Federal Judge Denies Salem's Request; Detroit Lake Deep Drawdown in Oregon to Proceed
A federal judge on November 4 denied requests from the city of Salem and Marion County to halt the deep drawdown of Detroit Lake, clearing the way for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the reservoir to its lowest level ever recorded as soon as this month, to help endangered salmon pass Detroit Dam and reach the ocean.
Salem, Marion County, the city of Stayton and the Santiam Water Control District had asked the U.S. District Court of Oregon to intervene, arguing the drawdown would cause irreparable harm to about 220,000 people in the Mid-Willamette Valley and send heavy loads of sediment into the North Santiam River, affecting drinking water and water supply. Attorneys argued the case on October 6.
Judge Mustafa Kasubhai ruled that the plaintiffs had shown irreparable harm was only possible, not likely, and denied the injunction. The denial was without prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs may renew their request if new facts emerge during the 2026 drawdown or before the 2027 drawdown. Marion County said it would immediately appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
The Army Corps said it is preparing to draw Detroit Reservoir down to an elevation of 1,425 feet this fall but did not specify a date. The drawdown is set to begin in late November or early December, and Salem officials had no immediate comment after the ruling.
(Source: Statesman Journal)
Source: Statesman Journal
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：俄勒冈州底特律大坝与底特律湖。经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Detroit Dam and Detroit Lake, Oregon. Via Wikimedia Commons.
