In 1999, PacifiCorp filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for new licenses for the Bear River Hydroelectric Projects. After lengthy discussions between PacifiCorp, state and federal agencies, tribes, and non-governmental organizations, a Settlement Agreement on relicensing was signed by all parties on August 28, 2002. The Settlement Agreement was based on resource agency mandates and mutual agreement of the signing parties to employ an ecosystem restoration approach to accomplish resource restoration and enhancement in conjunction with hydropower operations, recreation uses, and other beneficial uses of the Bear River.

The Environmental Coordination Committee, a stakeholder group comprised of signatories to the Settlement Agreement, was formed to consult and make decisions regarding the use of funding and other license requirements for the Bear River Project. These responsibilities include, among other things, (1) facilitating coordination and consultation among the Parties on implementation of the Settlement Agreement measures; (2) proposing and approving restoration and flow measures; (3) establishing monitoring criteria to evaluate the effects of Settlement Agreement measures; and (4) coordinating and implementing Settlement Agreement measures.   However, PacifiCorp will make the final determination on those actions undertaken through the Settlement Agreement.

The Settlement Agreement contains specific measures that will substantially improve environmental conditions in the Bear River watershed near the Project. Specifically the Agreement:

• provides important resource protection and restoration measures that will benefitfish and wildlife habitat, consistent with regional restoration planning;
• provides for various interests and river uses, including irrigation, powerproduction and natural resource values; and
• establishes a process for the Parties to collaborate in the management andenhancement of natural resources in the Bear River watershed throughout theterms of the new 30-year License.

The ECC provides a forum for involvement by other interested parties. Please contact PacifiCorp’s Environmental Coordinator, Mark Stenberg, telephone number (208) 547-7305, if you would like to discuss further any of the provisions of the Settlement Agreement or would like information on contacting one or more ECC members. You can also call the local Grace Power Plant at 208-425-9201 and leave a message asking for Mr. Stenberg to return your call.