Removal of the Pipes dam and renaturation of 600 metres of the reservoir area.
The Cusancin River is an emblematic trout river and a tributary of the Doubs, with at least a national reputation among anglers. With fresh water even in the height of summer, the Cusancin is capable of sustaining a significant population of trout and grayling. As for the area, the dam was originally a mill weir used by a tannery. Later, the weir and canal were modified for a pipe manufactory. Abandoned during the 20th century, the dam no longer serves any purpose and is slowly degrading. Being the first downstream obstacle, its removal will once again grant full access to this river for several kilometres.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: demolition |
| Country | France |
| River | Cusancin |
| Removal date | Summer 2024 |
| Km opened | 4.2 km |
| Focal species | Trouts, Graylings |
| Organisation | EPAGE Doubs Dessoubre |
| Website | EPAGE Doubs Dessoubre |
This section of the river was classified as “Liste 2” in 2014. Any owner of a dam or weir on such a classified river is obliged to restore fish continuity. In this context, the town of Baume-les-Dames, owner of the dam, had the responsibility to explore different possibilities for such restoration. The initial studies showed that the dam was a significant barrier to fish migration. After several years of discussions, EPAGE Doubs Dessoubre, which has been managing the Cusancin River since 2021, convinced the town that the complete removal of the dam was the best option from ecological, economic, and landscape perspectives. The town then agreed in 2022 to fully remove the dam. A recent thermal map showed that the dam raises the water temperature by at least 1°C.
The project aims to completely restore fish and sediment continuity, restore fish habitats, and reduce the increase in water temperature.
The dam removal and restoration works at the Barrage des Pipes were successfully completed. Work began on 19 August 2024 and was finalised on 6 December 2024, concluding with an on-site visit.
All operations were carried out as planned: the complete dismantling of the dam, remodelling of the 600-metre reservoir area with the addition of natural materials, embankment works, and revegetation of the banks. The river responded remarkably well – within days of the removal, natural features such as pools and riffles reappeared, restoring a diversity of habitats, some of which had already begun forming during the works.
This project has reconnected this emblematic river to its main course, the Doubs, and the benefits of restoration were quickly visible. The project was officially concluded in March 2025.
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