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Avista reducing water discharge at Post Falls Dam due to dry conditions

Avista reducing water discharge at Post Falls Dam due to dry conditions
(Photo courtesy Flickr)

In compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the Post Falls project, Avista is implementing minimum discharge due to the region’s continued hot and dry weather reducing water levels in Couer d’Alene Lake.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Washington Department of Ecology, and Avista will be following licensing requirements to implement the minimum discharge at Post Falls dam, according to a release. Avista expects that the Post Falls Hydroelectric Development (HED) will begin discharging the minimum of 500 cubic feet per second this weekend or early next week. This will help balance and maintain Coeur d’Alene Lake levels as well as keep water in the Spokane River throughout the rest of the summer.

The six turbine-generator units at the Post Falls HED generate about 15 MW. Five of the north Idaho plant’s units became operational in the early part of the 20th century.

“In dry years like this, the connection between the aquifer and the river becomes quite clear,” said Patrick Cabbage, senior hydrogeologist for Ecology’s Eastern Region Water Resources Program. “Water use by people directly affects river flows. That’s why we hope people will use water wisely and efficiently.”

The FERC license governing Avista’s Spokane River Project operations was issued in 2009 and carefully balances Coeur d’Alene Lake levels and downstream river flows. These requirements take into account fisheries and water quality, as well as public recreation. Avista worked with agencies, tribes, local governments and citizens groups to reach an agreement on the current operations of Post Falls HED as they impact the lake and river.

Avista Utilities provides energy services and electricity to 418,000 customers and natural gas to 382,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon.

The Department of Ecology protects Washington’s environment and quality of life. The mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations.

DEQ is a state department created by the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act to ensure clean air, water and land and protect Idaho citizens from the adverse health impacts of pollution.