SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 20, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE)—The Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) today responded to the Department of the Interior's "Record of Decision" (ROD) on Mainstem Trinity River Flows, which called for a significant change in the amount of water released down the Trinity River in an effort to restore salmon fisheries.
"While we recognize the importance of promoting healthy salmon populations in the Trinity River, today's decision was irresponsible," said John Fistolera, a spokesperson for the Northern California Power Agency.
"It appears that in their eagerness to solve the problem, some corners may have been cut in the area of scientific analysis — conclusions were based on false assumptions, stated objectives were ambiguous and non-flow-based alternatives were not even considered. And as they say, garbage in, garbage out."
However, "bad science" was not the only problem — the change in flows on the Trinity River could also mean less electricity for consumers and businesses, and less water for Central Valley farmers and other fisheries along connecting rivers.
At least six hydroelectric plants located between the Trinity and Sacramento Rivers are affected by the proposal to change flows in the Trinity River. "Unfortunately, the flow plan adopted by the DOI will cost California up to 350 megawatts of electricity — enough to power 350,000 households — at a time when the state needs it most," said Fistolera.
"This is the perfect example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing," said Fistolera. "We've got the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission telling California to do what it can to increase generation and improve reliability, while the Federal Department of the Interior is eliminating 350 megawatts of our power. That doesn't make sense."
According to NCPA, they outlined their concerns and offered recommendations for correcting the flaws in letters to the Department during the public comment phase, but received no response.
"We really wanted to participate in the process in a meaningful way, but the Department seemed to have its mind made up," said Fistolera, who added that the group is now exploring other options, including legal action.
