This is unique in the United States. There are other instances of dam removal, but this is the first time a utility has voluntary removed multiple dams before the end of a licensing period in a cooperative effort with government. The agreement is a bold first step as Portland addresses the issue of providing high quality water, reliable power and sustainable fish populations for the new century. It gives Portland citizens and water ratepayers new options for meeting the spirit and letter of the Endangered Species Act. This allows the decommissioning of the dams to take place in a much shorter time frame.
Time is of the essence for Oregon's threatened stocks of native salmon and steelhead.
Without this public-private partnership, the dams could easily remain in place beyond the conclusion of relicensing in late 2004. The habitat plan will not raise Portland water rates or PGE electricity prices. In fact, the plan should help keep electricity prices down over the long run. The dam removal will create new recreational opportunities for observing nature, fishing and whitewater sports on the Sandy and Little Sandy rivers. One of the biggest challenges presented in this area is the future of Roslyn Lake, the forebay to PGE's powerhouse.