Officials have started a three-month undertaking to remove three dams along the West Fork River in Harrison County.
The Exponent Telegram reports that crews began work Monday removing the West Milford Dam.
Callie McMunigal, the Appalachian partnership coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says crews are letting the water descend from the dam incrementally each day this week.
McMunigal says there will be salvage efforts for stranded mussels along the river and cleanup efforts for trash debris as the water is released.
Workers will then remove the Two-Lick Dam, followed by the Highland Dam.
The Clarksburg Water Board wants to rid itself of liability and maintenance costs associated with the dams, while federal officials want to restore the river to its natural state and improve fish habitat.