A few more tidbits about Montana’s Madison River this morning.
The Madison Hydroelectric Project is dead.
Hydrodynamics, Inc. allowed their three project permits for hydroelectric projects on the Madison and East and West Rosebud Creeks in the Beartooths to expire in the past few months (announced 7 June).
In this article the project director for Hydrodynamics expressed surprise at the public outrage encountered back in 2009 when the Madison project was announced – “The idea that the Maddie is holy water kind of eluded me.”
No shit, Sherlock.
More Discussion on Upper Madison Flows
Not ten minutes after posting yesterday’s piece on Madison River flows with comments from Outfitter Joe Moore and Madison River Fishing Company’s Mike Lum, a new Madison River Foundation newsletter popped up in my inbox.
At the outset, it must be noted that the Foundation team and director Richard Lessner do a great job advocating for Madison River issues. Richard noted that he had been very involved in vetting the flow issues on the Madison this year and offered a quick summary of his read on the issue, part of which follows –
…Moreover, it is better to have low flows now while the weather is still cool than later in summer when it’s hotter. It is important to hold as much water in Hebgen as possible now so that PPL has adequate water in August and September in case it must pulse flows to cool the lower river below Ennis Lake. PPL has very strict temperature requirements in its FERC operating license. It cannot exceed temperatures that threaten fish mortality, hence is needs water in the hot summer months to pulse flows.
The Foundation is neither a spokesman nor an apologist for PPL. Forecasting long term weather trends and how much water is going to be available months in the future is very challenging. Does PPL always get it exactly right? Of course not. But it does the best that current climate and weather science allows. Hindsight is always 20/20. Plus, PPL is answerable to many and varied stakeholders and does its best to satisfy often conflicting demands.
If the Madison’s history of flow mismanagement was only limited to this spring, one might assent to Richard’s explanation.
Sadly, the story is a much longer one. Joe and Mike were some of the very first to jump on the flow issues after the intake gate issues developed back in the fall of 2008. Flow management concerns have popped repetitively; a simple perusal of Joe and Mike’s blogs / fishing reports documents that history well. (Joe’s comments yesterday nail down this spring’s issues pretty damned well…)
The point is that the river flows can and should be managed optimally. All Madison River stakeholders need to push on this issue to craft more logical and stable flows.
And in the interest of fairness, a word from PPL Montana…
Friday’s Press Release from PPL Montana regarding Madison Flows –
JUNE 21, 2013
Contact:
David Hoffman, 406-431-6783
mdhoffman@pplweb.comPPL Montana reduces flow from Hebgen Lake due to low lake levels
Due to persistent dry conditions, PPL Montana announced on Friday (6/21) that it is reducing the amount of water it typically discharges from Hebgen Lake into the Madison River to enhance lake elevation and to ensure that required downstream flows can continue through the summer and fall months.
The company said drought conditions in the area have reduced water draining into Hebgen Lake, and the lake is about a foot-and-a-half below normal. Levels may continue to decline without significant precipitation. With unusually dry conditions expected to persist, the company is taking steps to conserve water to meet requirements in the lake and river.
“We’re taking this action now so that we can continue to release water when it’s needed this summer to keep the lower Madison River cool enough for the fish that inhabit it,” said David Hoffman, director of External Affairs for PPL Montana.
Hoffman said the reduced flows will lead to lower river levels and likely affect fishing conditions downstream from Hebgen. He said the company has been in close contact with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regarding the need for reduced flows.
“We understand the impact this has on people who fish and spend time on the Madison River and on the businesses that support them,” Hoffman said. “We would not take these steps unless we felt it was absolutely necessary to protect fisheries and public recreation as the season progresses. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding.”
Hoffman said the company will continue to maintain the minimum flows required under its operating license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and will re-evaluate its decision if conditions improve…
