On July 28, 2006, FERC published a draft environmental impact statement for the licensing of the Hells Canyon Complex. The 1000+ MW project blocks all migration for endangered Snake River salmon and steelhead. FERC does not recommend any additional passage into tributaries or the mainstem Snake River for the next 30-50 year license.

Media advisory

September 1, 2006

Last chance for public to weigh in on Hells Canyon dam operations

Major improvements needed to restore clean water, fish passage, beaches to Snake River

Contact:

• Kevin Lewis, Idaho Rivers United, 208-343-7481
• Brett Swift, American Rivers, 503-827-8648
• Rebecca Sherman, Hydropower Reform Coalition, 503-827-8653

BOISE -- Members of the public will have a final opportunity at five upcoming hearings to influence what kind of environmental improvements will be included in the new license for Idaho Power Company's Hells Canyon dams.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is holding the meetings to gather public comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement it prepared as part of the relicensing process for the 3-dam complex on the Snake River, on the Oregon-Idaho border.

For roughly 50 years, the dams in Hells Canyon have damaged the Snake River, its fish, and recreation opportunities. The dams completely block salmon and steelhead from historic habitat, and dam operations have altered the river's flow, eroded beaches, and degraded water quality.

American Rivers and Idaho Rivers United are calling on FERC to require stronger measures than the actions described in the draft Environmental Impact Statement, to make Idaho Power meet its basic responsibilities to the river and communities by fixing the damage its dams have caused.

Specifically, the groups are urging FERC to:

• Require fish passage: FERC should immediately require fish passage for spring chinook and steelhead into tributaries within Hells Canyon, and require fall chinook passage once water quality is sufficiently restored.
• Restore clean water: Pollution is concentrated in the pools behind the Hells Canyon dams, contributing to mercury contamination in fish and creating a health hazard. FERC should require Idaho Power to meet all state and federal water quality standards in the area impacted by the dams.
• Improve flows: Right now, Idaho Power can quickly and drastically change river levels, which is very damaging to the ecosystem. FERC should make Idaho Power stop this harmful practice, implement tighter ramping rate restrictions, and release water from the dams in a way that benefits salmon and steelhead.
• Restore beaches: On an annual basis, the dams hold back 220,000 to 384,000 tons of sand and gravel. FERC must require Idaho Power to replenish both gravel and sand so that beaches for river recreation can be restored.
• Assess economic benefits: FERC failed to adequately assess the substantial economic benefits of a restored river. FERC must calculate the regional economic benefits of restored salmon runs, cleaner water and restored beaches to the recreation and fishing industries, and to communities.

Locations of public hearings (all times are local):

BOISE, ID, Sept. 7: from 7 to 11 p.m. (MST) at the Doubletree Hotel Boise Riverside, 2900 Chinden Blvd
BOISE, ID, Sept. 8: from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Boise Riverside, 2900 Chinden Blvd
HALFWAY, OR, Sept. 11: from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lions Hall, Center St.
WEISER, ID, Sept. 12: from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Weiser Senior Center,115 E. Main St.
LEWISTON, ID, Sept 13: from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street

Copies of draft EIS available

Visit FERC's web site at http://www.ferc.gov. Follow the e-Library link and enter the docket number, P-1971, in the e-Library docket number field.

For assistance, e-mail FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659.