MARSING, Idaho — Idaho Power will begin work on a major Snake River water quality project this week with construction of a cofferdam at the upstream end of Rippee Island near the Bernard Landing boat launch. (map)
The project will create approximately 16.5 acres of floodplain and excavate the adjacent river channel to improve water quality and flow near this island between Canyon and Owyhee counties. It’s part of the company’s Snake River Stewardship Program, which will improve river function in key stretches by creating a narrower, deeper river channel. This has several benefits, such as keeping the water cooler, reducing the amount of unwanted aquatic vegetation, and providing better habitat for fish and wildlife.
This is the second in a number of similar island projects planned throughout the Marsing Reach of the Snake River, which suffers from slow-moving water and excessive aquatic weed growth due to wide, shallow channels; high nutrients and sediment input; and high water temperatures.
Crews will be working around the clock to build the cofferdam — a temporary earthen structure to divert water away from the area where construction will be taking place this summer. The constructed floodplain will be installed beginning in August, with completion expected in October, when the area will be planted with native trees and shrubs.
Signs at river access points in the area provide information about the project and alert the public to the presence of construction activity. Public access to areas outside the construction zone should not be affected.
For more information, visit idahopower.com/river.
About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company’s goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,000 employees proudly serve more than 590,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always and respect for all.
IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.
Contact:
Brad Bowlin
Communications Specialist
Idaho Power
208-388-2803 and bbowlin@idahopower.com