Blm Reviews Dams In Snake River Basin

In an effort to better manage water and the related resources in the Snake River Basin, the Bureau of Reclamation is conducting a comprehensive review of its 10 multipurpose projects in the Snake River above Brownlee Dam.

The review is scheduled for completion by 2000.

The 10 projects include Minidoka, Palisades, Michaud Flats, Little Wood River, Boise, Owyhee, Vale, Burnt River, Mann Creek and Baker projects.

These facilities and projects include 21 storage reservoirs and five hydroelectric powerplants.

The major objective is to develop an operational simulation model that not only accurately analyses operation of the system for irrigation, flood control and power generation but allows consideration of tradeoffs of other resource values such as Endangered Species Act listed species, water quality, recreation, cultural resources and fish and wildlife.

Eileen Salenik, program manager, said the review is necessary to better understand the system and its related resources in order to respond to additional demands for water while maintaining and protecting current and traditional uses.