Seattle City Light's Skagit Project has been certified as Low Impact Hydropower by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI). The project, comprising three City Light dams and powerhouses on a 40-mile stretch of this scenic river, is the first large hydro project in the nation to be certified and the first project to be certified in Washington State.

LIHI is a nonprofit organization that certifies environmentally sound, low impact facilities nationwide to help energy consumers and to support incentives to reduce the effects of hydropower dams on rivers and streams.

"The Skagit project is the crown jewel of our generating system. This certification recognizes we're generating electricity is a way that's fish-friendly and environmentally sustainable," said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. "It's exciting that ours is the first such large-scale facility to receive this important recognition."

The Skagit Project successfully completed LIHI's application process, which includes public comment, review by an independent technical consultant, consultations with state and federal natural resource agencies, and evaluation by the LIHI Governing Board, including leaders in the river conservation and renewable energy fields. The Board's vote to certify the Skagit was unanimous.

This certification puts an official stamp of approval on the Skagit as a facility with environmental impacts that are low, compared to other hydropower facilities, based on objective criteria. Certification as Low Impact means the facility is well sited, well operated, and exceeds current legal requirements, and meets other defined environmental qualities. Certification from the Institute also qualifies the power produced at the Skagit project for participation in many Green Power programs. Under these programs the Skagit's power can be marketed as green power.

Seattle City Light may now use the green power from the Skagit to help its customers participate in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. This nationally recognized standard proves a building and/or company uses resource efficient methods and materials and can be designated as "sustainable."

To be certified, the three Skagit facilities (Ross, Diablo, and Gorge) were examined alone and together, against criteria in eight key areas. These include: river flows, water quality, fish passage and protection, watershed protection, threatened and endangered species protection, cultural resource protection, recreation, and facilities recommended for removal. The examination involves written documentation, public comment, and records of flows, water quality, and fish habitat at all the projects.

The Skagit River is now home to the largest and healthiest runs of wild chum and pink salmon Pacific Northwest, and one of the few stable populations of wild chinook in Puget Sound. Many spawn directly below the project. Four to six-fold increases in spawning numbers in the river reach below the Gorge dam have been documented in recent years. The presence of a healthy population of native bull trout (currently listed as threatened under the ESA) is also due to the high water quality conditions in the Skagit River and tributaries.