PG&E Decommissioning of dams

In the summer of 2025 PG&E will begin a 3 year process to develop a plan to decommission the Battle Creek Hydroelectric System.  Lake McCumber & North Battle Creek Reservoir need a new owner and operator; PG&E is leaving. This decommissioning will result in dam removals along Battle Creek including the dams that form Lake McCumber and North Battle Creek Reservoirs. We feel this will negatively affect the communities and wildlife that rely on these reservoirs for recreation, water, fire suppression, and wetlands. The affects will possibly include:

• Loss of water table
• Reduction in property values
• Loss of Fire Suppression Water
• Loss of waterfowl and wildlife migration and nesting habitat
• Loss of flood control
• Loss of consistent water flow throughout the summer needed downstream for the Coleman National Fish Hatchery
• Loss of recreational opportunities like fishing and nature watching

Note: There is no benefit to the removal of these dams, as there is a natural fish barrier downstream so removal will NOT result in a Salmon run.

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