TIM MAYER, Hydrologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In the United States, the era of big dam building ended some 30 years ago. That’s primarily because most of the best dam sites are already utilized and we’ve become much more aware of the environmental problems associated with dams. In the developing world, dam building is just getting started. River systems in Latin America, Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe are being dammed at a staggering pace.
There’s good news for the Pacific Northwest and the federal hydro system that powers it. Key members of our congressional delegation have stepped up to emphasize the value of our dams that provide affordable, renewable hydropower, flood control, navigable waters for agriculture, recreation, business and our way of life.
U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., went on a tour of The Dalles Dam Saturday to see a new navigation lock gate and discuss power generation and environmental issues with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administrators.
Three federal agencies will take public comment in The Dalles tonight, Dec. 6, about the effect of 14 dams on air, water, land and wildlife along the Columbia and Snake rivers.
A Chinese hydropower company valued at $70 billion is looking to partner with Klickitat Public Utility District (KPUD) on its plan to build a pumped storage facility, the Yakima Herald reported.
