Hydropower Reform Coalition - decommissioning

Fort Halifax dam comes down, Sebasticook revives

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:44:27 -0500

Earlier this week, the end of Fort Halifax dam in Maine marked the beginning of a free flowing Sebasticook river. Huge excavators started tearing down the 29 ft-high dam, that had been there for a century, paving way for habitat for several mussel and fish species.

Supported by federal agencies and HRC members, FPL Energy had recently requested FERC for a permission for a full removal, which FERC granted in a letter issued on July 1, 2008. The original FERC approval, in January 2004, had only allowed for partial removal. However, since total removal was going to allow for better fish passage and FPL Energy preferred to perform a total removal, FERC granted the permission. According to FERC, total removal is also consistent with the prior agreement reached amongst FPL Energy, state and federal agencies, and several NGOs.

Opponents of dam removal including Save our Sebasticook had tried to stop dam removal. Meanwhile, another power company, Essex Hydro Associates, in the 11th hour, had requested to halt dam removal and to take over the project via license transfer. FERC denied both the requests stating that not only had the request come in several years after the decision was made but also that Essex had failed to establish any standing to request for a halt in dam removal.

Read this related article on the Kennebec Journal and this blog to see pictures of dam removal.

Impacts from decommissioning of hydroelectric dams: a life cycle perspective

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:01:00 -0500

Source: Climatic Change

Volume: 84

Year: 2007

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydroelectric dams are often portrayed as nonexistent by the hydropower industry and have been largely ignored in global comparisons of different sources of electricity. However, the life cycle assessment (LCA)of any hydroelectric plant shows that GHG emissions occur at different phases of the power plant's life. This work examines the role of decommissioning hydroelectric dams in greenhouse gas emissions. Accumulated sediments in reservoirs contain noticeable levels of carbon, which may be released to the atmosphere upon decommissioning of the dam. The rate of sediment accumulation and the sediment volume for six of the ten largest United States hydroelectric power plants is surveyed. The amount of sediments and the respective carbon content at the moment of dam decommissioning (100 years after construction) was estimated. The released carbon is partitioned into CO2 and CH4 emissions and converted toCO2 equivalent emissions using the global warming potential (GWP) method. The global warming effect (GWE) due to dam decommissioning is normalized to the total electricity
produced over the lifetime of each power plant. The estimated GWE of the power plants range from 128-380 g of CO2eq./kWh when 11% of the total available sediment organic carbon (SOC) is mineralized and between 35 and 104 g of CO2eq./kWh when 3% of the total SOC is mineralized. Though these values are below emission factors for coal power plants (890 g of CO2eq./kWh), the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the sediments upon dam decommissioning is a notable amount that should not be ignored and must be taken into account when considering construction and relicensing of hydroelectric dams

Author(s)

Sergio Pacca

Contact

Notes

Attachment	Size
Pacca- Impacts of decommissioning of hydroelectric dams.pdf	204.06 KB

Sullivan Creek Project to require surrendering of application

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:05:57 -0500

Project: Sullivan Lake (Storage) : P-2225

Following a rehearing request by American Whitewater, Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, FERC ruled that the license for this project in Pend Oreille county, WA is still valid. This ruling overturned the previous FERC decision that would have allowed the licensee to simply abandon the project.

In the decision released on March 20, 2008, FERC states "Sullivan Creek Project requires licensing and the District must apply to surrender the license." FERC justified its decision by stating that licensees must surrender their application to ensure that project site is left in appropriate condition. The PUD will have to seek for authorization from Forest Service for use of land for any project related activity.

This decision has set a precedence that licensees cannot simply walk away from an abandoned project but instead have to provide a plan. For the Sullivan Creek, this rehearing ruling has ensured that the project is not abandoned in a manner that would have negatively impacted the river.

Montana dam breached to allow for toxic cleanup and removal

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:15:18 -0500

The Milltown dam at the confluence of Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers, just upstream of Missoula, MT, had been accumulating toxic wastes from mining uprivers including arsenic, zinc, copper and other heavy metals, thus making it a superfund site. FERC decided to decommission the dam in January 2005 to clean up these toxic chemicals.

American Whitewater (AW), an active HRC member was present along with hundreds of other people to witness the rivers flowing free. On Friday morning, a small channel was dug through the temporary coffer dam built last year to allow for diversion of water. The water quickly began eroding the coffer dam and carving off large chunks of sediment. By next morning the coffer dam was gone and the river was flowing free after a century. Watch this short video by AW showing the breaching of the dam.

The next two big tasks will be the clean up the river bottom and eventually remove the dam. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking the lead to clean up this superfund site.

Benefit Dinner to Un-dam Klamath

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:08:31 -0600

Project: Klamath : P-2082

A benefit dinner is being organized to remove dams from the Klamath River that have been disturbing the habitat for salmon, trout and other species for a long time. The Klamath hydroproject owned by Pacificorp includes four dams that are not only disturbing fish migration and spawning but also polluting the river with toxic algae.

Local fishermen, tribes and environmental groups have long opposed the dams. Even the California Energy Commission calls it the "most environmentally damaging energy project in CA." A recent analysis by FERC concluded that dam removal would be cheaper by $7 million a year, thus saving money for the owner, state and tax payers.

A short video developed by American Rivers, with funding from Hydropower Reform Coalition, explains the need to remove the dams for restoration of Klamath River.

The $5-$15 dinner will include live music, a multimedia presentation, and silent auction. See the Klamath Riverkeeper's event page for more details on the event.

Sullivan Creek Rehearing

Rich Bowers — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:22:38 -0500

Project: Sullivan Lake (Storage) : P-2225

The Sullivan Creek Project was constructed by the Inland Portland Cement Company in 1909, and was used to generate power until 1956, when the Project’s wood flume was damaged. The Project is located on Sullivan Lake, Outlet Creek and Sullivan Creek, a tributary of the Pend Oreille River. The licensed project has not operated for decades. For the most part, the project is used to modify and control flows on other projects downstream. The license for this project expires in 2008 and in place of an Notice of Intent (NOI) to re-apply, the PUD indicated that it does not intend to relicense the project. Once the two year competition deadline had passed in 2006, the PUD filed a petition to the

asserting non-jurisdiction. American Whitewater, US Forest Service and the Kalispel Tribe weighed in against this petition. Allowing the licensee to just walk away from this project raises a multitude of problems, many of which could set national precedents regarding FERC jurisdiction, their responsibility to require project decommissioning, and to provide a plan for license surrender that doesn't just dump the project and its impacts on the river in the hand's of federal and state agencies. It may also set precedents for other utility developers to just walk away if a project doesn't meet expectations or is no longer wanted. FERC issued its order in late August finding that the licensee can end its license with no further action required. American Whitewater, the US Forest Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have all filed petitions for rehearing on these important issues. Attached. AW challenges the Order’s conclusions that (1) the Commission does not have jurisdiction over the Project despite the fact that the Project was constructed and continues to be operated and maintained for the purpose of power generation and is located on federal lands (Colville National Forest); and (2) no further action is required on the part of the Commission or Licensee upon expiration of the existing license in 2008.

Attachment	Size
FERC Declaratory Order, Sullivan Crk.pdf	78.46 KB
20070124_pud_reply_to_FS_protest.pdf	1.35 MB
20070817-5032(17807049)PUD Rehearing.pdf	774.23 KB
20070817-5033(17807051) AW Rehearing.pdf	85.57 KB
20070816-5049(17804046)FWS Rehearing.pdf	529.19 KB
20070817-5026(17807022) USFS Rehearing.pdf	876.15 KB

Take a class in dam removal!

John Seebach — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:09:59 -0500

The University of Wisconsin, in partnership with Coalition members American Rivers and Trout Unlimited and several other organizations, is home to the nation’s only regular short course on dam removal, entitled "Succeeding with a Dam Removal Project."

The next course will be held in East Lansing, Michigan from November 5-7, 2007. Join the ranks of more than 500 people across the country that have taken the course, and deepened their understanding of how to plan, design and implement successful dam removal and river restoration projects.

Please see the attached brochure for details and registration info.

Attachment	Size
Dam Removal Course Michigan 11-07.pdf	299.63 KB

Removal of Sandy River hydropower dams set to begin in summer 2006

Rebecca Sherman — Wed, 30 May 2007 13:24:03 -0500

Project: Bull Run : P-477

A final tour of the Bull Run Hydroelectric Project on the Sandy River in Oregon sparked a series of Memorial Day weekend news articles.

Oregon Public Broadcasting ran a feature highlighting Portland General Electric's (PGE) decision to remove three dams on the Sandy and Little Sandy rivers rather than relicense the aging facilities.

OPB News
PGE Prepares To Remove Two Dams On The Sandy River
By Colin Fogarty

PORTLAND, OR (2007-05-23) For nearly a century, Portland General Electric has gotten some of its power from the Sandy River basin.

Now, the company is preparing to vacate the Sandy and Little Sandy Rivers and turn much of the land over for conservation.

Eight years ago, PGE decided it would be more expensive to repair and keep up the Marmot and Little Sandy Dams than to just tear them out. Colin Fogarty was among several reporters who went on the last tour of the dams before removal begins this summer.

Read or listen to the full OPB article, with slideshow >>

The Oregonian also ran a full feature on the decision >>

From the May 30th Gresham Outlook feature:

Technology has changed a lot since 1906, when construction of the first components of the Bull Run Hydroelectric Project began.

Despite the advancements, when work begins this summer to dismantle the project – including the Marmot Dam on the Sandy River, the Little Sandy Dam on the Little Sandy River, a 22-megawatt powerhouse on Bull Run River, a 15,000-foot wooden-box flume, canals and tunnels between the Marmot and Little Sandy dams and the draining of Roslyn Lake – Portland General Electric will turn the clock back 100 years.

Dams: here today, gone tomorrow? Positive signes of change at FERC

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:18:25 -0500

Source:

Volume: July 1994 p13

Year: 1994

Abstract

FERC has made great strides recently soliciting public input on whether they can and should "consider decommissioning of a project as an alternative to issuing a new license." Also, FERC has asked for input on how cumulative impacts of hydro porjects in the same reiver basin should be addressed. In respone to this request, various NGOs have weighed in with their opinion. The Hydropower Reform Coalition states FERC needs a "cradle-to-grave" approach in licensing that would fund the retirement of a hydro facility at the end of its useful lfe without burdening taxpayers. Furthermore, rather than review dams one by one, FERC should conduct river basin wide analyses, issuing licenses according to that plan.

Author(s)

Turner , E.

Contact

Notes

American Rivers produced abstract

2006 Removal for Bear River Dam in Idaho

John Seebach — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Bear River : P-20

Coalition members Idaho Rivers United and American Whitewater helped make a settlement promise become a reality: dam removal on the overregulated Bear River in Idaho.

Read the full press release from Idaho Rivers United:

July 20, 2005

Contact: Idaho Rivers United

Bill Sedivy, IRU, o) 208-343-7481 c) 208-841-5492

Bert Bowler, IRU, o) 208-343-7481

Bear River dam and hydropower project slated for removal

Pocatello - Idaho Rivers United and other members of the Bear River Environmental Coordination Committee (ECC) signed an agreement today seeking removal of the Cove Dam and Hydropower Project, located on the Bear River in southeastern Idaho.

The dam removal pact must now be reviewed and approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency that grants operating licenses to privately owned hydropower dams.

The Cove Project was identified during the 2003 relicensing of three dams on the Bear as a high cost/low value project that warranted further study to determine if decommissioning was a feasible alternative to continued operation. Studies undertaken since the relicensing showed that decommissioning Cove would:

Benefit ratepayers as the cost to repair and operate project would exceed market rates of power generated there.
Increase generation at the Grace Hydropower Plant, located directly upstream of the Cove Plant.
Enhance the aquatic resources in the Bear River and assist in the restoration of native cutthroat trout.
Have no effect on the ability of PacifiCorp to deliver irrigation water through the Bear River/Bear Lake irrigation system.

The Cove Dam is concrete structure 26-feet high and 141-feet long. Its removal will reconnect 29.3 miles of Bear, improving fish habitat and water quality, and reconnect important tributary streams to the main stem river.

"This is a great example of moving past the emotional debate over dam removal and making sound decisions based on economics and science," said Bill Sedivy, Executive Director of Idaho Rivers United.

"Not all dams are created equal," Sedivy added. "When they outlive their usefulness, or cause more harm and damage to the environment than they return in benefits to society, they ought to come down."

Over the last decade, dam removal has become mainstream. Since the historic, 1999 removal of Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Maine, 170 dams have been removed across the U.S. and dozens more removals are scheduled.

"Dams can do a lot of damage to the environment," Sedivy said. "They block fish passage, drown upstream habitat and alter downstream habitat, raise water temperatures and impair water quality generally. It makes good sense - ecologically and economically - to take down obsolete dams."

Restoration of the river corridor and removal of the Cove Project, which consists of the dam, a water flume that needs extensive repairs and a powerhouse, is expected to cost in excess of $2 million. The project will be funded in part by an ECC agreement that will allow greater power generation at the upstream Grace Dam. PacificCorp, owner of the facility, will pick up any additional costs.

The utility would like to begin deconstruction in the spring of 2006 and complete the project by fall, 2006.

The Bear River ECC is comprised of Idaho Rivers United, PacifiCorp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Parks and Recreation, Idaho Council of Trout Unlimited, Greater Yellowstone Coalition and American Whitewater.

Dam removal possible on Utah's Bear River

John Seebach — Sun, 03 Jul 2005 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Bear River : P-20

The Bear River project, a series of four dams, was consolidated under a single license in 2003 after a comprehensive settlement involving a broad group of stakeholders, including members American Whitewater, Trout Unlimited, and Idaho Rivers United. Now in license and settlement implementation, a stakeholder consensus was reached to remove one of the older developments, Cove Dam.

A description of the project and potential removal from Utah Power's (PacifiCorp) March 7th press release:

Proposal will outline Cove Project decommissioning

PORTLAND— An agreement has been reached on a proposal to retire the Cove Project, one of four PacifiCorp hydroelectric developments in Idaho on the Bear River. The proposal must be accepted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which granted a new federal license to the plants in December 2003. The process to evaluate the proposal could take about a year.

PacifiCorp reached agreement on the proposal among the same parties that reached settlement for the new Bear River Project license. The utility and these parties organized the Environmental Coordinating Committee (ECC), which is charged with helping implement the terms of the license.

A requirement to evaluate decommissioning the Cove Project was included in the new 30-year license issued by the FERC to PacifiCorp' s four Bear Lake hydroelectric projects in Idaho. If the plan is approved by the FERC, PacifiCorp would remove most of the Cove facilities from the site, including the 1-mile concrete and timber flowline. The Cove powerhouse would remain and PacifiCorp would conduct certain restoration work of the river in the vicinity of the Cove forebay and flowline.

Retirement of the Cove Project increases connectivity for fish and other aquatic resources in Bear River. This action will also enhance the generation potential of the Grace Plant, directly upstream, by reducing the bypass flow requirement.

Removal of the Cove Project will in no way affect or impair PacifiCorp obligations to deliver irrigation water through the Bear River system.

“This proposal will enhance aquatic resources in the Bear River and dovetail with PacifiCorp's FERC license commitment to participate in conservation of the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout,” said Therese Lamb, PacifiCorp' s Director of Relicensing and Compliance. “It will also protect irrigation water deliveries through the Bear River system.”

Bear River Project details:

The Soda Project, 14 megawatts, located 44 miles downstream of Bear Lake, completed in 1925. The Soda dam is 103 feet high and 433 feet long. The Soda reservoir has a surface area of 1,100 acres, and active storage capacity of 16,300 acre-feet, and a maximum water surface elevation of 5,720 feet.
The Grace Project, 33 megawatts, located six miles downstream of the Soda Project, completed in 1912 and enlarged several times through 1927.
The Cove Project, 7.5 megawatts, built in 1917 just downstream of Grace, to take advantage of the tailrace waters of the Grace powerhouse.
The Grace/Cove project features an upstream diversion dam 51 feet high and 180-foot-long; a 26,000-foot-long flow-line to carry water to the power house, and a 6,125-foot-long concrete and wood flume that carries water from the Grace power house to Cove.
The Oneida Project, 30 megawatts, 22 miles downstream of the Grace/Cove Project, built in stages between 1912 and 1920. The project dam is 111 feet high and 456 feet long; the reservoir has an active storage of 10,880 acre-feet and a surface area of 480 acres.
The Cutler Project, 29 megawatts, Cache County, Utah, first began producing power in 1927. The 109 foot-high Cutler Dam forms a 5,500 acre reservoir which is also a major recreation area. The reservoir includes a large wetland complex that is important habitat for dozens of bird species. The area surrounding the reservoir is mostly agricultural land. Cutler was granted a new license by the FERC in April 1994.

For information, contact:

Kevin Lewis, Idaho Rivers United, 208-343-7481

David Eskelsen, Utah Power, 801-220-2447

Utah Power Media Hotline, 800-775-7950

Arizona's Fossil Creek Flows Free

John Seebach — Sat, 18 Jun 2005 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Childs And Irving : P-2069

Coalition chair American Rivers today celebrated the return of natural flows to Fossil Creek, a stream in central Arizona. Through relicensing, Arizona Public Service chose to decommission its Childs and Irving hydroelectric plants in favor of restoring the desert river to its natural flow and rhythms.

Welcome back, Fossil Creek.

American Rivers applauds Senator McCain for effort to protect Fossil Creek

Saturday, June 18, 2005
Contact: Andrew Fahlund, Cell:(202) 487-6659, Eric Eckl, Cell: (202) 486-7877

(Phoenix, Washington DC) American Rivers applauded Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today for committing to introduce a bill to protect Fossil Creek in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System when Congress reconvenes later this month.

On June 18th, Arizona Public Service Corporation decommissioned its Child-Irving Hydropower project along Fossil Creek, restoring normal water levels to the stream for the first time in over 100 years. The water in this spring-fed stream contains unusually high levels of calcium, which creates uniquely fascinating formations. Now that the water has been restored along the entire length of the stream, Fossil Creek will provide habitat for several very rare desert fish species, as well as a tremendous recreational resource for local residents and visitors.

“Arizona Public Service has done its part by restoring Fossil Creek, now Senator McCain is doing his part by seeking permanent protection as a Wild and Scenic River,” said Andrew Fahlund, Vice President for Protection and Restoration at American Rivers. “We call on the Congress to recognize this leadership and act swiftly on Senator McCain's bill.”

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was signed into law in 1968 in order to preserve forever the free-flowing condition and outstanding values of some of our country's most precious rivers. To qualify, a river must be free-flowing and must be deemed to have one or more "outstandingly remarkable" scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values.

Once the president signs Senator McCains bill, the U.S. Forest Service will have additional authority and resources to protect Fossil Creek' s unique features.

“The Child-Irving Hydropower project was the first dam on Fossil Creek, Senator McCain' s bill will ensure that it will be the last and that the Forest Service will give this creek the care it deserves,” Fahlund said. “This is place where families can come to experience a sense of wonder for America' s natural blessings.”

American Rivers was founded in 1973 to increase the number of rivers protected by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and to prevent the construction of large new dams on our last wild rivers. Today, the organization works on a variety of river conservation campaigns, and leads the nation's river movement.

Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Project Agreement Finalized

John Seebach — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 06:00:00 -0600

Project: Kilarc - Cow Creek : P-606

Wednesday, March 23 2:00 pm ET

Utility Supports Decommissioning of Hydroelectric Project in Shasta County

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 23 /PRNewswire/-- Pacific Gas and Electric Company, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, National Park Service, California State Water Resources Control Board, NOAA Fisheries, Trout Unlimited and Friends of the River today announced a historic agreement which could lead to the decommissioning of PG&E's Kilarc-Cow Creek hydroelectric project. Upon decommissioning, the agreement also designates all water rights associated with the project to be used for providing additional habitat for the federally listed spring run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.

As part of the agreement, PG&E will not seek a new federal operating license for the Kilarc-Cow Creek project in Shasta County, east of Redding. The agreement also identifies the necessary actions for decommissioning, including long term treatment or removal of project facilities and the return of steam flows now diverted from South Cow and Old Cow Creek.

In early 2001, PG&E began working with stakeholders and resource agencies in an effort to renew the project's operating license. Through that process it became clear that new license provisions would result in the project no longer being an economic source of power for PG&E's electric customers.

Further discussions found common ground in the potential decommissioning of the project and transferring the water rights to a resource agency or other entity to support spring run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. By approaching the opportunity collaboratively, the parties were able to develop a balanced agreement that achieves both of these goals. The signed agreement will next be forwarded to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for review and action.

The relicensing process dictated by the Federal Power Act, could allow an interested third party to acquire and continue to operate the project. To do this, the interested third party would need to prepare and file an application for a new license, receive FERC approval for the new license and purchase project facilities from PG& E. However, if no other party obtains a new operating license, FERC will direct PG&E to prepare a plan to decommission the project. Under the agreement, PG&E will continue to operate the project until the current license expires on March 27, 2007. and on annual licenses thereafter until the project is either acquired by another licensee or is decommissioned.

The resource agencies will continue to retain all authorities and mandates related to the project. Environmental measures that improve water quality and conditions for state and federally listed species of salmon and steelhead trout continue to remain a priority for both PG&E and the resource agencies who will continue to work together and with FERC.

The Kilarc-Cow Creek project totals 5 MW of electric capacity and is located in Shasta County on several upper branches of Cow Creek, a tributary to the Sacramento River. The project consists of two powerhouses and associated canals, penstocks and forebays. The Kilarc Powerhouse on Old Cow Creek was built in 1904 and has a capacity of 3.2 MW. The Cow Creek Powerhouse on South Cow Creek was built in 1907 and has a capacity of 1.8 MW.

For more information contact:

Chuck Bonham, Trout Unlimited

510-528-4164

Kelly Catlett, Friends of the River

916-442-3155 ext. 223

FERC Clears Milltown Dam for Removal

John Seebach — Thu, 20 Jan 2005 06:00:00 -0600

Project: Milltown : P-2543

Following a plan designed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today issued an order relinquishing its control over Milltown Dam, P-2543.

The order dismisses the pending license application and gives notice that FERC intends to accept project surrender. FERC also ordered actions in accordance with EPA's plan to remove Milltown Dam, such as permanent reservoir drawdown, and clarified that EPA is now in charge of regulating and ultimately removing the dam.

From FERC's press release:

"The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today cleared the way for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to oversee the dismantling of a dam in Montana as part of a Superfund hazardous waste site cleanup. [...]

"In an order involving the Milltown Hydroelectric Project, located on the Clark Fork River in Montana, the Commission said that because the project is located on a Superfund site, EPA now has effective regulatory control over all aspects of the project. EPA will move forward with removal of the dam as part of its approved plan to remediate the project site.

"The Commission, in anticipation of project dismantling, will issue a notice of intent to accept surrender of the license. A 30-day comment period will be established for parties to comment on the surrender.

"Chairman Pat Wood, III commented: 'I will always be a strong supporter of building and maintaining infrastructure to support our energy needs, especially clean hydropower. In this instance, however, the environmental requirements trump power production.'

"EPA designated the entire Milltown project a Superfund site in 1983 under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as the law is formally known. The project reservoir is contaminated by approximately 6.6 million cubic yards of silt laden with arsenic, copper, zinc, and other heavy metals, which have leached from closed mines upstream in the area of Butte, Montana."

Montana's Milltown Dam Removal Plan Finalized

John Seebach — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 06:00:00 -0600

Project: Milltown : P-2543

On December 20, 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency released its final plan to remove Milltown Dam, a FERC project and also a Superfund site.

The details of the plan and a site map are available on EPA's Milltown Superfund website. Coalition member Clark Fork Coalition was instrumental in building enormous public support for dam removal, visible on bumpers across Montana.

Excerpted from a Dec. 21, 2004 article in the Missoulian (Missoula, MT):

"Twenty-three years after a Missoula County sanitarian found arsenic in Milltown's tap water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday issued a final plan for excavating the sediments that brought the poison to town and taking Milltown Dam out of the river so it doesn't happen again. [...]

"When we started talking about this idea, people thought it was nuts," said Tracy Stone-Manning, executive director of the Clark Fork Coalition, a river watchdog group. "It just goes to show that when citizens speak with one voice, really great things can happen."

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."

Battle Won at Fort Halifax

John Seebach — Mon, 31 May 2004 07:00:00 -0500

The 1.5-megawatt Fort Halifax Project on the Sebasticook River in Maine remains to be partially removed despite an effort by local interest groups to appeal the decision.

In June of 2002, FPL Energy filed an application to surrender the license for the Fort Halifax project because it had determined that the economics of the project would not justify the costs of installing and maintaining the fish lift required by the agreement and the license. As part of the application, FPL Energy proposed to remove several sections of the dam to provide fish passage. In January, 2004, FERC granted the surrender application and required the licensee to remove the dam in accordance with its modified proposal.

FPL Energy's proposal was generally supported by state and federal agencies and by conservation groups, primarily because partial dam removal would provide fish passage. The dam removal was opposed by a number of individuals, Save Our Sebasticook, and the Town, which were concerned with preserving the reservoir and its environment and with anticipated adverse environmental and other effects of drawing down the reservoir.

The request to rehear the application was in the light of information that the opponents assert FERC did not previously have the opportunity to consider. FERC denied the request, and the decision to require partial dam removal in the Fort Halifax Project stands.

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."

Deal on the Penobscot River Restores Fish and Preserves Power Generation

John Seebach — Tue, 10 Jun 2003 07:00:00 -0500

On October 6, 2003, PPL Corporation, conservation groups, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the State of Maine, and the U.S. Department of Interior announced an agreement aimed at restoring sea-run fish to the Penobscot River, while giving PPL Corporation the opportunity to maintain more than 90% of its current hydropower generation.

Dubbed the Penobscot River Restoration Project, the deal will significantly improve access to over 500 miles of river habitat, allowing for the recovery of native species of sea-run fish. The Penobscot is Maine's largest river, draining 8,570 square miles, about one-third of the state.

The terms of the deal:

A new or existing not-for-profit corporation will purchase the Veazie, Great Works, and Howland dams for approximately $25 million between 2007 and 2010, with the option to subsequently remove the two lowermost dams: Veazie and Great Works;

PPL Corporation receives the option to increase generation at six existing dams, which would result in retention of more than 90% of the current energy generation;

The not-for-profit corporation will also, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pursue a state-of-the-art fish bypass around the Howland dam; and

PPL Corporation will improve fish passage at four additional dams.

More information is available from the Penobscot River Restoration Trust.

Pacificorp to remove Powerdale dam on Oregon's Hood River

John Seebach — Fri, 06 Jun 2003 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Powerdale : P-2659

Salem, Ore. -- Today, Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski cheered a cooperative agreement among state and federal resource agencies, PacifiCorp, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, American Rivers and the Hood River Watershed Group, whereby the Powerdale Hydroelectric Project will be decommissioned and portions of it removed beginning in 2010.

The Powerdale Hydroelectric Project is located on the Hood River in Hood River, Oregon. The six-megawatt project is owned by PacifiCorp and can serve the needs of about 3,000 typical residential customers. Powerdale's federal operating license expired in 2000, and rather than accepting a new license, PacifiCorp approached parties to the licensing process to see if an alternative to a new license could be negotiated.

"I'd like to commend all parties to the settlement process for working together to reach common ground," said Governor Kulongoski during a ceremony today in his office at the State Capitol. "Constructive, collaborative settlement talks like these are the model for how difficult natural resource issues should be handled."

"We believe this agreement is in the best interests of our customers because Powerdale will continue to operate for several more years providing low-cost power," said Judi Johansen, chief executive officer for PacifiCorp. "But at the same, time the agreement supports the long-term objectives of the resource agencies and other interest groups in the Hood River Basin."

If PacifiCorp had chosen to accept a new operating license, Powerdale's future economic viability was doubtful. A new license would have come with more-restrictive operating conditions, and the plant would have also required a considerable amount of new capital investment to keep it operating for the next 30 to 50 years.

The company determined that it made more sense for its customers to close the plant in 2010 and use its capital resources for other more cost-effective generating sources.

Along with the project owner, PacifiCorp, other parties to the settlement include, National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Water Resources Department, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, American Rivers and the Hood River Watershed Group.

The Powerdale Project now has a small diversion dam with an operating fish ladder. Water is conveyed via a three-mile-long flowline to the downstream powerhouse close by where the Hood River flows into the Columbia River.

A fish-counting station connected to the dam's fish ladder is owned by the Bonneville Power Administration and operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. The facility is critical to fish research that will help with salmon and steelhead recovery efforts in the basin. For this and other reasons, the agreement permits continued project operation until 2010, at which time the dam will be removed.

"We are pleased that the parties were able to reach agreement that meets everyone's interests," said David McAllister, ODFW habitat division administrator. "This agreement ensures restoration of the Hood River and protection of riparian habitat for fish and wildlife."

The fish ladder, which was installed when the dam was built, continues to allow the sorting of fish at the station as well as passage of anadromous fish into the upper Hood River Basin.

PacifiCorp will not be required to install new fish screens for operations through 2010. However, all other operating measures that would have been required in a new license will be in effect until the project is decommissioned. Further, the project will be closed each year between April 15 and June 30 to ensure protection of downstream-migrating juvenile fish.

"This agreement demonstrates that we can work together and do what is right for rivers and the fish, wildlife, and people who depend on them. We commend PacifiCorp for its leadership. The Hood River will be healthier thanks to the improved flows and fish passage," said Brett Swift of American Rivers.

The overall settlement also provides that PacifiCorp will transfer to an agreed-upon public entity the 465 acres of land associated with the hydroelectric project, thereby protecting the natural character of the Hood River Basin as it approaches the Columbia River. PacifiCorp will also provide more than $150,000 in a trust fund to ensure future maintenance of these lands. The historic powerhouse will remain in place, but the tower with the surge tank will be removed.

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, which is a co-manager of the fisheries resources in the Hood River Basin, also noted that the settlement reaffirms their right under the Treaty of 1855 to fish in the basin.

"Fishing is a way of life for our people," said Tribal Council Chairman, Garland Brunoe. "The removal of this dam is a good step toward the recovery of the fishery, so that this fundamental part of our culture will not be lost to future generations."

Powerdale was first put into service in 1923 and has been operated for the customers of PacifiCorp ever since.

PacifiCorp serves 1.5 million customers in six western states as Pacific Power and Utah Power. The company operates an 8,200-megawatt power system consisting of hydro, thermal, wind and geothermal generation.

PacifiCorp also has reached a separate settlement with licensing parties for its Condit Hydroelectric Project on the White Salmon River across the Columbia River from Hood River in Washington State. Through that settlement, PacifiCorp has agreed to remove Condit Dam in the year 2006.

For further information please contact:

Dave Kvamme, PacifiCorp – 503-813-7279
Keith Kirkendall, National Marine Fisheries Service - 503-230-5431.
Anne Pressentin, OR Department of Fish and Wildlife – 503-872-5264 ext. 5356
Richard D. Bailey, OR Water Resources Department – 503-378-8455 ext. 256
Michael Llewelyn, OR Department of Environmental Quality – 503-229-5324
Cynthia Starke, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs – 541-382-3011
Brett Swift, American Rivers – 503-827-8648
Amy Souers, American Rivers – 206-213-0330 x19
Chuck Gehling, Hood River Watershed Group – 541-296-6866

Dam Removal on the American Fork River in Utah

John Seebach — Mon, 02 Jun 2003 07:00:00 -0500

Project: American Fork : P-696

On February 6th, several stakeholders signed a settlement agreement to decommission and remove a small diversion dam and a two-mile pipeline that make up the American Fork project in Utah. Owner PacifiCorp, Trout Unlimited, American Whitewater, the Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, and several state agencies agreed to take out project works in Lone Peak Wilderness, Uinta National Forest, and the Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon.

Originally constructed in 1907 before public lands and water protections, this dam adversely affects the American Fork River, has structural problems, and generates very little energy. Under the agreement, PacifiCorp plans to close the power plant in September 2006 and remove the diversion structure and pipeline by the end of 2007.

EPA Calls for Dam Removal on Montana' s FERC Project Milltown Dam

John Seebach — Tue, 15 Apr 2003 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Milltown : P-2543

On April 15th, the Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Montana jointly issued a proposed Superfund cleanup plan that calls for the removal of FERC project Milltown Dam. The action follows a local groundswell that ultimately turned the president and governor from opponents of dam removal into supporters.

Intense mining upstream has allowed heavy metals to tumble into the Milltown Reservoir, over time rendering the waters toxic. The Environmental Protection Agency considers the dam' s impoundment a Superfund site and has spent years evaluating clean up options. Area citizens have been clamoring to remove the old, failing dam before toxics leach into the groundwater system or worse, the dam breaks. Unfortunately, EPA already is responsible for delivering clean water to many nearby households whose water supply has been poisoned by arsenic. Removal of the dam will eventually provide badly needed fish passage for a variety of trout species including the endangered bull trout.

Removal of Milltown Dam Earns Support of Montana Governor and EPA

John Seebach — Tue, 21 Jan 2003 06:00:00 -0600

Project: Milltown : P-2543

At her State of the State speech on January 21st, Montana Governor Judy Martz announced her support for and approval of the removal of Milltown Dam located on the Clark Fork River in Montana. The next day, the Environmental Protection Agency released a proposed clean-up plan that endorsed the removal of both toxic sediment and the dam.

“ [T]onight, I am announcing that I am placing the full support of my office behind removal of the Milltown Dam,” Martz told a surprised audience and a thrilled citizenry.

The tangle of regulatory bodies and corporate interests has made the decision regarding the fate of the dam controversial and politically charged. The EPA proposal to remove the dam should ride a much smoother road with the Governor' s endorsement.

Upstream mining has rendered the dam' s impoundment a toxic wasteland. The Environmental Protection Agency considers these waters a Superfund site and has spent years in the process of evaluating options for clean-up. Meanwhile, area citizens have been clamoring to remove the rickety old dam before toxics leech into the groundwater system or worse, the dam breaks.

Visit the Clark Fork Coalition website for more details.

Portland General Electric to remove two hydroelectric dams in Oregon's Sandy River watershed

John Seebach — Thu, 24 Oct 2002 07:00:00 -0500

Project: Bull Run : P-477

Portland, Ore. -- Gov. John Kitzhaber, Portland General Electric CEO and President Peggy Fowler and representatives of 21 other organizations today signed an agreement that will remove two dams, protect threatened fish species and lead to a 5,000-acre wildlife and public recreation area in the Sandy River Basin.

By signing at a ceremony in PGE headquarters, the utility committed to removing its Bull Run Hydroelectric Project, donating its water rights to the public and contributing more than 1,500 acres of its related lands. The contribution will represent about 30 percent of the planned conservation area.

Dam removal will create unhindered access for threatened salmon and steelhead from the Pacific Ocean to the southwest slopes of Mt. Hood, while improving both sport fishing and wild fish restoration in the Sandy River.

"Removal of these dams represents a quantum leap in the quality of the Sandy River Watershed, for improved wildlife habitat and for enhanced recreational opportunities for Oregonians. I salute the perseverance of PGE and the diverse group of organizations in bringing this decommissioning agreement to fruition," Gov. Kitzhaber said.

The wildlife and recreation area will follow 15 miles of river, including remnants of old growth forest, fish habitat, and scenic deep river gorges. Possible amenities include streamside fishing areas, day use areas, a boat launch above Class IV rapids, and miles of trails.

PGE will donate the lands to the Western Rivers Conservancy, following the removal of the Marmot Dam on the Sandy River in 2007, the Little Sandy Dam on the Little Sandy River in 2008, and other components of the 22-megawatt hydro project by late 2009. The conservancy will transfer the PGE lands to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other organizations for continuous conservation.

"PGE will leave an environmental legacy in the Sandy Basin," Fowler said.

"For more than 90 years, our Bull Run project has served our customers well -- but with a significant environmental impact. When we leave the basin, the rivers will look much as they did in the early 1900s. Wild salmon and steelhead will jump rapids where they haven't passed for the better part of a century, and one of Oregon's most scenic river gorges will be opened for public enjoyment. PGE strongly believes this is the right thing to do."

"Utilities have agreed to remove dams before. What sets PGE apart is its willingness to go beyond minimum obligations to ensure the health and public enjoyment of the Sandy River watershed," said American Rivers President Rebecca Wodder.

"This agreement serves as a model for dam removal for the rest of the nation and demonstrates that people can come together and do what's right for salmon and for our rivers. Future generations are going to thank PGE for having the vision and will to restore the Sandy River," she said.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists characterize the Sandy and Little Sandy rivers as some of the best salmon and steelhead habitat in northwest Oregon.

"The agreement solves one of the dam removal's most difficult issues, restoring wild fish runs while continuing to provide robust fishing streams for anglers," said Lindsay Ball, director of ODFW.

"PGE, in a very proactive manner, helped facilitate the scheduled removal of these two dams. The greatly improved passage for juveniles and adults on the Sandy will make for a healthier fishery. This result is the culmination of a strong partnership between a power generator and fishery interests," she said.

Phillip Wallin, president of the Western Rivers Conservancy, said the organization has already assembled 1,200 acres of the protected area from other landowners.

"By the end of the decade, we will have created one of Oregon's great scenic natural resources. No other metropolitan area in the world can boast a wild river preserve so accessible to its people," he said.

PGE entered multi-agency discussions on the future of the Sandy Basin in 1998. In May of 1999, Gov. Kitzhaber and President Fowler announced the Bull Run project decommissioning plans, including the shut down of the generators located on the Bull Run River, the project's namesake.

PGE assembled the 22-member Bull Run Decommissioning Work Group (DWG), author of today's agreement, earlier this year to address the issues presented by this highly complex project. The effort culminated four years of efforts by PGE and a variety of agencies and organizations.

Photos of the rivers and the hydro project, the agreement and additional facts are available at PGE's website.

For more information please contact:
Brett Swift, American Rivers, 503-827-8648
Mark Fryburg, PGE, 503-464-8444
Tom Towslee, Governor's Office, 503-378-6496