Comments to FERC re: Application for Temporary Variance of Minimum Flow Requirement

In July 2016 PG&E requested yet another temporary variance from minimum flow requirements for the purpose of preserving water resources during the drought. We submitted comments on the variance, voicing our concern about inadequate management of the Potter Valley Project. Read a portion of our comments below, or click here to read the entire document. … Read more

Comments to FERC re: Temporary Variance 2015

June 2, 2015 Honorable Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426-0001 via Electronic Submittal (E-Filing) Re: COMMENTS on Application by Pacific Gas and Electric for Temporary Variance Of Minimum Flow Requirement, Potter Valley Project (FERC Project No. 77- 275); MOTION TO INTERVENE. Dear Secretary Bose, Friends of … Read more

Comments to FERC re: Temporary Variance and “Make up Flows”

PG&E requested a temporary variance to reduce flows into the East Branch Russian River as they performed work on the Potter Valley Project. Sonoma County Water Agency requested, among other things, compensatory flows to “make up” for lost flows during this variance. Friends of the Eel River submitted comments that we agree with the need … Read more

Point of No Return

With the Green Rush and the drought colliding this summer, is it too late to save Humboldt’s watersheds?  Growers used an illegally dug spring to irrigate their crops at the scene of this marijuana growing operation uncovered by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s office last summer. It’s July 2 and about 18 officials are sitting in … Read more

The Potter Valley Project Variance Dance: Drought and the Russian River Diversion

By: Scott Greacen April 18, 2014 New Rules for Drying Times? Serial Variance Requests Reveal Vulnerability of Eel River Fisheries to Demands from Russian River Irrigators The Eel River’s surviving salmonids—­chinook, coho, and steelhead—are struggling to come back from near-extinction. Good returns from 2010 to 13, particularly for chinook, felt like recovery might be getting … Read more

Comments to FERC re: Temporary Variance Request

Sunday, February 2, 2014 Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20426 Re: Potter Valley Project (FERC No. 77) Temporary Urgent Request for Flow Variance Due to Limited Water Availability Dear Secretary Bose: Under the present extreme and extraordinary circumstances, Friends of the Eel River concurs that FERC … Read more

Comments to DFW & NMFS re: Urgent Request for Release of Water to Eel River

SHUTE  MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 396 HAYES STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 T: 415 55 2-7272    F: 415 55 2-5816 www.smwl aw.com AMY J. BRICKER Attorney   October 26, 2011 Via U.S. Mail and Electronic Mail Chuck Bonham, Director California Department of Fish and Game 1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 via email … Read more

Comments to FERC re: Amendment of License for Diversion

March 17 2009 Hon. Kimberly D. Bose Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20426 Re: Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project No. 77-212: Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment for Application of Amendment of License for Diversion of Water at Lake Pillsbury (Potter Valley Project) Dear Secretary Bose: Friends of the Eel River … Read more