This month’s steelhead discovery is not a story, but rather a hope for a future discovery in a free-flowing Eel River. PG&E submitted their final License Surrender Agreement to FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) for the decommissioning of the two Eel River dams (Scott and Cape Horn) in late July. FERC is the government agency that manages hydropower production and has the final say in whether dams under their jurisdiction will be removed or maintained. The month of November is the 30-day public comment period on the final License Surrender Agreement. There have been a few other public comment periods throughout the Eel FERC process to date, but the current one carries the most weight. It is the primary opportunity for the public to communicate directly to FERC how the dam project affects them. The ease, speed and likelihood of these dams being removed depends on whether FERC decides it is in the broadest public interest. The more people that write unique comments to FERC expressing their belief that dam removal serves the public interest, the more likely dam removal on the Eel will become a reality.

A few examples of topics commentors can focus on are as follows, 1. Economically unviable hydropower projects are not in the public interest, 2. The stellar and ample habitat that will be made accessible to anadromous salmon, steelhead and lamprey following dam removal, 3. Benefits to tribes, fishermen and recreators of intact fisheries and free-flowing rivers, 4. Maintaining an un-safe dam on a known fault is not in the public interest, and 5. Economic benefits of rebuilding a commercial fishing industry, and securing water for southern water-users that is not dependent on defunct facilities.

PG&E wants to remove these dams due to their liability issues and lack of revenue production. Most stakeholders in the Eel River and many in the Russian River are currently in favor of dam removal. This is in part due to the compromises that have been laid out to allow for a continued run-of-the-river diversion. The diversion will sustain water-users on the Russian River side who have developed dependence on Eel River water. The main opponents to dam removal are individuals and organizations who will suffer the changes that accompany dam removal, and/or are mis-informed of the severity of those changes. It is important to acknowledge that those concerns are real and valid. We also see however, that these dams cannot be maintained in their current state and a free-flowing Eel River will restore and relieve many creatures and vital ecosystem functions. Please assist us in achieving the goal of a free-flowing Eel by submitting your comments to FERC by November 30th.