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PacifiCorp is looking to turn over operation of its leaky Mirror Pond Dam in Bend to a public entity, as it is no longer cost effective to repair the 100-year-old hydroelectric facility.

(Courtesy of PacifiCorp)

PacifiCorp said Monday that it hopes to divest operations of the leaky hydroelectric dam that creates Bend’s Mirror Pond as the facility is no longer cost effective for ratepayers.

The 100-year-old Nrewport Avenue dam has experienced a series of leaks during the last five years in the 13 wooden sections used to regulate water flow. The latest developed in October, prompting a broader review of the dam's operation.

The dam originally brought electricity to Central Oregon, though its operation and silt buildup in the pond have been under discussion for years. It a relatively small facility, with a generation capacity of 1 megawatt, but PacifiCorp says it typically only generates enough power for 300 to 400 homes.

The utility's review determined that the dam was safe, but it wouldn't be cost effective for customers to make the continuing investments necessary to operate it long term.

"We've known and have been candid with the community that the facility was reaching the end of its useful life as a generating facility for PacifiCorp's customers," Pat Egan, a PacifiCorp spokesman said in a news release. "That time is now here, accelerated by the recent new leak

The company said it was in discussions with Bend Parks and Recreation District and the City of Bend to see if it could transfer the dam to local control, which has implications for the future of Mirror Pond, while protecting ratepayers interests.

There’s little consensus in Bend about the dam or the pond it creates. Some want to preserve the pond, while others favor the dam's removal and restoration of the river. There are dams both up and downriver on the Deschutes.

-- Ted Sickinger; twitter @tedsickinger; 503-221-8505.