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Elwha Dam

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In 1992, The Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act of 1992 authorized the US Federal Government to acquire the hydroelectric power projects of Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam, where are located on the Washington State for demolition for habitat restoration and decommissioning. The dam removals began in 2011 and finished in 2014. I wondering that why government decided to remove the dam and what happens in Elwha River after dam removal. In this paper, I write about the following topics: main purpose of the Elwha and Gliens Canyon dam, effects to the Elwha River as well as ecosystem after constructing dam, reasons of the dam removal, process of the dam removal, and effects after dam removal. In the beginning of the 20th century, …show more content…

In May 1986, Friends of the Earth, Olympic Park Associates, Sierra Club, and Seattle Audubon Society file called for removal of Elwha and Glien Canyon dam and full restoration of ecosystem in Elwha River. In November 1986, these groups, as well as National Marine Fisheries Service and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe were granted intervenor status. In March 1988, they found that the Glines Canyon hydroelectric project could not be relicensed by the FERC because it did not have jurisdiction. In February 1990, General Accounting Office concluded that FERC did not have authority to license the Glines Canyon dam. In February 1991, FERC released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and concluded that dam removal would be only way for full restoration of anadromous fish and the Elwha River ecosystem. In March 1991, General Accounting Office also concluded that dam removal would be the best way for fish restoration. In October 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act as Public Law 102-495. (National Park Service). The main purpose of the dam removal project is for the restoration of native anadromous fisheries and the Elwha River ecosystem. The cost of the dam removal projects would be about $30 million, and the Secretary would pay to local industrial consumer and the dam owner (Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act,

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