Biological Opinions on the Effects of Proposed Klamath Project Operations from May 31, 2013, thorugh March 31, 2023 on Five Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species.

摘要

The Klamath Basin's hydrologic system currently consists of a complex of interconnected rivers, canals, lakes, marshes, dams, diversions, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas. Alterations to the natural hydrologic system began in the late 1800s and expanded in the early 1900s, including water diversions by private water users, Reclamations Project, and several hydroelectric dams operated by a private company, currently known as PacifiCorp. PacifiCorps Klamath Hydroelectric Project (KHP) was constructed between 1911 and 1962, and includes eight developments: (1) East and (2) West Side power facilities at Link River Dam; (3) Keno Dam; (4) J.C. Boyle Dam; (5) Copco 1 Dam; (6) Copco 2 Dam; (7) Fall Creek Dam; and (8) Iron Gate Dam (IGD). The Link River Dam and Upper Klamath Lake (UKL) are not part of the KHP. PacifiCorp operated the KHP under a 50-year license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) until the license expired in 2006. PacifiCorp continues to operate the KHP under annual licenses based on the terms of the previous license.