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Hydropower vs. salmon: the struggle of the Pacific Northwest's anadromous fish resources for a peaceful coexistence with the Federal Columbia River power system

Journal Article · · Environ. Law; (United States)
OSTI ID:6663387
The Pacific Northwest is dependent upon the Columbia River and its tributaries for irrigation, for 80 percent of its electric power, and for its $130 million Chinook salmon and steelhead trout industry. Water development conflicts are increasing because of these competing uses, the most pressing being the confrontation between power generation and anadromous fish protection. An overview of this conflict reviews how it developed and examines ways to satisfy both sides. The legislative history begins with the River and Harbor Act of 1925 authorizing the Corps of Engineers and the Federal Power Commission to study and recommend water projects and traces the development of the 30 dams making up the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). A new and more sensitive framework is needed to supply adequate streamflows for fish runs and to alter regional hydroelectric consumption patterns by modifying peak load demands. Federal water managers must give more weight to the recommendations of the fish and wildlife agencies and should act to minimize the negative effects upon fisheries. 461 references. (DCK)
OSTI ID:
6663387
Journal Information:
Environ. Law; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Law; (United States) Vol. 11:2; ISSN EVLWA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English