The Case for the Night Blend

The recent stakeholder process convened by PGE produced little except to confirm that the DRA is the only stakeholder advocating for effective changes for cleaner, cooler water in the lower Deschutes River. Since our last post, we have learned that there is confusion over what the DRA is requesting of PGE.

As a science-based advocacy organization, the DRA submits records requests to DEQ to receive the blends used in operation of the Selective Water Withdrawal Tower. These records have shown that PGE releases 100% surface water for nearly eight months out of the year. For a short time during the summer, usually beginning in July, blends based on a flawed temperature model (which uses maximum daily river temperatures rather than average or minimum) keep the river dangerously warm. And just as importantly, pH levels are so high, they violate state law nearly every day from April through October (107 out of 108 days at our Maupin monitoring station this past season, 132 out of 157 at our Warm Springs station.)

Science tells us that current operations at the Project are harming the lower Deschutes. In 2019, PGE released a multiyear scientific study of the lower Deschutes River and Lake Billy Chinook. The findings in this report very closely mirror what the DRA has been publishing in our own annual water quality reports. We consider the science settled. So, the question then becomes how to change tower operations to improve water quality.

One scenario discussed in PGE’s own 2019 report seems to the DRA like a good option to pursue: the “Night Blend Scenario”. This scenario would release the maximum amount of bottom water (60%) 365 days a year, with the exception of March 15 to June 15, during the night, when 100% surface water would be released to facilitate the surface current in the reservoir needed to attract juvenile fish out migrating during this time to the collection facility at the tower.

Night Blend, we can all agree, is not at all what current operations are–but it’s what they should be. DRA made a direct request of PGE that the Night Blend be used for 3 years to determine if it would benefit the lower Deschutes River. When this request was made, all other stakeholders– including one who committed to support the request– remained silent. That made it easy for PGE to refuse the proposal. At the stakeholder group meetings, PGE deemed the Night Blend scenario be “not recommended at this time,” with very little explanation as to why they would not move forward with it and no indication of when they might consider it.

PGE has claimed the night blend isn’t an option because they would run out of cold water in the bottom of Lake Billy Chinook in the fall if maximum bottom water were released through most of the year. Not true. In a recent blog post, we explained why these claims are not just misleading but false.

We at the DRA, like many of you, are confused by the lack of support for tower operation changes from the other NGOs. While they refuse to support any changes in tower operations, they use language on their websites and mail pieces that at best, comes across as good intentions:

• “We are mobilizing our members, supporters, and volunteers to take action during a critical public comment period to move the needle on improving the use of the Selective Water Withdrawal tower.”
• “We have a unique opportunity to revisit the use and intent of the Selective Water Withdrawal tower to develop new water quality standards that support coldwater fish species by reducing algal growth and the distribution of non-native fish in the Lower Deschutes River.”
• “Our fish and river need cooler water temperatures in early summer, reduced algal growth, and increased dissolved oxygen for resident trout spawning.”
• “Change operations of Pelton Round Butte to improve water quality of the Lower Deschutes River. It is time to identify and implement operational adjustments that address ongoing concerns over water quality in the lower river. Modified operations must provide cooler temperatures earlier in the summer, reduce algae in the lower river, and increase dissolved oxygen year-round for spawning trout.”
• “The undersigned organizations and our 11,000 supporters across the State of Oregon are writing to seek your support for improving water quality and conditions for native fish in the lower Deschutes River. Specifically, we seek your support for ensuring that water quality standards are met and sufficiently protective under the Water Quality Certification for the Pelton-Round Butte Hydroelectric Project (Project) on the lower Deschutes River pursuant to section 401 of the Clean Water Act.”

Environmental advocacy is a little like showing up for church on Sunday. It’s one thing to say you care, it’s quite another to get up, get dressed, and put your rear end in the pew. It is time for all NGOs claiming to care about the Deschutes to show up. Our message to them is a simple request: support operational changes of the Selective Water Withdrawal Tower. The DRA is convinced that the night blend will be a major step in the right direction for the future of the lower Deschutes River, and could be implemented without major costs or negatively affecting the reintroduction effort. As mentioned in a previous blog, the three “action items” currently on the table won’t provide any relief to the lower Deschutes River.

Alone, we can’t convince PGE that this is the right solution. We’ll need the passionate commitment of everyone who cares about the river to raise their voices. NGO’s and every other constituency that cares about the lower Deschutes River can help make this change happen.

As the Executive Director of the DRA, if there’s another solution worth investigating – technical, political, or otherwise, I’d sure like to know about it. Give me a call or drop me a line.