There is an off-stream storage option that will cost less, produce more power, and will preserve the canyon. Just search "Teton Lake Complex" for info.
In fact, cost IS a factor in this debate -- true, estimates of rebuilding the dam vary, from $500 million to upwards of $1 billion. But because the dam must be rebuilt to modern environmental and safety standards, I wouldn't bet against the higher figure. There's no doubt that rebuilding Teton would be hugely expensive and divisive. Who will pay for it?
The larger point is, there are better alternatives to rebuilding Teton that are more environmentally and economically sound.
I worked on this beautiful river for a summer season and fly fished it for 7 days per week for the entire summer. If you know the Teton well and the Yellowstone Cutthroat that inhabit this place, you are familiar with black spot disease. Biologists didn't know much about it at that time, and I think they are still avoiding the hypothesis that it is caused from agricultural run off. Either way, this river system should be preserved even after all of the abuse it has already recieved.
I would like to remind farmers that water going into the ocean isn't lost as Dell was saying. It carries nutrients and also supports life in estuary areas. Obstructing the natural flow would invite buildup of toxic substances from agriculture run-off. In Spain we have the Rio Ebro which is choked with dams etc. The flora and fauna has changed to the point of no return. The delta is being swallowed by the med. for the lack of sediment. Fight the building of the dam with all you got.
Instead of spending 10's of millions of state and federal money to build a dam in an attempt to meet farmer's and town's water needs, lets spend that money on reducing our water needs. Lets spend the money on drip irrigation systems for farmers. Too much of the Snake River evaporates off of Idaho's farm fields
And the federal government wants to give rebates on energy star appliances to reduce our national energy needs, what about rebates for low flow toilets!
There is an off-stream storage option that will cost less, produce more power, and will preserve the canyon. Just search "Teton Lake Complex" for info.
metrodyne01 1 year ago
In fact, cost IS a factor in this debate -- true, estimates of rebuilding the dam vary, from $500 million to upwards of $1 billion. But because the dam must be rebuilt to modern environmental and safety standards, I wouldn't bet against the higher figure. There's no doubt that rebuilding Teton would be hugely expensive and divisive. Who will pay for it?
The larger point is, there are better alternatives to rebuilding Teton that are more environmentally and economically sound.
rscholfield1 1 year ago
Misinformation never helps your cause......1 billion? Actual estimates are 500 million with power returns covering over 300 million of that.
Cost is no a valid argument.
Just stick to the facts and use the better alternatives that are available.
Eaglecreekbrewer 1 year ago
I worked on this beautiful river for a summer season and fly fished it for 7 days per week for the entire summer. If you know the Teton well and the Yellowstone Cutthroat that inhabit this place, you are familiar with black spot disease. Biologists didn't know much about it at that time, and I think they are still avoiding the hypothesis that it is caused from agricultural run off. Either way, this river system should be preserved even after all of the abuse it has already recieved.
PowderSkier30 1 year ago
I would like to remind farmers that water going into the ocean isn't lost as Dell was saying. It carries nutrients and also supports life in estuary areas. Obstructing the natural flow would invite buildup of toxic substances from agriculture run-off. In Spain we have the Rio Ebro which is choked with dams etc. The flora and fauna has changed to the point of no return. The delta is being swallowed by the med. for the lack of sediment. Fight the building of the dam with all you got.
hombrelubinero 1 year ago
Agreed! Save the river!
Instead of spending 10's of millions of state and federal money to build a dam in an attempt to meet farmer's and town's water needs, lets spend that money on reducing our water needs. Lets spend the money on drip irrigation systems for farmers. Too much of the Snake River evaporates off of Idaho's farm fields
And the federal government wants to give rebates on energy star appliances to reduce our national energy needs, what about rebates for low flow toilets!
noahnovotny 1 year ago
Save the River !!!
aua1894 2 years ago