By Ron Brown
October 13, 2009
MEDFORD, Ore. - Following the removal of the Rogue River's Savage Rapids Dam this week, focus is shifting upstream to the Gold Ray Dam.
On Tuesday, Jackson County commissioners received an update on the studies and contracts needed to determine if the nearly-70-year-old dam can be removed.
Public Works Director John Vial says consultants are studying whether the hydro-electric facilities could be re-started. He also says a state land board ruling on wet lands will make or break the project.
Last month, Stayton-based Slayden Construction signed a notice of intent with Jackson County to remove the Gold Ray Dam. The tentative contract is for just over $5.5 million, and includes all necessary environmental studies, permits, public involvement, demolition designs and the actual removal of the dam and its powerhouse structures. Federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will fund $5 million of the project's cost. However, in order to use the money, the dam must be completely out by next October.
Jackson County commissioners have yet to vote on whether to remove the dam that was decommissioned as a hydropower facility in 1972.
In September the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission visited the dam and said it is throwing its support behind its removal. Jackson County owns the dam and doesn't need the OFWC's approval to remove it. However, WaterWatch Staff Attorney Bob Hunter, who led efforts to remove the Rogue River's Savage Rapids Dam, says it helps to have the commissioners on board.
Removal of the dam cleared a hurdle in August when tests revealed insignificant levels of contaminants in the sediment behind the structure. Higher levels of contaminants could have meant that some or all of the sediment would have to be removed before the dam could be breached.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife considers Gold Ray Dam one of the 10 worst dams for fish-passage in the state. The dam is last concrete impediment over 157 miles of the Rogue between Cole Rivers Hatchery and the Pacific.
