Berg, Chesbro call for dam removal
8/16/2006
In a joint news release issued Tuesday, state lawmakers Patty Berg and Wesley Chesbro urged PacifiCorp Energy to begin removing a series of dams linked to the death of countless salmon and the formation of a toxic algae and stagnant water on the Klamath River.
“We strongly urge you to take immediate steps to begin the process of removing the dams that are strangling the life of the Klamath River and the people who depend on this river,” the north state lawmakers wrote in a letter to PacifiCorp President William Furham.
The joint letter by Assemblymember Berg, (D-Eureka,) and Sen. Chesbro, (D-Arcata) came as state officials announced discovery of a record-setting amount of toxic blue-green algae in Klamath reservoirs. Scientists said the fluorescent-colored “goo” was so harmful that water skiers could be in danger just from breathing its vapors, according to the news release. “We already have a decimated salmon population in the Klamath that is threatening the livelihood of our fishermen,” said Chesbro. “Now casual vacationers are at risk from these toxic growths in stagnant water. It’s time to let this river flow again.”
Berg said the time has come to remove the dams.
“There is a great opportunity now to get these dams taken down in a way that makes sense for the community, for the environment and for the company that owns those dams,” Berg said.
The lawmakers said they were encouraged to hear that PacifiCorp executives are increasingly willing to consider removal of the dams.
Earlier this month, Fehrman announced his company was not opposed to dam removal or other settlement opportunities “as long as our customers are not harmed and our property rights are respected.”
While admitting that “many complex social, political and economic issues” still need to be addressed, the president of one of the nation’s leading power supply companies says he is optimistic about the future of Native American interests in the Klamath River Basin area.
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