hydropower

Federal bill would smooth way for small dams, hydropower

Bellamy Pailthorp — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:06:13 +0000

Big dams that block rivers and salmon runs are out of vogue. But new legislation could clear the way for more small ones.

The removal of Washington’s Elwha dam — the largest dam removal in U.S. history — marked the end of an era in which big dams were embraced.

Proposed dam puts Skykomish on list of ten most-endangered rivers

Bellamy Pailthorp — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:12:53 +0000

It’s designated as a State Scenic Waterway and recommended for federal protection. Yet the south fork of the Skykomish River has just been named one of the ten most endangered rivers in the country by the national environmental group, American Rivers.

It’s because of a controversial proposal to build a new dam.

Grants awarded to improve hydropower generation in Wash.

Courtney Flatt — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:41:44 +0000

RICHLAND, Wash. – New projects in the Pacific Northwest may soon improve the efficiency and reduce costs of hydropower generation, thanks to a new round of federal spending announced today.

Two projects in Washington received grants to help improve hydropower generation.

Turbines to shut down for good at doomed Elwha dams

Tom Banse — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:30:20 +0000

Nearly 100 years of hydropower production comes to a close today (Wednesday) on the Elwha River on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. The turbines at the two dams on the river are going off line for good in preparation for the biggest dam removal in North American history.

More snowpack means more electricity this summer

Dave Meyer — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:20:30 +0000

The Pacific Northwest has emerged from winter with an above average snowpack, and that's good news for the region's hydroelectric dams. Seattle City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco says, “The snowfall we have received in the mountains this winter was fantastic.”