Nuyakuk Hydro Proposal Advancing: What to know
The Nushagak Co-operative is nearing the end of the "information gathering phase" of the federal licensing process for the proposed Nuyakuk River hydroelectric project. The next steps will move the project into the "decision making phase" for the federal agency that licenses hydroelectric projects.
The Co-op is not bound to any timeline at this point. It could, at any time, decide to do more, or stop pursuing the project. For basic information about the proposal click here.
The next step in federal licensing is for the Co-op to file its draft license application, which must include things like:
a detailed project description;
an assessment of environmental impacts and mitigation measures; and
information about project costs and funding sources.
The Co-op is moving forward, even though:
They do not have a deadline to do so;
Many Tribes and communities are opposed to the project as proposed;
The full impacts of the project are not fully understood;
Many stakeholder and agency comments requested the Co-op do more studies to understand potential impacts; and
The Co-op has not consulted with Tribes to understand the effects of the project on historic properties and cultural resources (as required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act).
Tribes, Communities and Individuals Will Have Opportunity to Comment
As the project could impact salmon for many decades to come, it will be important for Tribes, organizations, and individuals to comment when the opportunity comes after the Co-op files its draft license application, potentially this spring.
For context in how UTBB will engage in the licensing process, we want to share what has happened thus far.
Reminder: UTBB’s Fish First Commitment
UTBB is committed to the protection of fish habitat and promoting transparent public and Tribal engagement in the regulatory process. We recognize the energy crisis and support the transition to sustainable energy. We also recognize that the lifeblood of Bristol Bay is salmon, and good runs require healthy natural habitat. The UTBB Board of Directors will only support energy projects that does not pose a long-term risk and can demonstrate no negative impact on salmon and their habitat. Read our full resolution here.
Project’s Studies Show Potential Harm to Salmon
Studies completed by the Co-op identified potential project impacts of up to 35% reductions in Nuyakuk River sockeye populations. These impacts could depend on how much of the river is diverted to power the hydro project. Nushagak Co-Op has yet to address these potential impacts.
Salmon impacts and economic feasibility are related. With less snow pack and spring runoff happening earlier due to climate change, we expect lower summer water flow levels in the future. With less water in the river, the project may not be able to generate power while also allowing fish to pass through the river at the same time. This competing need for water raises questions about impacts to salmon, long-term costs, and feasibility of the project. The Co-op was required to include an economic decision support tool in its Updated Study Report and failed to do so.
Insufficient Subsistence Impacts Study
The Co-op’s subsistence study recognized the project will impact subsistence resources for six communities: Koliganek, New Stuyahok, Ekwok, Dillingham, Aleknagik, and Levelock. However, the Co-op initially chose to conduct subsistence workshops in only three communities: Koliganek, New Stuyahok, and Ekwok. These were supposed to be household interviews, but instead were townhalls in which Co-op representatives asked for feedback on decisions already made. The Co-op did go back and do subsistence studies in additional communities only after FERC, the permitting agency, required it.
The Co-op further changed the subsistence study methods from those approved by the federal licensing agency, FERC. These changes were made unilaterally, did not go through a public comment process, and were not approved by the communities being studied.
UTBB’s Work to Understand & Relay Project Impacts
The Nushagak Co-op’s studies and engagement efforts with Bristol Bay communities has not made the project’s potential benefits or harms any clearer. A list of UTBB’s actions is included below.
We requested the Co-op provide regular and appropriately-timed in-person updates in impacted communities, which the Co-op failed to deliver. We shared our concerns with the Co-op in hopes it would better engage with UTBB and the public, but it declined to do so.
UTBB’s actions thus far, have included:
Multiple requests by UTBB to meet with the Co-op;
Letters of concern and requests to meet went unanswered;
See UTBB’s letter to the Co-op here
The Co-op insufficiently engaged Tribes and communities, leading UTBB to advocate within the process for better local engagement;
The Co-op released information that was not easily understandable or digestible. Ultimately, UTBB hired technical experts to review the information and shared this with the public in a public presentation by Dr. Schindler as well as sharing a list of key concerns; and
Because the Co-op failed to adequately engage communities early in the process and at our Tribes’ request, in 2023 UTBB hosted sustainable energy meetings in five communities and invited the Co-op to participate, so residents could understand Nushagak’s concept plan and the project’s potential impacts
Co-Op Repeatedly Dismisses Local & Technical Expert Concerns
The Co-op responded dismissively to dozens of public and agency comments relaying concerns about the project's studies. The Co-op accused commenters of having “ulterior motives and/or agendas” and claimed that “not all comments received were objective in nature.” (Co-op responses to comments are organized here.)
We are still awaiting a response to a letter UTBB submitted to the Co-op in October 2025 asking for better coordination and a timeline that would enable improved community engagement and assessment of risk.
Similarly, in an October 2025 letter, the Co-op accused Dr. Daniel Schindler, a professor in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, of making false claims about potential project impacts on salmon based on flow data, during his public presentation. Dr. Schindler was in fact citing a report commissioned by the Co-op, called the future water flows report, which was not included in their 2025 Updated Study Report. As of March 2026, the Co-op is yet to publish the report.
In response, Dr. Schindler sent a letter citing the Co-op’s own report about future flow conditions, and its importance on assessing potential significant impacts to salmon. The Co-op has not responded to Dr. Schindler’s letter.
See our letter to the licensing agency requesting this future flow conditions study be made public and part of the regulatory process, as well as Dr. Schindler’s letter to the Co-op on this matter here.
Closest Communities Are Currently Opposed
Nushagak River Tribes and village corporations including New Koliganek Village Council, New Stuyahok Village Council, Ekwok Village Council, and Koliganek Natives Limited passed formal resolutions against the Nuyakuk project. Their resolutions state that the proposed project,
threatens our ancestral land and our subsistence way of life.
The Co-op neglecting to meaningfully engage with impacted neighboring communities is a key concern. While the Co-op may refer to multiple meetings in its materials, these meetings were held only in Dillingham and were related to project concepts (not specifics) or were generally about the need for sustainable energy. These meetings do not equate to meaningful engagement of impacted communities, or share enough information about the actual proposal.
Seeking a Community-Informed Process
Lacking transparency, failing to fully study impacts, failing to consider community input, and responding defensively to sincere inquiry is frustrating and disappointing.
Rather than barrel forward into the “decision making phase” with a solution that potentially has significant impacts to salmon, the Co-op should, at a minimum, commit to a transparent, rigorous, and community-informed process. Unfortunately, this continues to not be the case.
With all that is at stake, a more thorough review of alternative sustainable power-generating options is needed. An educated analysis of the options, their associated risks and benefits (ecological and economic), and choices that are ultimately led by and co-developed with Bristol Bay’s impacted communities is the answer for a just transition to sustainable energy in our region.
Organizations, Tribes and Communities are Encouraged to Engage
UTBB remains committed to advocating for transparency in this process for our communities and fish. It is critical to have the region’s entities, communities, and people engaged in the project’s next steps. We can help provide information and will let you know when it’s time to engage.
If you are a Tribe or organization, please contact Delores at dlarson@utbb.org for information on how to submit formal comments and engage in this process.
If you are a member of the public, stay tuned for a sign-on letter you can join to relay the importance of protecting salmon in this process.
All are encouraged to join the UTBB email list to get key updates, you can sign up here.
