Hydropower Reform Coalition - fish passage

Fish Passage Technologies: Protection at Hydropower Facilities

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:53:11 -0600

Source: US Government Printing Office

Volume:

Year: 1995

Abstract

A report submitted to the House Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans by the Office of Technology Assessment.

The focus of this report is technologies for fish passage around hydropower generation facilities and protection against entrainment and turbine mortality.Emphasis is given to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-licensed hydropower projects where fish protection is a subject of controversy and congressional interest due to the Federal Power Act (FPA) and the Electric Consumers Protection Act (ECPA). Thus institutional issues related to FERC-relicensing are also discussed. (Major points of controversy are highlighted in box 1-1.) Federal hydropower projects,especially in the Columbia River Basin, and irrigation water diversions in the Pacific Northwest and California are included to the extent that they provide information on fish passage technologies(see table 1-1). Many of the technologies discussed are applicable to other types of dams and water diversions. In fact, there are many more obstructions to fish passage that are not covered by FERC-licensing requirements, than are(approximately 76,000 dams versus 1,825 FERC-licensed facilities) (70).

Author(s)

Office of Technology Assessment

Contact

Notes

Attachment	Size
Fish Passage Technologies.pdf	1.3 MB

Bar Mills project in Maine licensed for 40 years

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:24:19 -0500

Project: Bar Mills : P-2194

A 40-year license has been issued to FPL Energy to operate the Bar Mills hydroelectric project on the Saco River in York County, Maine.

The license order for this 4 MW project was issued on August 28.

Following the guidelines in the 2007 Settlement Agreement, the license requires installing upstream and downstream passage measure for American eel and other species including Atlantic salmon, American shad, alewife, and blueback herring. The target date for permanent downstream passage for American eel has been set for Sep 2026.

Bar Mills is one of seven projects on the main stem of Saco River that is covered by the Settlement Agreement.

Developing fish passage and protection at hydropower dams

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:28:27 -0500

Source: ScienceDirect

Volume:

Year: 2006

Abstract

The development of waterways, for hydropower and other industrial uses, has substantially altered many of the freshwater habitats of the planet and this has had considerable impact upon aquatic organisms. Industrial changes in aquatic ecosystems, including hydropower development, can restrict or delay fish migration, increase predation, affect water quantity and quality, and subject fish to direct damage and stress. This review will focus on the consequences for fish welfare and the progress towards developing the means to pass and protect fish at hydropower dams, at water withdrawal facilities, and in other engineered aquatic environments. It primarily concerns the large mainstem hydropower dams in the Columbia-Snake River Basin in the northwestern United States. Some methods for improving fish passage and protection at hydropower damsinvolve modifications and additions to engineered structures and occasionally use sensory stimuli such as light, sound, turbulence, or electric fields to influence fish distributions. Measures to improve fish survival, like spilling water at a dam to provide non-turbine passage, can cause other problems for fish, for example higher dissolved gas concentrations downstream. Reducing losses of fish in industrial environments is desirable in both the industrialized world, where many fish-related problems currently exist, and in the developing world, here lessons already learned may make future development more cost-effective and benign.

Author(s)

Carl R. Schilt

Contact

Environmental Research Associates
P.O. Box 225
North Bonneville, WA 98639

Notes

Attachment	Size
Developing fish passage and protection at hydropower dams- Carl R. Schilt.pdf	566.28 KB

Enloe Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 12569

Rich Bowers — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:43:49 -0600

Enloe Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 12569

Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County (PUD, Washington) filed its Draft License Application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on November 7, 2007. The public comment period on this draft is due by February 4, 2008 and comments can be sent electronically to Enloe@okpud.org

Written comments can be submitted to:

Enloe Hydroelectric Project
Draft License Application Comments
1331 Second Avenue North -- P.O. Box 912
Okanogan, WA 98840

Enloe Dam is located on the Similkameen River, just above Similkameen Falls in North Central Washington, just eight miles south of the Canadian border. This 156 mile-long tributary flows from the east slope of the Cascade Mountains and British Columbia (BC) and into the Okanogan River, a tributary of the Columbia River. Most of the 3,600 square mile Similkameen watershed (79%) is in BC, and the river is fed by three main tributaries, which include the Pasayten River near Manning Park, BC (most of which is in northern Washington), the Tulameen River at Princeton, BC and the Ashnola River near Keremos, BC.

Enloe, a 54 foot concrete dam, was originally built for hydropower in 1920 but project economics never came to fruition and the project was decommissioned in 1958. Since that time, the PUD has attempted to license the project three times, but in all cases the application was rejected due to the federal reservation of authority for fish passage.

a. 1956 license. 1959 PUD ends Enloe production, citing old facilities need upgrading, not economic given fish passage issues. Somewhat later, (see referenced brief) PUD asks FERC to reinstate license so that they can continue to hold lease on land, in order to build recreational facilities. FERC refuses this, citing fish passage issues----- go to b.

b. 1974 (FERC finally terminates 1956 license)

c. 1983 FERC issues Enloe license; 1986 rescinded by FERC

d. 1991 FERC issues EA for new license. 1993 FERC denies new license.

The PUD has continued to pay annual power licensing fees to maintain an exemption from relinquishing its water rights. Since its completion, Enloe Dam has blocked all salmon and steelhead migration into over 90% of the Similkameen watershed.

Today, the PUD considers redevelopment of this project to once again be economically feasible with new generating facilities on the east bank (original facilities were located 880 feet downstream on the opposite bank). The new project capacity is proposed to be 9.0 MW and the project will generate about 47.3 GWh annually.

Fish passage is the big issue at Enloe Dam. According to the PUD, Similkameen Falls, just below the Enloe Dam, is a documented barrier to fish migration. This is a contested issue, and studies need to be undertaken to study the possibility that fish were historically present above the falls. If studies lead to a change in the need for project fish passage, it will affect the financial value of this project and its proposed power generation, as well as the value and cost associated with the proposed new Shanker's Bend dam just upstream. Enloe Dam also offers potential impacts on fishery flows in the Columbia.

Other issues include project economics, as sufficient stream flow needed to operate the project at full capacity is only available during spring/summer runoff (29% of the year). And FERC's jurisdiction to permit projects that impact areas outside of US boundaries is a huge issue and one that increasing in frequency with a number of existing and proposed projects along the US/Canada border, including Shanker's Bend, Boundary Dam, and Sullivan Creek.

Shanker's Bend Project

In May 2007, Okanogan PUD filed for a preliminary permit to study construction of hydroelectric facilities on a new dam on Shanker's Bend of the Similkameen River, just upstream of Enloe Dam. The Washington Department of Ecology has earmarked $300,000 to assess the feasibility of constructing Shanker's Bend Dam. The proposal will examine three alternatives ranging from a 90-foot dam to a 260-foot tall dam. The largest proposal would create an 18,000 acre reservoir, half of which would be located in BC and which would flood Palmer Lake and other Canadian lands.

The fate of Enloe and Shankers Bend dams are deeply intertwined. Shankers Bend is a water storage project that can provide storage and timed flows to boost hydropower production downstream at Enloe Dam. Currently, there is no analysis demonstrating need for storage in the Okanogan region. However, if Shankers Bend is built, the economic value of Enloe increases dramatically. Likewise, if fish passage is required at Enloe, then Shankers Bend becomes the next blockage for migrating fish, and the cost of building Shankers Bend goes up dramatically. You can get additional information at the Center for Environmental Law and Policy's Website (including the history of the earlier project) or on the Okanogan PUD's website.

For more information, contact Rich Bowers, Pacific Northwest Coordinator for the HRC. Rich@hydroreform.org

Cost Effective Recovery Strategies for Snake River Chinook Salmon

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:35:44 -0600

Source:

Volume:

Year: 2006

Abstract

Formulation of recovery plans for endangered salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin of North America is a complex, controversial resource-management issue. This report presents an integrated assessment model to analyze the biological-economic tradeoffs in recovery of Snake River spring/summer-run chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

The authors find that the removal of an estuarine predator, the Caspian tern (Sterna caspia), and elimination of adult salmon harvest are recovery measures that markedly increase long-term population-growth rates regardless of transport effectiveness. Dam breaching significantly increases growth rates under the best available estimate of transport effectiveness. The authors also conclude that recovery strategies in the cost-effective set depend on assumptions about transport effectiveness. Tern removal and harvest elimination are generally cost effective. At the best estimate of transport effectiveness, strategies that discontinue smolt transportation or breach dams are prevalent in the cost-effective set. In contrast, strategies that maximize transportation are prevalent in the cost-effective set if transport effectiveness is relatively high.

This paper links biology and economics through an integrated model thus providing a valuable tool for science-based policy and management.

The paper can be downloaded from Michael R. Moore's website at http://sitemaker.umich.edu/micmoore/working_papers

Author(s)

David L. Halsing and Michael R. Moore

Contact

Notes

Attachment	Size
Cost Effective Recovery Strategies for Snake river Chinook Salmon.pdf	196.89 KB

American Rivers & NOAA now accepting proposals for river restoration grants

John Seebach — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:48:12 -0500

American Rivers seeks proposals for river restoration project grants as part of its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program. Program funding is provided through NOAA’s Open Rivers Initiative, which seeks to enable environmental and economic renewal in local communities through the removal of stream barriers.

This Partnership funds stream barrier removal projects that help restore riverine ecosystems, enhance public safety and community resilience, and have clear and identifiable benefits to diadromous fish populations. Diadromous fish migrate between freshwater and saltwater during their life cycle. Examples include alewife, American eel, American shad, blueback herring, salmon, steelhead, shortnose sturgeon and striped bass. Projects in the Northeast (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI), Mid-Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, DE, VA, MD, DC), Northwest (WA, OR, ID), and California are eligible to apply. Projects located within the St. Lawrence/Great Lakes Basin are not eligible for funding in the December 2007 grant round.

Eligible applications will be evaluated based upon four priority criteria:

Ecological merits of the project,
Technical feasibility of the project,
Benefits provided to the local community, and
Financial clarity and strength of the application.

Grants are provided for three distinct project phases: Feasibility Analysis, Engineering Design and Construction. Average grants are $25,000 - $50,000. Successful applicants for one project phase will not be eligible to receive additional funding for that same project phase in future grant rounds. See the Funding Guidelines for additional details.

Applications are currently being accepted for the first cycle of fiscal year 2008 with a deadline of December 3, 2007. Applications for projects must be postmarked by the deadline for consideration in this funding cycle. Potential applicants should contact American Rivers to discuss potential projects prior to submitting an application. Applicants can expect notification about funding decisions in early March 2008.

Obtain the Application for Financial Assistance and Funding Guidelines on the American Rivers web site.

Dam owners have to coddle fish

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:18:24 -0500

Source:

Volume: Vol. 231(3) 22-25

Year: 1993

Abstract

Fish and hydroelectric dams are striving to coexist across the country. With conservation groups as well as state and federal agencies pressing for severe controls on water releases, hydropower production has been cut substantially in many cases. At the same time, dam operators have undertaken some sophisticated construction programs to meet the challenge. To date, many strategies employed on the Columbia and Snake Rivers have been both costly and ineffective. The Army Corps of Engineers is trying to address its problems partly with extensive model studies. But, they have found that "the more you learn, the more complicated it gets." Together the failures of the Corps, as well as other federal agencies have caused the power utilities to call for reductions in spending for all fish programs, which they say are ineffective.

Author(s)

Soast , A. , King , H.

Contact

Contact

Notes

American Rivers produced abstract

An evaluation of the biolgical need for fishways at hydroelectric projects on the Oswego River, NY, with emphasis on the Oswego

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:18:19 -0500

Source:

Volume: Admin Report 97-01 22pp.

Year: 1997

Abstract

This document is a review of literature regarding riverine fish movement, and an evaluation as to whether or not unrestricted passage would benefit fish populations within the Oswego River. Information presented within this report will be used to determine if providing effective (safe, timely, convenient) fishways at Oswego Falls and other hydroelectric projects on the Oswego River is biologically justified. Topics include: Physical and environmental development of the Oswego River; Oswego fish community; Oswego water quality; Biological need for fish passage; Riverine fish an long distance movements; Restriceted movement of fish within the Oswego River; Benefits of providing fish passage within the Oswego River.

Author(s)

Fish and Wildlife service, U.S.

Contact

USFWS

Notes

American Rivers produced abstract

A guideline to restore anadromous fish runs in selected tributaries of the NY/NJ harbor watershed

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:18:18 -0500

Source:

Volume: American Littoral Society, March 1993

Year: 1993

Abstract

The obstacles to the spawning success of anadromous fish which were documented in a preceding report, "Impediments to the Spawning Success of Anadromous Fish in Tributaries of the NY/NJ Harbor Watershed" [American Littoral Society, September 1992], have been reviewed. The tributaries most conducive to supporting anadromous fish spawning have been selected on the basis of examining the parameters which affect spawning success, including seasonal temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, presence of pollution and debris, bottom consistency, and the current support or history of supporting a run. This supplementary management guideline gives outlined plans to restore anadromous spawning runs to nine Harbor tributaries.
On each of the nine tributaries selected for anadromous run restoration, the main factor which adversely affects anadromous spawning has been identified as the problem to be resolved, and the most effective solution and method needed to restore a run has been matched. The agenda needed to ensure run restoration differs for each tributary system, due to the variation in conditions. For each system, a series of necessary steps lead up to an ultimate goal, resulting in the restoration of an anadromous fish spawning run.
Tributaries physically blocked by dam impediments require bypass' this can best be achieved through the installation, maintenance, and operation of a fish bypass structure. Bypass through the use of a fish ladder is recommended for the large structural impediments known as Swimming River/Monmouth Reservoir Dam, Shadow Lake Dam, Dundee Dam, and Oradell Reservoir dam. Bypass using a small fish bypass structure is suggested for the smaller impediments know as Richmond Creek Dam and Wolfe's Pond Dam.
On other waterways, such as the Second River and Saddle River tributaries and the section of the Hackensack River which is located in the Hackensack Meadowlands, unique programs have been created to optimize the present of future habitat to support anadromous fish spawning.
The purpose of this report is to unite the agencies, dam owners, and other important parties, to become cooperatively involved in anadromous fish run restoration. The exact steps needed have been created and are included in this report to hasten the process.

Author(s)

Durkas, S.J.

Contact

Notes

License amendment on Lower Raquette adds generation and environmental benefits

John Seebach — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:16:04 -0600

Project: Lower Raquette River : P-2330

A license amendment for Erie Boulevard's Lower Raquette River project will increase the project's generating capacity by 50% (from 12 to 18 MW) while converting four dams from peaking generation into run-of-the-river mode, speeding up the license's fish protection and downstream fish passage measures by three years (from 2010 to 2007), and adding upstream eel passage at four dams.

Hells Canyon DEIS Issued

Rebecca Sherman — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:00:00 -0500

Project: Hells Canyon : P-1971

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.

Oroville Settlement Benefits Feather River and Local Community

John Seebach — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 06:00:00 -0600

Project: Oroville : P-2100

Contact:
Steve Rothert, American Rivers: 530-277-0448
Amy Kober, American Rivers: 206-213-0330 x23

Oroville, CA -- Salmon and steelhead of the Feather River, along with the many people who fish and boat there, will benefit from an agreement covering operations of the Oroville hydroelectric project, to be signed today in Oroville. American Rivers praised settlement parties for reaching this agreement, which forms the basis of a new 50-year operating license for the project.

The agreement is the result of two years of negotiations among over 40 parties including American Rivers, federal and state agencies, local governments, water providers and Native American tribes. It will now be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval.

"For years the Oroville project has harmed salmon and steelhead habitat and has limited opportunities for fishing, boating and other recreation," said Steve Rothert of American Rivers. "This agreement restores some balance to the river, and includes many benefits for clean water, fish and wildlife and local communities."

At 770 feet high, Oroville Dam is the tallest in the United States. It is the main water storage facility for California's State Water Project, which supplies water to some 23 million municipal and agricultural customers from San Diego to Redding. Owned by the state and operated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the project has a generating capacity of 750MW.

The water supply and hydropower operations of Oroville Dam cause significant adverse impacts to the Feather River, including the degradation and loss of spawning and rearing habitat for listed spring run Chinook and steelhead trout, degraded water quality, loss of beneficial sediments and large woody debris, and diminished river recreation opportunities.

"We have a responsibility to fix some of the damage dams cause to our rivers," Rothert said. "It is simple common sense to bring these old dams up to date with today's science, technology, and laws. This agreement for Oroville Dam makes both environmental and economic sense."

The agreement will remedy some of the impacts caused by the project's operations. Key components include:

Restored salmon and steelhead habitat: Downstream of the dam, DWR will improve flows and water temperatures, add spawning gravels and large woody debris, and restore floodplain and side-channel habitat.
Better river recreation: DWR will add river access points and campsites to create a 15-mile-long Feather River bluewater trail. A new park with trails, picnic areas, an interpretive center and boat launching areas will be constructed. DWR will also fund a study to determine the feasibility of constructing whitewater recreation facilities in Oroville.
Community benefits: DWR is committing $50 million to be allocated to river-related projects to stimulate economic activity in the area and reconnect the community with the river.
Fish passage study: To mitigate for the loss of upstream spawning habitat, DWR and PG& E -- which operates dams upstream on the Feather and in other river basins -- will work together with agencies and other stakeholders to evaluate fish passage opportunities in the Feather and surrounding river basins and implement the most promising project.

"Healthy rivers are important community assets. This agreement will ensure that local citizens will enjoy and benefit from the Feather River for generations to come," Rothert said.

American Rivers looks forward to working with other parties to implement the agreement, and to address issues not completely resolved today, including issues raised by the county and certain flood management issues.

NMFS fails to require fish passage for Hells Canyon

John Seebach — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 06:00:00 -0600

Project: Hells Canyon : P-1971

FERC's deadline for all interested parties in the Hells Canyon dams to file their recommendations for terms and conditions in the new license was January 26, 2006. The federal National Marine Fisheries Service - the agency charged with protecting migrating endangered salmon and steelhead - submitted a simple reservation of authority. In other words, the agency did nothing and failed in its responsibility to protect these endangered species.

Other agencies submitted preliminary terms and conditions that required or recommended passage into tributaries or for resident fish, all of which will be revised and resubmitted once FERC has finished its NEPA analysis.

The dams were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, permanently cutting off all migration to 360 miles of habitat on the Snake River mainstem in addition to key tributaries like the Boise River. Coalition members American Rivers and Idaho Rivers United have been working hard for years to have fish passage and sorely-needed water quality fixes on the next Hells Canyon license.

A quick sketch of recent commitments for three large hydropower projects around the Northwest shows that kilowatt-hour for kilowatt-hour, the next Hells Canyon license should be worth $574 million. Presently, the company has proposed a package worth $200 million less than the regional average.

To learn more about Hells Canyon, visit Restore Hells Canyon.

Utility features fish improvements through hydro licensing on new website

John Seebach — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 07:00:00 -0500

The Coalition was pleased as punch to see Portland General Electric (PGE) showcase its new commitments to fish recovery - taking the connection between environmental restoration and its hydropower dams and new licenses online.

From PGE's March 8th press release:

Fish and the rivers they live in: PGE Web site tells many stories

Anglers will find trend data and fish counts helpful

Much of Oregon' s story, past and present, is about our waterways and the fish that travel them. Now anglers – as well as hikers, boaters and campers or anyone who enjoys learning about Oregon' s treasures – can find a wealth of information on Portland General Electric' s (PGE' s) Web site.

A visit to www.PortlandGeneral.com/Fish (located in the “Our Community & Environment” section), lets visitors explore the four river basins where PGE generates electricity: Clackamas, Deschutes, Sandy and Willamette. Visitors will discover photos and maps of hydroelectric and fish passage facilities, the history behind them, and get in-depth information about the present-day runs of wild and hatchery salmon, steelhead and other species.

“Anglers will find our new Hydropower and Fish section especially interesting and useful,” said Tim Shibahara, a PGE fish biologist. “Timing a fishing trip is easy. We chart the peak migration dates for salmon and steelhead, when fishing is at its best. Plus, we provide graphs that show run strengths over time. Anglers can even view daily updates of how many fish, and what type, are passing by PGE facilities on both the Clackamas and Willamette rivers.”

How do you tell the difference between a salmon, a steelhead and a kokanee? All the game fish species are profiled, along with photos of both adults and juvenile fish. The Clackamas section includes a short video on how PGE counts and separates wild and hatchery fish. (The hatchery fish receive another trip downstream, so anglers have another chance to catch them.)

The site also presents some fascinating history of the local rivers. History buffs can read or download short books on the history of the Clackamas and the Sandy, commissioned by PGE as part of the relicensing of its hydro plants. One of them has a quote from the famous author Rudyard Kipling, made after spending a day steelhead fishing on the Clackamas in 1889, “I have lived! The American continent may now sink under the sea, for I have taken the best of it.”

The river histories are still being written as PGE makes major changes to its generating facilities that make life easier for threatened salmon and steelhead. The utility' s plans to remove two dams in the Sandy Basin, restore salmon runs above its dams for the first time since 1968, and improve fish survival on the Clackamas and Willamette are detailed with full-color illustrations.

Those interested in camping and picnicking can also find out about the parks and campgrounds PGE maintains, check on amenities such as boat launch and rentals, restrooms and showers and even make camping reservations online.

"While hydroelectric plants are among the cleanest and lowest-cost ways to produce electricity, they also impact the natural habitat of the river. That's why PGE strongly supports fisheries management programs and facilities,” Shibahara said. “We partner with a variety of organizations, finding science-based, innovative solutions to help fish migration and aid in the recovery of threatened species. We also work to protect species living on the land near our projects and provide recreation on the rivers and lakes we help manage.”

Settlement agreement signed on Washington's Lewis River

John Seebach — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 06:00:00 -0600

A comprehensive settlement has been reached (hurrah!) on the Lewis River projects in Washington. The settlement will allow for improved and restored flows, and sets fish passage triggers that may open up as much as 174 miles of new habitat.

Read PacifiCorp's press release, or read on for the lead conservation group's statement on the settlement. Other signing organizations include Trout Unlimited and Native Fish Society.

Statement by Rob Masonis, Northwest regional director of American Rivers, on the Lewis River hydro-licensing agreement

November 30, 2004

Today' s agreement shows that hydropower dams can be improved to benefit healthy rivers and the quality of life in a basin' s communities.

It proves that diverse interests -- utilities, native tribes, federal and state resource agencies, counties and conservation groups -- can come together in the dam relicensing process and arrive at positive solutions that work for people, fish and wildlife, and healthy rivers.

We applaud the agreement' s strong measures that provide over $5 million for habitat restoration, and that will allow fish renewed access to 174 miles of habitat. Restoring and opening habitat is critical to the recovery of listed Columbia River stocks.

The parties will play an ongoing, collaborative role in guiding implementation of the agreement. American Rivers will help ensure that the river restoration and salmon recovery measures are informed by the best science and are implemented effectively.

Now that PacifiCorp and Cowlitz PUD have pledged to do their parts to ensure the vitality of the Lewis River into the future, the Clark County Council should do its part – by stopping harmful gravel mining on the East Fork and passing a strong Critical Areas Ordinance package in early 2005.

This agreement provides a long-term vision for the health of the Lewis River. We urge Clark County to use similar long-term, watershed-based thinking when making decisions that will impact the clean water, fish and wildlife, and quality of life for generations to come.

Studies Show PacifiCorp Could Remove Dams Safely, Cheaply

John Seebach — Mon, 19 Jul 2004 23:00:00 -0500

Project: Klamath : P-2082

Contact: Steve Rothert of American Rivers, 530-277-0448
Curtis Knight of California Trout, 530-926-3755
Chuck Bonham of Trout Unlimited, 510-528-4164
Brian Barr of World Wildlife Fund, 541-488-2716

KLAMATH RIVER, Calif., July 20 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Studies released today by a collection of conservation groups suggest that the option of removing one or more of the five mainstem dams on the Klamath River may be more cost effective and technically viable than previously thought. In line with the 2003 National Academy of Sciences' recommendation to study the removal of Klamath River dams, American Rivers, California Trout, Friends of the River, Trout Unlimited, and World Wildlife Fund (conservation groups) and the Klamath River Inter-Tribal Fish and Water Commission engaged experts to evaluate certain costs and effects of removing four dams, Iron Gate, Copco 1 and 2, and JC Boyle.

PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Scottish Power, owns five dams on the Klamath River that block salmon and steelhead from reaching more than 350 miles of their historic habitat. The four lowest dams generate power but provide no flood control or water supply benefits. They have contributed to a 90 percent decline in salmon populations and add to degraded water quality far downstream of the dams. PacifiCorp is seeking a new 30-50 year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to operate its hydropower project.

"Our goal is the recovery of native fish populations in the Klamath River basin. One cornerstone for reaching this goal is the reintroduction of salmon and steelhead to the 350 miles of habitat blocked by PacifiCorp's dams," said Brian Barr of World Wildlife Fund.

Conservation groups have worked collaboratively for the last four years with PacifiCorp, Native American tribes and other stakeholders to gather information to analyze alternatives for improving fish populations, water quality and other resources impacted by the dams. Although PacifiCorp acknowledges the need to restore salmon, the Company did not propose restoring salmon and steelhead passage in its 7,000-page license application. Several fish passage options have been discussed during the relicensing proceeding, including constructing ladders, hauling fish around the dams in trucks, and removing dams. Unlike the other fish passage options, however, PacifiCorp refuses to study dam removal in detail. The studies released today by conservation groups analyze the cost of deconstructing the dams, the economic value of foregone power generation, and the effects of releasing stored sediments to the lower river.

"The Klamath dams are pretty old and these studies suggest that they may not produce enough juice to pay off the investment that will be necessary to secure a new license," said Steve Rothert with American Rivers. "PacifiCorp has a responsibility to its shareholders and customers to examine this scenario for itself."

"We hope these studies will shed some light on restoration opportunities in the Klamath River and provide a basis for fact- based decisions on these important issues," said Chuck Bonham of Trout Unlimited.

A principal concern of dam removal is the management of sediments built up in the reservoirs. "Our studies show that the Klamath River's flow would quickly carry the sediment to the ocean. In a matter of months after removal, it would be difficult to notice a difference in the lower river," said Steve Rothert of American Rivers. Because information gathered to date suggests it would be possible to allow the river to carry the sediment downstream, the excavation and disposal of reservoir sediment -- a costly aspect of dam removal -- would be eliminated.

"Our engineering study indicates the four lowest dams could be dismantled and safely disposed of for less than $40 million. By contrast, the construction of fish ladders and fish screens at those same four dams could cost up to $150 million," said Curtis Knight of California Trout.

The Klamath River dams supply less than 1 percent of PacifiCorp's customer demand, and the California Energy Commission has concluded that project power could easily be replaced by existing and planned power plants in the area.

The study on foregone power generation estimates the annual value of Klamath hydropower is approximately $21 million currently. PacifiCorp's license application states it would cost $23 million per year to produce power on the Klamath under the Company's proposed plan, which does not include fish passage facilities. NOAA Fisheries has indicated it may require fish ladders to be constructed, which could increase costs to $30 million per year or more. According to PacifiCorp estimates, the cost of replacing its hydro project with wind power would cost less than $27 million per year.

"We do not take the issue of dam removal lightly -- we recognize that people have interests in these dams that must be addressed. We conducted these studies because we believe citizens are entitled to informed choices from decision makers," said Curtis Knight of California Trout.

The FERC is starting an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to analyze the impacts of PacifiCorp's dams. In this Environmental Impact Statement, FERC will study alternatives to PacifiCorp's proposal to leave all dams in the river without providing fish passage for salmon and steelhead. Conservation groups will submit the three commissioned studies to FERC this week to improve the understanding of one of the alternatives already identified by FERC for detailed analysis -- the decommissioning and removal of at least some Klamath River dams and facilities.

Trout Unlimited's Chuck Bonham said, "Even though the backdrop for the relicensing of these dams may be the most contentious river basin in the West, it need not be that way going forward. We stand firm in our belief that the impacts these dams cause to salmon and steelhead are best resolved by bringing the basin's stakeholders together to forge a solution."

Historic Settlement Signed at Pelton Round Butte

John Seebach — Tue, 13 Jul 2004 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Pelton Round Butte : P-2030

A 2004 historic settlement agreement will allow fish to pass three enormous dams on the mainstem Deschutes for the first time in decades.

Co-signed by joint owners Portland General Electric and Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and 20 other agencies and organizations, the settlement agreement restores flow, water quality and fish habitat through the project area.

Signatories included HRC members American Rivers, WaterWatch of Oregon, Oregon Trout, and Trout Unlimited.

July 13, 2004

For more information please contact:

Mark Fryburg, PGE, 503-464-8444
Bill Rhoades, CTWS, 541-553-2013
Frank Quimby, DOI, 202-208-7291

For additional details and images, visit PGE's Pelton Round Butte website.

Only U.S. hydro project co-owned by utility and Native American tribe

Warm Springs, Ore. — Salmon and steelhead will migrate past a large series of dams for the first time since 1968, under the terms of an historic multiparty agreement to be signed today. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton is announcing the agreement at a ceremony in Warm Springs, Ore.

The pact is one of the final steps in obtaining a new federal license for Pelton Round Butte, the only hydroelectric project in the United States jointly owned by a Native American tribe and a utility. The 465-million watt project is one-third owned by Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs (CTWS) and the remainder owned by Portland General Electric (PGE). The 20-mile long complex impounds the Deschutes River, a federal Wild and Scenic River and a tributary of the Columbia, about six miles west of Madras, Ore. The three dams, rising to as high as 440 feet, blocked salmon and steelhead migration in the Deschutes, Metolius and Crooked rivers above the project 36 years ago.

A total of 22 organizations and government agencies, including the project owners, endorsed the agreement. The signing takes place at the Museum at Warm Springs on the Warm Springs Reservation.

“The settlement demonstrates how water management and hydroelectric operations can be carried out in innovative ways that protect tribal resources, enhance the environment and aid in the recovery of threatened species,” Secretary Norton said. “With sound science, cutting-edge technology and creative solutions, we can have both healthy rivers and thriving communities.”

Officials praised the agreement for its positive economic and environmental impact. Besides potentially reopening 226 miles of streams above the dams to fish migration, the plan allows for continued production of low-cost hydroelectric power at the facility, improves the Tribes' fish harvest and benefits recreational fishing.

“This agreement sets the bar for other dam operators in the Northwest and across the country. PGE, CTWS and the other settlement parties have proven that by working together, we can achieve great outcomes for this river's health, its salmon and steelhead, and its people,” said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers.

“For all of the families who enjoy the Deschutes today, and for those future generations who will fish its waters, run its rapids and view its wildlife in the years to come, this agreement is cause for great celebration.”

In the 1990s, the Tribes and PGE began planning for relicensing the project and restoring fish passage became the top priority.

“Many generations will benefit from this agreement,” said CTWS Council Chairman Ron Suppah. “The next 50 years under this new license will create a blueprint for wise natural resources management that is so important to our Indian people and financial resources that are vital to the tribal organization. Adding electric power generation has diversified our economic base and supported programs ranging from public safety to health and education.”

“PGE and the Tribes share the stewardship of one of the West' s most precious resources, the Deschutes River,” said Peggy Fowler, PGE CEO and president. “Our customers depend on us to do the right thing for the environment. They also depend on us for electricity that powers vital aspects of everyday life. We're committed to deliver on both obligations.”

The hydro project, the largest located completely within Oregon' s borders, was completed by PGE in 1964. Although it was constructed with fish passage facilities, the downstream system failed. Under the environmental policies of that era, raising fish in a hatchery was an appropriate way to offset the impact. The fish passage problem was created in large part by the downstream currents in a reservoir taking a wrong turn. Young salmon and steelhead following the currents rarely found their way to the ocean.

The solution will be a 270-foot high underwater tower arising from the bottom of the lake behind Round Butte Dam. A 130-foot wide disc at the top of the tower will draw in most of the surface water, turning the currents and fish back downstream toward the dam. Fish will be screened at the intake and trucked downstream of the dams for release on their journey to the Pacific. The tower will also blend waters from various depths to improve the conditions, including water temperatures, for downstream fish.

Species to be reintroduced above the dams include summer steelhead (a federally listed threatened species) and spring Chinook salmon. Resident kokanee should naturally convert to sockeye salmon as they head downstream.

PGE and the Tribes are prepared to spend more than $135 million dollars on the project during the 50-year term of the license, the vast majority going to fish-related measures. More than $21 million is planned for fish habitat improvement on Deschutes River tributaries, including water rights acquisition.

The project' s reservoirs and their shores are popular recreation sites, including camping, fishing, boating and water skiing. The plans do not restrict recreation and should actually improve recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead over the long run through increased populations and better habitat.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to act on the new license in late 2004 or early 2005.

# # #

PGE is a recognized leader in the utility industry with more than 115 years of experience delivering safe and reliable electricity. Serving more than 754,000 retail customers in northwest Oregon, the company supports the community through a variety of environmental efforts.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is a federally recognized Indian Tribe with 4,312 members. Its reservation in north Central Oregon covers 1,000 square miles.

Thirsty For More: Augusta Shoals Appeals Water Quality Certification

John Seebach — Mon, 05 Jul 2004 07:00:00 -0500

Project: High Shoals : P-3102 | Enterprise Mill : P-2935 | John P. King Mill : P-9988

The Coastal Conservation League and American Rivers appealed Georgia's water quality certification for the City of Augusta's operation on the Augusta Canal and Diversion Dam. Lack of terms and conditions for any stream flow to be maintained in the four-mile long Augusta Shoals, a stretch of river whose flow is diverted at the dam, served as the basis for January' s appeal.

The certification also did not include conditions to protect federally and state endangered species that occur in the shoals, nor did it require construction of a fish passage facility to allow migrating fish access to upstream waters.

Complicating matters, the dam is located in both South Carolina and Georgia since it spans the Savannah River, the border between the states. Because the Augusta dam and canal project's main point of discharge originates in Georgia, the water quality certification was initially deemed Georgia's responsibility.

As of May 7, 2004, FERC issued a notice requiring the project to obtain water quality certification from South Carolina due to a determination that a discharge originates in South Carolina. This issuance resulted in pressure from the Coastal Conservation League, Natural Heritage Institute, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health and Environmental Quality (the water quality regulatory agency for South Carolina) on FERC to coordinate interstate water quality certifications for projects of this nature. This bodes well for Augusta Shoals because South Carolina's water quality standards are noticeably more strict than Georgia's requirements.

A properly conditioned 401 certification is critical to the goals of enhancing riverine and coastal resource values of the Savannah River. The term of the new license is likely to be 40 years, making operating requirements of the license and effects on riverine and coastal resources important well into the future.

Contact Gerrit Jobsis (gerrit@scccl.org) of the Coastal Conservation League for more information on the Augusta Shoals project.

Ft. Halifax Debate Closes with FERC's Final Order

John Seebach — Thu, 22 Jan 2004 06:00:00 -0600

FERC's recent issuance of an order regarding the Ft. Halifax dam signaled at least a temporary end to a standing controversy over the Commission's responsibilities and obligations with respect to settlement agreements. On January 22, 2004, FERC issued its final order for the Ft. Halifax Project on the Sebasticook River upholding its original 1998 settlement that required dam removal in the absence of construction of a fish lift. The order was welcomed by HRC members and the Kennebec Coalition who argued FERC was responsible for keeping with the recommendations of state and federal fisheries agencies, and which upholds existing license conditions and agreements.

In a 1998 settlement, FPL Energy agreed to construct a fish lift by May 1, 2003 or pursue steps for dam removal. Seeking to avoid surrender of its license, FPL cited over $4 million in costs to install fish passage and $130,000 in annual operating and maintenance costs. Instead of implementing the requirements of the 1998 settlement, FPL argued for the installation of an alternative fish passage technology that would have allowed them to avoid partial dam removal.

Local landowners with homes on the impoundment also petitioned FERC to modify its fish passage requirements to allow use of an untested "fish pump" currently used to harvest fish in the aquaculture industry. State and federal fisheries experts, as well as the Kennebec Coalition, however, opposed use of this experimental technology.

In June 2002, FPL filed the surrender application. In July 2003, the Commission stayed the license instead of upholding the 1998 settlement agreement that would have required dam removal since FPL failed to install fish passage. Instead, the Commission order parties to the settlement to evaluate other less expensive alternative fish passage technologies.

In September 2003, the HRC wrote a letter to FERC expressing significant concerns about the Commission's stay of the Ft. Halifax license. HRC stated, "by failing to implement the plain terms of the agreement that the Commission itself approved five years ago, the Commission's order threatens not only the Fort Halifax settlement, but all past and future agreements as well."