On Tuesday, December 6, the general manager of Eugene Water and Electric Board, Frank Lawson, put forth a recommendation to the board of commissioners about discontinuing the electricity generator at the Leaburg.
"In reality, we don't have an option to do nothing," said Lisa Krentz, EWEB chief customer officer.
Internal erosion and seismically vulnerable soil along the Leaburg canal has already forced EWEB to shut down the hydroelectric project in 2018.
Krentz says these issues previously weren't on anyone's radar because they were unaware of them.
"The regulatory landscape changed. our knowledge of seismic concerns has changed over the course of the last couple of decades and we have a much better insight into the inherent risks associated with seismic concerns going forward," said Krentz.
EWEB says that the cost of repairing the damage isn't worth it.
EWEB studies have shown that the investment would take upwards of150 million dollars which would raise electricity rates for residents anywhere between 9 to 10 percent.
EWEB and Cascadia wildlands agree that shutting down the hydroelectric project will only benefit the McKenzie River's quality of water and fisheries. they also say there will be no changes to flooding conditions.
If the vote is passed for the dam to be taken out it wont happen overnight, it could take years.
And a neighbor who lives along the river is frustrated and thinks this is a bad idea.
"Whoever wants it to be moved is apparently got a brain fart or they've won the lottery and they want to make things their way," said Tim Carson, a 26 year resident who lives four houses down from the river. "They're basically not understanding the ecology of our area."
The board of commissioners will be voting on January 3, 2023. If the vote is passed, EWEB will begin developing an implementation plan.