North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project Explained

The North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project is a series of hydroelectric power generation facilities along the North Umpqua River in Douglas County, Oregon, United States. The project is owned and operated by PacifiCorp.

History

The project was constructed by PacifiCorp between 1947 and 1956.[1] The original federal license to operate the project was issued in 1947 for a period of 50 years, expiring in 1997.[2] A settlement agreement to renew the license was approved in 2001 after prolonged negotiations between PacifiCorp and numerous state and federal agencies.[3]

Description

The project consists of eight dams, three reservoirs, and miles of flumes, canals, penstocks and tunnels.[4] [5]

Conservationists have criticized the hydroelectric facilities for their impact on the ecology of the North Umpqua River watershed.[6] [7] Particular focus has been placed on the Soda Springs Dam, which restricts salmon and steelhead from swimming to spawning grounds upstream. A fish ladder allowing them upstream passage was completed in 2012 at a cost of $60 million.[8] [9] [10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: North Umpqua River . PacifiCorp . September 25, 2023.
  2. Web site: Settlement Agreement Among Pacificorp, USDA Forest Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, USDI Fish & Wildlife Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Water Resources Department Concerning the Relicensing of the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project . June 13, 2001 . Appendix E, p. 23 . May 17, 2024 . PacifiCorp owns and operates the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 1927, under a federal license issued on January 30, 1947. The initial license was issued for a period of 50 years, and expired on January 30, 1997..
  3. Web site: Schwennesen . Lois . Dams vs. fish? Mediate it! . . July 12, 2001 . May 7, 2023.
  4. Web site: North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project . U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 23, 2023.
  5. News: Geschke . Will . PacifiCorp hosts tour of North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project . . Roseburg, Oregon . October 5, 2022 . April 23, 2023.
  6. Web site: North Umpqua Hydropower License Illegal . . May 24, 2004 . September 24, 2023.
  7. Web site: Upper North Umpqua River Watershed . Oregon Explorer . . September 24, 2023.
  8. News: Fish ladder completed at dam on North Umpqua River . . Associated Press . December 1, 2012 . September 24, 2023.
  9. News: Taylor . Ted . River Be Dammed . . January 30, 2014 . September 24, 2023.
  10. News: Public invited to tour unique fish passage and protection facilities at Soda Springs Dam . . September 17, 2019 . September 24, 2023.

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