This episode of Making Waves features Kelly Schaefer, a Principal Consultant at Kleinschmidt, discussing her 30-year career and the complex Langdale-Riverview license surrender and decommissioning project (0:49–1:12).

Project Overview:

• The project involves the decommissioning of three dams and one of two powerhouses on the Chattahoochee River between Georgia and Alabama (5:47–7:28).
• Originally built for mill communities in the early 1900s, the facilities no longer serve their intended purpose, leading to this multi-year effort to return 11 miles of the river to a free-flowing state and improve habitat for aquatic species like shad (6:18–9:16).

Key Challenges & Solutions:

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: Managing a long-term project spanning three presidential administrations during the COVID-19 pandemic required intense communication and collaboration (11:10–12:45).
• Engineering Pivot: To manage water flow and address NPDES permit requirements after dam removal, the team engineered a rock ramp to ensure proper flow into the Riverview headrace channel and support fish passage (15:07–17:33).
• Regulatory & Mapping: The project highlighted the importance of verifying FEMA mapping, as incorrect data can complicate flood plain management and insurance requirements (24:56–26:28).

Team Culture & Lessons Learned:

• Kelly emphasizes the value of a solution-oriented team and a collaborative client like Georgia Power, noting that anticipating