There has been an important step forward in Dam Removal on the Eel River, and your voice is needed now!
Redwood Chapter Members please attend FERC Scoping Meetings on June 23 and 24th in Ukiah!
Two Public Scoping Sessions will take place at the Ukiah Conference Center on June 23 and 24th, and are an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the surrender and decommissioning of the Eel River Dams.
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 24 @ 10am
WHERE:
Ukiah Valley Conference Center, Chenin Blanc Room
200 South School Street, Ukiah
Aerial view of Scott Dam. Source: Ecoflight.
What is FERC?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the agency that regulates hydroelectric dams in the US, and oversees the process of removing them. PG&E, who owns the failing Scott and Cape Horn Dams on the mainstem Eel River, filed their application with FERC last year to surrender and decommission these dams.
Complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), FERC has replied with their Scoping Document which affirms the dams should come out. They have now opened public comment on the proposed dam removal and scheduled two Scoping Hearings in Ukiah.
What’s a Scoping Hearing?
FERC’s Scoping Hearing is meant to find out “what issues they should look at” when they’re analyzing potential environmental impacts of dam removal. After the scoping period, they’ll take all of the public and agency input and write a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will look much more deeply at the issues. Once the draft EIS is released, we will have another opportunity to comment.
Do public comments make a difference?
Yes, public comments at the Scoping Hearings will make a big difference for the Eel River. For one thing, Redwood Chapter Members live and work throughout the Eel and Russian River basins, the two watersheds and reservoir footprint that will be most affected by dam removal.. We know and care about these places, and our future depends on them.
Furthermore, just like we saw during the historic Klamath Dam Removal in 2024, there is well-funded and vocal opposition to a Free Eel river that will be mobilizing their people to speak at the hearing. It is crucial that we attend and comment to show that Dam Removal on the Eel has broad, community-wide support. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference.
What is in FERC’s “Scoping Document”
The Scoping Document contains a couple of findings that give us hope. FERC rejected the possibility of retaining the Scott Dam, citing seismic stability concerns. They rejected the idea of a federal government takeover of the Potter Valley Project, as it would require an act of Congress that is not going to happen, and as no federal agency has expressed a willingness to operate it. Interestingly, FERC rejected the option of dam removal without a continued diversion, finding the NERF (New Eel Russian Facility) is a necessary part of retaining essential water supply for the Upper Russian.
What kind of comments would be useful?
Anything that concerns you about the environmental impacts of the Dam and Dam Removal are appropriate. Issues might include wildlife and endangered species, water quality, watershed restoration, fish passage and spawning habitat, invasive plants and animals, dam safety, ecological integrity, or anything else you care about.
Many of us submitted detailed written comments during the License Surrender Application process, and it is not necessary to do this again. Instead, we should tell FERC we agree with their Scoping Document finding that keeping the Dams is not an option and thank them for moving forward quickly to support PG&E’s license surrender.
We will post updates and talking points as the hearing gets closer, check our website at www.sierraclub.org/redwood
Why does it matter?
The scoping hearings give us an opportunity to make a statement not just to FERC but to the larger community, the local media, and local government officials to show there are lots of people who support dam removal. Many people in our communities don’t know anything about the Eel River Dams, and a large showing will raise the profile and lift up the benefits of decommissioning. It’s very important for Redwood Chapter members to show up in person!
Are there other ways to Comment?
Yes. Written Comments are due by 5pm on July 24, 2026, and can be submitted via mail or electronically (Project No. 77-332–California Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, Pacific Gas and Electric Company).
We hope to see you in Ukiah!
For the Rivers,
Alicia Bales, Redwood Chapter Director
Theresa Ryan, Water Committee Chair
Aerial view of Cape Horn Dam. Source: Ecoflight.