Comment Period Extended for Klamath Basin Environmental Impact Study

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Benefits to Salmon

Native Brief: WASHINGTON -The time for public comment for the Klamath Basin Draft Environmental Impact Study has been extended to December 30. The study, which was released in September, found that the dam removal will create significant numbers of jobs and cost less than previously anticipated. The report also highlighted the benefits to salmon and fisheries, as well as agriculture, that are associated with the dam removal.

The period to give comment was extended to give the public more time to review the environmental impact statement (EIS) and environmental impact report (EIR) documents.

The comments will be turned into a document to assist US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in his decision on if the project is in the public interest. Salazar has until the end of March to decide on the project, which removes four dams from the Klamath River and initiates restoration work.

"The decision to remove or retain four Klamath River dams is of immense importance to the many Klamath Basin communities," Dennis Lynch, program manager for the Secretarial Determination on Klamath River dam removal, stated in a news release. "In addition to the peer-reviewed science and the environmental analysis, public comments on the draft EIS/EIR is also an important and critical component in shaping this decision. The Department of the Interior and the California Department of Fish and Game listened to the numerous requests to extend the comment period on this lengthy draft EIS/EIR and determined that it is in the best interest of the public to give additional time to review and comment."

The proposed legislation is supported by the Yurok Tribe, based in Klamath, California, Karuk Tribe, based in Happy Camp, California and the Klamath Tribes, based in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Beyond the Tribes, other organizations in the area of the Klamath Basin, which includes portions of northern California and southern Oregon, are in agreement the removal of the dams is in the best interest of the region.

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after hearing of the extended time for comment:

"With the large and complex issues that are involved in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) and the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA), it is only appropriate that ample time is afforded for the public to weigh in and provide their comments."

"These are historic agreements that will lead to a brighter and stronger future in the Klamath Basin and I applaud the US Department of the Interior for making sure that all voices are heard throughout the implementation process. This is democracy at work."

posted November 21, 2011 6:00 am est