Wallowa Falls hydroelectric project receives renewed operating license

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) granted last week a renewed operating license to Pacific Power for the Wallowa Falls hydroelectric project, located in Wallowa County in northeast Oregon.

In granting the 40-year license for the 1.1-megawatt project, FERC identified actions Pacific Power must take to protect bull trout and their habitat and to enhance the recreational experience for visitors to the neighboring area.

“This plant has been operating since 1921 and produces enough clean power to supply about 500 homes,” Lori Wyman, regional business manager for Pacific Power, said “We’re proud to have this asset now relicensed so that it can continue supplying power to all Pacific Power customers and supporting
recreational opportunities. The planned improvements will be commencing soon and taking place over the next three years.”

The work Pacific Power will undertake includes modification of the dam’s intake structure to allow for increased flows and installation of a real-time stream gage to monitor compliance with minimum flow requirements. The company will also work to reduce visibility of the powerhouse in the recreational area and create trail improvements.

In order to protect the bull trout and their habitat, Pacific Power will construct a barrier to keep fish from entering the plant tailrace and monitor botanical, aquatic and water quality. The work may require temporary access restrictions.