September 2002 Chelan County PUD ELICENSING UPDATE RIn this issue: Study shows positive results for Chelan River redds .................. 1 Work progresses on Lake Chelan agreement ........................... 1 Working groups discuss ideas for Rocky Reach relicensing ......... 2 Are you ready for Rocky Reach relicensing? ............................. 3 Lake Chelan Rocky Reach Fish stranding survey conducted as 2002 spill season ends ...... 3 Hydroelectric Project Hydroelectric Project Chelan County Fair provides education opportunity ................ 4 License expires 2004 License expires 2006 LAKE CHELAN HYDRO PROJECT Study shows positive results Work progresses on Lake Chelan for Chelan River redds agreement Results of a relicensing study conducted below the Lake Parties intervening in the Lake Chelan Hydro Project Chelan Project powerhouse show that chinook salmon relicensing proceeding have formed a Settlement Group to egg and fry survival in Chelan River redds (or nests) was review preliminary terms and conditions, address outstanding better than survival of the "control" group in Entiat River issues, and compile a settlement proposal. After years of redds. The study was done in response to concerns that a collaborative negotiations, through the alternative licensing temporary powerhouse shutdown during the incubation process, the list of issues has already been narrowed down. of fish embryos could hurt survival rates by reducing In March 2002, the Lake Chelan Project license application intragravel flow and dissolved oxygen levels. was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission As part of the study, biologists monitored dissolved (FERC), which will make its decision on whether and on what oxygen levels in the gravel that fish used for redd sites terms to issue a new license next year. While the FERC review before and after a three-week powerhouse shutdown. Later process is under way, the Settlement Group is working to they conducted nighttime snorkel observations to complete a settlement package in time for FERC to incorporate determine whether emergence of juvenile fish was it into the new license order. successful. The Settlement Group has been meeting two days every other Data showed that although intragravel dissolved oxygen week since July 2002. A facilitator, Bill Humm of Gomez and levels declined in the Chelan River during powerhouse Sullivan Engineers, has been retained. The Settlement Group's shutdown, average levels remained higher than the goal is to provide an offer of settlement to FERC by the end of Washington Department of Ecology's recommended the year. minimum. The decrease did not result in reduced embryo For information on the FERC schedule for license issue, see survival based on snorkel observations. inset. You may call Suzanne Bacon at (888) 663-8121, or e- As part of implementing a comprehensive management mail [email protected], if you have any questions. plan for the Chelan River, further study will occur to determine the effects of a longer powerhouse shutdown FERC schedule for Lake Chelan Project on fish redds. These results will help provide better measures to protect salmon and steelhead spawning below Notice of the availability of the draft October 2002 the Lake Chelan Project powerhouse. Environmental Assessment (NEPA document) Notice of the availability of the final January 2003 Environmental Assessment (NEPA document) Application ready for FERC decision April 2003 ROCKY REACH PROJECT Working Groups discuss ideas for Rocky Reach relicensing Since 1999, interested stakeholders have been working together to determine appropriate study needs in preparation for the submission of a new license for the Rocky Reach Project. Now the relicensing process has moved into the next phase as relicensing Working Groups begin to develop potential protection, mitigation and enhancement (PME) measures. The Working Groups are comprised of PUD staff, state and federal agencies, tribes, and individuals and organizations with a particular interest in issues such as natural resources, social or cultural resources, and erosion control. On Aug. 29, 2002, the Rocky Reach full relicensing team received recommendations from the Natural Sciences Working Group and the Social Sciences Working Group regarding potential PME measures to include as part of Chelan PUD's application for a new Project license. Based on these preliminary suggestions, the following is a list of natural resource and recreation measures that may be further considered as part of the Rocky Reach relicensing process. These proposals are tentative and will undergo significant review and refinement before being proposed as part of the Rocky Reach Project license application in June 2004. To learn more about PME development or to get involved in the collaborative alternative licensing process that Chelan PUD is utilizing for Rocky Reach relicensing, please contact Suzanne Bacon at (888) 663-8121 or e-mail [email protected]. NATURAL SCIENCES WORKING GROUPS Spiranthes diluvialis Bull Trout Management Plan (Endangered orchid plant "Ute-ladies tresses") 1) Participate in the USFWS bull trout recovery plan 1) Develop and implement a Spiranthes diluvialis for areas affected by project operations; monitoring and management plan in conjunction with 2) Continued studies, including research, monitoring, a future USFWS recovery plan; and evaluation, to assess the status of the existing 2) Acquisitions of conservation easements on private lands; population and project impacts; 3) Avoidance of populations during project activities such 3) Operate fish passage facilities in accordance with as new construction, weed spraying, etc.; operation criteria for anadromous salmonids and 4) Examination of pool fluctuation impacts on existing compatible bull trout migration guidelines; populations; 4) Funding for habitat improvements in critical 5) Invasive weed control. spawning tributaries to the mainstem Columbia River if there is project-related mortality. Other Potential Measures (awaiting further information) White Sturgeon Management Plan • Water temperature 1) Participate in development and implementation of • Total dissolved gas a mid-Columbia management plan for white • Pacific Lamprey sturgeon; • Hatcheries 2) Continued studies to assess the status of the existing population; 3) Evaluation of operational or habitat improvements SOCIAL SCIENCES WORKING GROUP to enhance the existing populations Recreation Resources Management Plan 4) Funding for hatchery or other type of 1) Continued operation and maintenance of park system, supplementation of the existing Rocky Reach including improvements, replacement and renovation; population; 2) Community waterfront plan and implementation with 5) Monitoring and evaluation of hatchery Entiat; supplementation effectiveness. 3) Continue as a partner with Entiat to complete the Entiat River Outdoor Learning Center trail; Wildlife Habitat Plan 4) Potential partnership with Entiat to complete the 1) Provide funding for implementation of the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center; Wildlife Habitat Plan on mitigation lands in the 5) Development of managed access and nature trail Rocky Reach Project area opportunities on mitigation lands owned by WDFW; 2) Monitoring and evaluation of Wildlife Habitat 6) Continued monitoring and evaluation to track potential Plan effectiveness. future recreation needs. ROCKY REACH PROJECT (CONT) Are you ready for Rocky Reach relicensing? Schedule for the Preliminary Draft Environmental Assessment (PDEA) and License Application (LA) Did you know... Chelan PUD to issue first draft of PDEA and LA for review and comment ................................................................. January 2003 Agency and public comments due on first drafts of PDEA and LA .................................................................................. March 2003 The Rocky Reach Visitor's Chelan PUD to issue second draft of PDEA for Center is closed while the review and comment ..................................................................... October 2003 juvenile fish bypass system is being constructed, but people Comment on second draft of PDEA and agency are still welcome to come to preliminary terms and conditions due ........................................December 2003 the Rocky Reach Hydro Park and visit our friendly bunny Chelan PUD to submit final LA and PDEA to FERC ........................ June 2004 residents. They're a hit with the kids. LAKE CHELAN HYDRO PROJECT (CONT) Fish stranding survey conducted as 2002 spill season ends Due to high snow pack in the mountains, Chelan PUD spilled water over the Lake Chelan dam from June 14 until August 20. The morning after spill ended, Chelan PUD staff conducted a survey to determine whether any endangered fish were in pools in the lower bypassed reach of the Chelan River. The investigation was implemented as part of the Lake Chelan relicensing process. Chelan PUD staff conducted a snorkel survey to determine whether fish were trapped in the pools of the bypassed reach of the Chelan River. Fish seen during the snorkel survey included stocked rainbow trout and bluegill, but no endangered species (spring chinook salmon or summer steelhead) were observed. Chelan PUD staff and volunteers also took the opportunity to rescue the smallmouth bass and rainbow trout that were stranded in the stilling basin below the dam after spill was terminated. The fish were rescued using a net and then measured and counted before being transported to the Riverwalk