|
Become a friend of the Klamath Bucket Brigade All donations are tax deductible |
|
This Website is Dedicated to Alvin Alexander Cheyne January 10, 1921 - June 17, 2005 |
GovTrack.us is an independent tool to help the public research and track the activities in the U.S. Congress, promoting government transparency and civic education through novel uses of technology.
Agriculture in danger if dams are removed
Klamath Falls Herald and News
Letter to the Editor
February 17, 2009
Regarding the Feb. 12 headline under the H&N view: ’Tis the season to remember the reason for water storage:”
What happens to Basin agriculture during drought years if the lower dams are removed so all in-stream flows in the Klamath River are from Upper Klamath Lake? Does anyone really believe there will be water for irrigation?
I also note in the CDM study for the Bureau of Reclamation liabilities for dam removal run from a low of $466 million to a high of $837 million. When was the last time any project of this size did not exceed the highest estimate?
The report also speculates operation of Keno Dam would likely be turned over to the Bureau and become the focus for water quality issues. Since the water quality above Keno dam is notoriously low, I see the same environmental groups wanting it removed. It follows the locus for water quality issues will move to Upper Klamath Lake after Keno Dam is removed. The historical marshlands of the lake will need to be restored under the guise of improving water quality there. Of course, Link River dam will have to be removed for that to happen. Regarding all these expensive studies, where is the original cost/benefit ratio study for Iron Gate? What Oregon and California need is more water storage, not less.
Steve Rapalyea
Chiloquin
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted
material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have
expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit
research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml