Agencies face potential changes under water plan

By ELON GLUCKLICH

H&N Staff Reporter

October 10, 2010

   Everything from land use plans to regulation of flows on the Klamath River could potentially be altered if dam removal and restoration measures are phased in along the Klamath River.

   The KBRA’s related dam removal agreement would remove four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River — J.C. Boyle in Klamath County and Irongate and Copco No. 1 and No. 2 in Siskiyou County.

   At the Bureau of Land Management office in Klamath Falls, officials say they have concerns over the stability of some infrastructure on the river, including a five-mile canal that delivers water to the powerhouse of the J.C. Boyle Dam.  

   “There are some facilities (along the Klamath River) that lie on BLM lands,” said Don Holmstrom, field manager at the Klamath Falls BLM office. Holmstrom said water delivery from the canal — situated on BLM land — could be altered if dams are removed and river flows are modified. The agency is working to see what those changes might look like.

   “If the dams do come out, that facility is a concern,” he said.  

   Orchestrating what would be the largest dam removal project in history has required unprecedented coordination from the stakeholders taking part in negotiations.

   Oregon Department of Environmental Quality officials say they have worked with water and environmental agencies to ensure the KBRA falls in line with the department’s comprehensive water management plan for the region.

   “We think the KBRA will help move forward the process of restoration that may be necessary to improve water quality,” said Eric Nigg, water quality manager with the DEQ.  

   The Bureau of Reclamation also has been talking with conservation agencies and local irrigation districts. The Bureau is charged with operating the Klamath Reclamation Project in cooperation with those irrigation districts.

   Kevin Moore, spokesman for the Bureau’s Klamath Falls office, said implementing the KBRA “would establish a reliable water supply and power rates for irrigators.”

   The past decade has seen several dry water years and drought in the Klamath Basin. This year, many irrigators started receiving water a month later than usual. Others were forced to dig wells, or forgo growing crops entirely.

   Moore said uncertain water years could eventually be remedied by adopting a comprehensive water management plan.

   “(KBRA) would help sustain agricultural users in the community,” he said. “It’s going to help contribute to the public welfare and the sustainability of all Klamath Basin communities.”

   The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, meanwhile, is looking to restore natural flows for fish on the Klamath River. Implementing the KBRA and dam removal is the most practical way to increase the flows, said Bill Tinniswood, assistant fish biologist with ODFW.

   “In my opinion, with the implementation of the KBRA and (dam removal), we will arguably have the finest native trout fishery in the U.S.,” he said.