- Tell the California Water Board: Un-Dam the Klamath
- Comment on Klamath-crossing LNG pipeline
- Comment on Shasta coho permit
- Send a quick note for dam removal
- Send a letter to stop harmful mining
- Write a letter to the editor
- Contact the Oregon PUC
- Support California fishermen
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Tell the California Water Board: Un-Dam the Klamath!
Quickly send a message demanding a clean, dam-free river.
For the last four years PacifiCorp's Klamath dams have created one of the worst toxic algae problems ever recorded. This month the State Water Board will begin deciding if relicensing these dams is consistent with the Clean Water Act. It's time to tell them PacifiCorp's dams should NOT receive the clean water certification they need in order to be relicensed by the federal government.
Send a message to the Water Board from our website.
Successul legal action from Klamath Riverkeeper forced the US EPA to list the algal toxin Microcystin as a pollutant, and forced California to regulate PacifiCorp. The state is now reviewing the issue through a special Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This EIR will determine if the dams are issued clean water certification known as a 401 permit, or if they are removed.
The 401 permit may be the single most crucial process within the movement to un-dam the Klamath. If California denies PacifiCorp’s clean water permit for the dams, it is likely that the only realistic solution to the algae pollution is dam removal. Right now, the Water Board is taking "scoping" comments on the Klamath dams' EIR - the public must tell them what factors must be considered before a "401" clean water permit is issued. Send an email, fax, write, or call Jennifer Watts at the State Water Board by November 17th.
Background
Download talking points
Toxic algae facts to consider
401 Permit Frequently Asked Questions
Download the Klamath Hydroelectric Project EIR Scoping Notice
More info on dams and toxic algae on the Klamath
Write, fax, or call the Water Board
Attention: Jennifer Watts
State Water Resources Control Board
P.O. Box 2000
Sacramento, CA 95812-2000
Phone: (916) 341-5397
Fax: (916) 341-5400
Email: jwatts@waterboards.ca.gov 
- Water samples from PacifiCorp's reservoirs have contained levels of the toxic algae Microcystis aeruginosa 4000 times the concentration considered by the World Health Organization to be a moderate risk to human health.
- The toxin produced by M. aeruginosa is now listed by the US EPA as a pollutant under the Clean Water Act in the sections of the Klamath River containing PacifiCorp's reservoirs.
- Reservoir gamefish bioaccumulate these algae-associated toxins in their flesh. Yellow Perch fillets harvested from areas where the algae blooms are hazardous to human consumption.
- Last year, 190 river miles were posted with health warnings when the toxic algae blooms were released from PacifICorp's reservoirs into the river.
- PacifiCorp has known about its algae problems for 5+ years but has not taken serious action to solve the problem.
- Releases of toxic algae into the river impact the three downriver Native Tribes, whose subsistence foods are contaminated by the algae and ceremonies are interrupted by river closures.
- Toxic algae in the river impacts the Klamath's recreational businesses, who depend on clean water for rafting and fishing.
- In addition to creating toxic conditions on the Klamath, PacifiCorp's dams illegally block fish from 300 miles of habitat, and kill the majority of the Klamath's juvenile Chinook by causing widespread fish disease.
- Aerial photos of the Klamath algae problem
- YouTube: Klamath Toxic Algae Story
- Report: Bioaccumulation in Klamath fish and mussels
- Press Release: Klamath Riverkeeper legal victory forces EPA to regulate toxic algae
- More studies and info on Klamath dams & toxic algae
Toxic algae in PacifiCorp's reservoirs is best addressed by Klamath dam removal, a solution supported by all four Klamath River Tribes, prominent fisheries and hydrology scientists, state and federal agencies, and Upper Basin irrigators' associations. Chemical algicide, the "band-aid" PacifICorp is currently testing, will only compound toxicity and disease problems on the river.
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Comments on Southern Oregon LNG Pipeline due Dec. 4th
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is gathering public comments on the final Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed gas terminal and 200+ mile pipeline.
The proposed pipeline would use eminent domain to cut a 75+ foot swath across private property and vital fish habitat from the Coos Bay area to the California border, crossing the Umpqua, Rogue, and Klamath rivers numerous times. Join commercial fishermen, private property owners, and river enthusiasts in saying NO to the California pipeline!
More info can be found at: Citizen's Against LNG and No California Pipeline and LNG Pollutes. Klamath Riverkeeper will have Klamath specific talking points available later this month, sign up for our eNews to be alerted when they're available.
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Fish & Game Taking Comments on Scott & Shasta Coho Permits
Talking Points & Sample Letter Below
The public can comment on two draft Environmental Impact Reports (DEIRs) for the permitting program that will change how the killing, or "take" of endangered coho associated with agricultural diversions and restoration projects is regulated on the Scott & Shasta Rivers. Among other things, the program proposes to shift the issuing and enforcing of permits for "incidental take" to the Shasta Valley and Siskiyou Resource Conservation Districts.
While a "Watershed-Wide Permitting Program" for Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) is in some ways a good idea, there are many problems with this Program as put forth by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) in these DEIRs. We've included some of our concerns in the sample letter below. You can also read summaries of the Scott and Shasta reports on the CDFG website. Comments are due December 9th and can be sent to Bob Williams at the address below.
Sample Letter on Scott and Shasta Watershed-Wide Permitting Program
Mr. Bob Williams
Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001
Fax: 530-225-2381
E-mail: SCOTTDEIR@dfg.ca.gov or SHASTADEIR@dfg.ca.gov
Dear Mr. Williams,
Thank you for hard work on behalf of California's natural resources. I write to you as a community member with a stake in the health of fisheries on the Scott and Shasta Rivers. I have the following concerns about the Scott and Shasta Watershed-Wide Permitting Program Draft Environmental Impact Reports:
- The DEIRs acknowledge that the Program doesn't fully address California's Coho Recovery Strategy. However, one purpose of the Watershed-Wide Permitting Program is to implement this Coho Recovery Strategy. Please fully analyze the environmental impacts associated with exchanging recommended actions under the Coho Recovery Strategy for other mitigation options.
- The Program does not adequately explain how "required mitigation" projects will be paid for under the new permitting system. If the RCDs are unable to pay for such mitigation through their existing grants, the burden of paying for mitigation and restoration will fall squarely on landowners. This is unfair to landowners and does not bode well for the success of the program.
- The Program rests on the assumption that a programmatic Incidental Take Permit (ITP) would provide coverage for otherwise legal activities. However, the DEIRs do not adequately explain what assurances we have that covered activities will in fact be legal. There are already significant breaches of water rights in these watersheds, and Siskiyou County's move to private Water Master service may only add to this problem. Please clarify how the EIRs will track the legality of time of use, place of use, and point of diversion for covered water diversions.
- The RCDs are uncomfortable with being charged with enforcing the Endangered Species Act on project participants, and rightly so. RCDs are not a regulatory agency with enforcement power and this is a major oversight of the Program. Please clarify who exactly will be in charge of enforcing the terms of the permit, and on what grounds these parties are given this power.
- The Dwinnell Dam removal alternative was rejected for inappropriate reasons. Please explain how Dwinnell Dam is legal under CDFG code 5937.
- The DEIRs state that the Water Master and CDFG must work together to take steps when fish are stranded as a result of no water connectivity. It does not explain what these steps are and weakly implies using fish rescue or salvage. The DEIRs must be explicit about when and how fish rescue will be used, as fish rescue in and of itself is not an adequate replacement for instream flows.
Sincerely,
[your name here]
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Recreational Suction Dredge Mining Threatens Klamath Salmon
Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to agree to a moratorium on mining
With the price of gold sky high, recreational mining clubs are gearing up for a big season on the Klamath. Suction dredge mining's impacts to the river include destroying critical habitat used by salmon and lamprey species, releasing large volumes of mud and sediment into the water, and potentially turning loose toxic mercury tailings buried in the riverbed.
Your help is needed to urge the Governor to side with the California legislature, and agree to a moratorium on suction dredge mining attached to the state's 2008-9 budget. The temporary moratorium would halt recreational suction dredgers on the Klamath until Cal Fish and Game can issue proper regulations. Copy and send the letter below, or write your own.
Sample Letter
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160 ( new number )
Email contact form
Dear Governor Schwartzenegger:
Recreational gold-mining poses a serious threat to Klamath River salmon, whose dramatic declines have already hurt California's commercial fishing industry and Klamath Basin Native Tribes. I strongly urge you to agree to the temporary moratorium on this harmful practice that the state legislature has attached to the 2008-9 budget.
While the commercial fishing crisis was triggered this year by the Sacramento River, a similar crisis was triggered last year by the Klamath, whose salmon runs currently average 1/10 of their historic numbers. Klamath coho (Southern Oregon/Northern California coho salmon Evolutionarily Significant Unit) are listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act, and dramatic recovery efforts must be made to avoid future ESA listing of other salmonid species.
Suction dredge mining destroys spawning habitat used by Klamath salmon species and Pacific Lamprey. Lamprey young mature in the riverbed for up to 7 years, and are an important subsistence food for Native people. Suction dredge mining can also release buried mercury tailings as it puts long-buried river sediment into the water column.
Gold mining clubs claim that up to 2,500 miners will be affected by a moratorium on Klamath gold-mining. However, 2.2 million California anglers are impacted by diminishing fish populations, and California's three largest Native Tribes rely on Klamath salmon culturally, economically, and nutritionally. Studies show every sport-hooked Chinook brings $200 to the Klamath basin economy.
The Klamath truly cannot afford a flood of recreational miners, many of whom are from out-of-state, further damaging its already compromised fishery. Please act with the legislature to impose a moratorium on recreational suction dredge mining on the Klamath River.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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Tell the Oregon Public Utilities Commission - Un-Dam the Klamath for Ratepayer Savings!
Contact the Oregon PUC with talking points from the sample letter below:
Public Utility Commission of Oregon
550 Capitol St NE #215
PO Box 2148
Salem OR 97308-2148
1-800-522-2404
puc.commission@state.or.us
Sample letter:
"Relicensing Pacific Power's Klamath Hydroelectric project could cost ratepayers a lot of money. Both the California Energy Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission compared the cost of a relicensed project to the cost of removing the dams and replacing the power. they found that removing the dams and buying replacement power would save ratepayers $100 million dollars!
Please take a stand for ratepayers! We have a chance to save money and restore one of America's most important salmon rivers.
If PacifiCorp insists on spending the $400-$500 million to bring these antiquated dams into compliance with modern environmental standards, ratepayers should NOT have to pay for it since there is a cheaper and more responsible alternative - dam removal."
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Send a quick note to your representatives supporting Klamath dam removal
Last week Siskiyou and Klamath County Supervisors travelled to Washington DC to protest dam removal on the Klamath River. It's up to us to remind our elected officials that dam removal is supported by the best possible science and economics, and that these county officials told a biased and sensationalist story unsupported by the facts. Contact information and a sample letter/email are below, please call, or send a fax, letter, or email today. More talking points on Klamath dams.
Sample Letter
Dear [Your Senators and Representative] :
I'm writing to voice my strong support for the removal of 4 dams on the Klamath River, currently owned and operated by PacifiCorp. Removing these dams is the best possible way to recover Klamath salmon, and may be the only way to solve the Klamath's toxic algae problem.
The Klamath was once the third most productive salmon river on the West Coast, and now has only 10% of its historic runs, largely due to lack of fish passage to over 300 miles of habitat in the Upper Basin. The dams are also responsible for dangerous outbreaks of toxic algae in the Klamath River that threaten the health of recreationalists, Tribal people, and the region's rural, tourist-based economy. The Executive Director of the California Water Board recently told the press that dam removal may be the only effective way of dealing with the algae, which is listed as a pollutant under the Clean Water Act. It is also estimated that 1/8 of the carbon displaced by the dams is replaced by increasing levels of methane emmissions as algae decomposes in the reservoirs' stagnant waters.
State and federal economic analyses show that removing the dams and buying replacement power will be far cheaper for PacifiCorp - and its customers - than building fish ladders. When you factor in hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer bailouts for the commercial salmon fishing industry when the Klamath shuts down ocean fishing, we see the true costs of the Klamath dams. Clearly, the Klamath dams are not clean, green, or cheap!
Dam removal is supported by Tribes, irrigators, scientists, communities, and conservation groups because it is a systemic solution that begins to restore one of the West's most important rivers. Please do everything you can to ensure that all four of these dams are removed - Klamath communities, Tribal people, and commercial fishermen are depending on it.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Contact Info for Oregon and California Senators and Representatives:
Senator Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3841
Fax: (202) 228-3954
Email Senator Feinstein
Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3553
(202) 224-0454 fax
Email Senator Boxer
Senator Ron Wyden
Washington, DC
223 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-3703
Phone: (202) 224-5244
Fax: (202) 228-2717
Email Senator Wyden
Senator Gordon Smith
404 Russell Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.3753
Fax: 202.228.3997
Email Senator Smith
Ca. Rep. Wally Herger
2268 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3076
Email Rep. Herger
Ca. Rep. John Doolittle
2410 Rayburn HOB
Washington D.C. 20515
202-225-2511 (Phone)
202-225-5444 (Fax)
Email Rep. Doolittle
Or. Rep. Greg Walden
1210 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Main: 202-225-6730
Fax: 202-225-5774
Email Rep. Walden
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Write a letter to the editor
Setting the record straight on the opinion pages of our local and regional papers is a great way to tell the Klamath story. Check out the information below and then craft your own letter. Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can point you toward useful studies or resources. Thanks for your hard work in support of removing Klamath dams - it will pay off!
Talking points on Klamath dams
Contact info for regional newspapers
Studies and info on Klamath dam removal
Frequently Asked Questions on Klamath dams
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Support CALIFORNIA FISHERMEN
Sign California Fishermens' petition for Klamath dam removal
10 actions you can take to save the salmon fishery!