|
Relicensing of the Klamath Dams |
|
Jim Henderson |
|
The relicensing of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project, that includes six Klamath River dams, owned and operated by Pacific Corp., a subsidiary of Scottish Power, an international corporation, is nearing the final day for license submission, on March 1st, 2004. The Karuk Tribe’s DNR (Department of Natural Resources) continues to participate in studies and meetings associated with the renewal process, however state and federal agencies, Tribes, and NGO entities (Non Governmental Organizations) are extremely frustrated by the proceedings. The data that should have been generated by the study plans, is either incomplete or not available. This bureaucratic delay effectively ties the hands of stakeholders and biologists. The study plans were created to better answer questions raised as to the effects the Project has on water quality, the Klamath fisheries, and the Tribes living on the river. After the final application is filed, results of the studies can be included in the application for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider. Nearly all of the stakeholders agree that in order to best protect the anadromous fisheries, water quality standards, and the culture of the tribes, the Project should be removed. The stakeholders are up against an agricultural and energy lobby with strong political clout. Some of the biggest arguments for dams removal are the maintenance of a project that produces a mere 150 Mega Watts of power at the expense of native fisheries, river ecosystems and Native American Culture. In regards to river "health" and altered river ecology, it is important to remember that the Bureau of Reclamation controls the quantity, timing and distribution of water flows. PacifiCorp has some control of the timing or "ramping" of water release in order to compensate for power demands and profitability of power generation. The political situation can be likened to trying to prove the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. Take it to court and you get a lot of finger pointing. We will continue to provide more updates and information about the FERC process as it develops.
For more information about
this issue, contact the Water Quality Program at: (530) 627-3116 ext.51 or
email jhenderson@karuk.us . For more information about Klamath Water issues
in general also check out
http://www.waterwatch.org |