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Washington State is the largest producer of hydropower
in the nation, and as of 2007, we rely on this resource for approximately
75% of our electricity. Although considered a renewable resource,
hydropower dams can have significant impacts on aquatic and terrestrial
resources and habitats.
Mitigation biologists assist with the writing, review and implementation
and of management plans designed to address impacts associated with
hydroelectric projects. This work is focused upon hydropower licensed
through the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) and the Federal
Clean Water Act, Section 401 certification of private and public
utilities that own and maintain hydropower projects or are applying
for a new license to generate hydropower in Washington State. The
primary goal of the project review is the development of comprehensive
mitigation for environmental impacts resulting from the construction
and operation of hydroelectric dams.
FERC mandates
that any licensed hydropower project must mitigate and/or compensate
for these impacts in a License Application process
that involves several State, Federal, local, private and non-profit
organizations. These organizations often include the US
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Washington
State Department of Ecology (WDOE) and the Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). It is the responsibility
of the Division Staff to represent the interests of the State and
it’s citizens in protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and
their habitats in accordance with State and Federal environmental
laws; such as the Federal
Power Act (FPA), the State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Staff utilizes the knowledge of various regional biologists, as well
as experts from other State, Federal and private organizations in
an effort to better understand impact of hydroelectric projects on
natural resources, and to prescribe mitigations to compensate for
those impacts.
Mitigation biologists work statewide with project owners and stakeholders
assessing impacts and pursuing mitigation opportunities for each
project. In an effort to make informed decisions about project mitigation
opportunities, Division staff work collaboratively with a broad range
of stakeholders, local experts and species specialists.
Projects
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