Please show up to support dam opposition next Tues
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URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15204
Printed Date: 05 May 2025 at 6:02am
Topic: Please show up to support dam opposition next Tues
Posted By: irenen
Subject: Please show up to support dam opposition next Tues
Date Posted: 07 Dec 2015 at 8:21pm
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Hi all, My friend Lora Cox who has been faithfully toiling away for the past few years to keep a dam off of the Skykomish River is asking for our support on Tues. Dec 15 as SnoPUD reaches a critical decision point. Please see her email below: ----------------- On Dec 15th starting around 9 AM at the main office in Everett, PUD staff will present a detailed update to the Commissioners on the status of what has been done so far, the current design, the results of the "studies", etc. Pete and I will be there to rebuff anything critical that we believe is misleading, incorrect, or omitted. Could you attend the morning of Dec 15th and simply stand when I make my remarks? The Commissioners have been told that opposition to this plan is limited to just a few people. If we could fill their meeting room with opponents---4 years after the project was announced---it would send a message that more than just a few people oppose this project. If only a handful can come, then it would appear SnoPUD is correct and there really aren't many people opposed to the project. It might not be worthwhile to have just a few people show up. ------------------------- I think it would be great if as many people in the kayaking/paddling community as possible could show a strong presence and make it clear that lots of people are in opposition to this project. If you're able to make the time for this please let me know, I will be driving up from Kirkland and would be happy to car pool. It's at 9 am on Tues. Dec. 15 at main headquarters, pretty sure that's 2320 California Street, Everett, WA 98201. Cheers and SYOTR. ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Replies:
Posted By: Jed Hawkes
Date Posted: 07 Dec 2015 at 9:09pm
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what room number? ------------- The line will become apparent 978-273-7723 |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 7:07am
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I'm down. Lets do it. ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 7:08am
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Bump this sh*t, yo-
------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 7:11am
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Bump it. And keep bumpin it ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 7:30am
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Ok new rule as far as this thread is concerned...
This thread is related to the proposal to DAM THE SKYKOMISH. WE GOTTA SAY HELL NO. so, if you respond to some other thread please keep this bumped to the top. Maybe respond to it and show up next tuesday- that's even better. ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 8:17am
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Thanks you guys, Jed I'm finding out the room number and will post it here.
------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 8:38am
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Why wont the envelope icon turn red? I think im posting too much. More of you need to weigh in. Show support. Bump!! ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 10:54am
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It is on the main floor of the headquarters at 2320 California Street, Everett, WA 98201, there is a receptionist who will point you to the room where the SnoPUD meeting is taking place. 9 am on Dec. 15th.
------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: ConradLilleness
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 4:56pm
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If I could be there, I would!
Good luck guys! Is there anything I can do remotely? email someone, etc.? |
Posted By: cbishop1
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 5:51pm
| Gotta work :-( A dam on the sky would be the worst! Let's ally with the fisherman! |
Posted By: WhiteWaterWheat
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 7:20pm
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Thanks yet again for rallying the kayaking community Irene! And giving us clear directions on how to help save the places we love. ------------- You only get the chance to run a drop blind once. |
Posted By: turtlepower
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 10:13pm
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They must like to plan these things when turnout will be the highest, like mid morning on a weekday..Is there a petition we can sign for those of us that are unable to attend? Bump in the night
------------- You've been Chunderstruck! |
Posted By: mprussak
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 10:37pm
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Oof, that's like an hour and half away, easy. Maybe if someone's willing to rally to boat after?
Seriously it's like they don't want anyone to be able to make it. ------------- Marek Prussak 206-465-2055 |
Posted By: megspk
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 11:03pm
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I'm off that day....anybody want to meet up and carpool? I'm coming from Redmond! ------------- “A strong person and a waterfall always channel their own path.” -Unknown |
Posted By: mprussak
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2015 at 11:09pm
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I'm free, but the only way I'm dragging myself out of bed that early is to paddle. :P So if you're willing to go boating after and someone else can shuttle, carpooling would work for me. ------------- Marek Prussak 206-465-2055 |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 4:32am
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I'm heading up from Kirkland Megan, would be happy to carpool if that works out. Thanks to all who are willing to participate, I totally understand that some people have jobs that do not allow for taking off on a weekday morning and I think it's lame that these type of meetings often take place during regular work hours, but unfortunately that is when some of the big decisions about the places we love are made. Anyone north of Kirkland reasonably on the way to Everett I'm happy to pick up. ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 7:37am
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I will be there. As of about ten minutes ago my schedule just freed up. I took the honest route and disclosed the real reason I was absent from work yesterday and today.
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?GLBW1 I just got let go from my job. So, yeah- no schedule conflict for me! I'll be there. Is there anything in particular we should or should NOT do? I mean, we are just going to show our presence and be silent I assume right? Agreed- we need to get the fishermen in the mix. ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 7:53am
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Hey JP, I think just showing up and standing to show support when Lora makes her remarks is the main thing needed. Yes, I think it would be a good idea to see if any fishermen would want to show up, does anyone have an 'in' on that group? Sorry to hear about the job by the way. And I'll check to see if there's anything we specifically shouldn't do at the meeting. i.e. dressing up like a giant fish and flopping around in front of the podium in a salmon death reenactment, probably a no-no. ;) ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 9:25am
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Originally posted by irenen
i.e. dressing up like a giant fish and flopping around in front of the podium in a salmon death reenactment, probably a no-no. ;) Hahaha, thats real similar to the example I was gonna provide (for what NOT to do) haha As for myself, I promise to exhibit the utmost cordial behavior ;) Its that Rob guy you gotta look out for haha "You're a real lifesaver, pal!" Remember when he called out that single homeowner at the Index Firehall? That was partly embarrasing but funny as sh*t. Made me glad someone else was "making a scene" for a change haha ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: Slackkinhard
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 9:46am
| I just saw something on the news about a new lawsuit filed by the steelhead folks. Getting in with them could be our best move. |
Posted By: Blair
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 10:50am
| What's more important? Missing a day of work which is temporary or stopping a dam that's permanent? I say skip work and be there. I'll write you a doctors note. See you there. Where do we meet up and what time? I see it starts at 0900. |
Posted By: megspk
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 11:08am
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That would be awesome Irene! Just let me know the time and where to meet you! ------------- “A strong person and a waterfall always channel their own path.” -Unknown |
Posted By: Blair
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 11:37am
| Bump |
Posted By: JayB
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 8:13am
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I cross posted this at the Washington Fly Fishing site. Just for the sake of context, here's what one of the guys who is a career fish-bio guy had to say:
"In the interest of balance I think it's worth noting that this "dam" proposal is on the South Fork Skykomish River at Sunset Falls. As dams go, it won't be much of one. Rather, it would divert water upstream of the falls into and through a tunnel through bedrock to a powerhouse that would be located near the base of the WDFW fish ladder just downstream of the base of Sunset Falls. The project will only be developed if it includes the proposed NMFS criteria fish screen and return bypass on the water diversion, along with a few other critical details. The area in and around the falls is not spawning or much in the way of rearing habitat. Even so, the PUD would be required to leave enough water in the river to maintain ecosystem function. Aesthetics are certainly debatable, since some would argue that aesthetics can be maintained only by having 100% of the stream flow passing over the falls 24/7/365. For comparison's sake, water is diverted from the Snoqualmie River to feed two hydroelectric powerhouses located downstream of the falls, and Snoqualmie is probably the most famous and visited waterfall in WA state. No hydroelectric project is without environmental impacts, but this one is as close to benign as they come." Just sharing here so people are well informed going into the meeting. ------------- -Jay |
Posted By: Slackkinhard
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 8:57am
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What does this mean? "the PUD would be required to leave enough water in the river to maintain ecosystem function" |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 9:10am
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The construction of the dam would take years and involve enormous impact on the surroundings and the access to that area, including a large amount of heavy truck traffic on Highway 2 and of course the smaller roads leading to the site. There are huge concerns regarding the release of heavy metals into the Skykomish River due to the blasting and tunneling operations. It's not just a question of the amount of water but involves many other issues - although it also appears that the question of water temperature changes due to dewatering and their potential effect on salmon viability has not been adequately addressed. There is also the issue of whether the amount of money spent to build the dam in the first place can be justified considering that it would often be producing power at times of the year when it is not greatly needed and there is a general movement away from seeing hydro as 'green' and moving towards alternative energies such as solar and wind. Anyway, thank you for posting on that site, it was worth a shot and it's helpful to hear that viewpoint. ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 11:38am
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Originally posted by Slackkinhard What does this mean? "the PUD would be required to leave enough water in the river to maintain ecosystem function" I hear you, seriously. :) ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2015 at 10:04am
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My skepticism based on my limited understanding of the construction process has to do with these floods we've seen. It seems to me like it could end up costing WAYYY more than they think. They always make these projects sound cheaper than they are, then they blow up in complexity (think viaduct tunnel, "Bertha" getting stuck, etc.) These floods we've had (two years now-lots of highwater last year, too)- are they going to undermine the process of building this crap? These last floods woulda probably torn that project a new asshole...
Anyway, I agree w/ Blair- a day out of work is temporary, this damn dam is permanent. RALLY!! Mprussik- make a deal w/ ya: if you show up for this thing I will go paddle w/ ya afterwards!! I'll pm ya ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: Nick
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2015 at 9:25am
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Bump
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Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2015 at 11:03am
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Hi River Peeps, Here's a note from Lora Cox about tomorrow's meeting: -------------------------------- Hi Folks, Thank you for being willing to come tomorrow and let the Commissioners know that there ARE people who continue to be opposed to the Sunset Falls project. Here are the basics for tomorrow's meeting: Date: Dec 15th Time: 9 AM Place: SnoPUD main office, 2320 California Street, Everett. Map/Directions: http://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/maps/elecbldg508.pdf - http://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/maps/elecbldg508.pdf Meeting room is on the first floor. You will be asked to sign in at the desk at the left side of the room. Although the meeting starts at 9, Sunset Falls is not the first item on the agenda. I doubt Sunset Falls presentation will start before 9:45, but there's no way to predict exactly when it will come up. The presentation will take at least 30 minutes to give, putting the time for questions and comments starting no earlier than 10:15. As I originally asked, please stand when I give my comments. I'll say the people standing are in agreement with what I'm saying. That way you don't have feel obligated to say anything, but can still express your opposition. BUT if you want to say something, feel free! You can review the presentation and decide if you want to ask questions or make a comment. The slide presentation is here: http://www.snopud.com/AboutUs/Leadership/commmtg.ashx?p=1238 - http://www.snopud.com/AboutUs/Leadership/commmtg.ashx?p=1238 Click on the right hand side where it says "Current Board Packet". Then click on the 12/15/15 Packet which is a pdf file. The Sunset Falls presentation starts on page 40 of the entire file. There are 63 slides. If you look through the slides and have any questions, please ask them. Conversely, if you have a question but don't feel comfortable asking it, send it to me and I'll ask for you. If you don't have questions, but would like to give a comment, below is an e-mail that someone wrote to all the Commissioners last week. Feel free to use any/all of his comments or just use his note as inspiration: --------------------- Greetings commissioners, I am a SnoPUD rate payer. I live in the Sky Valley and have no interest in seeing the PUD proceed with the Sunset Falls Hydro Project. The economics are dubious and the impact to the environment will be a permanent scar upon the land. The Skykomish Valley has become a recreation magnet that has replaced the former industrial uses of the 1900s, the Sunset Falls project is a lingering project from a prior era. Please put this project onto the shelf and move the PUD into the 21st century with modern energy conservation technology. -------------------- The contact page for the commissioners is here: http://www.snopud.com/AboutUs/Leadership/commission.ashx?p=1236 - http://www.snopud.com/AboutUs/Leadership/commission.ashx?p=1236 Thanks again for being able to come to tomorrow's meeting, every person makes a difference. If no one shows up, it makes it easier for them to continue unabated and makes it more likely the project will eventually be licensed. Lora ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: megspk
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2015 at 11:39am
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Sounds like I'll be showing up past 9 since the Sky stuff won't be right at the beginning. I'll be showing up with my boat on my car and looking to hit the Sky that we love so much afterwards! ------------- “A strong person and a waterfall always channel their own path.” -Unknown |
Posted By: Blair
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2015 at 12:01pm
Will she be saying "Greetings Commissioners" just like the joker in the Dark Knight? 
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Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2015 at 2:53pm
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To summarize and just make sure most people are aware of when the Sunset Falls stuff is likely to take place tomorrow: Here are the basics for tomorrow's meeting: Date: Tuesday, Dec 15th Time: Meeting starts at 9 am but the Skykomish presentation will probably not start before 9:45 am. It takes around 30 mins so Lora's comments will probably not be before 10:15 a.m. Place: SnoPUD main office, 2320 California Street, Everett. Map/Directions: http://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/maps/elecbldg508.pdf - http://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/maps/elecbldg508.pdf Meeting room is on the first floor. You will be asked to sign in at the desk at the left side of the room. I'm shooting to get there at 9 but sounds like people could get there at 10 and be on time. Thanks to all who can make it or who are trying to make it, I know it's during a work day. Cheers. ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: huckin harms
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2015 at 3:20pm
| Thanks Irene for the update info! |
Posted By: chipmaney
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2015 at 10:33am
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Originally posted by Slackkinhard
What does this mean? "the PUD would be required to leave enough water in the river to maintain ecosystem function" Put simply, this means the project will include lots of modeling and analysis to determine a minimum baseflow during summer that must be provided to ensure juvenile salmonids don't die. It's more complicated than that, obviously, but that's the gist of it.... ------------- sitting all alone on a mountain by a river that has no end |
Posted By: irenen
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2015 at 6:58am
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A big THANK YOU to all who showed up yesterday morning! There was a really good turn-out of paddlers and other concerned people and when Pete asked for everyone who opposed the Sunset Falls project to stand up it seemed like the whole room stood up. (It didn't hurt that some of the SnoPUD people had given up their seats to the extra people and were already standing up. :) Around 10 people gave verbal comments to the commission, including Nick Hinds regarding the kayaking/recreation side of things, and overall I think for that many people to show up on a weekday morning was really impressive. I'm not overly idealistic and obviously I don't know how things will turn out, but you can only do what you can do and this was one of those things. It was great to see you all there and Lora really appreciated the support. THANKS! ------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle. |
Posted By: megspk
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2015 at 12:52pm
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http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20151216/NEWS01/151219269/PUD's-plans-for-power-facility-at-Sunset-Falls-draws-fire
Nobody likes it and sounds like the PUD has done a good job (sarcasm here) of avoiding doing the appropriate fish studies. I hope the Sky continues to be maintained as Wild and Scenic and the construction is NOT allowed. ------------- “A strong person and a waterfall always channel their own path.” -Unknown |