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Klamath Dam removal deal needs more work, says commentary

Posted by: Maven on February 14, 2009 at 5:55 am

From the Eureka Times-Standard, this commentary by Erica Terence, the Klamath Riverkeeper:

For all the fighting over the merits and shortcomings of the deal to remove four ecologically destructive dams on the Klamath River, too little has been done to keep up the pressure to actually take the dams out.

Challenged by citizens in the streets, badgered in the media and cornered by the courts and public agencies, PacifiCorp finally negotiated the beginnings of a dam removal deal. Rather than throw this imperfect deal out, we must work hard over the next four months to transform it into an agreement that meets the social, economic, and environmental needs of the Klamath River.

What needs changing?

First, state water quality regulators must be fully empowered to enforce the Clean Water Act in the 12-year interim between now and dam removal without triggering a right of withdrawal from the agreement.

Second, PacifiCorp should be offered immunity solely for the act of dam removal, not for water quality and public health violations related to toxic, tumor-promoting algae pollution in the reservoirs behind the dams.

Third, a number of off-ramps that steal certainty from the agreement must also be eliminated.

Finally, payment for dam removal cannot be tied to a California bond that would fund new dams or the Peripheral Canal at the expense of the other rivers around the state. If the money to pay the tab cannot be recovered from PacifiCorp ratepayers under oversight by the Public Utilities Commissions, PacifiCorp should be a good corporate citizen and supply the remainder.

Ms. Terence is urging attendance at the state water board meeting in Sacramento on Tues., Feb. 17. Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard by clicking here.

February 14, 2009 · Filed Under Northern California

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