Engineering Services – Preliminary Design & Feasibility for Removal of Three Low-Head Dams, Castleton River

The Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District is seeking a qualified engineering consultant to conduct a preliminary design and feasibility assessment for the removal of three low-head dams on the Castleton River in Fair Haven, Vermont. The project aims to restore the river to a free-flowing and naturally functioning stream channel, improving ecological connectivity, in-stream and riparian habitat, aquatic organism passage, water quality, sediment transport continuity, flood resilience, and public safety. The selected consultant will evaluate existing site conditions, quantify anticipated project outcomes, and develop conceptual preliminary design documents for preferred alternatives at approximately 30% design level. • The project includes the removal of three low-head dams: Shirt Factory Dam, Slate Factory Dam, and Water Street Dam. • The consultant will evaluate dam safety considerations, site access and constructability, sediment quantity and potential contamination, topographic and hydraulic conditions, channel stability and geomorphology, aquatic habitat restoration potential, and infrastructure risk and resilience considerations. • The project requires stakeholder coordination, site investigations, and a comprehensive review of permitting and regulatory requirements. • The selected consultant will provide final deliverables, including a feasibility assessment report, preliminary design memorandum, preliminary design drawings, hydraulic modeling documentation, sediment assessment summary, regulatory pathway memorandum, GIS and CAD deliverables, and an opinion of probable costs for final design and implementation.