Dams of the Pacific Northwest

Dams are a vital source of water and hydroelectric power for millions of farms and residences in the United States, especially in the Pacific Northwest. They also provide navigation, recreation, and controversy. This page is meant to be a brief overview of dams with resources for anyone looking to learn more about the subject.

Who is in Charge?

The two main entities in charge of dams are the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Bureau of Reclamation. They both oversee dams with their own specific goals in mind.

  • USACE:
    • -Navigation
    -Recreation
    -Hydroelectric Power
    -Dam Safety
    -Water
  • USBR
    • -Providing water for growing public
    -Protecting the environment
    -Protecting public interest

Who Helps Oversee the Dams?

  • ICODS (Interagency Committee on Dam Safety):
    • - The US Department of Agriculture
    -USACE(Dept. of Defense)
    -The Department of Energy
    -The Department of the Interior
    -The Mine Safety and Health Administration (Dept. of Labor)
    -Federal Emergency Management Agency (Dept. of Homeland Security)
    -Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
    -International Boundary and Water Commission (Dept. of State)
    -Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • Other Federal Monitors (Keeping an eye out):
    • -National Marine Fisheries Service (Part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association)
    -US Fish and Wildlife Service
    -National Resource Conservation Service (Part of USDA)
    -Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (All part of DOI)
  • Local and State Overseers:
    • -Bonneville Power Administration
    -Washington State Dept. of Ecology
    Also see: WSDOE Water
    - Washington State Dept. of Transportation: Hydraulics