Earlier this month, after decades of stalemate, an expansive group of Eel River stakeholders forged an agreement benefiting wild salmon and steelhead runs, people, and agricultural interests reliant on irrigation water. In recent history, the Eel River system, the third largest watershed in California, has seen its once-prolific salmon and steelhead runs dwindle to nearly nothing. In drought years, the Eel River functionally runs dry. The River is dying due in large part to the Potter Valley Project, a Pacific Gas and Electric Company hydropower and diversion project.
The kicker, however, is the project’s two dams haven’t produced meaningful power in years, are losing money, have no effective fish mitigation, may pose a major structural risk, and PG&E can’t get rid of the project. That was until this month’s agreement.
“This is a good deal for the Eel River as well as the Russian River and the people who depend on both,” explains Brian Johnson, Trout Unlimited’s senior policy advisor for western water and climate. “The agreement includes science-based, enforceable terms to provide crucial flows for the Eel’s salmon and steelhead populations. Under the agreement, all water rights will be held by the Round Valley Indian Tribes; water sales will fund the restoration of the Eel River, and water not meant for diversion will remain in the Eel. On behalf of Trout Unlimited and all the partners who worked to build this comprehensive plan, we thank the State of California for their commitment to the Eel River, its salmon and steelhead, and the communities who depend on its cold, clean water.”
PG&E operates two dams on the Eel River—the Cape Horn Dam and Scott Dam—both of which prevent migration and access to nearly 300 miles of high-quality riverine habitat. PG&E hopes to remove these dams in the coming years, but it needs approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. If the two dams are removed, the Eel River would become California’s longest free-flowing river.
“This MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) represents years of collaboration and tough negotiations,” said Curtis Knight, CalTrout Executive Director. “Our hope is that this agreement sets the standard on how to manage aging infrastructure and modernize water management while prioritizing the health of ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.”
So, while those details are sorted out, what does this agreement really accomplish? For one, it assures ample flows for both the Eel and Russian Rivers, no small feat and injects new life to the Eel. Two, it commits new funds to river restoration and diversion-pump station for the Russian River. Three, it builds real support and momentum toward removing the two dams and reconnecting the Eel River. It’s a win for water-users, river advocates, the state, the tribes, and salmon and steelhead.
For more, be sure to check out California Trout and Trout Unlimited.
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