A suite of surveys, assessments, and other investigations will be undertaken to secure the necessary permissions for the demolition of the Culter Dam, which will reconnect over 80 km of watercourse for the migration of Atlantic salmon, European eel, and many other species.
The River Dee catchment in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, and European otter. The Culter Burn, a major tributary with a large watershed area, lies north of the River Dee and west of Aberdeen city. The Culter Dam is situated on the outskirts of the city, near the confluence of the Culter Burn with the Dee. The tributary sub-catchment encompasses a variety of land uses, including improved farmland, rough grassland, wetlands and heath, villages, commercial forestry, and semi-natural woodlands.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| River | River Dee, Culter Burn tributary |
| Km to be opened | 84 km |
| Focal species | Atlantic salmon, seat trout, European eel |
| Organisation | Dee District Salmon Fishery Board |
| Website | Dee District Salmon Fishery Board & River Dee Trust |
Since its construction, the dam has had a significant negative impact on the ecology of the Culter Burn catchment by:
Surveys have revealed very healthy juvenile salmonids, indicating that the Culter catchment offers excellent conditions for strong growth. Larger smolts have a higher chance of surviving ocean migration and returning to the river as adults. However, to achieve this, fish require unhindered access to upstream spawning habitats and downstream routes for smolts to reach the sea.
To achieve its aims, the project will commission a suite of field surveys to assess the geomorphological, hydrological, and topographical characteristics of the site, along with investigations of the dam structure and immediate surroundings. These will inform the design and method for the complete removal of the dam and the associated flood risk assessments. Additional assessments, including archaeology, ecology, and contaminated land, will be carried out to guide the safe demolition of the dam. Baseline/pre-demolition data, such as fish monitoring, drone imagery, and mapping, will also be collected.
Stakeholder consultations with statutory bodies, including the local authority and environmental protection agencies, as well as engagement with the local community around the dam site, will be conducted.
All these activities are expected to take 12 months and aim to culminate in securing the required permissions for dam removal, including local authority planning permission and a licence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Funded by
