Hanford Reach Study Report. Impacts of Ben Franklin Dam.
Abstract
In 1979 Congress directed the Corps of Engineers to again conduct feasibility investigations for hydroelectric power development at the Hanford Reach on the Columbia River. The proposed Ben Franklin Dam would be a multipurpose facility near River Mile 348 with a run-of-river, low-head structure consisting of a powerhouse and spillway with provision for a navigation lock if navigation was found to be feasible. This alternative would raise the present river water surface at the damsite approximately 59 feet at normal full pool elevation of 400 feet mean sea level and at a discharge of 36,000 cubic feet per second. Ben Franklin Dam could produce 3,845,000,000 Kilowatt hours of average annual energy with annual power benefits of $248 million. At this time, essentially all environmentally oriented agencies and organizations have indicated opposition to the development of Ben Franklin due to the environmental impacts of the proposed dam. The construction of Ben Franklin would eliminate the major Columbia River main stem spawning area for fall chinook salmon. The survival of all other indigenous anadromous fish would be reduced. It is estimated mitigation for salmon and steelhead losses would cost $39 million.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA107701
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army Corps of Engineers