Potter Valley Dam Removal Is Under Federal Review — Not an Approved Demolition Date

POTTER VALLEY, Mendocino County — October 23, 2026. The proposal to remove the dams associated with the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project is undergoing federal environmental review. PG&E applied to surrender its license on July 25, 2025; the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), docket P-77-332, subsequently opened a formal scoping process in 2026. A proposed dam removal must not be mistaken for construction that has already begun.

What is being proposed?

The application concerns Scott Dam and Lake Pillsbury and the downstream Cape Horn Dam and Van Arsdale Reservoir, together with associated electrical and water diversion facilities. The proposed surrender includes removal or modification of infrastructure, environmental restoration and potential separate use of certain project lands. Regulators must examine effects on habitat, water supply, safety and surrounding communities.

What happened in 2026?

FERC opened scoping May 22, held meetings in Ukiah during June, added further meetings and extended the scoping comment deadline to September 18, 2026. That public comment window has passed; it would be misleading to advertise it as still open. FERC plans a National Environmental Policy Act review before making decisions on the surrender.

Why does Potter Valley have a special interest?

The project’s historic Eel-to-Russian River diversion supported water deliveries used for irrigation and downstream supply. Potter Valley farmers and water agencies are concerned about continuity of service after decommissioning, while fisheries and tribal stakeholders have interests in restoring river habitat and fish passage. These questions are related but cannot be answered solely by the dam-removal permit.

Where to follow the documents

Use FERC’s dedicated docket explainer and search its eLibrary under P-77-332. Any final timetable or permitted work must be confirmed through subsequent agency notices. The current application does not establish a firm dam demolition date.

Read Potter Valley News and Ukiah News. Send documented corrections to California58 Newsroom. Support independent rural reporting.

Primary source: FERC Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, Docket P-77-332, federal scoping and application chronology.

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