Cape Horn Dam impounds Van Arsdale Reservoir as part of the Potter Valley Project. Photo from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
We remain cautiously optimistic about PG&E’s plans to remove the two dams in the Eel River beginning in 2028.
While we are still reviewing the 2,100 page document, our initial thoughts are that there is nothing unexpected. The document proposes a “rapid removal” process for Scott Dam outlined in previous documents, which would take approximately two years and result in flushing a very large volume of sediment downstream. The roughly 12 million cubic yards of sediment released are likely to cause serious impacts which require further assessment. However, the rapid removal plan limits the temporal scope of these impacts, which we believe is the best option.
That being said, protective measures may still be necessary to limit harms to native fish in the river during the initial sediment flush. We will maintain a critical eye to ensure those plans are in the best long-term interest of the Eel’s fish. As we’ve learned from the Klamath, these fish are resilient and we need to give nature the best chance for recovery.
As far as a potential wet-season diversion from the Eel to the Russian is concerned, those negotiations are still underway and the details of any such plan are still uncertain.
We remain hopeful dam removal will happen swiftly and that the Eel’s native fish will once again return to the hundreds of miles of excellent habitat in the upper basin blocked off for the last century. Make sure you’re subscribed to our email newsletter to stay up-to-date with any updates in PG&E’s draft dam removal plan.
Commenting on PG&E’s Draft License Surrender Application
PG&E is collecting comments from stakeholders on their final draft License Surrender Application until March 3, 2025. This process is being facilitated by PG&E and, unlike comment processes before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or other public bodies, your comments will likely not be shared. So please, send them to us as well at foer@eelriver.org, we’d love to know what you think about dam removal!
For help navigating this document, please use this slide deck prepared by PG&E.
It is important that PG&E receive unique comments and not just form letters, so below are some general guidelines on topics we believe should be addressed. But please share these ideas and more in your own words:
- Time is of the essence and we support removing the Eel River dams as quickly as possible.
- We support a Rapid Removal process, but want to be adequately prepared for the impacts. We urge you to begin aquatic species management plans as soon as possible so we know how to best protect the Eel River’s native fish during dam removal.
- Please begin work on studying and preparing plans for Phase 2, Post-Facility Removal Effects, as soon as possible. Tribes, restorationists, and agencies who will help with post-dam removal restoration need as much time as possible to prepare.
Formal comments must be submitted in writing via email to PVInquiryPGE@pge.com or by mail to:
Tony Gigliotti
Senior Licensing Project Manager
Power Generation
P.O. Box 28209
Oakland, CA 94604