The goal of the plan is to duplicate the natural flow of water in the upper Eel as if there were no Van Arsdale Dam or its supplying reservoir, Lake Pillsbury. The accompanying map shows why that's needed: the Van Arsdale releases provide almost half of the water of the upper Eel before it is joined by the middle fork at Dos Rios, and almost two-thirds of the flow above Outlet Creek in Willits. Unrestricted diversion, especially during dry years, was destroying the fisheries; there was not enough water to allow the fish to return home to spawn.
The plan provides upper and lower limits for water diversion. It guarantees more natural runoff during spawning season (December 1 through January 31). and close monitoring of Tomki Creek flows, just below the Dam. It matches up short-term fluctuations in its flow with similar releases at the dam, to mimic the natural effect of various water flows on the streambeds.
Applied to water flows from 1976-1995, the guidelines showed a 15% reduction in the diversion. In dry years, the diversion would be reduced to 50% of the current minimum flow requirements of Russian River users, a reduction which only occurred twice in the twenty-year model period. The plan includes additional non-flow proposals, such as a scientific aide at Van Arsdale Dam and a Chinook and Steelhead stock rescue program. PGandE will fund those with revenues from the hydroelectric plant at the diversion site. A small amount of water will also be set aside for the Potter Valley Irrigation District.
One Sonoma County official denounced the plan as the product of "three bureaucrats and a utility," but it does appear to allow maximum possible diversion of water while protecting the upper Eel habitat. My hope is that folks along the Eel and Russian Rivers realize that we share a common stewardship of the Klamath bioregion. I believe that by diverting this water we can use it in the more populated areas of the region, thus reducing pressure for development along the Eel. By limiting the diversion, we acknowledge that development anywhere must not be allowed to destroy natural habitat.
Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Lake Counties make up the Eel-Russian Commission. Copies of this plan can be obtained from the Commission at the Ukiah courthouse or by calling (707) 463-4589. Public comment is welcome, but officials from the agencies involved state that, unless someone points out a "fatal flaw" in the plan, it will go into effect July 1.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1998
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