Development of essential preliminary works for the demolition of the Valverde Dam on the Bullón River in Frama (Cabezón de Liébana, Cantabria), which is important for continuing the demolition process of four small dams that began in 2021 in the Deva River basin.
The Bullón River is a 23.8 km long river that rises at an altitude of 1,600 metres in the Sierra Peña Labra in the province of Palencia. However, it flows almost entirely through Cantabria until it joins the Deva River as its main tributary.
It is located within a habitat protected by the Natura 2000 Network, ZEC Río Deva ES1300008, and borders the ZEC Liébana ES1300001. At national level, it forms part of the Fluvial Nature Reserve, a protected area recognised for its significant natural and scenic value, and is a representative example of Cantabrian-Atlantic rivers.
The river runs through an isolated and inaccessible environment. Its headwaters have gradients of over 10% and gentler gradients in its mid-lower reaches, where the Valverde dam is located in Frama.
It supports key species such as Salmo salar, Petromyzon marinus, Salmo trutta, Lutra lutra and Alcedo atthis.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Spain |
| River | Bullón River |
| Focal species | Salmo salar, Petromyzon marinus, Salmo trutta, Lutra lutra, Alcedo atthis |
| Organisation | Asociación Red Cambera |
| Website | redcambera.org |
The preparatory work for this demolition follows four other demolitions already completed, with the aim of improving the longitudinal connectivity of the Deva basin’s river network by intervening in an abandoned and disused dam.
Based on previous experience and local knowledge, the project’s team aims to continue removing obstacles within the basin, while fostering social acceptance in the region.
Hydraulic infrastructure constitutes a group of highly significant obstacles related to the alteration of river continuity in the Deva basin, as their presence fragments the river ecosystem and alters the flow of water, matter, and energy, as well as the movement of aquatic fauna, reducing their distribution area.
The European Biodiversity Strategy requires a primary focus on obsolete barriers, that is, those that no longer fulfil their original function or are no longer necessary.
Preparing for demolition is undoubtedly the most appropriate alternative for fish species and natural river dynamics.
The ultimate goal of the project is to carry out all preparatory actions for the subsequent demolition of the Valverde Dam, thereby improving the fluvial connectivity of the Bullón River in the Deva basin, and consequently biodiversity, as well as improving hydromorphological functioning and sediment dynamics. In turn, it will implement physical habitat characteristics such as water velocity, substrate, refuge sites, etc., and may even contribute to improving water quality.
The expected results of the pre-demolition project are:
1. Prior confirmation by the Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation of the termination of the right to use the Valverde Dam.
2. Drafting of the technical project for the demolition of the Valverde Dam, prepared and signed by a specialised company.
3. Obtaining authorization from the Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation for the demolition of the Valverde Dam.
4. Obtain a favorable report from the Government of Cantabria.
5. Publish the project in the Official Gazette of Cantabria (BOC).
All the permits and authorisations required to carry out the removal of the Valverde dam in Frama (Cabezón de Liébana, Cantabria) have been successfully obtained. The demolition is scheduled to take place at the end of the summer of 2026, supported by a follow-on demolition grant from the Open Rivers Programme. It will restore longitudinal connectivity along 24 kilometres of connected river habitat, linking the Bullón River – the main tributary of the Deva River basin – with its tributaries, the Aniezo and Lamedo rivers.
A substantial effort was devoted to fieldwork and close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a high level of acceptance and positive social impact, alongside extensive administrative work in coordination with the competent authorities. In addition, a comprehensive technical dam removal project was prepared, including background information, site description, objectives, technical solutions, assessment of alternatives, health and safety measures, waste management, mapping, budget, implementation schedule, and other supporting documentation. The quality and completeness of this documentation contributed significantly to securing a favourable administrative decision.
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