Avista owns six dams on the Spokane River. Five of the six are operated under a federal license that expires in July 2007. As a result, Avista has filed for a new federal license. This creates a rare and important opportunity to help plan the future of our river!

Although rivers are owned by the public, private parties (utilities, municipalities, and individuals) may apply for a license to operate hydropower dams. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issues these licenses, when appropriate, and determines license conditions for periods of 30 to 50 years.

In the past, FERC’s primary goal has been to promote dams for their power generation potential, often without regard for environmental impacts. However, in 1986, Congress amended the Federal Power Act to require FERC to balance energy and environmental interests when it licenses dams. FERC is now required to give equal consideration to energy conservation, protection of fish and wildlife, environmental quality and recreational opportunities.

Draft EIS.

As of January 2007, the Avista license process is at mid-point.  FERC has issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and asked the public to comment.  The Draft EIS includes staff recommendations, some of which are not adequate to protect and restore the Spokane River. It is imperative that friends of the Spokane River comment on the Draft EIS.

Comments must be received by FERC by March 6 at the following address:

Magalie Salas, Secretary

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street, NE

Washington DC 20426

Be sure to reference the Project Numbers:  No. P-2545 and P-12606.

Comments may also be submitted at a public hearing will be held on February 8 (time and location to be announced). 

A Word About E-Filing. 

Comments on the draft EIS may also be filed electronically via the FERC website at www.ferc.gov.  However, FERC's e-filing system can be difficult to use -- if you intend to e-file, we advise you to do so several days before the March 6 deadline.  If you have trouble, you still have time to mail your comments to Washington DC !

Draft License. 

Later this year, FERC will issue a draft license, again circulating it for public review.  The final license is expected in late 2007 or early 2008.

401 Certifications. 

The States of Idaho and Washington also have a role to play in dam licensing through a process called "401 Certification" (named after a section of the Clean Water Act that authorizes states to impose conditions on dams to protect water quality).  Before FERC can issue a final license for the Avista dams, Idaho and Washington's water quality agencies must issue 401 Certifications, with associated public review and comment opportunities. 

Future Updates. 

This website will keep you informed when important commenting dates are due.

Additional Resources

FERC's website for the Spokane River Project

Hydropower Reform Coalition: a coalition that specializes in promoting environmental protection in the dam licensing process:

Washington Department of Ecology 401 Certification website:

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality 401 Certification website