McKenzie River Fish Protection Increased Through Agreement Between Eugene Water & Electric Board and Oregon Department of Fish & WildlifeEugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) will decrease generation at its Walterville hydroelectric facility to better accommodate spring chinook runs, as indicated in an agreement the utility signed today with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). The cost of decreasing the amount of electricity generated at the Walterville facility is estimated to be $140,000 but will not affect EWEB customers' rates. Under the agreement, EWEB will adjust flows diverted into the Walterville Power Canal according to river flows. By reducing canal flow, the percent of migrating fish that enter the canal will also be reduced, decreasing the number of fish potentially passing through the hydroelectric turbine. The agreement is a "win-win situation," said Laurie Power, EWEB Environmental Manager. "It affords spring chinook better protection and allows EWEB to generate power with predictability." Under the agreement, EWEB will continue to close the canal for a total of 18 days in early spring to protect fish released from upstream hatcheries. ODFW presently releases almost one million fish from its two hatcheries above the Walterville Power Canal. Other provisions of the agreement include placing priority on marking McKenzie hatchery spring chinook to distinguish them from naturally produced spring chinook. The agreement also stipulates that EWEB and ODFW meet periodically to review watershed and hydroelectric issues for the McKenzie River as well as to discuss other ODFW and EWEB projects on the McKenzie River. "This is a positive step toward the protection of native fish in the McKenzie River," said Jeff Ziller, ODFW District Fish Biologist. "ODFW greatly appreciates EWEB's significant contribution to these biological resources." The agreement is effective for three years from today or until a $12 million fish screen is installed at the Walterville canal entry. -30- |