New dam proposal on Rogue tributary would hinder native fish spawning and recreation
Background
On May 8, 2023, Neptune Pumped Storage 2, LLC (Neptune) filed an application for a preliminary permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), proposing to study the feasibility of a pumped storage hydropower project located on Lobster Creek in Curry County, Oregon, approximately four miles north of the Rogue River. On May 26, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) published a notice that the preliminary permit application for this project was open for comment. Rogue Riverkeeper and several of our partner organizations have provided comments and are tracking this project closely. Several approvals must be obtained from local, county, state, and federal agencies for a hydroelectric project of this size before any land disturbing activities may take place.
The project
Lobster Creek. Photo Credit Kelly Timchak
The proposed project would construct two dams and two reservoirs on Lobster Creek which is a tributary of the Rogue River that join approximately 11 miles upriver from Gold Beach. The applicant plans to divert 100 cubic feet of water per second via a 1.7 mile long underground pipeline to two dams both built 70 feet tall with 5,600 feet long embankments. But dams require many ancillary structures for them to function. The application also proposes steel and concrete penstock measuring at least 1,825 long for conveying water to the turbine and a 66,000 square foot concrete powerhouse and pump station. To be able to convey the power generated from this hydroelectric dam a 13-mile long transmission line to Nesika Beach is required. All of this construction on and surrounding Lobster Creek is proposed to bring in 550 megawatts of power.
Our concerns
Salmon swimming upstream to spawn in the Rogue River.
Rogue Riverkeeper has strong concerns about the impacts of this project on fish and their habitats, including spawning and rearing areas. According to the Department of Agriculture’s Lobster Creek Watershed Analysis Iteration 2.0, “Lobster Creek is the most important fish-producing stream unit in the lower Rogue River (mouth of Rogue to river mile 43, near Stair Creek). Fish using Lobster Creek as habitat for some part of their life cycle include coho and chinook salmon, steelhead, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, Pacific lamprey, sculpin, and redside shiners.” Moreover, fish use in Lobster Creek centers around three critical reaches where anadromous species both spawn and rear in high densities. The first reach is a 2.3 mile segment of the mainstem near Deadline and Fall Creeks — Fall Creek being near where this project is proposed to be developed. This reach is especially important for chinook spawning and rearing. Fall chinook have long been detected in the Fall Creek area and are proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened. Furthermore, coastal cutthroat trout are likely present at the site of the proposed lower reservoir according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Lobster Creek is also known for its outstanding recreational opportunities such as sight-seeing, nature observation, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the waterway. It is home of Lobster Creek Camp, taking place on 52 acres and owned and operated by Curry County. Dam construction will likely interfere with many of these recreational activities that have been enjoyed for some time by surrounding communities and visitors.
Where is the project now?
Right now the project is just in preliminary stages and environmental analysis will have to be completed for any type of permit to be issued. We will be following this project closely and will alert the public at any opportunity that would allow their voices to be heard.
Written by Emily Bowes on July 26th, 2023