had been declared part of the Kalamazoo River superfund site as a result of legacy contaminents from area papermills and turn-of-the-century manufacturing.
Taplin removed the remaining concrete spillway, excavated sediment down to target elevations and transported/disposed of contaminents while widening the river and reestablishing floodplain benches, constructed wood habitat structures and channel bar features and will restore the shoreline area with seeding and plants. The area spans nearly 7 acres of wetlands and the project is expected to be completed in early 2024.