Hammel Woods Dam Modification and Removal

The Forest Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC) owned and maintained the Hammel Woods Dam and impoundment located along the DuPage River in the Hammel Woods Forest Preserve. The Hammel Woods Dam was approximately 80-90 years old and was constructed of quarried limestone with a concrete foundation. The dam was a run-of-river structure approximately 110 feet wide, and about 4 feet high, with an impoundment area of approximately 5.2 acres. The FPDWC conducted an assessment of the dam in 2003 that provided physical, chemical, and biological data above and below the dam, a dam inspection to document its condition, along with alternative solutions to correct the problems it has caused in the river.

The alternatives considered as part of that 2003 assessment included:

• No-build/no action

• Dam Modification – Rock Ramp

• Dam Modification - Fish Ladder

• Dam Modification – Partial Removal w/Rapids-Riffles

• Removal – Above Grade Removal w/Rapids-Riffles

Previous investigations of the site revealed that the Hammel Woods Dam impedes aquatic species movement upstream, forces paddlers to portage around the structure under most flow conditions, and presents a life-threatening hazard to paddlers who go over the dam or for persons wading the river immediately below the dam. As such, the FPDWC was interested in updating these previously identified alternative solutions in order to select a preferred alternative The selected alternative included removal of the exiting structure below existing river grade, a low flow section for paddlers, a stone enhancement/riffle feature, and an ADA accessible canoe/kayak launch. Removal of the dam was completed in 2021.

Our team provided the following services to the FPDWC as we collaborated with them to remove the Hammel Woods Dam:

• Topographic Survey of the Project/River Reach Area

• Wetlands Assessment

• Sediment Sampling/Analysis

• Alternatives Analysis and Estimates of Cost

• Final Design Plans, Specifications, and Costs

• Project Permitting (USACE, IDNR, Will County)

• Phase III Construction Oversight Services