[Corps of Engineers]  [Northwestern Division]  [NWD Water Management]  [Hydropower Evaluation]

System Operation Review

BACKGROUND. The Columbia River Basin is North America's fourth largest, draining about 250,000 square miles and extending throughout the Pacific Northwest and into Canada. There are over 250 reservoirs and around 150 hydroelectric projects in the basin, including 18 mainstem dams on the Columbia and its main tributary, the Snake River. The federal projects are a major source of power in the region, and provide flood control, navigation, recreation, fish and wildlife, municipal and industrial water supply, and irrigation benefits. Coordinated operation of the Columbia River System is regulated by two major agreements -- the Columbia River treaty with Canada and the Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreements -- that are subject to periodic review and renewal. . 

SYSTEM OPERATION REVIEW. The Columbia River System Operation Review (SOR) was conducted jointly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bonneville Power Administration. Of the 14 Columbia River system hydro projects that are the focus of the SOR, the Corps operates 12 and Reclamation operates two.

The review began in 1990 and was completed in 1995. In general, the goal of the SOR was to develop a system operating strategy and regional forum to allow federal and non-federal interested parties a role in long-term system planning. Another goal of the SOR was to provide the environmental analysis needed for the federal agencies to sign new agreements for coordinating power generation and for allocating among federal and non-federal parties the return of the Canadian Entitlement power to Canada. 

 The SOR is truly a critical piece of developing system-wide plans for federally owned projects, establishing guidelines for these projects to continue coordinated activities with non-federal projects, and for allowing public input into system planning. 

The Columbia River Basin






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Last Updated: 2 May 2000