Berg, Chesbro Push for Klamath Dam Removal
Eureka Times-Standard
August 17, 2006

”We strongly urge you to take immediate steps to begin the process of removing the dams that are strangling the life of the Klamath River and the people who depend on this river,” the Eureka and Arcata Democrats wrote in a letter to Pacificorp President William Furham.

The letter was sent as state officials announced a huge algae bloom in Klamath reservoirs. Scientists said the fluorescent-colored goo was so harmful that water skiers could be in danger just from breathing its vapors. Even a few ounces of the water could be enough to cause organ failure in sensitive people.

”We already have a decimated salmon population in the Klamath that is threatening the livelihood of our fishermen,” said Chesbro. “Now casual vacationers are at risk from these toxic growths in stagnant water. It's time to let this river flow again.”

Furham has recently said that the company would consider dam removal as part of a settlement process that parallels its application process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Advocates of dam removal say that Pacificorp appears more inclined to consider removing the dams since it was purchased by billionaire investor Warren Buffet's MidAmerican Energy Holdings earlier this year.

”The time has come, and everyone knows it,” said Berg. “There is a great opportunity now to get these dams taken down in a way that makes sense for the community, for the environment and for the company that owns those dams.”

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Compromise Being Sought for Dam Removal
By Ty Beaver, Klamath Falls Herald and News
August 24, 2006

After years of wrangling over use of the Klamath River, local Indian tribes and the Klamath Water Users Association are trying a new approach: Cooperation.

With the Klamath, Yurok and Karuk tribes seeking removal of four lower dams on the Klamath River, officials from the association are working with the tribes to find a common solution.

“We’re tired of fighting with each other,” said Troy Fletcher, Yurok tribal member.

The four dams generate 150 megawatts of power, 1.7 percent of PacifiCorp’s output. The original 50-year licenses for the dams are approaching expiration, though they can be renewed on an annual basis. The tribes want the dams removed to allow salmon access to spawning grounds they’ve been cut off from for years.

Greg Addington, executive director of the water users association, said all three groups were meeting about the possible removal of the dams and the effect it would have on water and energy issues.

The association isn’t necessarily against the removal of the dams as long as it doesn’t result in higher energy rates for irrigators, he said, and the tribes are understanding of irrigators’ needs.

An article published in the Oregonian newspaper indicated the Keno dam as a dam that could be removed. Addington said the water users would not allow that dam to be removed because its role as an irrigation source.

“Having an affordable rate is great, but if you don’t have any water, it’s useless,” he said.

But leaders from the tribes and association said dialogue was clear and open between their organizations and they will continue to work to resolve the issue as fairly for everyone involved as possible.

“I think this dam relicensing has done a lot to bring people together,” said Craig Tucker, a Karuk tribal member.

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and as defined under the provisions of "fair use", any copyrighted material herein is distributed without profit or payment for non-profit research and for educational use by our membership.