Cougar Downstream Passage Project Factsheet
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is developing a project to provide downstream fish passage at Cougar Dam for endangered salmon. The dam and reservoir is in Lane County on the McKenzie River about 40 miles east of Eugene.
Why now? In 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released Biological Opinions which identified actions the Corps is required to perform in order to avoid jeopardizing the existence of Upper Willamette River Chinook salmon and steelhead, species listed under the Endangered Species Act. These actions include downstream fish passage at Cougar Dam through structural modifications or major operational changes at the Dam. Getting to a Proposed Project The Corps will determine the best plan for achieving downstream fish passage at Cougar Dam while considering impacts to the human environment from the proposal. The Corps will evaluate alternatives and environmental effects in an Environmental Assessment and select the preferred plan based on this analysis.
For more information
503-808-4510 [email protected]
WWW http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Willamette/Cougar-fish-passage/ Cougar Downstream Passage Project Factsheet
Why is the project needed? The 2008 Biological Opinion calls on the Corps to implement downstream passage at Cougar Dam to avoid continued harm to threatened Upper Willamette River Chinook Cougar Downstream Passage Project: Frequently Asked Questions
Is an operational annual deep drawdown (i.e. run of river) alternative being considered for passing fish similar to what is done at Fall Creek? Yes, a run of river alternative was assessed. However, this was screened out early on because Cougar Dam would not be able to meet its Hydropower and Recreation missions under this alternative. Any selected alternative must allow Cougar Dam to meet its authorized purposes. This screening process will be described in the Environmental Assessment.
Will recreation on Cougar Reservoir be impacted by project construction? Impacts to recreation during construction are likely. The preferred alternative requires a deep drawdown and the reservoir will not be accessible to boating at that time. Flows downstream of Cougar Dam will also be affected and may impact recreation along the South Fork McKenzie River. Additionally, construction staging will likely be located at Slide Creek Campground, limiting or restricting the camping areas there for the duration of construction.
If a drawdown is required, will the South Fork McKenzie Rive experience increased turbidity downstream of the dam similar to what was seen during the Temperature Control Tower construction in 2002? The Environmental Assessment will include an analysis of the potential water quality impacts from construction, including turbidity. However, during the Temperature Tower Control construction it was determined that holding the reservoir pool at 1450’ elevation avoids the downstream turbidity impacts. The preferred alternative is being design to be constructed with a single year of drawdown limited to 1450’.