Helping the environment

EWEB’s environmental policy directs the utility to conduct its business in an environmentally sensitive, sustainable and responsible way. The policy underscores the belief that environmental protection and enhancement are sound business practices that benefit the ecological and economic health of the community, support a sustainable future and enhance EWEB’s success as a publicly owned utility.

EWEB is proposing to make significant environmental enhancements to the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project as part of the utility’s relicensing effort.

EWEB is recommending a number of the actions to mitigate the impact of the facilities on fish and wildlife, as well as improve the environment in and around the project. They include:

• Providing upstream and downstream passage for fish at Trail Bridge Dam;
• Providing habitat enhancements in Carmen Reservoir and in the Smith Bypass Reach;
• Providing funding to the U.S. Forest Service for management of the cutthroat trout population in Carmen Reservoir;
• Increasing flows through the Carmen Diversion Tunnel to minimize spills at Carmen Dam during high flow periods to protect cutthroat trout;
• Releasing a fixed amount of water on a monthly basis from Carmen Diversion Dam and the Smith Dam spillway to benefit downstream species;
• Maintaining adequate water levels in Trail Bridge Reservoir so that fish can better access Sweetwater Creek for spawning;
• Maintaining the spawning channel below Trail Bridge Dam for bull trout and salmon;
• Altering the entrance to the spawning channel to improve access for smaller resident fish;
• Developing large woody debris salvaging plans at various project locations;
• Improving Chinook spawning habitat in the Smith Bypass Reach.

See the Final License Application for a complete list of recommendations.