Largest dam removal project in American history clears last hurdle, begins early 2023

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) cleared the last major hurdle necessary to implement the world's largest river restoration project to date - the removal of four dams along the lower Klamath River.

The Klamath River Renewal Corporation, a non-profit created to oversee the dam removal and related restoration activities, and the states of Oregon and California can start the dam removal process early next year.

The Klamath salmon are coming home,” proclaimed Yurok Chairman Joseph James. “The people have earned this victory and with it, we carry on our sacred duty to the fish that have sustained our people since the beginning of time.”

Officials say it was made possible through a negotiated agreement between the Karuk tribe, Yurok tribe, California, Oregon, conservation organizations, commercial fishing organizations, and PacifiCorp.

The project was funded by PacifiCorp customers and a voter-approved California bond measure.

20 years ago, a catastrophic fish kill left over 70,000 adult salmon dead along the banks of the Klamath River before they could spawn. That disaster kick-started the effort to un-dam the Klamath and "Bring the Salmon Home."

This year, Klamath River salmon returns are less than 5% of their historical abundance. Advocates for the dam removal say dams deny salmon access to hundreds of miles of historic habitat, degrade water quality, and help spread fish diseases.

FERC's decision is the last step in a six-year process that ensures dam removal is the best course of action to restore the Klamath River's flagging salmon runs and improve water quality.

“Today’s victory was well earned by the thousands of people who fought for clean water, healthy fisheries, and environmental justice for Klamath River communities,” said Karuk Chairman Russell ‘Buster’ Attebery. “I am grateful to everyone, from the youth to the elders, Governors Newsom and Brown, and the team from PacifiCorp who made this victory possible.”

Officials say the Copco No. 2 dam will be removed first as soon as the summer of 2023.

The deconstruction of J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, and Iron Gate dams will occur around the same time in early 2024.

All four dams are expected to be removed by the end of 2024.

FERC Commission Chairman Richard Glick stated, “Dam removal makes sense in large part due to fish and wildlife protections. But there is a discussion in the order on the impact on Tribes and the ability to have their traditions and cultural practices improved... I think it’s a very important issue. A number of years back the commission did not think about the impact of our decisions on Tribes. That’s an important element in today’s order”