The federal agency responsible for approving Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s bid to decommission two Eel River damsand a downstream hydroelectric powerplant has signaled its support for the utility’s plans, despite last-ditch efforts by those who oppose the teardown to keep the waterworks in Lake and Mendocino counties intact. In a May 22 scoping document that provides an overview of proposed actions and potential resource issues, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission noted it “proposed to eliminate … alternatives” to full decommissioning, including a proposed takeover of the dams either by the federal government or other public agency. Federal takeover of two PG&E dams and shuttered powerplant, known as the Potter Valley Project, would require congressional approval.

Other dam removal news:

• KLCC (Eugene, Ore.): OSU research shows common ground for farmers, conservationists in Klamath River country
• The Sacramento Bee (Calif.): Salmon return to Auburn Ravine after Hemphill Dam Improvement Project completed
• CNN: Rivers set free: Why countries are tearing down hundreds of dams​