Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) & Water Diversion Branch
The FERC Branch provides biological and engineering expertise for development, review and approval of fish passage designs related to water use activities. These activities include federal and non-federal hydropower, and municipal, industrial and agricultural diversions, primarily in Endangered Species Act critical habitat. Examples of major non-federal projects under review include the five Mid-Columbia public utility district dams (including the habitat conservation plan, Grant County settlement negotiations and relicensing). Branch staff review all projects in the Pacific Northwest subject to FERC licensing, relicensing applications, and settlement agreements. Staff members also provide design support and review for irrigation screens, and assess water quantity and quality effects of water withdrawals.
The FERC and Water Diversion Branch, with support from the other Hydro branches, leads in preparation of a biological opinion (in collaboration with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) on operations of 13 Corps of Engineers dams and maintenance of 43 miles of revetments on Willamette River tributaries. Branch staff review the engineering and design of new facilities at other federal tributaries of the projects.
Branch staff provide engineering support to other Northwest Region programs, including the Salmon Recovery Division for Mitchell Act fish passage and production facilities.
Branch Staff
