This summer, Avista Utilities is expecting the discharge at its Post Falls hydroelectric plant to drop to a minimum of 500 cubic feet per second. This is to help maintain Coeur d'Alene Lake levels, as well as keep water in the Spokane River for the rest of the summer. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Washington Department of Ecology and Avista are informing the public that our continued hot and dry climate has reduced water levels in Coeur d'Alene Lake, as well as the flow of the Spokane River. The Post Falls hydroelectric development consists of six units that generate approximately 15 megawatts (MW) of power.
Five of these North Idaho units were built in the early 20th century. To ensure that these turbines are running efficiently, Avista has installed a coating on them to reduce iron deposits from steam generator feedwater. This coating will now be tested under industrial conditions at the University of Illinois's Abbott Urbana-Champaign Power Plant. A review of several analyses of iron from steam generator feedwater and why it is necessary to monitor copper in cogeneration installations has also been conducted.
The FERC license takes into account the water levels of Coeur d'Alene Lake and the Spokane River that flows downstream of the Post Falls Dam. Uranium is a radioactive element (radionuclide) found naturally in rocks, soil and water, usually in low concentrations. It is important to monitor uranium levels to ensure that they do not reach unsafe levels. The use of energy resources in Post Falls, Idaho can have a significant impact on water quality.
The hydroelectric plant is responsible for maintaining water levels in Coeur d'Alene Lake and the Spokane River. The FERC license requires that water levels be monitored to ensure that they remain within acceptable limits. In addition, uranium is present in some areas and must be monitored to ensure that it does not reach unsafe levels. Avista Utilities has taken steps to reduce the impact of its hydroelectric plant on water quality.
The company has installed a coating on its turbines to reduce iron deposits from steam generator feedwater. In addition, Avista has implemented a monitoring program for copper in cogeneration installations. The effects of climate change have also had an impact on water quality in Post Falls, Idaho. Rainfall scarcity and historic heat have caused water levels to drop significantly.
Avista Utilities has taken steps to mitigate this issue by reducing the discharge at its hydroelectric plant. It is important for residents of Post Falls, Idaho to be aware of how energy resources can affect water quality. Avista Utilities has taken steps to reduce the impact of its hydroelectric plant on water quality, but it is still important for residents to be aware of potential risks associated with uranium and other contaminants. Residents should also be aware that climate change can have an effect on water quality and should take steps to conserve energy resources whenever possible.
