Lower Snake River Dams Benefit Replacement Report: Draft Report and Public Comment Period
The draft Lower Snake River Dams (LSRD) Benefit Replacement Study Report has been officially released and is now available for public review and feedback. Stakeholders and community members can access the report here and provide their input.
This public review period runs from June 9, 2022, to July 11, 2022, giving individuals the opportunity to examine the findings and share their thoughts. Comments can be submitted via email, an online form on the project website, or by mail. All feedback must be received by 5:00 p.m. PST on July 11, 2022.
- To submit feedback online, use the project website submission form.
- Email comments should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Draft LSRD Benefit Replacement Report.”
- If sending comments by mail, ensure they arrive before the deadline.
It’s important to note that this is a draft report, not a final decision. It does not make a recommendation on whether the Lower Snake River Dams should be breached or retained. Instead, the report will continue to be shaped by ongoing public engagement, tribal consultation, expert input, and additional research. A final report will be released later in 2022, contributing to the recommendations made by Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Patty Murray regarding the future of the dams.
The Inslee-Murray Process: Evaluating the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams
In October 2021, Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Patty Murray initiated a joint federal-state process to assess whether it is feasible to replace the services and benefits provided by the Lower Snake River Dams. This process aims to determine whether dam breaching could be a viable step toward salmon recovery in the Snake River and the greater Pacific Northwest.
The study builds on previous research and incorporates extensive outreach to regional stakeholders, sovereign tribal nations, industry experts, and community representatives. The process ensures that all voices are heard and that decision-making is informed by comprehensive data and perspectives. For those looking to analyze the report’s findings in depth or prepare structured feedback, utilizing resources like EssayPro assignment writing service can be helpful in organizing thoughts, summarizing key points, and crafting well-supported arguments.
To support this effort, Kramer Consulting and Ross Strategic were hired to lead the research, gather input, and draft the report. Their work includes reviewing existing studies, consulting with stakeholders, assessing potential economic and environmental impacts, and estimating costs associated with potential dam removal. The consultant team is working closely with state advisors, Governor Inslee’s office, and Senator Murray’s office to ensure the findings provide a solid foundation for decision-making.
Ultimately, this process will help determine whether the benefits of the Lower Snake River Dams can be fully replaced and whether dam breaching could become a realistic option for the future of the region’s ecosystems and economy.
Key Areas of Study: Examining the Benefits of the Lower Snake River Dams
The study is focused on six primary areas where the Lower Snake River Dams provide significant benefits. Additionally, the study will examine the costs and logistics involved in dam breaching, including site preparation, removal, and post-removal restoration efforts.
1. Navigation & Transportation
The Lower Snake River Dams play a crucial role in the regional transportation network, allowing barges, trains, and trucks to move goods efficiently. The lock system along the river enables agricultural producers and shippers to transport crops—particularly wheat—from the Tri-Cities area to Lewiston/Clarkston and beyond. The Columbia-Snake River System is essential for exporting wheat, as nearly 10% of all U.S. wheat exports rely on barge transportation on the Snake River.
If the dams were removed, alternative transportation solutions would need to be developed, including enhancements to rail networks, road infrastructure improvements, and upgrades to port facilities in the Tri-Cities region. The study will analyze the feasibility, cost, and potential disruptions of such changes.
2. Agriculture & Irrigation
The eight counties surrounding the Lower Snake River contain approximately five million acres of farmland, making up one-third of Washington’s total farmland. Farmers in this region depend on both dryland and irrigated agriculture, with wheat growers in Northeast Oregon and Southwestern Idaho also relying on the river’s barge system to move their products to market.
The study will evaluate how to maintain current irrigation levels and sustain agricultural production in the absence of the dams. This includes identifying replacement infrastructure, exploring alternative irrigation methods, and assessing potential economic impacts on farming communities.
3. Energy Production & Grid Stability
The Lower Snake River Dams are an integral part of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS), which generates renewable hydroelectric power for the Pacific Northwest. The study will examine how the removal of these dams would impact the regional power grid and what steps would be necessary to replace their energy contributions.
This will include research on new energy infrastructure, potential investments in renewable sources like wind and solar, and ways to ensure grid stability and reliability in the face of increased demand. The study will also assess the economic and environmental trade-offs involved in these transitions.
4. Tourism & Recreation
The reservoirs created by the Lower Snake River Dams offer recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and hunting. Additionally, river cruises attract approximately 18,000 tourists per year, providing a significant economic boost to local communities.
If the dams were removed, the region would experience a shift in recreational opportunities and tourism revenue. The study will explore ways to replace lost recreational access while also investigating new opportunities for eco-tourism, river restoration tourism, and community-driven outdoor activities.
5. Community Resilience & Economic Health
Many towns and cities along the Lower Snake River have grown around the economic benefits of the dams, from hydropower and transportation to tourism and agriculture. The study will investigate how dam removal might affect local economies, property values, tax revenues, and community stability.
Additionally, it will explore ways to mitigate economic disruption, including investment in alternative industries, infrastructure development, and support for displaced workers. Special consideration will also be given to tribal cultural resources and sites that are deeply tied to the river.
6. Salmon Recovery & Habitat Restoration
The Lower Snake River is home to four species of salmon and steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), along with Pacific lamprey, white sturgeon, and bull trout. Historically, the river provided critical spawning and rearing habitats that have been significantly altered by the dams.
The study will analyze the potential benefits of dam removal for fish populations, including habitat restoration, improvements to water quality, and the potential for increased salmon runs. It will also explore necessary enhancements to existing salmon recovery programs, including hatcheries and fish passage improvements.
Dam Breaching: Costs & Logistics
If the decision were made to remove the Lower Snake River Dams, significant investment would be required for design, engineering, and site preparation. The study will investigate the estimated costs of dam removal, including:
- Breaching the dam structures, particularly the earthen berms
- Sediment dredging and relocation to ensure safe water flow
- Restoration of the river’s natural channel and surrounding habitats
These costs will be weighed against the long-term environmental, economic, and social impacts of keeping or removing the dams.
How to Get Involved
Public participation is vital to this process. If you have feedback, you can submit comments by July 11, 2022, through the following channels:
📌 Online: Use the project website submission form
📌 Email: Send feedback to [email protected] (Subject: “Draft LSRD Benefit Replacement Report”)
📌 Mail: Ensure mailed comments arrive before the deadline
Your input will help shape the final report and guide decisions about the future of the Lower Snake River Dams. Make your voice heard!