PG&E releases potential plan for removal of Eel River dams

November 17, 2023

On Friday, PG&E released a potential draft plan for removing Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam on the Eel River. The framework is part of the process of surrendering the utility company’s federal license to operate the Potter Valley hydroelectric project, established more than 100 years ago.

The project hasn’t generated power since 2021, but dams still block fish passage. In statements, environmental and fish advocacy groups celebrated that the plan, which includes full dam removal, would restore historic flows to the headwaters of the Eel River and pressed the need for speed to save declining fish populations.

“PG&E has included this proposal as one of the options in our Initial Draft License Application, prior to our final review of the proposal,” noted Paul Moreno, a spokesperson for PG&E in an email.

A final draft of the plan with more specifics will be submitted to federal regulators in May 2024. PG&E is seeking comments on the draft, which includes several alternatives.

The plan includes a proposal submitted to PG&E to continue water diversions to the Russian River.

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors said, “The preferred position of Humboldt County is that Eel River water should stay within the Eel River watershed,” as part a statement on the plan on Humboldt County’s website. The supervisors asked for water diversions to be limited to the wet season and timing should be consistent with restoring fisheries.

Some environmental advocates argue that any plan for diversion infrastructure should be separated from the dam removal project, citing concerns that delays will harm fish during a critical time for some native species.

“Sonoma Water’s plan looks like a last-ditch effort to delay dam removal while they try to find political support for subsidizing the wine industry. While we will listen to any creative solutions to meet the region’s water needs, we will oppose anything that adversely impacts Eel River fisheries or delays dam removal,” said Alicia Hamann, executive director of Friends of the Eel River in a prepared statement.

Craig Tucker, a natural resources consultant, said any Eel River supporter should make sure that the process is completely divorced from dam removal.

The plan states proponents of the “New Eel-Russian Facility” are committed to the coequal goals of fish on the Eel River and maintaining water diversions. A spokesperson for Sonoma Water did not respond before the Times-Standard print deadline.

California Trout, a conservation group, noted in a news release the group became involved with the diversion proposal out of concerns about delays. The release says California Trout agreed to work with the entities who want water diversions because quick dam removal is the best thing for salmon and steelhead.

“Critically, this new proposal includes a commitment from all proponents that funding, permitting, and construction of a new diversion will not delay PG&E’s decommissioning and dam removal,” said Brian Johnson, California director for Trout Unlimited in a prepared statement.

Those that helped draft the proposal include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Trout, Humboldt County, Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sonoma County Water Agency and Trout Unlimited, according to PG&E’s plan.

U.S. Rep Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), who was previously involved with a two-basin solution, lauded the plan.

“PG&E’s draft surrender application is a major step forward to achieving the Two-Basin Solution I’ve advocated for years. The plan includes full and expedited removal of two dams that harm salmon on the Eel River while allowing for a modern fish-friendly diversion to provide water to Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties,” said Huffman in a prepared statement.

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By:  Sage Alexander
Source: Times Standard