PacifiCorp must install fish ladders

Klamath Falls Herald and News

January 31, 2007

Two federal agencies ruled that PacifiCorp must install fish ladders at four Klamath River dams to receive a new license for operating the hydroelectric facilities.

Tribes and conservationists cheered the decision, calling it their biggest victory in a campaign to restore salmon runs on 300 miles of Klamath River spawning habitat blocked by dams.

However, a PacifiCorp spokesman said private talks between the utility and other stakeholders might yet allow the utility's preferred option of trucking fish upstream.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing PacifiCorp's application to re-license Iron Gate, Copco No. 1 and Copco No. 2 dams in California and the J.C. Boyle Dam in Oregon.

The commission has sided with PacifiCorp about trucking fish, but Tuesday's findings by fisheries agencies within U.S. departments of Commerce and Interior carry more power. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries made the mandates.

PacifiCorp not surprised

Dave Kvamme of PacifiCorp said it's unfortunate the fisheries agencies ignored the utility's revised alternative, which provided concessions to opponents of dams.

“We weren't surprised,” he said of the ruling, “but we're disappointed. Fish ladders won't work at Copco 1 and Iron Gate. They're too high. Despite evidence they won't be successful, the agencies are suggesting it.”

But Leaf Hillman, vice president of the Karuk Tribe of California, said Tuesday's decision will help restore and protect the Klamath River.

“Now it's time for PacifiCorp president Bill Fehrman to make good on his commitment to protect his ratepayers from higher costs, and simply remove these fish-killing dams,” Hillman said.

“The agencies made the right choice in requiring fish passage at the dams,” agreed Steve Rothert of American Rivers. “The onus is now on PacifiCorp to make the right economic and environmental decision, and remove the dams.”

Other options

Under a new offer in December, PacifiCorp suggested installing screens on turbines at all four dams to provide downstream passage for juvenile fish. The provision was offered despite “a huge investment” to do so, Kvamme said.

The utility also offered to build a fish ladder at J.C. Boyle Dam, he said, while trucking fish upstream past the California dams.

“Our revised alternative was very similar to what the agencies are prescribing today,” Kvamme said.

He called the ruling just another step in the licensing process, and said it's too early to say whether PacifiCorp will remove the dams. Kvamme is hopeful ongoing talks between utility officials, tribal members, local and state governments, and other stakeholders will lead to compromise.

“We think the settlement process may provide a solution that is a better outcome for everyone involved,” he said.

The California Energy Commission and the Department of the Interior estimate removing the dams and replacing their power from other sources would save PacifiCorp ratepayers up to $285 million over 30 years. The four dams serve 70,000 customers, providing just 1.7 percent of PacifiCorp's power.

Conservationists say fish ladders would not solve the Klamath River's problem of poor water quality. They contend dams encourage the growth of toxic algae and fish parasites.

“The Klamath dams are economic losers,” Rothert said. “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 a healthy Klamath River.”