With the Columbia River Basin's water supply reduced to near-historic low levels this year, the Council has completed an analysis of the impact of power system operations on fish survival, and is proposing recommendations for emergency measures to protect fish under drought conditions this spring and summer.
Under the Northwest Power Act of 1980, the Council's plan is required to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin while assuring the Northwest an adequate, efficient, economical and reliable power supply. Because this year's low water levels will not allow dam operators to spill water at all the federal mainstem dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers and also meet the region's electricity needs, the Council developed draft recommendations for actions to benefit fish under the extraordinary drought conditions.
The Council is inviting public comment on two separate documents, one called "Analysis of 2001 Federal Columbia River Power System Operations on Fish Survival," and "Council Recommendations on 2001 Hydrosystem Operations." Both have been combined in a single document called "Recommendations on 2001 Federal Columbia River Power System Operations and Fish Survival." The Council will consider your comments at its next work session, April 24-26, in Spokane, Washington.
Your written comments may be directed to Mark Walker, director of public affairs, Northwest Power Planning Council, 851 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 1100, Portland, Oregon 97204. Comments may also be submitted via e-mail to cwinkel@nwcouncil.org, or faxed to 503-820-2370.
