North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project

[1] The original federal license to operate the project was issued in 1947 for a period of 50 years, expiring in 1997.

[2] A settlement agreement to renew the license was approved in 2001 after prolonged negotiations between PacifiCorp and numerous state and federal agencies.

[3] The project consists of eight dams, three reservoirs, and miles of flumes, canals, penstocks and tunnels.

[1][4][5] Conservationists have criticized the hydroelectric facilities for their impact on the ecology of the North Umpqua River watershed.

[6][7] Particular focus has been placed on the Soda Springs Dam, which restricts salmon and steelhead from swimming to spawning grounds upstream.