SODA SPRINGS, Ore. -- Ever wonder what a tailrace is? What about a cofferdam?

            Find out answers to these questions and more at the annual public tour of resource enhancement work at PacifiCorp’s North Umpqua hydroelectric project.   This work and the tour are being conducted in collaboration with a multi-agency group brought together by a settlement agreement signed in 2001 by PacifiCorp and federal and state agencies.

            On Tuesday, Oct. 16, interested individuals or organizations have an opportunity to see the projects and ask their own questions about fish and wildlife habitat mitigation work underway as part of Pacific Power’s ongoing stewardship of the scenic North Umpqua River.

            This year’s tour will focus on the Soda Springs tailrace barrier and the Fish Creek downstream fish screen project. The tour begins at the Toketee Control Center at 10 a.m. and should be completed by 2 p.m. The Toketee Control Center is located approximately 60 miles east of Roseburg off Highway 138. Look for the green sign for the Toketee School and the Hydro Control Center about 10 miles east of Dry Creek.

            Attendees should bring a sack lunch and sturdy boots. Safety is a top priority, and a hard hat will be provided if needed at some sites.

            Questions about the tour should be directed to Rich Grost at (541) 498-2617, or Pam Sichting at (541) 957-3342.

            The tour is sponsored by the Resource Coordination Committee for the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project.   Members include PacifiCorp, the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Marine Fisheries Service, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Environmental Quality, and Department of Water Resources.

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland, Ore.and provides electric service to more than 713,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing approximately 1.7 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment.