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Dam removal
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| File photos Four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River would be removed by 2020 under an agreement expected to be signed today. Clockwise from top left, the dams are J.C. Boyle, Iron Gate, Copco 1 and Copco 2. |
Agreement in principle would pull four Klamath dams by 2020
By TY BEAVER
H&N Staff Writer
Billed as the largest salmon restoration project ever attempted, a nonbinding agreement was reached this week to remove four Klamath River dams by the year 2020.
The project could cost $450 million and much would be paid for through surcharges to PacifiCorp customers. If it works out, it would enable the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. Made public in January, that comprehensive agreement by water resources stakeholders
covers fish restoration, irrigation rights, power rates and more.
Officials from the states of Oregon and California, the Bush administration and Portland-based PacifiCorp were expected to sign the agreement by noon today. They briefed Klamath River Basin stakeholders Wednesday at a meeting in Sacramento.
‘Remarkable’
Even though it will be months before a final agreement is made, then years of research before a final determination and years more before actual removal, one PacifiCorp official lauded the document as “remarkable.”
“Our full expectation and commitment is to come to a final agreement,” said Dean Brockbank, vice president and counsel to PacifiCorp.
PacifiCorp and state officials said a final agreement must be drafted and signed by June 30, 2009.
The U.S. Department of the Interior would then have some 3.5 years to study the impacts of the proposal before finally deciding if dam removal is appropriate.
The hurdles don’t stop there — removal would be paid for with a combination of $200 million in surcharges to PacifiCorp customers in Oregon and California, and $250 million borrowed from the state of California, with voter approval required for the loan.
Surcharges
Andrea Kelly of PacifiCorp said surcharges would amount to about $1.50 a month per residential customer, or $15 to $20 per year. Irrigators would pay no more than 2 percent of their bills in surcharges.
Dam removal would require state and federal legislation. Oregon and California would have to pass bills authorizing the surcharges.
Congress would have to allocate funds for dam removal studies and to give PacifiCorp and its stockholders immunity from liability.
California Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman said there is still much to do to hammer out details but both he and Mike Carrier, natural resources adviser to Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski called the agreement “historic.”
Those involved in crafting the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement declined to comment directly on the dam removal agreement because of a confidentiality agreement, but hinted at its impacts.
Off-Project
Tom Mallams, an irrigator off the Klamath Reclamation Project and representative of the Klamath Off-Project Water Users, said his organization was still reviewing the dam removal agreement.
He said federal officials told him they would address off-Project users’ concerns, specifically assurance of water and power, before a dam removal agreement was released, but that hasn’t happened. He is hopeful those assurances can still be secured.
“It’s got to be equitable and it’s still not equitable,” Mallams said.
Jeff Mitchell, councilman with the Klamath Tribes, and Greg Addington, executive director of Klamath Water Users Association, said their organizations would release statements today on dam removal.
“We were encouraged by what we’ve heard,” Mitchell said.
Oregon state Rep. Bill Garrard, R-Klamath Falls, said he was disappointed the dam removal agreement places the burden on ratepayers, but added that there are many things to be determined.
“This is a long and winding road they are about to enter,” he said.
Built between 1908 and 1962, the four dams block salmon from 300 miles of spawning habitat while producing enough electricity to power about 70,000 homes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The project could cost $450 million and much would be paid for through surcharges to PacifiCorp customers. If it works out, it would enable the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. Made public in January, that comprehensive agreement by water resources stakeholders
covers fish restoration, irrigation rights, power rates and more.
Officials from the states of Oregon and California, the Bush administration and Portland-based PacifiCorp were expected to sign the agreement by noon today. They briefed Klamath River Basin stakeholders Wednesday at a meeting in Sacramento.
‘Remarkable’
Even though it will be months before a final agreement is made, then years of research before a final determination and years more before actual removal, one PacifiCorp official lauded the document as “remarkable.”
“Our full expectation and commitment is to come to a final agreement,” said Dean Brockbank, vice president and counsel to PacifiCorp.
PacifiCorp and state officials said a final agreement must be drafted and signed by June 30, 2009.
The U.S. Department of the Interior would then have some 3.5 years to study the impacts of the proposal before finally deciding if dam removal is appropriate.
The hurdles don’t stop there — removal would be paid for with a combination of $200 million in surcharges to PacifiCorp customers in Oregon and California, and $250 million borrowed from the state of California, with voter approval required for the loan.
Surcharges
Andrea Kelly of PacifiCorp said surcharges would amount to about $1.50 a month per residential customer, or $15 to $20 per year. Irrigators would pay no more than 2 percent of their bills in surcharges.
Dam removal would require state and federal legislation. Oregon and California would have to pass bills authorizing the surcharges.
Congress would have to allocate funds for dam removal studies and to give PacifiCorp and its stockholders immunity from liability.
California Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman said there is still much to do to hammer out details but both he and Mike Carrier, natural resources adviser to Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski called the agreement “historic.”
Those involved in crafting the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement declined to comment directly on the dam removal agreement because of a confidentiality agreement, but hinted at its impacts.
Off-Project
Tom Mallams, an irrigator off the Klamath Reclamation Project and representative of the Klamath Off-Project Water Users, said his organization was still reviewing the dam removal agreement.
He said federal officials told him they would address off-Project users’ concerns, specifically assurance of water and power, before a dam removal agreement was released, but that hasn’t happened. He is hopeful those assurances can still be secured.
“It’s got to be equitable and it’s still not equitable,” Mallams said.
Jeff Mitchell, councilman with the Klamath Tribes, and Greg Addington, executive director of Klamath Water Users Association, said their organizations would release statements today on dam removal.
“We were encouraged by what we’ve heard,” Mitchell said.
Oregon state Rep. Bill Garrard, R-Klamath Falls, said he was disappointed the dam removal agreement places the burden on ratepayers, but added that there are many things to be determined.
“This is a long and winding road they are about to enter,” he said.
Built between 1908 and 1962, the four dams block salmon from 300 miles of spawning habitat while producing enough electricity to power about 70,000 homes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
Sheeple wrote on Nov 18, 2008 2:13 PM:
" Terry
300 days of sunshine a year! and sitting on one of the hottest geothermal spots in the nation? Yeah this certainly dooms the Basin to coal power. Whatever we do let's throw our hands in the air and make sure everyone knows how stupid they are and that we are the only ones with the answers.
The Sheeple "
300 days of sunshine a year! and sitting on one of the hottest geothermal spots in the nation? Yeah this certainly dooms the Basin to coal power. Whatever we do let's throw our hands in the air and make sure everyone knows how stupid they are and that we are the only ones with the answers.
The Sheeple "
Delux wrote on Nov 17, 2008 5:50 PM:
" The world will never be as it was before the encrochment of europeans. What the folks who were involved in the pact are trying to do is fix what can be fixed. had the folks in power built the salmon ladders in the first place we would be in a different situation. Bison are indigenous to the plains, they were massacred to make way for cattle farming. Now the ranchers act like their right is greater than the Bison. Same way with the agribusiness. Now is the time to give back, you cannot always take and expect folks to keep giving to you. Fix your mistakes, take your lumps be a good citizen of the world. "
Inspired wrote on Nov 15, 2008 9:01 AM:
" This basin refuses to stay in crisis. I'm thankful to all the people who have worked hard to move us toward a future that includes farm families and fish. "
joe wrote on Nov 15, 2008 8:24 AM:
" i read that other post. when i see millions of bison roaming the plains again i'll believe that the powers that be are trying to make this place like it was 250 years ago, like "gaming the system" suggests. "
Terry wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:49 PM:
" Go to the "News Blog." Scroll down and click on "Water Agreement."
Read "Gaming The System" and digest it . You "pie in the sky sheeple" can't spin your way out of this one. "
Read "Gaming The System" and digest it . You "pie in the sky sheeple" can't spin your way out of this one. "
Delux wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:19 PM:
" I truly hope this becomes reality. To the doom and gloom crowd, put your thinking caps on and come up with new ways of living and working. Many folks did quite well 100 years ago before the mass agriculture folks came along and you will do all right after if you can think outside your own little world. I appreciate the sentiments regarding the next generations inheritance of nature. Now that is a lasting legacy for this Bush Administration. Kudos to the folks who compromised and understood the responsibility and impact of this decision. We have some new heros to add to the list. Bravo "
joe wrote on Nov 14, 2008 1:15 PM:
" its time to move forward away from coal and choking rivers. its time for solar, geothermal along with other energy sources. heck maybe, just maybe, the basin could be an example of how it should be done with minimal impact on the earth. also, it is time for rampant consumption to stop. keep in mind that others down the road will have to survive on the water, air, land, and critters that inhabit this beautiful blue ball with us. this issue is really about what the grandchildren are going to be stuck with. either it's a greasy, carsinogen filled world, or one that hasn't been neglected by 100 years of mindless consuming. being mindful of such things and try to stay in a "glass half full" frame of mind. attempt to see positive things during a time of political and social change. there is plenty of negative things in this world. don't fret too much...just make the earth more habitable not less "
Hugh wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:35 PM:
" Almost exactly 100 years a dam with no fish ladder was build on Klamath River. This action stopped the salmon runs into the majority of the Klamath watershed. Part of what defined the basin was taken from us. The salmon were robbed of the some the best habit in the world. We all lost.
I was born and raised here and have long felt a sense of shame for our selling out of the salmon. I have often wondered how much silver a salmons’ journey home was really worth. We owe it the salmon and to ourselves to try and right this horrible mistake. "
I was born and raised here and have long felt a sense of shame for our selling out of the salmon. I have often wondered how much silver a salmons’ journey home was really worth. We owe it the salmon and to ourselves to try and right this horrible mistake. "
Nightmare wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:04 PM:
" I cannot believe that at my age I will live to see the planned destruction of our infrastructure of the United States, by none other than the Bush Administration and a group of self serving farmers in California (Tulelake Irrigation District and a few self serving families on the refuge).
I thought we might have a chance left to redeem our country, but this planned removal of the dams on the Klamath will be the largest dam removal project ever in the history of the world - for nothing except fish!
I pray for what is left of the US and hope that all of the Basin residents who support this insane plan will not go hungry and cold when enough green hydropower (enough to provide CLEAN, NON CARBON electricity for 70,000 homes) is destroyed and replaced by coal generated electricity from Wyoming (PacifiCorp has 8000 megawatts from coal).
What a tragedy. I can now say I remember the day when common sense died a tragic death. "
I thought we might have a chance left to redeem our country, but this planned removal of the dams on the Klamath will be the largest dam removal project ever in the history of the world - for nothing except fish!
I pray for what is left of the US and hope that all of the Basin residents who support this insane plan will not go hungry and cold when enough green hydropower (enough to provide CLEAN, NON CARBON electricity for 70,000 homes) is destroyed and replaced by coal generated electricity from Wyoming (PacifiCorp has 8000 megawatts from coal).
What a tragedy. I can now say I remember the day when common sense died a tragic death. "
Fireye wrote on Nov 13, 2008 5:09 PM:
" The day will come when you wished you had that power coming from those dams. Build fish ladders instead if it is that big of a deal to you.
When this country collapses you will be needing that power on a local basis and by that time you will be far to broke to rebuild them or anything else for that matter. "
When this country collapses you will be needing that power on a local basis and by that time you will be far to broke to rebuild them or anything else for that matter. "
Benard wrote on Nov 13, 2008 4:59 PM:
" Well said Chris, I too am proud of Klamath Falls. Many thanks to everyone who worked hard the last several years. It truly is a great day for sportsmen, fish, and the environment. Cheers. "
Chris wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:08 AM:
" Yeah! This is exciting to think that someday my kids will be able to fish for steelhead, here in the Upper Basin. I'm proud to be a KFalls resident and to see people taking the right steps to preserve and restore our environment. "
joefisherman wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:33 AM:
" it's about time! hooray for the suffocated klamath river! let us see if it truly comes to fruition. "
JIM wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:17 AM:
" DUMB, DUMB, STUPID AND SO ON.
DONT CHARGE ME ANY MONEY TO TAKE THEM OUT. TAKE OUT THE DAM ON LINK RIVER TOO, LET ALL THE WATER GO DOWN STREAM.
NO WATER FOR ANYBODY. THIS WILL BURY KLAMATH BASIN. "
DONT CHARGE ME ANY MONEY TO TAKE THEM OUT. TAKE OUT THE DAM ON LINK RIVER TOO, LET ALL THE WATER GO DOWN STREAM.
NO WATER FOR ANYBODY. THIS WILL BURY KLAMATH BASIN. "
Pat wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:58 AM:
" This is really insane.
This is great news for my friends in the coal business. While 200 megawatts of power from hydro on the Klamath is dismantled, Wyoming coal will light up the keyboards of our "friends" fighting for full flows down the Klamath River. No diversions for agriculture is a small step away.
Yes, the largest dam removal in US history. It is also the biggest dismantling of irrigated agriculture in our nation. Hello to imported food.
I have to say that my aunt and uncle who grow row crops off the Snake River are in the crosshairs now. Perhaps they can share crop in some other republic in some other corner of the world. "
This is great news for my friends in the coal business. While 200 megawatts of power from hydro on the Klamath is dismantled, Wyoming coal will light up the keyboards of our "friends" fighting for full flows down the Klamath River. No diversions for agriculture is a small step away.
Yes, the largest dam removal in US history. It is also the biggest dismantling of irrigated agriculture in our nation. Hello to imported food.
I have to say that my aunt and uncle who grow row crops off the Snake River are in the crosshairs now. Perhaps they can share crop in some other republic in some other corner of the world. "
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Delux wrote on Nov 18, 2008 5:13 PM: