The Pacific Northwest Rivers Study: Development of a Rivers Inventory and Analysis System

by Robert J. Moulton, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR, USA,
Thomas E. Pansky, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR, USA,
Drew O. Parkin, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

To minimize conflicts between hydropower development and resource conservation, the Bonneville Power Administration and the Northwest Power Planning Council initiated the Pacific Northwest Rivers Study in August 1984. The study, completed in December 1986, documents the environmental significance of river resources throughout the four-state Pacific Northwest region. Findings will be used in Council, BPA, and state hydropower planning activities. Data was collected using a cooperatively developed set of assessment guidelines. The study was conducted by the states, federal agencies, Indian tribes, and private groups, with coordination and funding provided by BPA. A rivers data base was developed in each state, and a regional data management system was created using personal computers, mainframes, and a Geographic Information System. The GIS can visually portray study results, and will be used for future spatial analysis. Various development scenarios can be imposed upon a section of river to show their feasibility.

Subject Headings: Rivers and streams | Hydro power | Geographic information systems | Information systems | Systems management | Databases | Power plants | Pacific Northwest | United States

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