March 2004 Issue

Update on summer spill deliberations

Summary: Federal executives will present a spill reduction proposal on March 26.

• The public will have one week to comment
• Regional representatives will present modified proposal April 16
• Final federal decision expected the week of April 19

Detail: Fish and Wildlife Division Director Doug Marker gave an update on the implementation of the Council's mainstem program amendments, in particular, a spill evaluation and summer operations tests at Libby and Hungry Horse dams. Witt Anderson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Greg Delwiche, of the Bonneville Power Administration, were present via phone to answer questions from Council members.

Delwiche confirmed that federal executives would present a draft proposal with specific spill reductions and offsets on March 26 to the region; the public will have one week to comment. A meeting with regional representatives is scheduled for April 16, at which time they will present a modified proposal. A final decision is expected to be made sometime between April 19-23.

Montana Council members Ed Bartlett and John Hines asked that the operations at Libby and Hungry Horse be part of the proposal. Delwiche said he would convey their request to the federal agencies for consideration.