PGE restores fish passage at Pelton Round Butte

PGE's one-of-a-kind bypass/intake structure is designed to restore fish passage at the Pelton Round Butte hydro plant.

Referred to as a "Selective Water Withdrawal Tower," the structure draws water both from the surface and from the bottom of Lake Billy Chinook. This accomplishes several things:

Changes the currents to attract fish into the fish collection facility.
Lowers the temperature of Lake Billy Chinook, providing healthier conditions for the fish.
Modifies the temperature of the lower Deschutes River to more closely match what it was before the dams were constructed.
Improves the water quality both in the reservoirs and in the river.