The initial license for the construction and operation of the Hells Canyon Complex \u2013 three hydroelectric dams and their reservoirs on the Snake River \u2013 was issued to Idaho Power Company in 1955.\u00a0 The Complex was completed in 1967.\u00a0 Today, the Brownlee, Oxbow, and Hells Canyon dams and reservoirs stretch ninety-five miles along the Idaho\/Oregon border from Farewell Bend, Oregon north to Hells Canyon Dam.<\/p>\n
That original license to operate the complex was valid for fifty years, through July\u00a02005.\u00a0 Idaho Power Company has applied with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a renewal of the license.\u00a0 When issued, the new license will establish a plan of operation for the complex for the next licensing period.\u00a0 The new operating plan will not only define the parameters for power generation, but will also establish requirements for flood control, for environmental protection and enhancement, and for the maintenance of recreational resources that are within the complex or directly impacted by its operations.\u00a0 Since hydropower licenses are normally granted for periods of 30 to 50 years, the re-licensing process, specifically the associated plan of operation, is of significance to the WWA and its members.<\/p>\n
The Hells Canyon Complex has provided great benefit to local and regional communities in the form of economical electrical power, flood control, and recreational resources; but there have also been trade-offs in the form of undesirable impacts on the environment and wildlife.\u00a0 The relicensing process and the development of the new operating plan presents the opportunity to retain the existing benefits provided by the complex while encompassing new measures to enhance wildlife and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The initial license for the construction and operation of the Hells Canyon Complex \u2013 three hydroelectric dams and their reservoirs on the Snake River \u2013 was issued to Idaho Power Company in 1955.\u00a0 The Complex was completed in 1967.\u00a0 Today, the Brownlee, Oxbow, and Hells Canyon dams and reservoirs stretch ninety-five miles along the Idaho\/Oregon…<\/p>\n