To reduce environmental impacts, PacifiCorp has programs addressing wildlife protection, wetlands preservation, reducing hydroelectric facilities’ impact on fish, plant relicensing, and bird interactions with power lines and wind turbines. The company also uses land reclamation techniques to restore habitat after completing mining operations.

Wildlife protection
PacifiCorp operates the 5,600-acre Merwin Wildlife Habitat Management Program at Merwin Reservoir in Washington. The program includes a land management database with a geographic information system. The program provides grass seeding for big game forage production.

In addition, PacifiCorp implemented a trial reforestation program for developing old growth structure for wildlife in second growth stands. The company also conducted a cooperative basinwide study on wintering bald eagles with Oregon State University and the Washington Department of Wildlife. The results were then incorporated into its bald eagle and old growth management practices on the Merwin Project.

PacifiCorp was also a prime sponsor of the Oregon Biodiversity Project, a multiyear effort administered by Defenders of Wildlife and other groups. The project used GIS mapping to identify key conservation areas for flora and fauna, and created a database to help direct development and avoid conflict between economical and environmental interests. This approach continues to serve as a model for other agencies to follow.

Wetlands preservation
The Cutler Marsh Wetlands Maze is a portion of Utah Power's Cutler Reservoir, located in northern Utah's Cache County. The marsh and the surrounding lands are managed by Utah Power to protect and enhance flora and fauna, and their habitat. The company also provides recreation opportunities (e.g., canoeing, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching) and traditional agricultural land uses such as grazing and irrigation storage. Utah Power uses Cutler Reservoir water to satisfy irrigation water rights and to generate hydroelectric power. The project is sponsored by PacifiCorp, Bridgerland Audubon Society and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Fish impacts
PacifiCorp produces nearly 1,100 megawatts (mw) of energy from hydroelectric projects in five states with many projects located in the Pacific Northwest. The company shares the public’s concern regarding the impacts of hydroelectric dams, particularly on migratory fish such as salmon and steelhead trout. It is committed to working with state and federal agencies, and the communities where it operates, to balance habitat and species protection with the social and environmental benefits of hydroelectric generation. By finding out more about the ecological status of the rivers where it operates, the company is better able to mitigate environmental impacts.

PacifiCorp has taken a proactive approach to endangered species protection in the Northwest. For example, the company contributed $475,000 toward the purchase of Eagle Island on Washington’s Lewis River to help preserve salmon habitat and ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The island, located seven miles downstream from PacifiCorp’s Merwin dam, covers about 260 acres. It is considered essential because more than 75 percent of the river’s fall Chinook salmon’s present-day rearing habitat is associated with the island.

Relicensing
PacifiCorp is involved in extensive fish and wildlife habitat and water quality studies as part of obtaining new hydro facility operating licenses from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Results of this research, conducted in consultation with state and federal agencies and Native American tribes, helps identify protection and enhancement measures concerning water quality, stream flows, fish passage, habitat restoration, recreation and other resources. Ultimately, these measures are included in a license application or agreements submitted to FERC for terms of a new license.

For example, in June 2001, an agreement was reached between the company, Oregon and U.S. resource authorities to relicense the North Umpqua hydroelectric facility. The agreement will help protect and enhance the habitat of all species of native-breeding and other fish in the North Umpqua River. It also provides extensive benefits to terrestrial wildlife in the North Umpqua watershed. Learn more about the company’s relicensing process .

Birds and power lines
Power lines pose a danger to larger birds, such as raptors and migrating watefowl. Collisions in flight, or touching two energized wires can injure or kill the birds, and power outages can result. PacifiCorp collaborates with state and federal agencies, and conservation groups to track and reduce bird mortalities around its western operations.

Tall structures, such as steel transmission towers and wood poles, are natural perches and nest sites for raptors. PacifiCorp has installed hundreds of nesting platforms and alternative perches for osprey and other birds of prey to discourage landing in unsafe areas. Company distribution line construction standards currently require new or rebuilt lines outside of cities to be built for raptor safety, and to provide for at least 60 inches of clearance between conductive and grounded parts.

Existing lines in raptor use areas are made safe by:

• Installing triangles on cross-arms to prevent birds from perching between closely spaced conductors
• Placing insulated covers on the center insulator and conductor to allow birds to perch but avoid direct contact
• Re-framing poles with a wider cross-arm and/or lowering the cross-arm to provide 60 inches of conductor separation
• Covering transformers, switches and jumper wires with caps and insulated rubber hose

The company’s efforts and investment continues to lead towards its goal of significantly decreasing the mortality rate of raptors and other birds, and help increase their numbers. As part of its commitment, PacifiCorp also participates in avian power line electrocution and collision research and training classes, supports and constructs bird rehabilitation facilities and has authored bird safety manuals.

PacifiCorp’s innovative bird power line management program and its participation with Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) have won numerous awards. In 1995, the company received the "Guy Bradley Award" award from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and in 1999 it received the "Conservation Service Award" from the Department of the Interior as one of APLIC's founding members.

At the company’s Wyoming Wind Energy Project, wires and other electrical distribution equipment were placed below ground to protect raptors and other birds, and to reduce electrocution or collision risks.

Land reclamation
PacifiCorp recognizes its responsibility to restore land impacted by surface mining operations. The company mines approximately 11 million tons of coal, 7 million tons of which are from surface mines. Interwest Mining Co., PacifiCorp’s mining subsidiary, consults reclamation experts in all of its mining activities. As a result, PacifiCorp’s staff has developed a nationally recognized land reclamation program. At the Glenrock Mine in Wyoming, the company’s team has developed a reputation for establishing sagebrush following coal extraction. The company also successfully reclaimed a site at its Bridger Coal facility in Wyoming, which now provides forage for wild horses.
More information on the company's sustainable efforts:
Policy & vision
Renewable energy
Waste reuse & recycle
Air quality 
Energy conservation