North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project
| Company type | Hydroelectric power project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | PacifiCorp |
| Headquarters | Douglas County, Oregon , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
| Owner | PacifiCorp |
The North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project consists of multiple hydroelectric power stations situated along the North Umpqua River within Douglas County, Oregon, United States. This facility is both owned and managed by PacifiCorp.
History
PacifiCorp developed the project from 1947 through 1956. It initially operated under a federal license granted in 1947, valid for a duration of 50 years until 1997. Following prolonged discussions involving various state and federal authorities, a settlement agreement was reached, resulting in license renewal approval in 2001.
Description
This hydroelectric system includes eight dams and three reservoirs, complemented by an extensive network of flumes, canals, penstocks, and tunnels. Environmental organizations have expressed concerns about the project's effects on the North Umpqua River ecosystem, particularly its interference with fish migration patterns. The Soda Springs Dam limits salmon and steelhead access to upstream spawning habitats; to mitigate this, a fish ladder costing $60 million was completed in 2012.