Screening Water Diversions for Fish Protection: A Survey of Policy, Practices, and Compliance in the Pacific Northwest

Authors

James D. Crammond

First Page

101

Abstract

Unscreened surface water diversions damage and kill young fish. The decline of anadromous fish stocks in the Columbia Basin puts a premium on protection of juvenile salmon. State laws require screens on surface water diversions, but compliance has been poor. The Endangered Species Act and the Northwest Power Act have motivated and funded a massive remedial screening effort since 1991. Effective screens, installed with ratepayer and taxpayer funds, have dramatically improved fish protection at diversions. However, many harmful diversions remain. This paper concludes that, although progress has been swift, full compliance in 1996 is problematic. Greater incentives and enforcement are essential to complete screening in the Columbia Basin. After full compliance, maintenance and eventual replacement of screens are essential to the screening program's continued success. To avoid another Endangered Species Act "train wreck, " states must transfer their screening experience to other watersheds in order to improve conditions for their native and resident fish.

Recommended Citation

James D. Crammond, Screening Water Diversions for Fish Protection: A Survey of Policy, Practices, and Compliance in the Pacific Northwest, 2 Animal L. Rev. 101 (1996).
Available at: https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol2/iss1/5