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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Conservation Groups Battle Hydro Plan

From Staff And Wire Reports

Two conservation groups have filed a protest against the latest proposal from a developer for diversion of the North Fork of the Payette River for a hydroelectric generating project.

Gem Irrigation District has asked the state Department of Water Resources for an amended water right to divert 100 cubic feet per second from the river year around. The water would enter a pipeline and run along railroad tracks to a power turbine. It would be returned to the river 15 miles downstream.

The North Fork of the Payette in western Idaho is one of the state’s prime kayaking and rafting streams.

Idaho Rivers United and Idaho Whitewater Association filed the protest. The groups said they were concerned that diverting water from the North Fork will impact whitewater recreation, harm fish and wildlife habitat and spoil the visual experience of one of Idaho’s prime whitewater streams.

The also claim granting the water right would run contrary to the State Water Plan which for the North Fork of the Payette prohibits dams for hydropower purposes.