Mid-Pacific Region Sacramento, Calif. Media Contact: Pete Lucero
916-978-5100

Released On: August 29, 2011 Reclamation Releases Environmental Documents for Klamath Irrigation District Hydroelectric Project

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 athttp://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?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.  


# # # Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.