Onion Flats Power Project

A section of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is under threat of development. We must make every effort to oppose this project and uphold the conservation status of this federally protected area.

The land in question lies just across 99W from the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, at a wetland area called Onion Flats. PGE and BrightNight Energy are planning a multifaceted power project that will feature ten 115-130 foot tall high-voltage towers and power lines directly across Onion Flats and a lithium-ion battery energy storage system on the Onion Flats property. 

Situated within the floodplain of the Tualatin River, the refuge complex supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the watershed. This area is particularly important to at least 85 species of resident and migratory birds that rely on the wetlands for feeding, nesting, and raising their young. 

Right now, this area and the birds that inhabit it are under threat. Bird fatalities caused by collisions with electric utility lines are a well-documented issue nationwide. In addition, the construction of these lines would cause significant harm to the land itself, disrupting wildlife habitat and interfering with the Refuge’s purpose and objectives.

These harms could be avoided, but project developers have ignored several less environmentally destructive routes in the area. 

Infrastructure development on a National Wildlife Refuge typically involves substantial public engagement, but under the Trump administration destructive activities on public lands are being rushed with little concern for the effects on natural resources or local communities. At a minimum, Washington County should require the applicants to conduct one or more public meetings for residents and Refuge users where they explain their proposal and rationale for punching a power line through the wildlife refuge. The County Commission should also solicit public input on this proposal before giving it any further consideration.