ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
OCTOBER 1971 REVISED EDITION
U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON 22 October 1971
LOWER GRANITE LOCK AND DAM, SNAKE RIVER, WASHINGTON AND IDAHO
( ) Draft (X) Final Environmental Statement
Responsible Office: U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla, Washington
1. Name of Action: (X) Administrative ( ) Legislative
2. Description of Action: Lower Granite Lock and Dam is the final component in the overall project to provide slack water navigation to Lewiston, Idaho. It involves construction of a dam, powerhouse, and navigation lock at river mile 107.5 on Snake River. An impoundment would be created bordering Whitman, Garfield, and Asotin Counties in Washington and Nez Perce County, Idaho. Backwater levees would be provided at Lewiston, Idaho. Railroad and highway relocations would be necessary. The other lock and dam units which are in operation in the Lower Snake River navigation system are Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, and Little Goose. The contract for construc tion of Lower Granite Dam was awarded in May 1970 and concrete placement is underway. Land acquisition is about 50 percent complete. Relocations, levees, and other features are being designed. The project is about one- third completed.
3. a. Environmental Impacts: The project would complete the Lower Snake River navigation system to Lewiston. It would also produce hydroelectric power, protect the City of Lewiston from flood damage, and provide public outdoor recreational opportunities. It would affect present urban develop ments on the riverfront in the vicinity of Lewiston, Idaho-Clarkston and Asotin, Washington. This project would enhance the long-term human productivity in the region. The impoundment would alter 44 miles of free- flowing natural river and associated canyon bottom lands, with a considerable impact upon fish and wildlife resources. These resources include resident and anadromous species of fish, riparian habitat with animals and birds, big game and upland game habitat, and goose nesting islands.
b. Adverse Environmental Effects: Activities associated with the free-flowing river would be eliminated. Riparian vegetation would be eliminated and fish habitat would be altered to the detriment of certain species. Relocation and construction work would create an impact upon the landscape in and near the canyon bottom. Construction of levees at Lewiston would cause temporary disruption and noise near the community as a result of equipment operation and earthwork.
4. Alternatives; Abandonment of the project is an alternative which would forego the intended beneficial project purposes and would allow continuation of activities based on the free-flowing stream. Single purpose alternatives to otherwise achieve objectives similar to those of the multipurpose project would include electric power production with a dam or thermal plant at another location, a separate flood protection system for the City of Lewiston, and improvement or development of outdoor recreation opportunities in the vicinity in some other manner. A partial alternative to the efficient slack-water navigation to be provided by the project would be transportation of bulk commodities by limited navi gation in a dredged channel and/or increase in capability of railroads and highway truck equipment. Project formulation alternatives have been considered in early planning studies and several design alternatives are being studied in connection with specific project features.
5. Comments Received:
Federal Power Commission Washington Department of Fisheries Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Washington Department of Game Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Idaho Water Resource Board Environmental Protection Agency Idaho Department of Fish and Game Bonneville Power Administration Idaho State Land Board National Marine Fisheries Service Fish Commission of Oregon National Park Service City of Lewiston National Park Service (Archeology) City of Clarkston Washington State Parks Commission Association of Northwest Steel- ‘ Washington Department of Ecology headers, Spokane
Letter received from Office of the Attorney General for the State of Washington in lieu of direct reply from these two agencies.
6. Original Statement to Council on Environmental Quality: 30 July 1970
Revised Draft to Council on Environmental Quality: 28 January 1971
Revised Final Statement to Council on Environmental Quality: 22 October 1971 Revised Final Edition
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
LOWER GRANITE LOCK AND DAM
Prepared by
U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON CONTENTS
A General Index to Subject Matter
Page SUMMARY SHEET
TITLE PAGE
CONTENTS
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1 Legislative history 1 Details of the project 3
2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING WITHOUT THE PROJECT 9 Snake River Basin description 9 Lower Graniteproject area description 9 Flooding 12 Water quality 12 Mercury 12 Resident fishery 14 Anadromous fishery 14 Chart 1 16 Chart 2 17 Recreation in project area 19 Notable geologic features 19 Vegetation 22 Wildlife 24 Climate 26 Air quality 26 Transportation system 27 Population 27 History 27 Archeology 28
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 31 General 31 Vegetation 31 Wildlife losses 31 Possibilities for wildlife mitigation 34 Water flow-through time (and fish migration time) 35 Water quality 36 Public Health Service findings and recommendations 37 Water flow patterns 39 Nutrients 40 CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
Temperature 40 Water quality studies 40 Bacteria 41 Waste discharges 42 Oxygen and the algal community 43 Sedimentation 43 Mercury 43 Pesticides and herbicides 44 Anadromous fishery 45 Turbine passage mortality 45 Nitrogen supersaturation 46 Slotted bulkheads 47 Truck transport 47 Spillway redesign 48 Possibilities for fishery mitigation 49 Reptiles 51 Insects and other vectors 51 Wind-wave effects 52 Water withdrawals 52 Evaporation 53 Debris 53 Water level fluctuation and power production 53 Industrial sitings 55 Visual qualities 55 Lewiston levees 56 Recreation opportunities 56 Relocational impact 57 Swallows Nest Rock and Granite Point 58 Archeological investigations and historical sites 58 Environmental studies and construction planning 59 Chart 3 60
4. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED SHOULD THE PROPOSAL BE IMPLEMENTED 61 Inundated area 61 Anadromous spawning and sport fishery 61 Adverse effects on fishery 61 Water quality 62 Wildlife losses 62 Archeological site inundation 62 Temporary disturbance 62 CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
5. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 63 Abandonment 63 Single purpose possibilities 63 Growth - no growth dichotomy 64 Design alternatives 65
6. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG TERM PRODUCTIVITY 68 Construction disruption 68 Anadromous and resident fishery losses 68 Commercial navigation 69 Social and economic impacts 69 Recreation opportunities 70 Regional diversity 70 Subjective value of the canyon and river 71
7. ANY IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED 74 Loss of the river and environs 74 Foreclosed opportunities 74 Steelhead fishery loss 74
8. COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES 75 General 75 Response and comment 78
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 106
LIST OF DESIGN MEMORANDA 110
LETTERS FROM RESPONDING AGENCIES C-l thru C-34 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
LOWER GRANITE LOCK AND DAM
Prepared by
U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla Walla Walla, Washington
1« Project description. The mandate of the National Environmental Policy Act requires all agencies of the Federal Government to include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment a detailed statement on the environmental impact and effects of such action.
We are here concerned with the continuing proposals for com pleting construction of the various features involved in Lower Granite Lock and Dam and impoundment area. It is one increment in the Columbia-Snake River slack water navigation system.
Lewis and Clark used the Snake and Columbia Rivers as their route of travel to the Northwest. Subsequently they were used by settlers and participants in the gold rush excitement near the end of the 19th century. Assistance to navigation was provided by the Congress. For the Snake River, it authorized a 5-foot depth in the existing channel to Riparia (Mile 68) ; thence a channel of the same depth and generally 60 feet wide to Lewiston (Mile 140); and for the removal of boulders and rock points between Pittsburg Landing (Mile 218) and Johnsons Bar (Mile 230). (Acts of 13 June 1902, 25 June 1910, and 30 August 1935). Channel work was suspended in 1917, although some work continued above Lewiston until 1937.
The Senate Commerce Committee requested a review report on the Columbia and Snake Rivers by resolutions adopted 21 August 1935, 10 June 1936, and 21 May 1938. The resulting report is published as House Document No. 704, 75th Congress, 3d Session. The syllabus to the Report of the Division Engineer states:
"The division engineer reports that further improvement of the Columbia River between The Dalles and the mouth of the Snake River, and of the latter stream below Lewiston, Idaho, should be considered as a single project."
The report recommended a coordinated plan of development consisting in part of four dams on the Columbia (near The Dalles, John Day, Arlington, and Umatilla). Later analysis revised this plan to provide for the three dams authorized for construction at The Dalles, (P.L. 516 of 17 May 1950); John Day, (P.L. 516 of 17 May 1950); and Umatilla, now called McNary Dam, (P.L. 14 of 2 March 1945). The plan also included a series of four dams on the Snake River supplemented by open- channel work to obtain specified controlling depths therein. The general plans then presented in House Document 704, 75th Congress, indicated the ultimate possibility of a series of ten low dams with locks to provide slackwater navigation to Lewiston. With the prior construction of Bonneville Dam on the Columbia (Acts of 30 August 1935 and 20 August 1937) the coordinated development would provide for ship and barge navigation channels from the Pacific Ocean to Lewiston, Idaho.
The report was followed by enactment of P.L. 14, 79th Congress, on 2 March 1945 which authorized "The construction of such dams as are necessary, and open channel improvement for purposes of providing slack water navigation and irrigation in accordance with the plan submitted in House Document Numbered 704, 75th Congress, with such modifications as do not change the requirement to provide slack water navigation as the Secretary of War may find advisable after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and such other agencies as may be concerned: ..."
A special section entitled "Modification of Lower Granite Lock' and Dam" was included in the Secretary of Army's Report of 25 April 1962, published as House Document 403, 87th Congress, 2d Session. On page 396 of that report the Division Engineer recommended "that the channel of the authorized Columbia-Snake barge navigation project be designated as 14 ft. by 250 ft. at minimum regulated flow." The act of 23 October 1962 (P.L. 87-874) authorized various projects for the Columbia River Basin and stated: "Provided, that the depth and width of the authorized channel in the Columbia-Snake River barge navigation project shall be established as fourteen feet and two hundred and fifty feet, respectively, at minimum regulated flow."
The "Project" is almost complete. Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day and McNary Dams create slack water on the Columbia and up to Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake. That dam together with Lower Monumental and Little Goose extend barge navigation to the site of Lower Granite. The construction of Lower Granite will complete the final link to provide adequate water depth to the Lewiston-Clarkston port areas, and will provide an essential unit in the Federal Columbia River Power System. The three downstream units on Snake River (Ice Harbor, River Mile 9.7; Lower Monumental, River Mile 41.6; Little Goose, River Mile 70.3) represent an investment of $459 million and are in operation. The Public Works Appropriation Act 1962, Public Law 87-330, 30 September 1961, appropriated funds for initiation of planning for Lower Granite. The lock, dam, and lake described in the justification sheet presented to Congress during the hearings on the appropriation bill was the same as the project described in House Document No. 403, which indicated an elevation of 735 feet above sea level for the Lower Granite pool. Public Law 89-16, dated 30 April 1965, appropriated funds for a new construction start. The description of the project in the justification sheet presented to Congress during the hearings was as follows: "The Lower Granite lock and dam will be located at the head of the Little Goose pool approximately 107.5 miles upstream from the mouth of the Snake River. Dam structures will include a powerhouse with an initial installed capacity of 405,000 kilowatts, a lock 86 feet wide and 675 feet long, and a gated spillway of eight 50-foot bays. The dam will create a reservoir approximately 39 miles long." Through the years since the original authorization, the changes in dam location and feature design changes reflect the continuously more detailed studies made during the preconstruction planning.
Now under construction, Lower Granite is essentially a "run-of- river" project with a lock, dam, spillway, powerhouse, and fish passage facilities located at mile 107.5 on Snake River in south eastern Washington. The dam will have an effective height of 100 feet and will be about 3,200 feet long, creating a rather narrow lake with about 8,900 surface acres. At elevation 7381./ above sea level, the lake will extend about 39 miles up the Snake River to the vicinity of Asotin, Washington, and 5 miles up the tributary Clearwater River to the low hydropower dam at Lewiston owned by Washington Water Power Co. The project includes about 8 miles of backwater levees in the vicinity of Lewiston, Idaho. These levees will average about 8 feet in height above the street level of the general downtown Lewiston commercial area. The Lower Granite development will include the creation of 12 public parks and lake access spots with recreational facilities on a total of about 400 acres of land. It will involve relocation of 43 miles of road and 39 miles of railroad. The roads will border the lake, and the railroad on the north shore will parallel the road through the canyon. The project will provide for industrial access and public port Space on the shoreline.
1/ Selected impoundment level, based on Design Memorandum 2, Upper Pool Determination. U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla, 13 March 1963.
Land acreages associated with Lower Granite development are briefly summarized as follows:
Federal Real Estate Acquisition 8,700 acres Surface Area of Existing Riverbed 5,640 " Total Surface Area 14,340 acres
Area to be Inundated by Lower Granite Lake 8,900 acres Project Shorelands to be used for Public Recreation Development, Industrial Development, Relocation of Roads and Railroads, Shoreland Wildlife Habitat Development, and General Public Open Space 5,440 acres Total Surface Area 14,340 acres
The major elements of the project are slack water commercial navigation and hydroelectric power production. Lower Granite power- plant with three generators installed will be able to produce up to 405,000 kilowatts of electrical power which will be used in many ways by the people of the Pacific Northwest. Spaces are designed for three additional generating units for future possible use for increasing the maximum production capacity to as much as 810,000 kilowatts with a potential peaking operational plan. Estimates in House Document 403 for navigational use of the Lower Snake waterway include pro jections for the potential of over a million tons of cargo passing through the Lower Granite lock each year.
In design of Lower Granite Lock and Dam special measures for natural environmental and aesthetic quality are being and will be implemented. These include fish and wildlife loss mitigation, project beautification, and water quality studies. Also, provisions are being undertaken to minimize disturbances caused by activities as the construction work is in progress. The Lower Granite Lock and Dam unit of the Snake River project has an estimated economic benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.4 to 1 with a current estimated construction cost of $285 million— '. The construction is about one-third completed with approximately $90 million already invested in real estate acquisition and work to 30 September 1971. The contract for construction of essentially all of the dam has been awarded and placement of concrete for the structure is underway. Relocations, levees, and other features are being designed. Sketch maps of the lower Snake navigation project and the Lower Granite development are shown on the following two pages.
1/ Cost and B/C ratio are different than in the draft statement. This is due to inflationary factors and design improvements.
2. Environmental setting without the project. The section of the Pacific Northwest through which the Snake River flows is known as the Columbia Plateau. The plateau occupies about 100,000 square miles in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho; and it is principally comprised of horizontal lava deposits, generally capped with a 50- to 75-foot thick layer of soil. Where major irregularities in the surface exist, such as in the deep cutting of the Snake River canyon, the dark basalt rock is a prominent surface characteristic.
Snake River originates in Yellowstone Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming, flows entirely across the southern part of Idaho to become the Idaho-Oregon border and Idaho-Washington border and then extends west to a confluence with Columbia River in southeastern Washington. Total length of the river is 1,078 miles. Major tributaries of Snake River include the free-flowing Salmon River and Clearwater River. Other tributary rivers include Grande Ronde, Imnaha, Payette, Owyhee, Boise, Portneuf, Henry's Fork, and numerous smaller streams. In the southern Idaho area, Snake River is very much influenced by human activities, especially related to irrigation storage, streamflow diversion, and water quality. Along the Oregon-Idaho border three major privately owned power dams (Brownlee, Oxbow, Hells Canyon) influence the downstream river flows.
The Grand Canyon of the Snake, or Hells Canyon, is upstream from the upper end of the Lower Granite lake area, and the timbered Bitterroot Mountain range is roughly 75 miles to the east of the project. The surrounding rolling plateau country to the north and west is predominantly devoted to dryland wheat production. The northern end of the Blue Mountains begins about 10-15 miles south of the project.
The two communities of Lewiston and Clarkston are typical of the cities of the region with an agricultural socio-economic base generated largely by the surrounding wheatlands and forests. A major industry is processing of timber for paper and lumber. The communities also provide a take-off point for recreational use of the surrounding scenic region.
The Snake River in the reach to be affected by Lower Granite lake flows primarily through a narrow gorge 1,800 to 2,000 feet deep. Canyon bottom width at the damsite averages about 3,200 feet. The river is the predominant focal point within the canyon setting. Through the area, from Asotin to Lower Granite damsite, the Snake River drops about 107 feet with a relatively even gradient throughout the 39-mile length. The water flowing down through the canyon represents substantial natural energy. The narrow river bottom and flood plains are flanked by basalt cliffs and steep talus slopes, and there are numerous river rapids caused by the more resistant basaltic outcroppings and the alluvium deposited by tributaries. Seventeen rapids have been given names and are located as shown in the following listing. Snake River Rapids Lower Granite Damsite to Asotin
Approximate Min. Small River Mile Average Maximum Boat Nav. Rapid Name Location Velocity Velocity Depth Miles/hr Miles/hr Feet
Ofields 108 3.5 6.2 3.7 Granite Point 114.5 5.8 8.9 6 Truax 116.3 4.4 5.2 4 Kelley’s Island 119 , 5.0 6.4 3.6 Upper Kelley's 120 2.7 7.7 3.4 Tramway 123.5 4.9 6.6 8 Little Pine Tree 127 5.5 8.1 2.3 Steptoe 128.4 4.9 7.8 6 Alpowa 130.1 5.3 7.0 6 Dry Gulch 135 6.6 9.5 6 Dead March 136 5.3 7.7 4 Clarkston 139.3 4.3 7.5 2.7 Lewiston 139.8 5.4 7.8 6 Slaughter House 141 5.9 8.0 3.5 Lower Swallows Nest 143 4.8 6.6 5 Upper Swallows Nest 143.5 4.1 5.1 4 Lower Asotin 145 4.9 6.5 5
According to old sounding maps, in general the river averages between 8 and 15 feet in depth during other than the spring high water season. Some areas, however, are relatively shallow at 4 to 6 feet in depth, while also other areas have depths of 30 to 35 feet. At one location between Clarkston and Lewiston, the river has a depth of nearly 50 feet. The average width of Snake River in the length between the damsite and the community of Asotin is about 1,000 feet between high water marks. Due to the presence of the many rapids, only small boats are capable of navigating the river in the project area and even for these craft, the journey is hazardous, particularly during periods of extremely higji or low river flows. Modern-day commercial barge navigation is not possible. The present annual fluctuation in the Snake River averages about 17 feet vertically, following the yearly seasonal pattern of high spring flows followed by low flows in later summer and fall. Numerous gravel bars, sand bars, and rocky islands are seasonally inundated and exposed as a result of the river fluctuation.
Three major islands are present in the area to be impounded. These are Log Cabin Island (at the damsite), Dry Gulch Island (at River Mile 136) and Goat Island (at River Mile 141). A total of forty-one sandbars of varying size and shape, have been identified along both sides of the river. Two other named areas, Holbrook Island and Kelley's Island, are in a sense not true islands since they have land connections. Holbrook Island does become surrounded with water during a high flood on Clearwater River. Several large unnamed gravel islands are present when the water in the river is low.
During the high spring runoff period, the Lewiston area is subject to flooding, mostly in the Lewiston business district, during high flows of both the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Flooding begins with river flows of about 140,000 cubic feet per second in Snake River and/or 125,000 cubic feet per second in Clearwater River. These flows occur on an average frequency interval of 5 years on Snake River and 6 years on Clearwater River. Logs and debris from upstream areas now are carried down into the project area, especially during the high water periods.
Near the urbanized area, the Snake River is polluted much of the time by liquid industrial discharges, animal feed lots, and municipal wastes. There is a noticeable difference in the quality of the river condition, as upstream from the urbanized area the river supports organisms typical of good water quality, while downstream for about 12 miles the river organisms reflect poorer conditions. Industrial and municipal waste treatment improvements are being implemented as a result of state and Federal requirements for pollution control. Generally, the Snake River is relatively high in nutrients resulting from agricultural and urban activities in the upstream Southern Idaho region.
The occurrence of mercury in the Snake River and other Idaho waters has been noted in studies conducted both by the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife (BSFW) and the Idaho Department of Health. The Idaho agency has found that three species of fish, the channel cat fish, yellow perch, and suckers exhibit significantly higher concen trations of mercury in their flesh than do other species of fish, although most species tested did show some signs of mercury. However, test results for three locations a short distance upstream from the proposed Lower Granite impoundment area show that mercury levels in resident fish are generally well below the 0.5 ppm maximum level recommended for human consumption. Testing done by BSFW in the Lewiston - area has yielded similar results.
Sources of mercury contamination in Idaho waters are not yet defined. During the testing mentioned here there did not appear to be any significant contamination of this type in the Lewiston-Clarkston area arising from pulp operations in those cities. Some speculation as to sources for the mercury detected in the study included grain treated with organic mercurial fungicides, mining activities carried out in the 1860's which allowed the release of large quantities of metallic mercury, and natural contamination of state waters by the mercury-bearing ore, cinnabar (mercuric sulfide), which occurs widely in the state.
Following a review of the test results briefly discussed here, the Idaho Department of Health issued the following warnings and recommendations: (a) that persons not eat more than 1/2-pound of fish per week from Idaho waters; (b) that pregnant women, infants, and young children not eat fish taken from waters known to be contaminated with mercury; (c) that fishermen follow a "catch and release" policy for resident fish in Jordan Creek and existing upper Snake River reservoirs; and (d) channel catfish, yellow perch, and suckers taken from the upper Snake River between American Falls Reservoir and Hells Canyon should not be eaten. These areas of eminent concern are a considerable distance upstream from the Lower Granite impoundment site.
Principal resident game fish of the river in the Lower Granite area are smallmouth and largemouth bass, white sturgeon, and channel cat fish. Other species less important to the fishery are rainbow and Dolly Varden trout, brown bullhead, mountain whitefish, white crappie, and bluegill. Nongame fish include carp, squawfish, suckers, chisel- mouth, shiners, and others. Rare or unique species of fish are not known to be present, although the white sturgeon is a rather distinct fish in terms of its evolutionary position. The white sturgeon, largest freshwater fish in the Columbia and Snake Rivers, reaches lengths of 20 feet and weighs in excess of 1,200 pounds. It is a long, narrow-bodied fish with an elongated snout. The head and back are covered with rows of bony plates. The white sturgeon has remained relatively unchanged since prehistoric times. Few are counted passing the existing dams. The white sturgeon seldom spawns before reaching an age of 15 years. A bottom feeder, it apparently will eat almost anything available. Some reach ages over 80. White sturgeon range from northern California to Alaska.
Anadromous fish such as salmon and steelhead spend a portion of their life at sea but must have access to their spawning grounds in the rivers and streams in order to complete their life cycle and perpetuate their kind. The anadromous fisheries resources of the Columbia and Snake Rivers are recognized as valuable for recreation and commercial purposes. Sports fishing is popular with residents and tourists each year, while commercial fishing - especially for salmon - is an important regional industry. Most of the salmon produced in the Columbia Basin are actually harvested in the Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska. Sport and commercial fisheries off British Columbia, Washington and Oregon, account for the preponderance of the catch. Fish ladders and other fish facilities enable the fish to pass existing downstream dams in migrating to the upriver areas.
The Columbia River system produces about 40 percent of the total west coast (Washington, Oregon, and California) fishery for chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Of these fish, an estimated annual average 77,000 chinook salmon and 71,000 steelhead trout use the Snake River as a route to upstream spawning areas. The Snake River fish represent about 22 percent of the chinook salmon and 50 percent of the steelhead trout that are counted in the Columbia River at Bonneville Dam. Most of the salmon and about 60 percent of the steelhead trout which reach the Lower Granite area continue up the Snake River. A few salmon and about 40 percent of the steelhead trout enter the Clearwater River, a tributary of the Snake River. As many as 2,000 fall chinook salmon may spawn in the Lower Granite area, but evidence is uncertain because of the historical low underwater visibility which precludes observation of redds or other spawning activity. Two other species of salmon also pass through the Lower Granite area. These are coho, with an estimated average run of 3,000 adult fish, and Sockeye with an average run of an estimated 700 adult fish.
The estimated number of both adult and juvenile salmon, steelhead, and shad, and their seasonal migration patterns, are graphically shown for the Snake River in Chart 1 on the following page. On the subsequent page, Chart 2, the yearly record of juvenile out-migration for the Snake River (Ice Harbor Dam) is diagrammed. Since the juvenile anadromous fish do not pass the counting stations at the various dams, b~t instead move through the powerplants or over the spillways, the figures indicated are estimates based in part on a sampling procedure, upstream spawning area observation, and judgement. Estimates differ as can be noted from the two charts.
1J Chart 1 is based on Figure 4, Conference Proceedings, Nitrogen Studies Meeting. Corps of Engineers with Northwest Fishery Agencies and Environmental Protection Agency, 17 Feb 1971. Chart 2 is based on Figure 2, A Summary of the 1969 and 1970 Out- Migration of Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout from the Snake River, H. L. Raymond, Sep 1970. CHART 1 - Seasonal upstream and downstream fish migration in Snake River (March through December). Figures represent a typical average year with both natural and hatchery produced fish. CHART 2 - Record of juvenile chinook salmon and steelhead trout in Snake River (Ice Harbor Dam), 1964-1970. Steelhead line represents both natural and hatchery produced fish, while the chinook line represents only natural upstream river production. The several species of anadromous fish mentioned in the previous discussion are further described as follows:
a. The chinook salmon, also known as king, spring, and tyee, is recognized as king of salmon. It is a deep bodied fish with lengths up to almost five feet and weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Chinook are normally four years old at maturity, but may range from three to seven years old. Although large runs are in the Columbia River system, the chinook salmon is found from central California to Alaska and across the Bering Sea to Japan. Chinook salmon are often grouped into three major categories according to the time of adult migration - spring run, summer run, and fall run.
b. The coho salmon, also known as silver, is smaller than the chinook averaging about eight pounds in weight. Often confused with chinook, silver salmon are distinguished by the absence of black spotting on the dorsal fin and the lower lobe of the tail. Coho are three years old at maturity. As wide ranging as the chinook, the silver is predominantly seen from southern Oregon to southeastern Alaska. Spawning migrations occur in the fall. Of all the salmon, the silver is probably the most adaptable to changing conditions.
c. The sockeye salmon, also known as blueback and kokanee (landlocked), is a medium sized salmon weighing up to four pounds. Columbia River sockeye are normally four years old at maturity. Spawning only in streams having lakes at the headwaters, the sock eye is common from the Columbia River north to northern Alaska. It normally migrates up the Columbia in June and July.
d. The steelhead trout is much smaller than most salmon, averaging from seven to nine pounds and up to three feet nine inches long. Generally its head is more rounded in front and shorter than that of the salmon. Spotted like a chinook salmon, the steelhead trout also has a red band extending along its side after it has been in fresh water for some time. The adult steelhead, which is a sea-run rainbow trout, migrates in Lower Snake River most heavily in August, September, and October. It ranges from southern California to southeastern Alaska.
e. The shad is a member of the herring family which was introduced to the West Coast near San Francisco, California in 1871. It appeared in the Columbia River in about 1876. Native to the Atlantic Coast, the shad usually weighs between two to six pounds and rarely exceeds 30 inches in length. It has a single spineless dorsal fin, a forked tail, and a deep, compressed body. An anadromous fish, the shad enters fresh water to spawn, with the largest migration occurring in July. On the Pacific Coast the shad is common from San Diego to Alaska.
Another anadromous aquatic species found in the river is the lamprey. It is not a true fish since it lacks jaws and paired fins. The mouth is circular and designed for grasping and sucking. It has a long eel-like body up to 30 inches or so in length, and is dark brown to almost bluish black. In salt water it is parasitic, attaching itself to various fish. It normally ascends the Columbia River system to spawn in greatest numbers in July and August. The lamprey is often erroneously called an eel or lamprey eel. Lampreys are highly esteemed as food by coastal Indians. They are the primary food of the sturgeon in the Columbia River.
The existing river fishery, especially steelhead and to a much lesser extent bass, generate considerable recreational use of the river. Steelhead fishing occurs primarily during the fall season, with September and October the better months. During this period it is not uncommon to find 20 to 30 fishing boats and a number of bank fishermen in the Lewiston-Lower Granite area each day. The steelhead fishing activity is also a general occurrence along Clearwater and Snake Rivers upstream from the project area. Bass fishing occurs predominantly during spring and fall seasons, and is considered to be of high quality in the flowing river.
General recreational activities associated with the existing river consist qf driving for pleasure along the Whitman County road on the north side of the river, and use of the more accessible river sandbars for sunbathing and swimming. Clarkston Beach is a locally significant recreation development on a natural sandbar adjacent to the river, although at various times water contact recreational activities at present are discouraged due to river pollution.
Many of the soils of the region are naturally light and highly erosible and the low rainfall limits immediate re-establishment of vegetative cover on disturbed land. Farming practices generate considerable soil disturbance on the plateau surrounding the project. Soil erosion is a problem in the region; consequently, the river has a noticeable sediment load!/ during the spring runoff season.
Two notable geologic features are of local interest: One is the basaltic outcrop known as Swallows Nest Rock near Clarkston, and the
JL/ Estimated at 5,700 acre-feet per year for Lower Snake River (Lower Granite Design Memorandum No. 3).
other is a large granite outcrop six miles upstream from the dam known as Granite Point. Swallows Nest Rock is a prominent land scape feature in the local area, and as the name implies, is the nesting place for numerous cliff swallows. Granite Point is a rather unique outcrop on both sides of the river, being a large solitary granite formation in the otherwise basaltic canyon. It is one of several granite outliers in the region associated with the Idaho mountains to the east. Granite from the outcrop has been historically used for building construction in the region, such as reportedly for the exterior of the Custom House in Portland, Oregon.
The alluvial soils along Snake River in the project area support a variety of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses, with irrigated orchards and other cultivated crops. Roughly 60 to 65 percent of the existing river bank supports substantial riparian vegetation. The other portions of the river bank are comprised of gravels, rock outcrops, and sparse vegetation. It is estimated that an approximate total of 520 acres of major vegetation now is present in the canyon bottom which would be affected by the Lower Granite impoundment. This acreage is largely comprised of trees and high brush growth which could be readily seen by examining aerial photos of the area. Additional ground cover made up largely of grasses also exists in the area but is not included in the acreage estimate. The more extensive dryer upland areas are generally characterized by sagebrush and rabbit brush interspersed with grasses. Although dry and brown in summer, the hillside vegetation provides spring and fall grazing. Side canyon drainages support varied amounts of brush growth. Trees, shrubs, forbs, and semi-aquatic grasses grow at springs, on the river banks, or where irrigated. These areas are important wildlife habitat.
With some exceptions adjacent to former cultivated areas and side drainages, the south, or left, bank of the canyon with its north-facing slope generally exhibits a greater amount of vegetation and some differing species relationship than the north, or right bank. This is due largely to the micro-climatic effects related to greater daily shade and seasonal moisture retention on the north-facing slope. By comparison the south-facing slopes have a more harsh summertime exposure with resultant very dry conditions. A listing of some of the more common flora found in the project area is included on the next page. PARTIAL LISTING OF FLORA IN LOWER GRANITE AREA OF SNAKE RIVER CANYON
Botanical Name Common Name
Setaria glauca Yellow Foxtail Agropyron (Sp p .) Bunchgrass or Wheatgrass species Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyard grass Festuca idahoensis Bunchgrass or Blue Bunch Fescue Lepidium perfoliatum Peppergrass Poa (Spp.) Bluegrass species Bromus tectorum Cheat Grass Koeleria cristata June Grass Elvmus cinereus Giant Wild Rye grass Xanthium pennsvlvanicum (or strumarium) Cocklebur Verbena bracteata Vervain Helianthus annuus Annual or common Sunflower Solidago lepida Goldenrod Salsola Kali (or pestifer) Russian Thistle or Tumbleweed Onopordum acanthium Onopordum Thistle Opuntia polvacantha Prickly Pear Cactus Convolvulus arvensis Morning Glory Verbascum thapsus Mullein or Woolly mullein Rumex crispus Yellow Dock Chrvsothamnus nauseosus Rabbitbrush Artemisia dracunculus Wormwood Artemisia ludoviciana Sage or Wormwood Celtis reticulata (or douelasii) Netleaf Hackberry Tvpha latifolia Cattail Salix (Spp.) Willow species (Sandbar, Dusky, etc.) Rosa woodsii Wild Rose Rubus leuodermis Wild or Western Black Raspberry Dipsacus svlvestris Wild Teasel Prunus virginiana Chokecherry Rhus glabra (or cismontana) Sumac or Squaw Bush Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry Sambucus cerulea Blue Elderberry Alnus rhombifolia (or tenuifolia) Native Alder Crataegus douelasii Black Hawthorn Juglans nigra Black Walnut Acer saccharinum Silver Maple Acer glabrum Maple or Mountain Maple Populus trichocarpa (or angusti- folia) Cottonwood Populus nigra var. italica Lombardy Poplar Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust It is noted, and generally recognized by botanists studying the canyon, that a large percentage of the plant genera and species now present have been introduced, either intentionally or by accidental seed transport, as a result of human activities in the region over the past fifty to one hundred years. An estimated total of between 150 and 200 different species of plants are present in the canyon. Most trees are not native to the canyon area. Rare or unique species of plants are not known to exist in the project area. A complete detailed inventory of plant species and quantity is underway to be used as a basis for detailed wildlife habitat replacement plans. The inventory is planned for completion during 1973.
The presence of wildlife in the Snake River canyon in the Lower Granite pool area has undoubtedly been greatly affected by man's action. At one time the canyon supported a substantial population of farmers who planted orchards and cultivated the river bars and out- wash fans. On the north side of the river there is a dirt road which follows the full length of the pool area and when travelling the road man's effect on the canyon environment is evident. In a number of places along the river are deserted^-' farm buildings and remains of warehouses and grain elevators which at one time served as temporary storage points for the region's produce before it was shipped to market. The Camas Prairie Railroad also passes along the north side of the river. The railroad is located in the canyon bottom and in many areas is about 200-400 feet or less away from the river channel. The south side of the river canyon does not appear to have been as heavily used by man due in part to the more rugged terrain present there and the concomitant problem of more difficult access. Man's intrusion has undoubtedly had a great effect on the bird and animal population of the canyon. This is especially true in the case of the areas which were farmed since such alterations have had a substantial effect on wildlife habitat. In the past years, however, most of the people having residence in the canyon have moved elsewhere, some voluntarily and some due to project laud acquisition. Subsequently, some of the farms have grown up into excellent bird and small animal cover and wildlife populations at present are relatively high. Additional cover is also provided through most of the length of the canyon by the existence of the strip of riparian vegetation which extends back from the river. There are now locally significant
_1/ Some of the vacancy is due to project acquisition and some was formerly caused by increased mechanization and mobility related to agricultural production. huntable populations of big game, upland game, fur animals, waterfowl, and nongame wildlife which are dependent on project-affected habitat along the Snake River. Streamside vegetation, and related naturalistic environment, is the key to survival for species ranging in size and variety from songbirds to deer.
The climatic and habitat type which exists in the canyon is generally classified as Upper Sonoran and it is possible to some extent to postulate what types of birds and animals live in the canyon area even though no comprehensive detailed study of wildlife types has been done. Birds which are commonly associated with the Upper Sonoran life zone are the eared grebe, western grebe, black-crowned night heron, Canada goose, cinnamon teal, ruddy duck, ferruginous hawk, marsh hawk, California quail, American coot, American avocet, horned owl, poor-will, western kingbird, ash-throated flycatcher, marsh wren, loggerhead shrike, yellow-breasted chat, redwing, Bullock oriole, Brewer blackbird, lazuli bunting, house finch, Savannah sparrow, lark sparrow, sage sparrow, and sage thrasher. None of these birds are included on either the national or state listing of rare or endangered species. Whether or not all of the species listed occur specifically in the Lower Granite area is not known; however, there is a substantial possibility that many of them do. In addition, it is known that several species of game birds, the California quail, the mourning dove, the Chinese ringnecked pheasant, the Hungarian partridge, and the chukar partridge are associated with the river vegetation at various times of the year. The pheasant, chukar and Hungarian partridge are introduced species. Osprey, red-tailed hawks, and sparrow hawks also have been sighted recently in the area. Most of the birds which are mentioned above have been recently noted in the general southeastern Washington area by members of the National Audubon Society, and subsequently reported in the 1970-1971 issues of American Birds (Audubon Field Notes), which is published by the society bimonthly. Historically the peregrin falcon, now an endangered species, was found in the general project area, as was the prairie falcon, but the presence of these two species in the canyon at this time is questionable.
The chukars and other arid land species make use of the trees and brush for cover and are seasonally dependent upon streamside habitat. Waterfowl, including several species of ducks and geese, and other aquatic wildlife depend upon existing land-water relationships involving islands, shoals, and gravel bars. Numerous ducks and geese use the area for resting and feeding in connection with migratory flyway patterns. As many as 100 geese and a few ducks nest in the Lower Granite project area.
As with the birds, some characterization of the various animal species which are normally associated with Upper Sonoran zones is also possible. Common residents in these areas are the black-tailed jackrabbit, Nuttall cottontail, Townsend ground squirrel, Gambel deer mouse, western harvest mouse, Ord kangaroo rat, Great Basin pocket mouse, and Northern pocket gopher. It is also known that other small mammals such as racoon, weasels, skunks, badgers, marmots, and porcupines also live in the Lower Granite area. Fur bearing residents of the area are beaver, muskrat, mink, and river otter. The only big game specie present is deer. It is estimated that 30-40 mule and white-tailed deer live in the canyon with others possibly migrating into the area during hunting seasons and/or during periods of severe winter at higher elevations.
In addition to the birds and mammals living in the area, reptiles are also found there. Examples of reptilian life are the western fence lizard, sagebrush lizard, side-blotched lizard, short-horned lizard, western skink, northern alligator lizard, rubber boa, ring necked snake, blue racer, gopher snake, garter snake, and western rattlesnake. Past human activities in the canyon bottom have influenced reptile populations near the river, but those living on the higher canyon slopes and in rough rock outcrops have been relatively undisturbed. Frogs and water snakes are found in the few moist, grassy places along the river, although the occurrence of such places is limited. Spiders, flies, and other insects are present in the canyon and along the river.
In the project area, the climate is arid with hot summers and moderate winters. Annual precipitation along the river averages about 13 to 18 inches, mostly occurring during winter and spring months. Due to the dry climate, re-establishment of significant vegetation is difficult without irrigation.
Wind records for the Lewiston area indicate that winds generally arise either in the east, northeast, or northwest. On a yearly basis, winds of 12 miles per hour or less occur about 92 percent of the time. Winds over 25 miles per hour occur only one percent of the time during all months of the year except for a two percent occurrence in December. The winds of higher speed are usually southwest to west in direction. Yearly average wind speeds range from 4 to 6 miles per hour.
Air quality in the Lewiston-Clarkston area is affected by emissions from the paper manufacturing plants. Since the Lewiston area is confined with canyon hillsides, air pollution under certain atmospheric conditions (e.g., surface inversion) tends to frequently remain in the area, rather than becoming rapidly dispersed. An odor arising from industrial wastes also comes from the river near waste discharge outlets, and at times the odor has been noticed as far downstream as Central Ferry. Improved pollution control measures are being required by the Idaho State Department of Public Health and the Washington State Department of Ecology. Several solid waste dump areas are found along the river, created by random and casual deposit of trash, metal pieces, old car bodies, etc.
A railroad and a county road now follow the right (north) bank of the river throughout most of the project length. A state highway follows the left (south) bank for 15 miles in the Clarkston vicinity. An unimproved dirt road follows the river on the left bank downstream from Alpowa Creek and upstream from the damsite; however, this road does not make a through connection. Most of the riverfront lands were in private ownership used largely for cattle grazing and agriculture prior to the beginning of project acquisition. This canyon reach was used extensively for raising, wintering, and feeding of cattle because of its mild winter climate. The activity still continues on lands not yet purchased for the project. In general, cattle are summered in the high, mountainous areas of Idaho, and wintered in the low Snake River canyon. Cattle are usually moved into the canyon in October or November where they graze on the steep canyon sides for about a month. They are then transferred to feeding and calving lots along the river bars and in the valley bottom lands where they remain until spring. In the spring they again graze the canyon sides for a month before being moved to their mountain summer pasture, or are sold. This is principally a calving and feeding operation. Hay, pea silage, and grain is mostly hauled into the canyon for feed, although some hay has been produced on the alluvial bottom lands. The pre-project winter cattle population of the area is estimated by local interests to be 3,000 head, including about 500 feeder cattle.
Except in the Lewiston-Clarkston area, population about 37,000, at the confluence of the Clearwater River, the Snake River valley in the project reach is presently sparsely settled. Immediately prior to project land acquisition, about 100 people lived in the canyon segment between Clarkston and the damsite, although this figure showed consid erable variance during periods of crop harvest.
In previous times, more numerous white settlements existed in the canyon between the damsite and Clarkston. Several ranches head quartered in the canyon employed crews lodged in bunkhouses, and the river bank orchards were a source of employment. The settlement at Wawawai once was an important fruit and grain shipping point, with post office, warehouses, and store. Fruit houses, grain warehouses and grain tramways were once located at various spots along the river. Shallow-draft paddle wheel steamboats used the river to transport commodities and passengers, although difficulties were not unusual. The era of the stern-wheeler fully arrived on Snake River in 1861, along with the birth of Lewiston, Idaho, as a result of gold mining interest upstream in the Clearwater region of Idaho. The amount of river traffic for the next twenty years was conditioned by the spread of wheat farms, which tended to increase it; and the building of railroads, which tended to reduce it. To overcome difficulties of getting grain into the canyon to the stern-wheel boats, wooden chutes over a half-mile long were built, and by 1881 at least five of these descended the banks of the Snake at critical landing points. The Camas Prairie Railroad was constructed in the Lower Granite area, reaching Lewiston in July 1909, and this gave steady competition to the river steamers. The stern-wheelers LEWISTON and SPOKANE were destroyed in a fire at Lewiston in 1922, and the steamboat era came to a close.
The region is generally rich in historical values associated with the Nez Perce Indian culture, early Christian missionaries, and pioneer development. One existing building of historical interest on the project land is the Grace Presbyterian Church (built in 1899) in the community of Asotin. Protection from adverse project effects is being planned for this church and it will be preserved as an historic feature of the area. It has been recommended by the Washington State Governor's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in July 1971 for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Official notification of acceptance is pending. Also, the Lewis' and Clark expedition passed through the project area in their historic journey to and from the Pacific Ocean (1804-1806). Two sites on which the expedition camped are adjacent to the river in the project area, but are presently not identified with markers.
In 1948, the Smithsonian Institution carried out an appraisal of the archeological resources of the canyon and located twelve sites. It was concluded that the Indians of the area were accustomed to spending the winter along the river and the summer in the mountains. A subsequent reconnaissance survey by Washington State University archeologists in 1966 revealed 84 historical or archeological sites, 10 of which were considered to be worthy of detailed exploration and study. The historical sites located relate principally to occupations by Chinese laborers during the construction of the Camas Prairie Rail road, but otherwise all archeological sites relate to aboriginal habitations.
Investigations of the early Indian and archeological sites in the project area are being carried on by Washington State University archeologists under contracts with the National Park Service. Sites investigated to date include the Thorn Thicket Site, Wexpusnime (or House Pit Village), and Wawawai. Other important sites are located near Bishop, Granite Point and Alpowa. The Alpowa Creek area is the known former location of the village of the Nez Perce Indian Chief Timothy and a historic river crossing known as Red Wolf's Crossing. Downstream from Alpowa Creek about 2-1/2 miles exists an area noted for petroglyphs. These petroglyphs have been recorded and some examples are depicted on the following page.
It is estimated that at least 150 Indian burials at eleven sites are located in the proposed impoundment area. These burials likely are of fairly recent vintage, largely occurring in the 1800's. Excavation and reinterment are being carried out by University of Idaho archeologists under contract as a Lower Granite project expense and with coordination with the Nez Perce Tribe.
3. The environmental impacts of the proposed action. Lower Granite Lock and Dam will change the existing river conditions into a slack- water impoundment. The river rapids will be eliminated. The impoundment will destroy much of the existing environment that provides essential food and cover for the variety of wildlife living in the river canyon. The present land-water relationship will be adversely changed with virtually a complete loss of shoreline brush, canyon bottom agricultural lands, and island habitat.
The river-associated riparian conditions will be replaced by a shoreline superimposed upon the higher and steeper canyon hillsides now covered with sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and dryland grasses. Small remnants of the more gently sloping benchlands will remain at about 16 locations along the lake. Brush and other cover will also remain in the draws and side drainages above the water level of the new lake. Project plans include partial replacement of trees and shrubs along the new shoreline but a major transitional period will occur before these become well established. Because of the change in shoreline conditions, this new planting will not have the same magnitude or botanical order as now exists along the river, although the new species will be selected with consideration given to wild life value and aesthetic effects.
The degree of dependence which resident wildlife populations have on the riparian strip of vegetation is highly significant and the greatest adverse impact on wildlife populations will be the inundation of this strip which provides a major percentage of the total canyon habitat. The flooding of the abandoned farmsteads will also be significant since good wildlife cover exists in these areas. The net effect of the project will probably be quite detrimental to existing wildlife populations in the canyon area. Mitigation for many of these losses in the immediate project area will not be possible due to the constricted nature of the remaining emergent land along the lake shoreline.
Preliminary estimates by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1963 indicated that inundation of habitat and the relocation of railroads and roads at Lower Granite will result in a loss in pro duction of upland game and a decrease of about 95 geese annually. Coupled with this is an estimated loss of 260 annual man-days of waterfowl and 1,300 man-days of upland game bird hunting. More recent estimates of loss in hunting opportunity have been made for the entire four-project Snake River complex by the Fish and Wildlife Service. These estimates do not indicate the separate impacts induced only by Lower Granite. The overall estimates indicate that development of the waterway without mitigation would reduce annual big game hunting use for the four lower Snake River project areas during the project life by over 9,900 hunter-days. Upland game hunting would be expected to be reduced by 28,400 hunter-days, goose hunting by 960 hunter-days, and fur animal harvest would be reduced by 2,100 pelts annually. Nongame wildlife losses would also occur. That portion of the total foregoing losses attributable to all four lower Snake River dams and proportionately assigned to Lower Granite project in general is estimated to exceed one-fourth of the above loss estimates because of existing habitat conditions.
During the transition period between current conditions and the re-establishment of habitat and cover at the higher lake elevation, wildlife losses will be great due to overcrowding of remaining habitat. It is expected that certain species of mammals, such as muskrat and beaver, will move out of the area when water levels begin to rise, but once water levels stabilize and some suitable cover is re-established the area will probably be repopulated. Deer will probably be forced out of the canyon bottom and more intensive use of the higher side drainage areas will be required. Without mitigation, the upland bird populations of quail and pheas ant in the canyon will probably be almost entirely eliminated. Several goose nesting islands will be inundated, thereby resulting in a loss in Canada Goose production in the project area. Other waterfowl will not be significantly affected. Increased human activity may also drive away some of the birds of prey such as the osprey and others which are sensitive to excessive human presence. Chukar partridge will probably be one of the species least affected by the new water levels since a major part of their time is spent high up the sides of the canyon and use of the riparian strip is limited to specific times of the year, such as during the brooding period. Some effect on brood success or patterns could be expected. A large portion of the songbird population will probably migrate out of the area once the riparian strip is inundated but will probably return as new lakeside vegetation is established. The animals and birds which do not migrate out of the area as the water rises will concentrate in the remaining habitat available in the few side drainages of the canyon. Some animals and birds may adapt to the changed conditions and others will be lost, but the end effect of this concentration will probably be higher mortality rates due to disease, predation, and exhaustion of the available food resources.
Eventually a new equilibrium will be established. Wildlife populations after the project is completed will be dependent on factors such as mitigation procedures, use of areas for recreation and industry, and ability of suitable plant species to become established along the new lakeshore. Of the possible 16 available waterside sites which could serve for wildlife habitat development, three will be developed as major recreation sites and one will be reserved for industrial development. Several of the other more isolated sites will have minor recreation facilities such as picnic tables and rest rooms but will not be intensively developed. Several of the 16 areas will be specifically designated for wild life mitigation purposes, with some wildlife use also available at the less developed recreation sites. Some wildlife use of the more developed recreation sites will occur during the winter months, and for the more tolerant species, on a year round basis.
The sites which will be developed exclusively for wildlife will be planted with appropriate plants and trees to insure that they will provide adequate food and cover. Several of these areas could be readily developed to support huntable populations of pheasant, quail, and dove. Major development of special habitat for the chukar partridge probably will not be necessary due to their minimal requirements. The wildlife mitigation sites will also be of use to populations of deer much in the same manner as present habitat con ditions. Due to the expected depletion of the pheasant and quail upland bird populations during the transition period, stocking of these birds would be a likely mitigation measure to re-establish these birds in the developed wildlife sites. The establishment of suitable cover types will be aided by irrigation in some areas and it is expected that wildlife watering devices known as "guzzlers" will be provided both on project lands and on surrounding lands with the cooperation of the local landowners.
The overall effect of the project on wildlife will undoubtedly be negative although proper mitigation procedures can offset much of the expected loss. The major cause for the expected net loss of wildlife is the lack of sufficient suitable land in the project area which could be developed for wildlife use. The steepsided canyon affords little in the way of benchland which could be used for wildlife purposes.
There are very few prospective sites for the creation of artificial goose nesting islands in the project area; however, several islands will be created where practical. Two potential islands are at Granite Point and near Wilma.
During 1969, Corps of Engineers, Washington Department of Game, Washington State University, and Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife initiated a preliminary cooperative study at several sites along impounded and remaining flowing reaches of Lower Snake River to determine if means to increase goose production were possible on this type impoundment system as compared to the original river conditions. During 1970, the effectiveness of about 40 goose nesting structures and several man-made islands was evaluated. Results to date have been largely negative but are considered inconclusive and premature because of disturbance by development activities. It is considered that the joint study should probably continue for about a five-year period to fully determine the effec tiveness of each of the various techniques for artificial nesting structures and/or islands as a feasible means of producing geese, and the extent of needed related development of adjoining parks, forage crops and farm pastures.
A factor which has significant bearing on mitigation procedures is the proposal for an overall mitigation plan for all four of the Lower Snake River dams. If such a plan is followed there can be some regional wildlife development which could offset the net loss at Lower Granite since there are more lands available adjacent to some of the downstream lakes which are suitable for wildlife development. The relocation effect that this procedure would cause would not result in the same distribution of wildlife as formerly and now exists within the canyon; however, it would allow for more complete mitigation on a regional basis.
Development of replacement nesting sites and provision of farmed grazing pastures for Canada geese, and plantings of woody vegetation for nongame wildlife, fur animals, and big game will provide considerable reduction of wildlife losses on project areas. Substantial reduction of project-incurred upland game losses will depend largely upon control, development, and stocking of game birds in suitable habitat. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service will provide specific recom mendations designed to offset project-caused fish and wildlife losses in a forthcoming joint report on the Lower Snake River four- dam complex. This report has been in preparation since 1966, and is now in rough draft form. Coordination with the state fish and game agencies regarding the mitigation study is conducted by the Federal fish and wildlife agencies. Such mitigation studies are funded by the Corps of Engineers at the Washington, D.C. level.
Several specific items for wildlife loss mitigation which could be undertaken, for example, are:
a. Preparation and execution of a comprehensive detailed plan of development of all project lands could be carried out for the purpose of re-establishing shoreland vegetation most suitable for food and cover for wildlife species of that area. This plan would be developed cooperatively between the Washington State Department of Game, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, and Corps of Engineers. The vegetation inventory previously mentioned is in tended to provide basic information for this type of program. b. Areas designated for fish and wildlife adjacent to existing impoundments, two on the Ice Harbor pool, five on Lower Monumental pool, and six on Little Goose pool (a total of approximately 1,400 acres for the 13 areas) could be leased by the Washington State Department of Game for habitat development with project funds to expedite mitigation.
c. Creation of island areas and artificial nesting areas for waterfowl would be considered in the development plan.
d. An average of about five permanently irrigated small naturalistic green areas per project unit (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, Lower Granite) could be developed for aesthetic value and wildlife habitat.
e. Watering devices for upland game birds could be installed on project lands and perhaps on adjacent lands through cooperation with landowners.
f. A release of pheasants and quail could be made upon re-establishment of vegetation to offset losses of brood stock incurred during the transition period.
Agricultural developments arising from the availability of irrigation waters from the development of the four dams on the Lower Snake River will have a long term and lasting impact on wildlife habitat. Most of the present irrigation is associated downstream with the Ice Harbor pool (Lake Sacajawea), and involves considerable acreage. Irrigation directly by pumping from the Lower Granite lake is expected to be less extensive due to the higher pumping lift required. Croplands which are and may become irrigated upland areas will provide additional food sources for wildlife species, and flows of irrigation water back to the canyon will result in higher ground- water levels in draws and along the shoreline. This will contribute to the formation of more extensive habitat areas along the canyon walls and on project lands. Though not a mitigative measure, this aspect of the multipurpose projects cannot be overlooked.
The Lower Granite impoundment will considerably increase the flow-through time for water in the river. For example, with a typical May-June water flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) under natural river velocity, water now passes through the 39-mile length from Asotin to the damsite in about one-fourth of a day. With Lower Granite lake this flow-through time will be extended to about 2.2 days for the same water flow. The time and difference will vary with differing water flows.!/ The effect this will have on the downstream migration of juvenile salmonids will be to delay their passage by about 4 to 6 days.?/ in the Lower Granite area. This will bring the total delay in the Snake-Columbia system (8 dams) to 30 to 50 days with a net result of increasing the number of fish which cease their seaward migration and become resident fish in the lower reservoirs. The total number of fish which would be affected in this way by the Lower Granite project is not known, but it is expected that the incidence of resident fish will increase somewhat as a result of the additional project delay. There will also be a delaying effect on the upstream migration of the adult fish but at the present time, there does not appear to be any significant mor tality associated with adult fish passing the three Lower Snake dams which are currently in operation. During some years, there is a natural temperature block?/ at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers which has been known to slow adult migration for short periods of time, but it is thought that this is largely a natural condition since data indicates that there is no significant warming of the Snake River as it passes through the present series of 3 low head dams. Lower Granite is of a design similar to the other Snake dams and it is, therefore, also expected to have no appreciable effect on the water temperatures of the Snake River and will not increase fish problems associated with the temperature blockage.
In addition to the effect on juvenile anadromous fish migration timing, the slowing of the water flow by the impoundment will also influence water quality considerations.
In 1963 and 1964, at the request of the Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers, the Public Health Service carried out a study of the Lower Granite impoundment area. The study was designed to iden tify the water uses, the waste sources, points of discharge, diffusion patterns, stream hydraulics, deoxygenation and reaeration constants, and the physical and sanitary quality of the receiving waters.
Conclusions contained in the study are listed as follows:
1/ For a low summer flow of 25,000 cfs, the river travel time is about one-third of a day, as compared with a 10-day time with the same flow under impoundment conditions. 2/ Estimated from data published by Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, now National Marine Fisheries Service. 3/ Seasonally, the Snake River temperatures are naturally higher than the Columbia River temperatures. a. "Lower Granite Reservoir can be expected to materially alter the hydraulic characteristics of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers and the rate at which organic matter will be stabilized by the natural purification processes within the stream."
b. "The impoundment will create conditions which will be more favorable to increased algal growth. Such growth will result in diurnal variations in dissolved oxygen, with super-saturated values occurring during daylight hours followed by significant reductions in dissolved oxygen during nighttime hours. Algae growths also will degrade water quality for municipal and industrial use and may create objectionable conditions in the Clearwater arm of the impoundment from which the City of Lewiston derives its water supply."
c. "It is anticipated that density currents will develop in the Lower Granite pool under summer conditions. The flow in these density currents will receive little reaeration. These conclusions are based on theoretical calculations and further study is essential to define better the complex relationships that may develop with the operation of this and other upstream and downstream reservoirs."
d. "The flow releases from the Dworshak Danw^ on the Clearwater River and Asotin Dam U on the Snake River will have a significant effect on the waste assimilative capacity and water quality in the Lower Granite pool. The highly variable flow conditions occurring under power-peaking operations of upstream hydroelectric facilities will create minimum flows which may permit the waste to concentrate around the waste outfalls, since there will be little stream move ment and little opportunity for mixing. It is doubtful that longi tudinal diffusion during peak flows will disperse these pockets of waste evenly throughout the reservoir."
e. "Future operating schedules of Asotin Reservoir on the Snake River and Dworshak and Penny Cliffs^/ Reservoirs on the Clearwater River may permit water from the Snake to flow upstream in the Clearwater arm of the Lower Granite pool, This could result in residual wastes from existing waste outfalls, at or near the con fluence of the two streams, being carried upstream to the Lewiston water supply intake area."
1/ Dworshak Dam on North Fork Clearwater River is presently begin ning initial impoundment (see discussion following on page 38-39). 2/ An authorized project not funded, designed or under construction. 3/ A potential project, now replaced by a wild river classification. f„ The creation of slack water in the Lewiston-Clarkston area will be most favorable for greatly expanded recreational use of the area for water-contact sports. This will require an extremely high degree of bacterial removal in all sewage treatment plant effluents. Also, to minimize the loss of aesthetic values which might occur as a result of foam and color from the Potlatch Forests, Inc., opera tion, the waste outfall should be designed and located to produce the maximum diffusion and mixing of wastes with the incoming streamflow. Even with this precaution, color and foam during minimum streamflow periods may be objectionable to recreational uses."
g. "Additional field data on actual reservoirs having similar characteristics are necessary to evaluate more accurately the effects of anticipated flows from upstream hydro-power operations on the quality of water in the Lower Granite pool."
Recommendations contained in the study are listed below:
a. "The Lewiston public water supply intake should be relocated to take water from above the existing Washington Water Power Company Dam on the Clearwater River."
b. "The point of discharge of wastes of the Lewiston Sewage Treatment Plant, Seabrook Farms Company, Potlatch Forests, Inc., and Bristol Packing Company, should be located a sufficient distance downstream from the mouth of the Clearwater River to remove the possibility of these wastes being moved upstream in the event of a flow reversal in the Clearwater arm of the reservoir."
c. "Maximum possible degree of suspended solids removal should be provided for all waste sources of the area."
d. "After completion of the Lower Granite Dam, additional studies should be carried out to determine the effects of the varying flows which may result from power plant operations on the temperature, dissolved oxygen, density current, and diffusion characteristics within the pool. Upstream installation should also be designed so that discharge rates and points of withdrawal can be adjusted to minimize detrimental effects of power operations."
Since the 1964 studies the waste loading to the stream has changed somewhat. The paper plant now has primary treatment and the City of Clarkston has secondary treatment. The Bristol Packing Company is no longer in operation in Clarkston, but cattle feeding operations along the upstream Snake River have increased. The Penny Cliffs project mentioned in Conclusion Number 5 will not likely be constructed since the location is now a designated wild river. At the present time Dworshak powerhouse is not authorized for or capable of major power peaking operations.
The acquisition of land for, and construction of, Lower Granite project will result in cleanup and future control of several unsightly dumping areas including a very large collection of old car bodies near North Lewiston, along the river shoreline. It will eliminate two major sources of river pollution. One of these, a meat packing plant (Bristol Packing) which discharged raw wastes into the river, has now been removed with project land acquisition. The other is a feed lot-meat produce industry which has partial waste treatment and cattle holding pens adjacent to the river. This operation is continuing on a temporary basis after meeting improved anti-pollution criteria and will be terminated with con tinued project construction.
Inasmuch as several of the Public Health Service conclusions indicated the need for further study, subsequent investigations have been underway. A considerable amount of temperature data has been collected by the Corps and other agencies on the run-of-the-river projects on the Columbia River and on the lower Snake River. Dworshak Dam is being constructed with selector gates and the operation plan calls for discharge of warm water in the summer to duplicate natural downstream river conditions instead of cold water discharges as was assumed when the 1964 report was prepared. These two factors have led to the tentative conclusion that Lower Granite lake will not develop major density currents or become thermally stratified. To be used in further investigation of this water quality aspect, a Finite Element Mathematical model is being developed^' to predict the hydrodynamics of the Lower Granite impoundment. These predictions will enable formulation of an operational plan to minimize the potential for flow reversal in the Clearwater River arm as well as aid in location and design of new waste discharge points for future industrial facilities in the Lewiston-Clarkston area. The report on the Finite Element Model is scheduled for completion in July 1972. Tentative conclusions based on use of a two-dimensional mathematical model (developed by Tennessee Valley Authority) indicate that flow reversal conditions will be of short duration, with minor problems.
1/ Work being accomplished under contract by Water Resources Engineers, Inc. for Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers. Water quality in Lower Granite lake will be determined partly by the regulation of relative flows and temperatures of the two major inflowing rivers. The incoming Snake River water is already relatively high in nutrients resulting from human activities of agriculture, industry, and urbanization in the extensive Snake River Basin of southern Idaho. The Clearwater Basin is less affected by development, with timber production and related logging being the major influencing factors. The river flow characteristics and inflow control variables of the two rivers can be used to assist in water quality management. Water temperature stratification is not expected to occur in the impoundment because of the high flow through volume of water. This is supported by the fact that it is not occurring in the Little Goose impoundment downstream. Creation of the lake will not significantly change the river temperature but it will tend to even out the present daily, or diurnal, temperature variations of the river and will contribute in some degree to extend ing the seasonal temperature change pattern. The high summertime water temperature period will be continued for several days later into the fall, and the cooler winter water temperature period may persist somewhat longer into the spring season.
In other studies, intensive research on water quality aspects of Lower Granite project is now underway through a contract with specialists from the University of Idaho and Washington State University. Results of these studies will aid in the determination of any needed project-associated treatment measures (e.g. pumpage from wells into enclosed swimming areas, upgraded effluent require ments, etc.) and changes in operational methods. Field data have been collected for the past two summer seasons and are now being analyzed in laboratory tests and data plotting activities. Study completion is scheduled for about June 1972.
Tentative conclusions indicate that the chemical and biotic water quality in Lower Granite lake will be very similar to the present water quality in Little Goose lake. The present sampling program shows there is a shift in the predominant algal forms and an increase in algal production as the river shifts from the free flowing to the impounded condition. The increase in algal produc tion at Lower Granite, based on the findings at Little Goose, is not expected to be as great as the previously cited Public Health Service report anticipated.
Recommendations of the Public Health Service concerning relocation of the Lewiston water supply intake and the conducting of additional studies are being followed. Regarding the recommen dation as to location of waste outlets, the point sources in the vicinity of Lower Granite area have secondary treatment or are scheduled for secondary treatment prior to filling of Lower Granite lake; therefore, the discharge locations are less significant in regard to bacterial input. However, there will still be inputs of nutrients from these sources.
The bacteriological data collected on the Snake River by the University of Idaho and Washington State University under contract to the Corps of Engineers during the summer of 1971 indicate that the Snake River from Lewiston downstream to a point above Central Ferry in Little Goose lake would be classified as Class C Fair using Washington State Water Quality Standards. Class C is below the standard for swimming, skiing, and other water contact activi ties. The adopted State of Washington regulations contained in "Water Quality Standards for Interstate and Coastal Waters of the State of Washington, and a plan for Implementation and Enforcement of Such Standards" indicate that the desired water quality goal for the Snake River in Washington is Class A.
The sampling stations used in the Corps-sponsored study are listed below:
Snake River
1. River Mile 154 Buffalo Eddy; flowing river above con fluence with Clearwater River
2. River Mile 139 Snake River at confluence with Clearwater River
3. River Mile 129 Flowing river; below Clearwater con fluence; near University of Idaho Laboratory Station
4. River Mile 107 Lower Granite Damsite area
5. River Mile 83 Impounded, in Little Goose reservoir (Central Ferry)
6. River Mile 18 Impounded, in Ice Harbor reservoir (Fishhook Park)
Clearwater River
1, River Mile 0 Clearwater at confluence with Snake River
2. River Mile 9 Free flowing river just above the existing Washington Water Power Dam impoundment The water quality reflected by the data collected at River Mile 129 and River Mile 107 would be classed at Class C based on total coliforms. At River Mile 83, the water would be classified as Class B based on the same parameters.
The present quality of the river water as shown by these data is degraded below acceptable levels for water content use from Lewiston downstream to Central Ferry in the Little Goose pool (Lake Bryan) area. The major effect of construction of Lower Granite reservoir will be to shift the transition point between Class B and C waters further upstream by altering the amount of distance covered before bacterial populations "die-off." It is anticipated that during low flows the bacterial die-off will have occurred by river mile 123 rather than the present river mile 83. In other words, bacterial water quality from about river mile 123 downstream into Lake Bryan will be improved by the Lower Granite impoundment.
Prior to filling of Lower Granite lake, the Asotin treatment plant is to be improved and Potlatch Forests, Inc. (PFI) and the City of Lewiston are to have secondary treatment. With the improve ment in treatment at Asotin and Lewiston, the overall bacterial quality of the river will improve. The secondary treatment at PFI will help the bacteriological quality as there will be a reduction of the organic material discharge to the river. This will help alleviate the bacterial problem somewhat in that there will be less food for bacterial use. Present local, state, and Federal pollution control planning does not call for disinfection of the PFI waste discharge, so the bacterial discharge of this input to Lower Granite lake will depend upon what bacterial populations develop in the treatment ponds. The PFI waste outfall will enter the lake waters through a diffuser to achieve improved mixing and dispersal at the discharge location. Waste discharge points will be monitored under provisions of the Refuse Act (33 USC 407) and other pollution control regulations by the Corps of Engineers, other Federal, state, and county agencies.
Another source of bacterial pollution is cattle along Lindsay Creek, Asotin Creek and in feedlots along the Snake River. The states have been working on the animal waste problem and hopefully there will be meaningful improvements from their efforts within the next few years. As mentioned above, the project is involved in a cooperative effort for water pollution reduction along the water front. Municipal sewage plants are being upgraded at community expense in conjunction with project relocation work at Lewiston, Clarkston, and Asotin; and private industries are also installing waste treatment facilities. The precise effects of the Lower Granite pool on oxygen content and algal production will be known only after impound ment. However, the analogy with the similar confluence situation in the upper McNary pool downstream on Snake and Columbia Rivers, observation of generally acceptable conditions at the three down stream impoundments on Snake River, consideration of the effects of the application of pollution control laws, and the flow regula tion possible by inflow and discharge manipulation all indicate that there will be no major oxygen and algae problems at Lower Granite lake. Localized areas of relatively high algae production may occur, especially in confined shallow inlets and side canyon locations.
Farming activity in the Snake River Basin contributes to the introduction of nutrients into the surface water system. Sediment accumulation will occur in the inlets and draws which drain agri cultural land on the rim of the river canyon, as soil erosion occurs during the on-going farming activities of the region. As the eroded soil is carried into the slack water of Lower Granite lake, it will build up in the tributary drainages and will become covered with rushes, willows and other associated vegetation to provide wildlife habitat. The average yearly accumulation of sediment in Lower Granite lake, with no additional upstream impoundments, is estimated at 3,700 acre-feet. Approximately this amount of sediment deposi tion is now occurring in downstream impoundments, which (with creation of Lower Granite lake) will subsequently be reduced. Sedimentation ranges will be established on both Clearwater and Snake River segments of the Lower Granite impoundment to monitor silt build-up conditions. Due to the large amount of water flow through, complete siltation behind the dam is not expected to occur. In the long-range view, say 1,000 to 2,000 years, much of the lake surface may be displaced by sediment build-up, resulting in a slack- water river channel bordered by a willow-covered flood plain at or near the lake level. The long-term expectancy at Lower Granite regarding siltation is very much dependent upon regional and upstream activities which influence erosion and/or sediment inflow reduction. The three existing dams upstream on the middle Snake River now detain much of the sediment generated in the upper Snake Basin. Dworshak Dam will provide a similar function in the North Fork Clear water River basin, a subbasin of the Clearwater River.
The presence of mercury in the Snake River and specifically in the Lower Granite pool area was discussed in a previous section. The Idaho Department of Health study which provided much of the infor mation used in the previous section also provided supporting evidence to confirm previous research results obtained by others concerning the positive correlation between higher mercury levels and areas of slack water. Specifically, the association of mercury with bottom sediments and its subsequent conversion to an organic form which is capable of being concentrated in various species of fish is more prevalent in impoundments than in flowing streams. The study showed that upriver in the Snake River reservoirs of American Falls, C. J. Strike, and Brownlee, mercury levels were generally high enough to merit a warning to not eat the fish caught or to at least restrict the quantity of fish eaten which are taken from these reservoirs. The data provided by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and the Idaho Depart ment of Health provides valuable guidance for future vigilance concerning the possibility of mercury occurrence in the Lower Granite pool area. Although current mercury levels in fish in the immediate pool area appear to be below this recommended level, it also appears that mercury is a common constituent in the flesh of some fish species. Some additional concentration of mercury in both the sediments and the biota of the Lower Granite pool will probably be noticed when the reservoir is in operation if findings concerning upper Snake River dams are applicable. Periodic checks on mercury levels should be maintained as part of a continuing water quality monitoring program to provide early warning of any serious mercury problems. At present, industrial activities in the Lewiston-Clarkston area do not contribute to the mercury content of the river. The Corps of Engineers- administered permit system authorized by the Refuse Act of 1899 would also be utilized, along with laws and regulations of State and Federal pollution control agencies, to insure that mercury from any future industrial sources does not become a major problem in the Lower Granite area. With such controls the project will not contribute any additional mercury to the environmental system, but may likely become involved in the distributional characteristics of the material existing in the overall drainage basin. Without Lower Granite lake, a similar effect would continue downstream at Lake Bryan (Little Goose).
Just as mercury will be present in the new lake, small amounts of pesticides and herbicides will also likely be found there. Previous agricultural use of these compounds on the farms and orchards in the canyon will probably mean that some residue will be incorporated into the lake as water levels rise. It is noted, however, that crop production and associated chemical application directly on lands to be inundated has ceased with project land acquisition, thereby allowing at least a 5 to 6 year period for herbicide and pesticide degradation. Use of these materials in surrounding farm and residential areas after impoundment may cause residue levels to continue in the future or rise depending on application practices and the various climatic factors at the time of use. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife study which was cited in relation to mercury levels also included some pesticide data. The results of this testing indicated that pesticides are present in the Snake River fishes. Some concentrations of these compounds in organisms and fishes of the waterway may be expected to continue with the impoundment. Future environmental studies should include some assessment of the degree to which these materials become concentrated in the lake organisms and fishes in order to help prevent adverse food chain effects. In any event, and as a general rule, use of pesticides and herbicides in the region should be continuously monitored to insure against excessive and improper application. A limited amount of herbicides and pesticides may be directly used in conjunction with management of Lower Granite shoreland areas; however, such use will be coordinated on a case-by- case basis with the proper regulatory authorities.
Lower Granite lake will provide favorable habitat for large- mouth bass and other warm water fish, but will be detrimental to most other species present, such as smallmouth bass, white sturgeon, and to anadromous fishes. Present steelhead fishing in the project area will be considerably reduced. The steelhead fishing activities will be concentrated in three areas: (1) about a 2-mile reach downstream from the dam, (2) in the upstream end of the lake on Snake River, and (3) in the upstream end of the lake on Clearwater River. This will tend to congregate the steelhead fishermen, and will likely result in a net decrease in steelhead fishing use. The effects of the 4-dam lower Snake River projects on sport fishing have been estimated by the Federal fish and wildlife agencies and the Washington Department of Game. These estimates conclude that without mitigation, fishing for resident fish would be reduced by 45,000 annual angler days. Regional losses related to the anadro mous fishery, including ocean fishing, would amount to 293,000 annual angler days for spring-summer chinook salmon, 172,000 annual angler days for fall run chinook salmon, and 397,000 annual angler days for steelhead fishing in the river system. Mitigation measures can offset much of this potential loss.
Facilities incorporated into the dam construction and operation will provide for passage of anadromous fish which spawn in upstream areas and migrate to and from the ocean. The dam, with the fish ladder, will present a temporary impairment to adult fish migration; however, the lake will eliminate natural temporary impairments to upstream migrants caused by rocks and swift rapids. The seaward travel of downstream migrants will be retarded by the reduced velocities through Lower Granite lake, as it is by each of the down stream projects. Even with the fish passage facilities, a small mortality rate is expected to occur with those downstream migrants passing through the generator turbines. Minimizing these turbine losses at all projects is the objective of considerable research over the past 8 to 10 years. Some improvements have been made as a result of this research, and other concepts to reduce mortality have been and are being tested. One of these which shows con siderable promise is a screen xlhich directs the downstream migrants away from the turbines and into a bypass system. Most species of migrant fish travel downstream during the spring of the year. This is also the flood runoff season when excess water that cannot be passed through the dam's generating units would be passed over the spillway. Following downstream currents these migrant fish may arrive at either the powerhouse generating units or at the spillway of the dam. There is little or no mechanically caused damage to the small fish as they pass over the spillway. However, there is a significant but uncertain mortality rate if the fish pass through the generating units portion of the dam. Turbine-caused fish mortality estimates for fish passing the powerhouses of similar projects range from about 3 percent to 30 percent depending on test procedures. The high estimate also includes those fish losses due to natural predation by squawfish and other predator fishes in the river downstream from the dam. Documented published research (Bell) indicates that an 11 percent mortality rate is an appropriate average. Studies and prototype tests have been conducted using traveling screens to deflect small fish away from the intakes to the generating units and then conduct them safely through a bypass system into the river below the dam. If, as anticipated, these tests continue to prove satisfactory, turbine-caused fish mortality can be reduced to less than 1 percent of the total downstream fish run at Lower Granite and a similar percentage at each other hydroelectric powerplant in the Columbia-Snake system. Extra powerhouse deck slots are being constructed at Lower Granite, especially to facilitate the traveling screen unit s.
A major fishery impact now under intensive study is the nitro gen supersaturation condition which occurs in the water as it passes over the spillway during the periods of high flow. Recognized as a major river problem since 1968, this condition has been found to occur at existing downstream projects, resulting in an estimated high mortality to downstream migrants and an unknown mortality to adult fish. It occurs when excessive air is entrained in the water falling over the spillways and carried into the deep basin below. The gaseous nitrogen which makes up 80 percent of the air, combines with the water under pressure and then as the water flows to the surface downstream it reaches a supersaturated condition. Fish take in the excess nitrogen which then passes through the body tissue and circulatory systems, causing bubbles to appear on the gills and under the skin when the fish approach the surface. This can directly result in death to the fish or create open sores which are subject to infection. Extensive studies are underway to over come this problem at the existing downstream projects and to provide preventive measures for use at Lower Granite. Since 1968 the National Marine Fisheries Service has been conducting intensive studies on mortalities of downstream migrant salmonids from the Snake River system. According to the results of these studies marked fish released in the Salmon River and recovered at Ice Harbor Dam had an estimated survival of essentially 100 percent prior to completion of Lower Monumental and Little Goose Dams. In 1969 after completion of Lower Monumental Dam, mortality was estimated at 30 percent and in 1970 with completion of Little Goose Dam mortality rose to 70 percent. Mortality of these fish to the estuary was estimated to be as high as 90 percent, primarily due to nitrogen supersaturation of river water. Adult returns in 1971, however, would indicate that actual mortalities to the downstream migrants may not have been as severe as predicted. The adult spring chinook salmon run in 1971 would be the return of the downstream migration in 1969 and the steelhead adult run would have resulted from the 1970 downstream migration. Both of these 1971 adult return runs into the Snake River were equal to the 10-year average and were somewhat greater than the runs of the immediate preceding years.
Solutions being studied and tested include trapping of down stream migrants and truck transporting them around the dams, redesign of Lower Granite spillway, and increasing powerhouse hydraulic capacity to allow reduction in spillway flows. This latter can be accomplished by addition and use of additional generator units in structural spaces already being provided or by installation of special slotted bulkhead gates in those spaces. The slotted bulk head gates have proven successful in prototype tests and are now being constructed for installation before next spring at the three existing lower Snake River dams. This will be accomplished to reduce nitrogen supersaturation during the 1972 and subsequent yearly spring runoff periods. Slotted bulkheads are to be installed at Lower Granite dam prior to impoundment. Additionally, studies indicate that it may be possible to use the slotted gates in con junction with the installed generator units to pass water by operating the generator units even during periods of low power demand. The procedure being tested would allow operation of the generator unit with only minimal power production. A slotted bulk head inserted in front of the turbine would dampen the energy of the flowing water. This will provide added flexibility in project operation for nitrogen supersaturation reduction. Testing on this method will be completed during mid-1972. In addition to solutions underway at projects on lower Snake River, some overall spring flow reduction is possible with the impoundment and completion of Dworshak Dam now underway.
With the truck transport program, small migrant fish are collected at Little Goose Dam. They are then transported by truck to the river below Bonneville Dam, thus significantly reducing their exposure to the dangers of nitrogen supersaturated river water, turbine passage mortality, and natural predators. A comparison of mortality rates to be obtained by counts of returning adult fish will determine the effectiveness of this method in the future fish management program for the river system. This research program is funded by the Corps of Engineers from the lower Snake River projects, with the actual activity conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Based on a limited experiment several years ago at Ice Harbor Dam, a potential conclusion is that a great increase in sur vival, and greater numbers of returning adult fish, may be possible. The Ice Harbor test by the National Marine Fisheries Service, formerly the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, yielded an adult return ratio of about 4 to 1 for transported summer chinook fish over natural river run fish.JL' Spring chinook returns were at a ratio of about 1.5 to 1. The present truck transport program will likely extend for at least three years since that much time is required to ascertain research results in counts of returning adult fish. If used as a management activity, fish may eventually be collected at Lower Granite Dam; therefore, the project is designed so as to be readily able to accommodate the collection facilities.
Spillway redesign studies for Lower Granite are now being carried out by the Corps of Engineers. A deflector (or "flip-lip") has been designed for testing in prototype at Lower Monumental Dam during the 1972 spring runoff period if approval for funding can be obtained. Modification of the Lower Granite spillway now under construction has been done in order that the new deflector can be added should it prove successful in tests. Model studies have indicated a good possibility that the spillway deflector design will aid in preventing nitrogen gas entrainment in water passed over the spillways. The deflector would reduce or moderate the deep plunging effect which generates the heavy nitrogen gas entrain ment. With a combination of the items underway and being considered, it is anticipated that satisfactory solutions will be implemented to sufficiently correct downstream conditions and to minimize the nitrogen supersaturation problem at Lower Granite.
Another project-associated impact, which would in part offset the loss of fishing availability associated with impoundment of the free-flowing stream, is the possible removal of the existing Wash ington Water Power Company Dam on Clearwater River. This would
1/ In other words, 61 adults of a group transported by truck as juveniles returned to Ice Harbor and were recaptured, as compared to 15 adults in a group marked as juveniles and allowed to migrate in the river system as test control fish. eliminate a plant with 10 kilowatts of power production but would return about 5 miles of river to a free-flowing state. Studies on this aspect of the project are still underway; however, a coordi nated decision with Federal, State, and industrial interests will be reached as detailed project design work proceeds.
With the principle anadromous fish species of the Snake River, an overall objective or goal will be to insure maintenance of the present sized average adult runs of about 36,000 spring chinook salmon, 24,000 summer chinook salmon, 17,000 fall chinook salmon, and 69,000 steelhead trout. This will involve both natural pro duction and hatchery propagation. Hatchery facilities for steelhead and salmon already exist at Dworshak, Rapid River, and Kooskia. Other hatcheries in Idaho (Niagara) and along the lower Columbia River are used to produce anadromous fish for the Snake River system. These are operated by both State and Federal agencies.
Specific fishery mitigation measures for the lower Snake project will be recommended in the pending final report of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and will be further coordinated as details are worked out. Impacts to be considered would include loss of spawning area for chinook salmon and steelhead trout, loss of steelhead fishing opportunity, and loss of fishing opportunity for certain resident species. Action on mitigation proposals would require Congressional authorization and appropriations for measures covering the entire four-dam lower Snake River project.
Some items which possibly could be accomplished as mitigative measures include:
a. Hatchery facilities could be constructed to hatch and rear the progeny of adult fall chinook salmon to offset lost spawning areas inundated by the project. The location of the facilities could be in the lower Columbia River, preferably accomplished by enlarging an existing hatchery.
b. Hatchery facilities could be constructed to hatch and rear young steelhead to mitigate lost spawning areas for this species inundated by the projects. Facilities would be located through negotiations with the Idaho and Washington state fish and game agencies, the Federal fish and wildlife agencies, and the Corps of Engineers.
c. Hatchery facilities could perhaps be provided for production of steelhead smolts for release in the reservoirs at selected loca tions to attempt to develop a sport fishery on the return steelhead adults in these homing areas. Hatchery facilities for these steel- head could be combined at one location with those mentioned in item b. above.
d. Hatchery facilities could be constructed to rear rainbow trout to 3 per pound for stocking sub-impoundments along the edges of the lakes for mitigation of lost fishery on resident species. This would be a substitute species used to replace the types of adversely affected resident fish now found in the river. The trout hatchery could be combined with the steelhead production facilities.
e. A survey would be conducted to select locations along the Snake River impoundments for release of steelhead smolts for sport fishing and to select areas and determine costs for development of sub-impoundments in the embayments of the reservoirs to create trout fishing ponds for mitigation of resident fishery losses.
Alternative fishery mitigation actions which could be further considered are briefly listed as follows:
a. Resident fishery improvement with smallmouth bass production hatchery. This concept is very much compatible with the biological conditions of the impoundments but would not result in the type of fishing desired by many regional fishermen. Preference is largely for steelhead and trout. Warm water fishing interest is nearly satisfied at this time by present natural production potentials. Should regional fishing preference change, hatchery production of smallmouth bass for stocking in the lower Snake River impoundments would be the most logical resident fishery objective.
b. Resident fish mitigation by creation of tributary trout ponds such as Jubilee Lake!/ in the northern Blue Mountain headwater drainages if suitable locations are available. This action would likely result in better trout habitat than the project sub impoundments. However, it would relocate the resident fishing activity away from the Snake River to a different part of the region and would likely impact U.S. Forest Service recreation activities in the mountain area. Some associated facilities would be required to make use of the created mountain recreation poten tials.
1/ Jubilee Lake is a 97-acre surface area impoundment for fishing with an adjacent campground for recreation, jointly developed by the Oregon State Game Commission and U.S. Forest Service. It is located in the middle portion of the Blue Mountains in the Umatilla National Forest. c. Improved resident fishing access to tributary streams. Although not directly associated with the project area, this action would allow greater use of the existing regional resident fishery through acquisition of public access easements. It would adversely affect private streambank owners, local tax structures, and have major political ramifications, and may likely not be possible in light of the already large Federal acquisition required by the lower Snake project
\ With the impoundment, the reptiles, as with the other forms of wildlife, will be concentrated into the remaining habitat and will be subject to many of the same pressures as other wildlife, such as predation and food resource competition. The more amphibious species, such as frogs, will likely have a very difficult time making the transition since the complete existing riverbank habitat will be eliminated. The dryland species can move more readily into the undisturbed upland canyon areas. Stable, and somewhat lower populations of reptiles, will become established in the lands surrounding the lake soon after water levels become established.
With the impoundment, it is expected that a slight overall decrease in land-based insect populations will occur as a result of the decrease in land area habitat. Total populations of aquatic- associated insects such as caddis-flies will likely remain about the same as now present, although some species and subspecies change may occur as a result of impoundment conditions.
At the request of the Corps of Engineers, studies of possible vector problems were conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service in conjunction with both the Washington and Idaho Departments of Health in 1963. Vector problems are not expected to increase as a result of project construction; however, some possibility for vector- borne disease does exist due to the known occurrence of certain of these diseases in the counties surrounding the project. Encephalitis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, occurs in the project area as well as equine encephalitis. The major vector for these diseases, the mosquito Culex tarsalis, does occur in the area. There have been no major outbreaks of either of the diseases in the area in recent years and with continued use of proper precautions, no problem is likely to occur. Somewhat more of a problem may be caused by several species of the Aedes mosquito which are vicious biters and at times can develop populations large enough to make outdoor recreation very unpleasant. These mosquitoes do not usually carry disease but secondary infections often occur, especially in children due to scratching of the bites. In addi tion to the annoyance of humans, mosquitoes can also cause severe economic losses by lowering meat and milk production, by reducing the efficiency of agricultural and industrial workers, by interfering with recreational enterprises, and by lowering the value of real estate. Since the major part of the shoreline of the Lower Granite area will be steep with sparse vegetation and exposure to wave action there should be no problems with mosquito production in the main reservoir area. The ditches behind the levees in the Lewiston-Clarkston area will provide necessary drain age behind the levees to prevent occurrence of mosquito breeding habitat. The five drainage ponding areas behind the levees will be shaped to minimize mosquito breeding conditions. Supplemental control is possible with mosquito fish (Gambusia) or limited chemical application as may be desired.
Terrestrial vectors such as ticks, mites, fleas, and flies and rodents such as ground squirrels, rats, mice, and chipmunks are capable of transmitting several diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, plague, bacillary dysentery, and typhoid. Measures which would prevent these vector problems are especially important in the developed recreation sites and are considered in design of facilities. Problems with terrestrial vectors are not expected to arise due to project construction since prevention is relatively easy and part of normal maintenance operations.
In summary, major problems with vector-borne diseases or animal and insect pests are not likely to be associated with the Lower Granite project. Various preventative measures, such as provision for adequate drainage of ponding areas and removal of refuse piles are well within design and operation capability. Proper consideration of public health problems is an important part of project design and maintenance objectives.
The impoundment will not alter the wind patterns within the canyon; however, the absence of strong water currents in the impound ment will allow increased action at the air-water interface. As a basis for comparison of the wind-wave relationship, it is known that for deep water lakes a wave of less than one foot is created by a 10-mile-per-hour wind of half-hour duration with a fetch of about one mile. Since the average wind speed at Lewiston is about one-half of the 10-mile-per-hour figure, it is expected that waves of about six inches in height from crest to trough will be most common. Wind-wave action may be somewhat greater in the deeper canyon area near the dam as a result of the stronger directional canyon con figuration and potentially longer fetch available. Recreational activities are not expected to be significantly affected by wind- wave action except on the infrequent days of high wind speed.
At Lower Granite lake a small amount of stream depletion may occur with irrigation facilities in the waterside recreation and wildlife areas. Also, studies are underway regarding the possibility of modifying the project to include the purpose of municipal water for the communities of Pullman and Moscow, about 12 to 20 miles to the north. With an intake at Wawawai, a water treatment plant nearby, and a buried pipeline connecting to the existing city distribution systems, the potential exists for withdrawal of as much as 25,000 acre-feet per year. This concept is still under going evaluation by local authorities. It is very likely that other withdrawals from the lake for irrigation, municipal, and industrial purposes will be proposed in the future. These would be subject to state water right laws and regulations.
The lake will have a slight effect on micro-climatic conditions due to increased evaporation from the larger water surface. With an average evaporation rate of about 37 inches per year, the river now evaporates an estimated 16,000 acre-feet per year. With impound ment conditions this will increase to about 27,000 acre-feet per year, for a net increase of 11,000 acre-feet. Total average volume of flow of Lower Snake River is 36,080,000 acre-feet.
Debris which floats down the incoming rivers and enters the lake will be collected and removed from the waterway. Several alternatives are available for disposal of the material including distribution to local citizens for firewood, placement in a landfill area, chipping for use in building materials or as a mulch, or selective controlled burning. It is likely that several of the various methods will be used in combination; however, burning would be the least desirable and a last-choice alternative due to the air pollution factor.
The lake created by the dam will fluctuate over a 5-foot operating range (elevation 733 and 738) for river regulation and power production. Ordinarily, the lake would not be expected to fluctuate more than about 1 to 2 feet within this 5-foot range over a 24-hour period. This daily fluctuation could be expected to drift within the full 5-foot range over a weekly period. Project- associated features, such as recreation facilities, will be constructed to perform over the entire 5-foot operating range. Fluctuations in the shallower areas can have a negative effect on largemouth bass and other spiny-rayed fish production due to drying of eggs during the spawning season. This would be a minimal occurrence due to paucity of shallow pool areas and the relatively constant pool created by high water conditions during the usual spring bass spawning period. During the high river flows of the spring runoff season the lake will be lowered at the dam in order to minimize the backwater effect and maintain a relatively constant surface level in the Lewiston-Clarkston area. The magnitude of such fluctuations resulting from the power peaking cycle can be carefully controlled by regulation procedures to prevent safety hazards and other major adverse environmental conditions. A systemwide plan is being formulated to integrate the operation of Lower Granite project with the others on the waterway. Minimum seasonal flows will be established, primarily to facilitate fish migration. Although numerous future combinations of operating schemes could be devised to integrate Lower Granite with the many power production plants in the system, the following example has been selected to illustrate a typical fluctuation pattern resulting from the power peaking operation.
In general, the greatest need for power peaking occurs most often during the months of January, February, and March when stream- flows are relatively low and energy demand in the Pacific Northwest is high due to heating and greater lighting requirements. On a daily basis electrical energy is needed in greater amounts during the working hours and early evening, from about nine in the morning to about 9 in the evening. With a power operation schedule tailored to the winter load pattern, it could be expected that the lake level would be near elevation 738 (mean sea level) on Monday morning with about a 1-1/2 foot drawdown through the day. The lake could refill somewhat at night, say to elevation 737, and then repeat the 1-1/2 foot drawdown the next day. Following such a pattern the lake could gradually move to the 733 level by Friday and then gradually refill to the 738 level by Monday morning. Such a pattern is only tenta tive, however, since the Lower Granite powerhouse can be operated to serve only an increment of the regional load and may not be used for the complete cycle. Power peaking operation and lake fluctuations could be most pronounced in the winter time and late summer during low flow periods, and could be essentially unnoticed during the spring and early summer when river flows are high.
With three initial generators installed, Lower Granite power- plant will have a production capacity of 405,000 kilowatts. With ultimate installation of 6 generator units the plant would have 810,000 kilowatts ultimate capacity of hydroelectric power. Power produced at Lower Granite project would be marketed by Bonneville Power Administration. This agency has been forced to seek new sources of power to meet rising demands. Lack of available gener ating capacity has periodically forced curtailed delivery of interruptible energy (that energy which was sold to consumers with the understanding that in times of shortage the supply of electricity would be cut off or reduced). Plans are underway to expand other powerplants in the system wherever possible. Com pletion of Lower Granite project will help meet existing and anticipated electric power needs. With use of a non-consumptive, renewable resource, power will be produced at Lower Granite project creating no thermal or air pollution, which are environmental problems to be overcome with other types of plants. The production of power at Lower Granite will result in construction of an electric substation and transmission lines by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), connecting the new facilities to the regional distribution system.1/ These transmission facilities will become an added element in the landscape.
The project will complete the authorized navigable waterway to Lewiston, Idaho. It will facilitate the transport of bulk commodi ties throughout the system and will allow increased socio-economic growth in the region. A measure of population dispersal from other more highly urbanized regions will be possible. In cooperation with the Port of Whitman, Port of Lewiston, and the Port of Clarkston, major new industrial sites will be provided at Wilma Bar and North Lewiston, close to Lewiston and Clarkston, increasing job oppor tunities in the area. Commodities which could be transported using the navigation system will likely include industrial and commercial chemicals, petroleum products, grain, lumber, wood chips, paper and wood products. Handling of these materials and the new industrial activity will influence the aesthetic character and pollution potentials at and near the sites involved. The nature of this influence is dependent upon the types of new industry which may develop and the regulatory controls applied. With the project, a higher degree of water pollution control may be needed to insure against water quality problems. The potential for chemical and oil spills will be present, as well as the likelihood of additional waste discharges. The Refuse Act permit program will be used in conjunction with laws and regulations of other agencies to control and monitor the quality of industrial discharges of existing and new point sources.
Creation of the lake will change the visual detail throughout the bottom of the river canyon. The moving river will be replaced by the slack water lake. The visual qualities of most of the canyon itself will remain much the same as now exists, as the project will not affect the major portion of the canyon walls, side drainages, and ridges. Recreational boaters on the lake especially will be in a position to enjoy the scenery of the canyon slopes and basalt ledges protruding above.
1/ Transmission lines involved are the Little Goose-Lower Granite line (31 miles long) and the Lower-Granite-Hatwai-Dworshak line (66 miles long) which were covered in an environmental impact statement written by BPA and filed with the Council on Environ mental Quality on 6 April 1971. The levees at Lewiston will create a defined shoreline, most noticeable from boats on the lake. These levees will screen the present heterogenous commercial and industrial shoreline complex from the view of the boaters. The levees will also block the view of the river's edge from the commercial area of Lewiston. Associated with a portion of the levees will be the development of a l-l/2-mile truck bypass road which is desired by Lewiston city officials. The city plans to contribute funds in order that the new road can be included with the levee work. This bypass will relocate the through traffic, noise, and fumes now present several blocks to the south in the down town area to near the levee. These levees will prevent flood damages in the Lewiston area and will be approximately 2 to 4 feet higher than would otherwise be required to provide Lewiston with an equal degree of protection from flood conditions of the natural river without the dam and lake. Levees were not previously provided since it has been anticipated that they would be included with the overall lower Snake River development. Beautification measures with land scape planting and recreation development for day-use activities are to be provided with the levees as appropriate in selected locations. Two of the drainage ponding areas which are part of the levees are being designed as public play fields with lawn grass and landscape treatment. Tentative plans include a pedestrian and bicycle path along the top of the Lewiston levee extending from Memorial Bridge to the Snake River end. Five connections, including two highway overcrossing units, are being planned to link the levee pathway with the urban fabric. Waterfront decks and short-term boat tie-up docks are to be provided for sitting, fishing, etc.
The type of recreation dependent upon the flowing river will be eliminated by the impoundment. The 41 riverside sandbars will be inundated, although some of the sand will be salvaged for use in new beach construction. The 6 existing unprotected moorage facili ties on the river which now accommodate about 270 boats will be replaced with two major marinas, and a possible satellite moorage area, having total initial berths for 480 boats and an ultimate capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 boats, all fully protected from current and wave action. These marinas will be equipped with waste handling facilities to prevent pollution. Waste discharge regulations for boat operators are being adopted by State and Federal pollution control agencies. Access points and park areas are to be developed for public recreational enjoyment with facilities for picnicking, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities. In cooperation with non-Federal interests, facilities can be provided to accommo date an ultimate attendance of an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 visitors annually, providing convenient recreational opportunities for the adjacent Lewiston-Clarkston and nearby Pullman-Moscow urban populations. A major park facility is being planned for the Tammany Creek area of the project in conjunction with the Idaho State Department of Parks. Chief Timothy Park on an island to be created near Silcott when water levels rise will be developed for public recreation. The Washington State Parks Commission has visited the site and has expressed interest in participation at Chief Timothy Park. Looking Glass Park at Asotin is being developed in coopera tion with the community officials. Swallows Park will be developed in cooperation with Asotin County.— Recreation now occurring on sand bars near the river, notably at Clarkston Beach, will be dis placed. New beaches will be provided as part of the project development. Extensive planting of grass and trees will be included. Waste and sewage facilities at the recreation areas will be designed and installed consistent with applicable pollution control standards. Garbage and litter collected in recreation areas will be deposited in established city or county disposal areas, or in an appropriate manner at another approved disposal site.
The relocation of the Whitman County road bordering the north side of the river will provide for continued pleasure driving in the canyon as well as waterside recreational access to a number of dispersed shoreland areas along this reach. Other dispersed shore- lands along the south side and upstream reaches will be available for informal recreational use. Still other shorelands will be available for informal recreational use with access by boat. Public access along the shorelands of the lake will be preserved for present and future generations. With the lake the opportunity for general recreation activities, such as boating, water skiing, and picnicking, will be improved.
Private development adjacent to project lands has been stimu lated by the anticipated creation of the lake, with on-going construction of residential and recreational trailer facilities at Wawawai and near Silcott, on the canyon hillsides.
Highway relocation near Clarkston will result in modification of the golf course located on the west side of the community. A modification design has been prepared, with the assistance of a consultant golf course architect.
Project land acquisition has created a social and relocational impact upon persons living or owning property along the river. An indication as to the extent of homes and other items affected is contained later on page 74. Impact of an economic nature resulting from public acquisition of private land is expected to be of general short duration as the immediate loss of tax base will likely be offset by the economic growth generated following water way development. This aspect is also mentioned in additional detail on page 69. Construction activities, including railroad and highway relocations, will create an impact upon the landscape. Relocated roads and highways are to be constructed to improved standards, facilitating smooth, safe travel. Whitman County Road 900 and Washington State Highway 12 would be markedly improved. Roads and railroads will result in a strong linear visual element adjacent to the lake in the canyon. The county road will be located on the water side of the railroad in order to facilitate shoreland access. In several locations the new facilities will encroach on the existing river for the one- or two-year period between their construction and the lake impoundment. The associated earthwork activities will result in disturbance to the vegetative cover along the new routes. Disturbed lands will be seeded with dryland grasses to restore vegetative cover. Roadside clutter, such as advertising signs and billboards, will not be permitted on Federally owned project lands adjacent to the new roadways in order to protect the remaining natural scenery. Borrow sources will create visual scars, but wherever possible the gravel pits and rock quarries are being selected in locations which will either be covered with water when the lake is impounded or where they will be mostly unnoticeable from major roadways and other areas in public view. Contractors working on the project are and will be required to conform to applicable Federal and state laws in order to minimize the adverse impacts of the construction process. In this connection, the contractor building the dam is now required to use settling ponds for waste water to reduce potential river turbidity caused by construction.
Swallows Nest Rock, a prominent outcrop near the shoreline about 2 miles upstream from Clarkston, will be unaffected by the project except as it becomes a visual element related to one of the project recreation areas. Granite Point, and a companion granite outcrop across the river 6 miles upstream of the dam, will be partially eliminated. A point of rock will be left on the northside to create an island in the lake.
Archeological sites have been and are being excavated by teams of university archeologists. As a result of the Antiquities Act these deposits on the Federally acquired lands are protected from "pot-hunters" and vandals. Any aboriginal remains below elevation 738 and not excavated, will be inundated. Historical locations, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition camp areas, will be inundated although a memorial she1t ,r and display is planned to be located adjacent to the Lewie ecu levee at the confluence of Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Kavkers or monuments do not presently exist at the two expedition camp.areas. The historic church at Asotin will be protected from flood damage and preserved. Chief Timothy Recrea tion Area and Chief Looking Glass Park have been named to commemorate prominent Nez Perce Indians who lived nearby each of the respective locations. Petroglyphs near Silcott will be salvaged to the extent possible, for use as interpretive features in the Chief Timothy Recreation area or other suitable locations. It may not be possible to salvage all of the glyphs due to rock breakage.
The environmental studies completed or underway are conducted to provide essential information for use in continuing design, development, and operation for beneficial multiple purpose activi ties. As shown by the schedule on the following page, all studies except the post-impoundment monitoring are expected to be complete prior to pool impoundment. Fish and wildlife mitigation develop ment will also extend beyond impoundment for shoreland habitat re-establishment, and fishery activities. It is not anticipated that any delay in project construction will aid in environmental evaluation necessary for major irreversible decisions on development or design. A delay in impoundment would allow additional time for archeological salvage provided that archeological funding continued. Information obtained as a result of the other on-going studies will be routinely incorporated in the continuing project design process. Post-impoundment studies and/or future new technological innovations will provide the basis for future desirable operational plans or facilities updating for environmental improvement.
4. Adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented. The project would inundate 44 miles of flowing river (39 on Snake River and 5 on Clearwater River), including pools and moderate rapids. The personality of the existing river canyon, with the active stream and river bar benches, will be modified. About 8,700 acres of private land, including a small amount of farm and orchard land, is being acquired. About 3,260 acres of this land, along with 5,640 acres of the river surface, will be inundated to form the new lake.
Since salmon and steelhead will not normally spawn in reservoirs, any spawning activity that now occurs in the 44 miles of river must be considered eliminated by the impoundment, and will require arti ficial propagation to offset the loss. Steelhead fishing in the down stream lakes is generally unproductive. Studies show that the anadromous fish have a definite travel route through the lakes and swim in 5 to 30 feet of water depth. In 1969 a fishing method experi ment was carried out at Lake Sacajawea (Ice Harbor project) to identify ways and lures to catch adult steelhead as they passed through the lakes. Although 22 fish were caught in the slack water during the experiment, the catch rate per effort expended was much lower than is now experienced in the river at the Lower Granite project area. Until sport fishermen may develop more successful techniques for harvesting steelhead in such lakes, there will be substantial reduction in the number of steelhead fish caught in the project area as a result of the lost river fishing opportunity. The steelhead fishing activity generally will be concentrated below the dam and at the upstream end of the project.
As previously described, it has been found that fish fatalities occur at other similar type dams in the region due to nitrogen gas supersaturation in the water during periods of high spillway flow. Intensive studies, including nitrogen monitoring and truck-transport research, are underway; and solutions are being implemented, such as the slotted bulkhead gate installations, to correct the problem. As a result of turbine-caused mortality to downstream migrating fish, the traveling screen for the powerhouse intake has been devised. In the unexpected event that significant fish mortalities continue to occur, even after use of the screen and all possible nitrogen reduction measures, hatchery mitigation may be needed to maintain a high level of returning adult fish. Certain species of fish, such as white sturgeon and smallmouth bass, will be adversely affected. Losses in smallmouth bass production will occur mostly as a result of lost spawning gravels, while the effect on sturgeon will come from a combination of factors less well defined. The impoundment will delay the outmigration of juvenile anadromous fish by about 4 to 6 days. Water quality factors discussed in the preceding sections will require that careful attention be given to nutrient and bacterial inputs and industrial spillage prevention. The creation of an impound ment at the confluence of two major river drainage areas will accentuate the need for regional water quality management.
Even though wildlife habitat replacement is undertaken, partial loss of some animals and birds is expected. Resident goose production in the project area will likely decrease by about 100 to 300 birds, unless mitigation efforts are fully successful. Pheasant populations will decrease, requiring a restocking effort when the mitigation habitat is developed. Birds of prey, such as the osprey, will likely move to the more remote sections of the canyon or leave the area.
Nearly all archeological sites will be inundated. The National Park Service has only limited funds to provide for archeological salvage during the remaining time prior to impoundment. Three major sites have been examined to date. Should potential legislation — be enacted in the near future, it may be possible to accelerate archeo logical recovery by use of Lower Granite project funds to support increased efforts by the university archeological crews. In lieu of this, it would be highly desirable for the National Park Service to receive additional funds for archeological salvage at Lower Granite. Historical sites, such as the lands which were the two Lewis and Clark expedition campsites, will be inundated.
Construction activities will result in some temporary environ mental disturbance with equipment operations and earthwork. This temporary disturbance will create some traffic disruption and noise and will be most noticeable in and near the communities of Lewiston, Clarkston, and Asotin. Several borrow sources will remain visible to some degree, even though restoration measures will be undertaken as feasible. Increase in river turbidity will occur in localized areas as levee construction and relocation activities are carried out. The construction activities will be carefully controlled to minimize this temporary impact to avoid major adverse effects. 5. Alternatives to the proposed action. Abandonment of the project is an alternative. The annual net }J economic benefits of about $4.3 million would be foregone. Approximately $90 million already invested at the Lower Granite site would be wasted and additional funds would be required to terminate existing contracts. With this alternative, the flowing stream would remain and the project effects on fish and wildlife discussed in previous paragraphs would not occur. The multiple purposes of Lower Granite project are chiefly navigation and power production, with other significant provisions for flood pro tection at Lewiston and for public outdoor recreation.
Various single-purpose alternatives can be identified. Without completion of Lower Granite Lock and Dam, modern-day barge trans portation to the Lewiston-Clarkston area would not be possible, and the navigation benefits accruing to the existing three lower Snake River projects would be substantially reduced. It is conceivable that a limited navigation channel could be developed to serve the Lewiston area; however, such a channel would have restricted use potentials because of high velocities and hazardous alignment. Low flow augmentation would likely be required, and continued maintenance dredging would be needed. Although impoundment conditions would not be present, the channel alternative would likely create a very high environmental impact within the river and at dredge waste disposal sites. In lieu of barge transport of bulk commodities, a tremendous increase in use and efficiency of truck and rail systems would be required to provide equivalent service, assuming that the Lewiston area would continue to develop. Hydroelectric power can be produced without air pollution or heat waste problems, and more economically, at Lower Granite project than by current technology at atomic or fossil fuel thermal stations. Hydroelectric powerplants, which make use of a renewable natural resource, have greater flexibility for meeting peak demands than other type plants and are considered to be needed in the region to complement additional thermal units. The hydroelectric alternative to the Lower Granite powerplant would be a dam and generator units of equal capacity at another location. Installation of additional generators at downstream hydroelectric powerplants is not a direct alternative as later explained on page 89. Without Lower Granite construction, local flood protection measures would be required at Lewiston to give the same degree of protection with levees almost as high as those provided by the project. The river now has a somewhat different waste assimilation capacity than will be present with the lake, although improved sewerage and waste treat ment measures would still be required to provide a high level of water quality, particularly in terms of bacterial contamination.
The opportunities for recreational pleasure boat cruises from downstream cities to the Lewiston area are now limited by the restricted and hazardous navigability of the open river. In the early part of this century a 5-foot deep channel was developed and main tained; however, this channel has now deteriorated with shoaling and increased rapids. Restoration of this channel, with some impact on aquatic habitat and shoreland work areas, would provide improved recreational boating for the casual boater but would tend to decrease the "white water" boating opportunity now afforded by the river. Improvement of marinas and development of other recreational facilities in the region could provide outdoor recreational opportunities in lieu of those provided by the project.
The various single-purpose alternatives described above would likely not be possible within the same time frame and with the same unified, coordinated program which accompanies the project.
The question of a no-growth alternative or the growth associated with the project purposes, the single-purpose alternatives, and any further development of the region raises highly philosophical and political issues regarding population increases, resource allocation, and the man-nature relationship. Lower Granite project will help to generate new growth; it will likely also act in a distributional manner with a transfer of growth which would otherwise occur elsewhere, or in another region of the nation. Whether or not such growth is desirable depends largely upon personal viewpoints and the relation ship of individuals to the impacts involved. No conclusion is attempted here. Resource allocation can be viewed in the traditional sense of national economic efficiency (the least cost to the most benefit), and also in the distributional sense (who benefits and who pays the costs). Related to both types of allocation are both monetary and non-dollar benefits and costs. For the Lower Granite project, the national economic efficiency test results in a positive benefit- cost ratio. Some of the more obvious distributional impacts relate to gain of navigation for transportation and industrial interests, an increment of gain for electric power users, a compensated property loss for individual landowners in the project area, a loss of steel- head fishing opportunity for fishermen, and perhaps even the more intangible loss of the existing semi-wild river and canyon setting as a relatively unaltered element of nature. Any conclusion regarding growth and no-growth alternatives should logically attempt the difficult, if not impossible, task of balancing all of the long-term efficiency and distributional variables. Subsequent to Congressional authorization of the Snake River project, a number of detailed project formulation and design alter natives have been and are under study for Lower Granite Lock and Dam.
The alternative for different lake surface elevations was studied during the early phases of project planning. Before selection of the elevation 738 pool level, an investigation was made of a number of alternative project heights. These studies were carried out in 1962 and 1963, and public meetings to coordinate and present conclusions of the studies were held in Lewiston, Clarkston, and Asotin. No opposition to the selected elevation was expressed at that time. The range of elevations studied was from 730 to 745 msl. Even though economic analyses favored the higher pool level, it was decided that the elevation 745 would create undue disruption of the existing community development and unnecessarily inundate a portion of the river and associated shorelands. The elevation of 730 was found to be ineffective to provide the authorized navigation to Lewiston for modern barge and tow equipment without extensive dredging.
Another important factor in final selection of pool level was maintenance of the fucure ability to navigate to the authorized Asotin Dam. In planning river developments it is necessary to take into account all possible future developments, particularly those authorized by the Congress, to insure against underdevelopment of a valuable damsite. At that time Asotin was a "sure project." Since then, public opinion has changed and Asotin is less probable. How ever, this change only serves to indicate that the desires of the public change through the years and that local and national goals could very easily reverse again during the next decade or two. The present height of Granite pool provides for this contingency at a cost fully paid for by sale of the additional power resulting from the added head at the dam. For these reasons, the pool level selection is as valid today as it was when made about eight years ago.
Subsequently, a lake level of elevation 726 was studied, and it was found that, in addition to major difficulties in navigation channel and harbor dredging, levees only a few feet lower in height would still be needed for flood protection in the Lewiston area. An elevation 726 pool level would result in about a 12-percent reduction in power output as compared to the project design presently under construction. Even though project impacts on fish and wildlife would be reduced, since less river would be impounded with a lower lake level, recent studies have not been made for levels lower than elevation 726 because such a project is not considered to be respon sive to the long-range Congressionally authorized objective of satisfactory navigation to Lewiston. Levees would still be desirable to protect Lewiston from flooding by the natural stream. An alternative for a project with a lake surface elevation of 715 msl was contained in House Document 704 as a unit of the original ten-dam plan. With the plan, it was estimated that navigation would be possible at all times except for about two months when rivers were blocked by ice or when velocities were too high during floods. The objective of the original plan was to provide a minimum five-foot- deep navigation system. A lake surface elevation of 715 msl would provide the minimum five-foot depth at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, and at the same time would not result in impoundment much further upstream. This would leave about 10 miles of open-river conditions available for steelhead fishing and related uses not possible with implementation of the present Lower Granite design. A major factor in selection of the present design is the fact that modern barge transportation equipment requires depths greater than the five-foot criteria. Coupled with this would be the difficulties of harbor and maneuver area development necessary to accommodate modern barge traffic. With a lake at elevation 715, considerable channel dredging and river disturbance would likely occur in the Clarkston-Lewiston area in development of navigation terminal facili ties. Levees would be required to protect portions of Lewiston from river flooding, and these would be about two to four feet lower than those now being designed as part of the Lower Granite work. Levees, in the absence of the Lower Granite impoundment, would need a separate Congressional authorization, with local cost-sharing requirements.
In general, a design alternative for varied maximum lake levels exists for each increment of measurement throughout the 100-foot height range of Lower Granite Dam. With each increment of height, additional river is impounded, improving power production and navi gation, but thereby displacing steelhead fishing. An impoundment with a surface elevation of 700 feet msl, for example, would back water to a point in the river opposite the Clarkston airstrip at River Mile 138.4, or about one mile downstream from the confluence of Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Conceivably, environmental design alternatives also exist for creation of a dam of much greater height than the present 100 feet which would require complete relocation of major portions of Clarkston, Lewiston, and Asotin; however, such alter natives are markedly affected by social and economical constraints.
Alternatives are available to be used to help overcome the problem of nitrogen supersaturation now occurring at points downstream. The three downstream powerplants on Snake River each have only three generators installed, each with spaces for three future units. One alternative would have been to construct the project with a full complement of six turbines that would be essentially operational at the time of impoundment. This is infeasible because of timing and necessity to use the skeleton bays for final diversion of the river during construction of the rock embankment portion of the dam. A variation of the alternative is to have three units operational at the time of filling and utilize the three vacant turbine intakes, with slotted bulkhead gates, to pass flows. This alternative will reduce the amount of spilling required during high river flows and is now planned as a part of initial construction.
Use of the navigation lock to bypass water was considered and tried unsuccessfully at another of the Snake River projects. As explained previously, revised spillway design is being studied for Lower Granite Dam and construction is being accomplished to permit use of this alternative. Another more long-term alternative is the creation of additional storage reservoirs in upstream tributaries to catch the high spring runoff for more gradual release during the low streamflow periods. This would be an incidental improvement resulting from flood control or multiple-purpose storage but would not likely become a single purpose for upstream reservoir storage unless present solutions to the problem should prove insufficient. Management alternatives also are considered with respect to nitrogen- caused fishery problems. One of these used last year on the river system was flow reduction (short-term upstream storage) and controlled timing of release of fish, thereby minimizing the exposure of juvenile migrant fish to the adverse spill conditions. Another potential technique being investigated, as part of the fish transport research previously mentioned, is direct placement in the tidewater of young hatchery-reared fingerlings. The homing instinct of the anadromous' fish must be better understood for conclusions to be drawn regarding this possibility. Some data should result from the transport research by 1974. 6. The relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity. During construction of the project disturbance to ecological systems (vegetation, wildlife, etc.) and interruption of permanent transportation facilities and utilities will occur as the work is carried out. Landscape details in some places will remain altered by earthwork activities, and with relocation of roads, railroads, and utilities. Natural resiliency and adaptation of the disturbed ecological systems will help many of the construction scars recover; however, a time lag of perhaps 5 to 10 years or more will be required before some of the construction scars will be healed by vegetative regrowth. Where rock is left as a surface material or used on shorelands, botanical recovery will be retarded or nil. The riverbank alluvial soils will be covered by the lake and will be disturbed by construction activities. Shoreline erosion will occur at several locations on the edge of the lake for a number of years. Significant reduction of project-incurred biological losses will require an extensive restoration program. Project design and operation plans include measures to assist the recovery in a number of selected areas.
It is essential to both the short-term and long-term continu ation of the anadromous fish industry in Snake and Columbia Rivers that immediate and satisfactory steps be taken to prevent the severe fish mortalities caused by nitrogen supersaturated waters which pass over the spillways during the high spring flows. Continued expedited work will be carried out on this problem until a solution is achieved.
An adverse effect of Lower Granite project will be a reduction in the number of steelhead trout harvested for sport in the affected 39-mile reach of Snake and 5-mile length of Clearwater Rivers, although they generally will be available for harvesting upstream on Snake and Clearwater Rivers. This will be both a short-term and a long-term effect, except fishermen may possibly come, upon a technique in the future which will allow greater harvest of the available steelhead fish as they pass through the impounded waters. Tentative mitigation measures have been previously discussed in this statement. Measures to reduce fish and wildlife losses will be further considered whenever the anticipated final report is received from the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Justifiable mitigation or enhancement measures will be provided subject to authorization and appropriations by the Congress. Even though mitigation measures are undertaken, the project will result in a long-term decrease in productivity affecting some species of fish and wildlife, such as white sturgeon, smallmouth bass, and Canada goose production in the project area. A long-term increase is expected with resident species of warm water fish such as catfish, carp, bluegill, crappie, and other similar species.
The project will enhance the overall long-term human producti vity of the region through providing a navigable waterway for the movement of an estimated 1.174 million— ' tons of commerce annually. Completion of this inland waterway to Lewiston is expected to generate some long-term growth and diversity in the regional socio-economic base and provide opportunity for some measure of population dispersal to sparsely settled lands in the vicinity of the navigation system. Also, it will provide electric power for long-term beneficial use. Long-term regional economic well-being is expected to be improved as a result of the trans portation and power production features.
During construction, short-term social and economic impacts occur as local school programs are affected by the added enrollment of children from the construction crew families. This strain is lightened by Federal impact payments to local school districts. With Lower Granite Lock and Dam, private property owners, businesses, and residences are being bought out and displaced from the project area, creating an impact upon those people. Some will rebuild in the area; others will move away or retire. Enactment on 2 January 1971 of PL 91-646, "Uniform Relocations Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970"2/ provi That portion of the economy based on unmitigated hunting and fishing will suffer long-term losses. Sales of boats, water skis, and associated general recreation equipment and supplies are ex pected to increase. There will be some adverse short-term influence upon the local tax base as a result of public land acquisition; however, general experience on other projects is that the tax base is more than recovered by construction expenditures and the influx of recreational and water-oriented industrial activities. The levees will provide the main business area of Lewiston with long term protection from flood flows on the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, with an associated measure of security. Public recreational use areas on the project will provide initial outdoor recreation facilities, with potentials for expansion. As social trends generate more leisure time and interest in general outdoor recreation activities, the project can provide important future'opportunities for this use in close association with the urbanized communities. All project shorelands, except those used for railroads, highways, or industry, will be retained in public ownership to be used for public access to the waterfront. These shorelands will be managed to provide a long-term public open- space corridor along both sides of Snake River in many places. Cultivated and natural vegetative cover will be maintained to enhance environmental conditions with a limited "green-belt" situation. This is an important feature near the urbanized area, particularly along the frontage from Clarkston to Asotin and from Lewiston to Tammany Creek. A principal immediate and long-term effect will be the impound ment of the flowing stream. Upstream from the project in the Clearwater River Basin most streams are still in a free-flowing state with the only major planned impoundment being Dworshak Dam and Reservoir now under construction. Several potential damsites are still available in the Clearwater Basin, but any future Federal development of such sites would require separate future environ mental evaluations and Congressional action. The Clearwater River Basin now contains two wild rivers--the Selway and the Middle Fork-- designated under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. On Snake River with the project the impoundment of the entire 146-mile length of the Lower Snake River from Pasco, Washington, to Asotin, Washington, will be completed with the 39 miles in the Lower Granite lake area. Upstream from Lower Granite in the Snake River basin are numerous impoundments on the main river and the tributaries, together with large segments of flowing river. On Snake River immediately upstream from Lower Granite project is the site of the Congressionally authorized Asotin Dam, not yet designed or under construction. Beyond, along the Snake River, are the scenic Hells Canyon and the Salmon River regions. This region contains one designated wild river--the Middle Fork Salmon— with the main part of the Salmon River now under a wild river study. Several other streams in the Snake River basin have been identified as having wild river potentials, and several potential damsites are available for future consideration and evaluation. In terms of long-range regional environmental diversity, the Lower Granite project is an increment which both adds to and detracts from the range of alternatives. The project will result in a lake conveni ent to the populations of Lewiston and Clarkston, affording opportunities for slack water activites in addition to those activites now associated with the nearby flowing streams and the wild rivers in the eastern and southeastern part of the region. The Lower Granite impoundment will reduce river-associated diversity in the western part of the region inasmuch as the three downstream dams have already eliminated free-flowing river conditions on Lower Snake River. A measure of productivity, both in the short and long-term context, can be to some degree, subjectively ascertained in terms of quality, as well as quantity. As increased numbers of impound ments are created, the scarcity of flowing rivers is an influence which increases the value of the remaining free-flowing streams. The dynamics of a river and the scenic appeal of unspoiled nature symbolize a measure of quality. Man is now coming to realize that he is by nature perceptually dependent upon the solidarity of nature and that he is not independent, but a part of the total system. From time to time deep rooted needs break the surface (reproduction, religion, the need for challenge, solitude and reassurance) which are often felt but seldom understood. Such feelings or values run deeper than mere economics or outward appearances. For example, some people raised in the Snake River canyon can vividly reflect on life near the river. They know the river cycles and moods and are reassured by its permanence. From all appearances, the Snake River and its environs are hostile, rugged, untamed, and uninviting. To many people a lake in its place would look better. Growing numbers, however, are beginning to be drawn to the flowing rivers and related natural areas for the basic values they hold for man. There seems to be an inborn reassurance in the permanence and cycles in such a natural river which cannot be duplicated or mitigated. Today with the constant man-made change and automation, the naturalistic resources will hold even more value for man as a place to return and reassess himself and the direction in which his society is moving. While there are values to be derived from a man-made lake, they cannot wholly replace the naturalistic personality of strength and motion of the existing river. While the cycles of nature will still persist to some extent in the impoundment, the fully naturalistic quality of the intellectual and perceptual man-nature relationship in the long run will likely be somewhat reduced. An expression of the real value of the river in its present state is difficult to determine since there are no widely accepted methods of analysis which can be applied to this type of evaluation. Several noted individuals and groups have attempted to determine the extent of the values associated with free-flowing rivers and their environs, but their methods were based on individual percep tions or theories which are subject to wide and varied interpret ation, and are not considered directly applicable to attainment of an expression of worth for the Lower Granite situation. The crux of the problem lies with the highly individual perceptions and feelings which people associate with free-flowing stretches of river or, for that matter, with man-made lakes. For the Lower Granite situation such an evaluation is further complicated by the historical and present economic and residential activities which occur along the river canyon, ranging from farmsteads to urban uses. It would be possible to attach some economic valuation to the river and its canyon by using real estate appraisals, value of annual agricultural production, and the monetary costs associated with recreation activities such as fishing, hunting, and boating as surrogates, but this evaluation would not account for the intrinsic value of the river itself. The total value of these factors is not known; however, it would likely be substantial since the real estate value for project land acquisition is estimated at about $15 million. Much of the $15 million is for lands and riverside improvements in the Lewiston-Clarkston area, with roughly a $3.5 to $4.0 valuation in the canyon from Clarkston downstream to the damsite. As discussed previously, it must be recognized that the intrinsic value associated with the river is becoming increasingly more important, more valuable in relative terms, and to attempt an economic evaluation of the area without including this intrinsic value would be grossly inadequate. In view of the present state of the art in natural resource evaluation, it is not considered realistic to attempt to present a quantitative assessment of the intrinsic value of the stretch of river and canyon in the project area. To do so would require an assessment, using some acceptable methodology, of the value of the canyon and flowing stream, and then it would entail a similar quantitative valuation for the project with the lake and canyon. Being such a basically subjective exercise, it would be doubly difficult to derive from a comparison a net gain or loss for inclusion in a broader monetary comparison of real value. It is hoped that the environmental description and written evaluations presented in this statement will provide a basis for individual judgement as to the environmental values both prior to and with project development. 7. Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented. About 44 miles (39 Snake River plus 5 Clearwater) of open river will be converted to a lake, and approximately 3,260 acres of land now devoted primarily to dry grazing and other agricultural uses will be inundated and removed from production. Construction of the project and creation of Lower Granite Lake will permanently destroy most of the existing natural riparian environment that provides essential food and cover for wildlife living along the river in the project area. The project will eliminate the present capital improvements, including approximately 90 residences, 40 farmsteads, 60 other buildings, 43 miles of road, and 39 miles of railroad on lands which will be inundated. Many of the affected properties and buildings have already been acquired by the Federal Government, and some structures have already been removed. The existing road and railroads will be replaced where justified. Opportunities for expanded future urban or agricultural use of the 3,260 acres of land which will be inundated will be foregone. The option of future generations to use the Lower Granite dam and lake area for a different type of development or use will be essentially eliminated. The results of certain earthwork activities and the inundation of specific historic, geologic, and unrecovered archeological features will be irreversible and irretrievable. Also involved is loss of steelhead spawning areas, loss of river-associated steelhead fishing opportunity in the 44-mile reach, and loss of any other recreational activity dependent upon the river conditions in the project area. The commitment of labor and materials required to construct the project is also considered irreversible and irretrievable. 8. Coordination with other agencies. In the preparation of pre authorization studies and the Lower Granite Lock and Dam general planning report, coordination was maintained, public hearings were held, and reports were requested from various agencies and groups. Several of the agencies have responsibilities with respect to environ mental quality. Many comments of groups and individuals involved in project coordination are on file in the Walla Walla District Office of the Corps of Engineers. Public participation in planning and design efforts is typified by the following listing of hearings and meetings: Topic Number Studies for House Document 704 2 Hearings Studies for House Document 531 7 Studies for House Document 403 9 Detailed Planning and Design (to date) More than 50 Meetings Federal agencies contacted regarding project planning and design include: Federal Power Commission - has been kept informed of project status, particularly as regards power output and schedules. Bonneville Power Administration - monitors regional power needs and has been active with close coordination of power planning require ments, outputs, and project power-on-line schedules. This agency will market the power produced at Lower Granite project. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - reviewed and approved general plans for migratory fish passage facilities, and pointed out some items •for further consideration. The Service provided preliminary estimates of project-affected wildlife resources. In 1966 a request was made for a report, which is now being prepared by the Service, covering fish and wildlife mitigation measures for the entire four-dam Snake'River system. A rough draft of the mitigation report has now been prepared. Extensive studies on fish migration problems have been carried out by personnel from the agency. National Marine Fisheries Service - is a new agency in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, formerly the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries under the Fish and Wildlife Service. It is continuing with research on migratory fish matters, including nitrogen monitoring and an extensive truck-transport study partially supported by project funds. U.S. Public Health Service ■ provided an evaluation report covering vectors (mosquitos, flies, rodents, etc., which may carry disease). This report was prepared jointly with the Washington State and Idaho Departments of Health. The Service also provided a report in 1964 on water quality effects of the project. Federal Water Quality Administration (now the Water Quality Office of the Environmental Protection Agency) - has actively worked with state and local officials to improve municipal and industrial waste treatment measures adjacent to and in conjunction with project features in the Asotin and Lewiston-Clarkston vicinities. National Park Service - has administered Federally financed archeological excavation work in advance of project impoundment. U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have been involved in coordination action as a result of the project. State agencies coordinated with included: Washington State Department of Fisheries, Washington State Department of Game, Fish Commission of Oregon, Oregon Game Commission, and Idaho State Fish and Game Department. These agencies each reviewed and were involved in coordination of plans for migratory fish passage facilities. The Fish Commission of Oregon has stated that fish passage does not constitute compensation mitigation for inundated fish spawning areas. The Idaho Fish and Game Department takes this position also. The Washington State Department of Fisheries and the Washington State Department of Game are presently participants (with the Association of Northwest Steelheaders) in a law suit involving the project. These two agencies have entered the suit to obtain Federal funding for project impact studies and to promote an adequate fish and wildlife mitigation program. (The Steelheaders group wishes to stop construction of the dam.) Washington State Department of Conservation, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Idaho State Department of Parks, Washington State Highway Department, Idaho State Health Board, Washington State Pollution Control Commission, and several other state agencies have been involved in coordination of various project details. The Washington Department of Ecology has been involved in reviewing plans for relocation of sewage treatment facilities, and in water quality matters. The Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Idaho State Land Board have jurisdiction of title to the riverbeds. Use of the gravel materials in the riverbeds for project construction (roads, railroads, and levees) is coordinated with these two agencies. Local officials and agencies involved represent: City of Clarkston, Washington City of Lewiston, Idaho Town of Asotin, Washington Whitman County Asotin County Nez Perce County Garfield County Port of Lewiston Port of Whitman Port of Clarkston University of Idaho Washington State University Nez Perce Indian Agency Lewiston, Clarkston, and Asotin School Districts Asotin County Park and Recreation Board Lewiston Parks and Recreation Commission Southeastern Washington Regional Planning Commission Lewiston Planning Commission These interests have been and are being consulted regarding project details which might affect them. In addition, various other groups and organizations have participated or are involved in project- related discussions. The groups include the local chambers of commerce, civic clubs, historical societies, sportsmen's groups, industries, etc. At present, local coordination is at a peak and hardly a week passes without conferences or exchanges of information with one or more of the listed agencies. Twenty-eight Federal, State, and local agencies were furnished review copies of the draft of this environmental statement. Agencies from which no response was received are listed as follows: U.S. Public Health Service City of Clarkston Water Hygiene Representative, DHEW Asotin Co. Board of Commissioners U.S. 13th Coast Guard District Nez Perce Co. Board of Commissioners Idaho Department of Parks Whitman Co. Board of Commissioners Idaho Department of Health Garfield Co. Board of Commissioners Oregon Game Commission Individuals and groups who have requested and have been furnished a copy of the draft statement include Mr. Arthur M. Hansen (Spokane Office of U.S. Representative Thomas S. Foley), U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson, Mr. John Barker (Lewiston), Mrs. Frank Tussing (Clarkston), Northwest Steelheaders Council of Trout Unlimited, and Mrs. Jesse Lang (Cheney Environment Center), Except for the Steelheaders group,-i' these have not responded with comments. Seventeen agencies responded with comments regarding the project or suggestions on ways to improve the draft. The comments were all carefully considered in preparation of this completed statement. Copies of the comments received on the draft are attached for infor mation. (Comment references to paragraph and page numbers do not coincide with this completed statement, since several parts have been extensively rewritten to reflect the comments received.) Major comments and responses are summarized as follows: Federal Power Commission. Comment: The statement is factual as regards power. Response: Noted as a coordination item. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Comment: The draft statement does not adequately describe project destruction of the river ecosystem and dependent fish and wildlife. Detailed suggestions for statement modification are given. Response: The statement now contains considerable description of natural habitats and fish and wildlife production. Nearly all suggested additional sentences and paragraphs provided in the letter of comment are now included verbatim or with some minor modification. The specific text suggestions have been particularly helpful in expanding the statement discussion. Comment: Use the word "reservoir" instead of "lake" throughout the text. Response: This suggestion is not accepted. Most similar projects on Columbia and Snake Rivers have been specifically named as lakes, either by Congressional action or by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names. The impoundment to be created by Lower Granite Dam is commonly called Lower Granite Lake in line with established Corps of Engineers policy and consistent with other similar projects in the system. In use of the term, no attempt is made to infer a technical distinction between man-made impoundments and naturally formed bodies of water. Comment: The discussion of impacts primarily describes indus trial, water quality, and general recreation benefits. The impact statement should be more concerned with project effects on ecological systems per se. Response: The draft statement did include fish and wildlife aspects; however, considerably more detail is now included, particularly related to natural river losses and construction activities. Comment: The first sentence on draft page 6 describing visual impacts presents an incorrect conclusion. The appearance of the Snake River canyon bottom will drastically change. Response: The sentence in question has been revised and expanded to more accurately describe the changed visual conditions. The existing over-all canyon will remain as a rather impressive visual feature, but the flowing river with related river bars and occasional islands will be changed by the project, thereby altering the visual detail. Comment: The relationship of pollution to hydropower production should include nitrogen supersaturation as a detrimental condition. Response: Nitrogen supersaturation is included with considerable discussion in the present statement. It is anticipated that solutions will be attained to overcome the detrimental fishery condition. Comment: Wording is suggested to describe an alternative pool elevation of 700 feet above sea level rather than the 738 elevation as now planned. Response: The concept of different pool level alternatives is addressed in the discussion of design alternatives. Different wording than was suggested is used to further explain pool selection studies. Comment: Last sentence in paragraph describing regional diversity on draft page 13 is a value judgment that others would dispute. Response: This point is recognized. The sentence in question has been rewritten and the discussion expanded to further indicate the regional diversity relationships and trends. The statement now suggests that regional diversity is both reduced and increased as the project impacts affect differing sub-regional conditions. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Comments: The statement in several places discusses essentially the beneficial economic impacts of the project - navigation, power, and outdoor recreation. The emphasis should not be to summarize these economic considerations, but to identify impacts on the environ ment. Response: Activities related to navigation, power, and outdoor recreation are part of the human environment. These aspects are briefly described in the statement, and quantified only to indicate the scope of the activity. The discussions are not intended in any way as economic evaluations, but serve to define some of the trade offs which are part of the project impact upon the existing river conditions. In order to further explain the values involved, considerable additional discussion is now added to the text portions related to natural river losses and construction activities. Comment: The statement does not consider the environmental impact, if any, of the downstream effects of the project, or the borrow area for levee construction. There might be some effects on aesthetics and possibly outdoor recreation opportunities associated with these aspects. Response: A summary of project operation aspects and comments on borrow sources is now included in the statement. Adverse project effects on downstream recreational possibilities will be generally minimal because discharges are directly into the Little Goose pool (Lake Bryan). Comment: The statement should discuss the unavoidable adverse effects related to historic sites, geologic features and other areas currently used for recreation. The statement should identify possible measures to rectify unavoidable effects. Response: Reference to historical sites, etc. was included in the draft under the "impacts" discussion. Additional general dis cussion of these impacts is now included under the section on adverse effects. Comment: The draft statement presents a narrative justification for the project rather than the alternatives in terms of their beneficial effects. Response: The discussion of alternatives is now considerably expanded to more fully discuss both adverse and beneficial effects. Also design alternatives are now included related to project size selection. Comment: Maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity should be in terms of succeeding generations, including those beyond project life. Response: Prediction of extremely long-range environmental conditions and productivity is, at best, a difficult undertaking. The statement indicates that construction of a dam now precludes a future choice for use of the site. Even this is not a firm con clusion, however, as new technology in the distant future conceivably may result in new adaptations for changed use, reconstruction, or elimination of certain major project features. The statement summarizes the generally recognizable long-term relationships. Comment: Some impacts related to the results of project earth work activities and the inundation or elimination of historic, geologic and other sites could be irreversible and irretrievable. Response: This comment is concurred with, and is now covered in the environmental statement. Environmental Protection Agency. Comment: The statement does not adequately reflect the potential " adverse effects on water quality nor does it reflect current studies by the Corps which involve alternatives with less water quality impact. Response: The statement includes considerable discussion of water quality features. Discussion has been added to further define current water quality studies. As results of these studies become better known, the information and course of further action will be come a part of the impact statement. Comment: Completion of Lower Granite project can adversely affect both short and long term nitrogen supersaturation problems. Alternatives related to solving the nitrogen problem to reduce adverse effects should be evaluated. Response: The problem of nitrogen supersaturation is discussed in some detail in the statement and the several alternative possibilities included are being studied to help relieve the condition. Slotted bulkhead gates will be installed at the three existing projects down stream on Snake River prior to the 1972 spring run-off season and are planned for Lower Granite. Comment: The sentence which indicates that the project has served as an impetus for a cooperative effort for water pollution reduction is incorrect. Dischargers in the area have used pending project construction as an excuse to delay planning and construction of waste treatment facilities. Response: The sentence in question has been revised, including deletion of the word "impetus." The project has resulted in a cooperative effort; however, certain local plans for water treatment have been necessarily delayed on a short-term basis in order to better fit with the overall development and pollution facilities program. Positive planning and actions are underway to insure improved treatment measures. Comment: The statement should include discussions of short term nitrogen supersaturation problems during the construction period. Response: Solution to the nitrogen problem is both a short term and a long-term requirement, and is so noted in the statement. Lower Granite project will not have any effect upon the nitrogen situation during the principle construction period since the potential for nitrogen entrainment exists only with pool impoundment and subsequent operation of the spillway to pass high river flows. Comment: The statement should include a stipulation that con struction activities will conform to existing state and local air and water quality standards. Response: Contract specifications contain the requirement for execution of the work within the limits of applicable Federal and state air and water quality laws. This item is now stated in the discussion. Bonneville Power Administration. Comment: The statement appears to cover adequately the environ mental impact of the Lower Granite project. Response: Noted as a coordination item. National Marine Fisheries Service. Comment: The interpretation of "environment" has many facets, but more emphasis should be placed on maintenance of natural conditions. The text should be expanded to deal more fully with the problem of nitrogen supersaturation. It should be expanded to more fully cover loss of spawning ground and fishing areas for salmon and steelhead. Response: The draft statement has been considerably expanded to further describe the natural environmental factors. The problem of nitrogen supersaturation has been treated in some detail at appropriate places throughout the discussion. Fully definitive infor mation is lacking regarding anadromous fish spawning areas, although some discussion of this aspect was included in the draft and is retained in this version of the statement. Additional discussion of fishing areas is included. Comment: The statement indicates a reduction of natural re aeration. With regard to nitrogen supersaturation, excess aeration causes nitrogen to be entrapped in the water. Response: Natural re-aeration in the present flowing river is generally a surface, or near surface condition, where the air-water equilibrium remains at a balanced or saturated condition under normal atmospheric pressure. In the impoundment area the elimination of the mixing by rapids and currents of the river would tend to reduce the relative amount or proportion of surface re-aeration which would occur. A certain amount of re-aeration would always be present, however, due to run-of-river characteristics, wind-wave action, and the expanse of air-water interface. Excess aeration which presently creates the nitrogen entrainment at similar projects results from the high pressure which exists in the deep water of the spillway stilling basin. The air-water relationship at a water depth of 66 feet under three atmospheres of pressure is such that air is more readily accepted into the water composition. As this water returns to the surface downstream from each dam, the pressure is lessened, but the air is still retained to a large degree, thereby causing the excessive aeration, or supersaturation. Since the air is mostly nitrogen which is not readily assimilated by fish, the high super saturated condition is detrimental. The supersaturation of oxygen and other components in the air create no recognized major fishery problems. Comment: Mention should be made of project effects on Lewiston Dam and need for modification of fish passage facilities there. Response: A discussion regarding possible disposition of the Lewiston Dam is now included in the statement. This information was not available at the time the draft was prepared. Need for modified fish passage facilities at the Lewiston Dam would be eliminated if the dam is removed as is now being considered; otherwise, modification will be accomplished. Comment: It is not certain that algae is a problem at run- of-river projects. Is this so? Response: A major algae problem is not anticipated at Lower Granite; however, localized areas of high algae production may be possible. Studies are underway to further examine water quality factors. Algae have developed to some extent at existing downstream run-of-river. projects, but not to any overall serious adverse degree. Comment: Nitrogen supersaturation is a problem of water pollution. Response: Nitrogen supersaturation is discussed in the statement. It is considered that the condition will be corrected to the point where it no longer will be detrimental to fish. Comment: A referenced sentence may not be exactly true as habitat for bass seems to be declining as reservoirs on Snake River are constructed. Response: The sentence in question has been changed in use of other wording to describe the fishery impact. As now explained, habitat for large-mouth bass would not be adversely affected, but small-mouth bass production would likely decline. Comment: If free-flowing reaches of the river are inundated, there cannot be different locations in which to fish for steelhead. Response: The intent of the draft discussion regarding different locations was to indicate that steelhead fishing would normally no longer occur at places along the river in the project area which are now used. In place of these, steelhead fishermen would have to use different locations, namely, the swift water immediately downstream from the dam or at the upper end of the project where the current influence from the river still would persist. The present statement discussion has been revised to more clearly explain this situation. Comment: It would be well to indicate that steelhead, as well, as salmon, do not normally spawn in reservoirs. It should be pointed out that the National Marine Fisheries Service, in cooperation with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, is now completing the mitigation report. Response: Both items are now included in the statement. Comment: The first paragraph on draft page 9 should be expanded to more fully cover the nitrogen supersaturation problem. Response: The problem is now discussed in greater detail through out the impact statement. Comment: The lack of fishing success for steelhead in reservoirs is treated very lightly. Experiments indicated that catches are poor. This should be clearly stated. Response: The steelhead fishing experiment at Lake Sacajawea (Ice Harbor project) is sunmarized in the statement. It was conducted by the Washington Department of Game and the Tri-State Steelheaders, Inc. in cooperation with and funded by the Corps of Engineers. Two reports were prepared and a separate brochure is available which describes steelhead fishing at Lake Sacajawea. The time expended per fish caught during the experiment was about 4 to 6 times greater than the catch rate under river conditions. Comment: The subject of a lower pool level should be considered as an alternative. Response: A discussion on pool height studies and selection is now included in discussion of design alternatives. Comment: It is agreed that the project will enhance long-term productivity of the region; however, the long-term productivity of fish and wildlife resources will probably be detrimentally affected. Response: Mitigation efforts will be undertaken to insure that project effects on long-term productivity of fish and wildlife resources will be minimized. In spite of mitigation efforts, some species will be adversely affected on a long-term basis. These are noted in the statement discussion. Comment: The short-run effect on steelhead trout fishing will also be the long-run effect as there appears to be little promise for development of satisfactory slack water steelhead fishing techniques. Response: Loss of steelhead fishing areas will remain as a long term effect if new fishing techniques are not developed. Some differences of opinion exist as to the likelihood of finding future new fishing methods which would be successful. The statement now recognizes both the short-term and long-term implications but does not entirely discount the possibility of other fishing techniques being devised. Comment: The draft statement indicates that Dworshak Dam and Reservoir is the only major project planned for development upstream in the Clearwater Basin. Does this mean that it should be assumed Penny Cliffs and Lenore projects will no longer be proposed for construction? Response: The statement is correct in that Dworshak is the only dam planned for construction in the Clearwater Basin. An additional sentence is now added to prevent the unintended assumption that other potential water resource development projects will be completely discarded as future possibilities. Neither the potential Penny Cliffs nor Lenore project is actually proposed for development at this time. In fact, the Penny Cliffs site is now in part a designated wild river - the Middle Fork Clearwater River. The fact will continue to remain, however, that development potential continues to physically exist should future generations choose to exercise that choice. Comment: Some mention should be made of the long-term effects related to loss of spawning area caused by the impoundment and peaking operations. Response: Spawning area losses will be replaced through fish mitigation efforts in order that the overall long-term productivity of the steelhead run will continue. Comment: The validity of a referenced sentence regarding diversity and relative worth of the loss of free-flowing streams is questioned. Response: The sentence in question has been deleted and replaced with an expanded continuation of the discussion regarding regional environmental diversity. Comment: Irreversible and irretrievable effects of the project are covered too briefly. Fishery related losses should be covered in more discussion. Response: Fishery impacts are discussed in considerable detail throughout the statement. Loss of spawning area and fishing opportunity is noted in the section covering irreversible effects; however, a detailed discussion would be repetitious of material included previously. National Park Service. Comment: The statement should include the impact of power releases on the area downstream from the dam. This would discuss the power peaking operations in relation to the Columbia River system. Response: A brief summary paragraph is now included covering the system operation. Definite operational methods and impacts are not determined at this time as considerable system flexibility exists. System-wide power peaking and related studies are presently underway, conducted by the North Pacific Division, Corps of Engineers. Results of these system studies related to project operational patterns and attendant environmental impacts will be given detailed analysis and reported at a later date. Comment: Include powerline effects on the environment. These are an adverse element. Response: The statement now includes mention of powerlines as added visual elements in the landscape. This is contained in the discussion of impacts rather than in adverse effects. The nature of the powerline impact - whether adverse or acceptable - is a judgmental consideration not addressed in this statement since powerline design, alignment, and construction is the responsibility of Bonneville Pov/er Administration. That agency has prepared an environmental analysis for the powerline. (See footnote on page 55 of this state ment.) Comment: The loss of two Lewis and Clark campsites should be noted under adverse effects, and loss of historical resources would be irreversible. Response: The draft statement included these items under impacts. They are now again noted in the locations suggested. National Park Service (Archeological Investigations). Comment: The draft statement is approved as it regards archeology. Response: Noted as a coordination item. Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Comaent: The Commission generally concurs with the facts pre sented in the statement. Response: Noted as an item of coordination. Washington State Department of Ecology. Comment: The Department of Ecology strongly opposes any further construction on the Lower Granite Lock and Dam project until it can be guaranteed that the project will not contribute to the nitrogen supersaturation problems in the Snake River. The project in no way has provided for the reasonable protection of the aquatic community that will be jeopardized. The juvenile salmonids that migrate down the Snake River will be eliminated by supersaturation of nitrogen created by this dam and its sister dams on the Lower Snake River. Resident fish species such as smallmouth bass will also be adversely affected. Response: Steps are underway to solve the problem of nitrogen at downstream projects and will be included at Lower Granite as explained in the statement. Water quality studies were carried out by the Public Health Service in 1964 and additional studies are under way, related to the aquatic community. Fish and wildlife mitigation studies by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service concern both anadromous and resident fisheries, including effects on smallmouth bass. Comment: The impetus for reducing pollution on the Snake River in Washington is the establishment of the Interstate Water Quality Standards and Implementation and Enforcement Plan, and not the construction of the dam. Response: As previously stated above, the word "impetus" has been eliminated and the discussion in question reworded for clarity. Federal and state laws and regulations provide the basis for improve ment efforts. The project has resulted in a cooperative approach in the development of new waste treatment facilities. Comment: The impoundment will reduce the natural organic assimila tion capacity of the Snake River. Industries and municipalities may have to provide advance waste treatment to avoid high algae production in the lake. Response: This item is included in the statement. Water quality studies will indicate the potential for algal blooms, and from these studies, necessary treatment requirements would be implemented to prevent serious water quality problems. Comment: Water quality studies should have been completed before an environmental statement is developed. Response: This is now recognized as being desirable; however, project funding, scheduling, design studies, and construction work actions were well-established long before the need for environmental statements was prescribed by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The on-going water quality studies will be used in conjunction with detailed project planning, design, construction, and operational activities. Information resulting from the studies can be incorporated in a future revised environmental statement as it becomes known. Comment: If Lower Granite pool will have a similar environment to McNary pool, algae problems will develop since they now occur at McNary. Response: Algae are present in McNary pool; however, it is generally not a serious problem on a wide-scale basis. Some localized areas of high algae concentrations are found during the late summer period. Based on information now available, the analogy in the statement between Lower Granite lake and McNary pool appears to be fairly realistic. Localized areas of algae are likely to occur at Lower Granite, but a major problem is not anticipated. As indicated in the statement, the on-going water quality studies should confirm or otherwise indicate the expectations at Lower Granite. Comment: It is questionable if the Lower Granite project is needed to meet power requirements of the area when other dams on the system have not been completely utilized to capacity. Response: In general, it is best to make full use of an existing plant before committing any further reach of free-flowing stream on the Snake River. The matter is rather complex, however, in that maximum plant installations are dependent upon water available and operational methods. The powerplants at existing dams in the system are essentially already near ultimate capacity for base load (continuous year-round) production. The skeleton bay spaces at these plants have been provided to be used as future river regulation increased and peaking (maximum short-term output) power could be produced. Presently, additional generators in these skeleton units would not produce the base load required by the increasing electrical demand. At most of the existing hydroelectric projects, only an increase in upstream water storage and/or a changed operation to peaking power production serves to extend the capability to where the additional installation of generator units is warranted. Decisions on additional generator units at existing projects and possible development of new hydroelectric projects elsewhere in the region must reflect the two differing conditions of power procuction operation. Lower Granite will provide additional base load power production capacity for the system with three generating units, and affords the potential for power peaking when a total of six generating units are installed. Comment: Thermal and air pollution problems created by other power sources can be controlled and are an alternate to this project. Response: The handling of pollution associated with fossil-fuel thermal or nuclear powerplants is a matter of considerable concern. The environmental trade-off between thermal and hydroelectric pro duction methods must be evaluated on a case by case basis. The Lower Granite project impacts are described in this statement, while a general reference to thermal pollution is included under the section on alternatives. Comment: Further explain the flood potential, flood frequency, and levee beautification at Lewiston. Response: Additional data has now been included related to Lewiston flooding. Levee design is now underway and beautification studies are not yet to the point where they can be described in detail. Public access along the levee will be provided. An expert consultant is being retained to analyze and recommend aesthetic measures. Comment: Two referenced sentences related to steelhead fishing and waterfowl on draft page 7 are questioned. Response: These sentences have been deleted in use of wording as suggested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Comment: What facilities are planned at the marina to eliminate pollution? Response: Marina design requirements will include pollution control measures such as sewage dump stations, a waste disposal system, litter baskets, etc. A general sentence has been added to the impact discussion to reflect this situation. Comment: It appears that the nitrogen supersaturation problem will not be resolved and this dam will be builc knowing that nitrogen problems will be extended upriver another 38 miles. Response: The impact statement now treats the subject of nitrogen supersaturation in considerably more detail than was in the draft statement. The slotted bulkheads have proved feasible and are to be installed as now described in the statement. Other measures are under study. It is anticipated that the nitrogen condition can and will be controlled at downstream dams, and that Lower Granite will be so constructed as to prevent significant contribution to adverse nitrogen effects. Comment: Steelhead harvest techniques will not be needed if downstream migrant losses continue at present high mortality levels. Response: As previously mentioned, intensive efforts have taken place, are underway, and will continue to alleviate mortality conditions associated with turbine operation and nitrogen supersaturation, Washington Department of Game. Comment: In lieu of a direct reply from the Department, a letter was received from the Office of the State Attorney General which stated that the Corps of Engineers did not provide funds to the state for fish and game studies. Response: The Corps of Engineers, by agreement at the Washington level, provides funds for fish and wildlife studies to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Use of these funds and any distribution to state agencies is administered directly by the Service. Washington Department of Fisheries. See Washington Department of Game comment above. Both state agencies responded indirectly through a single letter from the Attorney General's office. State of Idaho Water Resource Board Comment: In general, the report (impact statement) is well written and well organized. Response: Noted as an item of coordination. Comment: Based on analogy with McNary project, the statement indicates no anticipated oxygen and algae problems. What is the status of Ice Harbor pool in relation to this problem? Response: Water quality at Ice Harbor and the other two lower Snake River projects is characterized by essentially complete tempera ture destratification, no oxygen deficient water zones, and only localized algae problem areas. General algae production occurs throughout the lake areas in the warm months of July and August, giving the waters a slight greenish cast. Presently, algae is also produced in the flowing river in the Lower Granite area. This general algae production appears to have no adverse effect on normal water quality parameters, fish production, and recreation use levels. The state ment now makes a general reference to these existing lower Snake projects in the water quality discussion. Comment: Would the project have any effect on big game? Response: Yes, some deer habitat will be affected. This now has been indicated in the current impact statement. Comment: What effects would daily river fluctuations have on downstream recreational use and the general aesthetics of the area? Response: The statement now includes a general reference to system power peaking studies. The operational plan for Lower Granite will be consistent with system requirements, and will be constrained by various environmental factors, including fish migration. In general, downstream fluctuations will be made rather gradually so as to avoid safety hazards to downstream recreational and fishing users. Unless specifically noted, downstream fluctuations will not have a marked effect upon the general aesthetics of the area. Comment: Is any stream depletion anticipated? Response: As a result of this question, a paragraph describing at-site stream depletion has been added to the statement. Some irrigation use is likely at recreation areas, and additional municipal water uses is a possibility. State water right procedures would be needed for withdrawals from the Lower Granite impoundment. With respect to consideration of upstream (southern Idaho) stream depletions and how they may affect the lower Snake project develop ment, this factor was anticipated in project analysis. Estimates of depletions for year 2010 were made, since any water diverted for consumptive use would reduce power production potential. It seems improbable that any future upstream diversions would affect Lower Snake River navigation on the four-dam waterway development from Lewiston downstream. For navigation on the impoundments to be affected, this would require almost total upstream river flow depletion to the point where the design pool elevations could not be maintained. Idaho Fish and Game Department. Comment: The impoundment should be referred to as a reservoir rather than a lake. Response: This comment was also made by the U.S. Fish and Wild life Service. It is not reflected in the statement as explained in the response to their comment. Comment: The description of vegetative growth does not mention willow and brush along the river and in draws which receive seasonal moisture. Response: Additional description of the environmental setting now includes wording suggested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service related to vegetation and wildlife habitat. The draft statement did contain mention of riverside and hillside vegetation both of which receive seasonal moisture, although this latter fact was and is not specifically pointed out. Reference to brush in side-canyon drainages occurs at several places in the statement. Comment: It should be clearly pointed out that regardless of the types of new industry that may develop and regulatory controls which may be applied, the creation of an impoundment in the industrial area will make pollution control much more difficult both technological! and economically. In all probability a higher degree of control will be necessary than that ultimately required if the river remained free flowing. Response: The statement indicates that pollution related to industrial development will require attention. The latter part of the above comment regarding a higher degree of control necessary has been now incorporated in this completed statement. Comment: It is agreed that the effects of the pool on oxygen content and algal bloom are not completely known at the present time. It should be pointed out that if adverse conditions involving these two factors should develop, there are no presently known realistic remedial actions which could be taken. Response: Water quality experts have various technological and other remedies which can serve as river and lake treatment measures. These include de-stratification methods, aeration methods, increased water circulation through either project operational techniques or localized pumping, treatment or elimination of incoming waste or nutrient sources. Whether or not any of these remedies will be needed and could realistically be taken will depend upon study results and actual conditions of water quality. Comment: There are technological and economically feasible methods of dealing with thermal or air pollution problems of non- hydroelectric powerplants, but at the present time there are no known means of controlling potential pollution problems resulting from the Lower Granite project such as supersaturation of nitrogen and algae production. Response: The relative environmental compatibility of fossil- fuel and atomic thermal powerplants is subject to considerable difference of opinion. Certain technological provisions such as cooling towers are being installed at new atomic plants in the nation, but their acceptability is not fully apparent, since the state of the art is relatively young. Similarly, technological pioneering is also associated with elimination of undesirable nitrogen super saturation and major water quality control efforts. As previously stated, steps are underway to solve the nitrogen problem and options are available for use in controlling high algae production should it occur. Comment: It is not agreed that much of the reservoir will pre sent a visual appearance not markedly different from the existing river. Response: The statement now explains the visual relationship in greater detail, expanding upon the over-simplified statement in the review draft. The river will change, but the overall canyon effect will remain as a prominent visual condition. Comment: Habitat provided by the reservoir will be far less favorable for warm water game fish than that provided by the existing river. The sturgeon population will be eliminated or reduced to insignificance. Response: This aspect is covered in the completed statement. Resident fish habitat for white sturgeon and smallmouth bass will be adversely affected. Comment: Despite fish passage facilities incorporated into the dam construction, mortalities of upstream and downstream migrating fish still occur, not including effects of nitrogen. Response: The statement treats mortality aspects of downstream migrants and efforts underway to reduce or prevent turbine losses. Recent fish passage counts at the three existing lower Snake River dams (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, and Little Goose) indicate successful adult passage with no significant count differences between counting stations; therefore, indicating no adult upstream passage mortality. Count differences, and related presumed adult mortalities, are experienced between some Columbia River dams downstream in the system, but apparently this problem does not exist on Snake River. Based on experience at the three downstream dams, it is anticipated that Lower Granite will not result in adult fish passage mortalities. Comment: The reference to present steelhead fishing in the project area being reduced is greatly understated. Response: The discussion of the anadromous fishery and steelhead fishing has been expanded to more carefully detail the effect on steelhead fishing. While it is true that the project impact upon the fishery resource has major significant effects, other aspects of environment must be considered as well. The relative overstatement or understatement of specific impact items depends to a large degree upon the perspective of the particular interest. The objective herein is to present overview considerations to many of the various factors and directional patterns of environmental concern. Comment: Reservoir waters will not necessarily provide a significant waterfowl resting area, but will likely cause a shift in waterfowl wintering to upstream free-flowing river areas. Response: The draft sentence referring to waterfowl resting has been reworded to incorporate language suggested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The service has indicated that with the exception of Canada goose production, waterfowl will not be significantly affected by the project. Comment: General outdoor recreation opportunities, such as boating and picnicking, will not be increased or necessarily improved by the project over what would occur on the free-flowing river. Recent studies of other lower Snake River impoundments have shown that with elimination of the anadromous fishery, recreational use is confined almost exclusively to the summer months as opposed to year round use of the steelhead fishery. The sturgeon fishery will be drastically reduced or eliminated and use of other fisheries will decrease as quality decreases. Response: Experience at other projects in the region indicates that general recreation activities will increase upon completion of project associated recreation facilities. Visitor attendance in 1970 at McNary project was 2,207,201 visitor days, and at Ice Harbor project was 198,915 visitor days. The free-flowing river in these areas received only a small percentage of this present project use. While the pattern of use is anticipated to be somewhat different than with the river conditions, the magnitude is expected to be much greater. Recreation facilities are not yet completed at the other two lower Snake projects (Lower Monumental and Little Goose) so these do not yet provide an empirical basis for comparison. It is noted that the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, in review of the draft statement, did not comment on the estimates of project recreation use. Loss of white sturgeon fishery is noted in the statement, as well as a discussion on the anticipated project fishery. Comment: Shoreline access developments proposed by the Corps * not no-■'-'My replace •-h'* ""any miles of usable river shorel that wiix be lost through impoundment. Elimination of the existing flood plain and development of a few mass recreation areas will result in crowding and take from the user the opportunity of recreating at a spot of his choosing. In these days of general overcrowding in all phases of living, the lack of choice and opportunity to attain a degree of solitude can only result in decreased recreational quality. Response: Prior to the project, access to lands and the river in much of the project area was subject to restriction by private property owners; therefore, the public recreation user did not necessarily have full choice in selection of recreational locations without the project. Public road access will be replaced as part of the project, still affording a reasonable measure of ingress and egress to the canyon. Public roads will extend from Alpowa Creek to Asotin on the left bank, from Wawawai Canyon to North Lewiston on the right bank, and all along the Lewiston-North Lewiston area. Public road relocation from Wawawai to Steptoe Canyon is still under study. Project road access is now available to the dam from both sides of the river canyon. All of these public roads, plus the conversion of canyon lands from private to public ownership will insure long-term public access, and will facilitate continued dispersal as may be desired. Development of refined recreational areas will encourage a degree of user agglomeration. The general social- psychological impact of such grouping is difficult to simply assess as the density-quality relationship for recreational experiences is largely a matter of personal conditioning, situation expectations, and use convenience. High attendance levels at existing recreational areas at other projects suggests that large numbers of the general public do not insist upon solitude for an enjoyable, i.e., quality, recreation experience. Those who do wish to recreate at other than the developed areas are free to do so on the public shorelands, particularly with almost unlimited mobility on the lake by use of boat access. There are many areas available for this type of use particularly on the south bank of the lake. Comment: Numerous sandbar beaches throughout the project area presently provide opportunity for dispersed recreational use with choice of location remaining with the user. The report states that new beaches will be provided as part of the project. It does not say how many but it is doubtful that replacement will remotely approach the quantity and quality of the existing beaches. Response: Existing river-associated sandbar beaches are attractive. Loss of such beaches is noted in the statement. Replace ment beaches will generally be larger than existing beaches and more defined by design form, and they will not be as numerous as the existing sandy spots along the river. New lake beaches, while of a different character than the river beaches, will not necessarily be of lower quality since the existing beach sand will be used in replace ment construction. Comment: Wind action on the reservoir water surface will limit or preclude recreational boating on many days. This is not presently a problem under existing river conditions. The possibility of twice daily pool level fluctuations of up to five feet as recently revealed by the Corps will also detract from recreational use of the reservoir. Response: The project will not alter the wind patterns within the canyon. Wind patterns and wind-wave relationships are now described in the statement. Recreational activities are not expected to be significantly affected by wind-wave action except on the infrequent days of high wind speed. The latter part of the comment regarding twice daily five-foot fluctuations is in error. Fluctuations are more correctly described on page 53 of the statement. Comment: The end result of habitat loss through impoundment will be a major reduction of upland game and bird populations in the project and adjacent areas. It is physically, economically, and biologically infeasible to replace the many miles of riparian habitat that will be inundated. Response: This comment was noted and is reflected in discussion of impacts. While it is not possible to replace the riparian habitat in kind, some mitigating measures are possible. These will be under taken as described in the statement and/or based on the mitigation report still in process of preparation. Comment: The statement on nitrogen gas supersaturation does not fully outline the seriousness and magnitude of the problem. While studies of the problem are underway, there is no assurance that solutions will be found. Response: The draft statement discussion on nitrogen has been expanded to further detail the extent of and possible solutions to the problem. Slotted bulkhead gates have proven feasible in helping to relieve excessive nitrogen conditions. Comment: Studies and experience to date at other lower Snake River impoundments show that the steelhead and salmon fishery will for all practicable purposes be eliminated in Lower Granite pool. There is no justification for assuming more successful techniques of harvesting steelhead in reservoirs will be developed. Elimination of the extremely popular and valuable steelhead fishery must be considered as a project-associated environmental loss, and a long term effect of project construction,, Response: The statement indicates that the river-associated fishing opportunity will be lost in the project area. To completely rule out the possibility of new fishing techniques being discovered to improve the catch rate for steelhead in the lake, however, is to conclude that fishermen do not seek new and better fishing methods. The historical pattern of human sport fishing supports the general conclusion that new and more successful equipment, lures, and methods may be devised. In the absence of such new methods, however, the long-term effect of lost or drastically reduced steelhead fishing opportunity is recognized. Comment: No navigational restrictions exist that would preclude boat traffic from downstream areas during the time of year this traffic would normally occur. Rough water caused by wind action on the reservoir will restrict such, traffic far more than existing river navigation problems. Response: Small boat traffic can presently navigate with care through the Lower Granite project area for a good portion of the year; however, considerable expertise is required to move through the swift or shallow rapid areas. The small boat navigation aspect is mentioned on page 10 of the statement. The latter part of the comment, concerning wind conditions is explained in the statement on pages 26 & 52. Comment: The discussion of alternative benefits that would accrue through the no-construction alternate should be as fully outlined as are benefits foregone. A more detailed examination of the long-range need for hydropower as related to long-range power production by other alternatives would be of value. An impression could be received from the statement that project construction will materially affect the amount of power that will eventually have to be produced by thermal alternatives. This is obviously not the case. Response: An expanded discussion is now included covering benefits associated with maintaining river conditions, along with some general observations now available related to the long-term power production outlook. Concerning the comment discounting the power contribution of Lower Granite, reference is made to the preceding comment and response on page 89 covering power production and to the following additional information. In addition to the load meeting flexibility of hydro-production facilities, the potential production capability of an ultimate 810,000 kilowatts would provide sufficient power to equal about l/20th (or 5 percent) of the present Pacific Northwest peak power requirements. This would be a significant contribution to the short-range power production outlook. As large thermal stations may be constructed to complement the hydroelectric facilities and to meet future increase demands, the percentage of incremental contribu tion of the Lower Granite powerplant would be decreased. The amount of such decrease would depend upon the construction timing and magnitude of future thermal units. Such thermal units, however, would not be without their own locational and environmental difficulties. Using a Bonneville Power Administration projection of 54 million kilowatts for 1990 peak power requirements, Lower Granite would contribute about l/67th (or between 1 and 2 percent) of the total Pacific Northwest peak load for the year 1990. Comment: An alternative not mentioned in the statement is reduction in dam height and pool size to preserve more river habitat, maintain a portion of the anadromous fishery, and preclude levee building and associated problems at Lewiston. Response: A discussion on pool elevations studied and alternate pool height selection is now included in the statement section on alternatives. Comment: With a five-foot daily fluctuation and raising of the water surface elevation out of the flood plain and onto the adjacent steep hillsides there will be no return of a natural ecological relationship to shoreline areas over any period of time. The existing river riparian ecological relationships will be destroyed upon inunda tion and reservoir formation will preclude the establishment of any relationships even remotely approaching the value of those that now exist. Reponse: As explained on page 53 of the statement, five-foot daily fluctuations are not anticipated. With the project the existing riparian vegetation will be eliminated; however, recovery will be assisted to the extent possible through mitigative efforts as described on page 31. It is recognized that the riparian relationship will not be identical. Incidentally, it is noted that a pure "natural" ecological relationship does not presently exist since much of the present vegetation in the canyon is the result of man's introduction of species into the region and upriver. This concept is mentioned on page 24 of the statement. Comment: The last sentence of paragraph 2 on draft page 12 discusses a relatively low diversity impact. It is not agreed that loss of the free-flowing stream in the Lower Granite project area will have a low impact in terms of long-range regional environmental diversity. This impact must be viewed in relationship to future development. As mentioned in the statement, the authorized Asotin project is immediately upstream; immediately upstream from the Asotin project is the China Gardens-High Mountain Sheep project which would impound water up to the existing Hells Canyon-Oxbow-Brownlee projects and is now under consideration for licensing by the Federal Power Commission. If Asotin and China Gardens-High Mountain Sheep projects should be constructed, they, in conjunction with Lower Granite project, would result in approximately 350 miles of continuous slack water throughout the entire length of the lower and mid-Snake River. This would hardly contribute to water diversity in the region. Any future impoundments considered on the Clearwater River should also be pointed out in assessing the effects on environmental diversity. Response: The sentence in question has been revised to more clearly depict the conditions of diversity. In treating the future long-range outlook, the Lower Granite project is viewed as-the last- added increment since it is a decision plateau not dependent upon any future upstream development. Any upstream future developments would likewise need be analyzed as separate major decision points with respective influences upon diversity. With the present intense controversy over development or preservation of the Middle Snake from Lewiston to Hells Canyon Dam, it appears rather speculative to dwell upon the possible outcome. In the absence of a decision regarding the Middle Snake, this environmental statement assumes a continuation of existing upstream conditions. If, in fact, a future decision for development on Clearwater or Middle Snake does occur, the direction toward reduced diversity in the eastern part of the region, as pointed out in the above comment, will occur. Comment: With reference to the second sentence in the draft discussion of irreversible commitments, high value riparian wildlife habitat that will be lost through inundation amounts to considerably more than a 10-30 foot wide strip along the river. In many areas flood plain vegetation extends much further than this. Creeks, draws, and gullies entering the river within the impoundment area also contain high value wildlife habitat. Almost all of the 8,700 acres of land inundated can be considered quail and partridge habitat, either on its own merits or when used in conjunction with riparian habitat. Response: In use of the 10- to 30-foot reference in the draft statement, the intent was to quantify the general riverbank situation, not define a precise limit of the overall vegetative occurrence. By definition, the word "riparian" refers to "living on the bank of a river." Since, as a general condition, the actual bank of the river extends roughly in a narrow strip on either side of the river, the dimensional reference is not considered a totally incorrect description. In order to avoid misconception, however, the dimensional reference has been deleted in this statement in favor of an estimated total acreage reference and more inclusive general description of the physical conditions. Comment: The Idaho Fish and Game Department takes the position that fish passage does not mitigate loss of fish spawning areas. Response: This is now noted in the statement. Idaho Department of Public Lands Comment: No disagreement is found with the statement and, although some of the information is rather general, it is recognized that time and money did not allow a detailed report covering every facet of the effects of such a project. Response: Inasmuch as the draft was rather general in some aspects, considerable additional effort has since taken place to add appropriate, more detailed information. Fish Commission - State of Oregon Comment: It is realized that environmental impact reports have only recently been required and that the Corps and others are still in the process of developing suitable formats. Comments are offered in the spirit of trying to assist in this effort, as well as fulfilling our agency's obligations. It is felt that the report should be revised in a number of places to clearly reflect the impacts of the project on the anadromous fish resource. These impacts are generally understated. Response: Considerable additional discussion is now included related to the anadromous fishery. Comment: Under "environmental impacts of the proposed action," the report indicates the important steelhead sport fishery will be reduced by flooding of the fishery area but implies that it will continue much as before at new locations. The report does not state that the reduction will be severe or that the quality of the fishing will be lowered by concentrating the anglers in limited areas. It also implies that successful methods of angling for steelhead in the reservoir will be developed. There is no assurance of this and it should be pointed out. There is no mention in this section of loss of the sport fisheries for sturgeon or channel catfish. This should be included. Response: The points mentioned have now been more fully covered in the environmental statement. Comment: Under "adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented," it should be pointed out that Lower Granite will further delay the migration of down stream migrants which will reduce their survival. The seaward migration of juvenile salmonids is generally regarded as being timed to the environmental cycle. Under natural conditions it occurs at specific seasons during which the hydrologic cycle favors survival. Also physiological changes occur in the fish at the time of outmigration which prepare them for ocean life. Delaying migra tion can seriously affect the fishes' chances for ocean survival. Response: The concept mentioned is now included in the state ment, and the extent of downstream migrant delay has been estimated for the Lower Granite project. The migratory instincts of the anadromous fish are still somewhat of a mystery; however, the general comments regarding seasonal cycles and physiological changes are recognized as being pertinent. Lower Granite would be an incre ment contributing about one-eighth of the total downstream migrant delay attributed to the overall Columbia-Snake development projects. Comment: The report covers the nitrogen supersaturation problem by essentially stating that the total effect of this condition is not completely understood but is under study. The report would gain much in stature if the problem was specifically discussed and some preliminary estimates of mortality were provided. The seriousness of this problem should be clearly pointed out. Response: The nitrogen discussions have been considerably expanded to reflect reflect findings and solutions to the problem. Comment: It is also believed the project will add to the migration problems of adult salmonids, exclusive of the nitrogen problem. It will result in additional delay of fish. Consequently, fewer fish will reach their destination due to additional stress imposed by the project. Response: Count tabulations at the downstream Snake River projects tend to indicate that adult delay and mortality due to the stress of fish passage are minimal at the Snake River projects. This is in contrast to the higher apparent adult mortalities which seem to occur at downstream Columbia River projects. The unexplained minimal adult loss due to fish passage between Snake River projects is now mentioned in the statement. Lower Granite may contribute somewhat to adult stress problems, but it is anticipated that this will likely not occur to any significant degree. Comment: The section on "alternatives to the proposed action" does not appear to address itself so much to the subject of alter natives but rather to defending what would be given up if the dam is not built. Is this the purpose of this part of the report? If so, shouldn't it also list the advantages of not building the project such as preservation of the steelhead, sturgeon, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass sport fisheries; saving of the fall chinook spawning area; and lack of impairment to the natural migration routes of adult and juvenile salmon, etc.? Response: It is implied in the statement that the present environmental conditions as described in the section "Environmental setting without the project" would remain without the project. However, in order to pursue the potential further use of the natural river conditions in the absence of the project and to more fully explore the alternative effects, considerable additional discussion is now included. A further discussion of the value of the river and the canyon is contained in the section covering long-term relationships. Comment: Other alternatives are possible that have not been mentioned. One is to construct the project with a full complement of six turbines that would be essentially operational at the time the impoundment is filled. A variation of this alternative would be to have three units operational at the time of filling and utilize the three skeleton units to pass flows. It is vital to convince Congress that funding for one or the other of these alternatives is needed to reduce the impact of the nitrogen super saturation problem and to perpetuate the Snake River runs. The environmental statement can be instrumental in achieving this end. Response: The first alternative mentioned in the above comment is not possible due to construction and river impoundment require ments. The second alternative will be followed, as it is now planned to pass water through the three vacant generator spaces (skeleton bays) to pass high flows. Comment: Under irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources. . .," loss of the natural anadromous fish run could be an irreversible commitment due to the cumulative effects of Columbia and Snake River dam construction. This depends upon the ultimate success in solving the serious fish passage problems which confront the Snake River stocks. While it is evident that Lower Granite will be only one of a number of projects contributing to the potential decimation of these runs, the report should point this out. Response: Intensive efforts are underway, as mentioned in the statement, to insure the continuation and perhaps ultimate enhance ment of the important anadromous fish production throughout the Snake-Columbia system. Success in solving the serious fish passage problems is anticipated, as a result of the cooperative interagency efforts. Comment: In more general terms, it is believed that the environmental impacts of the project, both good and bad, must be adequately quantified and qualified for the reader in reports of this type. Where appropriate, interpretations should be made. It is obligatory that the report clearly inform the Environmental Council and Congress of the social gains and costs of development of a given project. Response: Wherever possible, renewed efforts have been made to quantify and interpret information discussed in the environmental statement. City of Lewiston, Idaho. Comment: In general, the draft is factual and well written. Response: Noted. Comment: The census figure of 32,000 should be reviewed, as the 1970 census would indicate, inside and outside the corporate limits, the total community population is probably over 40,000. Response: The census figure was rechecked and now is shown in the statement as 37,000 which includes the town of Asotin and fringe areas of Lewiston & Clarkston. Northwest Steelheaders Council of Trout Unlimited. Comment: The matter will be given concerned consideration and contact will be made in the future. Response: Noted, as an item of coordination. CONCLUSION Inasmuch as many project conditions and impacts are still under intensive study and design, periodic review of this statement will take place, and revisions made to keep the statement current with study findings and project design changes. Present environmental studies, including the pending final fish and wildlife report, will provide data to be used to temper the impact of the completed project on the natural environment, to mitigate unavoidable damages, and to achieve an overall combination of the most beneficial, long term, natural and cultural environmental results. Continued project construction will facilitate implementation of proposals which will result from these on-going environmental studies. A schedule of construction and related environmental evaluation is a part of this statement. Continuing comment and input from agencies, organizations, and individuals will be appreciated. In line with this objective, copies of this statement will be furnished to each of the above agencies for information and any further comment. SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY A partial listing of reference material used in the preparation of the Lower Granite Lock and Dam Environmental Impact Statement Bell, Milo C., Allen C. DeLacy, and Gerald F. Paulik, A Compendium on the Success of Passage of Small Fish Through Turbines. Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division Fisheries Engineering Research Program, Portland, Ore., May 1967. Combes, John D. and Roderick Sprague, Excavations in the Little Goose and Lower Granite Dam Reservoirs. 1965. Report of Investigations No. 37, Laboratory of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., 1966. Conference Proceedings. Nitrogen Studies Meeting, Corps of Engineers with Northwest Fishery Agencies and Environmental Protection Agency, 17 February 1971. Ebel, Wesley, Effects of Transportation on Survival and Homing Ability of Salmonids from the Snake River (Progress Report), Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Seattle, Washington, September 1970. Environmental Protection Agency Region X, Lewiston-Clarkston Survey. March 30, 1971 through April 1, 1971. Falter, C. Michael (Ph.D) and William H. Funk (Ph.D), Interim Report, Joint Water Quality Survey by Washington State University and the University of Idaho on the Lower Granite Damsite Area. July 1970 through January 1971. Gebhards, Stacy, Mercury Residue in Idaho Fishes, 1970. paper presented at Conference on Mercury in the Western Environment February 25-26, 1971, Portland, Oregon. House Document 704, 75th Congress, 3rd Session, Columbia and Snake Rivers, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. June 13, 1938. House Document 531, 81st Congress, 2nd Session, Columbia River and Tributaries, Northwestern United States. 8 Vols., March 20, 1950. House Document 403, 87th Congress, 2nd Session, Columbia River and Tributaries, 5 Vols., May 10, 1962. Jewett, S. G., W. P. Taylor, W. T. Shaw, and J. W. Aldrich, Birds of Washington State, University of Washington Press, Seattle, Wash., 1953. Nesbitt, Paul Edward, Stylistic Locales and Ethnographic Groups: Petroglyphs of the Lower Snake River. Occasional papers of the Idaho State University Museum, No. 23, Gateway Printers, Pocatello, Ida., 1968. Oliver, Wendell H., "Riparian Lands - Key Habitat for Upland Birds," Washington Game Bulletin. Jan, Feb, Mar 1969. Raymond, Howard, Wesley Ebel, Clifford Long, and Winston Farr, Proposal to Test and Evaluate Fish-Protective Facilities for Juvenile Salmonids at Little Goose Dam. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Seattle, Wash., September 1970. Raymond, Howard L., A Summary of the 1969 and 1970 Outmigration of Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout from the Snake River (Progress Report), Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Seattle, Wash., September 1970. Richmond, Henry R., Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration, "Electricity and the Environment: Enemies or Allies," remarks before Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington, Richland, Wash., 14 May 1970 (written speech). Richmond, Henry R., Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration, A Report to the Bonneville Regional Advisory Council. Seattle, Wash., 2 December 1970 (typed paper). Smithsonian Institution, Columbia Basin Project-River Basin Surveys, "An Appraisal of the Archeological Resources of the Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite Reservoirs, Snake River, Washington, October 1948." Thompson, Erwin N., "Men and Events on Lower Snake River," Idaho Yesterdays, the Quarterly Journal of the Idaho Historical Society, Fall Issue, 1961. Tri-State Steelheaders, Inc., Steelhead Fishing Method Study, Lake Sacajawea, Washington. Walla Walla, Washington, March 1970 (Also published a pamphlet digest of this document). U.S. Army Engineer District, Portland, Sounding Maps "Snake River, WashingLuu-Idaho," Drawing Nos. sw-i-12/96 thru 130, 1934. U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla, Design Memorandum No. 28A, Preliminary Master Plan. Part of the Master Plan for Lower Granite Lock and Dam, Snake River, Washington. 2 April 1965. “ U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla, "Navigation Charts, Snake River, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, Lower Granite Dam to Lewiston," (aerial photographs), March 1970. U.S. Army Engineer Division, North Pacific, Portland and Walla Walla Districts, Annual Fish Passage Report, Columbia River Projects: Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, and McNary; Snake River Projects: Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, and Little Goose: Oregon and Wash.. 1970: ------*■ U.S. Army Engineer Division, North Pacific, Nitrogen Supersaturation Problem, a presentation to Washington State Legislative Interim Committee on Fish and Game, at Spokane, Washington, 24 June 1971. U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla, Special Lower Snake River Report for Mitigation of Fish and Wildlife Losses Caused by Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite Lock and Dam Projects, Washington and Idaho (Unpublished preliminary draft), undated. U.S. Army Engineer Division, North Pacific, "Information About a Study of Columbia River and Tributaries," 1971 (Brochure). U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Water Quality Effects of Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. Lewiston, Idaho-Clarkston, Washington. Portland, Ore., November 1964. U.S. Federal Register, Vol. 35, No. 199 - Tuesday, October 13, 1970. "Rules and Regulations, Title 50 - Wildlife and Fisheries." (Appendix D - United States List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, "Draft Mitigation Report on the Four Lower Snake River Dams," with cover letter dated 8 September 1971. (A preliminary review draft). U.S. Public Health Service, Washington State Department of Health, and Idaho Department of Health, Vector Evaluation of the Corps of Engineers1 Proposed Lower Granite uam and Reservoir, Snake River. Washington-Idaho, April 1963. (Included as Appendix D, Exhibit 13, Lower Granite Design Memorandum No. 3). Washington State Department of Game, Regulation WAG 232-12-680, Rare and Endangered Species Designated, adopted August 16, 1971. Washington State Department of Game, Steelhead Fishing Project, Ice Harbor Reservoir, 1969 (by D. R. Eldred), March 1970. Lower Granite Lock and Dam DESIGN MEMORANDUMS No. Subiect Cover Date 1 Hydrology December 1963 2 Upper Pool Determination 12 April 1963 3 General Design Memorandum (4 Volumes) 13 March 1964 "T ConCi'cLt; Aggregate Investigations 21 January 1966 5.1 South Shore Access Road 18 November 1965 Supp. 1 - Road Completion 13 November 1969 5.2 North Shore Access Road 10 December 1969 6 First-Step Cofferdam and Diversion Channel 5 April 1965 7 Resident Office Facilities 12 January 1966 8 Part 1 - Real Estate 3 November 1964 8 Part 2 - Real Estate 30 June 1965 8 Part 3 - Real Estate 8 July 1966 8 Part 4 - Real Estate 27 October 1966 8 Part 5 - Real Estate 1 December 1967 9.1 Grading and Drainage Camas Prairie Railroad Relocation Almota to Wawawai, and Damsite Shoofly 8 March 1965 9.2 Camas Prairie Railroad Relocation, including Supp. 1 9 August 1966 9.3 Clearwater Bridge, Camas Prairie Railroad 28 February 1967 10 Permanent Operators* Onarterc 6 June 1966 11 Asotin County Roads 12 Relocation Whitman County Road No. 900 31 October 1966 13 Nez Perce County Roads 14 Washington State Highway 15 Idaho State Highway 15.1 Memorial Bridge Modification 16 T.p w Iston City Streets 17 Deleted 18.1 Deleted 18.2 Utility Modifications, City of Clarkston 18.3 Utility Modifications, RM 139.5 to RM 145.6, Left Bank 18.4 Utility Modifications, City of Lewiston 18.5 Utility Modifications, City of Asotin 18.6 Clarkston Sewage Treatment Plant 12 June 1969 Li}./ Relocation of Power and Telephone Facilities, RM 108 to RM 117 22 January 1970 18.8 Utility Modifications, RM 119 to RM 137 19 Spillway 24 February 1966 20 Navigation Facilities 7 April 1966 Supp. 1 - Miter Gate Operating Machinery 11 August 1966 Supp. 2 - Stability Analysis, Upper Gate Bay Monolith No. 4 22 April 1968 No. Cover Date 21 Fish Facilities 6 September 1966 Supp. 1 - Fish Ladder Revisions 16 December 1969 22 Concrete Non-Overflows 30 March 1966 23 Powerplant, Preliminary Design Report November 1965 23.1 Pcwerplant, Architectural 23.2 Powerplant, Structural 23.3 Powerplant, Mechanical 23.4 ruwerpianc, Electrical 23.5 Powerplant, Control Equipment 24 Foundation Grouting and Drainage 12 June 1967 25 Deleted 26 North Abutment Embankment and Second-Step Cofferdam 21 January 1966 27 Domestic Water Supply System 29 April 1970 28A Preliminary Master Plan 2 April 1965 28 Master Plan 28.1 Public Use Development 29 Lewiston Levee Operation and Maintenance Facilities 3 December 1968 29.1 East Lewiston Levee 29.2 West Lewiston Levee 29.3 North Lewiston Levee 18 September 1970 29.4 Clarkston Levee 29.5 Clarkston Bank Protection 30 12 October 1965 31 Buildings, Landscaping, and Grounds 32 Architectural Treatment 16 November 1965 33 Reservoir Clearing 34 Debris Disposal Facilities 35 Offield Bar Cemetery 14 February 1967 36 Isolated Burials at Silcott 11 September 1968 37 C P R P v S t u t c Huutc RcaLigiiuicrit j S t cp t oc to Wilma 5 November 1970 Note: These are reports produced in limited number as working documents in the planning and design process. Those with a date shown have been prepared, while those listed with no date are in process of or scheduled for preparation. F e d e r a l p o w e r c o m m i s s i o n REGIONAL OFFICE 555 BATTERY STREET, ROOM 415 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. 94111 January 20, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers Department of the Army Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: We have read the environmental statement for Lower Granite Lock and Dam Project with much Interest. It is a comprehensive and well prepared statement. We feel competent only to comment on the power aspects of the statement. The statement is factual as regards power. Sincerely yours. M. Boyd iy&stin Regional Engineer United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE 730 N. E. PACIFIC STREET P. O. BOX 3737 Your reference: PORTLAND, OREGON 97208 NPWEN-PL January 12, 1971 March 9, 1971 District Engineer Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Sir: This responds to your request for our review and comment on your draft environmental statement for Lower Granite Lock and Dam project, Snake River, Washington-Idaho. National Marine Fisheries Service provided information to us relating to fishery aspects of your draft. The following comments are for consideration during your completion of the statement and do not constitute this Bureau's formal analysis under provisions of P.L. 91-190. We are concerned that your statement does not adequately describe project destruction of the river ecosystem and dependent fish and wildlife. It emphasizes economic advantages of the project without indicating the high cost paid in terms of environmental and related recreational losses. Recreation associated with the hundreds of miles of impounded waters of the Columbia-Snake River systems is stressed, but the high quality sport fishery dependent on freeflowing reaches of river is largely ignored. > The following suggestions for statement modification reflect our con cern over project-caused fish and wildlife losses based on recent studies which will be reflected in our report now in preparation on your four lower Snake River projects. Throughout the text, we urge use of the word "reservoir" instead of "lake." The term "lake" is generally applicable to a natural body of water. References relate to full paragraphs, by page: Page 2, para. 2: Last three sentences should read: "The rich alluvial soils along Snake River support a variety of trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses, and cultivated crops. Dryer upland areas are vegetated with sagebrush and rabbitbrush interspersed with grasses. Although dry and brown in summer, the hillside vegetation provides spring and fall grazing. Trees, shrubs, forbs, and semi-aquatic grasses grow at springs, on the river banks, or where irrigated. All of these areas are important wildlife habitat." Page 2, para. 3: Suggest adding to second sentence: ". . . and an unimproved road follows the river downstream to the dam and beyond." Page 3, para. 1: Suggest deleting last sentence, and adding this paragraph: "Significant populations of big game, upland game, fur animals, waterfowl, and nongame wildlife are dependent on project-affected habitat along Snake River. Streamside vegeta tion and related environment are the keys to survival for species ranging in size and variety from songbirds to deer. Waterfowl and other aquatic wildlife depend upon existing delicately balanced land-water relationships involving islands, shoals, and gravel bars." Page H, para. 2: This section primarily describes industrial, water quality, and general recreation benefits. We believe the impact statement should be more concerned with project effects on ecolo gical systems per se. This portion ignores project destruction of the freeflowing river ecological balance as compared to con ditions that will exist with the reservoir. Page 6, para. 2: First sentence presents incorrect conclusion. Project elimination of freeflowing river and riparian vegetation will drastically change appearance of Snake River canyon bottom. Page 7, para. 1: Suggest revising first three sentences: "The reser voir may provide habitat for largemouth bass and other warmwater fish, but will be detrimental to most other species such as small- mouth bass, sturgeon, and to anadromous fishes. Present steelhead fishing in the project area will be drastically reduced." Page 7, para. 1: Suggest deleting last two sentences and adding new paragraph: "The project reservoir will destroy most of the natural environment that provides essential food and cover for a variety of wildlife living along the river. The original land- water relationship will be adversely changed with virtually a complete loss of brush shoreline, agricultural lands, and river island habitat. Wildlife populations and wildlife-oriented recreation dependent on this ecological system will be greatly reduced. The reservoir will not significantly affect waterfowl except for a major decrease in Canada goose production in the project area." Page 7, para. 2: Suggest inserting the following statement after first sentence: "However, the type of recreation dependent on a major freeflowing river will be eliminated in the project area." Page 8, para. 2 (under b.): Suggest deleting third through last sentence and replace with following: "The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife estimates that project-caused habitat and sportsman access losses will reduce annual big game hunting use for the four lower Snake River project areas during the project life by over 9,900 hunter-days. Upland game hunting is expected to be reduced by 28,H00 hunter-days, goose hunting by 960 hunter-days, and fur animal harvest will be reduced by 2,100 pelts annually. Nongame wildlife losses will also occur. "That portion of the total foregoing losses attributable to all four lower Snake River dams and proportionately assigned to Lower Granite project in general is estimated to exceed one-fourth of the above loss estimates because of existing habitat conditions. "Project-incurred wildlife losses can be partially offset by a variety of habitat developments both on project and off-project lands. Development of replacement nesting sites and provision of farmed grazing pastures for Canada geese, and plantings of woody vegetation for nongame wildlife, fur animals, and big game will provide considerable reduction of wildlife losses on project areas. Substantial reduction of project-incurred upland game losses will depend largely upon control, development, and stocking of game birds in suitable habitat on off-project lands. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service will provide specific recommendations designed to partially offset project-caused fish and wildlife losses in a forthcoming joint report on the lower Snake River four-dam complex." Page 9, para. 2: Suggest following revision: "Steelhead fishing in reservoirs is unproductive and no change is anticipated. The project will cause a drastic reduction in steelhead harvest. Fishing will be concentrated immediately downstream from the dam and upstream from the reservoir." Page 10: In third sentence the relationship of pollution to hydropower production should include nitrogen supersaturation as a detrimental condition. Page 10: Suggest adding paragraph just ahead of first full paragraph as follows: "Modification of the project to reduce its environ mental impact is an alternative. Further study might reveal additional benefits related to maximum pool level of 700 feet m.s.l. (planned level is 738 feet m.s.l.). This would approxi mate the 715-foot pool level supported in the authorizing project document prior to consideration of the proposed upstream Asotin project. The alternative plan could reduce hydropower and pos sibly navigation advantages but would markedly benefit fish and wildlife by preserving approximately 20 miles of freeflowing river and associated riparian habitat. Adequate harvest of steelhead trout produced at Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is dependent upon preserving downstream freeflowing fishing waters. In addi tion to conservation of fish and wildlife resources, major savings related to highway and bridge building, levee construction, and recreation values of preserved river bottomlands could be expected." Page 10, para. 1 (under d.): We do not agree with the statement that ecological values will be restored within 5 to 10 years following project construction. We suggest the following revision in this paragraph, beginning with third sentence: "Natural resilience and adaptation of the disturbed biological systems will help heal some of the construction scars; however, the rich alluvial soils supporting productive wildlife habitat will be permanently de stroyed by the reservoir, road relocation, and other project con struction. Shoreline erosion will continue for many years. Reduction of environmental damage will require specific remedial measures. Significant reduction of project-incurred biological losses will require an extensive habitat development program." Page 11: Suggest inserting following paragraph just ahead of first full paragraph: "The project will substantially reduce desirable fish and wildlife populations and their long-term productivity by inundation of essential habitat." Page 11, para. 1: Suggest adding sentence as follows: "That portion of the economy based on hunting and fishing will suffer long-term losses." Page 12, para. 2: The project is expected to cause short-term and long-term steelhead losses. This premise is based upon extensive studies of the steelhead fishery in Columbia River reservoirs. We suggest the third sentence be revised to state: "Measures to reduce fish and wildlife losses will be incorporated in project development when recommendations to be provided by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service are evaluated." Page 13, partial paragraph: Last sentence is a value judgment that fish and game conservation agencies and others familiar with the river would dispute. Snake River downstream from the Clearwater River confluence was one of the few major freeflowing reaches remaining in the Columbia-Snake River drainages. Prior to project development, outstanding fish and wildlife popula tions in the setting of a relatively undisturbed canyon provided stimulating outdoor experiences. Development of Lower Granite unit of the lower Snake River four-dam complex will result in a cumulative impact on these fish and wildlife related values. Page 13, para. 1 (under e.): Suggest second sentence be changed as follows: "Flooding and project construction will permanently destroy most of the natural environment that provides essential food and cover for wildlife living along the river in the reservoir area." The opportunity to comment on your draft environmental statement is appreciated. Sincerely yours, / Jack E. Hemphill Regional Director UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION lOOO SECOND AVENUE SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98104 MAR 1 1971- colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: We have reviewed the revised environmental statement for the Lower Granite Lock and Dam project, Washington, as requested in your letter of January 12, 1971. Our review and evaluation pertaining to the outdoor recreational resources and aesthetic aspects of the project were made in terms of the requirements covered by Section 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L.91-190). Our comments are based upon information contained in the environmental statement. Contacts have been made with representatives of the Nation al Park Service, Water Quality Office of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. We believe that the environmental statement for the Lower Granite project could be strengthened by reflecting the following comments: Under point ,!a" beginning on page A, the statement in several places discusses essentially the beneficial economic impacts of the project (e.g. the discussion concerning navigation on page A, power on page 6, and outdoor recreation on page 7). Our under standing is that this part of the statement should be limited to identifying the environmental impacts which result from the direct or indirect consequences of the project. The emphasis should not be to summarize these economic considerations which are treated in more detail in the main project report, but to identify both the benefical and detrimental impacts on the environment in each case. The statement under point "a" does not consider the environmental impact, if any, of downstream effects of the project; the borrow area for the material in constructing the nine miles of backwater levees; the relocation of 43 miles of road and 39 miles of rail road; or the inundation of two Lewis and Clark campsites. We are concerned that there might be some effects on the aesthetics of the area and on possible outdoor recreation opportunities associated with these aspects of the project. If there are any adverse effects involved, they should be identified. Under point ' V , the statement should discuss the unavoidable adverse effects of the project concerning the Inundation of historical sites, certain geologic features of interest, and other areas currently used for outdoor recreation. In particular, . the statement should identify any possible measures to rectify these unavoidable effects and the extent of their probable effectiveness. Under point "c", the statement presents a narrative justification for the project rather than the alternatives in terms of their beneficial as well as detrimental effects on the environment. For example, in mentioning the alternative of no action, there are some beneficial environmental effects leaving the river in a free-flowing state as well as those which are adverse. Under point "d”, the statement discusses certain impacts which the project would have during the construction period and during the life of the project. Our understanding of P.L. 91-190 is that the main emphasis here should be to show the relationship between local short-term uses of the environment involving the project and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term_produc tivity in terms of succeeding generations, including those beyond project life. This relationship was not fully discussed in the statement. With reference to point "e" of the statement, the results of certain earthwork activities and the inundation of specific historic, geologic, and other sites would have an impact on the aesthetic and outdoor recreational aspects of the area. Some of these impacts could be irreversible and irretrievable even though the project features could be physically removed from the area. Sincerely yours, Fred J. Overly Regional Director UNITED STATES EUV I RUi'iriifisTAL PKUTtCTIUi* AGEi'lCY WATER DUALITY UEEICE I'iOP.THWEST KEG IUiM February 9, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer, Walla Walla District Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: We have reviewed the draft Environmental Statement for Lower Granite Lock and Dam. The'comments of this office are as follows: We feel the statement does not adequately reflect the potential adverse effects on water quality nor does it reflect current studies by the Corps which involve alternatives with less water quality impact. Recent studies by the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (see attachment) indicate downstream migrating chinook and steelhead mortality rates in excess of 70% in the Lower Snake following completion of Little Goose and Lower Monumental Dams. The report concludes that a logical explanation for the low survival rates is the prolonged exposure of fish to high levels of supersaturated nitrogen in the Snake River. Completion of Lower Granite can adversely affect both short and long term nitrogen problems. Water released after the pool is raised and before the generator units are installed, can add to already supersaturated con ditions as can water released over the spillway during flows too high to be utilized through the generator units. Completion of Lower Granite will also further delay passage of fish through the area of existing super saturation. In fact, it may be that the accumulative effects of all fishery problems on the Lower Snake, including added migration delays and nitrogen supersaturation, will make it impossible to maintain salmon and steelhead runs in the river. We understand that the Corps of Engineers is aware of the potential • adverse effects of spilling flows and has studies underway to determine what releases could be made without supersaturation. We also understand that there is some degree of flexibility in establishing construction schedules particularly as related to installation of generating units. Section 101 (2)(D) of the National Environmental Policy Act requires the responsible agency to study, develop, and describe appropriate alterna tives to recommended courses of action in any proposal which involves un resolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources. Therefore, we feel that the impact statement should describe current results of your studies and their potential for reducing adverse impacts. Also, under alternatives, there should be an evaluation of rescheduling construction to permit (1) installation of the three generating units prior to raising the pool; (2) installation of all six generators prior to raising the pool; and (3) other alternative scheduling or spillway design which might lessen adverse environmental impacts. Other comments on the draft are: Page A, paragraph A, fourth sentence— suggest insertion of "adversely" between "will" and "influence." Page 5, second sentence— "the project has served as an impetus for a cooperative effort for water pollution reduction..." is not correct. In fact, waste discharges in the area have used pending construction of Lower Granite reservoir as an excuse to delay planning and construction of waste treatment facilities. Page 10, paragraph D— should include discussions of short-term nitrogen supersaturation problems during the construction period.. Along with the above, we feel the statement should include a stipu lation that the construction activities will conform to existing state and local air and water quality standards. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Sincerely yours, James L. Agee Regional Director United States Department of the Interior BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION PORTLAND, OREGON 97208 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer, Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: We have reviewed your Environmental Statement for the_Lower Granite Lock and Dam dated December 23, 1970, supplied by your letter of January 12, 1971, The statement appears to us to cover adequately the en vironmental impact of the Lower Granite project. Sincerely, psi dmrth istrra t or U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service 6116 Arcade Building FEB 8 1971 Seattle, Washington 98101 Colonel Richard M. Connell, District Engineer Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362' Subject: Environmental Statement for Lower Granite Lock and Dam Shake River, Washington Dear Colonel: We have reviewed your proposed environmental statement on this project and offer the following comments. In general, it appears that the statement is more concerned with eco nomics than environment. We realize interpretation of "environment" has many facets, but we believe more emphasis should be placed on maintenance of natural conditions. We believe the problem of nitrogen supersaturation does not receive full recognition in this statement, and we suggest the text be expanded to deal more fully with this subject. Although there is some mention of loss of spawning ground and fishing areas for salmon and steelhead, we suggest it be expanded to more fully cover the subject. Minor comments relating to the draft are as follows: 1. On page 3, second paragraph: We suggest that some comment should be included here to indicate the magnitude of the number of migrant salmon and steelhead passing the project. 2. On page 5, second paragraph: The initial comments indicate a reduction of natural reaeration. With regard to the nitrogen supersaturation problem, we understand that excess aeration causes nitrogen to be entrapped in the water. This seems to be an appropriate place to mention project effects on Lewiston Dam and the need for modification of fish passage facilities. We are not sure that algae is a problem at run of the river projects. Is this so? 3. On page 3, second paragraph: Although the last sentence of the paragraph appears to be true, there is a problem of water pollution, i.e., nitrogen supersaturation. Should this not be mentioned also? 4. On page 7, first full paragraph: We are not quite sure that the first sentence is exactly true based on our experience at other reservoirs in this reach of the Snake River. Habitat for bass seems to be declining as reservoirs are constructed. In the same paragraph, we cannot quite agree with the second sentence. If free flowing reaches of the river are inundated in the reservoir, there cannot be different locations in which to fish for steelnead. 5. On page 8, next to last sentence: We believe it would be well to include steelhead as well as salmon. In the last sentence, it should be pointed out that National Marine Fisheries Service, in cooperation with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, is now completing a coordinated report with a plan to compensate for all fish and wildlife losses in the Lower Snake Area. 6. On page 9: We suggest the first paragraph be expanded to more fully cover the nitrogen supersaturation problem. The second paragraph on the same page treats the lack of fishing success of steelhead in reservoirs very lightly. If we recall correctly in the experiments financed by your agency, reservoir catches were very poor. Why not clearly state this in your com- clusions? We suggest that the subject of a lower pool level for Lower Granite Reservoir be considered as an alternative. We realize that power revenues will be foregone, but this is one choice that should be considered and weighed against other uses. 7. On page 10, first paragraph: This paragraph indicates no air pollution or heat waste problems. However, it neglects to mention the nitrogen supersaturation problem. We think this should be included. 8. On page 11, last paragraph: We agree in essence with the first sentence of this paragraph; however, we must point out that long term productivity of fish and wildlife resources will probably be detrimentally affected by this project. We think some mention should be made of this. 9 . Page 12, second paragraph: We believe the short run effect as indicated in the first sentence on steelhead trout harvest will also be long run effects. There appears to be little promise for development of an effective means of harvesting steelhead in the reservoir. The last paragraph indicates that Dworshak Dam and Reservoir is the only major project plan for development upstream. If this is true, are we to assume that Penny Cliffs and Ignore projects will no longer be proposed for construction? Also, it would seem appropriate in this paragraph that some mention should be made of the long-term effects relating to loss of spawning area caused by the change from a free-flowing river to a reservoir environment and also proposed future peak ing operations. 10. On page 13: We question the validity of the last sentence in the first paragraph. When one considers the losses of natural spawning area for salmon and steelhead, mechanical passage prob lems for both adult and juveniles, and the very definite problem of nitrogen supersaturation, we can hardly see where the lower Granite project will have a low impact on the environment. Iterhaps this paragraph should be modified to clearly reflect things as they will be. On the same page, we believe the last paragraph too briefly covers irreversible and irretreivable effects of the project on resources. This paragraph should more clearly cover loss of spawning areas for salmon and steelhead, loss of fishing opportunity for both, and loss of both from upstream and down stream passage problems. 1 1 . On page 16, first paragraph: The first full sentence would be more correct if it were restated to say "Fish passage does not constitute compensation for inundated fish spawning areas." These comments should be considered as informal advice on a regional basis. Response from the Department of Commerce will be transmitted from Washington, D. C. cc: Washington Department of Fisheries Washington Department of Game Idaho Fish and Game Department BSFW, KBS, Regional Office BSFW, Spokane office Fish Commission of Oregon Oregon State Game Commission United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Pacific Northwest Region 931 Fourth and Pike Building Seattle, Washington 98101 February 9, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer U.S. Army Engineer District, Walla Walla Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connells We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on the environ mental statement on Lower Granite Lock and Dam project, Washington, which was transmitted with your letter of January 12. This statement presents a comprehensive analysis of the environ mental impact of the project. The following comments are offered for your consideration: 1. Since the project includes hydroelectric power production, paragraph (a) should include the impact of power releases on the area downstream from the dam. This would discuss the power peak ing operations of the reservoir in relation to current plans for all hydroelectric plants in the Columbia River System to be used for peaking with firm power to come from other generating facilities. 2. Also include in paragraph (a) power line effect on the environment. 3. The loss of two Lewis and Clark campsites should be noted under paragraph (b), Adverse Environmental Effects. 4. It would seem that the effect of power lines would also be an adverse element which cannot be avoided and should appear in paragraph (b). » 5. The loss of historical resources will be irreversible and irretrievable and should be noted again under paragraph (e). Sincerely yours, Bennett T. Gale Acting Director UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WESTERN SERVICE CENTER 450 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE, BOX 36025 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94102 February 8, 1971 Richaid M. Connell Colonel, CE District Engineer, Walla Walla District Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Col. Connell: With regards to your letter dated January 12, 1971, (NPWEN-PL), we have reviewed the enclosed Environmental Statement for the Lower Granite Lock and Dam as it regards archeology. Archeo logical comments appear on pp. 3, 4, 9, and 15. We approve of what has been stated. Thank you for permitting us to see this statement. Sincerely yours, Paul J. F. Schumacher Chief, Archeological Investigations WASHINGTON STATE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 7150 CLEANWATER LANE PHONE 753-5755 THURSTON AIRDUSTRtAL CENTER P. O. BOX 1128 OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98501 March 12, 1971 Mr. Richard M. Connell, Colonel, CE District Engineer Department of the Army Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Subject: Environmental Statement Tower Granite Lock and Dam Tour Reference: NPWEN-PL Dear Mr. Connell: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed the proposed environmental statement for the Lower Granite Project and generally concurs with the facts presented therein. Very truly yours, William A. Bush, Chief Research and Planning STATE OF WASHINGTON PIEP^PITMIElisST ©F E©®L®©Y DANIEL J. EVANS JOHN A. BIGGS GOVERNOR OIRECTOR P. 0. Box 829 - Olympia 98501 February 11, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer U. S. Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Building 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: Members of our staff have reviewed the Environmental Statement for Lower Granite Lock and Dam project as requested 1n your letter of January 12, 19717 The Department of Ecology strongly opposes any further construction on the Lower Granite Lock and Dam project until 1t can be guaranteed that the project will not contribute to the nitrogen supersaturation problems 1n the Snake River. The project In no way has provided for the reasonable protection of the aquatic community that will be jeopardized. The juvenile salmonlds that migrate down the Snake River will be eliminated by super saturation of nitrogen created by this dam and Its sister dams on the Lower Snake River. Resident fish species such as Smallmouth Bass will also be adversely affected. Our comments relating to pertinent sections of the report are as follows: Section 3. Impact Statement a) "The Environmental Impact of the proposed action." Page 5, paragraph 2 - It 1s our feeling that the Impetus for reducing pollution on the Snake River In Washington was the establishment of the Interstate Water Quality Standards and Implementation and Enforcement Plan, and not the construction of the dam. The reader Is lead into believing that because the dam Is being built, pollution 1n the Snake River will be eliminated. Page 5, paragraph 3 and 4 - The Impoundment will reduce the natural organic assimilation capacity of the Snake River for 44 miles. Industries and municipalities may have to provide advanced waste treatment to avoid the possibility of algae blooms caused by changing the environment of the Snake River to a lake. To justify the statement made about the aquatic environment, the water quality studies should have been completed before an environmental statement 1s developed. Page 5, paragraph 4 - If Lower Granite pool will have a similar environment as McNary pool, algae problems will develop since algae problems now occur 1n McNary pool. The results of the on-go1ng studies of the oxygen and algae problems should be available for Inclusion 1n the Envl rorimenta 1 Statement. Page 6, paragraph 2 - It 1s questionable If the Lower Granite project 1s needed to meet the power requirements of the area when other dams on the system have not been completely utilized to capacity. Thermal and air pollution problems created by other power sources can be controlled and are an alternate to this project. Page 6, paragraph 3 - What is the flood potential of the Lewlston-Clarkston area? What 1s the present frequency of flooding and what Is the future frequency of flood protec tion with the levees? What Is the proposed extent of the beautification program? Page 7, paragraph 2, sentence 3 and 5 - Neither of these statements are necessarily true nor can they be substantiated. It has been demonstrated on other projects that angling success for anadromous species deteriorate after pool formation. Page 7, paragraph 3 - What facilities are planned at the marina to eliminate the pollution generated by the users? b) "Adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be Implemented." Page 9, paragraph 1 - We are lead to believe that the nitrogen supersaturation problem will not be resolved and this dam will be built knowing that nitrogen supersaturation problems will be extended up river another 38 miles. The effect of nitrogen supersaturation 1s sufficiently understood and its effect on downstream migrants this past year has been devastating. Page 9, paragraph 2 - It is questionable whether sport fisher men will have to "develop more successful techniques for harvesting steelhead" If downstream migrant losses continue occurring at their present levels. We appreciate this opportunity to review and comment on the Environmental Statement for Lower Granite Lock and Dam project and hope that our comment will be of assistance to you. Very truly yours, JOHN A. BIGGS Director OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SLADE GORTON ATTORNEY GENERAL TEMPLE OF JUSTICE OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98501 February 11, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer Department of the Army Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: I have been requested to respond to your letter of January 12, 1971j on behalf of Carl Crouse, Director of the Wasnington Department of Game, and Thor Tollefson, Director of the Washington Department of Fisheries regard ing your request for their comments on the environmental impact of the Lower Granite Project. Inasmuch as the United States Corps of Engineers has not seen fit to provide Fisheries or Game with the necessary funds to develop studies which would lead to the development of a reasonable plan for the mitigation of fish and game los ses necessarily associated with the construction of the pro ject, both agencies feci that they do not have adequate in formation or data at this time to offer complete or compre hensive comments regarding the environmental impact of this project. As you are aware, the question of the Corps of Engineers' responsibility in this regard is presently being litigated in Federal District Court in Spokane. It is also deemed inappropriate to offer comments at this time in light of the pending case and the present posture adopted by the United States Corps-of Engineers. Any further inquiries concerning the position of the Department of Fisheries or Department of Game regarding the Lower Granite Project should be directed to the under signed. Very truly yours, FOR Tlffi- ATTORNEY' GENERAL ✓ > r / / * 7 J./L. Gonifr /' Assistant JLtrorney General cc • Carl Crouse, Director, Depti of Game Thor Tollefson, Director, Dept, of Fisheries CHARLES J. MARSHALL. CHAIRMAN, JEROME DR. ROBERT R. LEE, DIRECTOR LE ROY STANGER, VICE CHAIRMAN, IDAHO FALLS WILLIAM S. HOLDEN ROBERT M. BANDY, PRIEST RIVER GOVERNOR'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FERRIS M. KUNZ. MONTPELIER JOSEPH H. NETTLETON, MURPHY THOMAS OLMSTEAD. TWIN FALLS JJOHN F.STREIFF, LEWISTON STATE OF IDAHO GEORGE L. YOST, EMMETT IDAHO WATER RESOURCE BOARD R. KEITH HIGGINSON, BOISE ■TATEHOUSE EX-OFFICIO MEMBER BOISE, IDAHO 63707 (DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF WATER ADMINISTRATION) February 9, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell, C.E. Department of Army Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: This is in response to the draft of the environmental statement on Lower Granite Project which you forwarded to us on January 12 for review and comments. In general, we feel the report is well-written and well-organized. A few specific questions and comments concerning the report are as follows: 1. Page 5 - Based on an analogy with upper McNary pool, the statement is made that no oxygen and algae problems are anticipated. What is the status of Ice Harbor pool in relation to this problem? 2. Many of the questions pertaining to the anadromous fish are still under investigation, particularly the measures needed to mitigate losses, and spillway design studies to reduce nitrogen gas supersaturation. We would appreciate being kept informed of the outcome of such investigations, since these problems directly affect Idaho anadromous fish runs. 3. Would the project have any affect on the big game? 4. Would there be daily river fluctuations downstream from the dam, if so, what effects would these have on downstream recreational use and the general aesthetics of the area? 5. Is any stream depletion anticipated? Thank you for the opportunity to review the statement. Sincerely yours, ROBERT R. LEE Director IDAHO FISH AND GAME DEPARTMEN1 February 11, 1971 Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer, Walla Walla District U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: We have reviewed and have the following comments on the Environmental Statement (PL 91-190) for Lower Granite Lock and Dam Project which was transmitted with your letter of January 12, 1971. In the interest of semantic accuracy the Lower Granite impoundment should be referred to throughout the report as a reservoir rather than a "lake." Page 2, second full paragraph— the description of vegetative growth does not mention the extensive willow and other brush growth along the river banks and in draws and gullies throughout the project area which receive seasonal moisture. Page 3, second full paragraph, last sentence— suggest insertion of "to" between "and" and "gravel." As presently worded, the sentence can be interpreted to mean there are only a few gravel bars involved. Gravel bars are actually numerous throughout the area. Page 4, second full paragraph— it should be clearly pointed out that regardless of the types of new industry that may develop and regulatory controls which may be applied, the creation of an impoundment in the industrial area will make pollution control much more difficult both technologically and economically. In all probability a higher degree of control will be necessary than that ultimately required if the river remained free flowing. Pages 5 and 6, last and first partial paragraphs, respectively— while we agree that the effects of the pool on oxygen content and algal bloom are not completely known at the present time, it should be pointed out that if adverse conditions involving these two factors should develop there are no presently known realistic remedial actions which could be taken. Page 6, first full paragraph— thermal or air pollution are admittedly problems associated with non-hydroelectrie power plants. There are presently available, however, technologically and economically feasible methods of dealing with these problems. At the present time there are no known means of controlling potential pollution problems resulting from the Lower Granite project such as supersaturation of nitrogen and algae production. Page 6, last paragraph, first sentence— we cannot agree that much of the reservoir will present a visual appearance not markedly different from the existing river. The elimination of islands, channels, riffles, pools, riparian vegetation, and the flood plain will cause a marked difference in visual appearance. Page 7, first full paragraph— based on studies of reservoirs both downstream and upstream of Lower Granite project, habitat provided by the reservoir will be far less favorable for warmwater game fish than that provided by the existing river. The sturgeon population will be eliminated or reduced to insignificance. Again based on studies at similar projects in the Snake River there will be mortalities of upstream and downstream migrating fish, particularly downstream migrants (approximately 15 percent mortality at Ice Harbor Dam during periods of spill and 30 percent during periods of nonspill— not including the effects of nitrogen supersaturation), despite passage facilities incorporated into the dam construction. The reference to present steelhead fishing in the project area being reduced is greatly understated. Based on studies conducted by the Washington Department of Game and the Corps of Engineers in Ice Harbor pool the steelhead fishery will be for all practicable purposes eliminated. The fact that already existing steelhead fisheries at different free-flowing river locations will continue has no bearing on the loss of the fishery in the reservoir area. Reservoir waters will not necessarily provide a significant waterfowl resting area. Waterfowl use of the area is now primarily by an over wintering population. Inundation of gravel bars could cause a shift in this population to free-flowing river areas. Relatively narrow reservoirs, such as Lower Granite will be, receive little use in comparision to free-flowing river areas in upstream portions of the Snake River. Page 7, last paragraph— we cannot agree that opportunities for general outdoor recreation, such as boating and picnicking, will be "increased or necessarily improved by project construction over what would occur with normal recreation development on the free-flowing river. Apparently about 60 percent of existing south shore access and portions of the north shore access in the project area will be lost by inundation. Based on experiences at other lower Snake River reservoirs, steep slopes and riprapping of road and railroad reloca tions will greatly restrict access and shore use even where road replacements are made. Shoreline access developments proposed by the Corps cannot possibly replace the many miles of usable river shoreline that will be lost through impoundment. Numerous sand bar beaches throughout the project area presently provide opportunity for dispersed recreational use with choice of location remaining with the user. The report states that new beaches will be provided as part of the project. It does not say how many but we seriously doubt that replacement will remotely approach the quantity and quality of the existing beaches. Elimination of the existing flood plain and development of a few mass recreation areas will result in crowding and take from the user the opportunity of recreating at a spot of his choosing. In these days of general overcrowding in all phases of living the lack of choice and opportunity to attain a degree of solitude can only result in decreased recreational quality. Wind action on the reservoir water surface will limit or preclude recreational boating on many days. This is not presently a problem under existing river conditions. The possibility of twice daily pool level fluctuations of up to five feet as recently revealed by the Corps will also detract from recreational use of the reservoir. Page 8, paragraph 2, line 10— this sentence does not clearly spell out the consequences of impoundment as regards upland game and birds. "Relocation" of animal and bird populations and resulting effects on the wildlife habitat "equilibrium" more clearly stated means simply that there will be a net loss in the total populations equal to the size of the populations now utilizing habitat that will be inundated. The end ^result of habitat loss through impoundment will be a major reduction *of upland game and bird populations in the project and adjacent areas. It is physically, economically, and biologically infeasible to replace the many miles of riparian habitat that will be inundated. Page 9, paragraph 1— the statement on nitrogen gas supersaturation does not fully outline the seriousness and magnitude of the problem. Chinook salmon downstream migrant losses due to nitrogen supersatur ation produced by the three existing lower Snake River Corps dams was estimated at 70 percent during 1970. Evidence indicates major delayed mortalities from the same cause in upstream migrating adults. Based on present knowledge, Lower Granite project will inevitably aggravate this critical situation. While studies of the problem are underway, there is no assurance that solutions will be found. Page 9, paragraph 2— as previously stated, studies and experience to date at other lower Snake River impoundments show that the steel- head and salmon fishery will for all practicable purposes be eliminated in Lower Granite pool. There is no justification for assuming more successful techniques of harvesting steelhead in reservoirs will be developed. Elimination of the extremely popular and valuable steelhead fishery must be considered as a project associated environmental loss. Future redistribiition of steelhead fisher men to areas where a fishery already exists does not in anyway mitigate or have any other bearing on this loss. Future mitigation measures that are proposed by the fishery agencies will mitigate for losses to the fish populations themselves, but it will not be possible to mitigate for the loss of fishing area. Page 10, paragraph 1, line 3— we are aware of no navigational restric tions that would preclude boat traffic from downstream areas during the time of year this traffic would normally occur. Rough water caused by wind action on the reservoir will restrict such traffic far more than existing river navigation problems. Page 10, paragraph 1— we believe benefits that would accrue through the no construction alternate should be as fully outlined as benefits foregone are. A more detailed examination of the long range need for hydropower as related to long range power production by other alter natives would be of value. An impression could be received from the statement that project construction will materially affect the amount of power that will eventually have to be produced by thermal alterna tives. This is obviously not the case. An alternative not mentioned in the statement is reduction in dam height and pool size to preserve more river habitat, maintain a portion of the anadromous fishery, and preclude levee building and associated problems at Lewiston. We have seen no analysis of this alternative and believe one would be desirable. L Page 10, paragraph 2— with a five foot daily fluctuation and raising of the water surface elevation out of the flood plain and onto the adjacent steep hillsides there will be no return of a natural ecological relationship to shoreline areas over any period of time. The existing river riparian ecological relationships will be destroyed upon inunda tion and reservoir formation will preclude the establishment of any relationships even remotely approaching the value of those that now exist. Page 11, first full paragraph, last sentence— as previously mentioned we do not agree that project construction will result in any influx of recreation and boating over what would occur with the existing river. Recent studies of other lower Snake River impoundments have shown that with elimination of the anadromous fishery, recreational use is confined almost exclusively to the summer months as opposed to year around use of the steelhead fishery. The sturgeon fishery will be drastically reduced or eliminated and use of other fisheries will decrease as quality decreases. Our prior comments on recreational uses other than fishing would also apply here. Page 12, paragraph 2— as previously stated we find no justification for assuming that techniques will be developed to harvest anadromous fish in meaningful numbers from the reservoir. Based on studies to date, elimination of the anadromous fishery must be considered a long term effect of project construction. Page 13, paragraph 1, last sentence— we cannot agree that loss of the free-flowing stream in the Lower Granite project area will have a low impact in terms of long range regional environmental diversity. This impact must be viewed in relationship to future development. As mentioned in the statement, the authorized Asotin project is immediately upstream; immediately upstream from the Asotin project is the China Gardens-High Mountain Sheep project which would impound water up to the existing Hells Canyon-Oxbow-Brownlee projects and is now under consideration for licensing by the Federal Power Commission. If Asotin and China Gardens-High Mountain Sheep projects should be constructed, they, in conjunction with Lower Granite project, would result in approximately 350 miles of continuous slack water throughout the entire length of the lower and mid-Snake River. This would hardly contribute to water diversity in the region. Any future impoundments considered on the Clearwater River should also be pointed out in assessing the effects on environmental diversity. Page 13, last paragraph— high value riparian wildlife habitat that will be lost through inundation amounts to considerably more than a 10-30 foot wide strip along the river. In many areas flood plain vegetation extends much further than this. Creeks, draws, and gullies entering the river within the impoundment area also contain high value wildlife habitat. Almost all of the 8,700 acres of land inundated can be considered quail and partridge habitat either on its own merits or when used in conjunction with riparian habitat. As previously stated, based on present studies and knowledge the salmon, steelhead and sturgeon fisheries should be considered for all practical purposes an irreversible and irretrievable loss. Page 16, paragraph 1, line 3— the Idaho Fish and Game Department also takes the position that fish passage does not mitigate loss of fish spawning areas. Sincerely, IDAHO FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT /John R. Woodworth Director - ta te Bo a r d o f La n d Commissioners CECIL 0. ANDRUS GOVERNOR AND PRESIDENT IDAHO PETE T. CENARRUSA SECRETARY OF STATE De p a r t m e n t o f Pu b lic La n d s W. ANTHONY PARK ATTORNEY GENERAL Q so ise, Id a h o 83707 JOE R. WILLIAMS STATE AUDITOR DELMER F. ENGELKING SUP'T OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION February 25, 1971 Mr. Richard M. Connell Colonel, CE District Engineer Department of the Army Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers Bldg. 602, City-County Airport Walla Wall§, Washington 99362 Dear Sir: In reference to your letter of 12 January 1971 con cerning the Environmental Statement for the Lower Granite project, we find no disagreement in general with the statement. Although some of the information is rather general, we realize that time and money did not allow a detailed report covering every facet of the effects of such a project. Very truly yours, c T t r o h b i e y Commissioner FISH COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR 307 STATE OFFICE BLDG. • 1400 S.W. 5th AVE. • PORTLAND, OREGON • 97201 TOM McCALL GOVERNOR COMMISSIONERS JOSEPH I. EOFF February 12, 1971 Chairman EDW. G. HUFFSCHMIDT Vlca Chairman McKEE A. SMITH Member ROBERT W. SCHONING State Fiaheriei Director Colonel Richard M. Connell District Engineer Walla Walla District U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Building 602, City-County Airport Walla W alla, Washington 99362 Dear Colonel Connell: We have completed our review of the environmeotaI statement for Lower Granite project as requested in your letter of January 12, 1971. We realize that environmental impact reports have only recently been required and that the Corps and others are s till in the process of developing suitable formats. Our comments are offered in the spirit of trying to assist In this effort as well as fulfilling our agency's obligations. We feel that the report should be revised in a number of places to clearly reflect the impacts of the project on the anadromous fish resource. In our opinion, these impacts are generally understated. On Page 3, under "environmental impacts of the proposed actio n ," the report indicates the important steelhead sport fishery will be reduced by flooding of the fishery area but implies that it will continue much as before at new locations. The report does not state that the reduction will be severe or that the quality of the fishing will be lowered by concentrating the anglers in limited areas. It also implies that successful methods of angling for steelhead in the reservoir will be developed. There is no assurance of this and It should be pointed out. There is no mention in this section of loss of the sport fisheries for •sturgeon or channel ca tfish . This should be included. On Page 8, under "adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented," we wish to point out that Lower Granite will further delay the migration of downstream migrants which will reduce their survival. The seaward migration of juvenile salmonids is generally regarded as being timed to the environmental cycle. Under natural conditions i t occurs at sp e c ific seasons during which the hydrologic cycle favors survival. Also physiological changes occur in the fish at the time of outmigration which prepare them for ocean life. Delaying migration can seriously a ffe c t the fish es' chances for ocean su rviva l. The report covers the nitrogen supersaturation problem by essentially stating that the total effect of this condition is not completely under stood but is under study. This gives the impression to the informed reader that a frank disclosure of the serious nitrogen problem is being avoided. The report would gain much in stature If the problem was specifically discussed and some preliminary estimates of mortality were provided. The seriousness of this problem should be clearly pointed out. We also believe the project will add to the migration problems of adult salmonids, exclusive of the nitrogen problem. I t will result In additional delay of fish. Consequently, fewer fish will reach their destination due to additional stress imposed by the project. On Page 9, the section on "altern atives to the proposed action" does not appear to address itself so much to the subject of alternatives but rather to defending what would be given up if the dam is not built. Is th is the purpose of th is part of the report? If so, shouldn't I t also l is t the advantages of not building the project such as preservation of the steeI head,•sturgeon, channel c a tfish , and smallmouth bass sport fish e rie s; saving of the fall chinook spawning area; and lack of impairment to the natural migration routes of adult and juvenile salmon, etc.? Other alternatives are possible that have not been mentioned. One is to construct the project with a full complement of six turbines that would be essentially operational at the time the impoundment is filled. A variation of this alternative would be to have three units operational at the time of filling and utilize the three skeleton units to pass flows. We feel it is vital to convince Congress that funding for one or the other of these altern atives is needed to reduce the impact of the nitrogen supersaturation problem and to perpetuate the Snake River runs. The environmental statement can be instrumental in achieving this end. On Page 13, under "Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources...,' loss of the natural anadromous fish run could be an irreve rsib le commitment due to the cumulative effects of Columbia and Snake River dam construction. This depends upon our ultimate success in solving the serious fish passage . problems which confront the Snake River stocks. While it Is evident that Lower Granite will be only one of a number of projects contributing to the potential decimation of these runs, the report should point this out. In more general terms, we believe the environmental impacts of the project, both good and bad, must be adequately quantified and qualified for the reader in reports of this type. Where appropriate, interpretations should be made. Stating that a certain rock will be flooded over, for example, does not mean much to the reader, but if it is explained that the rock is an important and rare geological feature, its significance is much more apparent. We think it is obligatory that the report clearly inform the Environmental Council and Congress of the social gains and costs of development of a given project. Sincerely, THOMAS E. KRUSE, ASSISTANT STATE FISHERIES DIRECTOR cc: Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife, Portland Environmental Protection Agency, Portland Idaho Fish and Game Department National Marine Fisheries Service, Portland Oregon State Game Commission U. S. Corps of Engineers, North Pacific D ivision, Mains Washington Department of Fisheries Washington Department of Game COUNCIL RON F. JO N U MAYOR •RYAN R. BUNDY f PRESIDENT WILLIAM O. STEFFEY GEOROE OIESE CITY MANAGER DALE W. GORDON IDAHO'S ONLY SEAPORT MELVIN MCGARY POST OFFICE BOX S83 DONALD K. MELLEN I^KWISTON, IDAHO 83501 JOHN SKELTON 208 748-2583 January 199 1971 Col. Richard M. Connell District Engineer Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Bldg. 602 - City-County Airport Walla Walla, Washington 99362 Dear Col. Connell: This is in reply to your letter of 12 January 1971 enclosing a draft Environmental Statement on Lower Granite Lock and Dam. I have very carefully reviewed the draft. On page 3, line 4, the staff may want to take another look at the population figure quoted for Lewiston and Clarkston as 32,000. The 1970 census would indicate, inside and out side the corporate limits, the total community population is probably over 40,000. In general, I find the draft factual and very well written. I appreciate the opportunity to comment. Sincerely yours, William G.\Steffey City Manager NORTHWEST STEELHEADERS COUNCII of TROUT UNLIMITED May 3 , 1971 Richard M. Connell, Colonel, CE District Engineer, Department of the Army Walla Walla D istrict, Corps of Engineers M g . 602-v City-County Airport /Wa]|la W alla, Washington 99362 Dear Ool. Connell: or your letter of April 28, 1971 We u: lr/giMe' this matter our concerned considera- tioil^\a«tention and contact you in the future. \SifiSere .yl> ARTHUR PreM-dent \JInu>and Empire Chapter NORTHWEST STEELHEADERS COUNCIL, TROUT UNLIMITED P.0. Box 3121\\ Spokane, Washington 99220 LOWER GRANITE LOCK & DAM Economic Data The attached sheets are extracted from the General Design Memorandum Number 3, Volume I, dated March 1964. SECTION 12 - PROJECT BENEFITS AND ECONOMICS 12.01. GENERAL. Benefits will accrue to the Lower Granite Lock and Dam project fro?i t provision of 39 miles of slack-water navigation with contiguous port and industrial development made possible, particularly in the upper reaches of the reservoir in the Lewiston-Clarkston area. Additionally, benefits will be realized from the generation of a substantial block of hydro electric power; improvement of recreational facilities in the reservoir area; and local flood protection through the dual function of levees in containing the reservoir impoundment and preventing the inundation of lands under high flood flows that would otherwise occur in the absence of the project. The following paragraphs summarize and evaluate these benefits, review feasibility, establish the benefit-to-cost ratio for the project, and present a preliminary cost allocation. 12.02. POWER BENEFITS. a. General. Power produced by the Lower Granite project will be made avail able to consumers throughout the Pacific' Northwest region by means of the transmission and marketing facilities of the Bonneville Power Admin istration and interconnection with facilities of other public and private power utility agencies of the Northwest ‘Power Pool, the majority of whom are operating under contract provisions-of a long-term coordination agree ment. Power generation and benefits creditable to the project were determined by the North Pacific Division-office on a system basis and are currently being used in official budgetary and other project data submissions. General system development and operational conditions, and methods and procedures used in deriving power benefits, are documented in j detail in House Document 403, 87th Congress, 2nd Session, b. System Power Development Conditions. In preparation of this report, the Lower Granite project has been examined on both a 50-year and 100-year economic life. Power system de velopment and operational conditions are referenced to three general periods identified as follows: initial period, essentially all-hydro (1975); inter mediate period, transitional with considerable thermal generation added to the system (1985); and ultimate, predominantly thermal (2010). In the initial year of operation, 1971, there will be 1.0 million acre-feet of power storage above the Lower Granite project. In the following year when the Dworshak project becomes operational for power production, 2.0 million acre-feet additional storage will be provided in the Middle Snake Basin. Prior to 1985, it is expected that storage upstream from Lower Granite will be Increased to 10.0 million acre-feet and total system storage will have increased from the present 13.3 million acre-feet to about 46 million acre-feet including anticipated development of 15.5 million acre-feet of Canadian storage in the upper Columbia River Basin, Is the system analysis it has been assumed for study purposes that co further storage would be developed in the ultimate period, c» Project Power Output and Capability. Three power units will be in operation through the initial and intermediate periods; and, based on estimates and projections of available information and data, the three additional units will be installed between intermediate (1985) and ultimate (2010) period reference dates - the most probable time being about 1995, or about 25 years after initial project completion. Froject power generation data under three system spot develop ment and operation conditions used for power-benefit evaluation are tabu lated following: Initial Intermed. Ultimate Item (1975) (1S85) (2010) No. and Capacity Units 3-135 3-135 6-135 Total Capacity 405 405 810 Dep. Capacity 225 428 931.5 Prime Power 160 236 Primary Energy, Annual Million 1,402 2,067 Total Energy, Av. Ann. Million 2,095 2,510 2,520 System Reference for Determining Power Available VH-1975 06-1985 14-2010 |System w/o System w/o System w/ . . i Although the additional 3 units of the ultimate project will probably be installed in about 25 years, a more conservative schedule of installation of the 3 future units in the fifty-first year is used to compute benefits for budgetary data and to establish project benefit-to-cost ratios. The more probable schedule of ultimate installation in the twenty-sixth year is used in the analyses to determine pool height, optimum-power installa tion, and unit characteristics. These analyses are contained in Design ' Memorandum No. 2 and Appendix E to this design memorandum. ' d. Economic Evaluation. Power generation has been evaluated for both 50-year and 100-year assumptions of economic life with two sets of power values: (1) Those used in House Document 403 and applicable in current official budgetary and other project data submissions, and (2) new power values developed and issued by the Federal Power Commission in February 1963 for use by Federal agencies in current studies of hydro-electric projects in the Pacific Northwest. Comparative at-market values are tabulated as fol lows: House 1963 Document 403 Power Values Private-Publie Public Non-Federal Financing Non-Federal Federal With Taxes W/o Taxes Financing Financing Dependable Capacity ($/kw-yr) $18.24 $15.46 $19.00 $13.75 Energy (mills/kwh) 3.39 3,32 2.80 2.80 In each case, average system transmission costs and losses used in deter mining net at-site generation values are $3,48 per kilowatt-year of full generation capability at the plant and 3,5% and 4,5% losses* respectively^ on energy and capacity. The lower values, "w/o taxes" and "Federal financing", are applied in determining project justification and the higher values are applied in establishing the project benefit-to-cos.S ratio. The project remains well justified on either basis of evaluation (1958 or 1963), and since alternative costs control in cost allocation, the magnitude of power benefits has no significance in this regard. Results of power evaluation summarized from Table 8 are presented below: Economic Life Power Benefits 50-vear 100-year Equiv, (Amounts In $1000) Installation 3 units 3 units 1st 50 yrs 6 units 2nd 50 yrs. 1958 Basis Thermal Savings $12,488 $13,573 System Allocated 12,450 14,005 1963 Power Values: Thermal Alternate 10,574 11,505 System Allocated (not available) 12.03. NAVIGATION BENEFITS. a. Extension of the slackwater system to Lewiston, Clarkston, and Asotin by formation of the Lower Granite reservoir will open up a tribuj- tary .shipping area about 150 miles long by 70 miles wide within Idaho and eastern Washington. It is anticipated that commerce which will originate from or be destined to harbors on the reservoir will grow to about i 1,174,000 tons annually sometime between the years 1995 and 2000. This! predicted tonnage has been used as the average annual volume of commerce for which benefits would be creditable to the project during a 50-year economic life. Following is the estimated breakdown by commodity of this average annual commerce. Commodity Tonnage Grain 218,000 Petroleum products 226,000 Industrial chemicals 65,000 Cement 66,000 Chemical products 20,000 Lumber and Poles 200,000 Paper products 95,000. Sawdust, chips & pulpwood 112,000 Woodpulp and products 150,000 Miscellaneous 20.000 Total 1,174,000 b. A considerable part of the tonnage and associated navigation, benefits which have been credited to the project Is tonnage which would not develop in the area without benefit of water shipping, availability - of power at reasonable rates, and sufficient processing water. c. Allocated average annual navigation benefits creditable to the project for a 50-year economic life are $1,523,000 as quoted in teletype NPEGW 426-9 dated 28 September 1960. These benefits are based on ex clusion of navigation facilities at the Asotin project as that project was presented In House Document 403, 87th Congress, 2nd Session, For a 100-year economic life,benefits creditable to the Asotin project have been included for the last 50 years of project life, resulting in an allocation of $1,576,000 as creditable to the Lower Granite project. These annual benefits represent a net saving excluding handling, trans fer, and administrative costs associated with water movement compared that of the next competitive land carrier. It does not include indirect benefits such as increased employment, taxes, etc., associated with the new industries that will be developed as a result of lower trans portation costs, 12.04. IRRIGATION BENEFITS. Design Memorandum No. 2 dated 12 April 1S63 and other reports have cited annual irrigation benefits of $2,000 creditable to the Lower Granite project. A recent study by the Bureau of Reclamation indicated that there are some scattered areas that would be benefited by reduced pump lift. However, no specific benefit for irrigation will be credited to this project. See Exhibit 19 in Appendix D. 12.05. RECREATION BENEFITS. An average annual equivalent recreation benefit attributable to the Corps of Engineers' development has been estimated for the Lower Granite project. This benefit was estimated to be $182,000 for a 50-year economic life and $205,000 for a 100-year analysis. In determining the estimated visitor attendance, consideration has been given to the following fac tors : a. Density, distribution, and character of the population within the region served. b. Attractiveness of the related recreation facilities in the region served and the competing region. c. Attractiveness of the facilities to be provided at the project, both'.as to nature of development and quality of maintenance, d. Recreational habits and interests of the people in the region served. e. Volume of traffic on present and future local roads. f. Comparisons with visitor attendance at existing reservoirs in the District, In accordance with the foregoing considerations, the following tabulation shows estimates of annual visitor attendance in the project area with and without the project: Annual Visitor Use Annual Attendance Day and Overnight Sightseer First Year Use (Without Project) 30,000 2,000 Use at End of 50-Year Period (Without Project) 80,000 6,000 Use at End of 100-Year Period (Without Project) 100,000 0,000 Use at End of 50-Year Period (With Project) 400,000. 60,000 Use at End of 100-Year Period (With Project) 600,000 80,000 Unit values of $1.00 per visitor day and $0.50 per sightseer were applied to the projected attendance. An accelerated growth curve starting at zero was used for the first 50 years, and a normal growth curve was used for the second 50 years. The average annual equivalent of the present worth of benefits accruing over a 100-year project life is $273,000. Approximately 75 percent of these benefits, or $205,000 are creditable to creation of the reservoir and the basic facilities provided by the Corps. The remaining $68,000 will accrue to non-Corps developments.- ' , - 12.06. FLOOD CONTROL BENEFITS. Flood control benefits are attributable to construction of backwater levees in the Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington area. Benefits creditable to the levees are based on protection from the standard pro ject flood regulated by existing storage and Dworshak Reservoir,. The project floods are as follows: 295,000 cfs on the Snake River above the confluence with the Clearwater River; 420,000 cfs on the Snake River be- .low the confluence; and 150,000 cfs on the Clearwater River. The major -portion of benefits creditable to levees is derived from prevention of commercial and industrial damages in the Lewiston area, but additional benefits will be earned by protection of about 25 acres of residential, public, and commercial lands in the Clarkston area. Total annual flood control benefits creditable to the Lower Granite Levees are estimated as follows: Area Existing 50-Yr. Projection!./ 100-Yr. Projection Lewiston Snake River $156,700 Clearwater River 20,800 Total $177,500 $308,000 $352,900 Clarkston 800 1,400 1,600 Grand Total $178,300 $309,400 $354,500 1/ Includes annual equivalent benefits for future growth, computed at 3% •: interest rate and assuming normal growth (EM 1120-2-1118). Future ... growth estimated at rate of 47. per year. 12.07. PROJECT BENEFIT-COST COMPARISONS. Project economic evaluations are based on costs outlined in Section 11 and annual benefits presented in this section. Evaluations have been prepared on both 50- and 100-year economic life assumptions to provide a basis for benefit-cost comparisons under previous standards of evaluation and those currently applicable. The'following summary tabulation of benefits and costs extracted from the more detailed analysis shown in Table 9 indicates that Lower Granite is well justified as an addition to the Lower Snake-Columbia River system of projects. Economic Life Item 50-Year 1 100-Year Equiv. —^ Construction Cost: Initial Project 174,965 174,965 Future Completion 3 power units -- 21,000 Capital Investment 109,651 211,911 Annual Cost 0,400 7,332 Annual Benefit 14,464 16,140 Benefit-to-Cost Ratio 1.7:1 2.2:1 Justification Ratios 1950 Basis 1.8:1 2.2:1 1963 Power Values 1.5:1 1.9:1 1/ Based on intermediate (1905) spot evaluation: with 3 power units in- stalled, assumed to represent average of 50-year economic life. 2/ For purposes of economic analysis, 3 future power units assumed in- stalled in 51st year of project life. 3/ Includes $965,000 estimated expenditures required for extraordinary maintenance of irailroad relocations after project completion. 12.00., ALLOCATION OF COSTS a. General. The "Separable Costs-Remaining Benefits" method was used to make a preliminary allocation of joint-use costs between the power and naviga tion purposes. This allocation is shown in Table No. 7. Senate Document No. 97, 07th Congress, 2nd Session and letters from Office of Chief of Engineers dated 15 June 1962 and 30 October 1962 list some general changes applicable in project formulation such as economic life to be.considered and purposes sharing in allocated costs; however, implementing instruc tions applicable to cost allocation procedures were not issued and are not yet available. Therefore, the same basic criteria were applied to this project as were used on the other three lower Snake River projects. This will provide comparable cost allocations on the four Snake River projects authorized by Public Law 14, 79th Congress, 1st Session. It is expected that when new cost allocation instructions are issued, new allocations will b® required for all Lower Snake River projects. This allocation for Lower Granite is preliminary and will be used for finan cial reports, data sheets, and other reports on an interim basis until a final allocation is approved or changes require a new allocation, b. Purposes Considered in the Allocation. Joint-use costs for facilities such as dam, spillway, abutments, lands, relocations, fish passage, levees, and pumps were allocated to power and navigation purposes only. The specific costs of recreation were assigned to the recreation feature, but no joint-use allocation was made as recreation was not listed as a primary purpose in the authorizing legislation. No allocation was made to irrigation because there are no specific irrigation costs and the benefits from this purpose are very minor and will not accrue to the project until some future date when lands above the project will be irrigated with water pumped from the project pool. No costs are allocated to flood control, as flood control was not listed as a project purpose in the authorizing legislation and there are no separable costs associated with this feature. Pursuant to the requirement of Section 208 of the Flood Control Act of 1962, the additional costs to build substitute roads to current design standards above the cost of replacement in kind were set aside and not allocated I to the project purposes, c. Cost Estimates. All cost estimates and benefits used in this allocation are j based on a fifty-year economic life and an interest rate of 3 percent, ; Cost derivations are based on basic data contained in Section 11. The construction period for the multiple-purpose project is 7 years and for all alternative projects is 6 years. The multiple-purpose estimates are based on the initial installation of 3 power units with skeleton bays for three additional power units. The alternative projects are located at the multiple-purpose site with the pool elevation for all alternatives the same as for the multiple-purpose project. In previous allocations on the Snake River projects, the pool elevation for the navigation alternatives was the minimum normal pool elevation of the multiple-purpose project. This elevation will provide the minimum authorized channel depths and clearance over lock sills; however, Lower Granite is the upper project in the present navigation system and cny increase in depth will improve navigationjin .the upper end of the pool even though this increased depth will not be maintained at all times. Therefore, the higher pool elevation was considered applicable on all navigation alternatives to give the same benefits as the multiple- purpose project. A summary of alternative costs is contained in ..able No. 6. d. Summary. The following tabulation summarizes from Table 7 the preliminary allocation of construction first costs. Specific and joint-use costs are indicated by major functional purpose. Additional information and data related to specific and allocated power costs are contained in Appendix E. Navigation Power Non-Allocated Total Initial Construction Specific Cost $26,750 $49,711 $1,137 $77,598 Joint-Use Costs 5,516 90,111 1,740 97,367 Percent Allocation (rounded) 6.0 94.0 - 100 Total Cost $32,266 >139,822 $2,877 $174,965 Total Percent 18.4 80.0 1.6 100 Future Construction 0 21,000 0 21,000 Total Cost $32,266 >160,822 $2,877 $195,965 Total Percent 16.4 82.1 1.5 100 1/ Specific recreation costs Non-Reitnbursable highway costs under Section 203 of 1962 Flood Con trol Act 3/ Includes $965,000 for extraordinary maintenance of railroad reloca tions after project completion.