Columbia treaty may affect hydropower future

PORTLAND, OREGON - Future power production in the Northwest may depend partly on whether Canada and the United States agree to extend the Columbia River Treaty.

The 1964 treaty with Canada authorized construction of 3 large dams in British Columbia to protect against regional flooding and boost electricity generation.

Recently in Portland, the Bonneville Power Administration briefed the Northwest Power and Conservation Council on the first phase of an international review of the treaty.

The initial phase includes technical studies about possible power and flood control dam operations after 2024 with and without the treaty.

The treaty has no expiration date, but either country can request that it be terminated after 2024, 60 years after its ratification.