rivervalues

Growing salmon counts demonstrate healthy rivers and healthy economies

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 22:05:10 GMT

The numbers for 2024 are in, and salmon are having an amazing year as they return from the ocean to spawn in the headwaters of the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Not everyone knows that the fish passage programs and facilities on the federally operated locks and dams of the Columbia Snake River System are some of the most effective in the world. Salmon famously travel hundreds of miles upriver to spawn, and that requires them to bypass the dams that power and irrigate our communities, and the locks that efficiently move our goods between local and global markets.

Here’s a little report on what our communities do to steward healthy rivers and healthy economies.

Columbia and Snake River salmon counts have more than doubled since last year, three-times higher than the ten-year average.

The difference in numbers is immediately apparent. According to the Fish Passage Center , the salmon count at every dam monitored has more than doubled from last year and is generally three times higher than the ten-year average. This points to a massive population recovery, and two dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers can provide insight into this boom.

The University of Washington’s Aquatic and Fishery Sciences department has been charting the salmon run since 1938 on the Bonneville Dam, located 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon. Their averages over this period show that while the population boom is outsized for 2024, it is part of an upward trend that began in 2001.

This is true of the Lower Granite Dam as well, a dam on the Snake River on the way to Port of Lewiston, Idaho. The majority of salmon that make their way up the Columbia are headed for the Upper Columbia in the Okanogan region and British Columbia. The average number of salmon returning through Lower Granite Dam has also trended upward since 2001, and the population of salmon that travel up to the Sawtooth Basin are recovering and strong.

World-class fish passage helps salmon numbers.

What could be the cause of this population boom for Columbia and Snake River salmon? One factor is traversal of the river’s dams and care by fish and game departments and other stewards of the rivers.

According to Northwest RiverPartners , improvements in fish ladder technology and turbine bypass systems now allow juvenile salmon traveling down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean survive dam crossings at a rate between 93 and 99 percent. Some dams have even implemented the use of fish-friendly hydroelectric turbines, which reduce the risk of fish injury.

Other steps, like planting trees to provide shade and removing blockages on the river to help salmon between dams, also work to improve river conditions for salmon on their journey.

This year’s salmon returns are good news for everyone who depends on the Columbia and Snake River System for ecological and economic benefits. With world-class investments in salmon recovery, the care and progress of salmon returns demonstrate that we can have a healthy river and a healthy economy.

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We all benefit from the federal system of dams and locks on the Columbia Snake River System. Whether you appreciate clean and reliable electricity, irrigation for farms, or affordable and fuel-efficient shipping, the Columbia Snake River System connects the Pacific Northwest to the world and keeps our region strong and balanced.

We’re looking for personal stories to share from our community about how the River System supports your life. If you’re a resident, worker or business owner who appreciates the public goods created and supported by the Columbia Snake River system, we want to share your story!

Oktoberfest: brought to you in part by the Columbia Snake River System

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:21:53 GMT

The fall harvest season gives us reason to celebrate in the Pacific Northwest, as farmers gather hops and wheat—key ingredients for beer—to support the booming brewing industry across the U.S. and abroad. At the heart of this success is the irrigation and transportation supplied by the federal locks and dams of the Columbia Snake River System. This vital infrastructure allows the Northwest to sustain its $3.5 billion beer industry, and the country’s $409 billion beer market.

The Columbia Snake River System plays a vital role in supporting the country's $409 billion beer market.

If you drink beer, chances are the hops in that beer were grown in Washington’s Yakima Valley, which produces about 75% of the nation’s hops. Most of these hops rely on irrigation from the Columbia Snake River System, as hops require up to 30 inches of water each year. The efficient irrigation channels of the Columbia Snake River System ensure Pacific Northwest farms meet the demand of brewers nationwide. Without this critical water supply, hop yields would plummet, threatening the brewing industry and the jobs it supports.

If you remember the price you pay for beer, you can thank the river system for keeping things affordable. The other critical beer ingredient, wheat, depends on the river system for efficient barging to market. The Northwest contributes about 20% of our nation’s wheat supply, with around 10% of all U.S. wheat exports transported by barge, which depends on the system’s federal locks for river navigation. Barge transport costs about half that of rail and significantly cheaper than trucking, helping keep beer production costs lower for both small and large breweries.

The Northwest contributes about 20% of our nation’s wheat supply, with around 10% of all U.S. wheat exports transported by barge through the four Lower Snake River Dams.

The Columbia Snake River System’s economic impact is immense. Without its irrigation and transportation benefits, thousands of farmers and other jobs tied to the brewing industry would be in jeopardy, as this supply chain is crucial to maintaining beer production.

Without river navigation, transportation costs would surge, driving up beer production expenses and threatening the viability of many breweries. With the U.S. beer industry contributing $409 billion to the economy annually and supporting over 2.4 million jobs, the river system is essential for controlling costs and ensuring a steady supply of ingredients, particularly for seasonal brews like those enjoyed during Oktoberfest.

The river system is vital in sustaining the Northwest's position as a leader in brewing, agriculture and commerce.

The Columbia Snake River System serves as a cornerstone of the region's economic health. By facilitating the cultivation and transportation of vital agricultural products, it strengthens the Pacific Northwest’s position as a leader in brewing, agriculture, and commerce.

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Lessons from the 1992 Snake River drawdown

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 19:53:42 GMT

The system of navigation locks and hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers has been the lifeblood of our region for over 80 years. Supporting agriculture, enabling efficient transportation, and providing carbon-free energy, the Columbia-Snake River System is indispensable to millions of people. But what if that infrastructure was no longer there? More than three decades ago, we caught a glimpse of that possibility during a test drawdown of the Snake River.

The 1992 drawdown test gave a literal preview into the potential devastating impacts of permanent dam removal.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) at times lowers the water level of reservoirs for specific purposes. This could include managing flood risks, facilitating maintenance and repairs, or enhancing environmental conditions. In 1992, the Corps conducted a test drawdown on the Snake River to study the effects of reduced water levels on salmon migration and reservoir stability. This drawdown, which lasted nearly a month, lowered water levels by more than 20 feet, causing significant impacts on the surrounding infrastructure, environment, and economy:

Navigation became impossible for many vessels, leaving both commercial and recreational boaters unable to access or travel through the area.
Marinas, shipping terminals, and much of the infrastructure of area ports were rendered useless, leading to a significant reduction or complete halt in operations.
Over 35,000* fish were stranded and subsequently died due to the lowered water levels, and vital spawning habitats became inaccessible.
The region faced economic losses from halted shipping operations, decreased tourism, and damaged infrastructure.

In the report after the test was completed, the Corps found that the drawdown caused significant impacts to fish habitat, including restricted access to upland spawning areas and some tributaries. Many channels also became unnavigable due to low water levels. Only one area was observed to be suitable for spawning, while all other sites were found to have characteristics considered unsuitable for spawning by salmon.

Over 35,000* fish were stranded and died due to lowered water levels, and vital spawning habit became inaccessible.

The Port of Lewiston, located 465 miles from the Pacific Ocean, was among the most impacted by the 1992 drawdown. As the west’s farthest inland seaport, it serves as a gateway to shipping for much of the inland United States. Along with its neighbors, the ports of Clarkston and Wilma and their surrounding communities, the Port of Lewiston relies on the river system infrastructure to support essential operations. Throughout this drawdown, the Port of Lewiston documented through photos the impacts of lowered water levels.

This test gave us a sobering glimpse into a future without these dams, not just for these communities but for the entire Pacific Northwest. For the City of Lewiston, which has invested over $80 million in water and wastewater systems dependent on current water levels, the removal of dams would necessitate a complete redesign of these vital systems. Local industries would face severe operational and shipping losses, risking economic decline. Additionally, without the control of dams, the swift-moving water would cause levees and bridges to buckle and deteriorate, leading to millions in damage to critical infrastructure.

Since that drawdown over thirty years ago, multiple studies have forecasted the consequences of permanent dam breaching, with far-reaching effects beyond the Pacific Northwest. Breaching the dams on the lower Snake River would obliterate river navigation to Lewiston, forcing goods transported by barge to shift to road or rail. This shift would impact about 10% of all U.S. wheat exports that rely on the lower Snake River dams to reach Portland- and Vancouver-based barges, potentially tipping the entire grain market on its head and causing wheat prices to skyrocket. Furthermore, this shift would make traffic congestion worse by adding thousands of trucks to the roads and another 1.2 million tons of emissions into the atmosphere annually.

Breaching dams would lead to disastrous effects on local economies, global food supplies, and environmental health.

The 1992 Snake River test drawdown offered a glimpse into a future without the essential dams and locks on the Columbia and Snake rivers. It underscored the urgent need to preserve the Columbia-Snake River System, as breaching the dams would lead to disastrous effects on local economies, global food supplies, and environmental health. The necessity to protect and maintain this infrastructure has never been more pressing.

Source: Impacts of the Snake River drawdown experiment

Source: Article March 5, 1994

*Note: values are estimated

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Our sustainable powerhouse: hydropower in the Northwest

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:07:37 GMT

Hydropower has long been the backbone of the Northwest’s energy foundation. Since the first federal locks and dams were constructed along the Columbia and Snake rivers over 85 years ago, hydropower has been the primary energy source for millions across our region. This affordable, clean, reliable energy has offset harmful emissions, fueled economic growth, and is fundamental in our fight against climate change.

Recognizing hydroelectric dams as a vital asset, many people advocate for the value of dams, and Northwest RiverPartners (NWRP) is one organization that firmly defends these assets. NWRP is a member-driven organization that serves community-owned electric utilities and other organizations that recognize the value of hydropower in the Northwest. Executive Director Clark Mather sat down to share about hydropower's vital role in Northwest communities.

Hydropower will be essential in meeting our region’s ambitious clean energy goals.

Our hydroelectric dams provide over 50% of our annual power and 80% of our renewable energy, making it an indispensable resource to the region's electricity supply. With Oregon, Washington and other western states committed to ambitious clean energy goals, hydropower will continue to play a foundational role in meeting these goals. Even with growing intermittent resources like wind and solar, Mather explains, “Hydropower’s carbon-free energy generation must be a part of that clean energy transition.”

Electricity demand is projected to grow by 30% in the next decade, and hydropower will be vital as we move away from other energy sources.

The Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee projects a 30% surge in electricity demand in the Northwest over the next decade. “More data centers and clean industries are coming to the Northwest, and we’re seeing increased electrification of cars, homes and businesses,” says Mather. With the need to meet our carbon-free energy generation, utilities cannot rely solely on wind and solar. “We’ll need cost-effective, reliable hydropower to support the growing demand for clean electricity.”

Our dams stand up to the most critical energy challenges on the grid.

As climate change brings hotter summer days and more frequent cold snaps, hydropower’s flexibility becomes even more critical. Dams can quickly adjust their generation to match demand fluctuations. “During a recent cold snap over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend this year, hydropower stepped up to meet the needs of millions of electric customers in the region,” Mather recalls. “Usually, hydropower provides 50% of the power, but that weekend it surged to 70%.” This adaptability is vital for keeping businesses running and our neighbors heated or cooled during extreme weather events.

Electric customers invest in salmon and river health.

There continues to be significant investment in dam fish passage and habitat restoration. Mather explained, “Salmon are vital to the Northwest, which is why a major portion of customer utility rates funds fish and wildlife habitat restoration and dam improvements aimed at protecting salmon.” This investment supports coexistence between salmon and dams, aiding salmon recovery efforts in habitat, predation, and resource management.

Hydropower is more than just an energy source; it’s the cornerstone of the Northwest’s economic stability and environmental stewardship. Eliminating the locks and dams on the Columbia Snake River System would cripple the region’s ability to produce reliable, carbon-free energy. “An entire new set of infrastructure would have to be permitted, paid for, and built to generate and transfer the energy around the region,” explains Mather. As we transition to a clean energy future, the role of hydropower is not just important—it is critical, and the Northwest’s energy resilience and climate goals depend on it.

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The consequences of removing the lower Snake River Dams

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Mon, 06 May 2024 21:27:42 GMT

An initiative signed by the Biden administration is exploring a dangerous potential to remove the four lower Snake River Dams, which would simultaneously cripple our region’s economy and our fight against climate change. While the initiative argues dam removal could lead to the recovery of several salmon species, this action would have significant consequences, including serious impacts to irrigation, power supply, and transportation.

A recent article in the Capital Press by Matthew Weaver examined these consequences in detail, highlighting the potential environmental and economic impacts of dam removal.

Current science cannot predict the effects of dam removal on salmon survival.

Although the new initiative seeks salmon recovery, the complexity of other environmental factors that affect salmon survival rate prevents any guarantee that dam removal would lead to recovery of salmon populations. Complications such as warming oceans and delayed mortality make it impossible for current science to predict the effects of dam removal on salmon survival.

What we do know is that dam removal would halt barging operations on the Columbia, diverting the transportation of goods to trains and trucks. This shift would impact about 10% of all U.S wheat exports that rely on the lower Snake River dams to reach Portland/Vancouver barges. Shifting from river to overland transportation along the Columbia River would greatly increase the carbon footprint of wheat production, resulting in emissions surging by more than 1.25 million tons per year.

Eliminating barging would put more trucks on the road and generate 1.25 million tons of harmful emissions.

Dam removal would also severely affect irrigation, impacting more than 400,000 acres of highly productive farmland. It would take an estimated $1 billion to mitigate the disruptions faced by local farmers after the dam removals, and years to recover lost tree orchards. The necessity of building pump stations would also impose significant financial burdens on farmers, potentially leading to bankruptcy for many farms and causing job losses and reduced wages for thousands of families.

Removing many of the hydroelectric dams that power our region would drive up utility costs. As Oregon and Washington shift to intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, losing this reliable, clean energy from dams would be costly to consumers and leave the states struggling to meet increasing clean energy demands. The lower Snake River dams also provide essential baseload power that can be adjusted near instantaneously, crucial for meeting power grid demands during emergencies such as extreme weather. This adaptability is vital as our energy grid faces increasing strain from electronic devices, data centers, and more electric cars on the roads.

Dam removal would impact the economic vitality and lives of millions in our region.

In addition to these challenges, the economic ripple effects of dam removal would reverberate across industries, impacting job markets, recreational activities, and the overall ecosystem of the Columbia and Snake River regions.

Read more about the impacts of dam removal in Weaver’s article in the Capital Press: What if ... A look at the fallout if the lower Snake River dams are demolished

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The low-cost, high-capacity system: a four-decade perspective on inland freight transportation

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:40:47 GMT

Rob Rich is no stranger to the Columbia Snake River System. Having worked in transportation and commerce on the Columbia and Snake rivers for over four decades, he understands well the importance of the federal system of locks and dams that make navigation possible.

Rich currently serves as the Vice President of Marine Services for Shaver Transportation Company, an inland freight transportation company based in Portland, Oregon. With a fleet of 16 tugs and 22 barges, Shaver operates many of the tugboats and barges that transport goods on the Columbia Snake River System.

Rich got his start working with water machinery and transportation at Lake Coeur d’Alene in Northern Idaho, where he worked at a marina that was operated by a local tug company. Then in 1979 Rich headed to Portland to begin his career in the tug and barge industry.

At that time, the region was experiencing significant expansion in inland freight transportation. “So many types of cargo were starting to move on the system because of the expansion into Idaho thanks to the Snake River Dams,” said Rich.

“The emergence of this high-capacity, low-cost barge system brought about an atmosphere of excitement and spurred innovation.”

Various commodities such as wood chips, containers, bailed pulp—all things that were previously moved by short line rail—shifted to barges because of the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of river transportation. Some of the appeal for shippers included having a new transportation capability that increased options and reliability, particularly for industries with low margins, such as agricultural products.

"The emergence of this high-capacity, low-cost barge system brought about an atmosphere of excitement and spurred innovation," Rich explained. "It fostered healthy competition and allowed for innovation. Back then, the sky was the limit for what you could move on the Columbia Snake River System.”

Today the system remains a vital part of moving goods throughout the Pacific Northwest. Rich highlights the surety of the system, noting its reliability, regardless of weather. “All of the things that shut down ground transportation—high winds, heavy fog, snow, landslides, or fire—do not affect the inland barging system.”

The efficient, reliable movement of raw materials, food, fuel, and other vital goods wouldn’t be possible without the dependability of the Columbia Snake River System. “On the Mississippi River System, low water in the fall restricts shipping; that doesn’t happen in Columbia-Snake system,” he explains. “Additionally, all shippers know in advance when the locks will shut down for annual maintenance.” Because of this, barges can plan around those closures, helping ensure that the goods we ship or use every day continue to move efficiently and on schedule.

If there’s one thing that Rich wants to underscore about the river system, it’s the vital role that it plays—not just for transportation, but every facet of the Northwest.

“All of the things that shut down ground transportation—high winds, heavy fog, snow, landslides, or fire—do not affect the inland barging system.”

“I work for a tugboat company, but it’s not about us,” Rich said. “We have this enormous system with countless integrated benefits—all of which work to serve the millions of people of the Pacific Northwest. Any major change to this system could disenfranchise an outsized percentage of Northwest citizens.”

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American Cruise Lines supports tourism, economic vitality along Columbia Snake River System

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:49:05 GMT

American Cruise Lines supports tourism, economic vitality along the Columbia Snake River System

Operating a small fleet of ships along the Columbia and Snake rivers, American Cruise Lines (American) offers a unique experience for passengers—combining the beauty of the Northwest, visiting small port towns in Washington and Oregon, and showcasing the vital system of locks and dams along these federal waterways.

American Cruise Lines operates a total of 17 cruise ships in 35 states across the U.S. Originally starting out on the East Coast, they expanded their operations to the Pacific Northwest in 2010, and the Columbia and Snake River System has been pivotal to this growth. Today, American operates five ships on the river system, each accommodating between 100 to 180 guests.

Kristin Meira, American’s Director of Government Affairs, emphasizes just how important the Columbia Snake River System is in the success of this family-owned business.

"Our country’s network of federal waterways is a key part of our operations," Meira explains. "When it comes to our cruises on the Columbia Snake River System, everything is made possible by the system of locks and dams, from Bonneville to Lower Granite."

“When it comes to our cruises on the Columbia Snake River System, everything is made possible by the system of locks and dams, from Bonneville to Lower Granite.”

The company’s successful operating history on the Columbia Snake River System also relies on close partnerships with the communities they visit. The typical eight-day cruise itinerary includes visiting a new port city each day. These visits have significant economic impacts through guests’ participation in various tour options, shopping, and meals ashore.

"We work closely with shore excursion providers, hotels, tourism bureaus, food and alcohol vendors, fuel companies, airports, and many more local businesses," Meira notes. American’s well-planned itineraries and coordination with port towns ensures a steady flow of tourists each day without overwhelming the local communities.

While guests are contributing to the economies in the communities they visit, they also gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of the Columbia Snake River System to the Northwest and the nation.

“We are proud to operate on this river system, and we strongly support the lock and dam system that makes navigation possible from Lewiston to Astoria.”

"Most of our Columbia/Snake cruise guests have joined us from other parts of the United States, and we know they go home with a new appreciation for the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the dams and locks that provide safe, reliable navigation and multiple other benefits for our country,” said Meira.

As American Cruise Lines looks to introduce new riverboats and exciting itineraries to their fleet, this positive economic benefit is only projected to increase—and it’s all made possible thanks to our Columbia Snake River System.

" We are proud to operate on this river system,” said Meira. “We strongly support the lock and dam system that makes navigation possible from Lewiston to Astoria."

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Hear from Columbia Basin farmer Blaine Meek

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:03:26 GMT

Hear from Columbia Basin farmer Blaine Meek

The Columbia Basin boasts some of the nation’s most productive farmland, owed to its fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant water from the Snake and Columbia rivers. This unique combination makes The Columbia Basin’s irrigated farmland up-to twice as productive as other regions in the country.

“Water comes and goes, but it’s reliable here.”

Blaine Meek, a farmer in the Columbia Basin, can attest to this productivity. His farm is part of the productive 50,000 acres of irrigated land located behind Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River. Having grown up in southern Idaho, Meek understands firsthand the importance of the Columbia Snake River System's unique agricultural capabilities. “As I came here and started farming, you start to learn about the reliability the infrastructure provides,” Meek explains. “Water comes and goes, but it’s reliable here.”

The irrigation made possible by the Columbia Snake River System has been transformative for the Columbia Basin. Prior to the dams being built, the area bore little resemblance to today’s thriving landscape. “One of my farm managers grew up on my farm and he remembers when there were no dams,” Meek shares. “After the dams were built, it changed from a small dryland wheat-growing area to the incredible production of irrigated farmland today.”

“After the dams were built, it changed from a small dryland wheat-growing area to the incredible production of irrigated farmland today.”

Now, within these 50,000 acres of irrigated land, there are enough apples grown to feed 18.5 million people annually, sweet corn that can sustain 19 million people, and enough potatoes to feed 6.5 million.

Dams play a vital role in the productivity of the Columbia Basin, and breaching these dams would have devastating consequences on the regions’ agriculture, economy, and communities.

Dam removal would impact 7,600 farms in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho that depend upon the Snake River for irrigation.

The true consequences of dam removal cannot be understated—it would have profound and widespread effects on our region’s communities and economy. Farms irrigated by the Snake River generate $2 billion in annual sales and represent 15% of the regional workforce. The loss of irrigation would likely bankrupt many of these farms, resulting in employment and wage loss for thousands of families.

From feeding families to providing jobs, these dams are crucial. As Meek puts it, “I like to link it to the people, economically and demographically. I employ 50 people year-round. If you consider the 50,000 acres, it’s 3,000 families that are employed on these irrigated farms.” The Columbia Snake River System not only provides irrigation and energy but serves as the cornerstone of an expansive economic and agricultural ecosystem that uplifts local lives and sustains millions globally.

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Current research is inconclusive regarding possible delayed mortality effects of Snake River dams

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:55:37 GMT

Current research is inconclusive regarding possible delayed mortality effects of Snake River dams

Research shows existing science fails to establish the magnitude and mechanism of delayed mortality hypothesis

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) today released a review of scientific literature which confirms that data is lacking to confirm delayed mortality effects of the Lower Snake River dams (LSRD) on ESA listed fish. Delayed mortality is the scientific hypothesis that proponents of dam breaching rely upon to justify removal of the LSRD, but as demonstrated in the report authored by fisheries scientists at Mount Hood Environmental (MHE), significant questions remain about the concept’s mechanism and magnitude.

“Many of the dam breaching arguments we hear are based on the theory of delayed mortality, which claims that juvenile salmon are weakened as they make their way through the federal dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers and this affects their ability to survive in the ocean,” said PNWA Executive Director Heather Stebbings. “We want the region to truly understand the science on this matter, and where the gaps in information might be.”

MHE examined hundreds of scientific papers produced over a 30-year period and ultimately concluded that evidence supporting delayed mortality is contradictory and inconclusive. While there is some evidence to support the idea that the Federal Columbia River Power System projects could influence ocean survival, there is also a significant body of literature suggesting that the observed effects are caused by other explanatory variables, such as fish size, distance traveled, and ocean conditions.

“Snake River salmon and steelhead abundance depends on many factors,” stated Ian Courter, senior scientist with MHE, “including tributary and estuary habitat conditions, predation, fisheries, and mainstem hydropower dams. We found that delayed mortality may be occurring, but mechanisms are not well-defined, and the magnitude is unknown. Future research should focus on these two key uncertainties to determine whether removal of the LSRD would significantly increase adult fish returns.”

Looking across all of the data, MHE identified three pathways that merit further investigation to address the possible effects of delayed mortality: examining Snake River salmonids for nonlethal injuries when they arrive at the Columbia River estuary to model the potential effect of stress and injury from dam passage; analyzing when juvenile Snake River salmon and steelhead arrive at the estuary; and understanding what relationship may exist between estuary conditions and fish survival in the ocean.

“After 30 years of research, there are many significant questions that remain unanswered regarding the theory of delayed mortality, and we can’t ask our policy makers to make catastrophic decisions such as dam breaching without having all of the information,” stated Stebbings. “PNWA is choosing to focus on science-based efforts that we know will improve conditions for fish, increase populations, open up habitat, and bring more salmon and steelhead back to the Columbia River Basin. We continue to be committed to this comprehensive approach, and to being part of the long-term solution to salmon recovery.”

For the full literature review, please click here .

About Mount Hood Environmental: Mount Hood Environmental (MHE) provides multi-disciplinary research and aquatic services specializing in fisheries, ecology, environmental toxicology, and water quality. MHE has designed and implemented a variety of research projects in the Snake, Yakima, Cowlitz, Willamette, Crooked, Lewis, Sandy, and Deschutes Rivers, and in the Tillamook State Forest. MHE scientists are well versed in all aspects of scientific research, including literature review, study design, data collection and analysis.

A word from Idaho's only seaport - 740 feet above sea level

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:33:38 GMT

Hear from Port of Lewiston Commissioner Joe Anderson

Port of Lewiston Commissioner Joseph Anderson has a long, multigenerational connection to the Columbia Snake River System. “Family farming is deeply ingrained in our community—my father, my daughter and I have all hauled wheat that shipped down the Snake River.”

With the introduction of barging in Lewiston, grain shipments increased in speed, capacity, and reliability and allowed the local economy to flourish in new ways.

"The construction of Lower Granite Dam opened up opportunities that just weren't possible before."

Thanks to the river system, farmers could now load a barge with grain in Lewiston and have it transferred for export from Portland in as little as two days. “Barging is the most direct, affordable and reliable route to our trading partners, and that gives us a competitive advantage on the global market.”

Barging on the Snake River also carries the safe and efficient import of goods closer to their destination before being transferred to truck or rail. “Right now, we have a shipment of large wind turbine blades coming through Lewiston. Without the river system, those long blades would be taking up space on oversized truck shipments through our region’s highways.”

"Barging is the most direct, affordable and reliable route to our trading partners, and that gives us a competitive advantage on the global market."

In addition to efficient navigation and shipping, Commissioner Anderson also wants people to understand that the river system “is an engineering marvel with examples of the best fish passage in the world.”

Commissioner Anderson has had opportunities to tour the dams with engineers and learn about the adaptive management practices that have improved migratory fish numbers like salmon over time. He notes that bodies of research are pointing to ocean conditions as the primary factors affecting fish numbers today. “Those studies find that salmon numbers have been struggling in rivers up and down the west coast – even rivers without dams.”

Commissioner Anderson wishes others to understand the importance of preserving the benefits of the Columbia Snake River System for future generations of farmers in Lewiston and throughout the Columbia and Snake River basins.

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Share Your River Value

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:56:53 GMT

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Whether you live in the Willamette Valley or Puget Sound, whether you’re on the west or east side, the Columbia Snake River System gives more than you may know!

Irrigation

Feeding millions of families at home and abroad

The water behind Ice Harbor dam on the Snake River irrigates enough apples to feed 18 million people, sweet corn to feed 19 million people and potatoes to feed 6.4 million people! Our Northwest farmers raise livestock and grow potatoes, wheat, fruit, wine grapes, barley, hops, beans, and other key crops. This provides Northwest families and communities with a stable local food supply as well as jobs and economic benefits as farmers ship high-quality U.S. crops to global markets.

Navigation

Reducing costs, emissions and congestion along our waterways

Shipping through the system of navigation locks on the Columbia and Snake rivers moves products like wheat, wind blades and fuel more efficiently than any other shipping method. In 2020, it would have taken 162,153 semi-trucks or 42,160 rail cars to move all the cargo that was barged on the Snake River alone. Shipping on our river system keeps us from sitting in more traffic and reduces the carbon footprint of transporting these vital goods, especially in sensitive air and watersheds like our scenic Columbia Gorge.

Hydropower

Our region’s clean energy foundation

The federal hydroelectric dams on the Columbia Snake River System provide 90% of our renewable power in the Pacific Northwest. The abundant and reliable power generated by these dams gives us a firm foundation to integrate other types of renewables, such as solar and wind energy. The Pacific Northwest enjoys a highly stable power supply while continuing to reduce our local and national carbon footprint and fight climate change.

The Columbia Snake River System belongs to us all and it gives to every single Northwesterner in the form of abundant food, clean air, power, and more—no matter where in the region we call home.

It’s up to us to know the facts and protect this critical resource. Let’s keep the Columbia Snake River System strong and balanced for all uses—today and for future generations.

PNWA rejects conclusions of Lower Snake River Dam Benefit Replacement Draft Study

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 23:38:45 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2022

Contact: Heather Stebbings, Executive Director

Heather.Stebbings@pnwa.net

503-234-8556 (office)

503-307-3776 (cell)

PNWA rejects conclusions of Lower Snake River Dams Benefit Replacement Draft Report

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) has reviewed the Lower Snake River Dams Benefit Replacement Draft Report commissioned by U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Washington Governor Jay Inslee to help determine whether there are reasonable means for replacing the benefits of these federal projects.

The draft report, which was completed by Kramer Consulting and Ross Strategic, is an oversimplification of the impacts of dam breaching and lacks recognition of the inability and improbability of truly replacing their benefits. It underestimates breaching impacts on our Northwest communities and the needs of millions of people who rely on economic, transportation, energy, and other critical benefits provided by this federal system. It provides no conclusive evidence that spending billions of public dollars to remove four run-of-river dams with world-class fish passage would save salmon without crippling the Northwest’s economy and ability to fight climate change.

Over the past few months as the report was completed, PNWA voiced concerns regarding both the process and foundational assumptions, in letters directed to Senator Murray and Governor Inslee , as well as to the consulting firms drafting the report. With the release of the report today, PNWA continues to be concerned about a number of baseline assumptions, including that the value of the dams will decline in future and that all losses from dam breaching can be mitigated or compensated.

“There are significant gaps in the report as it relates to understanding the reality of shifting to alternative transportation modes, permitting and developing the infrastructure that would be required, impacts to Northwest and U.S. farmers, and the true ability to meet our regional and national climate goals without the dams in place,” said PNWA Executive Director Heather Stebbings. “The report itself recognizes that more analysis needs to be done to fully assess the economic, social and transportation impacts associated with dam breaching. It raises more questions than it answers and does not provide a solid foundation upon which a decision as substantial as this one could be made.”

PNWA recognizes the critical importance of salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin. As our region looks to improve salmon runs, it is imperative to thoroughly assess all the benefits and drawbacks of the various measures being considered to improve conditions for fish. Dam breaching is problematic, not only because of the serious environmental, social, and economic consequences it would unleash on the region, but also because breaching the Lower Snake River dams is unlikely to increase salmon returns in any meaningful way. Because of the many biological and sociological variables involved, any decision regarding dam breaching should be apolitical, the product of detailed analytic scrutiny, and grounded in science.

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association of ports, businesses, public agencies and individuals who support navigation, energy, trade, and economic development throughout the region. Learn more at www.pnwa.net .

You – yes, you – get more from the Columbia Snake River System than you think!

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 14:49:58 GMT

Do you know about all you get from irrigation, shipping, hydropower, and more?

You’ve heard a lot of negativity about the Columbia Snake River System . But every single one of us in the Pacific Northwest gains from the irrigation, navigation, hydropower, and other benefits of this publicly owned, federally operated system. Whether you live in the Willamette Valley or Puget Sound, whether you’re on the west or east side, the Columbia Snake River System gives more than you can imagine.

Irrigation

The Columbia Snake River System provides clean water to irrigate crops that we consume locally and ship overseas. Through both irrigated and dryland farming, our Northwest farmers raise livestock and grow potatoes, wheat, fruit, wine grapes, barley, hops, beans, and other key crops. This provides Northwest families and communities with a stable local food supply. Farming and shipping of agricultural products also supports jobs and economic benefit as farmers ship high-quality U.S. crops to customers in Asia, South America, and other global markets. And irrigation amplifies our agricultural production—only 25 percent of agricultural land is irrigated, but that land produces 50 percent of our crops!

Navigation

Shipping on the Columbia and Snake rivers – made possible by federal navigation locks – moves agricultural products as well as building materials, fuel, and much more. Stuff we use every single day of our lives, regardless of where we live in the Northwest. And it moves that stuff more efficiently than any other shipping method. In 2019, it would have taken 150,784 semi-trucks or 39,204 rail cars to move all the cargo that was barged on the Snake River alone. Shipping on our river system keeps us from sitting in more traffic and reduces the carbon footprint of transporting these vital goods, especially in sensitive air- and watersheds like our scenic Columbia Gorge – one of the region’s main transportation routes.

Hydropower

The federal hydroelectric dams on the Columbia Snake River System provide 90% of our renewable power in the Northwest. The reliable power generated by these dams gives us a firm foundation to integrate more renewables, mainly solar and wind energy. Thanks to our abundant and low-carbon hydropower, the Pacific Northwest enjoys a highly stable power supply while continuing to reduce our local and national carbon footprint and fight climate change.

The Columbia Snake River System belongs to us all and it gives to every single Northwesterner in the form of abundant food, clean air, power, and more—no matter where in the region we call home.

It’s up to us to know the facts and protect this critical resource. Let’s keep the Columbia Snake River System strong and balanced for all uses—today and for future generations.

Saving the planet, saving our salmon

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 18:10:43 GMT

Climate change is hitting our salmon runs hard, but we have the tools to help

Salmon are a symbol of the Pacific Northwest and our way of life. They are culture and

subsistence for Tribes, jobs for our commercial fishing fleets, food for our beloved marine

creatures, recreation for anglers, and an integral part of our ecosystem. They literally feed our people, environment, and economy. And they’re at risk, but not for the reasons you’ve heard before.

Overfishing, predation, and fish passage barriers historically have reduced our salmon runs, but through science and collaboration our local, state, federal, and Tribal partnerships have been helping salmon bounce back. According to The Oregonian, by the end of spring 2010 “almost 300,000 adult spring chinook had passed through Bonneville (Dam on the Columbia River), well above the 10- year average of 204,000 and almost five times the annual average of the 1990s.” In

fact, thanks to hard work, investment, and favorable ocean conditions, salmon numbers had been climbing since the early 2000s.

Today evidence shows there is a new threat affecting salmon populations. Climate change is warming and acidifying waters and changing fish habitat, food sources, and predator patterns up and down the West Coast. From Alaska to California, salmon numbers are declining again after nearly a decade of recovery. NOAA studies continue to show that ocean conditions are the consistent factor affecting salmon runs across the entire West Coast, even for free-flowing rivers such as the Elwha and Nooksack rivers in Northwest Washington state, which have no dams.

Fish passage through the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers remains successful. This is the result of world-class research and investment that has resulted in state-of-the-industry fish passage facilities and improved outcomes for juvenile salmon.

Today, the eight federal hydroelectric dams on the Lower Columbia and Snake rivers have 95% or better juvenile fish passage. And we’ve achieved this while the river system continues to generate clean, affordable energy, irrigates more than a million acres of farmland, supports more than 40,000 jobs, and provides for the fuel-efficient movement of goods we use every day via barge and cargo vessel. This balance of economy and environment makes the Columbia and Snake rivers’ system of dams and navigation locks central to our region’s ability to fight climate change. The river system allows our region to reduce reliance on coal or nuclear power; maintain some of the most affordable power rates in the nation; and avoid hauling our goods by trains or trucks, which emit more greenhouse gases than river vessels and impact our air quality and traffic congestion. The river system reduces our impact on the climate, which helps increase salmon survival.

Climate change in 2021 is not a far-off possibility—it’s our reality. We are fortunate in the Pacific Northwest to have tools like the Columbia-Snake River System that help fight climate change and ensure fish passage while continuing to support our economy and way of life. We must protect the balance of these important resources while continuing to take individual and community actions that counter the effects of climate change. Our planet and the species we share it with depend on us.

PNWA reacts to Simpson proposal to breach dams, increase regional carbon emissions

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:10:43 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association has reviewed a plan proposed by Rep. Mike Simpson (R, ID-2) to establish a $32 billion “Columbia Basin Fund” for regional economic and environmental transition. The highlight of Rep. Simpson’s plan is the breaching of the four Lower Snake River dams.

PNWA appreciates that Rep. Simpson has highlighted two issues in this plan on which almost everyone in the Pacific Northwest can agree: commitment of real dollars for salmon recovery, and increased utilization of renewable, carbon-free energy to combat climate change.

However, funding for salmon recovery and new energy technologies should not be tied to an extreme measure like breaching the Snake River dams, which provide over 95% effective fish passage and are a critical part of the region’s energy portfolio. These dams also make possible fuel-efficient, low-carbon, safe and reliable barge transportation.

“This plan would remove highly functional run-of-river dams with world-class fish passage that provide fundamental benefits like clean energy and efficient commerce to our region, and put the region on track for higher carbon emissions and an increase in climate change. It is not a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and ultimately is a disservice to our region’s fish,” said PNWA Executive Director Kristin Meira.

“Rep. Simpson’s proposal to replace barging on the Snake River with additional rail and truck traffic would lead to significant carbon emission increases in our region at a time when our leaders have pledged to move us in a greener direction. While rail and truck are important and have their place in our region, those two modes also have much higher rates of injuries and fatalities associated with them, when compared to barging. The impact to human life and safety in northern Idaho and eastern and central Washington should also be considered,” Meira said.

The plan attempts to place a price tag on an entire region’s way of life. While $32 billion may address some economic impacts of dam removal, no amount of money can protect the culture, lifestyle, and economies of the communities that depend upon the Columbia-Snake River System’s hydropower, navigation, irrigation, flood risk management, recreation, and municipal and industrial water supply benefits.

The proposal also fails to take a system-wide approach, and relies on investments and technologies that are uncertain at this time. It identifies solutions that do not adequately address the adverse impacts on human safety, carbon dioxide emissions, trade, or broader economic and community impacts, among others.

This plan continues to pursue an extremely narrow focus on four projects with outstanding fish passage, despite multiple reports from the scientific community about ocean warming, ocean acidification, urban runoff and other issues that are leading to declines in fish runs throughout the West Coast, including those in undammed rivers.

NOAA Fisheries started a conversation with its Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force to evaluate all Northwest runs, set goals for recovery, and highlight the multitude of actions that it will take to help our fish. Discussions are now happening about the best way to continue that good work. PNWA encourages Rep. Simpson and other parties in the Northwest to reject extreme and narrow approaches like Snake River dam breaching, and collaborate on regionwide efforts to help West Coast runs in every part of their life cycle.

Voices from across the Pacific Northwest are weighing in on this plan and its impacts on the

environment, communities, workers, and more:

“Shaver Transportation strongly opposes Congressman Simpson’s proposal to breach the four Lower Snake River dams. This proposal would not only impact jobs and goods movement from the inland empire to our partners overseas, but would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions by moving cargo from barge to rail and truck, all with limited known benefits to our regional salmon runs.”

- Steve Shaver, President, Shaver Transportation Company

“We're proud to grow the best quality wheat you'll find anywhere. But we can't feed the world if we

can't get it to market. The existence of barging as a transportation mode helps to discipline rail and

trucking rates, ensuring that the price of moving goods in the Pacific Northwest remains competitive. Without barging, Idaho wheat growers are severely disadvantaged. Multiple modes of transportation to Portland help us better serve our customers and be regarded as a reliable supplier throughout the world.”

- Joseph Anderson, Chairman, Idaho Wheat Commission

“Removing four Snake River dams flies in the face of reality for salmon, is illogical from an

environmental perspective and hurts industry and communities. Only four of the 13 ESA listed salmon runs even swim past the Lower Snake River dams and they do so with over 95% transit survival. Removing them does not solve the salmon issue. Eliminating the dams does remove navigation, the most environmentally friendly, safest and most reliable mode of transporting wheat to market. It also removes clean renewable hydropower and increases carbon. We oppose such moves in the wrong direction for salmon, the environment and the wheat industry.”

- Mike Carstensen, Chairman, Washington Grain Commission

“We have studied the benefits and impacts of the river system to our port and community in detail. Rep. Simpson's proposal puts politics over science and local jobs. The proposal does not even begin to address the many costs Southeast Washington and North Central Idaho will experience if we are forced to transition our entire culture and economy away from connection with the rivers. In order to understand our culture and values, Rep. Simpson should engage with community leaders from the entire region.”

- Wanda Keefer, Port Manager, Port of Clarkston

“The Port of Whitman County opposes Rep. Simpson’s narrowly focused plan to breach the lower Snake River dams. Dismantling the river system that provides clean, reliable hydropower and the most environmentally-sound means of cargo transport runs counter to our nation’s climate change priorities. We also know that real people up and down the Columbia-Snake River System risk losing more than their livelihoods. This plan doesn’t begin to offer our communities ‘certainty, security and viability.’”

- Joe Poire, Executive Director, Port of Whitman County

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The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association of ports, businesses, public agencies and individuals who support navigation, energy, trade and economic development throughout the region. Learn more at www.pnwa.net.

PNWA reacts to lawsuit against Columbia River system operations

info@pnwa.net (Mary Wiley) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:10:42 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. – Earthjustice yesterday filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue the federal government over the Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement . The EIS was recently approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration, and is supported by Biological Opinions from both NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Executive Director Kristin Meira made the following statement in response:

“While we agree that strong action should be taken to support our fish populations in the Northwest, this litigation is unproductive. Narrowing the focus of Columbia Basin salmon recovery to the removal of four Snake River dams ignores the complexity of the basin, the numerous threats faced by the species from ocean conditions and climate change, and the comprehensive commitment our region must have to fish survival and ecological health. This lawsuit is the wrong action focusing on the wrong target and directed to the wrong jurisdiction. It only serves to divide the many entities that must work together, and delay the real work we must accomplish to achieve our mutual goals.”

PNWA in September praised the Columbia River System Operations EIS and the federal agencies’

approach to balancing the many federally authorized uses of the system while continuing to support the ongoing recovery of endangered species like salmon.

“The river system is central to life in the Pacific Northwest,” said Meira. “It delivers our goods, powers our homes and businesses with clean energy, waters crops, and supports recreation, all while achieving 95% or better fish survival at each of the federal dams with passage facilities. It’s critical we continue working together in good faith to continue improving the system for the benefit of humans, fish and other species, today and for the future.”

For more information on the clean energy, efficient transportation, farm irrigation, fish passage and

other benefits of the Columbia-Snake River System, visit www.pnwa.net/rivervalues .

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association of ports, businesses, public agencies and individuals who support navigation, energy, trade and economic development throughout the region. Learn more at www.pnwa.net .

rivervalues

Growing salmon counts demonstrate healthy rivers and healthy economies

Columbia and Snake River salmon counts have more than doubled since last year, three-times higher than the ten-year average.

World-class fish passage helps salmon numbers.

Share your river value

Oktoberfest: brought to you in part by the Columbia Snake River System

The Columbia Snake River System plays a vital role in supporting the country's $409 billion beer market.

The Northwest contributes about 20% of our nation’s wheat supply, with around 10% of all U.S. wheat exports transported by barge through the four Lower Snake River Dams.

The river system is vital in sustaining the Northwest's position as a leader in brewing, agriculture and commerce.

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Lessons from the 1992 Snake River drawdown

The 1992 drawdown test gave a literal preview into the potential devastating impacts of permanent dam removal.

Over 35,000* fish were stranded and died due to lowered water levels, and vital spawning habit became inaccessible.

Breaching dams would lead to disastrous effects on local economies, global food supplies, and environmental health.

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Our sustainable powerhouse: hydropower in the Northwest

Hydropower will be essential in meeting our region’s ambitious clean energy goals.

Electricity demand is projected to grow by 30% in the next decade, and hydropower will be vital as we move away from other energy sources.

Our dams stand up to the most critical energy challenges on the grid.

Electric customers invest in salmon and river health.

Share your river value

The consequences of removing the lower Snake River Dams

Eliminating barging would put more trucks on the road and generate 1.25 million tons of harmful emissions.

Dam removal would impact the economic vitality and lives of millions in our region. ﻿

Share your river value

The low-cost, high-capacity system: a four-decade perspective on inland freight transportation

“The emergence of this high-capacity, low-cost barge system brought about an atmosphere of excitement and spurred innovation.”

“All of the things that shut down ground transportation—high winds, heavy fog, snow, landslides, or fire—do not affect the inland barging system.”

Share your river value

American Cruise Lines supports tourism, economic vitality along Columbia Snake River System

American Cruise Lines supports tourism, economic vitality along the Columbia Snake River System

“When it comes to our cruises on the Columbia Snake River System, everything is made possible by the system of locks and dams, from Bonneville to Lower Granite.”

“We are proud to operate on this river system, and we strongly support the lock and dam system that makes navigation possible from Lewiston to Astoria.”

Share your river value

Hear from Columbia Basin farmer Blaine Meek

Hear from Columbia Basin farmer Blaine Meek

“Water comes and goes, but it’s reliable here.”

“After the dams were built, it changed from a small dryland wheat-growing area to the incredible production of irrigated farmland today.”

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Current research is inconclusive regarding possible delayed mortality effects of Snake River dams

Current research is inconclusive regarding possible delayed mortality effects of Snake River dams

Research shows existing science fails to establish the magnitude and mechanism of delayed mortality hypothesis

A word from Idaho's only seaport - 740 feet above sea level

Hear from Port of Lewiston Commissioner Joe Anderson

"The construction of Lower Granite Dam opened up opportunities that just weren't possible before."

"Barging is the most direct, affordable and reliable route to our trading partners, and that gives us a competitive advantage on the global market."

Share your river value

Share Your River Value

Share your river value

Irrigation

Feeding millions of families at home and abroad

Navigation

Reducing costs, emissions and congestion along our waterways

Hydropower

Our region’s clean energy foundation

PNWA rejects conclusions of Lower Snake River Dam Benefit Replacement Draft Study

You – yes, you – get more from the Columbia Snake River System than you think!

Do you know about all you get from irrigation, shipping, hydropower, and more?

Saving the planet, saving our salmon

PNWA reacts to Simpson proposal to breach dams, increase regional carbon emissions

PNWA reacts to lawsuit against Columbia River system operations

Dam removal would impact the economic vitality and lives of millions in our region.