Good News for Fish: Clean Water Act Holds for PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers

Good News for Fish: Clean Water Act Holds for PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers

The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) is pleased to report that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order on September 5, 2023 that upholds the California State Water Board’s authority to require a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses for the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric projects.

Understanding the Rhythms of Rivers: Exploring Natural Hydrographs and the Impact of Dams on Watersheds

Understanding the Rhythms of Rivers: Exploring Natural Hydrographs and the Impact of Dams on Watersheds

Dams create a number of issues for the overall health of a watershed. One of the primary issues is that they modify the volume (discharge) and timing of when and how water flows in the portion of the river downstream. Dams trap and store water in the wet periods of time, and then release additional water during the dry, hot periods of time to meet human need. The graph which shows the amount of water flowing past a point over time is called a hydrograph.

Victory Declared on Chandler Mountain!

Victory Declared on Chandler Mountain!

                Victory Declared on Chandler Mountain Land, Waters and Endangered Wildlife Saved from Destructive Project;  Advocates Celebrate Local Community’s Successful Efforts Today we celebrate a significant victory for the people of Chandler Mountain, for the...
New Access Completed on North Fork Feather River

New Access Completed on North Fork Feather River

As part of the Poe hydropower license on the North Fork Feather River, Pacific Gas and Electric company was required to build a new trail from the Cresta Powerhouse house parking lot, down to the Poe Reservoir. This trail now provides much improved takeout access for...
FERC Licensing 101

FERC Licensing 101

This introductory training introduced how hydropower licensing works, what you can achieve during a project licensing, how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission works, and strategies for getting involved. Presenters: Colleen McNally-Murphy, Associate National...