PG&E to Tweak Rivers for Salmon Survival in California
Published Date: 7/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Pacific Gas and Electric Company wants to temporarily change water flow rules in parts of Butte County, California, to help protect salmon and save cold water for later in the summer. This change would last until September 30, 2025, and the government is preparing an environmental check to make sure it’s safe. Local communities, fish lovers, and water users should keep an eye out for updates by early August.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
West Branch Feather River Flow Cut to 7 cfs
Pacific Gas & Electric asked to temporarily lower the West Branch Feather River instantaneous minimum flow from 15 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 7 cfs for a 48-hour period. If approved, this change could be put into effect as soon as the Commission approves and would run through September 30, 2025.
Philbrook Creek Flow Reduced to 1–2 cfs
PG&E requested a temporary change to Philbrook Creek's instantaneous minimum flow from 2 cfs to between 1 and 2 cfs for a 48-hour period. The requested modification would take effect upon Commission approval and continue until September 30, 2025.
Action Aims to Protect Chinook Salmon
The requested temporary variance is intended to preserve cold water in Philbrook Reservoir, increase flow to Butte Creek, and reduce high-temperature effects on Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, with the goal of saving water for release later in the summer. Commission staff plans to prepare an environmental assessment and aims to issue it by August 6, 2025.
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