Corps planning for spill next spring at Libby Dam
by Kootenai Valley Record
December 24, 2009
A spill of water from Libby Dam is being planned for next spring to promote spawning of endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon.
The decision to spill – which is dependent upon the water supply in Lake Koocanusa, along with other conditions – stems from a determination by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2008 and 2009 dam operations did not help the sturgeon as much as a team of regional biologists had anticipated.
Plans call for additional water to be released over the Libby Dam spillway for up to one week during late spring from 2010 through 2012. Biologists will evaluate the effects of the extra water on sturgeon migration and spawning.
The spills will occur sometime between late May and late June, depending on water supply forecast, runoff projections, water temperature and reservoir elevation. More details will be available at the Corps’ annual public meeting in Libby in April or May.
"The Corps’ primary consideration is minimizing risk to human life, health and safety, while meeting Libby Dam's multiple purposes and responsibilities," said Mick Shea, Libby Dam operations manager. "The spill operation will be closely monitored to ensure that the spill test does not exceed flood stage below Libby Dam.".
The Kootenai River white sturgeon was listed as an endangered species in 1994. Sturgeon have not produced a significant number of offspring in the wild since 1974. Flood control and hydropower operations have altered the sturgeon’s habitat, affecting reproduction.
Although hatchery reproduction has helped boost young sturgeon numbers in the river, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners hope to improve habitat for the endangered fish, said Jeff Foss, Idaho state supervisor for the agency.
"Increased flow during spring migration may encourage older sturgeon of spawning age to swim upriver into productive habitat for spawning, where their eggs would survive and thrive," Foss said.
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Editor’s Note: See the December 21, 2009 edition of the Kootenai Valley Record for the printed version of this story. The Kootenai Valley Record publishes once a week, on Tuesdays, in Libby, Montana. They are a locally owned community newspaper, located at 403 Mineral Avenue in Libby. For in-county and out-of-county subscription information, call 406-293-2424, or e-mail kvrecord@gmail.com.
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