This report by Lee Emery, Fishery Biologist for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is the result of an analysis conducted of all dam removals and dam removal proposals for FERC-licensed projects. The report focuses on a case study of the Sturgeon River Project (P-2471), which has been removed since this study was written.
This report proposes recommendations to the hydropower licensing process based on an analysis of 51 projects whose license applications have been awaiting final action for more than five years. The analysis includes the cause of licensing delays, NEPA and cumulative environmental effects, fish passage and federal lands protection, settlement agreements, unconstructed projects, dam removal, endangered species, and Tribal consultation. Recommendations include limitations on annual licenses, timeliness of studies, joint schedules for relicensing, early FERC staff involvement, flexible conditions, consolidated watershed licensing, agency funding, respecting Tribal sovereignty, and more.
