Federal agencies require fish ladders on Klamath Dams

January 30, 2007
By: Amy Souers

Momentum builds toward dam removal

CONTACT US:
Steve Rothert: 530-478-5672 or 530-277-0448 (cell)
Amy Kober, Northwest outreach & communications director: 206-213-0330 x23

www.AmericanRivers.org/Klamath

Nevada City, CA -- In final fishway prescriptions issued today, federal agencies stood firm on their requirement that PacifiCorp install fish ladders and screens and make other modifications at its four dams on the Klamath River, to help the river’s imperiled salmon runs.

Steve Rothert, director of the California field office of American Rivers, made the following statement:

“The agencies made the right choice in requiring fish passage at the dams. The onus is now on PacifiCorp to make the right economic and environmental decision, and remove the dams.

“The Klamath dams are economic losers, and by removing them PacifiCorp would protect its ratepayers from higher costs. PacifiCorp has a golden opportunity to do the right thing, and to contribute to what could arguably be the greatest river restoration project in our country’s history.

“PacifiCorp might be considering appealing these conditions in court, but in case after case, the agencies’ authority to protect salmon from harm caused by hydro projects has been upheld. This case will be no different.

“I believe a solution is possible that works for all the people of the Klamath Basin. I think we are on the cusp of ending decades-long disputes over management of the Klamath, and charting a better future for farmers, tribes, fishermen and all the communities that depend on healthy Klamath River."

PacifiCorp's dams on the Klamath River, built between 1908 and 1962, cut off hundreds of miles of productive salmon spawning and rearing habitat in the Upper Klamath, which was once the third most productive salmon river on the West Coast. The dams also impair water quality, encourage the growth of toxic algae and fish parasites, and degrade river habitat. Klamath salmon populations dropped to such low levels in 2006 that much of the commercial salmon fishery was closed along more than 700 miles of California and Oregon coastline.  Recent closures may have cost the California economy more than $100 million. 

A recent study by the California Energy Commission and the Department of the Interior found that removing the dams and replacing their power would save PacifiCorp ratepayers up to $285 million over 30 years. 

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Founded in 1973, American Rivers is a national non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy natural rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. American Rivers has more than 65,000 supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. www.AmericanRivers.org.