Klamath Dam Removal Comes to a Close: All four lower Klamath hydropower dams have been removed; restoration will continue for years to come
Today marks the complete removal of the four lower Klamath hydroelectric dams. Kiewit, the dam removal contractor hired by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation to complete the construction elements of the project, has finished all work in the river.
Klamath River Flows Returned to Historic Path at JC Boyle Dam Site: While dam removal work is ongoing, fish passage has been restored at the former Oregon dam site
Yesterday, crews broke through the cofferdam at the JC Boyle Dam site, returning the river to its historic path and restoring fish passage in that reach of the Klamath River. JC Boyle Dam is one of the four dams slated for removal as a part of the Klamath River Dam removal project. It is the only dam to be removed in Oregon as part of the project. KRRC was joined by representatives and elders from the Klamath Tribes and Modoc Nation to view the moment the river broke through the cofferdam and joined the waters downstream.
Recent Klamath River Water Quality Testing Shows Continued Improvement: Heavy metals, which are found naturally in the region, continue to dissipate since the reservoirs were drained; river water is safe for recreation, irrigation, and treatment for drinking sources
Hornbrook, CA – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation commissioned Camas Environmental Professionals, an environmental consulting firm, to test the water quality in the mainstem Klamath River in early May. The results of the testing were made available to the Renewal Corporation on May 29th, 2024. This recent round of testing indicates that temporary increases in certain heavy metals that had accumulated in the sediment in the reservoirs behind Iron Gate, Copco 1, and JC Boyle dams have now been resolved. Metals in the river water do not pose any risk to human health or to wildlife.
Deconstruction of Copco No. 1 Underway: Work progresses on the second of four dams slated for removal on the Klamath River
Hornbrook, CA – Following Friday’s successful test blast, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation will proceed with the removal of the Copco No. 1 Dam, the second dam to be removed as a part of the Klamath dam removal project. The Copco No. 1 Dam, constructed in 1918 for the sole purpose of hydroelectric power generation, has blocked fish passage for over 100 years and is expected to be fully removed by the end of August 2024.
Initial Phase of Drawdown Complete, Restoration Underway: Draining of reservoirs expected to be completed by late spring, after which removal of the dams will take place
Hornbrook, CA – The initial phase of drawdown – the draining of Iron Gate, Copco, and JC Boyle reservoirs – is now complete. Draining the reservoirs is a critical step on the path to deconstructing the remaining three Klamath River dams that are slated for removal later this year. With the reservoirs emptied, the Klamath River now winds its way through the former reservoir footprints, cutting though a century of accumulated sediment and finding its historical path. Extensive testing of the sediment that had accumulated behind the dams revealed that it is predominantly dead algae and is not a concern for human health.
Reservoir Drawdown Initiated at Iron Gate Dam: Draining the reservoirs is the first step towards the removal of the 3 remaining Klamath Hydroelectric dams
Hornbrook, CA – Yesterday, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), initiated the drawdown process by opening the low-level outlet tunnel in the Iron Gate Dam. Drawdown refers to the slow draining of the water in the reservoirs, which will be lowered in a controlled manner through tunnels located at the base of the dams. Drawdown of the JC Boyle and Copco Reservoirs will begin later this month, and all reservoirs are expected to be drained by the end of February.
Work on Copco No. 2 Dam Removal Comes to a Close: Removal of the diversion dam restores flows to historic Klamath River canyon for the first time in nearly a century
Hornbrook, CA – This week, crews put the final touches on the removal of the Copco No. 2 Dam and its diversion infrastructure. Removal of the dam structure was completed in September, and crews spent the last month removing the remaining diversion infrastructure, grading the river channel, and performing erosion control.
Klamath River Reach Prepped for Post Dam Removal Flows: Tribal Citizens Adversely Impacted by Dams Participate in Historic Decommissioning Project
Klamath Region – This week, the Yurok Tribe and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), in collaboration with the Shasta Indian Nation, started preparing a stretch of the Klamath River to flow freely for the first time in a century.
Update on Copco No. 2: Construction is underway and expected to continue though Summer
Klamath Region – The deconstruction of Copco No. 2, the smallest of the four hydroelectric dams being removed from the Klamath River, is underway. This week, crews removed the gates, walkway, and two of the five bays down to the spillway. This work was done to direct waters around the dam, rather than over it, allowing construction crews to do work through the summer months.
Klamath River Renewal Corporation Announces New Public Information Officer
Klamath Region – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) has announced the appointment of Ren Brownell as its new Public Information Officer (PIO). Ren will provide updates to Klamath communities on the progress of the dam removal project while serving as the primary contact for media inquiries.
World’s Largest Salmon Restoration Project Underway
YREKA, CA – Work has officially begun on removing the four dams that comprise the Lower Klamath Hydropower Project. “Crews are already in the field doing the preliminary work for dam removal,” explained Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) Chief Executive Officer Mark Bransom. “This work includes bridge upgrades, new road construction to access the dam sites more easily, worksite development, and more.”
FERC Approves License Surrender and Decommissioning of the Lower Klamath Project Dams
KLAMATH REGION – Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) unanimously approved the surrender of the Lower Klamath Project License and the decommissioning of the four hydroelectric dams in the Lower Klamath Project. The License Surrender Order is the final decision by FERC on the Klamath River Renewal project.
KRRC Delivers Fire Protection Equipment for Siskiyou County
KLAMATH REGION – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) announced today that it has delivered two Peterbilt water tenders to the Siskiyou County Fire Chiefs Association to strengthen local fire prevention and response capabilities.
FERC Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for Klamath Dam Removal Project
KLAMATH REGION – KRRC is pleased that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today released its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of the Klamath River Renewal project.
FERC Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Klamath Dam Removal Project
KLAMATH REGION – Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of the Klamath River Renewal project.
FERC Approves Transfer Application: Transfer Decision a Major Step toward Dam Removal
KLAMATH REGION – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today approved the transfer of the Lower Klamath Project License from PacifiCorp to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) and the States of Oregon and California.
State Fire Agencies Endorse Fire Plan To Protect Local Communities After Klamath Dam Removal
KLAMATH REGION – California and Oregon fire protection agencies have signaled support for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) draft Fire Management Plan (fire plan). The draft fire plan was developed to ensure that removal of four lower Klamath River dams – and their reservoirs – will not reduce the ability to effectively fight wildfires in the region.
Governor Newsom, Oregon Governor Brown, Tribal Leaders and Klamath Dam Owner Announce Agreement to Advance Historic Salmon Restoration Plan
SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom today joined with Oregon Governor Kate Brown, leaders of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes and Berkshire Hathaway-owned PacifiCorp in announcing an agreement to provide additional resources and support to advance the most ambitious salmon restoration effort in history.
KRRC Statement on FERC License Transfer Order
KLAMATH REGION – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) issued the following statement regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) July 16 ruling.
Klamath Dam Removal on Track as KRRC Submits Critical Budget Information to FERC
KLAMATH REGION – In a February 28 filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) submitted updated cost information, including the “Guaranteed Maximum Price” (GMP) submitted by Kiewit Infrastructure West (Kiewit) and Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC (RES), and other requested material that further demonstrate KRRC’s capacity to become licensee for the Lower Klamath Project (Project).
KRRC Awards McMillen Jacobs Associates Owner’s Representative Contract on Klamath Dam Removal Project
KLAMATH BASIN – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) continues progress toward implementing the Amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA), removing the Klamath dams and restoring a free-flowing Klamath River, by selecting McMillen Jacobs Associates (McMillen Jacobs) to provide owner’s representation services.
KRRC to Build New Water Infrastructure for City of Yreka
KLAMATH BASIN – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), in coordination with the City of Yreka, has selected the final design for a new, state-of-the-art water line for the City. The entire anticipated cost of the $4 million project will be paid for by KRRC.
Klamath Dam Removal Moves Forward as KRRC Makes Critical Submission to FERC
KLAMATH BASIN – Today, in a filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) answered important, substantive questions FERC asked to evaluate KRRC’s capacity to become licensee for the Lower Klamath Project and remove the four dams on the Klamath River.
KRRC Awards Kiewit Milestone Construction Contract for Dam Removal
KLAMATH BASIN – Yesterday, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) took a major step toward dam removal and creating a free-flowing Klamath River by entering into a dam removal design-build contract with construction firm Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. of Fairfield, California.
KRRC CEO Mark Bransom Issues Statement on Release of Lower Klamath Project Draft Environmental Impact Report
KLAMATH BASIN – Mark Bransom, Chief Executive Officer for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), issued the following statement in response to the December 27 release of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for removal of the Klamath River dams in California.
Removal Effort for Klamath River Dam Achieves Major Milestone with Issuance of Oregon Water Quality Certification
KLAMATH BASIN – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) on September 7 issued its final Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the removal of the J.C. Boyle Dam located in Klamath County, OR, determining that dam removal on the Klamath River is expected to improve water quality, restore a more free-flowing condition and benefit fish populations in the long run.
KRRC Board Approves FY 18–19 Budget
The Board of Directors of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) approved a budget of $27,475,000 for the organization’s fiscal year that began on July 1, 2018.
KRRC Files Comprehensive Plan for Removal of Four Hydroelectric Dams on the Klamath River
KLAMATH RIVER REGION – The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) announced today it has filed its “Definite Plan for the Lower Klamath Project” with the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) for the proposed removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River – J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2, and Iron Gate.
California Water Board Issues Draft Certification for Section 401 Water Quality Permit for Proposed Dam Removal
On June 7, 2018, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) released its draft Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the proposed removal of the Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2, and Iron Gate hydroelectric developments, located in Siskiyou County, CA.
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ODEQ Issues Draft Certification for Section 401 Water Quality Permit for Proposed Dam Removal
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has released its draft Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the proposed removal of the J.C. Boyle hydroelectric development, located in Klamath County, Oregon.
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KRRC Statement on FERC’s Approval of Board of Consultants
San Francisco, Calif. – Mark Bransom, executive director of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), released the following statement today in response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of KRRC’s proposed panel of experts to serve as Independent Board of Consultants (BOC)
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Klamath River Renewal Corporation Announces New Community Liaison
Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), a non-profit formed to decommission four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River, has announced Dave Meurer as its Community Liaison. Dave will represent KRRC at events in Klamath, Siskiyou, and Humboldt counties and support KRRC’s community and outreach efforts.
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KRRC to Host Series of Public Open House Meetings
The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) is hosting a series of open house meetings for the public on the evenings of November 7-9th.
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KRRC Board Approves 17–18 Budget
At a meeting on June 21, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) approved the organization’s budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017.
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The Klamath River Renewal Corporation Announces New Executive Director
The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), a nonprofit corporation formed in 2016 to revitalize the Klamath River Basin by improving the local economy, benefitting PacifiCorp’s customers, and enhancing environmental conditions on the Klamath River, has announced Mark Bransom as its Executive Director. Mark will officially assume this new role in early June 2017.
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The Klamath River Renewal Corporation Begins Implementation of Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement
Today the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) filed two applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), taking a significant step towards implementation of an agreement to decommission four dams on the Klamath River.
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