Basic Options Data

The Options

Options which have been pursued by the Research and Options Committees

Options within the FERC license

(1) Diversion Dam

The present diversion dam was designed and built in 1911. The sole purpose of this dam (when designed) was to divert water into Lake Tapps. Today it is used to divert fish into the fish trap and to control flow down the White River Bypass. The fish trap is required by the (a) Army Corps of Engineers to transport fish up river around Mud Mountain Dam and (b) by the Muckleshoots to trap some of their Hatchery fish. The present dam design was not designed to handle high flow rates (PSE claims over 180 cfs may be critical for extended periods). During flood conditions it is designed to collapse and, therefore, makes the fish trap unusable. When this happens the dam is rebuilt using timbers from a local mill. Per the FERC license and requests made by State and Federal agencies, the flow rates would have to be higher (than 180 cfs) to maintain the White River Bypass at the levels necessary for the salmon. These fish requirements dictate a different dam design which is in the FERC license. We feel this is a requirement which should be taken care of by the Army Corps of Engineers or others.

(2) Hatchery Costs

PSE has already provided the hatchery and operational costs. There are other government and private groups that are depriving the salmon of their habitat and environment. These groups should be contributing to the operational, maintenance, and expansion costs for the hatchery.

(3) White River Bypass Flow rate Requirements

Perhaps one of the most controversial requirements in the FERC license is the monthly flow rates of water required in the bypass. Most of these numbers have been estimated based on maximum fish count which may occur in any one month yet the conditions change. For example the "Spring Chinook" run (up the river) has been later year after year until it has become more of a summer run today. We believe these numbers need to be flexible to accommodate the salmon when they need the water and when they do not need the water it should be used for generating power.

(4) Ramping Rates

Ramping rate is a term used to define the change in water flow created by shutting down or starting up the generators in the White River Power Station. These changes in water flow are most notably observed downstream of the generators where abrupt changes in water levels can occur if the generator shutdowns are abrupt and not controlled. There have been questions raised as to (a) whether there is a problem to the fish and (b) If there is, how much control is required during shutdown.

(5) Tailrace

Salmon are attracted up the tailrace (power station outlet) by scent and higher water flow rates. They then are confused by the dead end created by the turbines. Many salmon will stay there for extended periods not knowing what to do. The FERC license requires a "Tailrace Barrier" at the junction where the tailrace runs into the White River. There have been questions raised as to (a) Is this really a problem and (b) If it is, what type of barrier would be suitable?

(6) Other FERC Requirements

There are many requirements in the FERC license which are meant to take care of recreational problems, environmental issues and fish and wildlife management which we feel could be handled by other agencies. For example: (a) the boat management plan, (b) the wildlife management, (c) the raptor protection, (d) fishery enhancement, (e) etc.

Options other than those in the FERC license

Municipal Owned Power Station or Rural Cooperative Owned Power Station

Both of these options and various scenarios under these options are being reviewed by the Research and Options Committees. There are problems and there are benefits to both, all of which have not been identified. Ongoing discussions with state and local organizations are continuing in this area. We are planning to discuss these options with PSE in the very near future.