Mill Creek Dam Removals

3 DAMS REMOVED ALONG MILL CREEK RESTORE OVER 50 MILES OF CONNECTIVITY
AUGUST 2018

In 2018, three low-head dams were removed on Mill Creek, allowing free flow from the headwaters all the way to the Cumberland River for the first time in 50 years. These were the final three dams to be removed, in addition to six more that the Compact had removed in past years. Dams were removed at Culbertson Road, McRedmond Farm, and finally, at Chandler Cove.

The removal of these 3 dams opened up over 50 miles of unobstructed waters on Mill Creek, enhancing the ecological and hydrological functions of this waterway by removing barriers that may impound nutrients, sediments, and carbon, and restoring habitat connectivity for stream wildlife like the endangered Nashville Crayfish.

The success of this series of dam removal projects could not have been possible without the expertise, partnership, and collaboration of: The US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, KCI Technologies, Metro Water Services, & Metro Department of Parks and Recreation.

This project won the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in 2019.

PROJECT SPONSORS: The US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Metro Water Services, Metro Department of Parks and Recreation