News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Environmental Documents for Klamath Irrigation District Hydroelectric Project

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: August 29, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation today released for public review the draft environmental documents for the Klamath Irrigation District's hydroelectric project. The project would involve Reclamation issuing a lease to the Klamath Irrigation District to install a hydroelectric power generating facility on the Klamath Project’s C-Canal. This project promotes the development of clean and renewable energy sources for public use.

The Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (Draft EA/FONSI) propose to grant a Lease of Power Privilege (LOPP) to the Klamath Irrigation District (District) for development of the hydroelectric facility. A LOPP is a congressionally authorized alternative to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing for hydroelectric power development. This LOPP grants the District the right to use, consistent with Klamath Project purposes, water or facilities for non-federal electric power generation and sale by the District.

The hydroelectric plant would consist of an intake structure, forebay, a powerhouse containing generating equipment, and a 150-foot transmission line. The initial anticipated maximum water flow is 550 cubic feet per second (cfs), but a turbine with a 700-cfs hydraulic capacity would be installed to accommodate increased flow in the future.

The Draft EA/FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available for public review and comment. The documents may be viewed online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=8141. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments on the Draft EA/FONSI are due by close of business Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, and should be sent to Jennie Land, Bureau of Reclamation, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR, 97603. Comments may also be faxed to 541-884-9053 or e-mailed to jland@usbr.gov. 

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.