[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28506-28621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11757]
[[Page 28505]]
Vol. 76
Tuesday,
No. 95
May 17, 2011
Part II
Department of Energy
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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Okanogan Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County, WA; Notice
of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 17, 2011 /
Notices
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project No. 12569-001]
Okanogan Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County, WA;
Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission or FERC's)
regulations, 18 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 380 (Order No.
486, 52 Federal Register [FR] 47897), the Office of Energy Projects has
reviewed Okanogan Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County's
(Okanogan PUD) application for license for the Enloe Hydroelectric
Project (FERC Project No. 12569), located on the Similkameen River near
the city of Oroville in Okanogan County, Washington. Part of the
project would occupy a total of 35.47 acres of federal lands
administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Staff prepared this draft environmental assessment (EA), which
analyzes the potential environmental effects of relicensing the
project, and concludes that licensing the project, with appropriate
environmental protective measures, would not constitute a major federal
action that would significantly affect the quality of the human
environment.
A copy of the draft EA is available for review at the Commission in
the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site
at http://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary'' link. Enter the docket
number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to
access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at
[email protected] or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY,
202-502-8659.
You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via e-mail of new filings and
issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance,
contact FERC Online Support.
Any comments should be filed within 30 days from the date of this
notice. Comments may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18
CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web
site http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit
brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration,
using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the
end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online
Support. Although the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing,
documents may also be paper-filed. To paper-file, mail an original and
seven copies to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.
For further information, contact Kim Nguyen by telephone at (202)
502-6105, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Dated: May 9, 2011.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
Environmental Assessment for Hydropower License
Enloe Hydroelectric Project--FERC Project No. 12569--Washington
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of Energy Projects,
Division of Hydropower Licensing, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC
20426
[May 2011]
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Executive Summary
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Application
1.2 Purpose of Action and Need for Power
1.2.1 Purpose of Action
1.2.2 Need for Power
1.3 Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
1.3.1 Federal Power Act
1.3.1.1 Section 18 Fishway Prescriptions
1.3.1.2 Section 4(e) Conditions
1.3.1.3 Section 10(j) Recommendations
1.3.2 Clean Water Act
1.3.3 Endangered Species Act
1.3.4 Coastal Zone Management Act
1.3.5 National Historic Preservation Act
1.3.6 Pacific Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act
1.3.7 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
1.4 Public Review and Consultation
1.4.1 Scoping
1.4.2 Interventions
1.4.3 Comments on the License Application
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives
2.1 No-Action Alternative
2.2 Applicant's Proposal
2.2.1 Proposed Project Facilities
2.2.2 Project Safety
2.2.3 Proposed Project Operation
2.2.4 Proposed Environmental Measures
2.2.5 Modifications to Applicant's Proposal--Mandatory
Conditions
2.3 Staff Alternative
2.4 Staff Alternative With Mandatory Conditions
2.5 Removal of Existing Hydroelectric Facilities Including Enloe Dam
3.0 Environmental Analysis
3.1 General Description of the River Basin
3.2 Scope of Cumulative Effects Analysis
[[Page 28507]]
3.2.1 Geographic Scope
3.2.2 Temporal Scope
3.3 Proposed Action and Action Alternatives
3.3.1 Geologic and Soil Resources
3.3.1.1 Affected Environment
3.3.1.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.2 Water Quantity and Quality
3.3.2.1 Affected Environment
3.3.2.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.2.3 Cumulative Effects
3.3.3 Aquatic Resources
3.3.3.1 Affected Environment
3.3.3.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.3.3 Cumulative Effects
3.3.4 Terrestrial Resources
3.3.4.1 Affected Environment
3.3.4.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.5 Threatened and Endangered Species
3.3.5.1 Affected Environment
3.3.5.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.6 Recreation and Land Use
3.3.6.1 Affected Environment
3.3.6.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.7 Aesthetic Resources
3.3.7.1 Affected Environment
3.3.7.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.8 Cultural Resources
3.3.8.1 Affected Environment
3.3.8.2 Environmental Effects
3.3.9 Socioeconomics
3.3.9.1 Affected Environment
3.3.9.2 Environmental Effects
3.4 No-Action Alternative
4.0 Developmental Analysis
4.1 Power and Economic Benefits of the Project
4.2 Comparison of Alternatives
4.2.1 No-Action Alternative
4.2.2 Okanogan PUD's Proposal
4.2.3 Staff Alternative
4.3 Cost of Environmental Measures
5.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1 Comparison of Alternatives
5.2 Comprehensive Development and Recommended Alternative
5.3 Unavoidable Adverse Effects
5.4 Fish and Wildlife Agency Recommendations
5.5 Consistency With Comprehensive Plans
6.0 Finding of No Significant Impact
7.0 Literature Cited
8.0 List of Preparers
List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of the Enloe Hydroelectric Project
Figure 2. Daily maximum temperatures at the 2006 monitoring locations
Figure 3. 7-DADMax temperatures in the lower end of the Enloe reservoir
(RM 9.1) and at the upper end of the reservoir (RM 10.3)
Figure 4. Plunge pool below Similkameen Falls
Figure 5. Recreation facilities in the Enloe Project area
Figure 6. Land ownership in the Enloe Project area
Figure 7. Roads, gates, and spurs in the project area
Figure 8. Location of proposed fencing downstream of Enloe dam
Figure 9. Enloe Project recreation site schematic
Figure 10. Enloe Project area KOPs
Figure 11. KOP 1, Loomis-Oroville Road
Figure 12. KOP 2, overlook from Loomis-Oroville Road approximately 3
miles north of Oroville
Figure 13. KOP 3, rocks below Enloe dam on the Similkameen River
Figure 14. KOP 4, overlook near Enloe dam
Figure 15. KOP 5, overlook east of Enloe dam, looking south
Figure 16. KOP 6, view from proposed interpretive panel 1,
looking north
Figure 17. KOP 7, view from interpretive panel 2, looking north
List of Tables
Table 1. Major Statutory and Regulatory Requirements for the Enloe
Hydroelectric Project
Table 2. Summary of Similkameen River Flows at the USGS Nighthawk Gage
No. 12442500, 1929-2005
[[Page 28508]]
Table 3. Similkameen River Water Rights
Table 4. Enloe Reservoir Characteristics at Existing and Proposed
Operations and Spills
Table 5. Summary of Total Dissolved Gas Measurements Near Enloe Dam From
May 26-30, 2006
Table 6. Summary of Preliminary Enloe Dam Sediment Trace Metals Results
Table 7. Summary of Preliminary Enloe Dam Sediment Elutriate Results
Table 8. Simulated Average Annual Tailrace Flow for Three Normal and
Three Wet Water Years
Table 9. Native and Non-Native Fishes in the Similkameen River Based on
Snorkel Surveys
Table 10. Numbers and Percent Composition of Native and Non-Native
Fishes in the River Downstream of Enloe Dam Based on Snorkel Surveys
Table 11. Numbers and Percent Composition of Native and Non-Native
Fishes in the Reservoir Upstream of Enloe Dam
Table 12. Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrate Taxa Found in the
Similkameen River above Enloe Reservoir
Table 13. Proposed Ramping Rates
Table 14. Estimate of User Days by Month for the Project Area
Table 15. Estimate of User Days by Type of Day for the Project Area
Table 17. Land Ownership Within the Proposed Enloe Project Boundary
Table 18. Archaeological and Historic Resources Within or Directly
Adjacent to the Enloe Project Boundary APE
Table 19. Population Characteristics of the City of Oroville, Okanogan
County, and Washington
Table 20. Parameters for the Economic Analysis of the Enloe
Hydroelectric Project
Table 21. Summary of Annual Cost of Alternative Power and Annual Project
Cost for the Alternatives for the Enloe Hydroelectric Project
Table 22. Cost of Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Measures
Considered in Assessing the Environmental Effects of Constructing and
Operating the Proposed Enloe Hydroelectric Project
Table 23. Summary of Key Differences in the Potential Effects of
Okanogan PUD's Proposal and the Staff Alternative
Table 24. Fish and Wildlife Agency Recommendations for the Enloe
Hydroelectric Project
Acronyms and Abbreviations
[micro]g microgram
AHS Archaeological and Historical Services
APE area of potential effect
BLM U.S. Bureau of Land Management
BMP best management practice
[deg]C degrees Celsius
cfs cubic feet per second
Colville Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
CSMP Construction Sediment Management Program
Corps U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CRITFC Columbia River Inter-tribal Fish Commission
CRWG Cultural Resources Working Group
CWA Clean Water Act
dB decibel
DO dissolved oxygen
EA environmental assessment
EFH essential fish habitat
Enloe Project or project Enloe Hydroelectric Project
ESCP Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
ESA Endangered Species Act
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FPA Federal Power Act
FTE full-time equivalent
FWS U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
g the acceleration due to gravity (32.2 feet per second\2\)
GWh gigawatt-hour
HAER Historic American Engineering Record
HPMP Historic Properties Management Plan
Interior U.S. Department of the Interior
kg kilogram
kV kilovolt
KOP key observation point
L liter
mg milligram
mm millimeter
Ministry of Environment British Columbia Ministry of Environment
msl mean sea level
MW megawatt
MWh megawatt-hour
National Register National Register of Historic Places
NERC North American Electric Reliability Council
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
Okanogan PUD Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County
Okanogan Shoreline Program Okanogan County's Shoreline Master
Program
OTID Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District
PA Programmatic Agreement
Park Service National Park Service
Reclamation U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
RM river mile
SCORP State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
SD1 Scoping Document 1
SD2 Scoping Document 2
Scenic Trail Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
State Parks Commission Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission
TCP traditional cultural property
TDG total dissolved gas
TMDL total maximum daily load
UCR Upper Columbia River
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
Vegetation Plan Vegetation Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
Washington DFW Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Washington DNR Washington Department of Natural Resources
Washington DOE Washington Department of Ecology
Washington PC Washington Parks Commission
Washington RCO Washington Recreation and Conservation Office
Washington SHPO State Historic Preservation Office
Water Trail Committee Greater Columbia Water Trail Steering
Committee
WSMA Washington State's Shoreline Management Act of 1971
Executive Summary
Proposed Action
On August 22, 2008, the Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan
County, Washington (Okanogan PUD) filed an application seeking a
license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or
FERC) for the proposed 9.0-megawatt (MW) Enloe Hydroelectric Project
(Enloe Project or project) to be located on the Similkameen River near
Oroville in Okanogan County, Washington. The project would occupy 35.47
acres of federal lands administered by U.S. Bureau of Land Management
(BLM).
Project Description and Proposed Facilities
The Enloe dam and development was originally constructed for
hydroelectric generation between 1919 and 1923. The project operated
from 1923 to 1958 when it was decommissioned. The original project
included an intake, penstock, and powerhouse located 850 feet
downstream of the dam on the west bank of the Similkameen River. On
September 13, 1996, the Commission issued an order to Okanogan PUD to
redevelop the Enloe Project using the existing dam and rehabilitating
the original intake, penstock, and powerhouse. However, on February 23,
2000, that order was rescinded.
Okanogan PUD proposes again to redevelop the Enloe Project by using
the existing concrete gravity arch dam impounding a 76.6-acre
reservoir, and constructing a new penstock intake structure and above-
ground steel penstocks carrying flows from the intake to the new
powerhouse located 370 feet downstream of the dam on the east bank of
the Similkameen River. The existing
[[Page 28509]]
dam crest elevation of 1,044.3 feet would be increased by installing
new 5-foot-high crest gates which would increase the reservoir to
1,049.3 feet elevation and the surface area to 88.3 acres. The
powerhouse would contain two vertical Kaplan turbine/generator units
with a total installed capacity of 9.0 MW. The project would also
include a substation adjacent to the powerhouse, and a 100-foot-long,
13.2-kilovolt primary transmission line connecting the substation to an
existing distribution line. The project would also include about 1.5
miles of new and upgraded access roads. The Enloe Project would operate
automatically in a run-of-river mode, with a normal operating water
level of the reservoir between 1,048.3 and 1,049.3 feet mean sea level.
Proposed Environmental Measures
Okanogan PUD proposes the following environmental measures to
protect, mitigate, and enhance water quality, aquatic, terrestrial,
recreation, aesthetic, and cultural resources during construction and
operation of the project.
During construction:
Implement a Construction Sediment Management Program
(CSMP), an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP), and a Spill Plan;
Implement a Blasting Plan;
Employ best management practices (BMPs) including flagging
and fencing wetland areas;
Provide biological monitoring;
Implement a Noxious Weed Control Program;
Survey disposal sites and control noxious weeds prior to
spoil disposal;
Revegetate spoil disposal sites;
Schedule construction activities in the summer and early
fall to minimize effects on overwintering birds and bald eagles;
Conduct pre-disposal site surveys for wildlife and
schedule vegetation clearing to avoid wildlife conflicts;
Survey for Ute ladies-tresses prior to, during, and
postconstruction to identify locations and avoid effects;
Monitor and avoid known archaeological sites listed in the
National Register of Historic Places (National Register) during
construction of project facilities; and
Develop and implement a Safety During Construction Plan
and limit public access.
During project operation:
For water quality:
[cir] Design and place the intake structure and channel to minimize
sediment transport;
[cir] Place the powerhouse tailrace below Similkameen Falls so that
it discharges to and circulates water in the plunge pool downstream of
the falls, preventing stagnation and consequently water quality
degradation of the pool habitat;
[cir] Provide aeration in the powerhouse draft tubes to maintain
dissolved oxygen (DO) levels; and
[cir] Monitor water quality, including water temperatures, DO, and
total dissolved gases (TDG) in the tailrace for a five-year period.
For aquatic resources:
[cir] Ensure that logs and woody debris can pass over the dam and
transporting large debris off-site if needed;
[cir] Place two clusters of boulders in the Similkameen River
upstream of the reservoir to improve mountain whitefish habitat and
recreational fisheries;
[cir] Include trashracks with 1-inch bar spacing on the project
intake(s) so that smaller fish would be able to pass safely through the
trashrack and larger fish would be discouraged or prevented from
passing through the trashracks and turbines;
[cir] Design and place the tailrace to avoid effects on fish;
[cir] Install and monitor entrainment and mortality of fish at the
tailrace barrier nets;
[cir] Operate run-of-river and implementing agency-recommended
ramping rates downstream of the project during project start-up and
shut-down;
[cir] Improve spawning, rearing, and summer thermal refugia
downstream of the powerhouse tailrace in an existing side channel;
[cir] Supplement gravel in the river reach downstream of the
tailrace to increase the amount of gravel in the river downstream of
Enloe dam and improve spawning habitat;
[cir] Develop and implement a biological review process including
the establishment of a Technical Review Group (TRG) comprising agencies
and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville); and
[cir] Develop a fish monitoring database for organizing and storing
monitoring data related to aquatic resources for all proposed studies.
For terrestrial resources, design the project transmission
line to minimize effects on raptors and other birds and implement a
Vegetation Plan that includes:
[cir] Returning the abandoned shoreline road to natural conditions;
[cir] Planting riparian vegetation along the abandoned road and
along and upstream of the east and west banks of the reservoir;
[cir] Installing grazing control measures;
[cir] Monitoring restored areas and planting additional willows if
needed; and
[cir] Developing an environmental training program to inform
employees about sensitive habitats.
For recreation resources, implement a Recreation
Management Plan that includes:
[cir] Installing barricades, fencing, and a stock watering tank as
part of the Fence Plan;
[cir] Providing public access downstream of Enloe dam on the east
bank;
[cir] Transferring ownership rights of the trestle bridge to
Okanogan County for the development of a future public, non-motorized,
recreational use trail;
[cir] Improving the existing informal boat ramp upstream of Enloe
dam;
[cir] Restoring the wooded area on the east bank and conducting
annual cleanup activities of the wooded area and along the Ditch Road;
[cir] Developing an interpretive publication, including a map
illustrating public access and recreation sites;
[cir] Developing interpretive displays by placing an information
board near Enloe dam; and interpretive signage near the parking, picnic
area, and near the access bridge to the abandoned powerhouse;
[cir] Removing existing trash and conducting annual cleanup;
[cir] Providing parking, picnic tables, primitive campsites, and a
vault toilet on the east bank upstream of Enloe dam;
[cir] Maintaining existing signage, safety cables, and grab ropes
upstream of the dam;
[cir] Installing safety and warning signs and a log boom across the
channel to protect boaters; and
[cir] Coordinating with BLM and other landowners on how to prevent
public access to the old powerhouse.
For aesthetic resources, implement an Aesthetics
Management Plan that includes:
[cir] Using visually-compatible colors and building materials for
facilities along the east bank;
[cir] Consulting with the Colville and other stakeholders regarding
restoration;
[cir] Using non-reflective surfaces where possible during
construction; and
[cir] Grading and repairing slopes with native plants following
removal of buildings.
For cultural resources, finalize a draft May 2009 Historic
Properties Management Plan (HPMP) that includes:
[cir] Soliciting for a new owner of the historic Enloe powerhouse,
and failing that, demolishing the structure and providing interpretive
signage using visually-compatible colors and building materials for
facilities along the east bank;
[cir] Reviewing and reaching agreement on the HPMP and
incorporating
[[Page 28510]]
information into a Programmatic Agreement (PA);
[cir] Monitoring effects of shoreline fluctuation on archaeological
sites in shoreline areas and mitigating, as needed;
[cir] Determining if there would be effects on archaeological sites
around project recreation areas; and
[cir] Developing an inadvertent discovery plan.
On October 28, 2010, Okanogan PUD filed additional information
regarding ongoing consultations with Washington Department of Ecology
(Washington DOE) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Washington DFW) for the 401 Water Quality Certification process. In
this filing, Okanogan and Washington DFW and DOE have developed the
following understanding with regards to the bypassed reach:
Providing 30 cubic feet per second (cfs) minimum flows
from mid-July to mid-September, and 10 cfs rest of the year to the pool
in the bypassed reach;
Monitoring DO and water temperature in the bypassed reach;
Initiating an adaptive management program to enhance DO
and monitor water temperature in the bypassed reach if water quality
standards are not met;
Providing downramping rates in the bypassed reach; and
Determining means and withdrawal location for minimum
flows released to the bypassed reach.
Alternatives Considered
This draft environmental assessment (EA) considers the following
alternatives: (1) No-action--the project would not be constructed and
there would be no changes or enhancements at the site; (2) Okanogan
PUD's proposal--as outlined above; and (3) a staff alternative--
Okanogan PUD's proposal with staff's additions and modifications.
Under the staff alternative, the project would include Okanogan
PUD's proposed measures, as outlined above, with the exception of
placing boulder clusters in the project forebay and entrainment and
resident fish monitoring. In addition, the staff alternative would
include: (1) A Spoil Disposal Plan; (2) a water quality monitoring plan
that includes: Selecting water quality monitoring locations, filing of
reports at the end of year 5, and conducting additional temperature,
DO, and TGD monitoring beyond the 5-year period, if needed; (3)
consultation with the TRG prior to implementation of the Blasting Plan,
the woody debris plan, the proposed side-channel enhancement plan, the
proposed gravel supplementation program, and the Spill Plan; (4)
consultation with Interior and Washington DFW during final design of
the intake structure and trashracks; (5) a project compliance
monitoring plan; (6) revision of the Vegetation Plan to include filing
monitoring reports annually for first 5 years and in year 8 and
providing the Commission, FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW with these
reports and filing for Commission approval, any proposals for further
restoration measures; (7) incorporation of the land occupied by the
side-channel enhancement and length of the project access road from the
Loomis-Oroville Road to the powerhouse into the project boundary; (8)
retention of dead trees along the reservoir and provisions for 10
artificial perch poles; (9) preparation of an Ute ladies'-tresses
survey plan after consultation with FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW and an
additional plan to avoid or minimize adverse effects on the Ute
ladies'-tresses if they are identified in the project areas; (10)
consultation with stakeholders on the final Recreation Management Plan;
(11) a plowing schedule for winter months; (12) a recreation use
monitoring plan developed in consultation with BLM; (13) a fire
suppression program; (14) removal of the one small, deteriorated
building on Okanogan PUD land at the north end of the proposed Enloe
dam recreation area; (15) consultation with BLM and local emergency
response agencies on the Safety During Construction Plan; (16) creation
of a river access point at Miner's Flat; (17) consultation with BLM and
the Colville to develop details on how the facilities and laydown or
construction areas would blend into the existing landscape; and (18) a
revised HPMP to include provisions for: Further consideration of the
potential effects of capping site 45OK532, a description of the
proposed side-channel enhancement site, two separate defined APEs that
delineate the proposed Enloe project and the proposed side-channel
enhancement site, consultation with the Cultural Resources Working
Group regarding the resolution of adverse effects on the historic Enloe
powerhouse, re-evaluating the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation Canal for
National Register-eligibility, completing determinations of eligibility
for unidentified cultural resources on BLM lands, periodic review of
the HPMP, a site monitoring program, cultural interpretative and
education measures, and revising the APEs to accommodate modifications
to the project boundary.
Public Involvement and Areas of Concern
Before filing its license application, Okanogan PUD conducted pre-
filing consultation under the traditional licensing process. The intent
of the Commission's pre-filing process is to initiate public
involvement early in the project planning process and encourage
citizens, governmental entities, tribes, and other interested parties
to identify and resolve issues prior to an application being formally
filed with the Commission.
After the license application was filed, we conducted scoping to
determine what issues and alternatives should be addressed. On December
16, 2008, we distributed Scoping Document 1 (SD1) to interested
parties, soliciting comments, recommendations, and information on the
project. An environmental site review of the project was held on
January 15, 2009. Two scoping meetings were held in Oroville,
Washington, on January 14 and 15, 2009, to receive oral comments on the
project. Based on discussions during the environmental site review and
scoping meetings and written comments filed with the Commission, we
issued a revised scoping document (SD2) on May 7, 2009. On December 28,
2009, we issued a notice that the application was ready for
environmental analysis and requested conditions and recommendations.
The primary issues associated with licensing the project are the
effects of project construction and operation on geology and soils;
water quality; aquatic, terrestrial, and cultural resources; threatened
and endangered species; and recreation, land use, and aesthetic
resources.
Staff Alternative
Aquatic Resources
Measures proposed in the ESCP, CSMP, Spill Plan, Blasting Plan, and
Safety During Construction Plan would help prevent adverse effects from
erosion and sedimentation that may result from construction and
operation of the project, and would help prevent adverse effects on
geology and soils and water quality.
Run-of-river operation would minimize effects on aquatic resources.
Locating the tailrace downstream of Similkameen Falls would reduce TDG
and enhance conditions for aquatic resources in the Similkameen
downstream of the falls. In addition, designing the tailrace in a
manner to provide circulation in the pool and aerating the draft tubes
would ensure
[[Page 28511]]
adequate DO for aquatic resources downstream of Similkameen Falls.
Providing minimum flows in the bypassed reach would provide some
refuge for resident fish in the plunge pool downstream of Enloe dam.
The 1-inch trash rack spacing on the intake trashrack, and installation
and monitoring of a tailrace net barrier would minimize adverse affects
on aquatic resources.
The construction of the side channel, gravel enhancement, riparian
planting projects, and improved water quality due to reductions in TDG
and enhanced DO levels are expected to have long-term benefits for
holding, spawning, and rearing fish, particularly anadromous salmonids,
and should increase anadromous salmonid productivity in the Similkameen
River downstream of the project.
Terrestrial Resources
Measures in the Vegetation Plan, including grazing controls,
noxious weed control, vegetation monitoring, employing BMPs, providing
biological monitor during construction, retaining dead trees and
installing artificial perch poles for bald eagle perching habitat, and
employee training would prevent adverse effects on riparian and wetland
areas which provide habitat for wildlife, as well as mitigate for
adverse effects during construction of the project.
Threatened and Endangered Species
The Similkameen River below Similkameen Falls is designated
critical habitat for the threatened UCR steelhead, the only fish
species known to occur in project affected waters that is listed under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Proposed measures to reduce TDG,
increase DO through draft tube aeration, supplement spawning gravel,
transport large woody debris, and construct the side-channel
enhancements would improve spawning and rearing habitat in the river
downstream of the falls and increase productivity. The biological
review process, fisheries monitoring, and ongoing refinement would
provide long-term benefits for UCR steelhead and UCR steelhead
designated critical habitat.
Additional surveys for the threatened Ute ladies'-tresses prior to,
during, and postconstruction would either confirm that the species does
not occur in areas affected by the project or guide the development of
avoidance or mitigative measures. The survey results and filing, with
the Commission for approval, proposed measures to avoid or mitigate
impacts to listed species; implementation of the Vegetation Plan,
including noxious weed control, employing BMPs during construction,
employee training, and provision of a biological monitor during
construction would protect potential Ute ladies'-tresses habitat in
areas affected by the project and at the proposed side channel
enhancement site.
Recreation and Land Use
Implementation of the Recreation Management Plan would improve
existing recreational facilities and opportunities. The Safety During
Construction Plan, as well as the Fence Plan, would help keep visitors
to the project away from the construction activities and reduce user
conflicts between recreationists and cattle grazing activities.
Inclusion of the entire Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District Ditch
Road as a project feature and bringing it into the project boundary
would ensure maintenance of the entire road for the purpose of
providing public access to the campground, boat launch, picnic areas,
and access trail to the river below the dam.
Aesthetic Resources
Okanogan PUD's proposal to use visually-compatible colors and
building materials, use non-reflective surfaces where possible, and
consult with the Colville during restoration activities, would provide
some protection for visual resources. The staff alternative with
additional recommendations including coordination with stakeholders to
include specific approaches for blending existing and proposed Enloe
Project facilities into the existing landscape character; revegetating,
stabilizing, and landscaping the new construction areas and areas
immediately adjacent; grading, planting native vegetation, repairing
slopes damaged by erosion, and preventing future erosion; monitoring
restored areas; and conducting maintenance activities would provide
additional protection.
Cultural Resources
Revising and implementing the May 2009 HPMP, with staff's
additional measures, would ensure protection of historic properties
over the license term.
No-Action Alternative
Under the no-action alternative, environmental conditions would
remain the same, and no enhancement of environmental resources would
occur. BLM stated that it would require Okanogan PUD to remove the dam
and all associated facilities from the public lands under the existing
right-of-way permit if a license is be issued. We discussed dam removal
under cumulative effects in section 3.5.
Conclusions
Based on our analysis, we recommend licensing the project as
proposed by Okanogan PUD with some staff modifications and additional
measures.
In section 4.2 of the EA, we estimate the likely cost of
alternative power for each of the alternatives identified above. Our
analysis shows that during the first year of operation under Okanogan
PUD's proposed alternative, the project would cost $106,470, or $2.40/
megawatt-hours (MWh), less than the likely alternative cost of power.
Under the staff alternative, the project power would cost $83,920, or
$1.89/MWh, less than the likely cost of alternative power.
We chose the staff alternative as the preferred alternative
because: (1) The project would provide a dependable source of
electrical energy for the region (44.4 gigawatt-hours annually); (2)
the project could save an equivalent amount of fossil fuel-fired
electric generation and capacity, which may help conserve non-renewable
energy resources and reduce atmospheric pollution, including
greenhouses gases; and (3) the recommended environmental resources
proposed by Okanogan PUD, as modified by staff, would adequately
protect and enhance environmental resources affected by the project.
The overall benefits of the staff alternative would be worth the cost
of proposed and recommended environmental measures.
We conclude that issuing a new license for the project, with the
environmental measures we recommend, would not be a major federal
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
Draft Environmental Assessment
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of Energy Projects,
Division of Hydropower Licensing, Washington, DC
Enloe Hydroelectric Project
Project No. 12569-001--Washington
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Application
On August 22, 2008, the Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan
County, Washington (Okanogan PUD) filed an application seeking a
license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or
FERC) for the 9.0-megawatt (MW) Enloe Hydroelectric Project (Enloe
Project or project) located on the Similkameen River at river mile (RM)
8.8 near the city of Oroville, Okanogan County, Washington (figure
[[Page 28512]]
1). The project would occupy 35.47 acres of federal lands administered
by U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The project would generate an
average of 45 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy annually.
Enloe dam was originally constructed for hydroelectric generation
between 1919 and 1923. The project operated from 1923 to 1958 when it
was decommissioned. The original project included an intake, penstock,
and powerhouse located 850 feet downstream of the dam on the west bank
of the Similkameen River. On September 13, 1996, the Commission issued
an order to Okanogan PUD to redevelop the Enloe Project using the
existing dam and rehabilitating the original intake, penstock, and
powerhouse. However, on February 23, 2000, that order was rescinded.
Okanogan PUD proposes to again redevelop the Enloe Project by using
the existing concrete gravity arch dam impounding a 76.6-acre
reservoir; and constructing new penstock intake structure, and above-
ground steel penstocks carrying flows from the intake to the new
powerhouse located 370 feet downstream of the dam on the east bank of
the Similkameen River.
1.2 Purpose of Action and Need for Power
1.2.1 Purpose of Action
The Commission must decide whether to issue a license to Okanogan
PUD for the Enloe Project and what conditions should be placed on any
license issued. In deciding whether to issue a license for a
hydroelectric project, the Commission must determine that the project
will be best adapted to a comprehensive plan for improving or
developing a waterway. In addition to the power and developmental
purposes for which licenses are issued (such as flood control,
irrigation, or water supply), the Commission must give equal
consideration to the purposes of (1) energy conservation; (2) the
protection of, mitigation of damage to, and enhancement of fish and
wildlife resources; (3) the protection of recreational opportunities;
and (4) the preservation of other aspects of environmental quality.
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
[[Page 28513]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.000
BILLING CODE 6717-01-C
Issuing a license for the Enloe Project would allow the Okanogan
PUD to generate electricity for the term of the license, making
electrical power from a renewable resource available to its customers.
This draft environmental assessment (EA) assesses the effects
associated with construction and operation of the project and
alternatives to the proposed project. It also includes recommendations
to the Commission on whether to issue a license, and if so, includes
the recommended terms and
[[Page 28514]]
conditions to become a part of any license issued.
In this draft EA, we assess the environmental and economic effects
of construction and operation of the project as proposed by Okanogan
PUD, and with our recommended measures. We also consider the effects of
the no-action alternative. Important issues that are addressed include
the protection of geology and soils, water quantity and quality,
cultural resources, aesthetics resources, and recreation and land use
during project construction and operation.
1.2.2 Need for Power
The Enloe Project would provide hydroelectric generation to meet
part of Okanogan PUD's power requirements, resource diversity, and
capacity needs. The project would have an installed capacity of 9.0 MW
and generate approximately 44.4 GWh per year.
The North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) annually
forecasts electrical supply and demand nationally and regionally for a
10-year period. The Enloe Project is located in the Northwest subregion
of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council region of the NERC.
According to NERC's 2010 forecast, winter peak demands and annual
energy requirements for the Northwest subregion are projected to grow
at rates of 1.1 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively, from 2010
through 2019 (NERC, 2010). NERC projects resource capacity margins
(generating capacity in excess of demand) will remain above the target
reserve margins of 18.6 percent for summer and 20.0 percent for winter
throughout the 2010-2019 period. Over the next 10 years, WECC estimates
that about 6,285 MW of additional capacity will be brought on line.
We conclude that power from the Enloe Project would help meet a
need for power in the Northwest subregion in both the short and long
term. The project would provide power that displaces non-renewable,
fossil-fired generation and contributes to a diversified generation
mix. Displacing the operation of fossil-fueled facilities may avoid
some power plant emissions and creates an environmental benefit.
1.3 Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
A license for the Enloe Project would be subject to numerous
requirements under the Federal Power Act (FPA) and other applicable
statutes. We summarize the major regulatory requirements in table 1 and
describe them below.
Table 1--Major Statutory and Regulatory Requirements for the Enloe
Hydroelectric Project
[Source: Staff]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Requirement Agency Status
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 18 of the FPA (fishway NMFS, FWS........ NMFS and FWS filed
prescriptions). reservations of
authority on
February 26, 2010.
Section 4(e) of the FPA (land Interior......... No section 4(e)
management conditions). conditions have been
filed.
Section 10(j) of the FPA...... Washington DFW, Washington DFW, FWS,
FWS, NMFS. and NMFS all filed
section 10(j)
recommendations on
February 26, 2010.
Clean Water Act--Water Quality Washington DOE... Application for
Certification. certification was
received on February
25, 2011; action on
the application due
by February 25,
2012.
Endangered Species Act NMFS, FWS........ Commission staff is
Consultation. initiating formal
consultation with
both agencies.
Coastal Zone Management Act Washington DOE... By letter dated
Consistency. September 25, 2009,
Washington DOE
waived its
requirement for
compliance with its
Coastal Zone
Management Program
for the project.
National Historic Preservation Advisory Council The Commission
Act. on Historic designated Okanogan
Preservation; PUD as a non-federal
Washington representative for
Department of conducting section
Archaeology and 106 consultation on
Historic September 26, 2005.
Preservation. Okanogan PUD filed a
Historic Properties
Management Plan on
June 16, 2009.
Pacific Northwest Power ................. The project is not
Planning and Conservation Act. located within the
designated protected
area of the Columbia
River Basin and
would be in
compliance with
specific provisions
to be considered in
the licensing or
relicensing of non-
federal hydropower
projects.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery NMFS............. Licensing the project
Conservation and Management could adversely
Act. affect Chinook
salmon essential
fish habitat.
Commission staff is
initiating formal
consultation with
NMFS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: 401 WQC--401 Water Quality Certificate
BLM--U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Commission--Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FPA--Federal Power Act
FWS--U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Interior--U.S. Department of the Interior
NMFS--National Marine Fisheries Service
Okanogan PUD--Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County
Washington DFW--Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Washington DOE--Washington Department of Ecology
1.3.1 Federal Power Act
1.3.1.1 Section 18 Fishway Prescriptions
Section 18 of the FPA states that the Commission is to require
construction, operation, and maintenance by a licensee of such fishways
as may be prescribed by the Secretaries of Commerce or the U.S.
Department of the Interior (Interior). The National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) by letter dated February 26, 2010, and the U.S.
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) by letter
dated February 26, 2010, request that a reservation of authority to
prescribe fishways under section 18 be included in any license issued
for the project.
[[Page 28515]]
1.3.1.2 Section 4(e) Conditions
Section 4(e) of the FPA provides that any license issued by the
Commission for a project within a federal reservation shall be subject
to and contain such conditions as the Secretary of the responsible
federal land management agency deems necessary for the adequate
protection and use of the reservation. Interior, on behalf of the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), filed recommended terms and conditions
by letter dated February 26, 2010, and did not prescribe any conditions
pursuant to section 4(e) of the FPA.
1.3.1.3 Section 10(j) Recommendations
Under section 10(j) of the FPA, each hydroelectric license issued
by the Commission must include conditions based on recommendations
provided by federal and state fish and wildlife agencies for the
protection, mitigation, or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources
affected by the project. The Commission is required to include these
conditions unless it determines that they are inconsistent with the
purposes and requirements of the FPA or other applicable law. Before
rejecting or modifying an agency recommendation, the Commission is
required to attempt to resolve any such inconsistency with the agency,
giving due weight to the recommendations, expertise, and statutory
responsibilities of such agency.
NMFS, FWS, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Washington DFW) all timely filed, on February 26, 2010,
recommendations under section 10(j), as summarized in table 23, in
section 5.4, Recommendations of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In section
5.4, we also discuss how we address the agency recommendations and
comply with section 10(j).
1.3.2 Clean Water Act
Under section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), a license applicant
must obtain certification from the appropriate state pollution control
agency verifying compliance with the CWA. On February 24, 2010,
Okanogan PUD applied to the Washington Department of Ecology
(Washington DOE) for a 401 Water Quality Certificate (WQC) for the
Enloe Project. Washington DOE received this request on February 25,
2010. Washington DOE has not yet acted on the request. Washington DOE
action is due by February 25, 2011.
On October 28, 2010, Okanogan PUD filed a status report on its
negotiations with Washington DOE and Washington DFW regarding possible
conditions for the WQC for the Enloe Project, and on November 10, 2010,
it filed supplemental information regarding the basis for the potential
conditions. In this filing, measures for aquatic resources would
include:
A minimum flows of 30 cfs from mid-July to mid-September,
and 10 cfs rest of the year to the pool below Enloe dam.
Monitoring water temperature in the bypassed reach for a
period of time postconstruction; and adopting an adaptive management
program to enhance DO and water temperatures should monitoring indicate
that water quality standards are not being met.
Determining appropriate thresholds for downramping rates
immediately downstream of Enloe dam based on monitoring and field
observations prior to operations.
Selecting an appropriate minimum flow release location in
consultation with fisheries resource agencies (Washington DOE,
Washington DFW, Interior, NMFS, BLM, and the Colville), and making
appropriate project modifications to provide minimum flow releases.
1.3.3 Endangered Species Act
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal
agencies to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in
the destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat of such
species. NMFS notified the Commission in its February 26, 2010, filing
that one ESA-listed threatened species of anadromous fish is known to
occur in the Similkameen River below Enloe dam: The upper Columbia
River (UCR) steelhead distinct population segment. Designated critical
habitat includes the Similkameen River below Similkameen Falls (the
falls). There is no critical habitat designation upstream of
Similkameen Falls.
FWS lists five additional ESA-listed species of fish, wildlife, and
plants that occur in Okanogan County, Washington, including the bull
trout (threatened), Canada lynx (threatened), grizzly bear
(threatened), northern spotted owl (threatened), and Ute ladies'-
tresses (threatened). There is no designated critical habitat for any
of these species within the Enloe Project boundary. Our analyses of
project impacts on threatened and endangered species are presented in
section 3.3.5, Threatened and Endangered Species, and our
recommendations in section 5.2, Comprehensive Development and
Recommended Alternative.
We conclude that licensing the project would have no effect on bull
trout, Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and northern spotted owl.
We conclude that licensing the project would adversely affect
federally listed UCR steelhead because proposed project construction
and habitat enhancement projects could result in short-term increases
in turbidity and sedimentation and the risk of injury or mortality to
eggs, fry, juveniles, or adults by instream use of equipment.
Construction of the tailrace could result in injury or mortality to
eggs, fry, juveniles, or adults caused by capture and transport,
relocation, and blasting. UCR steelhead injury or mortality could
result from fish swimming into draft tubes and hitting the turbine
runner during project operation. We conclude, however, that the
proposed project would not appreciably diminish the value of designated
UCR steelhead critical habitat for both survival and recovery of this
species and the proposed enhancement measures would provide some long-
term beneficial effects. Consequently, we will request formal
consultation with NMFS pursuant to section 7 of the ESA.
Potential habitat for Ute ladies'-tresses exists along the
reservoir and in the side channel enhancement area. No populations of
this species were discovered during Okanogan PUD's rare plant surveys,
but there are agency concerns about the adequacy of the surveys. If Ute
ladies'-tresses grows in the habitat identified at the edge of the
reservoir, operation of the proposed crest gates would inundate the
population. If this species occurs at the side-channel enhancement
site, construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed facility
could adversely affect the plants, but it may be possible to adjust the
facility's footprint so that the plants are not affected.
In response to agency recommendations for additional surveys,
Okanogan PUD proposes to survey areas that could potentially provide
habitat for Ute ladies'-tresses for an additional 3 years as part of
its proposed Vegetation Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (Vegetation
Plan). Thereafter, potential habitat for Ute ladies'-tresses would be
resurveyed only if site management changes occur that could affect that
habitat. Okanogan PUD's proposed surveys would either confirm that Ute
ladies'-tresses does not occur in areas that would be affected by the
project or would guide the development of avoidance or mitigative
measures for this species. Therefore, licensing the project with the
[[Page 28516]]
recommended protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures would not
be likely to adversely affect Ute ladies'-tresses.
1.3.4 Coastal Zone Management Act
Under section 307(c)(3)(A) of the Coastal Zone Management Act
(CZMA),\1\ the Commission cannot issue a license for a project within
or affecting a state's coastal zone unless the state CZMA agency
concurs with the license applicant's certification of consistency with
the state's CZMA program, or the agency's concurrence is conclusively
presumed by its failure to act within 180 days of its receipt of
Okanogan PUD's certification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 16 U.S.C. 1456(c)(3)(A) (2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
By letter dated September 25, 2009, the Washington DOE waived its
requirement for compliance with its Coastal Zone Management Program for
the project. Therefore, no consistency certification is required.
1.3.5 National Historic Preservation Act
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
(NHPA) \2\ and its implementing regulations,\3\ requires that every
federal agency ``take into account'' how each of its undertakings could
affect historic properties. Historic properties are districts, sites,
buildings, structures, traditional cultural properties, and objects
significant in American history, architecture, engineering, and culture
that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places (National Register). To meet the requirements of section 106,
the Commission intends to execute a Programmatic Agreement (PA) for the
protection of historic properties from the effects of the construction,
operation, and maintenance of the Enloe Project. The terms of the PA
would ensure that Okanogan PUD addresses and treats all historic
properties identified within the project's areas of potential effects
(APEs) for the proposed project and the side-channel enhancement site
through implementation of a revised Historic Properties Management Plan
(HPMP).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. (2006).
\3\ 36 CFR Part 800 (2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3.6 Pacific Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act
Under section 4(h) of the Pacific Northwest Power Planning and
Conservation Act, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council
developed the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program to
protect, mitigate, and enhance the operation of the hydroelectric
projects within the Columbia River Basin. Section 4(h) states that
responsible federal and state agencies should provide equitable
treatment for fish and wildlife resources, in addition to other
purposes for which hydropower is developed, and that these agencies
should take into account, to the fullest extent practicable, the
program adopted under the Pacific Northwest Power Planning and
Conservation Act.
The program directs agencies to consult with federal and state fish
and wildlife agencies, appropriate Indian tribes, and the Council
during the study, design, construction, and operation of any
hydroelectric development in the basin.
To mitigate harm to fish and wildlife resources, the Council has
adopted specific provisions to be considered in the licensing or
relicensing of non-federal hydropower projects (appendix B of the
Program). The specific provisions that apply to the proposed project
call for: (1) Specific plans for fish facilities prior to construction;
(2) assurance that the project would not degrade fish habitat or reduce
numbers of fish; (3) assurance all fish protection measures are fully
operational at the time the project begins operation; (4) timing
construction activities, insofar as practical, to reduce adverse
effects on wintering grounds; and (5) replacing vegetation if natural
vegetation is disturbed.
Our recommendations in this EA (sections 2.2 and 2.3) are
consistent with the applicable provisions of the program, listed above.
Further, a condition of any license issued would reserve the
Commission's authority to require future alterations in project
structures and operations to take into account, to the fullest extent
practicable, the applicable provisions of the program.
As part of the Program, the Council has designated more than 40,000
miles of river (protected area) in the Pacific Northwest region as not
being suitable for hydroelectric development. The project is not
located within a protected area.
1.3.7 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
requires federal agencies to consult with NMFS on all actions that may
adversely affect essential fish habitat (EFH). The Pacific Fishery
Management Council manages the fisheries for coho, Chinook, and Puget
Sound pink salmon and has defined EFH for these three species. Salmon
EFH includes all those streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and other water
bodies currently or historically accessible to salmon in Washington,
except areas upstream of certain impassable human-made barriers
(Pacific Fisheries Management Council, 2010), and longstanding,
naturally impassable barriers (i.e., natural waterfalls in existence
for several hundred years). The historically accessible reaches of the
Similkameen River (RM 0 to the falls) are EFH for Chinook salmon.
Based on our analysis in this EA of the proposed action as
specified in the license application, we conclude that licensing the
project would be likely to adversely affect EFH for the UCR Chinook
salmon for the same reasons we conclude that licensing the project
would adversely affect the UCR steelhead and its designated critical
habitats (see section 1.3.3, Endangered Species Act). Consequently, we
will request that NMFS provide any EFH recommendation along with its
biological opinion regarding listed anadromous fish.
1.4 Public Review and Consultation
The Commission's regulations (18 CFR, section 4.38) require that
applicants consult with appropriate resource agencies, tribes, and
other entities before filing an application for a license. This
consultation is the first step in complying with the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act, ESA, NHPA, and other federal statutes. Pre-filing
consultation must be complete and documented according to the
Commission's regulations.
1.4.1 Scoping
Before preparing this EA, we conducted scoping to determine what
issues and alternatives should be addressed. Scoping Document 1 (SD1)
was issued on December 16, 2008. Two scoping meetings were noticed on
December 16, 2008, and held on January 14 and 15, 2009, in Oroville,
Washington. A court reporter recorded all comments and statements made
at the scoping meetings, and these are part of the Commission's public
record for the project. In addition to comments provided at the scoping
meetings, the following entities provided written comments:
[[Page 28517]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commenting entity Date filed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington DFW...................... February 6, 2009.
National Park Service (Park Service) February 9, 2009.
Richard Terbasket................... February 12, 2009.
FWS................................. February 13, 2009.
BLM................................. February 17, 2009.
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish February 17, 2009.
Commission (CRITFC).
NMFS................................ February 17, 2009.
Washington DOE...................... February 17, 2009.
U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). February 17, 2009.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency February 17, 2009.
(EPA).
Lower Similkameen Indian Band....... February 20, 2009.
Confederated Tribes of the Colville February 23, 2009.
Reservation (Colville).
Arnold N. Merchand.................. February 23, 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A revised scoping document 2 (SD2), addressing these comments, was
issued on May 7, 2009.
1.4.2 Interventions
On October 29, 2008, the Commission issued a notice that Okanogan
PUD had filed an application for a license for the Enloe Project. This
notice set December 29, 2008, as the deadline for filing protests and
motions to intervene. In response to the notice, the following entities
filed motions to intervene, none in opposition:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ Late intervention; no action has been taken on this
petition.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intervenor Date filed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater Columbia Water Trail October 31, 2008.
Coalition (Water Trail Committee).
American Whitewater................. November 4, 2008.
Washington Department of Natural November 26, 2008.
Resources (Washington DNR).
Washington DFW...................... November 26, 2008.
American Rivers..................... December 8, 2008.
Washington DOE...................... December 11, 2008.
CRITFC.............................. December 29, 2008.
Interior............................ December 29, 2008.
NMFS................................ December 30, 2008.
Colville \4\........................ April 10, 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.4.3 Comments on the License Application
A notice requesting conditions and recommendations was issued on
December 28, 2009. The following entities commented:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commenting agency and other entity Date filed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
British Columbia Ministry of February 18, 2010.
Environment (Ministry of
Environment).
Chloe O'Loughlin, Canadian Parks and February 24, 2010.
Wilderness Society--British
Columbia Chapter.
Colville............................ February 26, 2010.
Interior (including FWS and BLM).... February 26, 2010.
NMFS................................ February 26, 2010.
Washington DFW...................... February 26, 2010.
American Rivers, American February 26, 2010.
Whitewater, the Center for
Environmental Law and Policy, the
North Cascades Conservation Council
(Cascade Chapter), Water and Salmon
Committee of the Sierra Club, and
the Columbia River Bioregional
Education Project (American River
et al.).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, February 27, 2010.
Forest Service (Forest Service).
CRITFC.............................. March 1, 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD filed reply comments on April 9, 2010.
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives
2.1 No-Action Alternative
The no-action alternative is license denial. Under the no-action
alternative, the project would not be built, and the environmental
resources in the project area would not be affected.
2.2 Applicant's Proposal
2.2.1 Proposed Project Facilities
The proposed Enloe Project would consist of: (1) An existing 315-
foot-long, 54-foot-high concrete gravity arch dam with an integrated
276-foot-long central overflow spillway; (2) three 5-foot-high
automated steel flap crest gates; (3) an existing 76.6-acre reservoir
(narrow channel of the Similkameen River) with a storage capacity of
775 acre-feet at a surface elevation of 1,049.3 feet above mean sea
level (msl); (4) a 190-foot-long intake canal on the east abutment of
the dam diverting flows into the penstock intake structure; (5) a 35-
foot-long by 30-foot-wide penstock intake structure; (6) two above-
ground 8.5-foot-diameter, 150-foot-long steel penstocks carrying flows
from the intake to the powerhouse; (7) a powerhouse containing two
vertical Kaplan turbine/generator units with a total installed capacity
of 9.0 MW; (8) a 180-foot-long tailrace channel, downstream of the
[[Page 28518]]
falls; (9) a substation adjacent to the powerhouse; (10) a 100-foot-
long, 13.2-kilovolt (kV) primary transmission line connecting the
substation to an existing distribution line; (11) about 1.5 miles of
new and upgraded access roads; and (12) appurtenant facilities. The
project would generate an average of 45 GWh of electricity annually.
2.2.2 Project Safety
As part of the licensing process, the Commission would review the
adequacy of the proposed project facilities. Special articles would be
included in any license issued, as appropriate. Commission staff would
inspect the licensed project both during and after construction.
Inspection during construction would concentrate on adherence to
Commission-approved plans and specifications, special license articles
relating to construction, and accepted engineering practices and
procedures. Operational inspections would focus on the continued safety
of the structures, identification of unauthorized modifications,
efficiency and safety of operations, compliance with the terms of the
license, and proper maintenance. In addition, any license issued would
require an inspection and evaluation every 5 years by an independent
consultant and submittal of the consultant's safety report for
Commission review.
2.2.3 Proposed Project Operation
The Enloe Project would operate automatically in a run-of-river
mode, regardless of water year (wet, dry, or average). Under a run-of-
river mode of operation, all project outflows would approximate all
project inflows at any point in time, such that there would be minimal
fluctuation of the reservoir surface elevation.\5\ The existing dam
crest elevation of 1,044.3 feet would be increased by re-installation
of 5-foot-high crest gates which would increase the reservoir to
1,049.3 feet elevation. Automated crest gates would be installed that
would automatically adjust to regulate spills and maintain a nearly
constant reservoir elevation relative to reservoir inflow. Okanogan PUD
plans to maintain reservoir levels between elevation 1,048.3 feet and
elevation 1,049.3 feet (top of crest gates) when inflows are equal to,
or less than, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the units (1,600 cfs).
This is estimated to occur approximately 70 percent of the time.
Discharge through the units would be approximately equal to inflow
based on the maintenance of reservoir levels. When inflows are between
1,600 and 16,500 cfs, which is estimated to occur approximately 29
percent of the time, the reservoir elevation would be maintained
between elevation 1,049.3 feet and elevation 1,050.3 feet. When inflows
exceed 16,500 cfs, which is only estimated to occur approximately 1
percent of the time, the crest gates would be fully lowered and the
water level would be controlled at the spillway. During low flow
conditions, less than 500 cfs, the project would operate in run-of-
river mode with one unit running. In this operational mode, a stable
water level of the reservoir and stable flow in the downstream reach
would be maintained. Under these conditions, the rate of change in the
outflow from the reservoir would follow the natural rate of change on
the inflow to the reservoir.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ A perfectly constant water level would be difficult to
achieve because natural events, such as wave action, would likely
cause slight fluctuations in the reservoir surface elevation
regardless of operational controls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2.4 Proposed Environmental Measures
Okanogan PUD proposes the following environmental measures.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ We used Okanogan PUD's classification of their environmental
measures presented in the license application, and they are
indicated in parentheses after each measure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geology and Soil Resources
Develop and implement the Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan (ESCP) to minimize the effects of construction, repair, and
operation of the dam and intake, penstocks, powerhouse, tailrace,
impoundment, access roads, powerline, and construction camp (WQ-06).
Develop and implement a Construction Sediment Management
Program (CSMP) to minimize sediment disturbance and maximize sediment
containment during construction (WQ-08).
Water Quality
Monitor water temperatures at three locations for a period
of 5 years to determine if the operation of crest gates causes an
increase in the water temperatures in the reservoir when compared with
upstream of the reservoir (WQ-01).
Locate the powerhouse tailrace so that it discharges to
and circulates water in the plunge pool downstream of Similkameen
Falls, preventing stagnation and consequently water quality degradation
of the pool habitat (WQ-02 and FISH-09).
Provide aeration in the powerhouse draft tubes during low
flow summer months and monitor for the first 5 years to determine the
optimum time to provide aeration (WQ-03).
Monitor total dissolved gas (TDG) and DO at the project
intake and in the pool below Similkameen Falls for a period of 5 years
to assess TDG and DO under project operations (WQ-04).
Design a broad, shallow intake structure and channel to
minimize sediment disturbance in the reservoir near the intake (WQ-05).
Develop and implement at project initiation a Spill Plan
to reduce potential effects from accidental spills when heavy machinery
is operating near the river and reservoir (WQ-07).
Aquatic Resources
Implement the Blasting Plan and use best management
practices (BMPs) to avoid and minimize the potential effects on aquatic
resources, including federally listed or sensitive species (FISH-01).
Place two clusters of boulders in riffles or in plane-bed
sections of the Similkameen River upstream of the reservoir to improve
mountain whitefish habitat and recreational fisheries (FISH-02).
Ensure that logs and other large woody debris can pass
over the dam spillway during the annual flood and, if needed, transport
some large woody debris around the dam and place it in the river
downstream of the dam to provide fish habitat (FISH-03).
Design the intake trashrack with 1-inch bar spacing so
that smaller fish would be able pass safely through the trashrack and
larger fish would be discouraged or prevented from passing through the
trashracks and turbines (FISH-04).
Monitor seasonal variation in entrainment susceptibility;
observe trauma and mortality caused by entrainment, and monitor
reservoir fish populations to relate the entrainment observations with
the fish distribution and abundance in the reservoir (FISH-05).
Install tailrace barrier nets in the powerhouse draft
tubes to prevent fish in the tailrace from swimming upstream into the
draft tubes during low flows and an inspection and maintenance plan to
ensure that the tailrace barrier operates effectively (FISH-06).
Monitor barrier nets with video cameras to observe if
adult salmonids are able to enter the draft tubes past the barrier nets
(FISH-07). Develop and implement a written operation plan, a post
construction evaluation and monitoring plan, and an inspection and
maintenance plan.\7\
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\7\ Okanogan PUD proposes to develop and implement the
recommended-written operation plan for the tailrace barrier (April
19, 2010) from NMFS, Interior, and Washington DFW (February, 26,
2010).
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[[Page 28519]]
Operate the project in a run-of-river mode so that there
are no detectable changes in flows below Similkameen Falls (FISH-08).
Avoid flow fluctuations that might affect downstream resources by
complying with ramping rate restrictions as recommended by resource
agencies.\8\ Monitor ramping rate compliance utilizing an existing
Washington DOE gage on the Similkameen River.
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\8\ Okanogan PUD proposes to comply with recommended ramping
rates (April 9, 2010) from NMFS, Department of Interior, and
Washington DFW recommendations (February 26, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Design and place the tailrace to avoid effects on fish
that use the plunge pool below Similkameen Falls (FISH-09 and WQ-02).
Enhance an existing side channel to improve spawning,
rearing, and summer thermal refugia downstream of the powerhouse
tailrace (FISH-10).
Implement a gravel supplementation program to increase the
amount of gravel in the river downstream of Enloe dam and improve
spawning habitat (FISH-11).
Develop a biological review process, including a
Biological Resource Program, and consultation with the Technical Review
Group (TRG) comprising the Colville, BLM, Washington DOE, Washington
DNR, NMFS, FWS, and Washington DFW (FISH-12).
Develop a fisheries monitoring database for organizing and
storing monitoring data related to aquatic resources (FISH-13).
Terrestrial Resources
Implement the Vegetation Plan to minimize effects on
riparian and wetland vegetation, including goals, the species to be
used, methods, and benchmarks of success for botanical resources (BOTA-
01).\9\
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\9\ The Vegetation Plan (BOTA-01) contains the measures BOTA-2
through BOTA-7, BOTA-11, REC-01, and AES-04.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plant riparian vegetation along the west and east banks of
the reservoir shoreline to mitigate the temporary loss of habitat while
fringe riparian vegetation establishes along the new water line (BOTA-
02).
Return the existing shoreline road to natural conditions
to improve wildlife habitat along the reservoir and eliminate the
current interruption between the shoreline and upland habitat (BOTA-03,
also analyzed as part of REC-13).
Plant woody riparian species in the riparian area along
the abandoned road corridor (BOTA-04).
Plant woody riparian vegetation along the east and west
banks of the reservoir downstream of Shanker's Bend and upstream of the
reservoir (BOTA-05).
Install grazing control measures, including fencing, to
protect riparian plantings and sensitive areas from cattle grazing
(BOTA-06, also analyzed as part of REC-1).
Monitor restored areas annually for 5 years and then once
again at year 8, and plant additional willows if performance criteria
are not met; provide annual reports of the monitoring results to the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Washington DOE (BOTA-07).
Employ BMPs during construction to protect riparian and
wetland vegetation, including measures such as flagging and temporarily
fencing any wetland and riparian vegetation in the vicinity of the
project that would reduce or avoid accidental impacts, and limiting
construction and maintenance-related disturbance of sensitive habitats
to the extent possible to protect these resources (BOTA-08).
Develop and implement an environmental training program to
inform employees and contractor employees who work on the project site
or related facilities during construction and operation about the
sensitive biological resources associated with the project area (BOTA-
09).
Provide a biological monitor to check construction sites
on a weekly schedule to ensure that protected areas are not disturbed
and that fencing and other control measures are intact (BOTA-10).
Implement the Noxious Weed Control Program to control
weeds along roads and construction sites (BOTA-11).
Survey disposal sites and control noxious weeds by
implementing control measures prior to spoil disposal (BOTA-12).
Hydroseed disposal sites using native upland species,
following completion of spoil disposal (BOTA-13).
Strategically place and install the project transmission
line to reduce the adverse effects on raptors and other birds (WILD-
01).
Concentrate construction activities to occur in summer and
early fall to minimize effects on overwintering birds and bald eagles
(WILD-02).
Conduct pre-disposal site survey for wildlife and time the
clearing of vegetation at spoil disposal sites to minimize wildlife
impacts (WILD-03).
Threatened and Endangered Species
Conduct surveys for Ute ladies'-tresses prior to, during,
and postconstruction to either confirm that the species does not occur
in the areas affected by the project or guide the development of
avoidance or mitigative measures (BOTA-14).
Recreation and Land Use
Implement the Recreation Management Plan, which includes
measures for recreation and safety of and access to the project areas
(REC-13).
Revise and implement the Fence Plan in coordination with
the Recreation Management Plan to include: (a) Installation of
barricades and fencing on the east side of the dam and the area below
the dam; (b) use of non-barbed wire at the recreation area; and (c)
installation of a stock watering tank north of the proposed recreation
site as an alternative source of drinking water for all grazing cattle
with rights to this area (REC-01).
Provide public access downstream of Enloe dam on the east
bank by developing a trail to the river below the dam (REC-02).
Transfer to Okanogan County ownership rights to the
trestle bridge that is located on the west side of the river downstream
of the dam with certain conditions (REC-03).\10\
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\10\ Land ownership rights were transferred to Okanogan County
in 2007.
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Improve the existing informal boat ramp located on the
east bank upstream of the dam (REC-04).
Clean up and restore wooded area on east bank of the
reservoir (REC-05).
Develop an interpretive publication, in collaboration with
Okanogan County, the Greater Columbia Water Trail Steering Committee
(Water Trail Committee), and other interested parties, that would
include a map illustrating public access and recreation sites (REC-06).
Remove existing trash and conduct annual cleanup
activities within the wooded area on the east bank of the reservoir and
along the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District (OTID) Ditch Road
leading from the Loomis-Oroville Road to the dam site (REC-07).
Develop a parking area and install a vault toilet,
accessible to persons with disabilities, on the east bank and upstream
of Enloe dam included in (Okanogan PUD, 2009b) (REC-08).
Install picnic tables, at least one of which should
incorporate universal design principles, near the parking area taking
advantage of existing trees for shading (REC-09).
[[Page 28520]]
Develop primitive campsites near the parking and picnic
area (REC-10).
At a minimum, install one interpretive sign near the
parking and picnic area and one sign near the abutment of the old
powerhouse access bridge, below Similkameen Falls (REC-11).
Place an information board near Enloe dam to depict public
access areas and information concerning visitor use of the project area
(REC-12).
Maintain the existing signs and system of safety cables
and grab ropes above the dam, install dam safety/warning signs for
boaters, and install a log boom across the powerhouse intake channel to
protect boaters (SAFETY-01).\11\
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\11\ All SAFETY measures were proposed by Okanogan PUD in the
response to additional information request filed on February 27,
2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coordinate with BLM and other land owners, as appropriate,
to identify options for preventing public access to the old powerhouse
(SAFETY-03).
Develop and implement a Safety During Construction Plan
and allow limited public access to the project during construction
(SAFETY-02).
Aesthetic Resources
Use visually-compatible colors and building materials for
construction occurring on the east bank (AES-01).
Consult with the Colville and other stakeholders during
restoration activities (AES-02).
Use non-reflective surfaces where possible during
construction (AES-03).
Grade and repair all slopes where buildings are removed
and plant native grasses and other riparian vegetation (AES-04).
Cultural Resources
Solicit a new owner for the existing historic powerhouse
(HIST-01).
If a qualified owner is not identified for the existing
historic powerhouse, demolish the existing historic powerhouse (HIST-
02).
Install interpretive panels about the existing historic
powerhouse (HIST-03).
Review and reach agreement on the HPMP and incorporate
information into a PA (HIST-04).
Monitor shoreline areas to prevent effects on
archaeological sites due to reservoir fluctuations (ARCH-01).
Avoid known National Register-eligible archaeological
sites to prevent effects during construction (ARCH-02).
Monitor eligible sites during construction activities to
avoid effects on these sites (ARCH-03).
Develop and implement an inadvertent discovery plan,
specifying required actions and procedures if a site is discovered
during construction and including training staff and construction
workers about the potential for discovery of archaeological deposits
(ARCH-04).
Determine if there would be effects on archaeological
sites in the vicinity of recreational facilities (ARCH-05).
As we've said, on October 28, 2010, Okanogan PUD filed additional
information regarding ongoing consultations with Washington DOE and
Washington DFW for the 401 Water Quality Certification process (letter
from Dan Boetter, Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs,
Okanogan PUD, Okanogan, Washington, to Kimberly Bose, Secretary, FERC,
Washington, DC, October 28, 2010). In this filing and for the bypassed
reach, Okanogan PUD proposes to:
Provide minimum flows of 30 cfs from mid-July to mid-
September, and 10 cfs rest of the year to the pool below Enloe dam.
Monitor DO and water temperature in the bypassed reach for
a period of time postconstruction; and adopt an adaptive management
program to enhance DO and water temperatures should monitoring indicate
that water quality standards are not being met.
Determine appropriate thresholds for downramping rates
immediately downstream of Enloe dam based on monitoring and field
observations prior to operations.
Select an appropriate minimum flow release location in
consultation with fisheries resource agencies (Washington DOE,
Washington DFW, Interior, NMFS, BLM, and the Colville), and make
appropriate project modifications to provide minimum flow releases.
In this draft EA, staff will consider measures in this filing as
Okanogan PUD's minimum flow proposals, and will analyze their effects
on environmental resources.
2.2.5 Modifications to Applicant's Proposal--Mandatory Conditions
To date, no mandatory conditions were submitted under sections 4(e)
or 18 of the FPA, or section 401 of the CWA.
2.3 Staff Alternative
Under the staff alternative, the project would include the majority
of Okanogan PUD's proposed measures, with the exception of placement of
boulder clusters in the plane bed section of the Similkameen River
upstream of Shanker's Bend and entrainment and resident fish
monitoring, along with the following modifications and additions:
Geology and Soil Resources
Develop and implement a Spoil Disposal Plan after
consultation with BLM and other interested parties.
Water Quality
Develop and file with the Commission, in consultation with
the TRG, a water quality monitoring plan including: Selecting the
monitoring locations; filing a report at the end of year 5 documenting
the results of monitoring and recommendations for the need for
continued monitoring development; and conducting water temperature,
TDG, and DO monitoring for a period longer than 5 years if needed.
Aquatic Resources
Revise Okanogan PUD's preliminary Blasting Plan to include
preparing a final Blasting Plan after consultation with the TRG.
Revise Okanogan PUD's proposed large woody debris
transport plan to include consultation with the TRG to determine when
such transport would be required, the methods to be used for collection
and transport of the wood, and the best locations for release of the
woody debris downstream of the dam.
Revise Okanogan PUD's proposed side-channel enhancement
plan to include consultation with the TRG to develop the side-channel
enhancement plan and file the plan with the Commission, with copies to
the agencies, at least 180 days prior to implementation. Implement the
plan and incorporate the lands associated with the side channel
enhancements in the project boundary (approximately 0.75 acre 5 miles
downstream of the dam).
Revise Okanogan PUD's proposed gravel supplementation
program to include consulting with the TRG to develop the gravel
enhancement plan.
Revise Okanogan PUD's Spill Plan to include consultation
with BLM and Washington DOE.
Revise and file with the Commission Okanogan PUD's
proposal to design a narrow-spaced intake trashrack to include
consulting with Interior and Washington DFW during the final design of
the intake structure and trashracks to ensure that fish protection
features are included in the final design.
Develop a project operations compliance and monitoring
plan, in consultation with the TRG, to be filed for Commission
approval.
Terrestrial Resources
Revise the Vegetation Plan to file monitoring reports
annually for 5 years
[[Page 28521]]
and in year 8, and provide these reports to the Commission, FWS, BLM,
and Washington DFW, and filing for Commission approval, any proposals
for further restoration measures.
Retain dead trees along the reservoir unless they become a
hazard and provide 10 artificial perch poles.
Threatened and Endangered Species
Prepare a Ute ladies'-tresses survey plan after
consultation with FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW, and if plant surveys
identify the threatened Ute ladies'-tresses in areas that would be
affected by the project, file for Commission approval, an additional
plan developed, after consultation with FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW,
to avoid or minimize adverse effects.
Recreation and Land Use
Revise the proposed Recreation Management Plan (REC-13) in
coordination with the Aesthetics Management Plan and the HPMP, and
include consultation with stakeholders. Finalize and implement the
interpretive publication as part of the Recreation Management Plan.
Add to the Recreation Plan an established plow schedule to
allow visitors winter access to project lands and waters.
Develop and implement a recreation use monitoring plan to
include consultation with BLM.
Develop and implement a Fire Suppression Program in
consultation with BLM.
Revise the Safety during Construction Plan to include
consultation with BLM and local emergency response agencies.
Add approximately 5.0 acres to the project boundary
incorporating the entire length of the public access road from the
Loomis-Oroville Road to Enloe dam to ensure public access throughout
the length of any license issued for the project.
Develop a river access point at Miner's Flat and
incorporate approximately 1 acre into the project boundary.
Remove the one small, deteriorated building on Okanogan
PUD land at the north end of the proposed Enloe dam recreation
area.\12\
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\12\ Measures were proposed by Okanogan PUD in the response to
additional information request filed on February 27, 2009.
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Aesthetics
Revise the proposed Aesthetics Management Plan in
coordination with the Recreation Management Plan and the HPMP to
include consultation with the Colville, BLM, and other stakeholders.
Develop specific approaches concerning the blending of the
existing and proposed Enloe Project facilities into the existing
landscape character.
Include these measures at the laydown or construction
material storage areas that have yet to be determined.
Cultural Resources
Revise Okanogan PUD's May 2009 HPMP to include provisions
for: (1) Further consideration of the potential effects of capping site
45OK532; (2) a description of the proposed side-channel enhancement
site; (3) two separate defined APEs that delineate the proposed Enloe
project and the proposed side-channel enhancement site; (4)
consultation with the Cultural Resources Working Group (CRWG) regarding
the resolution of adverse effects on the historic Enloe powerhouse; (5)
re-evaluating the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation Canal for National
Register-eligibility; (6) completing determinations of eligibility for
unidentified cultural resources on BLM lands; (7) periodic review of
the HPMP; (8) a site monitoring program; (9) cultural interpretative
and education measures; and (10) revising the APEs to accommodate
modifications to the project boundary, if any.
2.4 Staff Alternative With Mandatory Conditions
To date, no mandatory conditions were submitted under section 4(e)
or section 18 of the FPA, or section 401 of the CWA. NMFS and Interior,
however, request reservation of authority under section 18.
2.5 Removal of Existing Hydroelectric Facilities Including Enloe Dam
BLM stated that it would require Okanogan PUD to remove the dam and
all associated facilities from the public lands under the existing
right-of-way permit if a license is not be issued. Removing Enloe dam
would affect many resources. We discuss the effects on these resources
in section 3.2.
3.0 Environmental Analysis
In this section, we present: (1) A general description of the
project vicinity; (2) an explanation of the scope of our cumulative
effects analysis; and (3) our analysis of the proposed action and other
recommended environmental measures. Sections are organized by resource
area (aquatic, recreation, etc.). Under each resource area, historic
and current conditions are first described. The existing condition is
the baseline against which the environmental effects of the proposed
action and alternatives are compared, including an assessment of the
effects of proposed mitigation, protection, and enhancement measures,
and any potential cumulative effects of the proposed action and
alternatives. Staff conclusions and recommended measures are discussed
in section 5.2, Comprehensive Development and Recommended Alternative
of the EA.\13\
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\13\ Unless otherwise indicated, our information is taken from
the application for license for this project (Okanogan PUD, 2008a)
and additional information filed by Okanogan PUD (2009a-d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 General Description of The River Basin
Located in north-central Washington about 2 miles south of the
Canadian border, the Enloe Project is situated in a narrow constriction
of the Similkameen River Valley, about 3.5 miles northwest of the city
of Oroville (figure 1). The project is located predominantly on land
administered by the BLM. The Similkameen River is tributary to the
Okanogan River just south of Oroville, Washington; the Okanogan in turn
flows into the Columbia River east of Brewster, Washington. The
Similkameen River drains the east slopes of the Cascade Mountains in
northern Washington and southern British Columbia, Canada. The majority
(79 percent) of the drainage basin lies within Canada.
Similkameen Falls is located about 370 feet below Enloe dam, and
forms a 33-foot-long and 20-foot-high barrier impassible to anadromous
fish. Above the dam lies a shallow reservoir with a mean depth of 8.4
feet at the existing dam crest elevation of 1,044.3 feet msl and a
maximum depth of 55.6 feet (MaxDepth, 2006); the reservoir is filled
with an accumulated sediment volume of approximately 2.43 million cubic
yards (MaxDepth, 2006). The existing reservoir is approximately 2 miles
long and averages about 250 feet in width.
Topography in the project vicinity has been significantly affected
by glaciations and is moderately steep and rugged. In the lower part of
the river canyon, steep slopes adjacent to the river are interspersed
with relatively flat benches of alluvial or glacial origin. The upper
portions of the river canyon are steep and rocky. The mountains of the
Okanogan Highlands lie to the east and the North Cascades to the west.
Elevations range from 1,000 feet at the mouth of the Similkameen River
at Oroville to greater than 3,600 feet at the summits of surrounding
mountains.
The climate in the lower Similkameen River Basin is typical of
eastern
[[Page 28522]]
Washington, with cool, moist winters and hot dry summers. The Cascade
Mountains act as a barrier to the movement of maritime and continental
air masses, creating the generally dry conditions observed in the
project vicinity. Average annual precipitation is approximately 11
inches. River flows peak in late spring to early summer when warm
temperatures melt the extensive winter snowpacks at the higher
elevations in the basin. Low flows occur in late-fall/mid-winter when
cold temperatures minimize runoff.
3.2 Scope of Cumulative Effects Analysis
According to the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for
implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR, section
1508.7), cumulative effect is the impact on the environment which
results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other
past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of
what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other
actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but
collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time,
including hydropower and other land and water development activities.
Based on our review of the license application, written and oral
comments from scoping, other filings related to the project, and
preliminary staff analyses, we have identified water quantity and water
quality, aquatic resources including federally listed threatened and
endangered fish species, as resources that could be cumulatively
affected by the proposed project in combination with other actions and
other hydroelectric development on the Similkameen River.
3.2.1 Geographic Scope
The geographic scope of the analysis defines the physical limits or
boundaries of the proposed action's effects on the resources. Because
the proposed action would affect the resources differently, the
geographic scope for each resource may vary. For water resources and
aquatic resources, including federally listed threatened and endangered
fish species, we have identified the Similkameen River Basin as our
geographic scope of analysis.
3.2.2 Temporal Scope
The temporal scope of our cumulative effects analysis in the EA
includes a discussion of past, present, and future actions and their
effects on these resources. Based on the potential term of a license,
we will look 30 to 50 years into the future, concentrating on the
effect on the resources from reasonably foreseeable future actions. The
historical discussion is limited, by necessity, to the amount of
available information. We identified the present resource conditions
based on the license application, agency comments, and comprehensive
plans.
During scoping, Washington DFW, FWS, EPA, BLM, Park Service, U.S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs, and CRITFC requested the Commission to
consider the effects of the proposed Shanker's Bend Project (Project
Number P-12804) in our cumulative effects analysis because it would be
located upstream of the Enloe Project. Washington DFW stated that the
Shanker's Bend Project is not a run-of-river project; therefore, the
Enloe Project would not be a run-of-river project either, and would
benefit from the analysis of the Shanker's Bend Project. FWS requested
that proposed project operations of the Enloe Project include an
analysis of how the proposed Shanker's Bend Project would alter the
project operations as defined in the final license application. BLM
understands that the Shanker's Bend Project is currently under
consideration/study and may be operated in conjunction with Enloe dam;
it recommended that the cumulative effects on resources and recreation
uses be analyzed. BLM also recommended that the Commission analyze the
cumulative effects of other dams operated down-river. CRITFC stated
that the Shanker's Bend Project is a ``reasonably foreseeable action''
and that the Commission must consider a cumulative effects analysis of
the Shanker's Bend Project with the Enloe Project.
The Commission issued a preliminary permit to the Okanogan PUD for
the Shanker's Bend Project in 2008. The purpose of a preliminary permit
is to preserve the right of the permit holder for a period of three
years to have the first priority in applying for a license for the
project that is being studied. Because a permit is issued only to allow
the permit holder to investigate the feasibility of a project while the
permittee conducts investigations and secures necessary data to
determine the feasibility of the proposed project and to prepare a
license application, it grants no land-disturbing or other property
rights. Until such time as an application for license is filed with the
Commission, there is no project proposal to consider. Whether Okanogan
PUD decides to file a development application in the future and whether
the Commission would issue a license for this project is speculation
and not a reasonably foreseeable action at this time.
Dam Removal Alternative
BLM stated that it would require Okanogan PUD to remove the dam and
all associated facilities from the public lands under the existing
right-of-way permit if a license is not issued. Removing Enloe dam
would affect many resources.
Effects on Water Quality
Approximately 2.43 million cubic yards of sediment are stored
behind Enloe dam (MaxDepth, 2006). Much of this sediment is
contaminated with high levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, and other
metals. Removal of the dam would release these contaminated sediments
to the Similkameen and Okanogan rivers and eventually the Columbia
River. Dredging and disposing of the sediments from the reservoir prior
to dam removal risks resuspension and transport of some of these
sediments to downstream areas. Even if the sediments were dredged prior
to dam removal, significant amounts of sediment could remain on the
reservoir bottom and would eventually reach the river and be
transported downstream.
Effects on Aquatic Resources
The release of the contaminated sediments currently stored behind
Enloe dam could have substantial effects on spawning habitat, eggs,
fry, juvenile and adult anadromous and resident fish. This effect could
seriously damage Chinook salmon essential fish habitat (EFH) and UCR
steelhead critical habitat. The duration of the effects of this release
of sediments would depend largely on flow and volume of material
captured in the channel as bedload. Equilibrium would eventually be
achieved, and removing Enloe dam would eventually provide for the free
flow of gravel, large woody debris, and sediments downstream of the
current dam location. Increased gravel input below Similkameen Falls
would improve the spawning habitat for anadromous fish. Increased input
of large woody debris downstream of the falls would also benefit
anadromous and resident fish by providing habitat structure. Dam
removal would also affect the nature of the current reservoir by
returning it to a riverine state. Water velocity in the reservoir area
would increase, while water temperature may be slightly cooler. Slower
water habitats along the edges of the reservoir would disappear as the
water recedes into a more defined channel. Fish species composition
would shift, as the
[[Page 28523]]
available habitat may select for fish that prefer faster moving, cooler
water.
Dam removal would have no effect on anadromous fish passage in the
Similkameen River. There are no anadromous fish found directly
downstream of the dam due to the presence of Similkameen Falls, which
acts as a natural barrier to anadromous fish passage. If the dam were
removed, resident fish would be able to move freely from the current
reservoir reach, downstream to the rest of the river.
Effects on Terrestrial Resources
The change in water surface elevation with dam removal would result
in the loss of existing wetland and riparian habitat along the
reservoir. The death of large trees in the existing riparian forest
community would provide cavities and snags that would be valuable
wildlife habitat components. Over time, riparian and wetland vegetation
would re-colonize the edge of the river, replacing the lost habitat.
The decrease in the water surface elevation would likely make the
existing potential Ute ladies'-tresses habitat along the reservoir too
dry to support the plant. New potential habitat for this species would
likely be created, but the extent of the new habitat is unknown.
Effects on Recreation
Removing Enloe dam would change the recreational opportunities
associated with the site. Returning the reservoir above the dam into a
free-flowing river would affect a variety of recreation opportunities
including: Fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Dam removal will change angling opportunities by changing fisheries
habitat from reservoir to riverine and the associated fish species
available to anglers. Similarly, some boaters seek flat water
experiences (motor or paddle) while others prefer whitewater.
Opportunities to engage in flat water experiences are available at
nearby Lakes Wannacut, Palmer, and Osoyoos. Hiking and camping
experiences are influenced by nearby water bodies through the sounds of
rushing water or the opportunity to swim in a reservoir. Additionally,
the flora and fauna associated with the site would change, thus
modifying the species available for nature study.
Effects on Aesthetics Resources
Removal of Enloe dam would change the aesthetic character
associated with the site. The current reservoir lakebed would be
dewatered, changing the character of the former lakebed to a vegetative
environment with a free-flowing river. Fall flows would remain at the
falls. This new view would be seen from the Loomis-Oroville road and
the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (Scenic Trail).
Effects on Cultural Resources
Removing the National Register-listed Enloe dam would result in an
adverse effect on this historic property. Additionally, removal of the
dam could result in the exposure of currently inundated and as yet
unidentified cultural sites, including properties of traditional
religious and cultural importance to the Colville. This action could
expose these resources to the public, resulting in illicit artifact
collection and site vandalism.
Effects on Socioeconomics
Dam removal would likely result in a negligible effect on the
recreation and tourism industry in Okanogan County. Currently, fishing
occurs primarily in the lower reaches of the Similkameen River, below
the Enloe dam. Creation of aesthetic and recreation resources due to a
shift from a reservoir to a riverine environment would indirectly
affect recreational use of the project resources and associated
expenditures (such as, a fee for a fishing license) and therefore, the
local economy should continue to benefit from these expenditures.
With dam removal, there would be no loss of property value to
residents because the majority of land ownership within the Enloe
Project boundary is administered by federal or State agencies and there
are no residents that border the Enloe dam.
3.3 Proposed Action and Action Alternatives
In this section, we discuss the effect of the project alternatives
on environmental resources. For each resource, we first describe the
affected environment, which is the existing condition and baseline
against which we measure effects. We then discuss and analyze the site-
specific and cumulative environmental issues.
Only the resources that would be affected, or about which comments
have been received, are addressed in detail in this EA. We present our
recommendations in section 5.2, Comprehensive Development and
Recommended Alternative.
3.3.1 Geologic and Soil Resources
3.3.1.1 Affected Environment
The complex structure and lithology along the Similkameen River
above and below Enloe dam reflect its position at the boundary of
several distinct physiographic and lithological regions. The dam is
located within the Cordilleran fold and thrust belt (Bayer, 1983) of
northwestern North America. In this region, successive episodes of
accretion, volcanic-arc mountain building, and back-arc deposition have
created a complex physiography.
Enloe dam is situated on the Similkameen River near the boundary of
the Cascade Range and Columbia mountains physiographic provinces where
they converge around the 49th parallel, separating the Canadian
Interior plateaus from the Lava plateaus of eastern Washington and
Oregon, western Idaho, and northern California.
Geology
Along the narrow valley section of the Similkameen River downstream
of Palmer Lake and upstream of Enloe dam, the uplands are composed
primarily of Triassic-Permian metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of
the Kobau Formation, interspersed with Jurassic metavolcanic,
intrusive, and sedimentary rocks, Eocene conglomerate and Eocene
intrusive dacite. Much of the valley and sideslopes are mantled in
Quaternary glacial drift. The complicated structure is the result of
late Triassic or early Jurassic accretion of Paleozoic and Mesozoic
volcanic archipelagos accompanied by regional metamorphism and
plutonism, subsequent overlayering of late Cretaceous and early
Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rocks, and Quarternary erosion and
deposition resulting from continental glaciation.
In the immediate vicinity of the impoundment, highly deformed
Triassic/Permian metamorphic rocks of the Kobau and Spectacle
formations are unconformably overlain by Jurassic/Cretaceous
metaconglomerate and metavolcanic rocks of the Ellemeham Formation.
These are in turn again unconformably overlain by Eocene sandstone and
conglomerate, and the latter are again unconformably overlain by
Quaternary glacial drift, colluvium, and alluvial deposits.
Within the impoundment itself, from Shanker's Bend downstream to
approximately 1,600 feet above the dam, the Similkameen River lies at
the boundary of the Kobau and Ellemeham formations (between 1,600 feet
above and 1,000 feet below the dam). The stretch of the river flows
over Eocene sandstone and conglomerate. Enloe dam is located above the
falls on resistant Eocene granitic-clast conglomerate. Downstream of
the dam and falls, the river again flows over Triassic/Permian
metamorphic rocks of the Kobau and Spectacle Formations.
[[Page 28524]]
Soils
Most of the soils present within or adjacent to the proposed
project boundary are classified as Nighthawk loam or Nighthawk
extremely stony loam. Ewall loamy fine sand and Lithic Xerochrepts-
Nighthawk complex soils and riverwash and rock outcrop areas are also
present within or adjacent to the project boundary.
Nighthawk loam soils are formed in glacial till deposited over
shale and are present just upstream of the dam and upstream of
Shanker's Bend. These soils are deep and well drained. Nighthawk loam
soils with 3 to 8 percent slopes are characterized by slow runoff and
present a slight erosion hazard. Nighthawk loam soils with 8 to 15
percent slopes are characterized by medium runoff and present a high to
very high erosion hazard.
Nighthawk extremely stony loam soils are generally formed in
glacial till and are located adjacent to the dam and powerhouse and a
portion of Shanker's Bend. These soils are deep and well drained.
Nighthawk extremely stony loam soils with 8 to 25 percent slopes are
characterized by medium runoff and present a high to very high erosion
hazard. When slopes reach 25 to 65 percent, these soils are
characterized by rapid to very rapid runoff and present a high to very
high erosion hazard.
Ewall loamy fine sand soils are formed in glacial outwash sand and
are located in a small area immediately downstream of Shanker's Bend.
These soils are deep and excessively drained. Ewall loamy fine sand
soils with 0 to 15 percent slopes are characterized by slow runoff, and
present a slight erosion hazard and a high soil-blowing hazard.
Lithic Xerochrepts soils are generally shallow and well drained and
are located downstream of the dam. Lithic Xerochrepts-Nighthawk complex
soils with 15 to 45 percent slopes are characterized by medium runoff
and present a moderate erosion hazard.
Areas classified as riverwash and rock outcrops are also present
within or adjacent to the project boundary. Riverwash consists of
coarse sand and gravelly alluvium. Rock outcrop areas contain little or
no shallow soil material.
Geologic Hazards
Enloe dam is located in an area of historically low seismicity.
Peak ground acceleration with a 2 percent probability of occurrence in
50 years is approximately 0.16 times the force of gravity (g) and peak
ground acceleration with a 10 percent probability of occurrence in 50
years is approximately 0.07 g (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2002).
Localized faults have been mapped in upland areas adjacent to
Similkameen Valley. An active fault is present in the conglomerate
bedrock approximately 100 feet downstream of the proposed tailrace
outlet. The fault does not displace overlying glacial drift, which
indicates that it has not been active in more than 10,000 years.
No significant historical earthquakes (magnitude 5.5 or intensity
VI or larger) have been recorded within 50 miles of the dam since 1568
(USGS-NEIC, 2007 a, b).
During geological field mapping conducted in December 2006, some
seepage was detected along joints and bedding planes in the
conglomerate and sandstone that form the east abutment of the dam
(Christensen Associates, 2007). Okanogan PUD proposes to grout and
stabilize these areas during the construction of proposed facilities.
Some of the soils adjacent to the Similkameen River present high to
very high erosion potential. Nighthawk extremely stony loam soils that
occur on slopes in excess of 8 percent have a high to very high erosion
hazard. Nighthawk extremely stony loam soils are present upstream of
Shanker's Bend, adjacent to portions of Shanker's Bend, and on either
side of the river adjacent to the dam, and proposed intake location.
Landslide or mass wasting hazards are most likely to occur in these
areas; however, no signs of recent instability were noted during the
December 2006 geological field investigations (Christensen Associates,
2007).
3.3.1.2 Environmental Effects
Okanogan PUD's proposed land-disturbing activities associated with
the construction of project facilities (new crest gates on Enloe dam,
new east-bank approach channel, new intake structure, new intake canal,
new penstock intake, new penstocks, new powerhouse, new tailrace
channel, a short section of new road, modifications to existing project
roads, and improvements to existing recreation areas) could cause
erosion and sedimentation.
Okanogan PUD proposes to develop and implement the ESCP (WQ-06) to
minimize the effects of land-disturbing activities associated with
construction of new facilities, as well as modifications and
improvements to existing facilities. The plan would also be implemented
during project operation and maintenance. Okanogan PUD also proposes to
develop and implement the CSMP (WQ-08) to minimize sediment disturbance
and maximize sediment containment during construction. In response to
agencies' comments and recommendations, Okanogan PUD developed a Spill
Response Plan and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (see section
3.3.2.2, Water Quality). The resource agencies recommend that the
sediment excavated for project construction be tested for arsenic,
copper, cadmium, zinc, and lead; and that the sediments be stored on
site until test results are known so that sediments can be disposed of
properly.
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD develop and implement a Spoil
Disposal Plan prior to any construction activities that may affect the
BLM-administered public lands. The plan would address disposal and/or
storage of waste soil and/or rock materials (spoils) generated by road
maintenance, slope failures, and construction projects. A Spoil
Disposal Plan would include provisions for the following: (1)
Identifying and characterizing the nature of the spoils in accordance
with applicable BLM regulations; (2) identifying sites, including
locations of the public lands, for the disposal and/or storage of
spoils so contamination of water by leachate and surface water runoff
can be prevented; and (3) developing and implementing stabilization,
slope reconfiguration, erosion control, reclamation, and rehabilitation
measures.
Our Analysis
As we've said, land-disturbing activities associated with project
construction, operation and maintenance, and soils within the project
area are susceptible to soil erosion and sedimentation. Excavated
materials could possibly contain higher levels of arsenic, copper,
cadmium, zinc, and lead than is acceptable under the criteria of the
U.S. EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to finalize and implement the ESCP (WQ-06)
and the CSMP (WQ-08) would lessen the potential effects associated with
land-disturbing activities during project construction, modifications,
and improvements of project facilities, as well as during project
operation and maintenance.
Our analysis of the Spill Response and Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plans are discussed in section 3.3.2.2, Water Quality.
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD consult with BLM for the
development and implementation of a Spoil Disposal Plan prior to any
construction activities that may affect the BLM-administered public
lands. This plan would ensure that there would be little or no effects
from
[[Page 28525]]
excavated materials on water quality or the surrounding environment
within the project boundary.
3.3.2 Water Quantity and Quality
3.3.2.1 Affected Environment
The drainage area of the Similkameen River above Enloe dam is
approximately 3,575 square miles most of which is in British Columbia.
The headwaters of the Similkameen River Basin occur in rugged terrain
along the international boarder and to the north. Much of the upper
basin is used for timber harvest, mining, and grazing. The river valley
widens near Princeton, British Columbia. Irrigation of agricultural
land is a primary water use upstream of Nighthawk, Washington, located
about 9 miles upstream of the project. Existing uses in Canada include
aquatic and wildlife habitat, stock watering, domestic water supply,
agriculture and mining.
Water Quantity
On average approximately 78 percent of the annual flow on the
Similkameen River occurs from April through July (table 2). Minimum
flows occur between late summer (August) and stay low through early
spring (March) until the snowmelt season begins in April, peaking in
late May or early June. The maximum average monthly flow was 24,900 cfs
in June 1972, while the minimum average monthly flow was 191 cfs in
September 2003.
Table 2--Summary of Similkameen River Flows at the USGS Nighthawk Gage No. 12442500, 1929-2005
(Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Month Mean Median Maximum daily Minimum daily
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October............................................. 697 576 8,430 161
November............................................ 938 681 14,400 160
December............................................ 798 576 12,400 120
January............................................. 659 540 5,270 120
February............................................ 682 551 7,790 120
March............................................... 746 600 5,260 290
April............................................... 2,086 1,390 26,400 297
May................................................. 2,086 1,390 26,400 539
June................................................ 8,597 7,580 44,800 1,160
July................................................ 2,965 2,220 15,800 408
August.............................................. 916 764 3,770 195
September........................................... 596 514 2,430 164
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Nighthawk gage is located about 7 miles upstream of the project with a drainage area of about 3,550 square miles.
The maximum recorded average daily flow was 44,800 cfs on June 1,
1972, when the peak instantaneous flow was estimated to be 45,800 cfs
at a stage height of 18.0 feet above the approximate channel bottom.
The minimum recorded daily flow was 65 cfs on January 3, 1974; this
abnormally low flow was attributed to ice effects.
The mean annual flood (at the Nighthawk gage), between 1929 and
2005, was 16,100 cfs. Annual maximum mean daily discharges range from a
low of 4,590 cfs (June 8, 1941) to a high of 44,800 (June 1, 1972). The
water level recorded was 13 feet above the spillway crest at Enloe dam
during the 1972 flood. The calculated return period of the 1972 flood
is approximately 180 years.
Annual instantaneous peak flows at the Nighthawk gage have occurred
almost exclusively (except on October 21, 2003) during spring and early
summer for the period of record. The earliest recorded peak event
occurred on April 26, 1934, while the latest occurred on June 23, 1967.
The mean/median peak flow day for the period of record was May 28,
although for the last 20 years (1987-2006), the mean/median peak flow
day occurred about one week earlier (May 22). However, winter floods
associated with the inland penetration of coastal storms have
occasionally been of similar magnitude to these spring and early summer
freshets. The winter floods, although less common, are usually
associated with ice flows and snowmelt runoff.
Certified water rights on the Similkameen River are listed in table
3. Okanogan PUD holds senior water rights on the river, a 1,000-cfs
water right with a priority date of 1912 for power generation purposes.
The proposed project maximum hydraulic capacity is 1,600 cfs. Thus,
Okanogan PUD would need to obtain an additional 600-cfs water right for
non-consumptive use in order to divert the maximum hydraulic capacity
for the project.
Table 3--Similkameen River Water Rights
(Source, Okanogan PUD, 2008a)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Acres
Document No. Status (year) Flow (cfs) Acre-feet/year Purpose irrigated Owner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCVOL1P243...................... Certificate....... 1912 1,000 PO Okanogan PUD
(Change)..........
S3-22053C....................... Certificate....... 1973 1.5 372 IR, SW 80 Private
S4-26618C....................... Certificate....... 1980 1 202 IR, SW 50 Private
SWC00723........................ Certificate....... 1930 0.5 -- IR 12 Private
SWC03557........................ Certificate....... 1948 0.05 -- IR 7.5 Private
SWC06242........................ Certificate....... 1955 0.05 -- DS, IR 3 Private
SWC09018........................ Certificate....... 1955 2 400 IR 100 Private
SWC09834........................ Certificate....... 1966 1.4 280 IR 70 Kernan Farms
[[Page 28526]]
Total of all Certificates:...................................... 6.5 1,254 322.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: DS--Domestic
IR--Irrigation
SW--Stock water
PO--Power
Enloe reservoir occupies a narrow, channelized basin and has a very
high inflow/volume ratio; therefore, the reservoir is more river-like
than lake-like in character. The mean hydraulic residence time is
estimated to be about 2.4 hours for the mean annual flow of 2,290 cfs,
45 minutes for the mean annual peak flow of 16,100 cfs, 7.3 hours for
the mean September flow of 596 cfs, and more than 20 hours for flows
less than 200 cfs (table 4).
Table 4--Enloe Reservoir Characteristics at Existing and Proposed Operations and Spills
(Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reservoir
Reservoir Reservoir shoreline Reservoir Reservoir mean Reservoir Reservoir
Location elevation length length surface area depth (feet) maximum depth volume (acre-
(feet msl) (miles) (miles) (acres) (feet) feet)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At existing dam crest elevation......... 1,044.3 2.0 4.1 60.1 8.4 54.3 507
At mean annual flow of 2,290 cfs........ 1,046 2.1 4.2 67.1 9.1 56.0 613
During proposed low-flow project 1,048.3 2.2 4.8 76.6 10.1 58.3 775
operations.............................
During spill periods.................... 1,050.3 2.3 4.9 88.3 10.6 60.3 938
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of the bed-surface substrate is medium sand, with a typical
(median) diameter of 0.4 millimeter (mm); gravel is present at the
upstream end of the reservoir near Shanker's Bend and at depth within
the accumulated sediment. The volume of stored sediment is estimated to
be around 2.4 million cubic yards.
Groundwater in this sub-basin is primarily supplied from glacial
and alluvial deposits in the lower valley areas. The Similkameen River
once flowed southward through the valley now occupied by Palmer Lake
and Sinlahekin Creek. During the last glaciation, the river was
rerouted through several temporary channels until it finally settled
into its current channel as the glacier retreated. Glacial and alluvial
deposits in the original channel and the temporary channels are several
hundred feet thick with moderate to high yield aquifers. The alluvial
and glacial deposits are composed largely of fine sand, silt, and clay,
with some thin lenses of coarse sand and gravel. Permeability and
yields can be quite high.
In places where there is a lack of glacial or alluvial deposits,
groundwater is scarce. Subsurface rock consists of metamorphic,
granitic, and consolidated sedimentary rock with low permeability and
porosity.
During low flow periods, very little flow is added to the river
between the USGS Nighthawk gage (RM 15.8) and the Washington DOE flow
gage at RM 5.0, indicating that groundwater discharge is not a
significant contributor to flow in the lower Similkameen River. The
City of Oroville withdraws its municipal water supply from a well field
located at the confluence of the Similkameen and Okanogan rivers. The
wells are considered to be in continuity with the Similkameen River.
Groundwater would not be affected by the project regardless of its
location relative to the river or degree of continuity because the
project would operate in a run-of-river mode and would not affect flows
or recharge.
Water Quality
This section describes existing water quality in the lower
Similkameen River and focuses on water quality characteristics that
could be influenced by project construction and operation: Temperature,
DO concentration, total dissolved gas concentration, and contaminants
associated with river sediments.
Water Temperature
Water temperatures in the Similkameen River upstream of the project
can exceed freshwater aquatic life criteria during the summer months,
and water temperatures generally increase from upstream to downstream.
Okanogan PUD conducted water temperature monitoring in the project area
from late spring through early fall of 2006 to characterize potential
project effects on the water temperature regime. The monitoring study
was designed to measure changes in water temperatures in the
Similkameen River as it flowed through the project area.
One of the designated uses for the Similkameen River is salmonid
spawning, rearing, and migration. The aquatic life maximum water
temperature criterion set by Washington DOE to protect this use is 17.5
degrees Celsius ([deg]C), measured by the 7-day average of the daily
maximum temperatures (7-DADMax). When a water body's temperature is
warmer than the criterion and that condition is due to natural
conditions, human actions (considered cumulatively) may not cause the
7-DADMax temperature of that water body to increase more than 0.3
[deg]C. In applying this standard to hydroelectric projects, Washington
DOE has interpreted natural conditions to be
[[Page 28527]]
the water temperature regime before construction of any dams or other
human influences.
Washington DOE has identified the Similkameen River below Enloe dam
as a water body requiring special protection for salmonid spawning and
incubation (Okanogan PUD, 2008a). This special criterion identifies a
maximum 7-DADMax temperature of 13 [deg]C at the initiation of spawning
for salmon and at fry emergence for salmon and trout. A maximum 0.3
[deg]C increase also applies to the seasonal criteria for spawning and
incubation. This requirement is applied to the Similkameen River from
February 15 through June 15.
The 2006 monitoring results showed that the Similkameen River
exceeded the 17.5 [deg]C criterion both upstream and downstream from
Enloe dam from late June through mid-September, with additional
exceedances in late-September (figure 2). The highest temperature of
26.9 [deg]C was recorded both at China Rock (RM 12.2) upstream from the
project site, and at the bridge in Oroville (RM 5.3) downstream from
the project site.
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.001
Comparisons of 7-DADMax temperatures at different monitoring
stations indicate that water temperatures did not increase through the
project area by more than 0.3 [deg]C at any time during the 2006
monitoring season, and all stations showed a similar trend in
temperatures. The 7-DADMax temperatures decreased after August 4,
although remained above the 17.5 [deg]C criterion for most of the
remainder of the monitoring period. Figure 3 plots the 7-DADMax
temperatures at the upper end of the reservoir (RM 10.3) and the lower
end of reservoir (RM 9.1).
[[Page 28528]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.002
BILLING CODE 6717-01-C
Dissolved Oxygen
The Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters for Washington state
that the 1-day minimum DO concentration for salmonid spawning, rearing,
and migration is 8.0 milligram per liter (mg/L) (Chapter 173-201A
Washington Administrative Code). When a water body's DO concentration
is lower that this criterion and that condition is due to natural
conditions, human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the
concentration to decrease more than 0.2 mg/L.
Okanogan PUD measured DO profiles on September 14 and 15, 2006, in
the vicinity of Enloe dam. All measurements were above the 8.0 mg/L
minimum water quality standard. As expected, the DO concentrations were
higher where colder water was encountered in the morning hours below
the dam and at China Rock upstream of the reservoir. Warmer water and
lower DO concentrations were measured in the afternoon hours in the
reservoir pool above the dam.
Total Dissolved Gases
The Water Quality Standard for Surface Waters for Washington State
requires that TDG shall not exceed 110 percent of saturation at any
point of sample collection (Chapter 173-201A Washington Administrative
Code). The TDG criteria contained in the standards do not apply when
the stream exceeds the 7-day, 10-year frequency flood. The standards
provide allowances for the criteria to be adjusted to aid fish passage
over hydroelectric dams when consistent with a Washington DOE approved
gas abatement plan. However, this allowance does not apply to the Enloe
Project because it would not provide spill to aid fish passage.
TDG concentrations measured between May 26 and 30, 2006, were below
the 110 percent saturation water quality criterion in the lower
reservoir (RM 9.1) and between Enloe dam and the falls (RM 8.9), but
exceeded the criterion below the falls (RM 8.8) and below the railroad
trestle at the mouth of the canyon downstream from the project area (RM
6.7). Flows ranged between 10,700 cfs at Nighthawk and 12,100 cfs at
Oroville on May 26, 2006, to 8,780 cfs at Nighthawk and 9,640 cfs at
Oroville on May 30, 2006. TDG levels increased by 3 to 7 percent of
saturation after flowing over Enloe dam but remained below the water
quality criterion, with mean hourly TDG levels ranging from 106.1 to
108.7 percent of saturation between the dam and the falls.
TDG increased substantially after flowing over the falls,
increasing by an additional 12 to 14 percent of saturation. Downstream
of the falls, mean TDG levels ranged from 118.5 to 120.7 percent of
saturation. This TDG increase below the falls is due to the additional
turbulence caused by the falls and the plunging flow into a deep pool
where the increased pressure causes bubbles to dissolve. Near the
railroad trestle located about 2.2 miles downstream of the falls, the
mean TDG saturation was slightly lower (115.3 to 116.2 percent of
saturation), but still remained above the criterion. Table 5 provides
the results of Okanogan PUD's TDG sampling.
A generalized longitudinal profile adapted from a 1934 USGS survey
indicates that the river drops 46 vertical feet in the 1.6-mile reach
upstream from the dam. This steep gradient suggests that historically
turbulent flows in the reservoir reach before impoundment likely
created aeration and may have contributed to increased TDG saturation
above the 110 percent criterion during high flows. Thus, TDG saturation
above 110 percent was likely a naturally occurring condition below the
falls before the dam was built.
[[Page 28529]]
Contaminated Sediments
Contamination from historical mining operations in the Similkameen
River watershed has resulted in arsenic concentrations exceeding water
quality criteria in samples from Chopaka Bridge in British Columbia (RM
36.1) and Oroville, Washington (RM 5.0) (Peterschmidt and Edmond, 2004;
Johnson, 2002). Washington DOE has completed a total maximum daily load
(TMDL) evaluation and prepared a draft plan to address the arsenic
contamination. The loading capacity for the river was set equal to the
natural background concentration of arsenic (i.e., 0.4 to 0.6 microgram
per liter total recoverable arsenic), because arsenic levels naturally
exceed water quality criteria. The greatest amount of arsenic loading
identified by the TMDL evaluation was caused by resuspension of
sediments in the vicinity of Palmer Creek at RM 20, approximately 10
miles upstream from the project area.
Table 5--Summary of Total Dissolved Gas Measurements Near Enloe Dam From May 26-30, 2006
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One-hour mean TDG saturation (percent)
Time and location ---------------------------------------------------------------
May 26 and 27 May 28 May 29 May 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a.m.:
Lower reservoir............................. 103.4 101.9 102.0 101.1
Between dam and the falls................... 107.6 .............. 106.2 106.8
Below the falls............................. 129.7 119.6 118.9 118.5
Below railroad trestle...................... 116.2 115.9 115.6 115.3
p.m.:
Lower reservoir............................. 102.0 103.3 103.3 102.5
Between dam and the falls................... 108.7 .............. 106.1 106.8
Below the falls............................. 120.7 120.6 120.0 119.4
Below railroad trestle...................... 116.2 116.1 115.8 116.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An analysis of shallow sediment core samples for trace metals,
performed for the Colville, confirmed arsenic contamination in the
Similkameen River and Palmer Creek upstream from Nighthawk, Washington.
Copper also exceeded a Colville sediment quality standard in several
samples, and cadmium exceeded the standard in one sample.
There are no established state regulatory criteria for chemical
contaminants in freshwater sediments; however, several sediment quality
values have been used to indicate potential toxic effects to aquatic
life. The current Colville Tribal Code contains sediment cleanup levels
both for the protection of human health and for the protection of
sediment-dwelling organisms. The Colville adopted cleanup screening
levels for eight metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and copper.
Washington DOE also set non-regulatory sediment quality values and
cleanup screening levels for freshwater sediment (Michelson, 2003, in
Okanogan PUD, 2008a). Okanogan PUD collected sediment samples in 2007
that were analyzed for pesticides, arsenic, cadmium, and copper. The
sample results, along with the Colville criteria and Washington DOE
non-regulatory sediment quality values are presented for comparison in
table 6.
Table 6--Summary of Preliminary Enloe Dam Sediment Trace Metals Results
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a, as modified by staff]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)
PMX sample ID River mile ARI sample ID Depth (feet) --------------------------------------
(RM) Arsenic Cadmium Copper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shallow Core Samples:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDSG01............................. 10.6 07-16068-LK08A................. 0 to 1.................... 15.7 \a\ 0.3U 22.3
EDSG02............................. 10 07-16069-LK08B................. 0 to 1.................... 23.5 0.3U 33.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VanVeen Grab Samples:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDSG03............................. 9.4 07-16070-LK08C................. 0 to 0.5.................. 11.2 0.2 18.4
EDSG05............................. 9.0 07-16071-LK08D................. 0 to 0.5.................. 20.4 0.3U 27.9
EDSG06............................. 9.0 07-16072-LK08E................. 0 to 0.5.................. 10.0 0.3U 17.1
EDSG08 \b\......................... 9.0 07-16073-LK08F................. 0 to 0.5.................. 9.2 0.3U 17.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freeze Core Samples:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDSC04-0-4......................... 9.0 07-16099-LK13A................. 0.0 to 5.0................ 8.8 0.2U 16.3
EDSC04-4-8......................... 9.0 07-16100-LK13B................. 5.0 to 6.6................ 29.3 0.4 47.5
EDSC04-8-12........................ 9.0 07-16101-LK13C................. 6.6 to 8.0................ 10.3 0.2U 16.2
EDSC08-0-4 \c\..................... 9.0 07-16102-LK13D................. 0.0 to 5.0................ 7.0 0.2U 13.6
EDSC08-8-12 \d\.................... 9.0 07-16103-LK13E................. 6.6 to 8.0................ 8.6 0.2U 16.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surface Grab Samples Below Enloe Dam (RM 8.9):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 28530]]
07-16081-LK11A..................... 8.7 SR-1........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 24.8 0.3 31.8
07-16082-LK11B..................... 8.2 SR-2........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 9.3 0.3U 16.0
07-16083-LK11C..................... 7.6 SR-3........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 10.6 0.2U 15.9
07-16088-LK11H \e\................. 7.6 SR-8........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 10.4 0.3U 14.4
07-16084-LK11D..................... 6.8 SR-4........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 9.1 0.3U 15.1
07-16085-LK11E..................... 6.6 SR-5........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 8.2 0.3U 12.8
07-16086-LK11F..................... 6.1 SR-6........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 9.5 0.3U 15.1
07-16087-LK11G..................... 5.7 SR-7........................... 0.0 to 0.1................ 13.1 0.3U 17.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freshwater Sediment Quality Values:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sediment Quality Standard \f\...... ........... ............................... .......................... 20 0.6 80
Cleanup Screening Level \f\........ ........... ............................... .......................... 51 1 830
Cleanup Screening Level \g\........ ........... ............................... .......................... 9.79 0.99 31.6
Probable Effect Concentration \h\.. ........... ............................... .......................... 33 4.98 149
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
\a\ Results with ``U'' were not detected in the sample at the accompanying detection limit.
\b\ Duplicate of EDSG06.
\c\ Duplicate of EDSC04-0-4.
\d\ Duplicate of EDSC04-8-12.
\e\ Duplicate of SR-3.
\f\ Michelsen, 2003.
\g\ Colville, 2003.
\h\ MacDonald et al., 2000.
Cadmium was detected in 3 of 15 samples, but in all cases was below
the Colville criterion and Washington DOE sediment quality values
(table 6). Pesticides were not detected in any sample.
Copper was detected in all samples, and in all cases was below
sediment quality values. Three samples exceeded the Colville copper
criterion, but were below the sediment quality standard proposed by
Michelsen (2003).
Arsenic exceeded the Colville criterion in 11 of the 15 samples;
and 4 of 15 exceeded Washington DOE's lower sediment quality value. All
arsenic concentrations were below levels known to cause adverse
effects; however, several of the arsenic concentrations were in the
range where there could be a potential for adverse effects. Samples
from the 2007 study contained higher concentrations of each trace metal
than corresponding samples from the 2002 study (Johnson, 2002). This
was likely due to the 2007 sediment samples containing more fine
organic particles mixed with the sand and silt.
Fine organic particles were most evident in the 2007 study in a
freeze core sample taken from between 5.0 and 6.6 feet deep near the
site of the new intake structure. This sample had a darker color, finer
texture, an organic odor, visible organic material in various stages of
decomposition, and higher concentrations of arsenic and copper. This
core sample was collected from the area of the reservoir where buried
sediments are most likely to be disturbed during project construction.
To a lesser degree, deposits of fine organic material were observed in
a patchy distribution in areas throughout the reservoir and on sandbars
downstream from Enloe dam.
In addition to the analysis of contaminant concentrations in the
sediment, the same contaminants were analyzed in the water column using
the Dredging Elutriate Test to mimic water column concentrations that
could occur if sediments were disturbed by dredging (table 7). As with
the bulk sediment samples, pesticides were not detected in any
elutriate sample. Cadmium was detected at the detection limit in
several samples, but was well below the water quality criteria in all
samples. Arsenic was detected in all samples, but was also well below
the water quality criteria. Copper was detected in all samples, and
exceeded both chronic and acute criteria in 5 of the 8 primary samples.
All elutriate samples exceeded the arsenic and copper concentrations in
the ambient water sample from mid-reservoir.
Table 7--Summary of Preliminary Enloe Dam Sediment Elutriate Results
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microgram per liter ([mu]g/L)
PMX sample ID ARI sample ID Depth (feet) --------------------------------------
Arsenic Cadmium Copper
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shallow Core Samples:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDSG01.................... 07-16494-LK86A........ 0 to 1........... 12.5 0.2 12.1
EDSG02.................... 07-16495-LK86B........ 0 to 1........... 29.1 0.2 28.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VanVeen Grab Samples:
EDSG03.................... 07-16496-LK86C........ 0 to 0.5......... 5.6 \a\ 0.2U 4.6
[[Page 28531]]
EDSG05.................... 07-16497-LK86D........ 0 to 0.5......... 20.9 0.2 28.1
EDSG06.................... 07-16498-LK86E........ 0 to 0.5......... 7.5 0.2U 9.9
EDSG08 \b\................ 07-16499-LK86F........ 0 to 0.5......... 6.4 0.2U 6.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freeze Core Samples:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDSC04-0-4................ 07-16099-LK13A........ 0.0 to 5.0....... 5.3 0.2U 4.7
EDSC04-4-8................ 07-16100-LK13B........ 5.0 to 6.6....... 53.6 0.2 52.2
EDSC04-8-12............... 07-16101-LK13C........ 6.6 to 8.0....... 6.3 0.2U 4.6
EDSC08-0-4 \c\............ 07-16102-LK13D........ 0.0 to 5.0....... 5.1 0.2U 3.4
EDSC08-8-12 \d\........... 07-16103-LK13E........ 6.6 to 8.0....... 7.7 0.2U 6.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ambient Water Sample:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07-16054-LK07A............ EDW01................. 3.5.............. 3.6 0.2U 0.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Quality Criteria:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute, aquatic life....... ...................... ................. 360 \e\ 1.82 \e\ 9.2
Chronic, aquatic life..... ...................... ................. 190 \e\ 0.64 \e\ 6.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
\a\ Results with ``U'' were not detected in the sample at the accompanying detection limit.
\b\ Duplicate of EDSG06.
\c\ Duplicate of EDSC04-0-4.
\d\ Duplicate of EDSC04-8-12.
\e\ Criteria adjusted for 52 mg/L hardness (Washington DOE, 2005).
3.3.2.2 Environmental Effects
Water Quantity
The existing dam has an uncontrolled spillway that passes all
inflow. Okanogan PUD proposes to install new crest gates on the dam and
install an intake channel adjacent to the dam crest to divert river
flows to a new powerhouse and tailrace that would return flows to the
Similkameen River approximately 480 feet downstream of the dam. The
tailrace would discharge downstream of the falls, which is located
approximately 370 feet downstream of the dam. Okanogan PUD proposes to
operate the project in a run-of-river mode with no water storage for
hydropower purposes; however, it has agreed to comply with interim
ramping rate recommendations by Interior, Washington DFW, NMFS, and
American Rivers et al. (see section 3.3.3.2, Aquatic Resources,
Environmental Effects).
Okanogan PUD proposes to provide minimum flows of 10 or 30 cfs in
the 370-foot-long bypassed reach. American Rivers et al. recommends
flow releases to the bypassed reach to adequately protect aquatic
resources in the river and other designated beneficial uses in
accordance with Washington state law for the Similkameen River.\14\
According to the code, this would consist of a minimum flow of 400 cfs
during winter months up to a high flow of 3,400 cfs in the late spring/
early summer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ Washington Administrative Code WAC 173-549-020
Establishment of minimum instream flows.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Analysis
Because the project would operate in a run-of-river mode with only
minor flow variation caused by ramping rate restrictions, there would
be no effect on the flow regime downstream of the project, compared to
historical conditions. The issue of minimum flow releases for the
bypassed reach is discussed below in this section and in sections
3.3.3.2, Aquatic Resources, Environmental Effects, and 3.3.7.2,
Aesthetic Resources, Environmental Effects.
Water Quality
Water Temperature (WQ-01)
Okanogan PUD proposes to operate the crest gates to maintain the
reservoir levels between elevation 1,048.3 feet and 1,050.3 feet msl 99
percent of the time. The proposed crest gate operation would result in
a small increase in the reservoir surface area (less than 12 percent)
and larger increases in reservoir average depth (20 percent) and volume
(21 percent) up to 10 months a year and may affect water temperature in
the project reservoir. Okanogan PUD proposes to monitor water
temperature at three locations for 5 years to determine if the crest
gate operation causes an increase in the 7-DADMax water temperature in
the reservoir compared to the river upstream of the reservoir.
Interior, NMFS, and American Rivers et al. comment that increased
reservoir size and area would result in more exposure to the sun, which
would result in higher water temperatures above the dam and downstream
of the dam, potentially affecting anadromous fish habitat. Interior
recommends a study of the effects of the Enloe Project on water
temperature. NMFS recommends that water temperatures be monitored for 5
years with annual reporting, and American Rivers et al. requests more
information about the effects of the project on temperature and water
quality.
The British Columbia Ministry of Environment (Ministry of
Environment) comments that the project would not adversely affect water
temperature in Canadian waters and that water quality standards would
not be compromised as a result of project operations. The Ministry of
Environment supports Okanogan PUD's measures to monitor water
temperature in the reservoir and compensate for the potential decrease
in production by including habitat enhancements, tailrace relocation,
and entrainment studies.
[[Page 28532]]
Our Analysis
Results of vertical temperature profile measurements (September 14
and 15, 2006) show that water temperature varied less than 0.6 [deg]C
from near surface to near bottom of the existing reservoir, indicating
virtually no stratification in the reservoir during late summer
(Okanogan PUD, 2008a). Comparisons of 7-DADMax temperatures indicated
that water temperatures did not increase through the project area by
more than 0.3 [deg]C at any time during the 2006 monitoring study (see
figure 2), and decreased throughout the project area after reaching
peak levels in late July. Based on these results, it appears that solar
radiation did not warm the existing reservoir pool any more than the
relatively shallow river reaches, with similar temperature patterns
among all stations. Substantial warming probably did not occur because
the existing reservoir is narrow and river-like in character. The
proposed project would increase the reservoir surface area by about 27
percent, comparing the existing reservoir at dam crest elevation to the
proposed reservoir level during low-flow operations (see table 4). The
actual increase in area would be from 60 to 76 acres, and the reservoir
would remain a relatively small, narrow reservoir, unlikely to
experience significant additional solar warming. In addition, the
reservoir mean depth and volume would increase (table 4), which would
act to counter any solar warming, in that more heat input would be
required to effect a change in temperature. Okanogan PUD also proposes
planting riparian vegetation along the reservoir to provide shading
(discussed in section 3.3.4.2, Terrestrial Resources). Additional
shading would reduce the amount of surface water exposed to solar
warming. All these factors would act to minimize any heat gain and
prevent any increase in water temperatures during the summer low-flow
months. The greatest increase in reservoir size would occur during
high-flow spill periods (table 4), but reservoir residence time would
be short (only 45 minutes at the mean annual peak flow of 16,100 cfs),
so there would be little opportunity for solar warming, even if warm,
sunny conditions occurred during high-flow periods, which is not
common.
Studies conducted in the Similkameen River downstream of the dam
indicate that water temperatures naturally increase during the summer
with potential for lethal effects on salmonids (Okanogan PUD, 2008a).
Based on our analysis, we conclude that construction and operation of
this run-of-river hydroelectric project would have little effect on the
existing water temperature pattern in the river, or affect compliance
with water quality standards for water temperature.
Okanogan PUD would monitor water temperature for at least the first
5 years following license issuance to determine if the proposed
increase in reservoir elevation and surface area are having an
influence on water temperature in the reservoir and Similkameen River
downstream of the dam. This measure would provide a water quality
benefit. Development of the monitoring sites would be done after
consultation with the TRG. The annual data resulting from this study
could be used for adaptive management purposes and to design any
required mitigation for any adverse effects on water temperature that
may be observed. It would be appropriate for the Okanogan PUD to file a
report with the Commission at the end of five years evaluating the need
for continued monitoring and/or measures would ensure that the water
quality is maintained at a level that will support aquatic resources at
the project.
Dissolved Oxygen (WQ-02 Through WQ-04)
Okanogan PUD proposes to inject air into the turbine draft tubes to
increase DO in the plunge pool/tailrace, which may be used by
anadromous fish as a holding pool and thermal refugia during the
critical summer season (figure 4). The aeration vents would not be used
during high spring flows when high TDG is a concern and DO
concentrations are not low. Okanogan PUD would monitor DO levels during
the first 5 years of project operations to determine the optimal time
after high flows have receded in the early summer to provide aeration
in the draft tubes.
[[Page 28533]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.003
Okanogan PUD proposed to locate the project tailrace so that the
discharged water circulates in the plunge pool below the falls. The
average annual tailrace flows, as simulated by Okanogan PUD, would be
similar in wet and normal water years (table 8).
NMFS recommends that at the start of project operations, Okanogan
PUD should monitor DO concentrations at the powerhouse intake and below
the falls and continue monitoring for the term of the license.
Table 8--Simulated Average Annual Tailrace Flow for Three Normal and Three Wet Water Years
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2009c]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Normal years Tailrace flow (cfs) Wet years Tailrace flow (cfs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989.......................................................... 842 1991 1,406
1993.......................................................... 896 1996 1,298
2000.......................................................... 1,051 1997 1,066
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Analysis
During the warm summer months, DO is naturally low in the
Similkameen River. DO levels upstream and downstream of the project can
drop below 8 mg/L, which is the minimum state standard set to protect
salmonid fisheries. Currently, water passing over Enloe dam goes over
the falls, which increases the DO concentration by about 1 mg/L,
although this may vary depending on river flow and water temperature.
Under Okanogan PUD's proposal, water that is diverted for generation
would be routed around the falls and would not be naturally aerated as
now occurs. Okanogan PUD's proposal for draft tube aeration would
ensure protection of DO, despite loss of aeration by diverting flows
into the powerhouse rather than over the falls. Monitoring below the
powerhouse would assess the effectiveness of this measure and would
ensure that water discharged to the project tailrace would meet state
standards of 8 mg/L DO or higher at all times.
Discharging powerhouse flows into the plunge pool would provide
circulation to prevent stagnation and water quality degradation during
the low flow summer months. The circulation pattern in the plunge pool
may change as the tailrace flows would enter the pool approximately 90
feet downstream from the falls at an angle. However, this change in
pattern should not affect water quality or substantially
[[Page 28534]]
affect fish distribution in the pool. During high flow periods when
water is passing over the dam and the falls, as well as through the
powerhouse, flow patterns in the plunge pool would be more similar to
current conditions, although there would be some reduced flow over the
falls, and thus potentially reduced TDG levels. DO levels would be high
during high-flow periods and heavy spillage over the dam and falls.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to monitor DO levels during the first 5
years of project operations to determine the optimal time--after high
flows have receded in the early summer--to provide aeration in the
draft tubes would not meet the NMFS recommendation to monitor DO over
the term of the license.
Monitoring DO during the first 5 years of operation would provide
good information on possible project effects on DO, but if water
quality standards are not met regularly, additional monitoring and
alternative measures may provide additional useful information.
Consultation with the TRG as to the need for an extension of the
monitoring period, as well as in determining the location of the DO
monitoring sites would ensure the proposal addresses the concerns of
the agencies and the Commission.
Total Dissolved Gases (WQ-02 and WQ-04, FISH-09)
TDG concentrations measured between May 26 and May 30, 2006, were
below the 110 percent saturation water quality criterion in the lower
reservoir (RM 9.1) and between the dam and the falls (RM 8.9), but
exceeded the criterion below the falls (RM 8.8) and below the railroad
trestle at the mouth of the canyon downstream from the project area (RM
6.7). TDG concentrations increased substantially--an additional 12 to
14 percent of saturation--in water flowing over the falls. The increase
in TDG below the falls is due to the additional turbulence caused by
the falls and plunging flow into a deep pool where the increased
pressure causes air bubbles to dissolve into solution.
Resident and anadromous fish can be negatively affected by
supersaturated TDG levels. The tolerance of anadromous salmon and
steelhead to TDG supersaturation varies greatly by life stage. Eggs
appear to be quite resistant to high TDG levels, while yolk-sac fry are
particularly vulnerable (Weitkamp and Katz, 1980). Juvenile fish appear
more sensitive to TDG saturation with increasing size.
Okanogan PUD proposes to divert water from the reservoir, through
the turbines, and discharge flows downstream of the falls into the
plunge pool. Okanogan PUD would monitor TDG concentrations at the
project intake and in the plunge pool below the falls for a 5-year
period after license issuance to determine the effects of the proposed
operations on TDG levels at these locations.
NMFS concurs with the proposal and adds that Okanogan PUD should
maintain the ability to monitor TDG for the term of the license.
The Ministry of Environment comments that TDG levels are expected
to decrease as a result of project operations, which may benefit
downstream salmonids. American Rivers et al. requests more information
about potential water quality effects, including potential effects on
TDG during times of higher water temperatures.
Our Analysis
Water diverted for power production would be discharged into the
plunge pool below the falls and would reduce spillage and plunging
flows over the falls, in turn decreasing TDG levels. Some flows would
continue over the falls when inflow to the reservoir exceeds 1,600 cfs
and excess flow is spilled over the dam. During these conditions,
powerhouse operation would continue and would act to reduce TDG
concentrations downstream of the falls. The beneficial reduction in TDG
would be directly related to the proportion of river flow that is
diverted through the powerhouse. For normal water years, substantial
reductions in TDG would be expected during all but a few days around
the annual peak flow. The recently proposed minimum flow releases of 10
or 30 cfs from the dam would maintain a small flow release over the
falls during periods when most of the river flow is diverted for power
generation. This volume of flow, however, would be much lower than
flows that now occur over the falls (see table 2), so there still would
be reductions in TDG compared to existing conditions.
Normal turbine operation would not increase TDG except when air is
introduced in the turbine draft tube to protect DO concentrations
downstream during the summer months (see below). However, this would
typically occur after high flows have receded and high TDG is no longer
a concern.
Any changes in TDG levels would have the potential to affect
resident juvenile UCR steelhead and other species in the plunge pool
and in the lower Similkameen River year-round. Okanogan PUD proposes to
monitor TDG at the powerhouse intake and in the plunge pool below the
falls for a period of 5 years. These data would be used to monitor the
effects of the project on TDG levels and to determine if alternative
measures are needed. This measure would provide a water quality
benefit; however, it would be appropriate for the Okanogan PUD to file
if a report with the Commission at the end of five years evaluating the
need for continued monitoring and/or measures would ensure that the
water quality is maintained at a level that will support aquatic
resources at the project.
It would also be appropriate for Okanogan PUD to select the sites
for TDG monitoring in consultation with the TRG.
Sediment Management (WQ-05 and WQ-08)
A 2007 licensing study that included sediment elutriate analyses
indicated that water quality standards for copper could be exceeded if
sediment is disturbed during proposed project construction and
operation (Okanogan PUD, 2008a). The shallowest part of the reservoir
is adjacent to the proposed intake location, and there is concern that
sediment in this location could be mobilized during excavation of the
intake channel and by project operations. Okanogan PUD proposes to
excavate as much of the intake channel as possible in the dry, because
underwater excavation poses the greatest risk of mobilizing sediment.
To contain any resuspended sediments that may occur, Okanogan PUD
proposes to install a floating silt barrier to contain sediments around
construction areas.
As we've said in section 3.3.1, Geology and Soils Resources,
Okanogan PUD also proposes other measures to mitigate any effects of
erosion and sediment mobilization during construction. Excavated
material would be placed in a lined stockpile and tested for arsenic,
copper, cadmium, zinc, and lead. Okanogan PUD would develop a sampling
and analysis plan based on the chemical characteristics of
representative samples from established stockpiles, and the results
would be compared with relevant state criteria to determine if
materials could be disposed of onsite, in a licensed solid waste
landfill, or in a landfill licensed for the disposal of state-
designated dangerous waste.
Okanogan PUD also proposes a Vegetation Plan that would include
hydroseeding of the disposal sites, in addition to the seeding and
other methods that would be used to revegetate all areas of exposed
soil as per the site revegetation requirements.
[[Page 28535]]
Washington DOE recommends that the sediment excavated from the
intake channel entrance be tested for arsenic, copper, cadmium, zinc,
and lead, and the results compared to the MTCA Method A water quality
criteria of the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level. Washington DOE also
recommends storing excavated material onsite until it is characterized,
then dispose of it in an appropriate manner based on analysis results
and including a sampling and analysis plan.
In response to the agency comments and recommendations, Okanogan
PUD proposes to develop a Spill Response Plan and a Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan to be filed with the Commission within one
year of license issuance. The Spill Response Plan would be implemented
at the beginning of project construction.
Our Analysis
Project construction has the potential to resuspend sediments
during excavation of the intake channel and installation of other
project facilities. This construction and any reservoir erosion due to
fluctuating water levels could cause short-term turbidity plumes,
release of contaminated sediments, and downstream sedimentation.
To avoid resuspension of sediments to the extent possible, Okanogan
PUD would conduct as much of the excavation in the dry as possible. To
avoid mobilizing resuspended sediments downstream of the reservoir
during any instream excavations, Okanogan PUD would place a floating
silt barrier to contain suspended sediments. We expect Okanogan PUD's
other proposed measures, including the Spill Response Plan, the Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan, testing excavated materials for
arsenic, copper, and cadmium contamination, and employing BMPs, would
reduce the risk for short-term degradation of water quality and aquatic
habitat during construction, including critical habitat for UCR
steelhead and EFH for Chinook salmon.
To estimate the likelihood of sediment transport occurring during
project operations, Okanogan PUD constructed a two-dimensional
hydraulic model of the reservoir using the program River 2D.\15\ Models
were developed for combinations of flow and forebay geometry,
including: 2,200 cfs under existing and proposed conditions; 10,200 cfs
under existing conditions; and 16,100 cfs under existing and proposed
conditions. The modeled range of flows spans the range of flow
magnitudes over which the 1-D impoundment hydraulic model predicted a
transition from potential deposition to potential erosion. The model
incorporates two assumptions: (1) Horizontal flow direction would not
change with changes in bed topography, and (2) threshold velocities do
not change with depth.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ The River 2D model, methods, and results are detailed in
Okanogan PUD (2008a), appendix e.2.3, section 4.2.6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The volume and weight of potential erosion/deposition were
estimated for each flow condition, assuming a characteristic grain size
of approximately 0.6 mm, an erosion/transport threshold of 1 foot per
second and a deposition threshold of 0.1 foot per second, and a
constant bulk density of sand equal to 100 pounds per cubic foot. The
results of the River 2D model are consistent with the expectation that
the addition of the intake channel would change flow velocities within
the reservoir near the intake. The intake channel causes the flow to
veer southeast toward the intake at both 2,200 and 16,100 cfs.\16\ The
model also indicates that increased velocities would be likely just
upstream of the pinch point that defines the upstream end of the
forebay (the lower end of the reservoir immediately adjacent to the
intake channel). The model predicts very high velocities in the intake
channel at both modeled flow volumes, indicating that sediment
transport and potential erosion would likely occur under the proposed
operations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ The median annual flood discharge that would occur on
average once every 2 years is 16,100 cfs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The results of this model-based analysis suggest that the Enloe
reservoir currently undergoes an annual cycle of erosion and
deposition, and that the additional erosion and sediment deposition
that would occur at relatively low flows due to project operations
would be minimal, compared to the amount of erosion and deposition that
occurs every year during peak flows. At higher flows, the additional
erosion and deposition under proposed operations would also be minor.
Okanogan PUD acknowledges uncertainties associated with this
analysis ; however, the general pattern shown by the model is probably
reasonable. Sediment builds up in the forebay during relatively low
flow portions of the year and is largely flushed out during annual peak
flows. This general pattern would likely continue during proposed
project operations, with increased levels of erosion and decreased
levels of deposition occurring in the lower end of the reservoir near
the dam and intake channel. The predicted small increases in reservoir
erosion and decreases in deposition during proposed project operations
indicate that some sediment deposition (sand and silt) would increase
in the lower gradient reach of the lower Similkameen River (RM 0-4.7)
(Okanogan PUD, 2008a). Increased deposition of fine sediment would
modify aquatic habitat if measurable deposition was to occur, and could
result in downstream contamination if the reservoir sediment
transported downstream of the falls is contaminated. That potential,
however, seems unlikely, because the River 2D model did not predict a
significant increase in erosion, which would be required to mobilize
contaminated sediment that has been deposited in the reservoir for many
years. The mound of sediment observed in the lower end of the reservoir
during low-flow bathymetric surveys is likely a transient feature that
does not contain legacy sediments from early in the impoundment's
history, and thus would not contain high contaminants levels (Okanogan
PUD, 2008a).
Increased deposition of fine sediment in the lower Similkameen
River could have a negative effect on the spawning and rearing areas
used by anadromous salmonids and affect water quality for other
downstream beneficial uses. The potential effects on listed species are
discussed in section 3.3.5, Threatened and Endangered Species.
Spill Plan (WQ-07)
Okanogan PUD proposes to develop and implement a Spill Plan
including spill prevention, containment, and clean-up plan at project
initiation to reduce potential effects of accidental spill.
BLM recommends Okanogan PUD develop and implement, after
consultation with the BLM, a hazardous substances plan (essentially
same as Spill Plan) for oil and hazardous substance storage, spill
prevention, and clean up prior to any activity that may affect the BLM-
administered public lands. BLM recommends the plan address both
construction and ongoing operations and maintenance of the proposed
Enloe Project. At a minimum, the plan would: (1) Outline Okanogan PUD's
procedures for reporting and responding to releases of hazardous
substances, including names and phone numbers of all emergency response
personnel and their assigned responsibilities; (2) outline Okanogan
PUD's procedures for timely identification and remediation of spills,
including procedures in the event that
[[Page 28536]]
personnel are not present on-site 24-hours a day; (3) identify and
maintain a cache of spill cleanup equipment sufficient to contain any
spill from the proposed Enloe Project; (4) call for Okanogan PUD to
provide BLM with a report specifying the location of spill clean-up
equipment on the BLM-administered public lands and the location, type,
and quantity of oil and hazardous substances stored in the proposed
Enloe Project area; and (5) require that Okanogan PUD inform BLM
immediately as to the nature, time, date, location, and action taken
for any spill affecting the BLM-administered public lands.
Our Analysis
In accordance with 40 CFR 112.1 of the EPA's regulations, a spill
prevention control and countermeasure plan is required to be in place
for any facility where unburied storage capacity exceeds 1,320 gallons
of oil or a single container has a capacity in excess of 660 gallons.
In addition to the on-site storage of lubricants and other oil
products, transformers are likely oil-cooled and would be of sufficient
capacity to exceed the 1,320 gallon threshold that would require a
plan. The Spill Plan proposed by Okanogan PUD and further described by
BLM would provide a quick reference to procedures and notifications in
case of oil spills to reduce the possibility of oil or other hazardous
substances reaching the BLM-administered land and the Similkameen River
if a spill occurs. Development and implementation of the Spill Plan
after consultation with BLM and Washington DOE would minimize the
potential for petroleum products to enter the project waters in the
event of a spill.
Minimum Flow Proposal
As we previously described in sections 1.3.2 and 2.2.4, by letter
filed October 28, 2010, Okanogan PUD proposes minimum flows for the
bypassed reach immediately downstream of Enloe dam. Okanogan PUD also
proposes: A monitoring program for DO and water temperature for the
bypassed reach for a period of time postconstruction; an adaptive
management program to enhance DO and water temperatures should
monitoring indicate that water quality standards are not being met;
determining critical flow thresholds for downramping rates based on
monitoring and field observations prior to operations; and determining
a means for releasing minimum flows at Enloe dam.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's proposal would provide a minimum flow of 30 cfs from
mid-July to mid-September, and 10 cfs the rest of the year into the
bypassed reach.
Providing a minimum flow of 10 and 30 cfs would ensure that some
flow is passing over Enloe dam and falls at all times, even during the
lowest flow months of the year when the project hydraulic capacity
would allow diversion of the entire river flow for power generation.
Effects on water quality would be related to potential changes in DO
levels and water temperature. As we previously discussed, DO levels in
the Similkameen River do not always meet the state standard of a
minimum of 8 mg/L under existing conditions, although the falls act to
aerate flows passing over them. Diversion of most of the river flow
through the powerhouse during lower flow periods would reduce the
aeration effect that now occurs over the falls. A study conducted by
Okanogan PUD found that under current conditions, DO levels of water
plunging over the falls increase by approximately 1.0 mg/L.\17\
Maintaining some flow in the bypassed reach and over the falls would
continue to provide some natural aeration in this project reach,
although flows of 10 and 30 cfs are relatively low and may not
contribute substantially to aeration below the project tailrace.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to aerate the water in the project draft tubes
would be able to increase DO levels by 1.0 mg/L or more and would be
able to offset the loss of this natural increase in DO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ See Okanogan PUD letter filed on November 10, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water temperatures in the Similkameen River upstream and downstream
of the project area are marginal for salmonid habitat under existing
conditions, and often exceed state standards for salmonid spawning,
incubation, and rearing. Effects of the proposed minimum flow on water
temperature could occur by passage of a relatively low flow (10 and 30
cfs) in the bypassed reach, exposing it to solar radiation and warming
during the summer months, further reducing the suitability of salmonid
habitat in the river. On November 10, 2010, Okanogan PUD filed an
analysis of the effects of the proposed minimum flow on water
temperature, which concluded that the passage of that flow through the
bypassed reach would not result in a measurable increase in water
temperature at the base of the falls, even under the lowest river flow
conditions.\18\ Okanogan PUD, however, also concluded that a
temperature increase of 0.5 to 1.0 [deg]C could occur in the bypassed
reach if the proposed minimum flow was allowed to pass over the entire
face of Enloe dam in a thin sheet flow.\19\ Passing the minimum flow
through a pipe or a smaller gate to the base of the dam instead of
providing it as a sheet flow over the dam could prevent this
temperature increase. We find Okanogan PUD's analysis reasonable and we
agree that passing this minimum flow would likely have a minor effect
on water temperature downstream of the falls, assuming that the minimum
flow is provided via a pipe or small gate at the dam.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ See Okanogan PUD letter filed on November 10, 2010.
\19\ State water quality standards are that a water temperature
increase should not exceed 0.3 [deg]C.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD's proposal for DO and temperature monitoring for a
period of time postconstruction would allow for a characterization of
the water quality in the bypassed reach under the proposed minimum
flows of either 10 or 30 cfs. Consultation with the TRG to determine
the length of DO and temperature monitoring in the bypassed reach, and
adaptive management could help to develop means to protect water
quality in this reach.
Similarly, Okanogan PUD had previously proposed to implement the
ramping rates recommended by the resource agencies downstream of the
tailrace. Additionally, they have proposed to identify critical flow
thresholds for downramping rates in the bypassed reach to protect
aquatic resources in the bypassed reach during project start-up and
shutdown. The topography of the bypassed reach is such that there are
areas where fish would likely be stranded if spillage over the dam is
reduced at a rate that does not allow fish to successfully vacate these
areas. The best way to determine these critical flow thresholds would
be by field observations as proposed.
Okanogan PUD provided preliminary designs for alternative minimum
flow release structures and stated that the preferred option would be a
gate and release pipe using one of the two existing penstock intakes
from the abandoned hydro station at the dam. This would minimize the
potential for water temperature increases in the minimum flow releases.
Okanogan PUD stated, however, that it and the resource agencies have
not yet come to agreement on the final design of the flow release
structure, and it proposes further consultations with the agencies to
finalize the design. We agree that a flow
[[Page 28537]]
release structure consisting of a gate and pipe using one of the former
penstock intakes would be the best option, because it would minimize
any potential water temperature increases, would allow placement of the
flow discharge at a point below the dam that would provide the greatest
environmental benefit, and would provide the best control of the flows
to be released. We also agree that the final design of this structure
should be developed in consultation with the resource agencies
(Washington DOE, Washington DFW, FWS, NMFS, BLM, and the Colville),
prior to filing the design with the Commission for approval.
3.3.2.3 Cumulative Effects
Historical land use in the Similkameen River drainage includes a
legacy of mining, timber harvest, grazing, and agriculture. Commercial
mining has probably had the greatest impact on the Similkameen River
water quality. One of the largest mines in the area was the Kaaba-Texas
Mine, located several miles upstream of Enloe reservoir near the
community of Nighthawk. The mine operated from the late 1890s until
1954 and discharged tailings directly into the Similkameen River until
1946. In 1999, the EPA removed and disposed of approximately 81,000
cubic yards of contaminated mine tailings from the mine site.
Today the dominant land use is agriculture, grazing, and
recreation. A number of orchards, vineyards and a public golf course
are located along the Loomis-Oroville Road. The area is unfenced open
range generally leased for grazing.
The water quality of the Similkameen River has improved since the
commercial mining has been discontinued in the drainage area above the
project, and with the EPA efforts to remove contaminated mine tailings
at the Kaaba-Texas Mine. However, much of the sediment contained in
Enloe reservoir was deposited when upstream mining activities were
active, and contains some arsenic, copper, and cadmium.
The construction and operation of the project could result in a
number of effects that when added to conditions already present in the
basin, could have negative environmental effects. Project construction
of the intake channel has the potential to remobilize contaminated
sediments. Petroleum products stored and used during construction and
during project operations could be released to project waters. The
increase in reservoir surface area increases the potential for slightly
higher water temperatures in the reservoir. Erosion from project
construction could cause increased turbidity and sedimentation.
Measures proposed by Okanogan PUD and additional staff recommended
measures, however, would minimize the effects on water quality and the
potential for cumulative effects during the construction and operation
of the proposed project.
3.3.3 Aquatic Resources
3.3.3.1 Affected Environment
The fisheries resources information presented in this section is a
combination of recent and historical reports produced by state and
federal resource agencies; investigations by universities and
consulting groups; literature reviews; file materials from state and
federal agencies; and ongoing studies. These materials were
supplemented by information from Okanogan PUD studies that were
conducted in consultation with NMFS, FWS, Washington DFW, Washington
DOE, and the Colville from 2005 through 2008.
The Similkameen River is approximately 72 miles long and originates
in the Cascade Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The 27-mile reach
of the Similkameen River between the U.S./Canadian border and the
Okanogan River flows through semi-arid mountainous terrain. The
licensing study area extends from the confluence of the Similkameen and
Okanogan Rivers upstream to Shanker's Bend at RM 10.1. Enloe dam is
located immediately upstream of the Similkameen Falls,\20\ about 8.8
miles upstream from the confluence with the Okanogan River. Enloe dam
is approximately 18 miles downstream of the U.S./Canadian border.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ Also known as Coyote Falls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downstream of the Dam
The river below the falls is divided into three reaches based on
habitat conditions and channel morphology. Reach 1 (RM 0-4.7) is a low
gradient (<0.1 percent), braided channel. The dominant substrates are
cobble and gravel with areas of sand and boulders. The majority of
salmonid spawning occurs in this reach, although gravel is relatively
scarce--limiting the amount of spawning habitat. Reach 2 (RM 4.7-7.1)
has a wider active channel than reach 1 and a few side channels. The
gradient is low to moderate (0.1 to 2 percent; average 0.4 percent).
The substrates are cobble, sand, and boulders. Reach 3 (RM 7.1-8.8) is
a canyon reach. The channel gradient in reach 3 averages greater than 2
percent. Although the dominant substrate is bedrock, sand deposits
occur in the center of the channel.
The Similkameen River supports anadromous and resident fishes below
the falls. Native species in the lower river include summer-run Chinook
salmon, sockeye salmon, UCR steelhead, bridgelip sucker, largescale
sucker, mountain whitefish, longnose dace, northern pikeminnow, redside
shiner, rainbow trout, and unidentified sculpin species (table 9). Non-
native species include common carp, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and
black crappie. The relative abundance (percent composition) of these
species is shown in table 10.
Table 9--Native and Non-Native Fishes in the Similkameen River Based on Snorkel Surveys
(Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD ENTRIX (2007)
Common name IEC beak (1984) (1991) ENTRIX (2006) (upstream only)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinook salmon.................. .................. .................. D................. ..................
UCR Steelhead/rainbow trout..... D & U in Canada... D................. D................. ..................
Sockeye salmon/kokanee.......... U kokanee......... .................. .................. ..................
Bridgelip sucker................ D................. U................. U................. U (unidentified
species)
Largescale sucker............... .................. D & U............. D & U............. U (unidentified
species)
Sculpin spp..................... D................. D & U............. D & U............. U
[[Page 28538]]
Northern pikeminnow............. D................. U................. D................. U
Longnose dace................... D & U............. .................. .................. U
Redside shiner.................. .................. U................. D & U............. U
Burbot.......................... .................. U................. .................. ..................
Mountain whitefish.............. D................. D & U............. D................. U
Chiselmouth..................... .................. .................. .................. U
Peamouth........................ .................. .................. .................. U
Smallmouth bass................. .................. .................. U................. ..................
Largemouth bass................. .................. D & U............. D & U............. U
Black crappie................... D................. D................. .................. ..................
Common carp..................... .................. .................. .................. U
Yellow perch.................... .................. .................. .................. U
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: D = downstream of Enloe dam; U = upstream of Enloe dam.
Table 10--Numbers and Percent Composition of Native and Non-Native Fishes in the River Downstream of Enloe Dam Based on Snorkel Surveys
(Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reach 1 RM 0-4.7 Reach 2 RM 4.7-7.1 Reach 3 RM 7.1-8.8
Common name ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ % of Total
Aug Sep Aug Sep Aug Sep catch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sucker spp.............................. 29 314 53 176 0 1 22.0
Largemouth bass......................... 42 25 12 7 0 0 3.3
Smallmouth bass......................... 101 92 32 8 13 20 10.2
Sculpin spp............................. 3 6 1 3 0 0 0.5
Common carp............................. 0 13 0 0 0 0 0.5
Minnow spp.............................. 472 737 5 0 0 0 46.6
Northern pikeminnow..................... 15 0 21 21 0 1 2.2
Juvenile UCR steelhead/rainbow trout.... 115 77 16 8 3 1 8.4
Adult UCR steelhead/rainbow trout \a\... 0 3 0 0 0 0 0.1
Sockeye salmon.......................... 0 13 2 0 0 0 0.6
Chinook salmon.......................... 0 33 0 0 0 0 1.3
Mountain whitefish...................... 41 47 1 24 0 0 4.3
Totals.............................. 818 1,360 143 247 16 23 100
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ The numbers of adult anadromous fish observed during the 2006 snorkel surveys were not considered representative of population strength because
adult anadromous fish are most abundant in the river during their respective spawning migrations, and the survey occurred outside of the spawning
migration period.
The summer-run Chinook salmon in the Similkameen River enter the
river from July through late September. In its February 26, 2010
letter, NMFS stated that adults are known to hold in the plunge pool
below the falls until spawning takes place in October through early
November, peaking in mid-October from RM 0 to RM 8.8. There are no
known spawning areas within the project area. Most of the Chinook
salmon spawning occurs in the lower 5 miles of the river. Washington
DFW counted 1,660 Chinook salmon redds in 2004 and 1,423 in 2005 in the
lower Similkameen River. Based on these redd counts, Washington DFW
estimated Chinook spawning escapement \21\ to be approximately 4,169
fish in 2004 and 3,770 in 2005. Chinook fry emergence occurs in January
through April; juveniles emigrate to the ocean within 1-4 months after
emergence, when water temperatures begin to increase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\21\ Anadromous adults returning to spawn.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington DFW operates a Chinook salmon rearing and acclimation
facility called Similkameen Pond at RM 3. Juveniles are released from
the pond in mid-April to mid-May.
Sockeye salmon enter the Columbia River from late May to mid-June,
and migrate into the Okanogan River. Sockeye salmon spawn primarily in
the main stem of the Okanogan River upstream of Lake Osoyoos in Canada,
typically in October. Fry emerge in March through May and move
downstream to Lake Osoyoos. The juveniles rear in the lake for 1-2
years before emigrating to the ocean, usually in May. Although some
sockeye have been reported in the lower Similkameen River, there is no
sockeye spawning habitat in the river.
Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon pre-spawn mortalities in the
Similkameen and Okanogan Rivers have been associated with high water
temperatures. Dead female Chinook salmon were examined to estimate pre-
spawn mortality in the Similkameen River from 2004-2006. Examinations
in 2004 and 2005 indicated approximately 1 percent of females died
prior to spawning. This percentage could vary
[[Page 28539]]
depending on the annual flow and temperature conditions.
High water temperatures can also delay upstream migration of the
anadromous salmonids into the Okanogan River and can lead to the pre-
spawn mortality noted above, or affect the timing of spawning. UCR
steelhead, Chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon enter the cooler
Similkameen River and migrate as far upstream as the falls during the
summer months. The larger, deeper pools (e.g., the plunge pool below
the falls) and areas with overhead structure (e.g., large woody debris,
bridges) are the preferred holding habitat until temperatures in the
Okanogan River decrease and these species can commence their spawning
activities. These spawning delays can adversely affect reproductive
success by extending incubation and fry emergence into time periods
with less suitable conditions for survival, or by shortening the
rearing period for juvenile fish prior to their emigration to the
ocean.
During snorkel surveys, Okanogan PUD observed juvenile steelhead/
rainbow trout in the side channels of reach 1 and 2, where water
temperatures were several degrees cooler than the surrounding water. In
dry years, flow in the side channels is intermittent, resulting in
dewatered segments. Small amounts of large woody debris also occur in
these reaches, and sections of the river have been channelized and
diked, particularly near Oroville.
In its February 26, 2010, letter, Interior stated that historically
significant runs of anadromous Pacific lamprey may have occurred in the
project area, and the lamprey has had economic and cultural
significance to local Native American tribes. Lamprey larvae are filter
feeders that burrow into fine silty substrate in the lower velocity
areas of streams (Wydoski and Whitney, 1979). Pacific lamprey remain in
the larval stage for 5 to 6 years before they metamorphose and migrate
to the ocean as predatory adults. The adult stage is generally short
(less than 1 to 2 years) (Moyle, 2002).
Probable suitable Pacific lamprey spawning and rearing habitats are
present in the Similkameen River below the dam; however, recent
attempts to document adult lamprey have been unsuccessful. Washington
DFW has documented unidentified larval lamprey in the hatchery ponds on
reach 1, close to the confluence with the Okanogan River. In 2006, the
Colville collected adult and juvenile lamprey from screw traps in the
Okanogan River, downstream of Salmon Creek. Unconfirmed lamprey redds
were observed in the middle reach of the Okanogan River in 2008.
Proposed Bypassed Reach
The 33-foot-long, 20-foot-high Similkameen Falls below Enloe dam is
a natural barrier to upstream salmonid fish passage. The falls presents
less of an impediment to Pacific lamprey since they use their oral
disks to attach to surfaces allowing them to withstand higher current
velocities. Fish habitat in the 370-foot-long, bedrock-boulder
dominated bypassed reach between the dam and the falls is limited and
it was believed that there are few, if any fish in this reach. A
snorkel survey of the bypassed reach between Enloe dam and the head of
Similkameen Falls was conducted in August 2006. No fish were observed.
The dominant substrate is bedrock strewn with large boulders; smaller
substrate occurred in sparse patches. There is no overhanging
vegetation or large woody debris.
On September 15, 2010, another snorkel survey and hook and line
sampling was conducted by Washington DOE and DFW biologists in the
plunge pool downstream of Enloe dam, with participation by Okanogan PUD
representatives and a biologist from the Colville (report included in
filing from Donald H. Clarke, Counsel to Public Utility District No. 1
of Okanogan County, to Kimberly Bose, Secretary, FERC, November 10,
2010). Flow conditions did not allow a complete survey of the plunge
pool, and only the east side of the pool was safely accessible to
swimmers. Biologists observed small numbers of juvenile suckers,
smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and one sculpin, and two rainbow trout
and a northern pikeminnow were captured by hook and line. No anadromous
species were observed. Fish were observed actively feeding, indicating
that the plunge pool is used as feeding habitat by resident fish
species when flow conditions allow. Fish observed in the pool likely
gained access to the pool by dropping downstream from upstream of Enloe
dam.
Flow in the bypassed reach becomes extremely turbulent during high
water. Fish in the bypassed reach and plunge pool would encounter
extreme flow conditions during high flow, and may be flushed downstream
of the falls unless they can access flow refugia within the plunge pool
or elsewhere in the bypassed reach. Aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates
would also be subject to high shear stress and scour during high flows.
Upstream of the Dam
Habitat in Enloe reservoir consists mostly of sand and silt
substrate with some gravel. Cobble occurs at a few sites near the
upstream end. From the middle of the reservoir to the upstream end the
banks are also relatively steep. There is more shallow water habitat in
this section of the reservoir, although the majority of habitat is
still deep and open water. Overhanging vegetation that provides shade
and cover is limited along the reservoir, and includes a few large
willows. Small amounts of aquatic vegetation and a few patches of
submerged grasses occur in the reservoir. Large woody debris is scarce;
the most common habitat structure and cover were steep rock walls,
submerged boulders, and partially submerged boulders along the
shoreline.
There are fewer fish species in Enloe reservoir than in the river
below the dam (tables 9 and 11). Native resident fishes in the
reservoir include chiselmouth, peamouth, bridgelip sucker, largescale
sucker, mountain whitefish, longnose dace, burbot, northern pikeminnow,
redside shiner, and unidentified sculpin species. Non-native species
include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and common
carp. Native rainbow trout are found upstream of the project boundary
in Canada but were not found in the project reservoir but were found in
the bypassed reach.
Most of the species in Enloe reservoir are introduced, non-native
fish that are better adapted to warmer, slower velocity habitat (table
11). Most fish captured in the reservoir were small and were found in
shallow areas associated with the limited presence of cover (mostly
vegetation). The larger fish, mostly northern pikeminnow, chiselmouth,
and unidentified suckers, use open water areas of the reservoir. No
rainbow trout and very few mountain whitefish were found in the
reservoir, likely due to a combination of northern pikeminnow
predation, warm water temperatures, and lack of cover. Introduced
warmwater species, such as largemouth bass, yellow perch, and common
carp, may be spawning in the reservoir littoral zones, but more likely
are transported to the reservoir from upstream sources such as Palmer
Lake.
[[Page 28540]]
Table 11--Numbers and Percent Composition of Native and Non-Native Fishes in the Reservoir Upstream of Enloe Dam
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beach seine Minnow trap Beach seine Minnow trap Gill net
Common name ------------------------------------------------ % of ------------------------------------------------ % of
Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. total March July March July March July total
July 7 11 14 July 7 11 14 catch 22 24 22 24 22 24 catch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suckers spp............................. 22 1 0 0 1 0 10.2 0 2 1 0 0 2 6.7
Sculpin spp............................. 2 0 0 0 0 1 1.3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1.3
Largemouth bass......................... 53 16 0 0 0 0 29.4 0 16 0 0 0 0 21.3
Chiselmouth............................. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 10.7
Common carp............................. 14 0 0 0 0 0 6.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Minnow spp.............................. 68 28 1 4 4 3 46.0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2.7
Peamouth................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2.7
Northern pikeminnow..................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 16 25.3
Redside shiner.......................... 2 0 0 1 0 0 1.3 1 0 11 1 0 0 17.3
Longnose dace........................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 8.0
Yellow perch............................ 13 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.3
Mountain whitefish...................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2.7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals.............................. 174 46 1 5 5 4 100 4 25 13 5 0 28 100
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Similkameen River aquatic benthic macroinvertebrate data were
collected by Vinson (1994) from three riverine sites between the
Canadian border and the project area at RMs 12, 16, and 17. Eighty-five
taxa were collected; 10 taxa made up 80 percent of the total sample
(table 12). The majority of macroinvertebrates collected were
chironomid larvae (50.3 percent relative abundance). Ephemeroptera from
the family Ephemerellidae accounted for 19 percent of the relative
abundance; Trichopterans represented 9 percent.
Table 12--Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrate Taxa Found in the Similkameen River Above Enloe Reservoir
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portion of
Order Family Sub-Family Genus sample (%) Cumulative %
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diptera...................... Chironomidae... Orthocladiinae. ............... 21.0 21.0
Diptera...................... Chironomidae... Chironominae... ............... 19.2 40.2
Ephemeroptera................ Ephemerellidae. ............... Ephemerella.... 11.0 51.2
Diptera...................... Chironomidae... Tanypodinae.... ............... 8.0 59.2
Trichoptera.................. Hydropsychidae. ............... Hydropsyche.... 7.1 66.3
Ephemeroptera................ Baetidae....... ............... Baetis......... 5.4 71.7
Ephemeroptera................ Ephemerellidae. ............... ............... 2.6 74.3
Diptera...................... Chironomidae... ............... ............... 2.1 76.4
Trichoptera.................. Brachycentridae ............... Brachycentrus.. 1.9 78.3
Oligochaeta.................. Tubificidae.... Naidinae....... ............... 1.8 80.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are no benthic macroinvertebrate data for Enloe reservoir or
the river below Enloe dam. It is likely that the reservoir benthic
macroinvertebrate community is less diverse than the riverine
community. A significant increase in non-insect taxa that are tolerant
of silt conditions, such as oligochaete worms and isopods, would be
expected in the reservoir. The macroinvertebrate communities in reaches
2 and 3 below Enloe dam are likely similar to communities found in the
upper Similkameen River. Reach 1 is a lower velocity, braided channel
with more fine sediment deposition; as such, it is likely to have a
higher percentage of taxa that burrow, swim, or sprawl, with a
corresponding reduction in the percentage of macroinvertebrates that
cling and/or crawl.
3.3.3.2 Environmental Effects
Effects of Project Construction (WQ-05 Through WQ-08, FISH-01, BOTA-03
and BOTA-04, BOTA-07 Through BOTA-13)
As proposed by Okanogan PUD, construction of the project access
road, intake channel, penstock, and powerhouse would require excavation
and placement of spoil using heavy equipment, blasting, and would be
supported by staging and laydown areas and fuel and lubricant storage
facilities.
Okanogan PUD proposes a Blasting Plan that includes environmental
measures to minimize potential negative effects on anadromous and
resident fish that are in the large pool at the base of the falls. The
Blasting Plan incorporates the following mitigation measures to avoid
adverse effects on anadromous and resident fish:
Small charges would be set off with time delays to
minimize peak vibration and avoid creating excessive pressure waves and
noise. Threshold criteria for pressure waves and noise have been
adopted in the Blasting Plan to avoid potentially harmful levels of
pressure and noise.
Impacts would be minimized by timing near- and in-water
blasting to coincide with the lowest water levels (low flows) combined
with lowest potential for fish occupation in the area.
Blast scheduling would avoid periods when federally listed
or sensitive fish species are present.
Blasting adjacent to the river would take place prior to
spring high flow or during fall low flow.
[[Page 28541]]
The amount of time that near- or in-water construction and
blasting occurs would be minimized when the downstream end of the
tailrace channel is excavated. During this period, construction
activities would be expedited to reduce the amount of time fish may be
exposed to the effects of blasting activities.
Impacts would be minimized or avoided by removing as many
fish as practical from the area adjacent to the proposed blasting and
installing an exclusion barrier downstream of the potentially affected
area to prevent entry of additional fish into the affected area.
Mechanical excavators with hydraulic rock hammer
attachments would be used in lieu of blasting to trim the excavation,
excavate rock in areas unsuitable for blasting, and to excavate loose
rock. Okanogan PUD would remove residues from the blasting operation to
the extent practical.
Hydrophones would be used to monitor pressure waves from
blasting that could affect fish.
Creation of hydrostatic pressure waves greater than 100
kilopascals (or about 14.5 pounds per square inch), or noise levels
exceeding 190 decibels (dB) would be avoided, as practical.
In response to a comment by Washington DFW, Okanogan proposes to
station biological monitors in the field during blasting to observe
mortalities or changes in fish behavior that might make them more
susceptible to predation.
Our Analysis
Blasting
The large, deep plunge pool downstream of the falls is an important
habitat feature for anadromous and resident fishes that is not found
elsewhere in the Similkameen River. Blasting would expose fish in the
plunge pool to short-term physiological stress, sublethal injuries,
mortality, or predation. Okanogan PUD's proposed Blasting Plan, as
described above, however, would minimize these impacts and be
protective of the fishery.
Additionally, Okanogan PUD proposes to capture anadromous and
resident fish in the pool and relocate them prior to blasting
activities. This measure would physically remove fish from areas where
they could experience negative impacts due to blasting and would be
protective of these fishes. This measure could result in some negative
effects to captured fish including net abrasion, short-term
physiological stress, sublethal injuries, mortality, and increased
predation during transport or as a result of relocation to less optimal
habitat. Capture of all individuals in the plunge pool prior to
blasting would be difficult given the size of the pool (400 feet long
by 80 to 100 feet wide by = 20 to 30 feet deep) and the
turbulence created by the falls. Accordingly, some fish, particularly
smaller fish such as juvenile UCR steelhead, would remain in the deep
pool below the falls after removal efforts. After fish are removed from
the plunge pool, Okanogan PUD proposes to use netting across the
Similkameen River which would exclude fish from re-entering the blast
zone.
Okanogan PUD proposes visual biological monitoring during
construction of project facilities to observe mortalities or changes in
fish behavior that might make them more susceptible to predation. As
noted by Okanogan PUD, however, the physical characteristics of the
plunge pool would make it difficult to effectively monitor the area of
impact effectively. If biological monitors were to observe mortalities
or changes in fish behavior, Okanogan PUD also does not specify what
kind of mitigative or protective actions may be taken.
Direct or indirect effects of the blasting activities may cause
mortality or injury to ESA listed UCR steelhead. Additional discussion
of effects on the listed steelhead is included in section 3.3.5,
Threatened and Endangered Species.
Because there is the potential for adverse effects on a listed
species (UCR steelhead) and other high-value species (Chinook salmon),
and that the PUD's proposed Blasting Plan does not resolve all issues
related to blasting, it would be appropriate for Okanogan PUD to
consult with the TRG in preparing a final Blasting Plan. Involving the
agencies that comprise the TRG in the development of this plan would
ensure that all appropriate protection measures are considered and
included in the plan.
Sediment
In its comments in response to the REA notice, NMFS recommends that
Okanogan PUD prepare and implement a Soil Erosion Control Plan to guide
project construction, as well as operation and maintenance of the
project. Interior recommends that Okanogan PUD develop and implement an
Erosion and Sedimentation Management Plan.
In response to the agency comments and recommendations, Okanogan
PUD developed a Spill Response Plan, and a Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan. The Spill Response Plan would be implemented at
project initiation. Construction plans would be developed prior to
construction, and BMPs would be implemented during all construction
activities.
To characterize the hydraulic transport of sediment through the
project, Okanogan PUD performed a modeling effort using the River 2D
model. Results of the modeling show that sediment in the Enloe
reservoir undergoes an annual deposition and erosion cycle.\22\
Currently, Enloe dam acts as a sediment trap during low flow portions
of the year (May through December). Low flow periods correspond with
low water velocities from which suspended sediments settle creating a
mound of sediment in the project reservoir near the dam. This mound of
sediment is washed downstream annually during high flow periods
(January through April) when flows increase by a factor of 20 or more.
This sediment is washed over the dam and is transported downstream.
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\22\ Results of the River 2D modeling are found in Appendix
E.2.3 to the license application.
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Under Okanogan PUD's proposed project operations, sediment
transport in the Similkameen River in the project vicinity would change
slightly. Okanogan PUD would divert up to 1,600 cfs through the
turbines during all months of the year. Sediment carried in this water
would still be transported downstream of the dam, but would do so by
traveling through the powerhouse as opposed to spilling over the dam.
Flows during the high flow portion of the year (January through April),
which range on average from 1,800 to 7,600 cfs, would exceed the
hydraulic capacity of the project and would spill over the dam as now
occurs, transporting sediment out of the project reservoir and into the
river downstream of the powerhouse. Overall, proposed project
operations would have a negligible effect on the current cycle of
sediment transport in the Similkameen River.
Sediment deposited in the reservoir may be transported downstream
during project construction and operation. This could result in both
adverse and beneficial impacts to aquatic resources. Adverse impacts
would include short-term turbidity plumes and sedimentation from
construction activities, which could cause mortality of eggs, fry, and
juvenile fish due to smothering or abrasion. Re-suspension of
contaminated sediments containing elevated levels of copper or arsenic
could also occur and lead to bioaccumulation of those contaminants in
fish eggs or fry, and to acute levels in predatory fish and
insectivores such as salmonids and bass. Additional sedimentation,
however, could provide
[[Page 28542]]
benefits to species that utilize sediment as their preferred habitat.
Species potentially benefiting from any deposition of finer sediments
would include the Pacific lamprey (which spends most of its life in
freshwater submerged in fine sediment), western ridged mussel, western
pearlshell mussel, western floater mussel, and the California floater.
Okanogan PUD proposes to develop and implement two measures to
mitigate for possible sediment inputs into the Similkameen River due to
project construction and operation: an ESCP and a CSMP. These measures
are discussed in more detail in section 3.3.1.2.
As noted above, Okanogan PUD proposes a Spill Response Plan and a
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. The Spill Response Plan includes
practices to minimize the chances or severity of spills of hazardous
materials into or near the river. These practices include: Ensuring all
hazardous materials are safely sealed; immediate cleaning-up of all
spills according to manufacturer's recommended methods; properly
disposing of waste generated during spill clean-up; and notifying state
and local government agencies in the case of spills. The Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan includes BMPs to prevent erosion in project
areas and to protect water quality. The BMPs include: visibly marking
land-clearing limits; controlling river flow rates; installing sediment
controls such as straw bales, silt fences, and sandbags; stabilizing
all disturbed soils; protecting slopes in the project area; stabilizing
all channels and outlets; and controlling pollutants. The
implementation of these plans would be protective of aquatic resources
in the project area.
Okanogan PUD's proposals for an ESCP, a CSMP, a Spill Response
Plan, and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan would minimize short-
term degradation of aquatic habitat during construction, including
critical habitat for UCR steelhead and EFH for Chinook salmon.
Enhancement Measures for Resident Fish (FISH-02)
Okanogan PUD proposes to construct light-colored boulder clusters
to improve mountain whitefish habitat and recreational fisheries in the
river upstream of the reservoir.
Washington DFW and Interior do not recommend the proposed boulder
clusters because they say that the mountain whitefish fishery above the
dam is limited and restricted to the winter months. Interior also
suggests that the boulder placement may create a further heat sink and
increase water temperatures. Instead, these agencies as a part of the
Fisheries Enhancement Plant and Resident Fish Habitat Management Plan,
respectively, recommend annual stocking of catchable-size sterile,
triploid rainbow trout to provide a greater recreational fishery
opportunity. Okanogan PUD states that it would consider contributing up
to $60,000 (the cost of the boulder clusters) towards a trout stocking
program for the term of the license, if the other state and federal
agencies, tribes, and other stakeholders agree.
The Colville, the Ministry of Environment, and the Canadian Parks
and Wilderness Society have expressed concerns throughout the licensing
process that Washington DFW and Interior's recommendation for
introduced fish stocks of triploid rainbow trout would pose an
unacceptable risk to resident fishes due to potential disease transfer
and competition for food and space, while providing a limited
contribution to the recreational fishery.
Our Analysis
Most of the fish in the reservoir are non-native species that are
better adapted to warmer, slower velocity habitat than native coldwater
salmonids. The project would raise the elevation of the reservoir by 4
feet, and therefore, would result in more lake habitat and less
riverine habitat for coldwater resident fishes. Okanogan PUD's proposal
to add boulder clusters upstream of the reservoir to provide habitat
for resident fish would create a small amount of pool habitat behind
the clusters that could be utilized by native mountain whitefish.
However, very few whitefish (0 in 2006; 2 in 2007) have been found in
the reservoir during recent surveys, likely due to a combination of
northern pikeminnow predation, warm water temperatures, lack of cover,
and the sand-silt substrate. Therefore, it is unlikely that the
proposed boulder clusters would provide much of any benefit to the very
limited mountain whitefish fishery in this section of the river.
The introduction of hatchery fish stocks would provide a limited
and short-term contribution to the recreational fishery, because water
quality and high water temperatures in the Similkameen River would only
allow a fishery during the cooler months of the year. The stocked
rainbow trout may not survive in the river during the warmer summer
months. Stocked rainbow trout would also pose a threat to native fish
stocks in the United States and Canada due to potential for disease
transfer and competition for food and habitat. In addition, although
fish occurring in the river upstream of the project may utilize the
project reservoir at times, the proposed run-of-river operation of the
reservoir would likely have no effect on these species and would not
affect the riverine habitat upstream of the reservoir.
Large Woody Debris Transport (FISH-03)
Large woody debris is an important component of a healthy stream
ecosystem. Large trees that fall into streams perform an important role
in forming pools, regulating storage and routing of sediment, and
trapping spawning gravel. Large woody debris also provides complex fish
habitat that increases carrying capacity, high flow refugia for fish,
and substrate for macroinvertebrates. Enloe dam prevents the supply and
transport of all large woody debris from the upper Similkameen River
Basin to the lower river, except during high flows. The lower river has
low levels of large woody debris, and currently all wood that enters
the reservoir from the upper basin is either passed over the dam during
flood stage or removed from the reservoir and not returned to the river
below the dam. Lack of large woody debris from the upper basin may
contribute to a reduction in structural habitat complexity for fish and
macroinvertebrates downstream of the dam.
Okanogan PUD proposes to allow large woody debris to pass over the
spillway during the annual flood flows; allow natural downstream
transport of the woody debris; and would transport some large woody
debris around the dam and place it in the river downstream of the dam,
if needed. Transport of large woody debris would occur once annually
during the recession of the annual high flow.
Interior recommends a plan \23\ for the collection and relocation
(downstream transport) of large woody debris to be completed at least 1
year before the start of any land-disturbing or land-clearing
activities.
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\23\ As a part of their recommended Fisheries Enhancement Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's proposal to allow natural wood passage over the dam
during large flood events when the crest gates on the spillway would be
fully open, and to supplement that supply of woody debris by
transporting large wood impounded by the dam to the
[[Page 28543]]
river below the dam, would provide additional anadromous and resident
fish and macroinvertebrate habitat and would increase productivity
downstream of the dam. Development of a large woody debris transport
plan after consultation with FWS, NMFS, Interior, Washington DFW, and
the Colville would help to guide implementation of the measures,
including providing direction on determining when such transport would
be required, the methods to be used for collection and transport of the
wood, and the best locations for release of the woody debris downstream
of the dam.
Intake Trashrack, Entrainment Studies, and Fish Monitoring (FISH-04 and
FISH-05)
Entrainment into the intakes and passage through the turbines could
result in injury or mortality to resident reservoir fish that are
attempting to move downstream. Additionally, larger fish could become
impinged on the trashrack causing possible injury or mortality.
Okanogan PUD proposes to install a modified intake trashrack adjacent
to the existing dam overflow spillway with provisions for a low
velocity approach channel, and a trashrack at the intake with narrow
(1-inch) bar spacing to prevent entrainment of large fish. Okanogan PUD
also proposes to generate with Kaplan turbines, which generally cause
low mortality for any small fish entrained into the power flow.
Okanogan PUD proposes to file detailed design drawings of the modified
trashrack intake and the trashrack cleaning system no later than 180
days prior to start of construction. Okanogan PUD also proposes to
monitor adult and juvenile impingement and entrainment effects and to
conduct quarterly fish sampling over a 1-year period.
Interior and Washington DFW recommend filing detailed design
drawings of an intake fish screen and a schedule to build the screen
before the start of any land-disturbing or land-clearing activities, as
well as a monitoring plan and corrective actions to minimize fish
impingement and entrainment.
Our Analysis
Impingement
The proposed spillway would provide a 276-foot-long exit from the
reservoir for any downstream moving fish. During high-flow periods,
this route would have high approach velocities. By comparison, the
proposed power intake is a much smaller outlet with a lower approach
velocity. Diverting water from the spillway to the power intake would
likely draw some fish toward the intake and away from passage over the
spillway, potentially exposing these fish to impingement on the
trashracks or entrainment through the turbines. However, the modified
trashrack with 1-inch bar spacing proposed by Okanogan PUD would be
designed so that smaller fish can pass safely through the racks without
becoming impinged, and larger fish (greater than 6 inches in length)
would be discouraged or prevented from passing through the racks and in
turn the turbines.
Okanogan PUD calculated the average monthly water velocities \24\
at the trashrack to examine impingement risk for larger fish. Estimated
monthly average velocities at the trashrack ranged from 1.06 feet per
second (fps) to 2.91 fps, depending on the intake flow and associated
river flow and reservoir elevation. Swimming speeds of fish known to
reside in the project reservoir were collected for comparison to water
velocities at the trashrack, to examine if resident fish would be able
to swim away from the trashrack, thus avoiding impingement. Nine of the
fish species known to reside in the reservoir \25\ are able to reach
burst speeds \26\ of between 4.6 and 10 fps (for adult life
stages).\27\ These species would be able to swim away from the
trashracks in all months of the year, avoiding impingement. From April
to July, predicted velocities at the trashrack would average 2.65 fps,
which could result in impingement for two species known to reside in
the reservoir. Northern pikeminnow and chiselmouth have burst swimming
speeds of 2.5 fps, and thus would be susceptible to impingement if
unable to avoid the intake flow. Fishes impinged would be subject to
injury and mortality, which would be most likely to occur from April to
July.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\24\ See Okanogan PUD AIR response filed on July 21, 2009. In
this AIR response, Okanogan incorrectly stated that burst speed for
largemouth bass is 2.1 fps. Appalachian Power Company (2009)
collected critical swimming speeds for largemouth bass from 10
studies identified in the literature and were able to estimate that
the burst speed of juvenile largemouth bass is between 3.2 to 4.3
fps, while adults would be capable of faster speeds.
\25\ These species are bridgelip sucker, largescale sucker,
unidentified sunfish species (genus Lepomis), common carp, yellow
perch, rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and mountain whitefish.
\26\ A speed that can be maintained for a short period of time,
typically seconds.
\27\ See Okanogan PUD AIR response filed on July 21, 2009.
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Entrainment
Reservoir sampling showed that most of the small, resident fish in
the reservoir are found in shallow water areas with cover. Accordingly,
very few small fish are expected to be in the area of the intake
because of unsuitable habitat (deep open-water habitat with steep,
almost vertical walls). Two native species--chiselmouth and northern
pikeminnow--would have the greatest potential of occurring near the
intake. Native suckers, mountain whitefish, and introduced species,
such as largemouth bass, carp, and yellow perch, may also be present
near the intake. Resident rainbow trout were not found between the
U.S./Canadian border and Enloe dam during recent studies, and probably
would not occur near the intake. Because the population density of fish
in the reservoir is low, and the project would have narrow-spaced
trashracks, the rate of entrainment at the project would likely be low
resulting in undetectable effects of the population levels of resident
fishes in the reservoir. Additionally, the survival rates of fish that
would be susceptible to entrainment (those less than 6 inches in
length) after passing through the turbines have been estimated to be
84% to 95%.\28\
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\28\ Survival rates were calculated by Okanogan PUD using the
U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Hydro Turbine System Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD proposes to monitor seasonal variation in entrainment
susceptibility, entrainment mortality, and fish populations in the
reservoir after project construction. Both entrainment levels and
mortality of entrained fish are expected to be very low. Additionally,
effects of project entrainment on reservoir populations are expected to
be minor. Therefore, these data collection efforts likely would not
produce useful data. Additionally, Okanogan PUD did not specify if
these monitoring efforts would lead to adaptive management, if needed,
to adjust the proposed measures to reduce any adverse effects
associated with operation of the intake.
The agencies recommendation for a fish screen did not include any
design details, so we are unable to determine how the performance of
the proposed narrow-spaced trashrack would compare to a fish screen.
However, Okanogan PUD's proposed trashrack would achieve the same goal
of physically excluding the majority of fish approaching the intake.
Fish screens cost much more than trashracks to build, install, and
maintain. The proposed trashrack would achieve similar results at a
much lesser cost than a fish screen. To ensure that the applicant's
proposed narrow-spaced trashrack achieves similar exclusionary goals of
a fish screen, it would be beneficial for Okanogan PUD to consult
[[Page 28544]]
with the fisheries agencies during the final design of the intake
structure and trashracks. By including some or most of the design
features of a fish screen into the design of the narrow-spaced
trashrack, fish protection would be provided concurrently with
protection of the generating equipment from the influx of trash.
Tailrace Net Barrier and Tailrace Video Monitoring (FISH-06 and -07)
Operation of the project may attract upstream migrating fish into
the turbine discharge flow. It is expected that this behavior could
result in UCR steelhead or anadromous salmonids attempting to enter the
draft tubes and swim through the draft tubes to an area near the
turbine runner blades. Fish may be injured or killed by impact with the
spinning runner blades during partial load operation when velocities
downstream of the turbine may be low enough for the fish to reach the
turbine runner. Okanogan PUD proposes to design (after consultation
with NMFS), install, and operate a net barrier at the outlet of each
draft tube. Okanogan PUD proposes to maintain the nets and to develop a
written operation plan in consultation with NMFS. Okanogan PUD also
proposes to monitor the effectiveness of the tailrace barrier nets
through the use of underwater videography. Okanogan PUD would submit
draft and subsequent design plans to NMFS; obtain NMFS' approval of
design specifications for the tailrace barrier; and file a detailed
design of the barrier nets with the Commission at least 180 days before
the start of any land-disturbing or land-clearing activities. Okanogan
PUD also proposes to develop and implement a postconstruction
evaluation and monitoring plan and an inspection and maintenance plan.
NMFS recommends that when downstream oriented velocities in the
draft tube are less than or equal to 27 feet per second (the highest
burst swimming speed attainable by UCR steelhead) the tailrace barrier
should be in place and operated as designed. NMFS states that
development of the final detailed barrier designs (in consultation with
NMFS), including expected approach velocities, be completed 180 days
prior to the start of any land-disturbing activities. NMFS further
recommends that these final designs include a hydraulic evaluation of
the facilities; a written operation plan; a postconstruction evaluation
and monitoring plan; a contingency plan in the event the proposed
tailrace net barriers do not perform according to criteria; and an
inspection and maintenance plan.
Washington DFW and Interior make similar recommendations regarding
the need for the tailrace barriers and consultation; however, these
agencies recommend the filing of detailed design drawings with the
Commission at least 1 year before the start of any land-disturbing or
land-clearing activities.
Our Analysis
Of the fishes that are found in the area where the tailrace would
be located, UCR steelhead are the strongest swimmers, and therefore
would be most likely to be able to access the draft tubes while the
project is operating. Adult UCR steelhead are strong swimmers and are
reported to have a burst speed of 27 feet per second (Bell, 1986).
During full load operation, the water velocity immediately downstream
of the turbine runner blades would exceed this burst speed, creating a
velocity barrier that would prevent fish from reaching the area where
injury or mortality could occur. Installation of a net barrier at the
outlet of each draft tube, however, would provide a physical barrier to
prevent injury to fish during periods of reduced generation, when water
velocities would be lower than steelhead burst speed and too low to
maintain the velocity barrier.
Okanogan PUD would use underwater video cameras during the peak
presence of UCR steelhead, Chinook, and sockeye salmon during the first
two years of operation, to monitor the openings of the net barriers.
The video would be reviewed to document if adult salmonids are able to
enter the area where barrier nets are deployed, and if so, if the nets
effectively prevent fish from moving further upstream into the draft
tubes, and if fish are able to safely exit the barrier net locations.
This measure would allow Okanogan PUD to monitor the effectiveness of
the tailrace barriers nets. It would also allow for adaptive
management, so that the tailrace barriers nets location or design could
be adjusted or operated in a more efficient or effective manner, if
possible. The use of underwater videography would ensure that
anadromous salmonids and resident fishes are protected from entering
the draft tubes where mortality or injury could result.
It is expected that the final barrier design, the operation plan,
postconstruction evaluation and monitoring plan, and the inspection and
maintenance plan, to be developed after consultation with NMFS, and
filed with the Commission for approval, would provide sufficient
assurance that the proposed barrier net designs would provide adequate
protection to fish downstream of the proposed powerhouse.
Run-of-River Operations (FISH-08)
Okanogan PUD proposes to operate the Enloe project in a run-of-
river mode. The 370-foot-long bypassed reach would receive a minimum
flow of 10 or 30 cfs (see below) during the lower flow months when
river flow is equal to or less than the hydraulic capacity of the
powerhouse. Powerhouse discharges would be returned to the river below
the falls.
Our Analysis
The proposed run-of river operations would have no effect on water
quantity above the dam or downstream of the project powerhouse at the
base of the falls. This would be protective of the current fisheries
habitat in the lower Similkameen River downstream of the falls, as
river flows would be unchanged from current conditions.
Ramping Rates
Okanogan PUD proposes to implement interim ramping rates based on
Washington State guidelines (Hunter, 1992) to protect aquatic resources
downstream of the tailrace (table 13). The ramping rates would apply to
changes in hourly water elevations associated with project operation
during normal powerhouse start-up and shut-down. Temporary
modifications to ramping rates may be needed to address operating
emergencies or planned outage.
Table 13--Proposed Ramping Rates
[Source: Hunter, 1992]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Daylight \a\ Night \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 16 to June 15................... No ramping................. 2 inches per hour.
June 16 to October 31.................... 2 inches per hour.......... 1 inch per hour.
[[Page 28545]]
November 1 to February 15................ 2 inches per hour.......... 2 inches per hour.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
\a\ Daylight is defined as the period from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.
\b\ Night is defined as the period from 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise.
Interior, Washington DFW, NMFS, and American Rivers et al.
recommend implementation of the ramping rates shown in table 13 for the
protection of aquatic resources. These agencies recommend that
temporary modifications of the ramping rates that may be needed due to
operating emergencies or planned outages should be developed by mutual
agreement among Okanogan PUD and the interested agencies and tribes. To
expedite these discussions, Okanogan PUD requests that these agencies
be required to appoint a single local representative who has the
authority to address such operational issues. If the interim ramping
rates are so modified, Okanogan PUD would notify the Commission, as
soon as possible, but no later than 10 days after each such incident. A
second issue regarding ramping rates was described in the applicant's
recent filings, related to ramping rates immediately downstream of
Enloe dam when spillage flows are reduced as the project powerhouse is
brought on line. The September 2010 snorkeling survey conducted by
Washington DFW and Washington DOE identified bedrock benches along the
shoreline of the plunge pool that could strand fish if spillage over
the dam was to be reduced at a rate where fish could not vacate that
habitat before it is dewatered. As a result, Okanogan PUD now proposes
to determine the critical flow thresholds related to dewatering of
these bedrock benches, based on field observations, so that appropriate
downramping of spillage flows can be made between those flow thresholds
(letter from Donald H. Clarke, Counsel to Public Utility District No. 1
of Okanogan County, to Kimberly Bose, Secretary, FERC, October 28,
2010).
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD proposes the interim ramping rates recommended by
Interior, Washington DFW, NMFS, and American Rivers et al., for the
protection, mitigation of damages to, and enhancement of aquatic
resources downstream of the powerhouse. Rapid flow reductions in a
stream channel, especially in low gradient stream areas, have the
potential to strand fish in dewatered areas including pools and side
channels. Fry and juvenile fish less than 2-inches-long are most
vulnerable to potential stranding due to weak swimming ability;
preference for shallow, low velocity habitat such as edgewater and side
channels; and a tendency to burrow into the substrate to hide. The
magnitude of change can also affect habitat use and the production of
macroinvertebrates that are vulnerable to drift or stranding. Side
channels are particularly susceptible to dewatering and disconnection
from the main channel as flows recede. As a result, young-of-the-year
salmonids that prefer to rear in side channels (e.g., UCR steelhead)
may be stranded.
Based on Hunter (1992), we expect that the interim downramping
rates described in table 13 should protect Chinook salmon and UCR
steelhead redds and fry, and juvenile Chinook salmon, UCR steelhead,
sockeye salmon, and aquatic macroinvertebrates from stranding and
mortalities associated with flow fluctuations downstream of the
powerhouse. In addition, because the project would operate in a run-of-
river mode, any reductions in powerhouse flow would result in an
immediate increase in spillway flows, which would also enter the pool
at the base of the falls at about the same time that powerhouse flows
are reduced. Thus, the pool at the base of the falls and the
Similkameen River downstream of this pool would not experience wide
water level fluctuations under normal operations. This proposed
operation and the proposed ramping rates would also protect UCR
steelhead designated critical habitat and Chinook salmon EFH downstream
of Similkameen Falls.
Recently proposed measures to limit downramping of spillage flows
immediately downstream of Enloe dam would protect any resident species
from potential stranding on bedrock benches along the shoreline of the
plunge pool. Identifying the critical flow thresholds and associated
water elevations in relation to the bedrock benches would allow
development of actual ramping rates between those flow thresholds.
Okanogan PUD proposes that these flow thresholds be determined by field
observations and monitoring prior to initiation of project operations,
but does not specify what the ramping rates would be once the flow
thresholds are determined. It would be appropriate to determine the
flow thresholds by field observations, because there have been no
detailed surveys of the river bathymetry or instream flow modeling in
the bypassed reach. Future ramping rates would still need to be
determined, as appropriate rates in the bypassed reach may not
necessarily be the same as those outlined in Hunter (1992). Therefore,
a study plan would be required that would describe how the flow
thresholds would be determined by field observation, and how future
downramping rates for the bypassed reach would be developed. This study
would need to be prepared in consultation with Washington DFW,
Washington DOE, FWS, and the Colville, and filed with the Commission
for approval.
Ramping Rate Compliance Monitoring
Okanogan PUD proposes to use the existing Washington DOE gage in
the lower Similkameen River to monitor ramping rate compliance
downstream of the powerhouse. Interior, Washington DFW, NMFS, and
American Rivers et al. recommend that the location to measure
compliance should be determined by Okanogan PUD in consultation with
Interior, NMFS, Washington DOE, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the
Yakama Indian Nation (Yakama Nation),\29\ and the Colville, before
project operation begins.
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\29\ NMFS and Interior's 10(j) recommendation for compliance of
the ramping rates included consultation with the Yakama Nation.
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Our Analysis
The Washington DOE gage that Okanogan PUD proposes to use to
monitor ramping rate compliance on the lower river is located in
Oroville at river mile 5, nearly 4 miles downstream of the project
site. Sites for monitoring compliance with ramping rates should be
located in relatively close proximity to project discharges, so that
gage heights recorded reflect the water surface elevations immediately
downstream of the powerhouse. It is
[[Page 28546]]
unlikely that the existing DOE gage in Oroville would meet these
criteria, because any small fluctuations in discharge from this
proposed run-of-river project would likely be attenuated in the 4 miles
of river between the tailrace and the gage.
Interior, Washington DFW, NMFS, and American Rivers et al.'s
recommendation that a monitoring site would need to be established as a
result of consultation between those parties and Okanogan PUD would
ensure that the location for monitoring ramping rate compliance would
be near the project and would adequately measure the ramping rates. The
result of this selection process could require the installation of a
new monitoring gage on the Similkameen River near the project's
tailrace. A plan detailing how Okanogan PUD would monitor compliance
with their proposed ramping rates, including the location selected for
doing so would be beneficial and would need to be filed with the
Commission for approval.
Flow Continuation
Interior recommends development of a plan that would provide up to
48 hours of flow continuation in the event of emergency project
shutdown at the unmanned, remotely operated powerhouse. Interior also
recommends that the crest gates or flow continuation valves for each
penstock be designed to open automatically to provide outflow into the
lower river from a combination of the tailrace and spillway flows, so
that river flow never drops below the level of inflow to the reservoir.
Interior further recommends that the plan include detailed drawings and
flow capacities for the proposed crest gates or flow continuation
valves.
Our Analysis
In the case of an unplanned outage, the power plant control system
would open the crest gates automatically to maintain tailwater
elevation at the powerhouse to within the proposed ramping rate
described above (table 13). This would ensure an uninterrupted flow of
water downstream of the project tailrace. A small, short-term
fluctuation in downstream flows could occur as flow through the
powerhouse is reduced and flow over the spillway crest gates increases.
The estimated travel time from the spillway to the pool below the falls
depends on flow, but is estimated to be about 1 minute. Thus, any
fluctuation in river flow downstream of the project would be of short
duration and would be attenuated by water storage in the large pool
below the falls and in the river channel further downstream. Therefore,
the proposed crest gate operations, as described, would protect and
maintain aquatic habitat downstream of the project, and there would be
no need for a specific flow continuation plan as recommended by
Interior. Flow continuation would occur as part of normal project
operations, so downstream aquatic habitat, including UCR steelhead
designated critical habitat and Chinook salmon EFH below Similkameen
Falls, would be protected in the event of operating emergencies or
planned outages.
Anadromous Fish Passage at Enloe Dam
Under the current proposed action, fish passage would not be
provided at the dam, and the 370-foot long bypassed channel would be
reduced to a minimum flow of 10 or 30 cfs during the low flow months
when most of the river flow would be diverted through the powerhouse
and returned to the river below the falls.
American Rivers et al., BIA, and CRITFC commented that the issue of
fish passage was not resolved in a previous license proceeding for this
site; there is suitable anadromous habitat above the dam; and this
issue needs to be resolved prior to issuance of a new license. CRITFC
recommends that the applicant work with CRITFC's member tribes, the BIA
and other parties to resolve the issue of historical anadromy by
employing the best available scientific methods including
paleolimnological, genetic and archeological studies. CRITFC and BIA
also requested production potential estimates for salmon and UCR
steelhead be included as part of a fish passage alternative in the
current licensing proceeding. The BIA commented that cost estimates for
designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining upstream and
downstream fish passage facilities for the term of the license need to
be developed in case such an action is required in the future.
The Colville, Okanogan Nation Fisheries Commission, Canadian Parks
and Wildlife Society British Columbia Chapter, and the Ministry of
Environment oppose introduction of anadromous fish passage above the
falls based on the belief that historical anadromy never occurred above
the falls, and introduction of anadromy would have negative impacts on
resident fishes and other aquatic life due to disease transfer and
competition for food and habitat; would provide a limited contribution
to a recreational fishery in the upper river; and would violate
traditional laws, the Coyote mythology that prohibits fish passage at
the falls, and sacred principles of the Tribes (Vedan, 2002).
FWS has determined that it does not have sufficient information to
support filing a Section 18 prescription for fishways for the Enloe
Project at this time, because of the uncertainty of historical anadromy
above the falls. Both FWS and NMFS recommend that upstream anadromous
fish passage facilities not be required now, and have reserved their
authority to require fish passage under Section 18 in the future.
Our Analysis
There are no documented accounts of Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon,
UCR steelhead, or Pacific lamprey anadromy above Similkameen Falls.
Aboriginal traditional beliefs suggest that Similkameen Falls
historically blocked anadromy (Vedan, 2002). In an Annual Report of the
Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended December 31st, 1890,
the Indian agent reported that ``at the mouth of the Similkameen River,
in the United States Territory, are falls which prevent the ascent of
salmon up the Similkameen...I have several times urged Indians to
construct a fish ladder and thus provide themselves with a supply of
salmon...'' (Department of Indian Affairs, 1890, in Vedan, 2002).
More recently, conservation planners with knowledge of the affected
area and fish populations have weighed in on the issue. The Okanogan
Sub-basin Plan, which was prepared for the Northwest Power and
Conservation Council, concluded that Similkameen Falls was an
impassable historic barrier to upstream salmon migration (KWA Sciences
et al., 2004). The Similkameen watershed above Enloe dam was not
included in their sub-basin salmon ecosystem analysis for this reason.
In 2007, the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board issued the Upper
Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan. The Upper
Columbia Salmon Recovery Board is composed of representatives from
Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties, the Colville, and the Yakama
Nation. Their recovery plan does not identify upstream and downstream
passage of fish at Enloe dam as being a short-term or long-term action
that would contribute to the restoration of these fish stocks, based on
the uncertainty of fish being able to ascend Similkameen Falls before
the construction of Enloe dam (Chapman et al., 1994).
Several entities including, Washington DFW, American Rivers et al.,
and CRITFC believe that steelhead, Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, and
Pacific lamprey may be able to ascend
[[Page 28547]]
the falls and access the bypassed reach above Similkameen Falls under
some flow conditions. No data, provided in this proceeding, however,
have shown this to occur, or to be a likely possibility. Washington DFW
has stated that it has anecdotal information that places anadromous
fish above the falls, that UCR steelhead penetrated farther upstream of
the falls before construction of Enloe dam, and that rainbow trout
above the dam probably retain genetic similarity to UCR steelhead;
however, Washington DFW did not provide such information confirming
these assertions.
In an effort to understand the historical range of anadromous
fishes in the Similkameen River, CRITFC commissioned Ford (2010a) to
analyze sediment core samples collected in Palmer and Blue lakes
upstream of Enloe dam. Sediment core samples were collected and
analyzed for isotopic content. The core samples appear to contain
isotopic signatures characteristic of marine-derived nitrogen, possibly
indicating anadromy; however, the preliminary analyses were
inconclusive and additional analysis is under way (Ford, 2010a, b;
Myers, 2010). CRITFC recommends that additional studies similar to Ford
(2010a) be required to attempt to resolve the issue of whether anadromy
occurred upstream of the falls. While such studies may provide some
indication of the former presence of anadromous fish upstream of the
falls, Ford (2010b) states that such results by themselves would not
provide ``compelling evidence'' that anadromous species once occurred
above the falls.
CRITFC and BIA requested that production potential estimates for
salmon and UCR steelhead be included as part of a fish passage
alternative in the current licensing proceeding. The CRITFC letter
included estimates that the habitat upstream of Enloe dam could support
approximately 55,000 Chinook salmon and 98,000 steelhead spawners.
Although undoubtedly there may be some suitable habitat for salmon and
steelhead upstream of Enloe dam, based on available information in the
literature, it appears that anadromous fish likely did not pass the
Similkameen Falls in substantial numbers prior to the construction of
Enloe dam. An occasional account of a sighting of an anadromous fish
above the falls does not outweigh the lack of historic record
describing a salmon and UCR steelhead fishery or population above the
falls. Native American and First Nation belief that salmon were blocked
from the upper reaches of the Similkameen River above the falls is
additional support that salmon and UCR steelhead did not ascend the
falls and enter the upper reaches of the river to spawn prior to the
construction of Enloe dam.
Regardless of whether anadromous fish historically migrated to
areas upstream of Similkameen Falls, if Okanogan PUD were to provide
for fish passage at the project, anadromous fishes that have been known
to occupy the plunge pool would be able to access habitat in the
Similkameen River upstream of Enloe dam for spawning and rearing.
Benefits to anadromous species could include an increase in the
populations of these fish stocks, as they gain additional spawning and
nursery habitat in the upper Columbia River basin. Other benefits to
upstream aquatic habitat would be the influx of marine nutrients
through the decay of salmon carcasses, which would benefit primary
production and the entire food chain, potentially enhancing resident
fish populations. Passing adult anadromous species upstream would also
have the potential to enhance the sport fishery in the river, depending
on regulations that would likely be put in place to protect stocks
introduced to the upper Similkameen River.
The extent that these potential benefits might occur is not known,
and the introduction of anadromy to the upper Similkameen River could
also have negative impacts on both the anadromous and resident fishes
in the river. Anadromous fishes reaching the upper river may or may not
access suitable spawning and nursery habitat, as the reach immediately
upstream of Enloe dam (the reservoir) is not high-quality salmonid
habitat. While there may be suitable habitat upstream of the reservoir,
juveniles of anadromous species that are successfully spawned and rear
upstream of Enloe dam would also face an additional impediment to
downstream migration, the Enloe Project, which fish in the lower
Similkameen River would not face. Although the project may be required
to provide downstream fish passage facilities if anadromous species are
introduced upstream, such facilities are seldom 100 percent effective,
so fish from the upper river would be exposed to potential delay,
injury, and mortality. Resident species could be adversely affected by
the introduction of anadromous species by the potential for disease
transfer and competition for food and habitat between resident and
anadromous species.
Location of the Tailrace (FISH-09)
UCR steelhead, Chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon enter the cooler
Similkameen River and migrate as far upstream as Similkameen Falls
during the summer months. The large, deep plunge pool below Similkameen
Falls is used as holding habitat until temperatures in the Similkameen
and Okanogan rivers decrease and these species can begin their spawning
activities (figure 4). Chinook salmon arrive in the plunge pool in July
and August, and hold prior to spawning in the lower river. Sockeye
salmon use the pool in August and September while also holding prior to
spawning in the fall. Sockeye and Chinook salmon generally leave the
pool by the end of September. Juvenile sockeye and Chinook salmon are
not known to utilize the pool area. Adult UCR steelhead occur in the
plunge pool below Similkameen Falls from September through March.
Juvenile UCR steelhead can be found in the pool year-round.
Currently all flow provided to the plunge pool flows over the falls
and provides well oxygenated habitat for fish species. Bypassing flow
around the falls could result in reduced DO concentrations in the
plunge pool. To remedy this, Okanogan PUD proposes to locate the
tailrace so that it discharges into the plunge pool in a manner that
allows the flow to circulate to maintain water quality (TDG and DO) for
fish holding in the pool. Okanogan PUD also proposes to install turbine
venting to enhance DO levels in project discharges.
Our Analysis
When the tailrace is operational under Okanogan PUD's proposal,
flow would enter the pool approximately 90 feet downstream from the
falls at an angle and create clockwise circulation in the pool upstream
of the tailrace exit. Orienting the tailrace to discharge flow into the
plunge pool in this manner would provide circulation within the pool to
prevent stagnation and water quality degradation. The potential TDG and
DO effects of the tailrace discharge are addressed in section 3.3.2.2,
Water Quantity and Quality, Environmental Effects.
Water circulation in the plunge pool, along with turbine venting,
would benefit all anadromous and resident fishes found in the pool by
ensuring adequate DO levels, while reducing TDG levels. These water
quality measures that reduce TDG, while maintaining adequate DO (see
section 3.3.2.2), would have the greatest potential to benefit juvenile
UCR steelhead, as they are known to occupy the plunge pool year-round.
The proposed tailrace location would maintain the UCR steelhead
designated critical habitat and Chinook salmon EFH below Similkameen
Falls.
[[Page 28548]]
Side Channel Enhancement (FISH-10)
Low velocity, high complexity side channels provide important
habitat for juvenile fishes. Elevated summer stream temperature and
limited rearing habitat are the most significant limiting factors for
salmonids in the lower Similkameen and Okanogan Rivers.\30\ The purpose
of the side channel enhancement measure is to create cooler water, side
channel habitat in the lower river to benefit anadromous fish, and
mitigate any impacts such as entrainment mortality and any decreased
production in the Similkameen River.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\30\ See license application.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD proposes the side-channel enhancement project in reach
1 (RM 0-4.7). The project would include the enhancement of one to three
side channel areas in the Similkameen River located downstream of Enloe
dam. The candidate side channel would be approximately 800 feet in
length with an average gradient of 0.15 percent. The channel(s) would
be entrenched in the floodplain; the cross section would be
approximately trapezoidal with some undulation and woody debris in the
channel bottom. Riparian vegetation would provide cover and shade over
the majority of the open channel(s). The side-channel enhancement
proposal would provide cool water in these candidate side channels that
would enhance habitat for juvenile fishes.
Cool water would be provided by a well to sustain flow in the side
channel. The well is expected to be about 12 inches in diameter with a
minimum depth of 40 feet. Total depth would depend upon site specific
sub-surface conditions. It is anticipated that a 25 to 30-horsepower
pump would be adequate to provide the desired flow rate of 2 cfs. Based
on water samples from adjacent wells, the temperature of water from the
well is expected to be near 14 [deg]C. Constructed riffles would
contain buried manifold systems capable of delivering 2-cfs low
pressure flow from the well.
The cool water pumped from the well to the side channel(s) would
discharge water into a lateral channel of the mainstem Similkameen
River that is disconnected from the main flow during the summer low
flow period. The cool water discharged into the lateral channel would
extend downstream for at least 200 to 300 feet. The water in this side
channel would be backwatered by the mainstem flow, thus providing
additional ponding of cool water, and the discharge into the channel
would be approximately 4 acre-feet per day (2 cfs).
Most of the construction activity would occur in a dry channel.
Sediment, erosion control, and water quality protection would be
implemented using procedures outlined in Washington DOE's Stormwater
Management Manual for Eastern Washington, as needed. BMPs would be used
to protect water quality and prevent streambank erosion.
Postconstruction monitoring would be conducted annually for the first 3
years after side channel construction, then every 5 years thereafter.
Monitoring would likely be accomplished through a snorkel survey and
the use of other fish observation techniques for shallow water, given
that UCR steelhead are listed as threatened and there is risk of
mortality or stress associated with electrofishing or seining. Sampling
would occur in the low flow August to mid-September time frame.
The river stage at which flow would begin to naturally enter the
upper end of the side channel and the relationship between river flow
and side channel flow above this threshold value has not been
determined. This information would be collected during a second
planning and evaluation phase and would determine the timing of start-
up and duration of well operation. It would also provide insight
regarding the need to protect the side channel from flood flow; because
the river gradient is flat, flood stage may backwater the downstream
end of the side channel preventing higher water velocity from
developing. If a downstream backwater is present, large floods would
maintain natural processes within the side channel without destroying
the investment in rearing habitat.
Washington DFW, Interior,\31\ and NMFS recommend the proposed side-
channel enhancement project. NMFS also recommends development of a fish
habitat enhancement plan in consultation with NMFS, FWS, Washington
DFW, the Colville, and the Yakama Nation. This recommended plan would
consist of provisions for side channel enhancement, as well as
Okanogan's proposed gravel supplementation plan (FISH-11) which is
discussed below. NMFS recommends the final plan be filed with NMFS at
least 180 days prior to the start of any land-clearing activities and
include a schedule for completion in 3 years, performance criteria,
monitoring provisions, contingency plans, and provisions for periodic
review of the plans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\31\ As part of Washington DFW and Interior's recommended
Fisheries Enhancement Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Analysis
The effect of the side channel improvements is not expected to have
a significant effect on water temperatures in the Similkameen River.
The side channel improvement would include the development of a small
area (~1,000 square feet) of cool water at the confluence of the side
channel and the mainstem river. It is expected that the outflow of 2
cfs (4 acre feet/day) of cool water from the side channel would
maintain cool water habitat in the lateral channel. Lower temperatures
would also be expected in the mainstem Similkameen River where the
lateral channel connects to the river; however the downstream extent of
the cool water influence is unknown at this time, but expected to be
200 to 500 feet.
The purpose of the proposed side channel enhancement is to provide
coolwater rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids during the summer to
decrease mortality, improve fish condition, and mitigate the loss of
fisheries resources that could occur as a result of the construction
and operation of the project. The proposed side channel and lateral
channel enhancements would benefit juvenile UCR steelhead/rainbow
trout, Chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon in the lower river during the
low flow summer months by providing thermal refugia. Cutthroat trout
and brook trout are also present in very low densities and could
benefit. The proposed side channel habitat would be best suited to age
0+ steelhead/rainbow trout, and to a lesser degree age 1+ steelhead/
rainbow trout. The relatively shallow water depths in the side channel
would likely preclude significant occupancy by older age cohorts of
trout and salmon. Monitoring the side channel via snorkel surveys after
construction would determine if the newly created habitat was being
utilized by the target species.
Installation of the structures, channel excavation, and other
instream work related to the proposed side-channel enhancement project
could cause short-term turbidity plumes and sedimentation when water is
turned back into the dry channel following construction. In-water
construction to connect the side channel with the river may cause
mortality of eggs, fry, and juvenile fish due to crushing or abrasion
during construction. It would be beneficial for Okanogan PUD to consult
with NMFS, FWS, Washington DFW, the Colville, and the Yakama Nation,
and file the side-channel enhancement plan with the Commission, as well
as providing copies to the agencies, at least
[[Page 28549]]
180 days prior to implementation, as recommended by NMFS.
Spawning Gravel Enhancement (FISH-11)
The Similkameen River is a gravel-poor system and Enloe dam
prevents the transport of gravel from the upper watershed, which
results in limited spawning habitat for Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon,
and UCR steelhead in the lower 5 miles of the Similkameen River.
Spawning salmonids use gravel deposits near and downstream of RM 4, and
limited spawning occurs along the left riverbank (looking upstream)
near RM 5.2. Okanogan PUD proposes a gravel supplementation program in
reach 1 (RM 0-4.7). Okanogan PUD would supplement up to a maximum of
15,000 cubic yards of 1- to 3-inch diameter gravel on a schedule of
3,000 cubic yards 5 times at 5-year intervals. Each 3,000-cubic yards
of gravel deposited would have the potential of providing approximately
2 acres of additional spawning area.
The preferred site for introduction of the gravel at RM 5.8 is near
an abandoned orchard that would not require any site grading to create
a pad for the conveyor belt and truck turn-around, and has a low river
bank (12 feet high), which would allow a shorter conveyance system to
reach the active channel of the river. The ground cover in this
location is predominately riprap with a small number of willow shrubs
and small cottonwoods growing in the riprap. Approximately eight willow
shrubs on the riverbank would be cut back and allowed to resprout
following the first supplementation.
The gravel would be placed adjacent to or in the wetted channel
where it could be naturally redistributed at high flows. To reduce
disturbance of the riverbanks and associated riparian habitat, a rock
conveyor would be used to transport the gravel from an upland staging
area to the river channel. The in-channel gravel pile is anticipated to
be about 30 feet tall, 40 to 50 feet wide, and 150 feet long, and would
extend 35 to 40 feet into the wetted channel.
Gravel supplementation is recommended by Interior, NMFS, and
Washington DFW.\32\ The Colville comments that the proposed gravel
supplementation program would reinitiate gravel recruitment processes
that have been disrupted by the presence of Enloe dam; would greatly
increase the quality and quantity of spawning habitat in the lower
Similkameen River, and would have minimal impacts on existing habitat.
The Colville also comments that the benefits of the proposed activities
would vastly outweigh any incidental impacts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\32\ As part of Interior's Resident Fish Habitat Management
Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Analysis
Enloe reservoir would continue to interrupt gravel transport from
upstream sources after the proposed project is constructed. The
proposed gravel supplementation program would provide long-term
benefits for spawning Chinook salmon and UCR steelhead/rainbow trout in
the lower river as the gravel is redistributed. The proposed 3,000
cubic yards of gravel, however, may need to be distributed over more
than one river location to allow efficient distribution under normal
flow conditions and prevent unwanted channel alteration.
Deposition of the gravel into the wetted channel would likely cause
short-term turbidity plumes, sedimentation, and mortality of juvenile
fish due to crushing or abrasion. It would be beneficial for Okanogan
PUD to consult with NMFS, FWS, Washington DFW, the Colville, and the
Yakama Nation to develop and file a gravel enhancement plan with the
Commission, as well as providing copies to the agencies, at least 180
days prior to implementation, as recommended by NMFS.
Biological Review and Fisheries Monitoring Database (FISH-12 and FISH-
13)
Okanogan PUD proposes a TRG to monitor the success of proposed
mitigation and enhancement measures. The TRG would: (1) Consult in the
design of management and monitoring plans; (2) review and evaluate
data; and (3) develop resource management proposals or other
recommendations to further improve the measures, if appropriate. The
group's meetings would be open to the public, and Okanogan PUD would
maintain records of the meetings and any recommendations made. Data and
information from the monitoring programs would be used to examine long-
term trends and make decisions regarding adapting measures to further
protect aquatic resources. As part of the biological review process,
Okanogan PUD would develop a central database for organization and
storage of the monitoring data related to aquatic resources. Database
format and development would be consistent with other aquatic data
gathered in the Okanogan River Basin. The monitoring programs that
would be included in the biological review process are:
An entrainment study, including reservoir sampling;
Tailrace barrier monitoring;
Monitoring the use of boulder clusters upstream of the
reservoir; and
A side-channel habitat monitoring program.
Washington DFW recommends that Okanogan PUD develop an adaptive
management plan within 1 year of license issuance that includes goals,
monitoring protocols, decision criteria, and actions to be completed in
response to monitoring results.
Interior recommends development of a Resident Fish Habitat
Management Plan within 1 year of license issuance that includes a
comprehensive study of resident fish species, populations, numbers, and
habitat conditions in the river from Nighthawk down to the reservoir to
complement the studies already completed in the reservoir and
downstream of the dam, and development of a fish habitat monitoring
plan for the river upstream of the reservoir. The plan also includes
provisions for temperature monitoring, riparian plantings in the
reservoir, the stocking of triploid rainbow trout in the reservoir, and
a fish habitat monitoring plan.
Our Analysis
Development and implementation of the fish monitoring database and
study plans; interpretation of monitoring results; and development of
adaptive management strategies based on monitoring results would best
be accomplished through consultation among the proposed TRG and
Okanogan PUD to ensure integration between license measures and other
resource management plans, such as regional salmon recovery efforts.
Creation of a TRG and a database with the results of the proposed
monitoring programs would allow Okanogan PUD to manage project related
mitigation and enhancement measures, to determine the success of these
measures, and to modify these measures, if appropriate, to improve
their effectiveness. This TRG and its functions would satisfy the
Washington DFW recommendation for an adaptive management program.
Interior's recommendation for a Resident Fish Habitat Management
Plan upstream of the project contains recommendations that are not
directly related to project operations or effects, and thus do not have
a direct nexus to the project. These recommendations include a
comprehensive study of resident fish species, populations, numbers, and
habitat conditions in the river from Nighthawk down to the reservoir;
and development of a fish
[[Page 28550]]
habitat monitoring plan for the river upstream of the reservoir The
proposed run-of-river operation of the reservoir would likely have no
effect on reservoir species, and would have little effect on the
riverine habitat upstream of the reservoir. Some of the recommended
provisions including temperature monitoring and riparian monitoring are
duplicative of Okanogan PUD proposals discussed elsewhere in the
document. The recommendation for stocking triploid rainbow trout has
also been recommended by other agencies and is discussed in detail
previously in this section.
Minimum Flow Proposal
As we've said, Okanogan PUD proposes continuous minimum flows for
the 370-foot-long bypassed reach. Proposed minimum flows would be 30
cfs from mid-July to mid-September, and 10 cfs the rest of the year.
Okanogan PUD also proposes to evaluate critical flow thresholds for
bypassed reach downramping requirements that may be implemented during
emergency situations after observation of in situ conditions during
provision of minimum flows.
American Rivers et al. recommend a minimum flow release to the
bypassed reach equal to the requirements of Washington state law, to
prevent degradation of existing instream water uses (WAC 173-201A-310).
These releases would vary from 400 cfs to 3,400 cfs depending on the
month. CRITFC recommends maintenance of minimum flows in the bypassed
reach to provide biotic production and protect designated critical
habitat in the reach. Washington DFW also recommends establishment of
instream flows in consultation with Okanogan PUD as a condition for
licensing and operation of the project, to protect fish in the bypassed
reach and in the plunge pool below the falls. Neither CRITFC nor
Washington DFW recommendations contained specific volumes for their
recommended flow releases. In their preliminary recommendations,
Washington DFW notes that new information is likely to be developed
during the Washington DOE WQC process, and because fish and wildlife
resources are greatly affected by water quantity and quality,
Washington DFW will not be able to finalize its recommendations until
the certification process is completed.
Our Analysis
Proposed flow diversions for project operations would cause flow in
the 370-foot-long bypassed reach to be reduced by up to 1,600 cfs when
the powerhouse is in operation. When river flow is greater than 1,600
cfs, the amount of water provided to the bypassed reach would be any
flow in excess of 1,600 cfs. When river flow is less than 1,600 cfs and
both generating units are operational, the only flow provided into the
bypassed reach would be either 10 or 30 cfs depending on the time of
year.
Table 14 shows mean flows in the bypassed reach under current
conditions and under Okanogan PUD's minimum flow proposal. As shown in
Table 14, under Okanogan PUD's proposal, flows in the bypassed reach
would be greatly reduced for much of the year. The large majority of
the wetted area in the 370-foot reach would be dewatered and the
majority of aquatic habitat in this reach would be lost. While this
reduction of flow in the bypassed reach may seem extreme, the aquatic
habitat in this reach is not heavily utilized and is not accessible to
most fish in the project area.
Similkameen Falls at the downstream end of the bypassed reach is a
natural barrier to upstream fish passage; therefore, the only fish that
could occupy the bypassed reach are individuals from resident
populations above Enloe dam that pass over the spillway. Washington DFW
states that rainbow trout could be washed over the dam into the
bypassed reach and could contribute to the rainbow trout/UCR steelhead
population in the river below the dam if sufficient flow and depth is
maintained to avoid injury. Rainbow trout have not been found in the
reservoir above the dam in previous sampling (Table 9), but in recent
(September 2010) snorkeling and hook and line surveys in the plunge
pool and bypassed reach immediately downstream of Enloe dam, rainbow
trout were observed. Smallmouth bass, northern pikeminnow, sculpin, and
unidentified suckers were also observed or collected.\33\ Flow
conditions did not allow a complete survey of the plunge pool, so
additional fish may have been observed if a complete survey had been
conducted.
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\33\ Data were included in Okanogan PUD's November 10, 2010
filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the recent survey, several species of fish are able to
utilize the habitat in the plunge pool at least during lower-flow
periods (river flow during the survey was about 600 cfs). Under
Okanogan PUD's proposed minimum flows, most of the habitat in the
plunge pool would disappear except during the summer months when
natural flows are higher than 1,600 cfs. This would be the same
timeframe when we would expect that fish would be washed over Enloe dam
due to high flows. Therefore, the plunge pool habitat would be
available during high flow months when resident fish may need it to
survive when they are washed over Enloe dam. The plunge pool habitat
would then largely disappear from August to March annually, as it would
only contain minimum flows of 10 or 30 cfs. This would probably be of
little consequence to resident fish populations, as no fish would be
washed over Enloe dam during this timeframe. The survival chances of
fish who would be occupying the plunge pool when it was dewatered
annually are not known; however, recent surveys have shown that their
numbers are quite small. Regardless of the numbers of fish in the
plunge pool after high flow events, those fish would benefit from the
minimum flows proposed by Okanogan PUD.
Table 14--Comparison of Average Monthly Flows in Bypassed Reach With
Okanogan PUD'S Proposed Minimum Flow Regime
[Source: Staff]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mean flows in Mean flows in
bypassed reach bypassed reach
Month under current under minimum
conditions flow proposal
(cfs) \1\ (cfs)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January................................. 659 10
February................................ 682 10
[[Page 28551]]
March................................... 746 10
April................................... 2,086 486
May..................................... 2,086 486
June.................................... 8,597 6,997
July.................................... 2,965 1,365
August.................................. 916 30
September............................... 596 30
October................................. 697 10
November................................ 938 10
December................................ 798 10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Data from USGS Nighthawk gage no. 12442500 (1929-2005).
Any fishes that would be occupying the plunge pool could be
negatively affected by the reduction in minimum flow provision in the
case of emergency operations, such as project shutdown. Okanogan PUD's
proposal to determine appropriate downramping rates through monitoring
and field observation would allow them to decide upon an appropriate
downramping rate that would be utilized during these situations. This
would be protective of any fishes utilizing the plunge pool.
The minimum flow now proposed by Okanogan PUD and agreed to by
Washington DOE and Washington DFW would be only a small fraction of the
flow recommended by American Rivers et al. (400 to 3,400 cfs). Although
American Rivers et al. states that their recommended flow is based on
Washington regulations to ensure that state water quality standards are
met, neither of the Washington agencies has recommended this flow, nor
has American Rivers et al. provided a technical justification, based on
site specific data, for the higher flows that it recommends. American
Rivers et al. only states that its recommended flow would provide
adequate depth, substrate, cover and velocity, and does not provide any
analysis of alternative flows.
Another issue associated with minimum flows in the bypassed reach
is the design of the minimum flow release structure, which we
previously discussed in section 3.2.2.2. We concluded that a flow
release structure consisting of a gate and pipe using one of the former
penstock intakes would be the best option, because it would minimize
any potential water temperature increases, would allow placement of the
flow discharge at a point below the dam that would provide the greatest
environmental benefit, and would provide the best control of the flows
to be released. For the flow discharge point, a point closest to the
center of the dam would likely be best, to ensure good flow circulation
to most of the pool area. We also concluded that the final design of
this structure should be developed in consultation with the resource
agencies (Washington DOE, Washington DFW, FWS, NMFS, BLM, and the
Colville), prior to filing the design with the Commission for approval.
3.3.3.3 Cumulative Effects
We consider the geographic scope of cumulative effects on aquatic
resources to be the Similkameen River basin. Non-power development and
other activities contributing to cumulative effects on water quality
include historic and present land use as described in section 3.3.2.3.
Hydropower development at the Similkameen Falls began in the early
1900s with Enloe Dam being constructed in 1920. The powerhouse operated
until 1958, when it was decommissioned and the flashboards removed from
the dam. The proposed Enloe Project would replace the flashboards with
crest gates, increasing the normal operating level of the reservoir by
4 feet, equal to its original operating level.
Cumulative effects on aquatic resources would occur on both
resident and anadromous species in the Similkameen and Okanogan rivers,
with potential effects on anadromous species extending to the Columbia
River. For resident species, primary effects would be associated with
construction-related effects downstream of Similkameen Falls (increased
sedimentation and turbidity), and downstream passage through the
turbines. The Similkameen River already experiences degraded water
quality conditions associated with past mining activities, and high
water temperatures during the summer months. Construction-related
effects could add additional stress to both resident and anadromous
species downstream of the falls, although Okanogan PUD has proposed
measures to reduce construction-related effects, as described above.
These effects would also be of relatively short duration, would subside
after completion of construction, and overall would not contribute
significantly to cumulative effects on the fishery resources of the
basin.
Fish entrainment through the turbines would result in the mortality
of some resident species that attempt to move downstream past Enloe
dam, and could have some effect on resident populations in the lower
Similkameen River, if those populations rely on recruitment from
upstream river reaches to maintain their populations. Okanogan PUD's
proposed intake design would include narrow-spaced trashracks that
would act to exclude larger fishes from passing through the turbines,
but would allow smaller individuals to pass. These smaller individuals,
however, would have higher survival rates than larger fish, and any
mortality may not significantly affect the downstream population.
Smaller/younger cohorts of fish populations typically have higher
natural mortality than older cohorts, so any turbine-related mortality
may not be detectable in the downstream population. Okanogan PUD is
also proposing to monitor fish entrainment at the project, to determine
the effectiveness of the proposed intake
[[Page 28552]]
design, so overall, any turbine-related mortality would not contribute
significantly to cumulative effects on the resident fishery resources
of the basin.
Anadromous species occurring in the Similkameen River immediately
downstream of the project include the UCR steelhead (listed species),
Chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon. These species enter the Columbia
River from the Pacific Ocean and migrate over nine downstream
hydropower dams on the Columbia River, before reaching the Okanogan
River and tributary Similkameen River. These species use the plunge
pool at the base of Similkameen Falls as summer holding habitat prior
to spawning, but the falls blocks any further upstream migration.
Spawning for these species occurs in the lower Similkameen River or in
the Okanogan River. The proposed tailrace would discharge into the
plunge pool, but should have no negative effect on the holding habitat
in the pool, and would result in water quality improvements associated
with the reduction in TDG, and the maintenance of adequate DO levels as
a result of air injection in the turbine draft tubes. The turbine draft
tubes would also be equipped with barrier nets to prevent adult
steelhead from swimming into the draft tubes and contacting the turbine
blades. The project would operate in a run-of-river mode and would
implement specific ramping rates when operations are changed, so
proposed project operations would not result in excessive water level
fluctuation in the lower Similkameen River. Other enhancements proposed
by Okanogan PUD include construction of enhanced side channel habitat
for juvenile salmonids, and spawning gravel supplementation in the
lower river. In all, proposed project operations and enhancement
measures would result in a positive cumulative effect on the anadromous
salmonids occurring in the Similkameen River. Any beneficial effects on
Similkameen River salmonids resulting in increased production could
also be observed in the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers, as any increased
production could result in increased adult returns to those rivers.
3.3.4 Terrestrial Resources
3.3.4.1 Affected Environment
Vegetation
The Enloe Project area is located in the Similkameen River Valley,
within the Okanogan Highlands Province (Franklin and Dyrness, 1973).
This valley is a transitional zone between the Cascade Mountains to the
west and the Okanogan Highlands to the east. Columbia Basin steppe
vegetation reaches its northernmost extension in this valley.
Vegetation is a complex mosaic of three steppe vegetation units,
including the big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass association, the
bitterbrush/Idaho fescue community, and the threetip sagebrush/Idaho
fescue community. Soil, slope, aspect, topography, and grazing
practices influence the distribution of these communities within the
valley.
Previous botanical studies conducted in the vicinity of the project
include a vegetation mapping study conducted along the Similkameen
River in 1984 by FWS for the Corps and vegetation studies conducted for
the 1991 license application by the Okanogan PUD. Additional vegetation
and habitat mapping and riparian vegetation studies were conducted by
Okanogan PUD in 2006. The 2006 studies were completed in consultation
with state and federal agencies responsible for the management of
terrestrial biological resources of the Similkameen River.
Five major vegetation communities were identified within the
project area: Shrub-steppe; upland meadow; riparian forest; riparian
shrub; and herbaceous wetland. Other minor communities included areas
of rock, unconsolidated shore, developed land and open water.
The shrub-steppe community primarily occurs throughout the project
area on hillsides above the dam along the eastern side of the
reservoir. Smaller communities are located immediately downstream of
the dam along both sides of the Similkameen River. It is the most
extensive community, covering approximately 27 acres. Native shrub-
steppe communities have been diminished in both extent and condition as
a result of overgrazing by livestock, invasion of non-native plants,
agricultural conversion, and wildfire suppression. Most extant shrub-
steppe may appear to be in a natural condition, but it is actually a
considerably altered ecosystem, compositionally and functionally
different than pre-European settlement conditions (Altman and Holmes,
2000).
Dominant species in this community include big sagebrush, threetip
sagebrush, bitterbrush, grey rabbitbrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and
Idaho fescue. Other common grass and forb species include Sandberg's
bluegrass, cheatgrass, arrowleaf balsamroot, and prickly pear. Within
the shrub-steppe community, the bitterbrush/Idaho fescue community is
found on steeper slopes with coarse soils, while the big sagebrush/
bluebunch wheatgrass is found on gentler slopes. Invasive exotic
species, including knapweeds, thistles, and tumble mustard, are also
common, particularly in disturbed sites.
A deciduous component of the shrub-steppe community occurs in draws
and the steepest slopes of the hillsides on both sides of the river.
Common shrub species in these areas are smooth sumac, serviceberry, and
Wood's rose. Rocky Mountain maple occurs in some stands of this
community. Scattered ponderosa pine trees occur within the shrub-steppe
community, particularly with the deciduous component.
The upland meadow community occurs where shrub-steppe vegetation
has been cleared and replaced by grasses and forbs. Cheatgrass usually
dominates in these areas. Common grass and forb species include Idaho
fescue, knapweeds, and tumble mustard. This community occupies
approximately 4.3 acres of the project area and occurs primarily at two
locations. Both of these locations are old homestead sites, with the
larger situated near Enloe dam on the east bank of the river. These
areas are also used for grazing livestock.
Riparian forest in the project area consists of stands of woody
vegetation from 12 to 80 feet tall. This community occupies
approximately 2.9 acres in the project area and is found primarily
along the reservoir. The largest stand is on the east bank of the river
at Enloe dam. The dominant tree in this community is black cottonwood,
but quaking aspen and water birch contribute to overstory canopy in
some areas. Common understory trees and shrubs include willow, red-
osier dogwood, chokecherry, black hawthorn, Rocky Mountain maple, and
mountain alder. Common herbaceous species include clematis, rushes,
sedges, and horsetail. Introduced species such as maple, juniper,
yucca, and lilac are found at the former homestead site near Enloe dam.
Stands of riparian forest on the east side of the river burned in
1991. Many of the larger black cottonwoods are at least partly dead,
although resprouting is occurring. These stands are important as they
provide crucial habitat, especially to species that are not well
adapted to living in the arid grasslands and forests that dominate this
part of the region. Cottonwoods grow quickly and die relatively young.
They often provide cavities and snags, which are important to a variety
of wildlife species. These snags may eventually fall into the stream,
where they help create cover and pool habitat for fish and other
aquatic creatures. In this capacity, fallen or dead trees help to
stabilize stream banks and prevent erosion and siltation of streambeds.
[[Page 28553]]
The riparian shrub community consists of woody vegetation that is
less than 12 feet tall. This community occupies approximately 7.4 acres
in the project area and is found primarily along the east bank of the
reservoir where the slope is gentle. It also occurs as a narrow fringe
elsewhere along the reservoir and the Similkameen River, including the
proposed side-channel enhancement site about 5 miles downstream from
Enloe dam. Willow stands, varying in size from bands of seedlings or
small shrubs to large dense thickets, provide over 75 percent of the
total shrub canopy cover. The dominant willow species are Bebb willow
and yellow willow. Other species in this community include red-osier
dogwood, chokecherry, clematis, smooth sumac, and young black
cottonwoods.
The herbaceous wetland community is found on wet or seasonally
flooded areas. This community occupies approximately 3.5 acres in the
project area and occurs in scattered patches on low-elevation terraces
immediately adjacent to the reservoir. Dominant species are perennial
grasses, including reed canary grass and bluegrass. Other species
include cattail, horsetail, milkweed, and knapweed. Woody species found
in these areas include Wood's rose, red-osier dogwood, black hawthorn,
and willow, but they provide less than 5 percent of the cover in this
community.
Several types of unvegetated areas are found in small portions of
the project area. These areas include rock outcrops along the hillside
slopes, bare soil, and sand and gravel bars (unconsolidated shore)
along the reservoir shoreline. Unconsolidated shore areas were mapped
as 5.0 acres in the project area. An unconsolidated sand and gravel bar
area exists at the outfall of the proposed side-channel enhancement
location where it connects to the mainstem Similkameen River. Some
sandbars support a sparse herbaceous cover and overlap with the
herbaceous meadow community. The open water of the reservoir and the
Similkameen River downstream of Enloe dam occupy much of the project
area (76.8 acres and 4.2 acres, respectively).
Developed areas exist within the project area. These areas include
the dam itself, the old powerhouse, and various roads. These areas are
also unvegetated and represent 0.5 acre in the project area.
Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds and other exotic and invasive plant species are
defined as those plants listed by the Washington State Noxious Weed
Control Board under Washington Administrative Code 16-750 and adopted
by local county boards. They are classified as A-, B-, or C-rated
plants according to their current distribution and degree of threat,
with A-rated being of highest concern.
Weed species have already infested the Enloe dam area and are
currently targeted for eradication/reduction. These include three Class
B weeds (houndstongue, diffuse knapweed, and sulfur cinquefoil), as
well as one Class C weed (babysbreath).
Other weeds, such as thistles and tumble mustard, are common in the
shrub-steppe and upland meadow communities, particularly along
roadsides and disturbed sites. Invasive and noxious plants do not
appear to be spreading into forested lands or other less-disturbed
habitats.
Sensitive Species
In July 2006, Okanogan PUD conducted floristic surveys for
sensitive species on all undeveloped land comprising the Enloe dam
project area. The entire project area from the upstream end above
Shanker's Bend to the downstream end below the existing powerhouse was
surveyed. In most areas, the project boundary does not extend much
above the ordinary high water line. Okanogan PUD conducted additional
vegetation surveys along the proposed new access road in 2007 and the
proposed side channel enhancement site in 2009.
Habitat for two sensitive plant species, Ute ladies'-tresses, which
is state-listed as endangered and federally listed as threatened (see
section 3.3.5, Threatened and Endangered Species), and Snake River
cryptantha, which is state-listed as sensitive, occurs in the project
area. No sensitive plants were observed.
Wildlife
The Okanogan Basin and Similkameen Subbasin are important
ecological corridors for migratory megafauna. Species such as mule deer
use the north-south corridor that connects the dry landscapes of
Canada's interior with the grasslands to the south. In addition to
megafauna, this corridor is a crucial part of the flight path for many
species of birds during annual migrations in the Pacific Flyway between
summer and winter ranges.
The Enloe Project vicinity supports a variety of waterfowl, aquatic
furbearers, and amphibians. Prominent among the waterfowl are mallards,
common mergansers, and greater and lesser scaup. Canada geese are
resident in the project vicinity and small numbers may nest along the
water in the project area.
Beaver is the most prevalent aquatic furbearer, feeding primarily
on willow found in the riparian shrub and tree habitats bordering the
reservoir. Amphibian observations are infrequent in the project area
due to limited habitat suitability. Amphibian species that may be
present in the project vicinity include Pacific tree frog, Columbia
spotted frog, western toad, long-toed salamander, tiger salamander, and
spadefoot toad. No amphibians were observed during reconnaissance
surveys carried out in August 2006.
Riparian habitat, generally recognized as having a high diversity
of wildlife species, supports a number of song birds best represented
by the western flycatcher, eastern king bird, American robin, Bullock's
oriole, cedar waxwing, and various species of warblers, sparrows, and
woodpeckers. The upland area contains habitats dominated by sagebrush,
bitterbrush, serviceberry, and rock outcrops, which support mule deer,
yellow-bellied marmot, black-billed magpie, and ground-nesting species
such as the introduced chukar partridge and the native California
quail. Reptiles are also common in these habitats including western
rattlesnakes, racers, and gopher snakes.
Wildlife species that use a wider variety of habitat types in the
project area include swallows, vultures, raptors, and coyotes. Common
swallow species in the project vicinity are barn swallows, bank
swallows, and violet-green swallows. Vultures and raptors are primarily
represented by turkey vultures. American kestrels, red-tailed hawks,
sharp-shinned hawks, golden eagles, and bald eagles are also present
but in smaller numbers. Except for swallows, these species may occur in
the project year-round. Swallows only occur in the summer months.
Project area use by most of these species, as well as other less
common species, is greatest in the spring and summer and lowest in the
winter, when many species migrate, move upslope away from the river, or
hibernate. Prominent exceptions are mule deer and bald eagles, which
winter in the project area and remain active in this season.
Sensitive Species
Townsend's big-eared bat, which is a federal species of concern and
a candidate for the State of Washington's threatened and endangered
species list, uses irrigation tunnels adjacent to the proposed access
roads immediately adjacent to or inside the proposed project boundary
as night roosts. During BLM surveys conducted in 2000 in the Enloe dam
area, one male Townsend's bat was observed. Washington DFW
[[Page 28554]]
states that the abandoned powerhouse and penstocks on the west side of
the river (figure 1) may provide suitable habitat for this species.
State-listed wildlife species that may occur within the project
area include the state threatened bald eagle, state endangered sage
grouse, and state endangered Northern leopard frog. The bald eagle was
removed from the federal threatened and endangered species list,
effective August 8, 2007 (72 FR 37,346 [July 9, 2007]); thus, it is not
subject to ESA protection. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is
now the primary federal law protecting the species. This eagle is still
state-listed as threatened in Washington, although it has been
recommended for down listing to sensitive by Washington DFW.
Bald eagles occur along the Similkameen River during most of the
year, but they are most abundant from approximately October to April.
Very small numbers may occur during summer, but no nests have been
located along the river, below Palmer Lake, since 1989. It appears that
most bald eagles observed in the Enloe Project area are recorded as
they cross the area and fly up- or downriver. When present, eagles
range widely within the area depending on water conditions, prey
availability, perch site locations, and human disturbance.
Consequently, although bald eagles may be observed in the Enloe Project
area throughout much of the year, they neither nest nor appear to have
communal roosts there.
The project area is within the historical range of the state-listed
sage grouse, but the nearest existing population of this species is
more than 60 miles to the south.
Potential habitat may be present within the project vicinity for
the state-listed Northern leopard frog. The species typically occupies
waterbodies situated in grassland, scrubland, or forests. Although most
historical occurrences of this species were in the shrub-steppe
community, the project area is well outside the current range of the
species. Additionally, Washington DFW states that the Northern leopard
frog has not been found in Okanogan County for many years and may be
extirpated (ENTRIX, 2009).
3.3.4.2 Environmental Effects
Activities that would be authorized under a license that could
affect terrestrial species and habitats include: effects of proposed
project actions on wetlands, riparian and littoral habitats;
disturbance of vegetation, wildlife, and their respective habitats
resulting from construction, road grading, and grounds maintenance;
effects of water elevation changes on riparian and wetland vegetation;
grazing access; introduction and spread of noxious weeds; and effects
of proposed project actions on wildlife species. As discussed below,
Okanogan PUD proposes measures to reduce adverse effects on terrestrial
resources.
Effects of Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Project
Facilities on Wetlands, Riparian and Littoral Habitats (BOTA-01 Through
BOTA-09)
Okanogan PUD proposes to mitigate the modification of existing
riparian and wetland vegetation by facilitating the rapid development
of riparian vegetation to replace any losses when the low-flow
elevation for the reservoir is increased by 4 feet. This would be
accomplished through the implementation of its Vegetation Plan,
included in the additional information filed on March 2, 2009.
The overall objectives of the Vegetation Plan are to ensure that
Okanogan PUD's proposed measures and agency recommendations are
successfully planned and executed. The Vegetation Plan would establish
the following measures:
Planting riparian vegetation at previously identified
sites along the west and east banks of the reservoir to mitigate for
the temporary loss of habitat while fringe riparian vegetation
establishes along the new low water line;
Abandoning and restoring the existing unimproved shoreline
road along Enloe reservoir to mitigate the effects of project
construction noise and habitat fragmentation;
Planting riparian vegetation along the corridor to
mitigate the effects of the abandoned shoreline road;
Planting riparian species on east and west banks
downstream from Shanker's Bend;
Installing grazing control measures, including fencing, to
protect riparian plantings and other sensitive areas from cattle
grazing;
Monitoring restored areas and replanting if necessary in
accordance with the performance criteria in the Vegetation Plan; and
Employing BMPs to protect riparian and wetland vegetation
to reduce or avoid effects associated with construction activities.
Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan would provide for appropriate
protective measures, if monitoring results show project-related
effects, and also would include employee training and monitoring to
determine whether the measures are effective. The Vegetation Plan would
provide for adaptive management, based on monitoring results and would
outline consultation with the agencies and provision of annual reports
on plan activities, with the opportunity to update the plan, as needed.
Okanogan PUD's proposed BMPs for resource protection, cutting and
planting methods for riparian trees and grasses, grazing controls,
noxious weed maintenance, vegetation monitoring, and training would be
included as part of the plan to ensure that riparian areas are
developed and become more valuable areas for wildlife.
Okanogan PUD prepared the Vegetation Plan after consultation with
FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW to address the measures that would be
taken to facilitate the development and protection of riparian
vegetation that is otherwise expected to occur naturally. As such,
Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan would incorporate all the measures that
BLM and Washington DFW recommend, except a BLM recommendation for
additional sensitive plant species surveying above and below the dam.
FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW recommend that Okanogan PUD prepare a
vegetation resources management plan that would include the measures
contained in the Vegetation Plan, but would also include measures
specifically addressing the restoration of riparian habitat lost,
degraded, or disturbed by project construction, operation, and
maintenance using a 3:1 ratio. Okanogan PUD replied that its Vegetation
Plan would provide the appropriate replacement ratio with a net
increase in riparian habitat over what currently exists.
BLM, FWS, and Washington DFW further recommend that Okanogan PUD
monitor restored areas (upland sites, riparian and wetland sites) every
year for 5 years and continue monitoring every 5 years thereafter and
replant sites as necessary. Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan includes
provisions for monitoring of restored areas of sites that may convert
from upland meadow to herbaceous wetland.
Our Analysis
Development and implementation of Okanogan PUD's environmental
measures contained in its Vegetation Plan for shoreline vegetation
would mitigate or reduce the effects of project construction,
operation, and maintenance on associated wetlands and riparian habitats
and would provide a benefit to wildlife species that use the riparian
habitats within the project area.
Overall, implementation of Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan would
represent
[[Page 28555]]
a reasonable level of effort to mitigate the effects of increasing
reservoir surface water elevation that would inundate 0.4 mile of
riverine and wetlands habitat at Shanker's Bend. Okanogan PUD's
Vegetation Plan includes provisions for monitoring of restored areas of
sites that may convert from upland meadow to herbaceous wetland.
Restoration of these habitats under this plan would provide a net
increase in riparian habitat over what currently exists. Monitoring
restored areas every year for 5 years after license issuance for
success, with replanting if necessary, would be an appropriate measure
to ensure effectiveness of habitat restoration.
Disturbance of Vegetation and Wildlife Resulting From Construction,
Road Grading, and Grounds Maintenance (BOTA-03, BOTA-04, BOTA-08
Through BOTA-10, and WILD-02)
Okanogan PUD proposes to abandon and restore a 2,000-foot-long
segment of the existing unimproved shoreline road traversing riparian
habitat along the east bank of Enloe reservoir. This area would be
restored to natural condition through the implementation of Okanogan
PUD's proposed Vegetation Plan. Abandoning and restoring this segment
of the road is intended to help mitigate the effects of project
construction by eliminating the current disturbance of wildlife by
vehicular traffic and associated noise and removing the current
interruption between upland and riparian habitat posed by the road.
Aquatic/riparian species, such as beaver, waterfowl, and other riparian
birds, and upland species, such as coyotes, deer, snakes, and birds
that forage in both upland and riparian areas, would be expected to
benefit.
Okanogan PUD proposes in its Vegetation Plan to plant woody
riparian vegetation along the abandoned shoreline road. BMPs to protect
riparian and wetland vegetation would also be employed. Measures such
as flagging and temporarily fencing any wetland and riparian vegetation
in the vicinity of the project would reduce or avoid accidental
impacts. Okanogan PUD proposes to provide a biological monitor to check
construction sites on a weekly schedule to ensure that protected areas
are not disturbed and that fencing is intact. It further proposes to
limit construction and maintenance-related disturbance of sensitive
habitats by concentrating construction activities with the loudest
noise to occur in summer and early fall. This measure would minimize
potential effects on noise-sensitive species, such as over wintering
birds and bald eagles as much as possible.
BLM recommends, in addition to the measures contained in the
Vegetation Plan, that Okanogan PUD develop a wildlife management plan
that would include a measure to plant fast-growing native shade
producing trees along the reservoir, such as native willows, alders,
and/or cottonwoods. While a formal wildlife management plan was not
developed, Okanogan PUD addresses facilitating the rapid development of
riparian vegetation in its Vegetation Plan. Several other related
recommendations made pertaining to wildlife were adopted (see table
23).
Our Analysis
Construction effects on vegetation would be limited to vegetation
removal and possible noxious weed encroachment near the powerhouse and
access road and recreational access areas. Project operation would not
be expected to result in significant effects on the upland vegetation
communities near the powerhouse.
Relocating the existing unimproved access road bordering the east
side of the reservoir approximately 200 feet to the east (up slope)
would not significantly affect wildlife; it would allow riparian
habitat along low-lying sections of the current road corridor to
naturally reestablish, resulting in a net benefit for wildlife and
their habitat. The proposed route would follow an abandoned irrigation
ditch through highly disturbed terrain largely consisting of low
quality rocky habitat and debris.
Effects on wildlife would be minor, consisting primarily of
temporary disturbance or displacement of wildlife during construction.
Most wildlife may temporarily occupy other, nearby similar habitats
during construction. Once the project is complete, the minor and
constant noise associated with the project that could affect wildlife
would be masked by the sound of water flow. Minor impacts would be
associated with installation of crest gates, connection to Okanogan
PUD's nearby power distribution line, and relocation of a portion of
the unimproved access road along the reservoir.
Effects of Water Elevation Changes on Riparian and Wetland Vegetation
(BOTA-01 Through BOTA-05 and BOTA-07)
Okanogan PUD proposes to install crest gates at the dam, increasing
reservoir water level elevations by 4 feet, which would result in the
inundation of approximately 0.4 mile of riverine and wetlands habitat
at Shanker's Bend. BLM comments that the larger reservoir would reduce
vegetation and wetlands along the shore of the current impoundment.
Okanogan PUD maintains that increasing the minimum pool elevation would
shift mesic conditions upslope, but would not necessarily result in a
reduction in suitable habitat.
In response to BLM, FWS, and Washington DFW's recommendations for a
vegetation resources management plan, Okanogan PUD proposes to plant
riparian vegetation at previously identified sites along the west and
east banks of the reservoir to mitigate for the temporary loss of
habitat while fringe riparian vegetation establishes along the new low
water line. It also proposes to plant riparian vegetation on east and
west banks downstream from Shanker's Bend and along the corridor to
enhance the effects of abandoning the shoreline road. Okanogan PUD
would monitor restored areas and replant if necessary in accordance
with the performance criteria in its Vegetation Plan.
Our Analysis
Habitat lost, degraded, or disturbed by project construction,
operations, and maintenance would be restored or replaced along the
Similkameen River. Habitat that is expected to be affected includes the
0.4 acre of riparian and wetland habitat that would be inundated by the
rise in water level elevation. Currently, the herbaceous wetland
community occupies approximately 3.5 acres in the project area and
occurs in scattered patches on low-elevation terraces immediately
adjacent to the reservoir. Although long-term inundation would affect
approximately 12 acres of habitat along the shore of the reservoir,
Okanogan PUD maintains that this does not suggest that all 12 acres of
habitat would be lost. The total acres of vegetated habitat in that
zone, including sparsely vegetated to barren rocky cliff habitat, is 7
acres. The remaining 5 acres of unconsolidated shore and water would
remain. It is anticipated that while some of the habitat may become
unvegetated; some habitat may merely undergo conversion to another
wetland cover type, resulting in a minor long-term impact.
The restoration and subsequent operation of crest gates would
increase the minimum pool elevation and inundate narrow strips of
riparian and wetland habitat along the reservoir for longer periods
than now occurs. Some habitat loss would be short-term and naturally
mitigated as the inundated area would be replaced by the establishment
of new riparian habitat upslope within a few years. Fringe riparian
strips would eventually
[[Page 28556]]
reestablish along the new water line, in response to the higher water
levels. Permanent alteration of about 5.1 acres of wetlands and
riparian vegetation currently occupying seasonally exposed flats or
benches along the reservoir would likely occur.
Under a run-of-river mode of operation, all project outflows would
approximate all project inflows at any point in time. In this operation
mode, a stable water level of the reservoir and stable flow in the
downstream tailrace would be maintained. As such, effects of modified
flows on vegetation and wildlife downstream of the dam would be
negligible.
Implementation of Okanogan PUD's proposed riparian restoration as a
component of its Vegetation Plan would provide a reasonable level of
effort to restore and maintain these affected areas under altered
conditions. The measures proposed to protect, mitigate, and enhance the
affected riparian, wetland, and low-elevation upland habitats would
benefit wildlife in the project vicinity by helping to preserve and
enhance habitats surrounding the sub-basin that are important to
maintaining wildlife populations, including small game species,
migratory birds, and other wildlife.
Effects of Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Project
Facilities on Grazing Access (BOTA-06)
The lands within and adjacent to the proposed project boundary are
currently not fenced. Cattle have free access to the river wherever the
topography allows. Livestock grazing practices have led to trampled
streambanks, increased bank erosion and sedimentation, and changes in
vegetation, including loss of native grasses, effects on woody
vegetation, and establishment of noxious weeds (PNRBC, 1977).
Currently, grazing pressures occur mostly along the eastern side of the
project area.
To protect riparian/wetland mitigation sites for the project from
grazing and trampling damage while mitigation plantings are
establishing, Okanogan PUD proposes livestock fencing for most of the
eastern side of the project area along the Similkameen River between
Enloe dam and Shanker's Bend. An additional security/safety fence
section is proposed for the landward side of the new powerhouse, its
intake at the dam, and the area between the intake and the powerhouse.
Protective enclosures for individual plants would be used to protect
young plantings from consumption by cattle and wildlife, such as beaver
or deer.
FWS and Washington DFW recommend that Okanogan PUD install grazing
control measures, including fencing, to protect sensitive riparian
areas and restored sites. Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan includes a
provision for installing a stock watering tank approximately 300 feet
upslope from the river, just inside the project boundary and north of
the proposed recreation site, as an alternative source of drinking
water for grazing cattle (Okanogan PUD, 2009b). BLM recommends that any
new livestock water development associated with the project include a
wildlife escape ramp.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's proposal to install fencing would protect riparian/
wetland areas while accommodating livestock grazing. Okanogan PUD would
need to consult with BLM, however, regarding finalizing its proposal to
address grazing permittees' access to and use of water, including the
provision of a wildlife escape ramp as part of its Fence Plan
consultation (see section 3.3.6, Recreation and Land Use).
Effects of Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Project
Facilities on the Introduction and Spread of Noxious Weeds Within the
Project Boundary (BOTA-11 Through BOTA-13)
Noxious weeds and other invasive plant species can negatively
affect native plant communities and wildlife, as well as recreation,
aesthetics, cultural values, and economic resources. Several federal,
state, and county policies and regulations have been developed to
address concerns about the spread of weeds, and to guide management of
weeds on private and public lands. Landowners in the state of
Washington are required by state law and various county ordinances to
take steps to control the spread of certain specified noxious weeds on
their property.
Okanogan PUD proposes to include a noxious weed control program as
a component of its Vegetation Plan. This program would include noxious
weed control measures for the proposed construction and management
activities. Monitoring provisions in the vegetation resources
management plan would include monitoring of sites that may convert from
upland meadow to herbaceous wetland.
Okanogan PUD also proposes to include soil disposal and
revegetation measures BOTA-12 and 13, as a component of the Vegetation
Plan to further limit introduction and potential spread of noxious
weeds within the project area. Prior to excavation and placement of
spoil, existing vegetation in construction areas would be cleared and
grubbed and buried in spoil disposal areas.
The spoil disposal areas would be surveyed for the noxious weeds
addressed in the Vegetation Plan and control measures would be
implemented to control any infestations of those species prior to spoil
disposal. Following completion of spoil disposal, the spoil disposal
areas would be hydroseeded with appropriate seed mixes to encourage
revegetation with native upland species and reduce the potential for
noxious weed introduction. These areas would be included in subsequent
weed survey and treatment efforts.
FWS and Washington DFW recommend that Okanogan PUD implement a
noxious weed control program to increase wildlife forage. BLM
recommends the measures proposed in Okanogan PUD's proposed noxious
weed control program be incorporated as a component of its recommended
vegetation resources management plan. This plan would allow inclusion
of additional provisions that, at a minimum, would identify and limit
introduction and potential spread of noxious weeds. Specifically, BLM
further recommends expanding Okanogan PUD's proposed Vegetation Plan to
include surveying; documentation of species occurrences; treatment
method and type of application; post treatment and site rehabilitation;
and long-term prevention and control of noxious and invasive weeds; and
mapping and digital database development.
BLM, FWS, and Washington DFW further recommend Okanogan PUD monitor
restored areas (upland sites, riparian and wetland sites) every year
for 5 years and continue monitoring every 5 years thereafter and
replant sites as necessary. Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan includes
provisions for monitoring of restored areas of sites that may convert
from upland meadow to herbaceous wetland and maintains monitoring
should be discontinued once success criteria have been met.
Our Analysis
Noxious weeds and invasive non-native plants are a growing threat
throughout the west. Diffuse knapweed, in particular, is an invader
species and a serious water quality threat in the Similkameen
watershed. The introduced species crowd out the native vegetation and
create instability along the riverbanks. There are multiple small areas
of noxious weed infestations within the project boundary that would be
controlled, reduced, or eradicated
[[Page 28557]]
through the implementation of a noxious weed management program.
While concentrated along access roads and disturbed areas, weeds
and invasive species are widespread throughout the project area.
Prevention of introduction and spread of weeds relies on early
detection, effective treatment, on-going education of land managers and
the public about weed issues, and proper planning and management of
ground disturbing activities. Monitoring existing weed populations and
patrols to identify new infestations are essential to evaluate the
success of the steps being taken to control and prevent the spread of
weeds.
Without management, weeds would likely continue to spread because
of their tolerance for a variety of soil and moisture conditions, and
their ability to out-compete native plants. Project construction and
maintenance activities and increased human activity, in addition to
wind, water, and animal transport, would continue to serve as vectors
for weed dispersal.
Implementation of Okanogan PUD's noxious weed control program as a
component of its Vegetation Plan would represent a reasonable level of
effort to control existing weed populations and prevent the
introduction and further spread of weeds in the project area.
Implementation of the program would also encourage the growth of native
plant species by preventing encroachment of non-native weeds on
existing plant populations. The adaptive nature of the program would
enable the plan to be responsive to changing conditions such as changes
in weed status, occurrence, or distribution.
Effects of Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Project
Facilities on Wildlife Species (WILD-01 and WILD-02)
Okanogan PUD proposes several measures to protect and reduce
effects on wildlife at the project. Construction activity (WILD-02)
would be timed to minimize effects on over-nesting and over-wintering
birds and bald eagles, as much as possible. Okanogan PUD also proposes
a new 13.2-kV, approximately 100-foot-long primary transmission line
(WILD-01). It would be constructed and connected to the Okanogan PUD's
existing distribution system at an existing pole immediately to the
east of the proposed project location. The existing pole would be
relocated or modified to prevent raptor electrocutions.
FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW recommends that, in addition to the
measures contained in the Vegetation Plan, Okanogan PUD develop a
wildlife management plan that would include a measure to plant fast-
growing native shade producing trees along the reservoir, such as
native willows, alders, and/or cottonwoods. The agencies also recommend
that all dead trees along the reservoir be retained as perch trees
until the planted trees are large enough for raptor use and that the
project transmission line crossing the Similkameen River be visually
marked to prevent avian collision. They further recommend the
installation of 10 artificial perch poles along the reservoir shoreline
and in places where perch trees are sparse or lacking, and an
unspecified number of nest boxes for small birds in areas that lack
snags or natural tree cavities. They also recommend that to avoid
disturbance of Townsend's big-eared bats using project lands, Okanogan
PUD install barriers on irrigation canal tunnels to prevent human entry
while allowing use by bats, and exclude project activities during the
winter bat hibernation period. BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD
institute seasonal restrictions on human activity near active nest
sites of bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, peregrine falcons, and
other raptors on BLM-administered lands within the project boundary.
Washington DFW recommends that the wildlife management plan also
provide a 200-foot-wide buffer around wetlands/riparian habitat.
While a formal wildlife management plan was not developed, several
of the agency recommendations made pertaining to wildlife were adopted
(see table 23). As a component of its Vegetation Plan, Okanogan PUD
would employ BMPs to limit vegetation maintenance in sensitive habitats
to the extent possible. This would include the retention of snags and
dead trees, with the exception of trees that pose a hazard to human and
facility safety. Okanogan PUD states that a previous fire resulted in
the loss of large shoreline cottonwoods and other trees that could
provide perching or cavity-nesting habitat. Okanogan PUD maintains that
the project would not affect perching or cavity-nesting habitat in
areas that lack such habitat and that perch poles and nest box
installation should not be required.
Our Analysis
The construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed
project is expected to have minimal effects on wildlife because the
footprint for the hydroelectric facility would be small and effects on
flows would be minimal. Primary effects would be associated with human
activity and noise associated with project construction and
restoration.
Implementation of Okanogan PUD's WILD-01 and WILD-02 measures would
reduce the effects of project construction and operation on bald eagles
and other wildlife that use the project area. Bald eagle use of the
area is incidental and transient and is not expected to be affected by
the project. Modification to the transmission line pole would protect
wildlife that use the eastern side of the reservoir and reduce the
adverse effects of the power line on raptors and other birds. The
transmission line would not cross the Similkameen River, further
reducing the potential for avian contact (see figure 1).
Okanogan PUD does not propose to remove any non-hazard trees along
the reservoir, including potential perching trees, therefore, no
effects to existing perching habitat are anticipated. Likewise, any
reduction in potential nesting habitat for cavity nesters would be
slight and temporary, as shifts in riparian habitat occur in response
to the new minimum pool elevation and new riparian vegetation
establishes. This would not be a substantial adverse effect and does
not require mitigation. Effects on bald eagles and other sensitive
species would be limited and would be mitigated by measures addressing
shoreline vegetation management, construction timing, and transmission
pole modification. The proposed project would not affect these
habitats. The Vegetation Plan, which includes the abandonment and
natural restoration of the 2,000-foot-long segment of the existing
unimproved shoreline road, would provide the same protection for
riparian and wetland habitats as the 200-foot-wide buffer.
Construction, demolition, and blasting may disturb wildlife in the
immediate vicinity of these activities. Okanogan PUD proposes to time
construction activity to minimize effects on wildlife including nesting
and over-wintering birds and bald eagles, as much as possible. Bald
eagles and other wildlife may be temporarily displaced from the
immediate project area and may avoid perching or feeding near the
project. Because most perch trees are located considerably upriver from
the dam, the disturbance effect should be minimal.
Most habitats in the project area are already affected by some
level of human disturbance, due to existing informal recreational
access. Development of a proposed public access site near the dam would
not substantially increase the level of human disturbance on water-
dependent wildlife within the
[[Page 28558]]
project area. It is likely that some vegetation would be removed or
disturbed for site access and improvement. Much of this disturbance
would occur in previously altered areas or in areas adjacent to
existing facilities. As a result of this disturbance, some wildlife
species that use riparian areas could be temporarily displaced.
Okanogan PUD proposes to provide a biological monitor during
construction to further assist with resource protection.
Once the project is complete, minor noise would be associated with
the operation and maintenance of the hydroelectric facility, but
generally would be masked by the sound of water flowing over the dam or
the falls, or through the tailrace immediately below the dam (water
would not flow over the dam or falls for 10 months of the year, thus it
would not mask noise from operations). Noise levels at the facility
would be fairly constant at all times. Wildlife commonly habituate to
constant noise and human disturbance levels, provided they are not
harassed by people working at the facility. Most wildlife would be
expected to return once construction activities diminish and work is
completed.
Activities related to the construction, maintenance, and increased
recreational use associated with the project may disturb Townsend's
bats, which are highly sensitive to human disturbance. Although not
proposed by Okanogan PUD, Washington DFW recommends installation of
barriers on the project's defunct irrigation tunnels. A recent
inspection in March 2010 noted that the tunnel entrance nearest to
Enloe dam had been blocked by a landslide, and, therefore, would not be
suitable habitat for bats. Tunnel sites near Shanker's Bend and further
upstream probably have more potential for good bat habitat than the
tunnels closer to Enloe dam. These sites are far enough from the
project site that recreational or construction noise would be unlikely
to affect bats.
Under measure WILD-02, Okanogan PUD's proposes to concentrate
construction activities with the loudest noise to occur in summer and
early fall to minimize effects to over wintering birds and bald eagles
as much as possible. This mitigation measure would also serve to reduce
noise impacts to any bats potentially using the area close to the site
of construction.
3.3.5 Threatened and Endangered Species
3.3.5.1 Affected Environment
Aquatic Species
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are listed as threatened by the
FWS and have been reported to occur in the Okanogan River, but are not
found in the Similkameen River. We conclude that bull trout are not
present in the area that is subject to project effects. Therefore, the
proposed Enloe Project would have no effect on the federally listed
Columbia River bull trout.
UCR steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is listed as threatened and the
Similkameen River from its confluence with the Okanogan River to the
Similkameen Falls is designated as critical habitat. UCR steelhead
spawn in the Similkameen River downstream from the falls. In its
February 26, 2010, letter, NMFS stated that UCR steelhead enter the
river from mid-September through April; spawning usually occurs in
March through July. Adults hold in the river from the mouth to the
plunge pool below the falls until spawning takes place. Most of the UCR
steelhead redds are found below Oroville Bridge at RM 5, and above the
cross channel with the Okanogan River. There are no known UCR steelhead
spawning areas within the project boundary. During Okanogan Basin
Monitoring and Evaluation Project surveys of the lower section of the
Similkameen in 2005, 106 UCR steelhead redds were counted; their
density was 18.8 redds per square mile. In 2006, 98 redds were counted,
and their density was 17.4 redds per square mile. Fry emerge from the
gravel between July and September, and move downstream in search of
overwintering habitat in the fall. Juveniles generally rear in
freshwater for 2-3 years before migrating to the ocean.
Terrestrial Species
Vegetation
As previously mentioned, the Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes
diluvialis) could occur within the project area. FWS lists Ute ladies'-
tresses as federally threatened and therefore protected under the ESA
(FWS, 2010). FWS initiated a status review in 2004 for this species,
but no determination has been issued to date regarding a change in
status. No other federally-listed plant species have been found within
the project boundaries. Ute ladies'-tresses is a perennial terrestrial
orchid that flowers from mid-July through August in Washington. It is
found in early to mid-seral vegetation in wet meadows, stream or river
banks, irrigated hay meadows, and wetlands associated with wet meadows,
springs, streams, lakes, irrigation ditches, and reclaimed gravel and
peat mines.
Although this orchid was reported as historically found in riparian
areas in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada when it was listed, existing
populations were known only in Colorado and Utah at that time. Since
1992, populations have been found in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Nebraska,
and at four locations in Washington. One Washington location is in a
periodically flooded alkaline flat. The other three are on stabilized
gravel bars along the Columbia River. Washington populations are at
elevations ranging from 720 to 1,500 feet. No critical habitat has been
designated for this species.
The nearest known population to the Enloe Project is at Wannacut
Lake, approximately 5 air-miles to the southwest. Wannacut Lake is in
the Whitestone Creek watershed, and the Whitestone Creek confluence
with the Okanogan River is approximately 9.8 miles downstream of the
Similkameen River confluence with the Okanogan River. No individuals of
Ute ladies'-tresses or any other species of Spiranthes were observed
during Okanogan PUD's botanical surveys of the project area in 2006,
2007, or 2009. However, the surveys identified two areas of suitable
habitat. An approximately 9-square-foot area at the edge of the
reservoir (Okanogan PUD, 2009d) and a sparsely vegetated area at the
downstream end of the proposed side channel enhancement location,
immediately adjacent to the active Similkameen River channel
approximately 5 miles downstream from Enloe dam, could provide
potential habitat for these species, although Ute ladies'-tresses were
not observed during an October 2009 survey.
Wildlife
FWS lists three wildlife species potentially occurring in Okanogan
County that are federally designated as threatened and therefore
protected under the ESA (FWS, 2010). These species are the Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), and northern spotted
owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Designated critical habitat for two
of these species--Canada lynx and northern spotted owl--is also present
in Okanogan County. Based on literature review and agency
consultations, these species are not likely to occur within the project
area due to the lack of suitable habitat. Effects on these species are
not likely to occur due to their absence within the project area.
[[Page 28559]]
Canada Lynx--The Canada lynx is a medium-sized cat that is highly
mobile and has a large home range. Its population and distribution is
closely tied to its main prey, the snowshoe hare. Populations in
northern boreal regions fluctuate in response to snowshoe hare
population level cycles; however, this cycling has not been found to
occur in Washington (Stinson, 2001).
Canada lynx inhabit moist coniferous forests with cold, snowy
winters. In Washington, the majority of lynx records and evidence of
reproduction are from older lodgepole, subalpine fir, and spruce
forests at elevations higher than 4,000 feet (Stinson, 2001). Based on
Washington surveys, the nearest designated critical habitat for the
Canada lynx is located in existing Lynx Management Zones of the
Okanogan National Forest. The Okanogan Lynx Management Zone contains
extensive stands of lodgepole pine and supports one of the largest lynx
subpopulation in Washington. The project area, however, is not located
within this designated critical habitat.
Furthermore, forests around the project area include shrub-steppe
and riparian species that are located well below elevations typically
occupied by Canada lynx, and are not characterized as forest habitat
that would be considered suitable for this species. Prey opportunities
are also not available at or near roadways, proposed facilities, and
other project features close to the Similkameen River.
For these reasons, the Canada lynx is unlikely to occur in the
project area. No studies were requested or performed by Okanogan PUD to
investigate the presence or status of the Canada lynx in the project
area. We conclude the Canada lynx is not likely to occur in the project
area. The project would have no effect on the Canada lynx, and for this
reason, we do not discuss this species further in this EA.
Grizzly Bear--Preferred habitats of grizzly bears include sub-
alpine meadows and open or semi-open forests, but individuals are very
wide-ranging and can be found in diverse habitats. Dens are typically
located far away from human activity on steep slopes where snow
accumulation is deep and persistent. Seasonal movements often occur
associated with patterns of newly sprouted vegetation, ripening
berries, spawning salmon runs, and the availability of other prey, such
as marmots.
FWS established several recovery zones throughout the western
United States in 1993; the North Cascades Ecosystem Recovery Zone is
the only zone in north central Washington. Current population levels in
this zone are unknown, but are believed to be very low, possibly fewer
than 20 animals (FWS, 2004). Without augmentation, FWS concludes there
is a low likelihood of recovery in the north Cascades (FWS, 2004).
Grizzly bears are unlikely to occur in the project vicinity other
than as a rare transient. Okanogan PUD did not perform and the agencies
did not request any studies to investigate the presence or status of
the grizzly bear in the project area. The grizzly bear is unlikely to
occur in the project area. The project would have no effect on the
grizzly bear, and we do not discuss this species further in this EA.
Northern Spotted Owl--Northern spotted owls inhabit temperate
forests of the Pacific Coast region from southwestern British Columbia,
through the Olympic and Cascade ranges in Washington and Oregon to
north central California. The northern spotted owl is commonly
associated with old-growth or mature conifer forest stands, especially
during nesting, although younger stands that have late-successional
stand remnant structures are also sometimes used, especially during
times of dispersal (Thomas et al., 1990).
Nest sites are generally located in previously excavated cavities
or on platforms in large trees, and northern spotted owls may use nests
built by other species (FWS, 2008). Established pairs normally remain
in the same territories from year to year and foraging areas may reach
nearly 2,500 acres (FWS, 2008). Breeding behavior is generally
initiated in March and continues into June, depending on elevation.
Parental care continues into September and sometimes October, as
fledglings learn to fly and hunt on their own. FWS considers the period
between March 1 and July 15 to be the early breeding season, when birds
are most vulnerable to disturbance. Birds may be less sensitive during
the late breeding season (July 16 and September 30).
The northern spotted owl was listed as federally threatened on June
26, 1990. FWS issued a final recovery plan in May 2008 (FWS, 2008).
Based on Recovery Action 4 of the plan, FWS revised the designation of
critical habitat to provide for a network of managed owl conservation
areas that are of sufficient size and spacing to achieve long-term
recovery of spotted owls. The designation includes only federal lands.
FWS designated managed owl conservation areas in north central
Washington, which includes Critical Habitat Unit 3. It consists of
approximately 115,600 acres in Whatcom, Okanogan, and Chelan counties
and is composed of lands managed by the Okanogan and Wenatchee National
Forests.
The project area is not located within Unit 3; the project area
does not meet the size requirement of small habitat blocks and is not
within the Okanogan National Forest. The forested areas around Enloe
dam and along the access roads and project facilities do not provide
suitable habitat for nesting, roosting, and foraging. No studies were
requested by FWS or other agencies participating in the licensing, and
none were performed by Okanogan PUD to investigate the presence or
status of northern spotted owls in the project area. The northern
spotted owl is unlikely to occur in the Project area. The project would
have no effect on the northern spotted owl, and we do not discuss this
species further in this EA.
3.3.5.2 Environmental Effects
Aquatic Species
UCR Steelhead
We evaluated the effects of Okanogan PUD's proposed measures on
aquatic resources, including UCR steelhead, the only listed fish
species known to occur in project affected waters, in section 3.3.3.2,
Aquatic Resources. As we previously noted, the Similkameen River below
Similkameen Falls is designated critical habitat for the threatened UCR
steelhead, and UCR steelhead use the Similkameen River for spawning,
rearing, and thermal refugia.
Our Analysis
Under the proposed action, fish passage would not be provided at
the dam, and the 370-foot long bypassed reach would only receive a
minimum flow of 10 to 30 cfs during the low flow months,\34\ when most
of the river flow would be diverted through the powerhouse and returned
to the river below the falls. As discussed in section 3.3.3.2, we have
concluded that the Similkameen Falls is a natural barrier to fish
passage preventing fish migration further upstream, so the project
would have no effect on the upstream migration of the UCR steelhead.
Similarly, because steelhead are unable to use the bypassed reach as
habitat, and the reach is not considered critical habitat, there would
be no effect on UCR steelhead by only providing a relatively low
minimum flow in the reach.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\34\ This is Okanogan PUD's alternative minimum flow proposal
based on agreements reached in WQC negotiations with Washington DOE
and Washington DFW, as reported in its filing of October 28, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other recent Okanogan PUD proposals related to the WQC
[[Page 28560]]
negotiations would also have no effect on the UCR steelhead, or would
act to enhance habitat quality for this species. The proposed
temperature and DO monitoring and associated adaptive management
program would ensure that water quality downstream of the project
continues to meet state standards, and adequate quality for the UCR
steelhead. Other measures related to developing appropriate ramping
rates for spillage flow over Enloe dam, and determining a point of
release for the minimum flow from Enloe dam, would have no effect on
UCR steelhead because this species does not occur upstream of
Similkameen Falls.
Overall, Okanogan PUD's proposed environmental measures would be
consistent with the Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead
Recovery Plan developed by the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board to
restore viable and sustainable populations of salmon, steelhead, and
other at-risk species through collaborative, economically sensitive
efforts, combined resources, and wise resource management of the Upper
Columbia region. This plan is an outgrowth and culmination of several
conservation efforts in the Upper Columbia River Basin, including
current efforts related to the ESA, state and tribal-sponsored recovery
efforts, subbasin planning, and watershed planning. In regard to Enloe
dam, the plan does not identify upstream and downstream passage of fish
as being a short-term or long-term action that would contribute to the
restoration of these fish stocks. This conclusion was based on the
uncertainty of fish being able to ascend the falls before the
construction of Enloe dam at that site.
Although Okanogan PUD's overall plans for development of the Enloe
Project would generally enhance aquatic habitat in the Similkameen
River, construction of the project would have the potential to
adversely affect UCR steelhead and UCR steelhead designated critical
habitat. These effects would be associated with: (1) The direct or
indirect effects of blasting activities that may cause mortality or
injury to steelhead adults and juveniles in the plunge pool immediately
below Similkameen Falls; and (2) turbidity plumes and sedimentation,
including potential contaminated sediment, within steelhead habitat,
which could cause injury or mortality of eggs, fry, and juvenile fish
due to smothering or abrasion. Okanogan PUD has proposed several
measures to minimize the effects of construction on downstream aquatic
habitat (the fish salvage plan for blasting, the Spill Response Plan,
the CSMP, the ESCP, employing BMPs, and the Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan). The proposed measures would minimize potential take
of UCR steelhead during blasting activities; however, some take due to
physiological stress, injury, predation, or mortality could still
occur. Development of a fish salvage plan that includes seasonal work
windows, in consultation with NMFS, FWS, and Washington DFW, would
reduce the potential for injury or mortality of steelhead during
capture and relocation activities. Measures to control erosion and
sedimentation would also reduce the potential for effects on steelhead,
but some physiological stress could still occur during unanticipated
releases of turbidity or sedimentation.
Project operations could affect the UCR steelhead, as a result of
some flow fluctuations downstream of the project, and the potential for
adult steelhead to swim into the project draft tubes and impact the
runner blades. The project would be operated run-of-river so that
outflow equals inflow to the reservoir, but there could be some
fluctuations in flow releases as unit operations change or as spill
gates are opened or closed, possibly resulting in the stranding of
redds, fry, and juveniles. Okanogan PUD, however, is proposing a
ramping rate below the project ranging from 1 to 2 inches per hour
depending on the season and time of day. These proposed rates would
minimize any effects related to stranding of UCR steelhead downstream
of the project. Okanogan PUD is also proposing to install draft tube
net barriers to prevent adult steelhead from entering the draft tubes
during operational periods when lower outlet velocities may prevail.
Successful deployment of these barriers would prevent steelhead from
entering the draft tubes and experiencing injury or death by contacting
the runner blades.
Okanogan PUD also proposes habitat enhancement measures in the
Similkameen River downstream of the project, including supplementing
spawning gravel, transporting large woody debris to enhance habitat
diversity, and providing side channel enhancements that would provide
coldwater side channel habitat for steelhead juveniles. Although the
measures would likely enhance aquatic habitat for listed UCR steelhead
downstream of the falls, the risk of incidental adverse effects on
individual fish cannot be entirely eliminated. Some short-term habitat
degradation would occur during construction and implementation of the
gravel supplementation program and side-channel enhancement projects.
All of these proposed measures would entail instream work, which has
the potential to result in injury or mortality of eggs, fry, or
juvenile trout that may be in the direct path of instream equipment, or
during placement of structures and/or gravel in the stream channel, or
create turbidity and sedimentation. In the long term, these measures
would provide benefits to steelhead, such as improved spawning and
rearing habitat in the river downstream of the dam and increased
productivity. Okanogan PUD's proposed biological review process,
fisheries monitoring, and adaptive management program would also
provide long-term benefits for UCR steelhead and UCR steelhead
designated critical habitat, because those programs would ensure that
the proposed mitigation and enhancement measures are being successfully
implemented.
Although long-term benefits would occur as a result of measures
proposed by Okanogan PUD, we conclude that licensing the project would
adversely affect the federally listed UCR steelhead because proposed
project construction and habitat enhancement projects could result in
short-term increases in turbidity and sedimentation and the risk of
injury or mortality to eggs, fry, juveniles, or adults as a result of
runoff from construction and instream use of equipment. Construction of
the tailrace could result in injury or mortality to eggs, fry,
juveniles, or adults caused by capture and transport, relocation, and
blasting. We conclude that the proposed project would not appreciably
diminish the value of designated UCR steelhead critical habitat for
both survival and recovery of this species, but because of potential
impacts on steelhead during the construction period, we will request
formal consultation with NMFS pursuant to section 7 of the ESA.
Terrestrial Species
The following sections summarize our analyses for Ute ladies'-
tresses, which may be affected by project operation or project-related
activities.
Effects of Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Project
Facilities on Federally Listed Species and Their Habitats (BOTA-14 and
WILD-03)
Habitat for the threatened Ute ladies'-tresses has been identified
within the project area. Okanogan PUD did not observe this species in
surveys of the project area it conducted in 2006, 2007, and 2009. The
survey of the proposed side-channel enhancement site was conducted in
October 2009, outside the typical mid-July through August flowering
period when Ute ladies'-tresses can be distinguished from other
[[Page 28561]]
plants; Okanogan PUD states, however, that the species may still be
flowering or fruiting as late as October.\35\ BLM states that Okanogan
PUD's plant surveys were not adequate to determine the presence or
absence of Ute ladies'-tresses. In response to agency concerns about
its plant surveys, Okanogan PUD proposes to conduct an additional 3
years of surveys for Ute ladies'-tresses prior to construction (BOTA-
14). Surveys for this species would be conducted in the summer/fall and
would be timed to correlate with the flowering period for the Ute
ladies'-tresses. Okanogan PUD would also take the following measures
that would protect the Ute ladies'-tresses: employ BMPs to limit
vegetation disturbance in sensitive riparian and wetland habitats to
the extent possible, control noxious weeds, conduct an environmental
training program for its employees, and provide a biological monitor
during construction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\35\ The 2006 survey was conducted in July and the 2007 survey
was conducted in July-August.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FWS, Washington DFW, and BLM recommend additional surveys, using
FWS and BLM's protocols, for Ute ladies'-tresses and other threatened
and endangered plant species as a component of their recommended
vegetation resources management plan. BLM further recommends that the
section of the vegetation resources management plan, which expands on
Okanogan PUD's proposed Vegetation Plan include surveying,
documentation of species occurrences, evaluation of impacts, and
mapping and digital database development.
FWS and Washington DFW recommend that Okanogan PUD survey and
document threatened and endangered plants within 1 year of any license
issuance and every 5 years thereafter for the duration of the license
term. The agencies further recommend that Okanogan PUD monitor known
threatened and endangered plant habitat at 5-year intervals and
evaluating the effects of any new ground-disturbing activities or
substantive changes in project operation on listed plants and their
habitats prior to implementation of the activities or changes in
operation. Okanogan PUD would be required to evaluate the adequacy of
the vegetation resources management plan and update the plan as needed.
Our Analysis
Habitat for Ute ladies'-tresses has been identified within the
project area along the reservoir and near the proposed side-channel
enhancement area. According to Fertig et al. (2005), perennial stream
and riverine habitats occupied by this species typically have short
vegetative cover maintained by grazing, periodic flooding, or mowing.
In the absence of disturbance or as sites become drier, streamside wet
meadow habitats may become encroached by riparian shrub or woodland
vegetation. Ute ladies'-tresses populations may persist for a short
time in the grassy understory of woody riparian shrublands, but do not
appear to thrive under these conditions.
An approximately 9-square-foot area at the edge of the reservoir
could support Ute ladies'-tresses, although no plants were found in
Okanogan PUD's 2006 and 2007 surveys. Okanogan PUD states that any Ute
ladies'-tresses present along the reservoir would be adversely affected
if they occur in the area that would be permanently inundated by the
proposed crest gate operation and if they are unable to establish at
the new water line (Okanogan PUD, 2009d).
Suitable Ute ladies'-tresses habitat has also been identified at
the proposed side-channel enhancement site. Okanogan PUD's October 2009
survey of the site did not identify this species. Okanogan PUD
anticipates temporary disturbance of vegetation at the side-channel
enhancement site to install the well pad, buried pipeline, and one
power pole for a distribution line to the well, and proposes to
minimize disturbance to the extent practicable. The disturbed area
would not exceed 40 feet in width within the lower 400 feet of the
channel. Along the pipeline route, the disturbance area is assumed to
be a 10-foot-wide by 300-foot-long corridor. Operation and maintenance
activities at the side-channel enhancement site would likely be limited
to activities at the well. The footprint of the proposed construction
and subsequent operation and maintenance activities could be adjusted,
if necessary, to avoid adversely affecting any Ute ladies'-tresses
identified in additional surveys.
Okanogan PUD's 2006 and 2007 surveys of the Enloe dam and reservoir
area were adequate to identify suitable Ute ladies'-tresses habitat and
were likely adequate to determine the presence of the species, although
it is unclear whether Okanogan PUD's were conducted using protocols
acceptable to FWS and BLM. Therefore, there would likely be no adverse
effects on Ute ladies'-tresses as a result of inundation of the 9-
square-foot-area of suitable habitat at the edge of the reservoir.
However, Okanogan PUD's surveys of the suitable habitat at the proposed
side-channel enhancement site were not conducted at the optimum time to
identify the species.
In order to ensure the protection of threatened and endangered
plant species, we agree with Okanogan PUD, FWS, and BLM that additional
surveys should be conducted before land-clearing or land-disturbing
activities, both in the Enloe dam and reservoir area and the side-
channel enhancement site.
Monitoring of known threatened and endangered plant habitat and
evaluating the effects of any new ground-disturbing activities or
substantive changes in project operation would reduce any potential
effects on threatened and endangered species such as the Ute ladies'-
tresses and their habitat. Preparing and implementing a monitoring plan
after consultation with FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW would ensure that
the 3 years of additional surveys are adequate to determine the
presence or absence of Ute ladies'-tresses and other listed species. If
the surveys identify a listed species in areas that would be affected
by the proposed project, developing a plan, after consultation with the
agencies, to avoid or minimize adverse impacts would be appropriate. We
conclude that licensing the project, with staff's recommended measures,
would be not likely to adversely affect the Ute ladies'-tresses.
3.3.6 Recreation and Land Use
3.3.6.1 Affected Environment
The proposed project boundary includes about 2.75 miles of the
Similkameen River. The proposed upstream project boundary extends
upstream from the dam (RM 8.80) approximately 2.50 miles (RM 11.30);
the downstream extends 0.25 mile to encompass a short reach of the
tailwater (RM 8.55).
Recreation
Regional Recreation Opportunities
As we've said, the Enloe Project is located in north-central
Washington about 2 miles south of the Canadian border and 3.5 miles
northwest of the city of Oroville on the Similkameen River in Okanogan
County (figure 5). BLM manages the recreation resources that provide
recreational opportunities within the Enloe Project area. The BLM's
Spokane District, Wenatchee Field Office, manages the informal Miner's
Flat area located about 3 miles upstream of Enloe dam and 0.25 mile
upstream of the project boundary. Dispersed camping occurs on the Flat,
which includes several informal fire rings created by recreational
users, and there are several trails and a rough road
[[Page 28562]]
that provides access to the river. Similkameen Camp, another primitive
campground maintained by the BLM, is located approximately 2.25 miles
upstream from the project boundary.
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[[Page 28563]]
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BILLING CODE 6717-01-C
[[Page 28564]]
No formal or developed recreation facilities are located within the
Enloe Project area. The nearest developed campground is about 4 miles
east of Enloe dam, in Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park.
Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park is a 47-acre camping park on
a 14-mile-long lake that stretches several miles north into British
Columbia.
The park has 86 standard camping sites, one dump station, two
restrooms (one accessible) and two showers, a park office, small store
and entrance kiosk. Recreational activities include camping,
picnicking, boating, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird
watching, and horseshoe pits. Winter activities in the park include ice
skating, snow playing, and ice fishing.
Washington DFW owns two river access sites on the Similkameen River
upstream of the Enloe Project area. The site known as Cutchie
4 is located about 7 miles west of Oroville on the Loomis-
Oroville Road. The site is surrounded by private land and is accessible
only from the river; it has no developed facilities. Another site known
as Cutchie 3 is located about 1.5 miles south of Nighthawk on
the Loomis-Oroville Road.
The Loomis-Oroville Road in the vicinity of the Enloe Project area
is designated as a segment of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic
Trail (Scenic Trail). The Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile-long multi-use
recreation trail that runs from the Continental Divide in the Rocky
Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association
constructed and maintains the Scenic Trail. A new Okanogan County
Nighthawk Scenic Trail (non-motorized trail) is currently under
construction and follows the abandoned railroad bed and Similkameen
River between Oroville and Nighthawk for a total of 12.5 miles. The
portion of the trail that has been completed can be accessed from the
City of Oroville and travels 3.5 miles to a scenic view of Similkameen
Falls at about RM 8.5 and just outside of the lower end of the proposed
project boundary (Okanogan County, 2010). The corridor of the old
railroad bed for the Great Northern Railroad runs through the
Similkameen River Valley, roughly following the west bank of the
Similkameen River from the railroad trestle bridge located about 2
miles below Enloe dam. The old railroad bed passes through the proposed
project boundary and goes through a tunnel near the upstream end of the
Enloe Project area. BLM owns and manages most of the Great Northern
Railroad corridor within the proposed project boundary.
The Water Trail Committee is developing a work plan for a water
trail catering to canoes and kayaks in the Columbia River Basin. The
route of the proposed trail would include the Similkameen River from
the Canadian border to the confluence with the Okanogan River at
Oroville. The Water Trail Committee, working with federal, State, and
local partners, proposes to develop infrastructure, including launch
sites, directional signs, educational signs, sanitary sites, and
campsites.
Extreme Adventures and Alpine Fishing Guides, a commercial
outfitter, provides raft floating and fishing trips on the Similkameen
River. This outfitter provides three experiences, including: (1) A
scenic flat water float that starts at the Canadian border and ends
near Nighthawk or at Washington DFW's Cutchie 3 site
(mentioned above); (2) an introduction to whitewater experience that
starts at Miner's Flat and ends at Shanker's Bend; and (3) a trip that
runs through Enloe Dam Canyon, which starts below Enloe dam and the
falls and provides some whitewater experiences depending on the season.
Regional Comprehensive Plans
In terms of regional recreational management goals, Washington
State Recreation and Conservation Office (2008) identified the
following policy statements in its Defining and Measuring Success: The
Role of State Government in Outdoor Recreation, A State Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Planning Document:
Recognize outdoor recreation sites and facilities as vital
elements of the public infrastructure, essential to the health and
well-being of Washington citizens, and important to visitors;
Assist local and state agencies in providing recreation
sites and facilities that benefit our citizens' health and well-being;
Provide adequate and continuing funding for operation and
maintenance needs of state-owned fish and wildlife habitat, natural
areas, parks, and other recreation lands to protect the state's
investment in such lands;
Work in partnership with federal agencies to ensure the
availability of a variety of opportunities and settings for outdoor
recreation;
Encourage the private sector to contribute needed public
recreation opportunities; and
Encourage all agencies to establish a variety of financial
resources that can be used to significantly reduce the backlog of
needed outdoor recreation, habitat, and open space projects.
Recreation Opportunities Within the Enloe Project Area
There are no formal, developed recreation sites within the project
boundary. Public use of undeveloped dispersed recreation sites consists
primarily of individuals who access the shoreline for fishing, hunting,
swimming, paddle sports (i.e., canoeing, kayaking, and river rafting),
picnicking, camping, hiking, biking (road touring and mountain biking),
ATV riding, horseback riding, gold prospecting, bird and wildlife
watching, photography, and scenic driving. Winter activities include
fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing when
weather allows.
On the east side of the river, two access roads to project lands
spur off of Loomis-Oroville Road. These access roads are not maintained
for passenger vehicles. The Enloe Dam Road or downstream access road is
a steep, one-lane road that contains exposed embankments, heavy ruts,
and active erosion areas. This county road is unsafe for passenger
vehicles and lies partially within the Enloe Project boundary. The
upstream access road or OTID Road provides informal access to the river
corridor and the reservoir shore for public use . Heavy brush impedes
clearance, and the road is heavily rutted and steep in places. The
upstream access road is impassable during the spring and early summer
due to the spring runoff and remains muddy for some time after the peak
flow period.
Informal/unimproved reservoir access ramps are located just
upstream from the safety barrier. The old powerhouse eastbank access
road now provides pedestrian access only to the shoreline area below
the dam for boaters, miners, anglers, and hikers. An informal/
unimproved parking area is located near the top of the dam from which
emerge informal user-created trails providing access to the reservoir
above the dam and some dispersed camping areas on the east bank of the
reservoir.
The steep terrain limits access to the shoreline on the west bank
of the Enloe reservoir and downstream of the dam. Below the dam and the
falls, the Similkameen River is confined between nearly sheer rock
walls until the canyon opens just below the railroad trestle about 2
miles downstream from Enloe dam. This downstream canyon area is
accessible only on foot from the east bank, via informal user trails.
Access to the west bank is limited because the old rail bed crosses
private land and is gated. From the west bank, access crosses private
land and occurs via game trails and existing hiking trails
[[Page 28565]]
leading to the river from the rail grade, which sits nearly 100 feet in
places, above the river. The only other means of access is by boat.
Recreation Use Within the Enloe Project Area
Shore fishing and boating are the most popular activities inside of
the Enloe Project area. In the past, fishing for steelhead and Chinook
salmon has been popular downstream of the falls, and some trout and
bass fishing has also taken place there.
During high water periods, the river attracts a limited number of
whitewater enthusiasts who run the river above Shanker's Bend and below
the dam. As water levels drop and the temperatures warm, the river sees
more relaxed water-based recreation. Rafting, kayaking, and inner-
tubing have been observed both above and below Enloe dam in the Project
area. Swimming near Shanker's Bend and floating in the canyon below the
dam are popular activities during these periods. Boaters and floaters
use a number of informal, user-developed access points in the Project
area. Some users walk down the old access road on the east bank of the
river to launch rafts, kayaks, and inner tubes just below the waterfall
downstream of the dam.
Okanogan PUD conducted one visitor intercept survey between June 1
and October 15, 2006, to coincide with the peak recreational use,
particularly to encompass the recreational gold mining season, to
gather information to estimate visitor use of the Enloe Project area.
Because the survey was conducted during only one recreational use
season (2006), Okanogan PUD assumed that 2006 was an ``average''
recreational use year. Recreational use estimates were based on 59
survey records completed with respondents in the field on 21 days from
June 1 through October 15, 2006. Surveys were conducted on weekdays,
weekend days, and ``peak'' days (selected holiday weekends).
Survey results indicate that use of the Enloe Project area is
estimated at 1,378 user days during the June 1-October 15 peak
recreation season. Table 14 provides Okanogan PUD's estimate of monthly
user-days during the June-October recreation season. Use peaks quickly
in July and remains at a fairly constant level from August through
October. Outside of the Enloe Project area the most popular
recreational activity is gold prospecting followed by boating, shore
fishing, and sightseeing. Most of the mining and camping activities
occur outside of the Enloe Project area.
Table 14--Estimate of User Days by Month for the Project Area
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimate of user
days
Month -------------------
Number Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June................................................ 190 13.8
July................................................ 346 25.1
August.............................................. 267 19.4
September........................................... 278 20.2
October............................................. 297 21.6
-------------------
Total............................................. 1,378 100.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 15 indicates estimated user days by type of day. In this
area, weekend and weekday use levels are similar, but peak days show a
marked increase in use.
Fishing occurs mainly in the lower reaches of the Similkameen River
near Oroville; however, many anglers walk down the old access road on
the east bank of the river to fish just below the dam. Okanogan PUD
reported that as many as 30 people have been seen at one time fishing
below the falls. In response to surveys, visitors expressed the
importance of the river corridor below the dam and falls for fishing,
gold prospecting, and sightseeing; a desire for safety features or
assigned a high priority to the provision of additional facilities; and
a need for picnic facilities, vault toilets, garbage collection, and
improved river access.
Table 15--Estimate of User Days by Type of Day for the Project Area
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per
Type of day Number day
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peak days\a\..................................................................................... 540 14
Weekend days..................................................................................... 190 6
Weekdays......................................................................................... 648 6
--------------
Total.......................................................................................... 1,378
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Days coinciding with holidays or recreational events, including Fourth of July (4 days), Northwest Miner's
Rally (3 days), Labor Day/Blues Festival (3 days), and first weekend of deer hunting season (2 days).
Although thirty-three respondents (60 percent) reported staying
longer than one day at the project area, only two of the parties
surveyed actually camped within the Enloe Project area due to the
absence of developed facilities.
Land Use
The proposed Enloe Project boundary is generally defined by the
1,055-foot elevation contour. The boundary extends 0.25 mile downstream
from Enloe dam, following the 1,055-foot elevation contour to include
the falls and the site of the proposed powerhouse, tailrace, and
associated facilities. The Enloe Project boundary deviates from the
1,055-foot elevation contour to accommodate rehabilitation of the OTID
Ditch Road. In that area, the Enloe Project boundary has been set 100
feet landward of the OTID Ditch Road's upper leg; it does not maintain
a specific elevation.
Agriculture, grazing, and recreation are the primary land uses in
the Enloe Project vicinity. A number of orchards, vineyards, and a
public golf course are located along the Loomis-Oroville Road. The
Enloe Project area is unfenced open range, and the BLM lands in the
immediate vicinity of the Enloe Project are generally leased for
grazing (figure 6). The bulk of the private land in the Enloe Project
area is owned by a livestock company. There are a few residences in the
Enloe Project vicinity, mainly along the Loomis-Oroville Road. Most
active land uses are some distance from the Enloe Project area, with
the nearest located about 1 mile downstream. There are no lands
designated as prime or unique farmlands within the FERC boundary.
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[[Page 28566]]
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[[Page 28567]]
Mining was once a dominant land use in the region; however,
commercial mining activity in the Similkameen Valley in Washington has
been very limited during the past 25 to 35 years. Several small
individual mining claims exist on BLM lands in vicinity of the Enloe
Project. Recreational gold prospecting (small-scale placer mining;
conducted primarily with motorized suction dredges) is popular within
the river corridor.
One of the largest commercial mines in the area was the Kaaba-Texas
Mine, located several miles upstream of the project area, near the
community of Nighthawk. The mine operated from the late 1890s until
1951, and discharged tailings directly into the Similkameen River until
1946. In 1999, the EPA removed and disposed of approximately 81,000
cubic yards of contaminated mine tailings from the mine site.
Land Ownership
The Enloe Project boundary encompasses approximately 136.4 acres,
including the proposed raised Enloe reservoir, river corridor extending
downstream from the dam 0.25 mile, and shoreline generally to the
1,055-foot elevation contour. The project boundary deviates from the
1,055-foot elevation contour to accommodate work that the Okanogan PUD
proposes to build a new access road.
Table 17 shows land ownership within the Enloe Project boundary.
Public agencies own and manage the majority of the land, with the
exception of a portion of a single parcel (comprising about 0.15
percent of the area) held privately.
Table 17--Land Ownership Within the Proposed Enloe Project Boundary
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land owner Acres Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLM................................................. 35.47 26.00
Washington DNR...................................... 100.76 73.85
Private............................................. 0.20 0.15
-------------------
Total............................................. 136.43 100.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydropower generation was the primary land use in the Enloe Project
area from 1906 until 1958. A hydropower facility was first constructed
in 1906 at the falls on the east bank of the Similkameen River, across
from the present powerhouse. That facility was replaced by the existing
dam and power plant, which began construction in 1916 and was completed
in 1923. The facility ceased operations in 1958 for economic reasons.
Most of the project structures, including the dam, the powerhouse, one
of two penstocks, and the power line, still exist. Portions of the
foundation of the original power house are still extant, as well.
At one time, the OTID transported irrigation water through the
Enloe Project area via a system of canals and flumes, and some of the
structures remain in place. That system has been replaced by a
pressurized distribution system, and the point of withdrawal has been
transferred from the Similkameen River, 7 river miles upstream of the
dam, to Lake Osoyoos, 3.5 miles southeast of the Enloe Project. The
Oroville Golf Club maintains a pumping station and pipeline within the
project area to provide irrigation water for its course. With the
exception of the golf course facilities, no irrigation facilities in
the Enloe Project area are currently in use, and there are no other
water rights on the Similkameen River.
In accordance with the Washington's Shoreline Management Act of
1971 (WSMA), Washington State has designated the Similkameen River and
associated shoreline areas as shorelines of the state, which are
subject to the provisions of Okanogan County's Shoreline Master Program
(Okanogan Shoreline Program). In Okanogan County, shorelines of the
state include water areas and shorelands extending 200 feet landward,
on a horizontal plane, from the ordinary high water mark, or the 100-
year floodplain, whichever is greater. The WSMA and the Okanogan
Shoreline Program provide for protection of shoreline functions and
values, including physical and visual access to the shoreline.
The Okanogan Shoreline Program designates all of the shoreline area
within the proposed Enloe Project boundary as ``Conservancy.''
According to the Okanogan Shoreline Program, the Conservancy areas
contain a resource capable of sustained yield. Forest products,
hunting, fishing, agriculture, and many types of recreation are
examples of uses compatible with this environment. The intent of this
environment is to maintain the existing character of the shoreline.
Access
Highway access to the Enloe dam area is via the Loomis-Oroville
Road. Located in a remote rural area, the road carries little traffic.
Traffic counts for Loomis-Oroville Road range between 112 and 166
average daily trips according to 2005 traffic counts by Okanogan
County.\36\ Two access roads (the Enloe Dam Road and the OTID Road),
connect the Loomis-Oroville Road to the dam site.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\36\ An average daily trip is the average number of vehicles
that cross a given surface during a specified 24-hour period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.3.6.2 Environmental Effects
Recreation
Recreation Management Plan (REC-13)
Okanogan PUD proposes to implement a Recreation Management Plan to
address recreational issues associated with the project. The plan
includes 12 measures for recreation and three measures for safety and
access to the project areas. This Recreation Management Plan was
developed in coordination with the BLM, NPS, Washington DNR, the
Washington RCO, and tribal agencies that use lands within the project
area. Lessees that use project lands for grazing were also invited to
participate in the preparation of the RMP. The various measures within
the plan are discussed below.
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD complete a final Enloe Recreation
Management Plan after consultation with BLM and the Park Service.
Abandon Portion of Existing Road Along the Shoreline and Restore
Existing OTID Road To Provide Access (BOTA-03)
[[Page 28568]]
Okanogan PUD proposes to restore the OTID Road by smoothing out
bumps, filling potholes, and adding vehicle turnouts to allow vehicles
traveling in opposite directions to safely pass one another. A 2,000-
foot-long segment of the existing access road (Shoreline Road) located
along the east bank of the impoundment would be abandoned and closed to
vehicle traffic (figure 7). The roadway would be relocated
approximately 200 feet to the east (up slope) to protect wetlands,
reduce effects on cultural resources (for effects of project proposals
on cultural resources see section 3.3.8.2, Cultural Resources,
Environmental Effects), and make the road more accessible during
spring, summer and fall months for all users. The new roadway segment
would follow the alignment of an old irrigation canal road.
Large rocks would be placed at both ends of the abandoned roadway
segment to prevent vehicle access. Pedestrian use of the abandoned road
would be discouraged until riparian vegetation planted in that area has
become established. Other existing unimproved spur roads in the project
area would also be closed to vehicles by blocking entry points with
large rocks. All parties have agreed that additional design details on
the access road and any proposed crossing structures would require
consultation.
[[Page 28569]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.006
Although the access road would not be plowed on a regular basis
during the winter, Okanogan PUD may clear the road periodically to
access project facilities for maintenance and operations purposes.
[[Page 28570]]
Consistent with Okanogan PUD's proposal, BLM recommends improving
an existing access road for public access into the Enloe dam area and
abandoning and relocating a segment of the existing road that would be
subjected to seasonal flooding under the proposed project operations.
BLM also comments that the Commission should develop and analyze an
alternative access road configuration that does not affect the OTID
right-of-way.
Our Analysis
The realignment of a 2,000-foot-long segment of the existing access
road located along the east bank of the impoundment would improve
recreation at the project by providing enhanced access to project lands
and waters. However, it is unclear in Okanogan PUD's application
whether the entire public access road (OTID Road) between the Loomis-
Oroville Road and the proposed project boundary (approximately 4,000
feet) would also be maintained to the same standard. Although, Okanogan
PUD proposes to make improvements to the entire access road from the
Loomis-Oroville Road to the dam, it does not intend to bring the entire
access road into the proposed project boundary. Brining the entire
length of the access road from the Loomis-Oroville Road to the dam
would ensure that the entire access road is maintained by the licensee
for project operation as well as recreational access. Incorporating the
4,000-foot stretch of this road including a 50-foot-wide corridor and
turnouts would add approximately 5.0 acres of land to the proposed
project boundary.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to construct an access road is in a portion
of the OTID right-of-way. Okanogan PUD has consulted with OTID, and
OTID has agreed that the proposed access road would not conflict with
the OTID's interest or affect any facilities in current use. The two
parties have come to an agreement that would allow Okanogan PUD to
construct an acceptable access road to the project dam. A final
agreement would be negotiated after the licensing decision. Therefore,
we do not see a demonstrated need for Commission staff to develop and
analyze an alternative access road configuration at this time.
During the winter season, Okanogan PUD would not regularly plow or
maintain the access road for visitors but states it may clear the road
periodically to access project facilities for maintenance and
operations purposes. Access to project waters was evident during the
site visit in January 2009, when Commission staff noted that there was
a fisherman downstream of the dam. Therefore, there is a need for more
periodic maintenance of the roadway in the winter to allow visitors to
project lands and water. Development of an established plowing schedule
with signs posted at the beginning of the access road would have a
direct beneficial effect on winter recreation users by providing
enhanced access to project lands and waters.
Fence Plan (REC-01)
Safety/Security Fence--Okanogan PUD proposes to remove the existing
chest-high chain-link fence, approximately 100-foot-long, that
separates visitors on the east bank of the river from the dam and the
lower reaches of the impoundment and install a new fence (at least 6
feet high) along the upland perimeter of the power generating
facilities and tailrace (figure 8). The fence would be constructed of
small mesh chain-link material finished in traditional galvanized zinc
or coated in brown vinyl. A top rail would be installed to keep the
fence from sagging. Authorized personnel would have keys to access
selected locked gates. Signs warning the public about high voltage and
other hazards would be posted on appropriate fence locations.
Cattle Fencing--Okanogan PUD proposes to install an 8,000-foot-long
cattle fence along the eastern boundary of the project boundary from
Shanker's Bend to Enloe dam. At its northern end, the cattle fence
would tie in to a rock outcrop just south of the apex of Shanker's Bend
and an access point through the fence would be provided for
pedestrians. Cattle would have access to the river just upstream from
the rock outcrop. At its southern end, the fence would tie in to
another rock outcrop just east of the proposed powerhouse. The
configuration of the cattle fence would be consistent with BLM
guidelines for livestock fencing installed in areas inhabited by common
ungulate species. The fence would consist of no more than four, well-
stretched horizontal wires with the top wire no more than 42 inches
above the ground. The other wires would be spaced evenly no less than
8-, 16-, and 24-inches below the top wire.
The grazing lessee has an existing water right to withdraw water
from the river for stock watering purposes. Okanogan PUD proposes to
install a stock watering tank approximately 300 upslope from the river,
just inside the project boundary and north of the proposed recreation
site, as an alternative source of drinking water for all grazing cattle
with rights to this area. The tank would be supplied with water from an
existing pump and waterline located on the east bank of the river. The
pump and waterline are owned by one of the grazing lessee Okanogan PUD
would monitor the need to install a security fence around the pump and
electrical power system to discourage vandalism and theft if they
become problems.
A cattle guard would also be installed where the cattle fence
crosses the main access road to the dam. The cattle guard grid would be
designed to bear the maximum expected vehicle load (which may include
construction equipment). A gate (accessible only by authorized
personnel) would be installed where the cattle fence crosses Enloe Dam
Road.
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BLM recommends non-barbed wire be used near the recreation area or
the addition of crossings as needed for safe access to project lands
and waters. In addition, BLM recommends prior to building the proposed
Enloe Project fence, Okanogan PUD develop and implement a plan to
provide water outside the fenced area for the use of livestock that are
authorized to graze on BLM-administered public lands within and
adjacent to the Enloe Project.
Our Analysis
Three ranchers have rights to graze cattle on BLM land within the
proposed project boundary. Because there are no fences to limit or
control livestock access, cattle freely roam the entire site. The
grazing lessee has an existing water right to withdraw water from the
river for stock watering purposes. Cattle access the river for drinking
water wherever the topography allows. Okanogan PUD's Fence Plan
implemented in coordination with its vegetation resources management
plan would be consistent with BLM's recommendations. The proposed fence
configuration would protect wildlife and vegetation within the project
area while still allowing access to recreation users. Injury to fawns
and yearling deer who often try to move between lower fence wires would
be reduced and adult deer could easily jump a fence with a top wire 42
inches above the ground. However, continued consultation with BLM and
lessees who have the water rights would ensure the fence meets BLM
standards and cattle are still able to access water within the project
area. In addition, Okanogan PUD's proposal to install a stock watering
tank north of the proposed recreation area would provide an alternative
source of drinking water for all grazing cattle with rights to this
area. A written agreement to provide water for all three lessees'
cattle at this proposed watering site would also ensure all three
ranchers' cattle would have an alternative source of water.
Barriers to Restricted Areas--Okanogan PUD proposes to install
locked gates and rock barricades to limit vehicle access by
recreational users. The proposed barriers and access restrictions are
described below:
Locked metal gates would be installed at the upper end of
Enloe Dam Road to prevent unauthorized vehicles from using the road.
The road is very steep and is not maintained for passenger vehicles.
Visitor access to the project area would be via OTID Road. Because
Enloe Dam Road is a county road, Okanogan PUD would work closely with
Okanogan County on plans to close the road to public vehicle access.
Pedestrians would be able to walk along the road; however, they would
need to use the pedestrian access at the north end of the recreation
area to access the new recreation site and areas below the dam.
Okanogan PUD staff and other authorized personnel would
have keys to the locked gates. Okanogan PUD does not propose to install
a gate at the entrance to the main access road off Loomis-Oroville
Road.
A locked metal gate would also be installed at the
intersection of the one-way loop road within the proposed recreation
site and the new access road to the area below the dam. Only Okanogan
PUD staff and authorized personnel would have keys to open the gate.
Large rocks spaced approximately 3 feet apart would be used to prevent
visitors from attempting to drive around the gate. Visitors (including
those portaging rafts, canoes, kayaks and mining equipment) would be
able to access the area below the dam by using a trail to be located
near the west end of the gate.
Consistent with Okanogan PUD's proposal, BLM also recommends
installing barricades and fencing to prevent unauthorized access to
closed areas.
Our Analysis
Finalizing and implementing the Fence Plan after consultation with
BLM and stakeholders as part of the proposed Recreation Management Plan
would improve prevent damage to wetlands and proposed riparian/wetland
mitigation sites by preventing cattle from entering the proposed
recreation site and keeping recreation users out of sensitive
vegetative areas. A key schedule developed by Okanogan PUD in
consultation with stakeholders would also ensure the appropriate
entities had keys to access project facilities.
Recreation Access Below Enloe Dam (REC-02)
The construction of the new power generation facilities would
require upgrading or replacing portions of the abandoned road, which
currently provides foot access to areas below Enloe dam, including the
rocky area above the falls and the lower reaches of the Similkameen
River.
The area downstream of the dam contains dispersed trails made by
visitors who access different areas below the dam depending on the
activity they are taking part in (fishing, hiking, photography, mining,
and kayaking/rafting/canoeing). Okanogan PUD proposes to designate and
improve a single trail for public recreation access to the river below
Enloe dam. Okanogan PUD would allow hikers and visitors portaging
watercraft or recreational mining equipment (on foot) to use the
improved access road between the recreation site and the powerhouse.
Okanogan PUD also proposes to improve approximately 350 feet of the
existing trail located between the access road to the powerhouse and
the southernmost interpretive display. The trail would be widened to
approximately 6 feet, leveled, smoothed, and surfaced with gravel to
provide barrier-free access to all users.
In addition, Okanogan PUD proposes to make limited improvements to
an existing footpath that extends between the trail described above and
the edge of the river. Large obstacles would be moved or avoided, and
the path would be widened and smoothed where possible. The path would
also be marked to increase its visibility and enhance public safety.
Other existing footpaths leading from the upper trail to the river's
edge would be closed by placing rocks at the existing entry points to
discourage use.
BLM recommends providing recreation access below Enloe dam and
rebuilding the footbridge.
Our Analysis
Options for providing access to the river corridor below Enloe dam
(including portage options) are limited by site factors (including
steep, rocky terrain on both sides of the access corridor and the
confined river channel). Generation facility design and security
requirements also limit options for improving access to areas below the
dam. Okanogan PUD proposes to designate and improve a single trail
within the proposed project boundary for public recreation access to
the river below Enloe dam. The improved path would provide easier
access to those carrying kayaks or prospecting equipment and provide
overall enhanced access. Anglers would also be able to access the
popular fishing areas below the falls using the improved footpath. The
proposed improvements would enhance access to lands and waters
downstream of the dam and provide for the effective launching of boats
below the falls.
At this time, Okanogan PUD does not propose to provide public
access to the west bank of the river as a part of the Recreation
Management Plan. Okanogan PUD states it would be receptive to proposals
to restore the footbridge across the river if a proponent and source of
funding were to come forward. Okanogan PUD would continue to
[[Page 28573]]
coordinate with federal and state agencies and local historical
societies to explore funding sources for restoring the footbridge (see
Land Use ``Non-motorized Trails and West Side River Access'' for a full
analysis).
Transfer Ownership of Trestle Bridge (REC-03)
Okanogan PUD proposes to continue collaboration with the County
towards development of the County's proposed 12.5-mile non-motorized
public access trail on the railroad bed along the west side of the
Similkameen River between Oroville and Nighthawk. This trail is
currently under construction with the first 3.5 miles having been
completed, running from the City of Oroville to a scenic view of
Similkameen Falls at around RM 8.5, which lies just outside of the
lower end of the proposed project boundary. Okanogan PUD has provided
easements through its property to the County with the following
conditions: (1) The first phase of the trail would terminate prior to
reaching the downstream end of the project boundary--that is, the first
phase of the trail would not run adjacent to the project boundary; and
(2) Okanogan PUD retains the right to use the bridge and the railroad
bed to reach the dam site for project maintenance and operations.
Okanogan PUD also plans to coordinate with the Department of Public
Works regarding road approaches and signage.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD transferred ownership of the trestle bridge to
Okanogan County for the development of a future public, non-motorized,
recreational use trail. The rail would provide a beneficial effect to
users who would be able access to the west side of the Similkameen
River and Enloe Project area for possible informal, dispersed
recreational activities.
Improvements to Existing Informal Boat Ramp (REC-04)
Okanogan PUD proposes to install a new formal boat launch in
approximately the same location as the primitive put-in/take-out area
now used by recreational boaters on the reservoir. The boat launch
access road would be accessed from the loop road at the new recreation
site. The road to the boat ramp would be approximately 14 feet wide and
surfaced with gravel. The road would be accessible to both vehicles
with trailers and people carrying watercraft on foot. The boat ramp
would be constructed of gravel geoweb materials or concrete planks.
Changing water levels would be accounted for in the design of the ramp.
If necessary, a trash deflector would be installed to protect the boat
ramp from floating debris. A vehicle and trailer parking area would
also be located in the new recreation site.
Rock barricades would be installed along both sides of the access
road to the boat ramp to prevent vehicles from entering the adjacent
woodland area. The rock barricade would consist of three-man rocks \37\
placed approximately 3 feet apart.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\37\ A three-man rock is defined as a rock weighing 750-3,500
pounds and measuring approximately 24 to 36 inches on each side.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLM recommends improving the existing informal boat ramp at Enloe
dam, consistent with Okanogan PUD's proposal.
Our Analysis
These improvements would facilitate access for current and future
recreation use at the project. By implementing the proposed
enhancements in areas where recreational use is most concentrated,
within 1.5 miles of the dam, recreation access at the project would be
increased and areas for the effective launching and retrieving of boats
would be improved.
Clean Up and Restore Wooded Area on East Bank (REC-05) and Remove
Existing Trash and Conduct Annual Cleanup (REC-07)
Okanogan PUD proposes to remove existing trash from the following
areas: (1) the wooded area on the east bank of the reservoir, just
above Enloe dam; (2) the OTID Road access leading from the Loomis-
Oroville Road to the dam site; and (3) unimproved beaches within the
project area, including Shanker's Bend and area below the dam.
Okanogan PUD proposes to clean up and restore the wooded area on
the east bank of the impoundment, just upstream of the dam on BLM land,
to enhance visitor experience. Clean up would include removing trash,
auto bodies, and other debris from within the wooded area. Restoration
would include planting native vegetation appropriate to the site in
areas that have been degraded by vehicle use and informal camping.
Okanogan PUD proposes to coordinate with user groups and area civic
organizations to arrange an annual clean-up to remove trash and dumped
materials that accumulate within the project boundary. Signs stating
Okanogan PUD's ``Pack it In/Pack it Out'' policy would be installed at
the entrance to the OTID Road off Loomis-Oroville Road and at a
conspicuous location within the new recreation site upstream of the
dam.
Okanogan PUD personnel would visit the site several times each
month, and if trash or illegal dumping exist, they would be removed as
soon as practical.
BLM recommends cleaning up and restoring the wooded area on the
east bank as well as removing existing trash and conducting annual
cleanup events consistent with Okanogan PUD's proposal.
Our Analysis
The proposed clean-up plan for the wooded area on the east bank of
the river and removal of existing trash and an annual clean up plan
would address the litter and sanitation concerns expressed by the
visitors in response to Okanogan PUD's recreational surveys. The
proposed plan would have a direct beneficial effect on the recreational
experiences of visitors by providing annual litter pickups, site checks
on a regular basis, and signage to encourage users to carry-in/carry-
out.
Develop an Interpretive Publication (REC-06)
Okanogan PUD proposes to develop an interpretive publication that
would include a map of the project area in consultation with Okanogan
County, the Greater Columbia Water Trail Steering Committee, and other
interested parties. The interpretive publication would identify the
locations of developed recreational facilities and inform visitors of
appropriate locations to park, load and unload recreational equipment,
portage, and camping areas. The map would include recreation sites and
access areas and be suitable for printing as a stand-alone piece that
could be posted on an information board.
The design of the publication would follow the style guidelines
that would be developed in the Aesthetic Resources Plan (see section
3.3.7 Aesthetic Resources) and be consistent with other interpretive
signs (REC-11) and information boards (REC-12) at the project.
Okanogan PUD's proposal is consistent with BLM's recommendation to
develop an interpretive publication.
Our Analysis
Finalizing and distributing an interpretive publication after
consultation with stakeholders as part of the proposed Recreation
Management Plan would establish a consistent method to provide visitors
with information about the project and recreation sites within the
project area. Development of such a publication
[[Page 28574]]
would increase public safety and awareness at the project.
Develop Parking Area, Including Vault Toilet and Access Road (REC-08),
Install Picnic Tables (REC-09), and Develop Primitive Campsites (REC-
10)
Okanogan PUD proposes to develop a one-acre recreation site located
in a relatively flat area next to the riparian woodland just upstream
from the dam. Okanogan PUD chose this site because it is heavily
disturbed and would not affect known cultural resources in the area.
The design concept for the recreation site is a one-way access road
that would circulate traffic in a counter clock-wise direction. The
access road would be approximately 14 feet wide and would be surfaced
with gravel. A gravel surfaced parking area able to accommodate up to
five standard vehicles and two vehicles with trailers would be located
on the southern half of the site. Large rocks would be used as needed
to direct traffic, protect facilities, and designate the parking areas.
Due to space and topographical limitations, vehicles with boat trailers
would be required to pull in and back out of the parking area. One
vault toilet would be constructed for recreational users at the south
end of the parking area.
Okanogan PUD also proposes to install picnic tables in two areas on
the east side of the new recreation site near the parking area. The
areas would be designated for day-use picnicking, although overnight
campers would be able to use the picnic facilities as well.
The first site (Picnic Area I) would be located in the southeast
corner of the recreation site outside of the loop road (figure 9). This
area is slightly wooded providing natural shade and views toward the
dam. Two tables would be spaced approximately 25 to 50 feet from each
other to provide privacy. The second picnic area (Picnic Area II) would
be located in the northeast corner on the outside of the loop road.
This site provides overlooking views of the placid water of the
reservoir. Two picnic tables would be clustered together to accommodate
larger groups. Parking for both picnic areas would be provided in the
parking area located at the south end of the recreation site inside the
loop road (Figure 9).
Okanogan PUD would develop four primitive campsites near the
parking and picnic areas described above. Each campsite would be
approximately 25 feet wide and 50 feet long. The campsites would
provide for pull-in parking and include ample space to accommodate a
tent site. Rock barriers would be installed to serve as curbstops and
define the boundaries of individual campsites. A picnic table and steel
fire ring would be provided at each campsite and be surrounded by 3
feet of gravel in all directions to reduce fire danger. Campsites would
be available on a first-come, first-served basis and overnight stays
would be limited to a maximum number of 14 consecutive stays. Okanogan
PUD's overnight stay policy would be clearly posted on an information
board at the recreation site and at each campsite. Campsites would be
designed to provide barrier free access to all users.
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[[Page 28576]]
Okanogan PUD proposes it would, either directly or indirectly
through a formal partnership, be responsible for maintaining
recreational assets in an acceptable condition through routine
maintenance, repair and replacement.
Recreation features would be inspected during normal maintenance
visits and any recreation features that are identified as broken or in
need of repair would be repaired or replaced. The repair of recreation
features, which could include the replacement of certain items, would
be conducted on an as-needed basis as soon as practical after being
identified through regular facility inspections.
BLM recommends developing a parking area, installing a vault
toilet, installing picnic tables, and developing primitive camp sites
at the recreation site consistent with Okanogan PUD's proposal. BLM
also recommends that Okanogan PUD provide recreation site grounds
maintenance and consult with BLM to develop a schedule for site
maintenance, facility replacement, modifications, or upgrades to the
administered recreation sites at Enloe dam and Miner's Flat. In
addition, BLM recommends Okanogan PUD clear and keep clear to an
adequate width all lands along roads and trails and dispose of all
temporary structures, unused timber, brush, refuse, or other material
unnecessary for the purposes of the Enloe Project that result from
maintenance, operations, or alteration of the Enloe Project facilities.
Trees that have died or had portions die should be removed or pruned to
minimize hazards to the public. Prior to removal, trees would be
evaluated for wildlife value and a determination made of the
appropriate action. Trees that have been removed should be replaced by
planted seedlings of species native to the area.
Our Analysis
The development of this small recreation area is consistent with
the low level of current and anticipated use. Survey results indicate
that use of the Enloe Project Area is estimated at 1,378 user days
during the June 1 to October 15 survey period.
Okanogan PUD developed a Recreation Needs Assessment, dated April
2009. The Recreation Needs Assessment projected the needs and capacity
data for the project area through the year 2050 using peak use
estimates.
The peak day-use projection for campers visiting the survey area in
2030 under Okanogan PUD's high growth scenario is 15, which would be in
balance with the capacity available at the project site once the
campsites are developed. The 2050 peak day demand is anticipated to be
38 percent of the total survey area capacity, including the primitive
campsites available 3 miles upriver at Miner's Flat. This suggests that
peak day demand for camping facilities at the project would be exceeded
in 20 to 30 years. Thus, it appears there would be sufficient capacity
to accommodate anticipated future demand for camping in the area of the
project.
The proposed sites would be appropriate given current recreational
use at the project. Recreation access would be improved at the project
by providing formal campsites and picnic areas in the areas where
recreational use is concentrated. The addition of a vault toilet would
ensure that human waste is handled in a manner that would protect
environmental and aesthetic resources. The addition of picnic tables
and primitive campsites would assist in defining areas for recreational
activity and would concentrate recreational use in these intended
areas. This would reduce the current adverse effects on surrounding
natural and cultural resources from recreational activities that could
cause ground compaction, vegetation loss, and erosion. Similarly, the
designation of parking spaces for recreational users would reduce
impacts on natural and cultural resources. Although grounds maintenance
is already included in Okanogan PUD's day-to-day operation and
maintenance activities finalizing the Recreation Management Plan after
consultation with stakeholders and filing the plan with the Commission
for approval would establish a maintenance protocol to provide visitors
with clean and safe recreation facilities.
Interpretive Signs and Information Board (REC-11 and REC-12)
Okanogan PUD proposes to place at least three interpretive signs
(display panels) in areas accessible to visitors at the project. The
purpose of these panels would be to develop visitor understanding of
the cultural, historical, and biological resources in the project area
and enhance visitor experience. Sign designs and locations would be
consistent with those specified in the HPMP and would be finalized in
consultation with BLM and the CRWG during the design phase.
The preliminary list of proposed sign locations and topics are as
follows: (1) One display panel at or near the old bridge tower, below
the falls, the focus of which would be the history of power generation
at the site; (2) one display panel at or near the 1906 powerhouse
foundation at the end of the new access road, the focus of which would
be native legend about the falls and fish; and (3) one display panel
near the parking and picnic area, which would have smaller versions of
the two other panels and interpretive information about the environment
(e.g., wetland, riparian, and shrub-steppe functions and values) around
the project area.
The exact locations of the signs may change slightly to ensure that
they do not obstruct views of other project features and are placed in
appropriate locations relative to the features being interpreted.
Okanogan PUD also proposes to develop an information board in
addition to the interpretive signs. At a minimum, the information board
would include a map showing recreational features in the project area,
visitor rules, and safety information.
BLM recommends the development of the interpretive signs and an
information boards consistent with Okanogan PUD's proposal.
Our Analysis
Finalizing and implementing the plan for interpretive signage and
information board after consultation with BLM and the CRWG, as part of
the proposed Recreation Management Plan, would enhance the recreational
experience by providing visitors with information about the project as
well as important safety messages. In its proposed Recreation
Management Plan, Okanogan PUD identified likely locations, themes,
stories, objectives, and options for structures and sign displays
within the project boundary. Because Okanogan PUD states that specific
displays would be subject to alteration based on the outcome of
consultation, a final Recreation Management Plan filed with the
Commission for approval would ensure that the proper consultation has
occurred and that the final site-specific information could be assessed
properly.
Additional Measures To Improve Public Safety
In the interest of promoting public safety for all those who
participate in recreational activities within the project area,
Okanogan PUD proposes following additional safety measures.
Maintain Warning Signs, Safety Cable and Grab Ropes (SAFETY-01)
In consultation with BLM, Park Service, FWS, Washington RCO,
Washington PC, Washington DNR, CRWG, Washington DFW, Washington DOE,
Okanogan County Planning and Development Office, the Colville, Greater
Columbia Water Trail Coalition, Pacific Northwest Trail Association,
[[Page 28577]]
Washington Water Trails Association, Wenatchee Valley Museum and
Cultural Center, and grazing lessees, Okanogan PUD proposes to install
a 1,500-foot long canoe/kayak portage trail. Paddlers would be able to
identify the portage trail by signs informing boaters and paddlers
where take-outs are located. Portage signs would be large enough to
direct canoeists and kayakers to safe take-out locations.
Okanogan PUD also proposes to continue to maintain the existing
signs and system of safety cables and grab ropes above the dam. The
existing system of safety cables and grab ropes is located more than
300 feet upstream of Enloe dam and the proposed intake channel at a
narrow point in the reservoir. The cables and grab ropes serve as a
means of restraint and escape for people who are approaching the
spillway and are not able to exit the water at the boat launch as
directed by instructional signs and warnings.
Finally, a log boom would be placed at the entrance to the intake
channel to serve as a restraining barrier for any boaters or swimmers
approaching the intake channel.
Allow Limited Public Access to the Project Area During Construction
(SAFETY-02)
Okanogan PUD proposes to allow limited public access to the project
area during the 2.5-year construction period. Public access would be
limited to areas upstream of the dam, outside of the construction and
staging areas. Access to the primitive put-in/take-out area in the
riparian wooded area would be available during most of the construction
period. During periods when the put-in/take-out area would not be
available for use, a sign would be placed upstream to alert boaters to
use an alternate take-out location.
Because of safety and liability concerns, the area along the east
bank of the river (extending approximately 250 feet above the dam and
550 feet below the dam), including all areas of active construction and
materials stockpiling, would be off-limits to the public until major
construction activities are completed. The off-limits area would be
completely enclosed by a temporary chain link security fence. Signs
would be erected at the entrance to main access road, alerting visitors
that construction activities are taking place and that portions of the
site may be closed to public use. Okanogan PUD would continue regular
site inspections during periods of active construction.
Identify Options for Preventing Public Access to the Old Powerhouse
(SAFETY-03)
Okanogan PUD proposes to coordinate with BLM, the state of
Washington, and private land owners, as appropriate, to identify
options for preventing public access to the old powerhouse. Options
include installing fencing and/or gates at key access locations on the
west bank of the river between the powerhouse and the old railroad.
Warning signs with the words ``Danger'' and ``No Entry'' could also be
installed at key locations. The fencing and signage could remain in
place until another party has assumed ownership and management of the
powerhouse or until the powerhouse and penstock are demolished and
removed. Okanogan PUD would allow 5 years before the powerhouse is
demolished to identify potential partners to restore the old powerhouse
for interpretive opportunities (see section 3.3.8, Cultural Resources,
for more discussion of this issue).
BLM recommends improving public safety by maintaining warning
signs, safety cables, and grab ropes, allowing limited or controlled
public access to the Enloe Project area during construction, and
preventing or appropriately managing public access to the old
powerhouse.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD has a responsibility for public safety and ensuring
public access under parts 12 and 2.7 of the Commission's regulations.
The proposed measures listed above to improve public safety are
reasonable and appropriate to ensure public safety at the project.
Public safety at the proposed new recreation site and other areas
within the project area is also under the jurisdiction of law
enforcement agencies, including the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office.
It would be appropriate for Okanogan PUD to also coordinate with the
local county sheriff's office and other emergency response entities to
ensure that an appropriate level of public safety exists within the
project area.
Recreation Management Plan (REC-13) and Monitoring
Okanogan PUD proposes to review, update, and/or revise the RMP if
the FERC Form 80 monitoring indicates significant changes in recreation
use and or conditions or substantial differences in uses versus
capacity of recreation facilities. Changes would also be implemented if
monitoring results indicate resource objectives are not being met. Any
updates to the RMP would be made after consultation with BLM and filed
for final Commission approval.
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD conduct annual and periodic
recreation plan monitoring. Within 90 days of license issuance, BLM
recommends Okanogan PUD develop an Annual Visitor Use and Monitoring
Form, in consultation with BLM. This form would be used to record
visitor use; maintenance, both performed and needed; and report on the
recreation facilities and recreation use within the Enloe Project area.
The report would be submitted to BLM by December 1 each year for review
and approval.
Every 6 years, starting with the issuance of an Enloe Project
license, Okanogan PUD should review and evaluate information regarding
recreation needs and report recreation use levels. Use levels would be
documented by means of site visits and staff observations. Okanogan PUD
would also conduct monitoring, using the Commission's FERC Form 80.
BLM recommends that every 5 years, Okanogan PUD review, and if
necessary, update the final Recreation Management Plan. If the Form 80
monitoring, the Annual Visitor Use and Monitoring Form, or other
sources identify issues, problems, or significant changes to
recreational use levels, types, or other issues, Okanogan PUD would
update or revise the final Recreation Management Plan to contain
information on managing and providing adequate facilities to meet the
needs of the current and projected recreation use. Significant change
would include exceeding the project's recreation facility capacity as
defined by the Commission's FERC Form 80 updates.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's proposed recreational use monitoring and assessment
of recreation-related effects on lands within the project boundary as a
component of the proposed Recreation Management Plan would allow
Okanogan PUD and stakeholders to consider measures to address
recreational use, including dispersed use, over the term of a license.
It would be beneficial for Okanogan PUD, in coordination with filing of
the FERC Form 80, to file every 6 years a Recreation Monitoring Report
summarizing the recreation monitoring results and any recommendations
for future recreation management at the project. The monitoring would
provide a mechanism for which recreation facilities could be maintained
and improved over the term of a license.
[[Page 28578]]
Although monitoring recreation on an annual basis, as proposed by BLM,
would also be beneficial, this amount of monitoring seems excessive due
to the low amount of current recreational use at the project.
Coordination with other stakeholders, such as the Washington SHPO,
BLM, NPS, Washington DNR, and Washington ROC would ensure that other
environmental resources are appropriately considered when implementing
any changes or new recreation measures into the Recreation Management
Plan.
River Access Point at Miner's Flat
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD place the Miner's Flat area within
the Enloe Project boundary. Currently some visitors use Shanker's Bend
as a boat take out to avoid paddling the flat water above the dam. BLM
states that river visitors who take out at Shanker's Bend to avoid the
flat water would now take out at Miner's Flat due to the increase in
reservoir area as proposed. BLM recommends Okanogan PUD make recreation
improvements to the Miners Flat area to accommodate future increases in
recreation needs at this location. BLM proposes that recreational
development at Miner's Flat incorporate the following: (1) Improve the
existing entrance road, road through the site, and parking areas; (2)
improve water access for launching and landing boats; (3) install an
information kiosk with a map; (4) establish primitive campsites,
including picnic tables and steel fire rings; (5) install a vault
toilet; and (6) develop drawings showing the location of site
improvements and consult with them on this plan.
Our Analysis
Currently, there is no suitable area for the development of a take-
out within Okanogan PUD's proposed project boundary. It is likely that
the raised reservoir level would result in more paddlers taking out at
Miner's Flat to pass up the increased flatwater area.
Since an informal access already exists at Miner's Flat and the
area is flat enough to accommodate a take-out area, it would be
reasonable to develop a take-out within this location with minor
upgrades made to the access road to the take-out. However, because
Okanogan PUD has proposed to develop formalized campsites within the
project boundary and two campgrounds already exists within two to five
miles of the project, developing campsites at Miner's Flat would not be
justified.
Land Use
Project Boundary
The Enloe Project boundary encompasses approximately 136.4 acres
and includes Enloe reservoir, the corridor for the new access road
proposed by Okanogan PUD, the location identified for the placement of
boulder clusters in the riverbed (about 2.5 miles upstream of the dam)
and the river corridor extending downstream from the dam 0.25 mile.
Okanogan PUD does not propose to place additional lands associated with
the proposed side-channel enhancement site, the restoration of the
existing OITD road, and Miner's Flat within the project boundary.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's proposal to enhance existing side channel to improve
spawning, rearing, and summer thermal refugia would be a mitigation
measure for the protection of environmental resources. This proposed
facility would add approximately 0.75 acres of project lands
approximately 5 miles downstream of the dam necessary for project
operation. These enhancements would need to be maintained over the
license term and, therefore, it would be appropriate to include these
lands within the project boundary for the purpose of operation and
maintenance of the proposed Enloe Project.
In addition, all but about 4,000 feet of the existing access road
is currently proposed to be located within the project boundary.
Because of the proposed modifications of the existing access road and
the fact that the road is the only access route to the project, it is
appropriate to include the entire access road within the project
boundary. This would add approximately 5 acres of land to the project
area.
Finally, the provision of an upgraded take-out area at Miner's Flat
is justified due to the potential increase in recreational use as a
result of the raising of the impoundment from current levels and
anticipated increases in recreational use of the area over time. The
inclusion of the recommended Miner's Flat take-out area, would be
necessary for project purposes, such as recreation, shoreline control,
or protection of environmental resources. This would add approximately
one acre of land into the project boundary.
Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, and Fire Prevention
BLM recommends Okanogan PUD develop and implement, after
consultation with BLM, a Law Enforcement, Fire, and Emergency Services
Plan. The plan would include provisions for: (1) Coordination of and
funds for law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel; (2)
law enforcement presence, enhanced emergency communication and response
procedures, public safety and security, protection measures for natural
resources, recreation resources, and heritage resources; (3) an
emergency telephone at the site; (4) an assessment of the need for
additional law enforcement, including funds for additional personnel,
to patrol BLM-administered lands; (5) a description of fire prevention
and protection on BLM-administered lands to include: (a) An
identification of hazard abatement procedures, (b) a notification
process, (c) an identification of agencies to respond to fire reports,
and (d) a process for reclaiming and/or rehabilitating burned lands;
(6) coordination with BLM to evaluate the need for fire protection on
BLM-administered lands, including monitoring and evaluating of man-made
fires that affect BLM-administered lands; and (7) all costs provided by
Okanogan PUD, if monitoring demonstrates an increased need for fire
prevention, detection, and suppression.
Our Analysis
BLM indicated that increased recreational use in the Enloe Project
area can lead to adverse effects on environmental and cultural
resources, an increased risk of fire, and an increase in vandalism that
will require law enforcement and emergency or fire response. As
previously discussed, Okanogan PUD proposes to remove existing trash
from defined areas on BLM land, conduct annual clean up events, and
conduct project facility site reviews. Further, Okanogan PUD proposes
to implement its Recreation Management Plan that contains measures to
minimize conflicts between recreational use and associated effects on
environmental resources. Overall, these measures, along with additional
staff-recommended measures, would protect the environmental,
recreational, and cultural values at the Enloe Project.
Providing funds for law enforcement, fire, and emergency services
personnel is not a specific measure to protect and enhance fish and
wildlife resources. The Commission has made clear that it is concerned
with protecting resources and uses at the project rather than funding
personnel.\38\ However, a fire suppression program to rehabilitate
[[Page 28579]]
lands subject to wildfire and to reduce fuel loads to prevent wildfire
on project lands and adjoining wildlife areas could protect and enhance
terrestrial resources affected by the construction, operation, and
maintenance of the Enloe Project. A fire suppression program could
include signage at recreation sites describing the hazards and costs of
wildfire and undertaking habitat rehabilitation efforts, such as
replanting with perennial grasses to reduce fuel loads.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\38\ See Settlements in Hydropower Licensing Proceedings Under
Part I of the Federal Power Act, 116 FERC Sec. 61,270 (2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Building Removal
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD remove two small, deteriorating
buildings at the north end of the proposed Enloe Dam Recreation Area.
BLM states these buildings are deteriorating, unsafe to enter, marked
with graffiti, and pose an unattractive nuisance to visitors to the
site. In response to BLM, Okanogan PUD states that one of two small
structures on the north end of the proposed Enloe dam recreation area
is owned by a private landowner that maintains a lease with BLM.
Okanogan PUD states it is not in a position to remove this structure,
however, it will take reasonable measures to secure existing structures
from unauthorized entry.
Our Analysis
Licensees are required to ensure that all reasonable precautions
are taken to ensure that the construction, operation, and maintenance
of structures or facilities on project lands occur in a manner that
protects the scenic, recreational, and environmental values of the
project.
If the deteriorating pump house structure is unsafe and does not
serve project purposes, it would be appropriate for Okanogan PUD to
maintain the building to a point where it is safe or remove it from the
project boundary. Currently, it does not appear that these two
buildings are being used for project purposes.
Non-Motorized Trails
BLM recommends Okanogan PUD support the development of the
Similkameen Rail Trail, a cooperative, non-motorized public access
trail along the old railroad grade from Oroville to Nighthawk, as a
segment of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. BLM also
recommends that Okanogan PUD support the development of the Similkameen
portion of the Greater Columbia Water Trail. BLM recommends that
Okanogan PUD consult with BLM, FWS, Park Service, Water Trail
Committee, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, and Okanogan County to
identify water and trail access points that are likely to become
popular as the trails are developed in this area. BLM also recommends
that Okanogan PUD rebuild the footbridge across the Similkameen River.
The footbridge would provide the only foot access from the east side of
the river (between the trestle bridge two miles downstream of the dam
and Nighthawk six miles upstream) to the trail opportunities on the
west side of the river.
Okanogan PUD states its recreation development proposal was crafted
in consultation with local stakeholders, and local stakeholders did not
identify that the footbridge providing public access to the west bank
of the river was needed. Okanogan PUD states this is a request for an
enhancement that goes beyond the need to mitigate project impacts.
However, Okanogan PUD has indicated that it is receptive to proposals
to restore the footbridge across the river if a proponent and source of
funding were to come forward. Okanogan PUD would continue to coordinate
with federal and state agencies and local historical societies to
explore funding sources for restoring the footbridge.
Okanogan PUD states it supports the development of the Greater
Columbia Water Trail as evidenced by the measures in the Recreation
Management Plan that are supportive of and complementary to the goals
and objectives of Greater Columbia Water Trail. Okanogan PUD states
that it has demonstrated support for the Similkameen Rail Trail by
transferring ownership of the trestle bridge to Okanogan County for use
in developing the Similkameen Connector Trail, which has become part of
the Similkameen Rail Trail and the Scenic Trail.
Our Analysis
Consultation with Okanogan PUD in the development of the
Similkameen Rail Trail and the Similkameen portion of the Greater
Columbia Water Trail within the project vicinity would ensure both
planned trails are implemented in a manner consistent with the project.
Rebuilding the footbridge across the Similkameen River downstream of
the dam would provide access to the west side of the river, no project
recreational facilities are being proposed for that area at this time.
Recreational access to the west side of the Similkameen River could be
improved in the future, once the plans for the Similkameen Rail Trail
are finalized.
3.3.7 Aesthetic Resources
3.3.7.1 Affected Environment
Project Setting
Situated in north-central Washington (near the Canadian border) on
the east side of the Cascade Mountains near the rural community of
Oroville, the Enloe Project area is characterized by its remote,
relatively undeveloped landscape. Accessed via the narrow Loomis-
Oroville Road, the Enloe Project area features moderately steep
mountainous terrain incised by eroded canyons. Created by the
Similkameen River, the Enloe Project area's topography is distinguished
by gradual to steep sloping canyon walls. These walls rise to
elevations between 700-800 feet with Kruger Mountain rising 878 feet to
the north and a series of smaller un-named 750- to 800-foot peaks line
the southwest side. A small intermittent stream, the Ellemeham Draw, is
situated between Enloe dam and the falls, and visually cleaves the
southeast canyon wall. Most of the project area is undeveloped with a
cluster of industrial structures and abandoned buildings assembled
immediately around and just below Enloe dam.
The land surrounding the Enloe Project area is greatly influenced
by its climate and geologic history. The eroded canyons that
characterize the Enloe Project area are generally the result of
retreating glaciers that last covered the area about 15,000 years ago.
The eroded canyon slopes feature both gradual slopes, as well as steep,
rocky inclines that rise to 800 feet (about 500 feet above the mean
Enloe Project area elevation). Upstream, the Similkameen River follows
a horseshoe-shaped turn enclosed between steeply sloped canyon walls,
known as Shanker's Bend. The river within the Enloe Project area flows
placidly through a shallow reservoir before spilling over Enloe dam and
plunging down steep falls immediately downstream.
The hills on either side of the river are a combination of rocky
outcrops and large areas of shrub steppe vegetation spotted with
evergreen trees. Riparian forest, dominated by black cottonwood in
stands, is found along the reservoir shoreline. In the spring, summer,
and fall, colors in the landscape are primarily brown hues dotted with
dark green vegetation. Snow is common in the winter. Textures in the
landscape include rocks, sagebrush, trees, and water.
The overall landscape is a combination of natural and human-made
elements. The natural elements
[[Page 28580]]
are characterized by unnamed mountains, sparse low level vegetation,
and the Similkameen River snaking through the canyon. Several human-
made elements are included in the landscape of this region. These
include a vineyard, golf course, and residences approximately 2 miles
north of Oroville. Linear elements include the Loomis-Oroville Road,
which is located on the canyon rim above the Similkameen River and
roughly follows the river's twists and turns, the abandoned Great
Northern Railroad grade that lines much of the south or east shoreline
of the river at the canyon floor, power distribution lines that run
along the canyon walls and rim, and two dirt tracks that extend south
from Loomis-Oroville Road and lead to the dam. The access roads proceed
along the river's eastern perimeter to the dam, which is located at a
point where the canyon narrows. While minimally visible from upstream,
Enloe dam rises quite prominently when viewed from downstream. The
historic powerhouse is similarly sheltered from view, perched against a
sharp slope on the west side of the river, nestled within a rocky eddy.
It is accompanied by horizontal penstocks, and prominently positioned
cylindrical surge tanks that rest on raised concrete foundations.
Human-made elements on the east side of the river include: A bridge
remnant (which once connected the east side of the river to the
powerhouse); two small outbuildings; and an abandoned concrete
irrigation ditch. The town of Nighthawk, approximately 6 miles west of
Enloe dam, is a historic mining community comprised of wood-frame
buildings (residences and associated agricultural buildings) along a
two-track dirt road.
Visitation to the Enloe Project area is largely confined to those
persons traveling along the Loomis-Oroville Road or pursuing outdoor
recreation activities in the canyon, as well as Native Americans and
Canadian First Nations who attach cultural value to the natural setting
and associated fishing areas.
Visual Resource Management
BLM manages its lands in accordance with its Visual Resource
Management (VRM) System. The system designates landscape units in four
classes that indicate the overall significance of the visual
environment and establishes objectives for the management of each class
in order to define the level of change from a proposed project that is
acceptable in that class. By comparing the effects from a project to
the established visual objective for that area, the visual
acceptability of that project and mitigation measures needed to
decrease the visual contrast are determined. The four visual management
classes and their objectives are described below:
Class I--The objective of this class is to preserve the
existing character of the landscape. This class provides for natural
ecological changes; however, it does not preclude very limited
management activity. The level of change to the characteristic
(background) landscape should be very low and must not attract
attention.
Class II--The objective of this class is to retain the
existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the
characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be
seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any
changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and
texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic
landscape.
Class III--The objective of this class is to partially
retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to
the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities
may attract attention but should not dominate the view of the casual
observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the
predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.
Class IV--The objective of this class is to provide for
management activities that require major modification of the existing
character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic
landscape can be high. These management activities may dominate the
view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt
should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through
careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic
elements.
In consultation with the BLM, Okanogan PUD conducted visual
resources analysis of the Enloe Project area using the VRM methodology
outlined above and determined that the characteristics of the area fell
within the Class IV management class. Four key observation points
(KOPs) in the project area were identified for analysis of the most
critically-traveled routes or observation points in the Enloe project
boundary (figure 10): (1) Loomis-Oroville Road; (2) overlook from
Loomis-Oroville Road approximately 3 miles north of Oroville; (3) rocks
below Enloe dam on the Similkameen River; and (4) overlook near Enloe
dam (figures 11 through 14).
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
[[Page 28581]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.009
[[Page 28582]]
On May 29, 2009, additional information was submitted by Okanogan
PUD regarding the visual resources study. Three additional KOPs were
evaluated to include views associated with the proposed locations for
interpretive displays (figure 10): The overlook east of Enloe dam and
the areas where the two interpretive panels would be placed (figures 15
through 17). The dates that the photos were taken and the approximate
river flows at that time were not included in the study.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.010
Travelers on Loomis-Oroville Road view the Enloe Project area for a
relatively short time in the foreground-middleground. Visibility of the
Enloe Project area is generally unobstructed to travelers on Loomis-
Oroville Road; however, the canyon topography makes it difficult for
the travelers to view.
[[Page 28583]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.011
People stopping at the overlook on Loomis-Oroville Road have
opportunities for extended views of the Enloe Project area. From this
viewpoint, the dam is visible as are the abandoned penstock, surge
tank, and the roof of the abandoned powerhouse.
[[Page 28584]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.012
Recreators on the river have extended views of the project area.
From this viewpoint visitors see the existing human-made features to
include the abandoned powerhouse, former footbridge tower, and Enloe
dam.
[[Page 28585]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.013
From this viewpoint, the dam and abandoned penstock are clearly
visible.
[[Page 28586]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.014
From this viewpoint looking downstream, the abandoned penstock and
powerhouse are visible.
[[Page 28587]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.015
Visitors stopping at this proposed interpretive panel location
along a proposed pedestrian trail would have opportunities for extended
views of the project area. From this viewpoint, the dam is clearly
visible.
[[Page 28588]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN17MY11.016
BILLING CODE 6717-01-C
Visitors stopping at this proposed interpretive panel along a
proposed pedestrian trail, located approximately 300 feet south of KOP
6 would also have opportunities for extended views of the
project area. From this viewpoint, the dam, the abandoned penstocks,
and Similkameen Falls are clearly visible.
Noise
Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. It is emitted from
various sources including airplanes, factories, railroads, and highway
vehicles. The magnitude of noise is described by its sound pressure.
Because the range of sound pressure varies greatly, a logarithmic scale
is used to relate sound pressures to some common reference level, the
decibel. Therefore, a sound pressure level is equivalent to a certain
number of decibels.
Because sound pressure levels expressed in decibels are based on a
logarithmic scale, they cannot be added or subtracted in the usual
arithmetical manner. If a sound of 70 dB is added to another sound of
70 dB, the increase is only 3 dB to 73 dB, not a doubling to 140 dB. If
two sounds are of different levels, the lower level adds less to the
higher level as their difference increases. For example, if the
difference is as much as 10 dB, the lower level adds nearly nothing to
the higher level. Adding 60 dB to a 70 dB sound increases the total
sound pressure level less than 0.5 dB. Additionally, a decrease of 3 dB
in sound pressure level means that the noise has been reduced to half
of its original level.
In 1974, EPA identified indoor and outdoor noise levels to protect
public health and welfare against hearing loss, annoyance, and activity
interference (EPA, 1974). A 24-hour exposure level of 70 dB was
identified as the limit of environmental noise which will protect
against hearing damage. Levels of 55 dB outdoors and 45 dB indoors are
identified as desirable limits to protect from activity interference
and annoyance. These levels of noise are considered those which will
permit spoken conversation and other activities such as sleeping,
working, and recreation. The levels are not single event or peak
levels, but are 24-hour averages. Further, these levels are not
regulatory goals or requirements; they represent levels of
environmental noise required to protect the public health and welfare
with an adequate margin of safety (EPA, 2007).
The Enloe Project area is characterized by its remote, relatively
undeveloped landscape. Accessed via the narrow Loomis-Oroville Road,
the Enloe Project area features moderately steep mountainous terrain
incised by eroded canyons. Natural noises which are associated with
this site would include wildlife sounds such as animal calls and the
sounds of wildlife moving through the environment and interacting with
one another. Other natural sounds would include sounds of the physical
environment such as wind, rain, thunder and the river rushing over
[[Page 28589]]
the dam or falls when flows are occurring. Human background noise would
include the passing cars on the Loomis-Oroville Road, the sound of
recreating visitors, and the activities Okanogan PUD employees
occasionally checking the area of the dam.
3.3.7.2 Environmental Effects
Aesthetics Management Plan
Okanogan PUD proposes to implement its Aesthetics Management Plan
to manage project effects on aesthetic resources associated with the
proposed project. Okanogan PUD proposes the following measures within
its Aesthetics Management Plan.
Use Visually-Compatible Colors and Building Materials and Non-
Reflective Surfaces (AES-01 and AES-03)
Okanogan PUD proposes to use visually-compatible colors and
building material textures that harmonize with the existing landscape
for the new east-bank construction. A range of compatible colors and
building material textures would be used to reduce the visual presence
of new project facilities within the larger landscape.
The proposed east bank construction of project facilities consists
of the (1) new crest gates at the top of the dam, (2) headworks that
include an approach channel, river intake, and intake canal, (3)
penstock intake, (4) two penstocks, (5) powerhouse, (6) tailrace, (7)
recreational facilities north of the dam (picnic tables, vault toilet,
boat launch), and (8) an improved access road.
It would be expected that the powerhouse, penstocks, and tailrace
would be visible from KOPs 3 through 7 with the
powerhouse representing the most visible new feature. To further reduce
the visual presence of the new powerhouse and have the new structure
harmonize with its surroundings, Okanogan PUD proposes colors
consistent with suggested guidelines within the HPMP regarding new
construction within the Enloe Project. These guidelines state that
``muted, natural tone materials would be used. Okanogan PUD also
proposes matte finishes, as opposed to glossy finishes. Consistent with
guidance within the HPMP, new building materials, such as concrete,
steel, and galvanized metal roofing would have minimal, but some
discernable textures. Concrete, for instance, would in general be left
exposed, trowelled smooth so that board forms are not visible, or
coated with natural gray-colored stucco coatings to blend with the
original features. While galvanized materials, such as steel or iron
roofing, are by nature smooth, they would be primed with a matte finish
and be nonreflective.
Consultation with Colville Confederated Tribes on Traditional Cultural
Properties (AES-02)
The Colville attach cultural significance to the visual aesthetics
of several natural features and their components (i.e., Traditional
Cultural Properties) within the project area. Okanogan PUD proposes to
consult with the Colville concerning these traditional cultural
properties utilizing the existing Cultural Resources Working Group.
Dewatering and Construction of a New Facility That Could Block Existing
Views (AES-04)
Okanogan PUD proposes to make trail improvements that would create
closer and more intimate views of the falls. This would be from
viewpoints that are not currently easily accessible to the public. The
trail would be linked to the recreational improvements made above the
dam and provide visitors with a trail with closer views of the falls
and greater accessibility to the area below the dam. Interpretive
signage, in concert with HIST-03, would also be placed along the trail
to highlight historical flows over the dam. This new trail would help
to replace views partially blocked by the construction of new project
facilities and provide closer access to the falls for recreators during
periods of high flows and high visitation.
The existing buildings would be removed unless a qualified third
party entity assumes ownership and management of the old west bank
powerhouse to maintain it for historic and recreation purposes. If a
qualified third party entity is not identified within five years of
licensing, then the historic Enloe powerhouse, located on the west side
of the Similkameen River and below Enloe dam, would be demolished after
completing mitigation measures undertaken in consultation with the
Washington SHPO and Park Service. Such measures may include detailed
Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation.
Okanogan PUD states that the foundation of the powerhouse and surge
tanks, which accounts for about 50 percent of the visible portions of
the building, would be retained, but that the powerhouse and surge tank
superstructures would be demolished to remove any deteriorated and
unstable structures from the site. Okanogan PUD would also ensure that
these actions are consistent with Measures HIST-01, HIST-02, and ARCH-
01.
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD revise and implement the
Aesthetics Resource Management Plan to include the following: (1)
Blending the existing and proposed Enloe Project into the existing
landscape character; (2) revegetate, stabilize, and landscape new
construction areas and areas immediately adjacent; (3) grading,
planting native vegetation, repairing slopes damaged by erosion,
preventing future erosion; (4) monitoring and maintenance; (5)
implementation schedule; (6) periodic review and revision; and (7)
providing river flows over Enloe dam.
BLM also noted in its 10(a) recommendations that Okanogan PUD's
aesthetic analysis identified the Similkameen Area as having a Scenic
Quality of B, but then based its analysis as having a Scenic Quality of
C. Therefore, BLM recommends that the aesthetic analysis that Okanogan
PUD conducted be revised to reflect a Scenic Quality of B and to
similarly adjust the sensitivity rating given the current and projected
recreation use, the identification of sightseeing as a use in the final
license application, the designation of a National Scenic Trail which
passes by the Enloe Project, and the proximity of a highway.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's proposal to use visually-compatible colors and
building material textures that harmonize with the existing landscape
for the new east-bank construction and implement its Aesthetics
Management Plan would reduce potential adverse visual effects at the
proposed project. BLM's recommendation that Okanogan PUD include
specific approaches concerning the blending of the existing and
proposed Enloe Project facilities into the existing landscape
character, revegetating and stabilizing and landscaping new
construction areas and areas immediately adjacent, grading, planting
native vegetation, repairing slopes damaged by erosion, preventing
future erosion, monitoring and maintenance, implementation schedule,
and periodic review and revisions would help ensure that project
facilities would ensure protection of the visual resources at the
proposed project. In addition, because the project is located on BLM
lands, it would be beneficial if BLM were added to this consultation
process in addition to consultation with the Colville. Revising the
Aesthetics Management Plan to contain these elements could have a
direct beneficial effect on aesthetic resources at the project by
keeping BLM and the Colville informed on lay down or construction
material storage areas that are yet to be determined. Consultation with
BLM on
[[Page 28590]]
the revision of the aesthetic analysis to reflect a Scenic Quality of
B, with an appropriate sensitivity rating reflecting the site
conditions identified in BLM's 10(a) recommendation, would ensure that
the project area has been appropriately evaluated and that appropriate
measures are undertaken to preserve the aesthetic character of the
area.
Aesthetic River Flows
As we've said, Okanogan PUD proposes a year-round minimum flows of
10 cfs in the bypassed reach. The flows would be seasonally adjusted to
30 cfs for the period of mid-July through mid-September. This proposal
would provide minimum flows when spillage is not occurring--about 9.5
months of the year in low water years and 8 months in high water years.
BLM, the Colville, Washington SHPO, and American Whitewater recommend
an investigation into options for providing river flows over Enloe dam
and the subsequent Similkameen Falls for aesthetic purposes, the
incorporation of aesthetic flows into the Aesthetic Management Plan,
and a survey of recreational users regarding aesthetic flow releases.
Specifically, the parties request a study to assess the effects of
dewatering the spillway and rocky area below the dam, including
alternatives that would spill water over the dam all year long.
Okanogan PUD states that Similkameen River fisheries managers have
expressed serious concern that aesthetic flows could increase
temperature below the falls. For this reason, the minimum flows would
be monitored for both DO and temperatures. Additionally, Okanogan PUD
proposes to address issues with the minimum flow through an adaptive
management plan.
Our Analysis
In consultation with BLM, Okanogan PUD conducted visual resources
analysis of the Enloe Project area using the VRM methodology outlined
above and determined that the characteristics of the area fell within
the Class IV management class. In addition, Okanogan PUD provided
aesthetic simulations showing the views of project area from various
KOPs.
The lowest minimum monthly average flow of 191 cfs occurred on
September 2003. The proposed minimum flow of 10 cfs (for the last 15
days of the month) is only 5 percent of the 79 year record (see table
2) and is less aesthetically desirable. However, any minimum flow must
meet the water quality standards. The 10-cfs flow (with seasonal
adjustment to 30 cfs) would meet water quality standards based on
Okanogan PUD's best estimate of the bypassed reach dimensions and
modeling of the temperature gained in the bypassed reach (see section
3.3.2.2, Minimum Flow Proposal).
While several assumptions were made in the modeling and size
estimate of the bypass section, this is a proposed minimum flow and is
subject to change based on real-world results. Additionally, the method
of delivery of the minimum flow is undetermined at this time. As such,
it is difficult to ascertain the full effects of the minimum flow on
water quality and the aesthetic resources, namely the falls. However,
the measure, along with an evaluation to determine effectiveness,
should adequately provide a means for testing the proposals' effect on
aesthetics and water quality while still providing a framework for
making improvements, if needed. Observing recreation use at the falls
as a part of the recreation monitoring plan would provide more
information on if visitors to the project are visiting the falls as
well.
Noise
Proposed construction activities at the Enloe project would cause
unnatural noises. Okanogan PUD has taken steps to reduce the impacts of
such noise, particularly with its Blasting Plan. It also proposes to
concentrate construction activities with the loudest noise to occur in
summer and early fall to minimize effects on overwintering birds and
bald eagles as much as possible.
Once the project is complete, minor noise would be associated with
the operation and maintenance of the hydroelectric facility (typically
54-68 decibels ten to sixty feet from the powerhouse, depending upon
the design structure and topography), but it is not anticipated that
routine project operations and maintenance would disturb wildlife or
visitors in the project area.
Our Analysis
Although proposed construction activities would cause unnatural
noises at the project, construction-related noise is considered a
temporary and short-term effect. Constructing the project in the summer
and early fall would reduce the effect on overwintering birds and bald
eagles and other wildlife. Moreover, visitors would only be allowed
limited public access to the project during construction as proposed in
the Safety during Construction Plan. This would increase the distance
between the public and construction activities at the project and
further minimize the amount of construction-related noise visitors may
hear when visiting the project.
3.3.8 Cultural Resources
3.3.8.1 Affected Environment
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
Section 106 of NHPA, as amended, requires the Commission to take
into account the effects of licensing a hydropower project on any
historic properties and allow the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment if any adverse effects
on historic properties are identified within the hydropower project's
APE.
Historic properties are defined as any district, site, building,
structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in
the National Register. In this EA, we also use the term ``cultural
resources'' to include properties that have not been evaluated for
eligibility for listing in the National Register. In most cases,
cultural resources less than 50 years old are not considered eligible
for the National Register.
Section 106 also requires that the Commission seek concurrence with
the Washington SHPO on any finding involving effects or no effects on
historic properties. If Native American (i.e., aboriginal) properties
have been identified, section 106 also requires that the Commission
consult with interested Native American tribes that might attach
religious or cultural significance to such properties.
Area of Potential Effect (APE)
Pursuant to section 106, the Commission must take into account
whether any historic property could be affected by the issuance of a
license within a project's APE. The APE is determined in consultation
with the Washington SHPO and is defined as the geographic area or areas
within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause
alterations in the character or use of historic properties, if any such
properties exist. In its license application, Okanogan PUD (2008a)
defined an APE as consisting of all lands within the Enloe Project
boundary, described as the 1,055-foot above mean sea level elevation
line that extends from the upstream end of Shanker's Bend, to
approximately 1,000 feet downstream from Enloe dam. The APE includes
the dam, penstocks, powerhouse, recreational sites, access roads, and
appurtenant facilities. The APE for historic resources (buildings and
structures) extends beyond the
[[Page 28591]]
project boundary to include an additional 100 feet (horizontally) where
project operations may affect the character or use of historical
resources and/or TCPs. Okanogan PUD included in its license application
a letter dated July 24, 2009, from the Washington SHPO office which
concurred with the APE.
In November 2008, Okanogan PUD requested Washington SHPO
concurrence on an amended APE that consisted of the APE as described
above, and also included an additional access road. Okanogan PUD's May
2009 HPMP identifies the APE as such, but also includes a limited
number of power transmission lines that connect to a single utility
pole.
On October 14, 2009, the Commission requested clarification of
Okanogan PUD's response to additional information Item 11, side channel
enhancement development. The Commission requested a map to clearly
identify the proposed side channel's location in relationship to the
project's defined APE and requested that the Okanogan PUD consult with
the Washington SHPO regarding the side-channel enhancement site.
Okanogan PUD filed its response on December 14, 2009. In its
clarification response, PUD provided a copy of meeting minutes from a
November 30, 2009, CRWG meeting. At the meeting, the possibility of two
separate APEs was discussed: one consisting of the proposed project APE
and another APE encompassing lands to be affected by the proposed side-
channel enhancement site (side-channel APE). The CRWG agreed that two
separate APEs for the Enloe Project would be appropriate and should be
identified in the PA and associated HPMP. On September 23, 2010,
Okanogan PUD requested Washington SHPO's concurrence on the side-
channel APE. On September 28, 2010, the Washington SHPO concurred.
Prehistoric and Historic Background
The following text is a summary of the cultural overview provided
in the May 2009 HPMP (Okanogan PUD, 2009e).
The Northern Columbia Plateau lies primarily within the Fraser
Watershed, with a portion in the south draining into the Columbia River
Watershed. It is an area that was occupied primarily by Interior Salish
speakers who are now represented by the Colville. Colonizing groups
were likely coastal people with a generalized Paleolithic foraging
economy that spanned a much larger geographic area. Middle Holocene and
later peoples followed a generally riverine subsistence economy typical
of the large western river systems, including a collector strategy that
was centered on ungulates and salmon and the gathering and storage of
root crops. As a result of resource pressures, Plateau peoples tended
to follow an annual round that led them to move to locations of stable,
predictable resources on somewhat the same schedule every year. Changes
to that schedule, such as moving from winter villages earlier in spring
than usual, or leaving a common fishing location earlier, were
generally due to variations in the productivity of the resource that
existed that year. Several different regional cultural chronologies
commonly employed for the region reflect prehistoric occupation to
approximately 12,500 years before present.
At the time of contact, the Okanogan people occupied the portion of
the Central Plateau region that includes the study area. The political
structure of the people of the Central Plateau region consisted of
small autonomous bands or villages. Bands were organized in small
groups according to language, customs, and friendly relations, with
group leaders generally inheriting their position. The seasonal round
that groups made was based on the availability of salmon, berries,
roots, and large game. Winter villages typically consisted of a long
house covered with a tule-mat roof, one or more subterranean houses,
and a sweat lodge. Villages were located near water and firewood. Near
the project area, the falls, the location of Enloe dam, was a likely
fishing site throughout the Holocene. If necessary, individuals would
hunt deer, bear, or other game to supplement their winter food
supplies.
In April, the members of the winter village moved to streams where
they would catch trout and suckers, which were dried and eaten until
the salmon runs began in June. Women gathered bitterroot and camas.
From June to October, salmon fishing was a primary focus of subsistence
activities with the continuation of gathering of berries and roots near
rivers. The salmon were caught with spears, weirs, fish traps, large
nets, and dipnets. They were dried on racks erected near the fishing
camps.
Early Euroamerican presence in the Okanogan Valley was driven by
economic interest in locating fur trading posts and establishing
relations with local tribes. In 1811, the Canadian Northwest Company
fur trader David Thompson was the first Euroamerican to travel to the
Okanogan County seeking new trading opportunities. In fall 1811, the
Pacific Fur Company established Fort Okanogan 1 mile north of the
confluence of the Okanogan and Columbia rivers. By the late 1820s,
nearby Fort Colville became the center for inland trading. By 1860,
plagues caused a decline in the Native American population and the
depletion of fur resources, which led to the decline of the fur
industry in the Okanogan region.
Christian missionaries arrived in to the Northwest in the 1840s and
contributed to the permanent Euroamerican settlement of the Northwest.
The Whitman mission was established in 1841 south of the Okanogan
region in Walla Walla, while Father Pierre Jean de Smet, who traveled
widely, came to the Okanogan Valley in 1842. It was not until 1885 that
missionary Etienne de Rouge established a mission for the Okanogan
Indians at Ellisforde. Two years later, the mission was moved south to
Lake Omak.
On May 3, 1853, Washington Territory was created out of the Oregon
Territory. During this period, Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens
negotiated treaties with local tribes. The treaties defined boundaries
of ceded territories and removed Indian tribes to reservations, thereby
opening lands for American settlement. Between 1855 and 1856
hostilities broke out between tribes and Euroamericans erupting into
the Yakima War.
Another point of conflict for local tribes was the growing mining
activity that had an impact on salmon spawning streams, brought an
influx of Euroamericans to the Okanogan Valley, and further altered the
local economy and development patterns. Miners formed temporary
settlements in places with convenient access to supplies and the gold
fields. One such encampment near the mouth of the Similkameen River
following a gold strike at Shanker's Bend in 1859 was called ``Okanagan
City'' and in 1860 had a population of 3,000.
Transportation in the area advanced from stage coaches following
the Okanogan Trail to steamboats along the Columbia and Okanogan rivers
during high water season. By the early 1900s, the Marcus Division
Molson-Chopaka branch of the Great Northern Railway line was
constructed along the Similkameen River offering improved access to the
mineral of the area. The lead and zinc mining town of Nighthawk, just
west of the project, was founded in the 1890s. The community once
occupied 160 acres. Today, it is privately owned by a rancher, and
several historical buildings remain standing, including the old post
office and hotel dating to the mining era.
A USGS map from 1906 and county atlas from 1934 show additional
roads
[[Page 28592]]
and trails in the vicinity of the APE (Metzger, 1934, as cited by
Okanogan PUD, 2009e). The 1934 map also shows an irrigation canal
between the Similkameen River and the Oroville-Tonasket Road to the
east.
In 1955, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) began
investigating the feasibility of establishing irrigation facilities for
an Okanogan-Similkameen Division, using water from the nearby Chief
Joseph Dam. The Oroville-Tonasket Unit of the Okanogan-Similkameen
Division was authorized by the Act of October 9, 1962 (76 Stat. 761,
Public Law 87-762), placed under construction in 1965, and completed in
1969 (Reclamation, 2007, as cited by Okanogan PUD, 2009e). Remnants of
this later partially concrete-lined canal are within the project
boundary APE.
The power potential of the falls site attracted the interest of
Eugene Enloe, the owner of a store in Medicine Lake, who began buying
small power companies in eastern Washington. In 1913, he incorporated
the Okanogan Valley Power Company. By 1916, Okanogan Valley Power had
also acquired the falls site including all the power generating
equipment used at the original power plant. Use of the Great Northern
Railway allowed for the delivery of construction materials for the
powerhouse and dam. Designs for the new powerhouse were developed in
1916, and construction of the concrete arch-gravity Enloe dam began in
1919 and was completed in the summer of 1920.
Reflective of the move toward small utilities becoming part of a
unified system, the Washington Water Power Company bought Okanogan
Valley Power in 1923. Washington Water Power Company added a second
unit of 1,600 kilowatts to the Enloe plant in 1924. Washington Water
Power Company operated the complex until 1942 when it was acquired by
Okanogan PUD. It became economically inefficient to operate the small
complex after 1958, when the Bonneville Power Administration brought
its high voltage line to the Okanogan Valley. Okanogan PUD ceased
operation of the plant's generators on July 29, 1958.
According to a record search undertaken by Okanogan PUD, several
cultural resources studies have been undertaken in the vicinity of the
project boundary APE (Okanogan PUD, 2009e). The Corps conducted a
cultural resources study between 1985 and 1987 (Salo, 1987, as cited by
Okanogan PUD, 2009e). Within the APE in the vicinity of the project
boundary, the Corps study identified five archaeological sites:
45OK367, 45OK532, 45OK533, 45OK565, and 45OK566.
Another study within the APE was conducted for a previous Enloe
Project licensing effort (Galm, 1991, as cited by Okanogan PUD, 2009e).
This previous effort identified the potential of adverse effects on the
National Register-eligible Enloe dam and archaeological sites 45OK532,
45OK533, 45OK565, and 45OK566 (Okanogan PUD, 2009e). It was noted that
licensing the project could result in adverse effects on unidentified
TCPs.
A later study conducted by Archaeological and Historical Services
(AHS) included test excavations at 45OK367, 45OK532, and 45OK566
(Boreson, 1992, as cited by Okanogan PUD, 2009e). AHS determined that
both 45OK532 and 45OK566 were National Register-eligible under
Criterion D.\39\ AHS did not conduct archaeological investigations of
sites 45OK533 and 45OK565.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\39\ Criterion D is as follows, ``that have yielded, or may be
likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.''
36 CFR 60.4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A record search undertaken of the side channel APE identified six
archaeological sites documented within one mile of the side channel
APE: 45OK355, 45OK357, 45OK358, 45OK359, 45OK369, and 45OK370 (Okanogan
PUD, 2009f). All of the sites were recorded in 1976 by the Corps. No
archaeological, historic, or architectural resources had been
previously identified within the boundary of the side channel APE. A
dike constructed in the early 1970s is located in this APE, but
according to Okanogan PUD, this feature does not meet the 50-year age
requirement for National Register eligibility (Okanogan PUD, 2009f).
Archaeological and Historic-Era Properties and Structures
Between 2006 and 2007, Okanogan PUD conducted cultural resources
inventories of lands within the project boundary APE. These results of
these studies were presented in Enloe Dam Licensing Project, Okanogan
County, Washington, FINAL Cultural Resources Section 106 Technical
Report (Okanogan PUD, 2008b). These studies resulted in the
documentation of eight archaeological sites and six historical features
or structures within the APE. Two additional sites were identified
directly adjacent to the project boundary APE. Table 18 provides a
summary of all prehistoric and historic resources identified within or
adjacent to the project boundary APE to date. A cultural resources
study of the side channel APE conducted in October 2009 did not result
in the documentation of any archeological or historic-era properties
within this area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\40\ Criterion A is as follows, ``that are associated with
events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history.'' 36 CFR 60.4.
Table 18--Archaeological and Historic Resources Within or Directly
Adjacent to the Enloe Project Boundary APE
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2009e, as modified by Staff]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National
Register
Primary No. Description eligibility and Within APE
rationale
------------------------------------------------------------------------
45OK367................. Prehistoric Not eligible due Y
occupation to lack of
debris. integrity.
45OK368................. Enloe dam....... Listed on the Y
National
Register;
eligible under
Criterion A.
\40\.
45OK368................. Enloe powerhouse Listed on the Y
National
Register;
eligible under
Criterion A.
45OK532................. Lithic debris... Eligible under Y
Criterion D.
45OK533H................ Historic Not eligible; Y
homestead. does not meet
National
Register
criteria.
45OK565................. Prehistoric site Unknown; Y
consultant
could not
relocate site.
45OK566................. Lithic scatter.. Eligible under Y
Criterion D.
45OK1238 (AR-1)......... Gensey homestead Unevaluated N
site. (outside of
APE).
45OK1239 (AR-4)......... Similkameen Not eligible due Y
Falls to lack of
powerhouse. integrity.
45OK1240 (AR-5)......... Railroad camp... Unevaluated N
(outside of
APE).
45OK1241 (AR-6)......... Historic roads.. Not eligible; Y
does not meet
National
Register
criteria.
45OK1265 (AR-4)......... Historic can Not eligible; Y
dump. does not meet
National
Register
criteria.
[[Page 28593]]
HR-1.................... Great Northern Eligible under Y
Railroad Grade. Criterion A
(June 19, 2007).
HR-2.................... Access road to Not eligible; Y
operator's does not meet
house. National
Register
criteria.
HR-3.................... Pump house and Not eligible; Y
water tank. does not meet
National
Register
criteria;
integrity
compromised.
HR-4.................... Oroville- Portion within Y
Tonasket the APE not
Irrigation eligible; does
Canal. not meet
National
Register
criteria,
integrity
compromised.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In June 2007, the Washington SHPO concurred that resources 45OK368
(Enloe dam, Enloe powerhouse and penstock), and HR-1 (Great Northern
Railroad Grade) are eligible for or listed in the National Register and
that resources HR-2 (access road to operator's house at Enloe dam) and
HR-3 (pump house and water tank) are not eligible (letter from G.
Griffith, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, Washington
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Olympia,
Washington, to K. Demuth, ENTRIX, Inc., Seattle, Washington, June 19,
2007). In its letter, the Washington SHPO also concurred that the
portion of HR-4 (Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation Canal) located within the
APE does not contribute to the potential significance of other portions
of the canal that were previously determined to be eligible. However,
the Washington SHPO recommends that the system be re-evaluated for
National Register eligibility 5 to 10 hence. The HPMP notes that both
the historic Enloe dam and powerhouse have been documented according to
HAER standards (Holstine and Eminger 1990, as cited by Entrix 2009).
In September 2008, the Washington SHPO concurred that sites 45OK532
and 45OK566 are eligible for the National Register and that sites
45OK367, 45OK533H, 45OK1239, 45OK1241, and 45OK1265 are not eligible
(letter from R. Whitlam, State Archaeologist, Washington Department of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Olympia, Washington, to R.
Bailey, District Archaeologist, Spokane District Office, BLM, Spokane
Valley, Washington, September 23, 2008).
Traditional Cultural Properties
In 2006, Okanogan PUD consulted with the Colville to identify
potential TCPs that could be present within the project APE. A final
TCP report was included as an appendix to the Enloe Dam Licensing
Project, Okanogan County, Washington, Final Cultural Resources Section
106 Technical Report (Okanogan PUD, 2008b). Within the APE, two
potential TCPs were identified.
3.3.8.2 Environmental Effects
In a letter filed August 6, 2009, the Washington SHPO concurred
that the proposed Enloe Project would have an adverse effect on
significant cultural resources listed in, or determined eligible for
listing in, the National Register. In view of the adverse effect
determination, the Washington SHPO recommended development of a
Memorandum of Agreement or PA.
In this section, we evaluate the effects of Okanogan PUD's proposed
project construction, operation, and maintenance on the following
cultural resources: (1) Archaeological resources; (2) TCPs; and (3)
historic buildings and structures.
Project Construction
In its HPMP and section 106 Technical Report, Okanogan PUD states
that construction activities would adversely affect one archaeological
site located within the project boundary APE: Archaeological site
45OK532, which is eligible for the National Register under Criterion D
(Okanogan PUD, 2009e, 2008b). The access road needed for project
construction site would use the existing OTID Ditch Road that crosses
site 45OK532. During construction, Okanogan PUD proposes to improve
this road to a one-lane gravel road with turnouts. As discussed below,
changes in chemical characteristics (including pH) of soils and
increases in soil moisture content due to ground-disturbing activities
can affect the preservation of site 45OK532.
Proposed ground-disturbing construction (parking area, trails,
fencing) would occur in the vicinity of site 45OK367. However, this
site has been determined ineligible for the National Register due to
disturbance of the prehistoric archaeological deposits during the
historic period. The remaining sites are either ineligible for the
National Register, eligible (45OK566), or unevaluated (45OK565);
however, they are not located where ground disturbance may occur.
Okanogan PUD also concluded that any demolition of the historic Enloe
powerhouse is unlikely to affect historically significant
archaeological resources (Okanogan PUD, 2009e).
In its Section 106 Technical Report, Okanogan PUD (2008b) states
that short-term effects on TCPs identified in the project boundary APE,
such as noise, dust, vibrations, and access restrictions, would not be
adverse. However, construction of the new powerhouse would have an
adverse visual effect on one of the two TCPs identified within the
project APE.
National Register-eligible Great Northern Railroad Grade (HR-1) and
National Register-listed Enloe dam (45OK368) and historic Enloe
powerhouse (45OK368) are historically significant resources. The Enloe
powerhouse and Great Northern Railroad Grade, both of which are
abandoned, are located across the river from the proposed construction
site; therefore, Okanogan PUD states that project construction would
not result in long-term effects on the Great Northern Railroad Grade
(Okanogan PUD, 2009e, 2008b). Long-term effects on the historic Enloe
powerhouse are discussed under Operation and Maintenance Effects below.
The historic Enloe dam would need to be refurbished to meet current
dam safety requirements and to extend its service life. Okanogan PUD
states that activities associated with refurbishment would not
contribute to the extended life of the structure. These effects would
therefore not be considered adverse if they are completed according to
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Okanogan
PUD, 2009e, 2008b).
Other project-related construction would entail an approximate 2.3-
acre staging area near the proposed new powerhouse site and areas
potentially affected by spoil disposal. At this time, effects on
cultural resources that may be
[[Page 28594]]
associated with these areas are unknown. The HPMP, however, includes a
provision for the discovery of previously unidentified cultural
resources, which would ensure that the resource is addressed in
accordance with section 106.
Project Operation and Maintenance
In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD states that operation of the proposed
Enloe Project would not adversely affect National Register-eligible
archaeological site 45OK566 and that effects on site 45OK565 have not
been assessed because the site could not be relocated during project
surveys (Okanogan PUD, 2009e). However, because prehistoric site
45OK532 is buried within an alluvial terrace adjacent to the
reservoir's edge, Okanogan PUD explains that fluctuating water levels
in the reservoir could potentially disturb archaeological deposits at
this site. Additionally, the access road passing through this site may
result in disturbance of archaeological deposits as a result of
maintenance activities and increased traffic. Okanogan PUD therefore
concludes that effects on this site are adverse.
Prehistoric site 45OK566 is situated on a terrace outcrop above the
river, limiting the potential of project-related erosion effects at
this historically significant site. Okanogan PUD therefore states that
there would be no operational adverse effects to this site (Okanogan
PUD, 2009e).
Okanogan PUD states that proposed recreation improvements could
increase public use of the project area resulting in the potential of
increased site disturbance by recreationalists (Okanogan PUD, 2009e,
2008b). However, revegetating disturbed areas with native vegetation,
as discussed in section 3.3.6, Recreation and Land Use, could minimize
project-related erosion effects at the sites. Additionally,
consultation with the CRWG, including the Washington SHPO and the
tribe, regarding project-related recreation improvements, would protect
the sites through placement of the facilities.
In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD states that operational effects on the
historic Enloe dam would not be adverse (Okanogan PUD, 2009e). Also,
Okanogan PUD states that proposed construction of a new powerhouse on
the east side of the river would not adversely affect the historic
Enloe powerhouse. However, per the HPMP, the powerhouse would either
assume new ownership with portions demolished, or it would be entirely
demolished. In either case, any demolition of the historic Enloe
powerhouse would result in an adverse effect on a historic property.
Additionally, because of the powerhouse's proximity to a known TCP,
there is a possibility intact archaeological resources could be
uncovered during demolition activities. In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD
proposes to monitor this area during ground disturbance.
Further, demolition of part or all of the historic powerhouse would
require the transportation of equipment and supplies along the existing
National Register-eligible Great Northern Railroad Grade, which serves
as an access road to the Enloe powerhouse. However, Okanogan PUD states
that the use of heavy equipment and hauling of refuse along the
railroad grade would not damage the grade, including elements to its
existing railroad grade surface or tunnel, which are located outside
the APE (Okanogan PUD, 2009e, 2008b). Okanogan PUD therefore concludes
that there would be no adverse effect to the railroad grade as a result
of the project.
Historic Properties Management Plan
The HPMP was prepared after consultation with the CRWG, consisting
of representatives from Okanogan PUD; BLM; Forest Service; Washington
SHPO; the Colville; and the Commission staff. In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD
proposes to appoint an HPMP Coordinator and implement review procedures
that would apply to non-routine maintenance activities, structural
modifications or additions that may be necessary in the future.
Additionally, the HPMP includes measures and procedures for: (1)
Monitoring during construction activities and over the license term;
(2) addressing unanticipated discoveries and evaluating cultural
resources for National Register-eligibility; (3) discovery of human
remains; (4) emergency undertakings; (5) annual reporting and agency
coordination; (6) periodic review and revision to the HPMP every 5
years; (7) employee training; (8) records management and curation of
any recovered archaeological materials; and (9) activities exempt from
section 106 consultation. The HPMP includes a process for identifying
resource-specific measures for historic properties within the APE after
consultation with the CRWG.
The HPMP describes standards to be applied during project
activities that have the potential to affect the historic integrity of
the historic Enloe dam. Okanogan PUD would apply specific standards
adapted from the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic
Preservation Projects to ensure preservation of the dam. Additionally,
the HPMP includes historic resource maintenance guidelines that would
guide future dam maintenance.
In its license application, Okanogan PUD proposes to implement four
measures to address project effects on significant historic structures
(HIST-01, HIST-02, HIST-03, and HIST-04). Additionally, Okanogan PUD
proposes five measures for archaeological resources (ARCH-01, ARCH-02,
ARCH-03, ARCH-04, and ARCH-05). Of the nine measures, all but two of
these measures were subsequently incorporated into the May 2009 HPMP.
HIST-04 would entail a review of appropriate measures, and although the
HPMP does not specifically identify measure ARCH-05 (Determine
Potential Recreational Impacts to Archaeological Sites) by name, the
HPMP discusses measures to address potential recreational effects on
cultural resources. The HPMP discusses the other measures and describes
how Okanogan PUD is seeking an outside entity to assume ownership of
the historic Enloe powerhouse (HIST-01). If a new owner is not
identified within 4 years, Okanogan PUD would consult with the CRWG,
which includes the Commission, to identify appropriate mitigation
options prior to demolishing the structure (HIST-02), which may include
updated HAER photography, stabilization of a portion of the powerhouse
as a ``ruin,'' development of interpretive materials for display in the
project boundary (HIST-03), offering bricks, windows and other
materials for salvage, providing turbines and other equipment from the
powerhouse for use in local museums, and developing an interpretive
facility that houses artifacts from the powerhouse and Enloe dam. If
demolition is determined necessary, a Memorandum of Agreement between
the Commission and the Washington SHPO would be developed that could
identify agreed-upon mitigation measures. The powerhouse penstocks and
surge tanks would be demolished regardless of whether a new owner would
be identified. To mitigate adverse effects on these features, Okanogan
PUD would photograph the powerhouse, penstocks, and surge tanks to HAER
standards prior to their demolition.
In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD proposes to monitor shoreline areas for
erosion as a result of reservoir fluctuation (ARCH-01), avoid known
historic properties during construction (ARCH-02), and monitor sites
45OK532 and 45OK367 during construction activities (ARCH-03). If
removal of the historic Enloe powerhouse becomes necessary,
[[Page 28595]]
Okanogan PUD proposes to mitigate potential effects on an identified
TCP by monitoring any ground-disturbing activity in the vicinity of the
site during demolition. Other treatment options for site 45OK532
include capping the portions of site that would be crossed by the
improved access road with gravel and/or dirt rather than re-grading the
existing road and placing road turnouts and shoulders outside of the
site boundary. However, in Appendix E of the HPMP, Okanogan PUD states
that data recovery of site 45OK532 prior to construction may be
necessary. Although site 45OK367 is not eligible for the National
Register, Okanogan PUD would monitor it during construction in the
event that intact deposits might be identified. To protect both of
these sites from recreational use, Okanogan PUD proposes to implement a
long-term monitoring program. If any changes to site conditions are
identified, Okanogan PUD would implement a review procedure with the
CRWG to determine appropriate next steps. Additionally, Okanogan PUD's
annual report would summarize monitoring efforts and CRWG consultation.
Other measures include implementing an inadvertent discovery program
and training staff about protocols for such discoveries (ARCH-04) and
determining if there would be effects on archaeological sites in the
vicinity of recreational facilities (ARCH-05).
Interior recommends revising the May 2009 HPMP, after consultation
with BLM, the Washington SHPO, and the Colville, to include the
following:
Revise the APE to accommodate modifications to the Enloe
Project boundary, if any, and any project-related actions that may
affect historic properties on BLM-administered lands;
A process for evaluating any previously unidentified
cultural resources identified on BLM-administered lands;
Provision for annual reports describing activities
involving BLM-administered cultural resources;
Periodic review of the HPMP;
Site monitoring program for long-term cultural resource
monitoring on BLM-administered lands;
A process for developing site-specific treatment or
stabilization measures for previously unidentified historic properties
on BLM-administered lands;
A plan for updated cultural resources inventory to be
conducted if the project boundary is modified to include additional
land or project operations result in newly exposed, previously un-
surveyed lands;
Provision for consultation with regard to cultural
interpretative and educational plans (including signage);
Provision for making records of cultural resource data
gathered by Okanogan PUD on BLM-administered lands available to the
BLM; and
Provision for inadvertent discoveries.
In its response, Okanogan PUD states that the May 2009 HPMP
provides procedures for the majority of the issues raised by Interior
and that, as provided for in the HPMP, Okanogan PUD would review the
HPMP within 1 year of license issuance to address any concerns raised
by the CRWG, including by Interior.
As previously mentioned, the Washington SHPO concurred that a
portion of the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation Canal within the project's
defined APE is considered ``non-contributing'' to other portions of the
system that have previously been determined National Register eligible.
However, the Washington SHPO recommends that the system be re-evaluated
for National Register eligibility 5 to 10 years hence.
Our Analysis
Okanogan PUD's May 2009 HPMP addresses many of Interior's
recommendations and contains measures for the protection of historic
properties within the defined Enloe Project APE. However, we discuss
particular measures contained within the HPMP, and where appropriate,
Interior's recommendations.
The two APEs defined for the Enloe Project encompass all areas
related to, or necessary for, the construction, operation, and
maintenance of the entire proposed project. However, the May 2009 HPMP
does not identify or discuss the side-channel enhancement site,
including its defined APE. While no historic properties have been
identified in this area, we find that inclusion of the side-channel
enhancement site and a definition of its APE in the HPMP would ensure
that measures applied to lands within the project boundary would also
apply to lands within the side-channel enhancement site APE.
Additionally, as recommended by Interior, the HPMP should include a
process for reviewing and revising the APE, particularly where project-
related ground-disturbing activities may occur in the future. In
particular, this provision would ensure that any design modification to
the proposed side-channel enhancement site would be taken into account.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to appoint an HPMP Coordinator would ensure
that the requirements of the HPMP are followed. Annual reporting to
agencies and the Colville on the status of cultural resources
management over the course of the year would provide a regularly
scheduled forum for parties to discuss the HPMP and provide comments. A
periodic review process for the HPMP undertaken every 5 years would
provide a basis for continued implementation of the HPMP. Interior
recommended that the May 2009 HPMP be revised within 1 year of license
issuance to address its recommendations. Interior's recommended
timeframe should allow Okanogan PUD sufficient time to consult with
Interior and the CRWG in order to revise the HPMP accordingly.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to conduct training sessions as needed for
staff involved with the public or involved in planning and
implementation of actions potentially affecting cultural resources at
the project would ensure that employees are regularly informed about
issues, procedures, and protocols regarding cultural resource.
Consulting with the Colville with regard to Okanogan PUD employee
training would contribute toward staff understanding properties of
traditional religious and cultural importance to the tribe.
Okanogan PUD's implementation of review procedures during the
planning of potential ground-disturbing activities, as well as
protocols for inadvertent discovery of previously unknown cultural
resources (as recommended by Interior), human remains, and emergency
procedures as specified in its HPMP, would ensure that cultural
resources are not inadvertently affected by project-related actions;
and, therefore cultural resources and human remains would be
appropriately addressed.
While the May 2009 HPMP does not specifically contain a detailed
discussion of public interpretation and education, HIST-03 includes a
provision for installing public interpretive panels. Okanogan PUD's
proposed measures REC-11 and REC-12 also provide for installing
interpretive signs and an information board that would focus on the
history of hydroelectric power, the falls, and the fishery resources.
Including a provision in the HPMP to coordinate public information on
archaeological and historic resources at the project with REC-11 and
REC-12 interpretive signage could lead to an enhanced visitor
experience and encourage protection of environmental and cultural
resources.
Okanogan PUD proposes to: (1) Maintain records relating to cultural
resources located within the APE; (2)
[[Page 28596]]
ensure confidentiality of these records; (3) provide any recovered
cultural materials to BLM for inclusion in its repository; and (4)
consider donating historic materials recovered from the historic Enloe
powerhouse to the Okanogan Historical Society or another group. This
proposal would address Interior's recommendation regarding the
collection of cultural resource materials and would ensure that such
materials are properly conserved and also accessible, under properly
controlled conditions, to those with appropriate research or cultural
interests.
Okanogan PUD's proposal to implement a long-term monitoring program
at all sites within the project boundary APE would help determine if
any observed effects are project-related. This would enable Okanogan
PUD to determine the need for and frequency of future monitoring. It
would also assist in the development of appropriate treatment measures
if disturbances are identified as being related to project-related
activities. As recommended by Interior, including a provision in the
HPMP to develop a more detailed monitoring plan would ensure that
monitoring is undertaken and in a way that documents and quantifies
resulting data for consideration. This measure could also apply to the
side channel enhancement site.
Okanogan PUD determined that erosion has the potential to adversely
affect site 45OK532 and that the site would also be adversely affected
by road construction. In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD discusses the
possibility of capping the site to protect it from road construction
activities and use. A 1992 study by the Corps (Mathewson et al., 1992)
found that burial of archaeological resources increases the vertical
load on sites, causes changes in chemical characteristics (including
pH) of soils, and increases the moisture content. These changes can
affect the preservation of site components, particularly organic
materials such as botanical and faunal remains. The Corps concluded
that site burial ``* * * should be used only when preservation of the
site by burial is ensured.'' If the processes that result from burial
are deemed to be detrimental to the site components, other preservation
techniques should be considered (Mathewson et al., 1992). While capping
of site 45OK532 may be viewed as a protective measure, further
consideration of this measure within the HPMP, particularly as it may
relate to site preservation, would ensure that archaeological materials
contained within the site are not inadvertently damaged over the long
term.
Okanogan PUD identifies measure ARCH-05 (Determine Potential
Recreational Impacts to Archaeological Sites) and states that it is
``discussing the proposed recreation plan with the CRWG to determine if
there would be impacts on archaeological sites in the vicinity of the
recreation facilities'' (Okanogan PUD, 2008a). Okanogan PUD further
explains that the HPMP would specify necessary mitigation and treatment
measures to protect prehistoric sites from recreational effects and
that its staff would be provided with information about the potential
for archaeological deposits to be found. While the HPMP includes
employee training and a protocol for pre-project review, the HPMP does
not specifically address measure ARCH-05 and it does not address
proposed or future recreational improvements. Revision of the HPMP to
specifically address recreational use and currently proposed or future
project recreation sites would be consistent with ARCH-05 and would
ensure that cultural sites are considered during recreation planning.
Also, Okanogan PUD explains in its May 2009 HPMP that because site
45OK566 is situated on a terrace outcrop above the river, the potential
for project-related erosion at the site is limited. However, Okanogan
PUD acknowledges that the site may also be affected by increased public
use. The site sketch map contained within the site record depicts a
foot path leading to the site; however, the HPMP concludes that there
would be no adverse effects on site 45OK566 resulting from project
operation. Absent information related to the assessment of effects at
this site, it is uncertain how the determination of ``no adverse
effects'' to this site was made. A discussion of this assessment within
a revised HPMP and how it may related to measure ARCH-05 would provide
clarification.
In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD acknowledges that modifications to Enloe
dam would affect this historic structure, but recommends that, if
undertaken in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation, effects would not be adverse. Implementation of
Okanogan PUD's proposed guidance contained within the HPMP with respect
to construction and maintenance standards would ensure that the
qualities of this property that make it eligible for the National
Register are not diminished over the license term. However, in its
HPMP, Okanogan PUD states that HAER documentation of Enloe dam has been
previously undertaken, but does not discuss the purpose of the Enloe
dam HAER documentation nor does it provide evidence of Washington SHPO
or Park Service acceptance of the documentation as a resolution of an
adverse effect. Typically, HAER documentation is completed as
mitigation of an adverse effect on a historic property. If HAER
documentation was undertaken to resolve such effects, and agency
concurrence has been received, additional measures may not be
necessary. Including a discussion in a revised HPMP regarding the
purpose of HAER documentation and agency consultation would provide
clarification.
In section 4.2 of the HPMP, Okanogan PUD states that under this
plan, the existing Enloe powerhouse would be demolished. However, in
section 5.14 of the HPMP, Okanogan PUD explains that it is soliciting
outside parties to assume ownership of the structure. Revision of the
HPMP to correct and clarify Okanogan PUD's intent with regard to the
powerhouse would be appropriate. Additionally, Appendix C of the HPMP
states that the transfer, lease, or sale of property out of federal
ownership without adequate and legally enforceable restrictions or
conditions to ensure long-term preservation of the property's historic
significance would be an adverse effect in accordance with the
implementing regulations of the NHPA found at 36 CFR800.5(a)(2)(vii).
Consequently, consultation with the CRWG regarding the resolution of
adverse effects on the historic Enloe powerhouse prior to any transfer
or demolition would ensure compliance with section 106.
Two TCPs have been identified within the project boundary APE. In
its Section 106 Technical Report, Okanogan PUD (2008b) states that
short-term effects on one of the identified TCPs would not be adverse
and that construction of the new powerhouse would have an adverse
visual effect. In its HPMP, Okanogan PUD also implies that there would
be a potential adverse effect on this resource as a result of any
demolition activities at the historic Enloe powerhouse. While Okanogan
PUD does not propose any measures to mitigate visual effects on this
TCP in its HPMP, it proposes to monitor this resource during any
powerhouse demolition activities. Inclusion of measures within the HPMP
to mitigate adverse visual effects and a requirement to consult with
the Colville prior to initiating demolition activities, in addition to
monitoring, would ensure that this resource is addressed in accordance
with section 106.
[[Page 28597]]
3.3.9 Socioeconomics
3.3.9.1 Affected Environment
The City of Oroville is the nearest community, with an estimated
population of 1,653 in 2000 (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2009a). The
U.S. Bureau of the Census reports that the top three industries in the
City of Oroville in terms of employment were educational, health, and
social services (18.2 percent); retail trade (17.1 percent); and
agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (11.2 percent).
Table 19 presents population and other demographic data for the
City of Oroville, Okanogan County, and for Washington from the U.S.
Bureau of the Census.
Table 19--Population Characteristics of the City of Oroville, Okanogan County, and Washington
[Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2009a,b]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private
Population Population nonfarm Median Persons below
2000 estimate 2008 employment household poverty level
2007 income 2008 2008 (percent)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Oroville................ 1,653 .............. .............. \a\ $30,114 \a\ 28.9
Okanogan County................. 39,564 40,033 8,718 37,900 19.6
Washington...................... 5,894,143 6,549,224 \b\ 2,501,684 58,081 11.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\1999 statistics.
\b\Includes data not distributed by county.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2000 there were
approximately 7.5 persons per square mile in Okanogan County and 88.6
persons per square mile in Washington as a whole. Population increases
between 2000 and 2008 have shown a slight 1.2 percent increase in
Okanogan County (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2009b). The very slow
growth in Okanogan County can be accounted for by the remoteness of
most of the county from population centers.
3.3.9.2 Environmental Effects
In terms of construction employment, Okanogan PUD estimates a small
increase in engineering and construction management employment of 1
person or 0.4 full-time equivalents (FTE) in year one, ramping up to
3.5 FTE at the start of year two. It would peak at 4 FTE during that
year, and then stabilize throughout year three at 3 FTE. Construction
employment requirements begin at the start of year two, with 2.5 FTE,
increasing to 46.5 FTE near the end of year two. Construction during
year three would require 27 FTE at the start of the year, ramping down
to 9 FTE by the end of the three-year construction phase.
The Enloe Project would have an unmanned power station. The
increased human-hours associated with the operation and maintenance of
the project would be 8,000 hours (or approximately 4 FTE) per year.
However, due to the ability of current Okanogan PUD staff to
accommodate these needs, there would be no long-term increase in on-
site employment or payroll due to the operation of the project.
The Enloe Project would benefit the local economy by providing a
reliable source of power and by providing recreational opportunities.
Okanogan PUD did not propose any measures specifically associated with
socioeconomic resources.
Our Analysis
Operation of the proposed project by Okanogan PUD would provide an
economical source of power to the region, helping to support future
economic growth. The additional spending associated with implementing
various resource measures, such as the rehabilitation of degraded
vegetation and the improvement of developed and dispersed recreation
areas, would provide for some additional employment during the period
of construction and monitoring.
3.4 No-Action Alternative
Under the no-action alternative, the Enloe Project would not be
constructed. There would be no changes to the physical, biological, or
cultural resources of the area and electrical generation from the
project would not occur. The power that would have been developed from
a renewable resource would have to be replaced from nonrenewable fuels.
4.0 Developmental Analysis
In this section, we look at the Enloe Project's use of the
Similkameen River for hydropower purposes to see what effect various
environmental measures would have on the project's costs and power
generation. Under the Commission's approach to evaluating the economics
of hydropower projects, as articulated in Mead Corp.,\41\ the
Commission compares the current project to an estimate of the cost of
obtaining the same amount of energy and capacity using a likely
alternative source of power for the region (cost of alternative power).
In keeping with Commission policy as described in Mead Corp., our
economic analysis is based on current electric power cost conditions
and does not consider future escalation of fuel prices in valuing the
hydropower project's power benefits.\41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\41\ See Mead Corporation, Publishing Paper Division, 72 FERC ]
61,027 (July 13, 1995). In most cases, electricity from hydropower
would displace some form of fossil-fueled generation, in which fuel
cost is the largest component of the cost of electricity production.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For each of the licensing alternatives, our analysis includes an
estimate of: (1) The cost of individual measures considered in the EA
for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of environmental
resources affected by the project; (2) the cost of alternative power;
(3) the total project cost (i.e., for construction, operation,
maintenance, and environmental measures); and (4) the difference
between the cost of alternative power and total project cost. If the
difference between the cost of alternative power and total project cost
is positive, the project produces power for less than the cost of
alternative power. If the difference between the cost of alternative
power and total project cost is negative, the project produces power
for more than the cost of alternative power. This estimate helps to
support an informed decision concerning what is in the public interest
with respect to a proposed license. However, project economics is only
one of many public interest factors the Commission considers in
determining whether, and under what conditions, to issue a license.
4.1 Power and Economic Benefits of the Project
Table 20 summarizes the assumptions and economic information we use
in our analysis. This information was provided
[[Page 28598]]
by Okanogan PUD in its license application. We find that the values
provided by Okanogan PUD are reasonable for the purposes of our
analysis. Cost items common to all alternatives include: Taxes and
insurance costs; net investment (the total investment in power plant
facilities remaining to be depreciated); estimated future capital
investment required to maintain and extend the life of plant equipment
and facilities; relicensing costs; normal operation and maintenance
cost; and Commission fees. We do not include, in our analysis, any
measures with minimal, zero, or unknown costs.
Table 20--Parameters for the Economic Analysis of the Enloe
Hydroelectric Project
[Source: Okanogan PUD, 2008a, as modified by Staff]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parameter Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period of analysis (years)............................ 30
Initial construction cost, $\a\....................... 28,887,550
Operation and maintenance of project, $/year\b\....... 894,470
Energy value ($/MWh)\c\............................... 67.88
Capacity rate ($/kilowatt-year)\d\.................... 157
Interest rate (%)\e\.................................. 4.5
Discount rate (%)\f\.................................. 4.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
\a\ License application, table D-1, adjusted to 2010 dollars.
\b\ License application, table D-1, adjusted to 2010 dollars.
\c\ License application, table D-4, total value divided by total average
annual generation.
\d\ Staff based on Energy Information Administration Annual Outlook for
2010. This value is based on the amortization and fixed operation and
maintenance cost for a simple-cycle combustion turbine.
\e\ License application, table D-2.
4.2 Comparison of Alternatives
Table 21 summarizes the installed capacity, annual generation, cost
of alternative power, estimated total project cost, and difference
between the cost of alternative power and total project cost for each
of the alternatives considered in this EA: Okanogan PUD's proposal and
the staff alternative.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\42\ There are no mandatory conditions filed at this time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2.1 No-Action Alternative
Under the no-action alternative, the project would not be
constructed as proposed. The dam is managed by the Okanogan PUD, but
because there are no operational generating facilities, the project is
not subject to a Commission license.
Table 21--Summary of Annual Cost of Alternative Power and Annual Project
Cost for the Alternatives for the Enloe Hydroelectric Project
[Source: Staff]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD's Staff
Proposal Alternative
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installed capacity (MW)............. 9.0 9.0
Annual generation (MWh)............. 44,409 44,409
Dependable capacity (MW)............ 1.14 1.14
Annual cost of alternative power.... $3,193,460 $3,193,460
($/MWh)............................. 71.91 71.91
Annual project cost................. $3,086,990 $3,109,540
($/MWh)............................. 69.51 70.02
Difference between the cost of $106,470 $83,920
alternative power and project cost.
($/MWh)............................. 2.40 1.89
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2.2 Okanogan PUD's Proposal
Okanogan PUD proposes to construct a new hydroelectric project
using the existing Enloe dam. Okanogan PUD also proposes to implement
numerous environmental measures, as presented in table 23, prior to
initial construction, during construction, and after construction once
the proposed project is operational. Under Okanogan PUD's proposal, the
project would have an installed capacity of 9 MW, and generate an
average of 44,409 MWh of electricity annually. The average annual cost
of alternative power would be $3,193,460, or $71.91/MWh. The average
annual project cost would be $3,086,990, or $69.51/MWh. Overall, the
project would produce power at a cost that is $106,470, or $2.40/MWh,
less than the cost of alternative power.
4.2.3 Staff Alternative
The staff alternative includes all of Okanogan PUD's proposed
environmental measures except for its proposal to place boulder
clusters in riffles or in plain-bed portions of the river and
entrainment and resident fish monitoring. Additionally, staff made
modifications and recommended additional measures. Table 22 shows the
staff-recommended additions, deletions, and modifications to Okanogan
PUD's proposed environmental protection and enhancement measures and
the estimated cost of each. The staff alternative would have the same
capacity and energy attributes as Okanogan PUD's proposal. Under the
staff alternative, the average annual cost of alternative power would
be
[[Page 28599]]
$3,193,460, or $71.91/MWh. The annual project cost would be $3,109,540,
or $70.02/MWh. Overall, the project would produce power at a cost that
is $83,920, or $1.89/MWh, less than the cost of alternative power.
4.3 Cost of Environmental Measures
Table 22 gives the cost of each of the environmental enhancement
measures considered in our analysis. We convert all costs to equal
annual (levelized) values over a 30-year period of analysis to give a
uniform basis for comparing the benefits of a measure to its cost.
Table 22--Cost of Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Considered in Assessing the Environmental
Effects of Constructing and Operating the Proposed Enloe Hydroelectric Project
[Source: Staff]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital cost Annual cost Levelized annual
Enhancement/Mitigation measures Entity (2010$) \a\ (2010$) ;\a\ cost (2010$)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geology and Soils Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Develop and implement an Okanogan PUD,......... $21,510.......... $0............... $1,460
ESCP (WQ-06). Interior--10(j),......
NMFS--10(j),..........
Staff.................
2. Develop and implement a CSMP Okanogan PUD, Staff... 80,660........... 0................ 5,460
(WQ-08).
3. Develop and implement a Interior, Washington 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
Spoil Disposal Plan. DOE, Staff.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water and Water Quality
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Monitor water temperatures Okanogan PUD, 0................ 580.............. 580
at three locations for a Interior--10(j),
period of 5 years (WQ-01). NMFS--10(j), Staff.
2. Provide aeration in the Okanogan PUD, NMFS-- 43,020........... 2,150............ 5,060
turbine draft tubes (WQ-03). 10(j), Staff.
3. Monitor TDG and DO at the Okanogan PUD, Staff... 26,890........... 7,000 for 1st 5 3,850
project intake and in the pool years.
below the falls for a period
of 5 years (WQ-04).
4. Monitor DO at the project NMFS.................. 0................ 7,000 for years 6- 5,500
intake and in the pool below 30.
the falls for the term of
license.
5. Develop and file with the Staff................. 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
Commission, in consultation
with the TRG, a water quality
monitoring plan including:
Selecting the monitoring
locations; filing a report at
the end of year 5 documenting
the results of monitoring and
recommendations for the need
for continued monitoring
development, and conducting
water temperature, TDG, and DO
monitoring for a period longer
than 5 years if needed.
6. At project initiation, Okanogan PUD, NMFS-- 26,890........... 0................ 1,820
develop and implement the 10(j), Staff.
Spill Plan including a
hazardous substance plan (WQ-
07).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aquatic Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Implement a Blasting Plan Okanogan PUD, Staff... 107,540.......... 0................ 7,280
and use BMPs (FISH-01).
2. Place two boulder clusters Okanogan PUD.......... 64,520........... 0................ 4,370
in riffles or in flat sections
of the river (FISH-02).
3. Ensure that logs and other Okanogan PUD, 0................ 4,300............ 4,300
large woody debris can pass Interior--10(j),
over the dam spillway during Staff.
the annual flood and, if
needed, transport some large
woody debris around the dam
and place it in the river
downstream of the dam to
provide fish habitat (FISH-03).
4. Design and construct the Okanogan PUD, Staff... 32,260........... 0................ 2,180
intake trashracks with a 1-
inch bar spacing (FISH-04).
[[Page 28600]]
5. Design, construct, and file Interior, Washington 16-24M........... 0................ 1.1-1.6M
detailed drawings of the DFW.
intake fish screen with a
schedule to build the facility
before commercial operation
starts.
6. Monitor seasonal variation Okanogan PUD, Interior 107,540.......... 0................ 7,280
in entrainment susceptibility;
observe trauma and mortality
caused by entrainment, and
monitor fish population
distribution and abundance in
the reservoir (FISH-05).
7. Install tailrace barrier Okanogan PUD, 26,510........... 5,380............ 7,180
nets in the powerhouse draft Interior--10(j),
tubes including annual NMFS--10(j),
inspection and maintenance Washington DFW--
(FISH-06). 10(j), Staff.
8. File detailed design Okanogan PUD, 2,000 \b\........ 0................ 140
drawings of the conical net Interior--10(j),
barrier at least 1 year before NMFS--10(j),
the start of land-disturbing Washington DFW--
or land-clearing activities. 10(j), Staff.
9. Monitor tailrace barriers Okanogan PUD, 0................ 1,240............ 1,240
with video cameras (FISH-07). Interior--10(j),
Staff.
10. Develop and implement a Okanogan PUD, 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
written operation plan for the Interior--10(j),
tailrace barriers. NMFS--10(j), Staff.
11. Develop and implement a Okanogan PUD, 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
postconstruction evaluation Interior--10(j),
and monitoring plan for the NMFS--10(j), Staff.
tailrace barrier.
12. Develop and implement an Okanogan PUD, 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
inspection and maintenance Interior--10(j),
plan for the tailrace barrier. NMFS--10(j), Staff.
13. Develop a powerhouse Interior.............. 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
operation plan to provide 48
hours of flow continuation in
the event of emergency project
shutdown.
14. Develop and implement a Staff................. 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
project operations and
compliance monitoring plan.
15. Design and construct the Okanogan PUD, Staff... 120,450.......... 0................ 8,150
tailrace to avoid effects on
fish (FISH-09).
16. Enhance an existing side Okanogan PUD, 397,510.......... 3,310............ 30,210
channel (FISH-10). Interior--10(j),
NMFS--10(j),
Washington DFW--
10(j), Staff.
17. Implement a gravel Okanogan PUD, 0................ 11,950........... 11,950
supplementation program (FISH- Interior--10(j),
11). NMFS--10(j),
Washington DFW--
10(j), Staff.
18. File a Resident Fish Interior.............. 5,000 \d\........ 50,000 \d\....... 50,340
Habitat Management Plan that
includes provisions for WQ-01,
FISH-05, BOTA-01, -02, -04, -
05, to stock sterile triploid
trout, and to implement a fish
habitat monitoring plan.
19. File a Fisheries Washington DFW........ 0................ 50,000 \d\....... 50,000
Enhancement Plan that includes
provisions for FISH-10, FISH-
11, and to stock sterile
triploid trout.
20. File a Fisheries Interior.............. 0 \d\............ 0 \d\............ 0 \d\
Enhancement Plan that includes
provisions for FISH-03, FISH-
10, and FISH-11.
21. Develop a biological review Okanogan PUD, 16,130........... 10,750........... 11,840
process which includes Washington DFW, Staff.
provisions for establishing a
TRG to provide ongoing
refinement and measure
effectiveness of environmental
measures (FISH-12).
[[Page 28601]]
22. Develop a fisheries Okanogan PUD, Staff... 48,390........... 0................ 3,280
monitoring database for
organizing and storing
monitoring data related to
aquatic resources for use by
the TRG to monitor
effectiveness of measures
(FISH-13).
23. Develop an adaptive Washington DFW........ 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
management plan within 1 year
of license issuance for the
protection and mitigation of
impacts to fish and wildlife
resources.
24. Conduct a paleolimnological CRITFC................ 100,000 \b\...... 0................ 6,770
study of historical anadromy
above Enloe dam.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum Flow Proposal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Provide a minimum flow of 10 Okanogan PUD, 5,000 \b\........ 37,610 \b\....... 37,940
cfs year-round and 30 cfs from Washington DFW,
mid-July to mid-September, Washington DOE, Staff.
monitor temperature and DO,
select an appropriate minimum
flow release location, and
make appropriate project
modifications to provide
minimum flow releases for the
bypassed reach.
2. Determine appropriate Okanogan PUD, 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
thresholds for downramping Washington DFW,
rates after emergency shutdown Washington DOE, Staff.
immediately downstream of
Enloe dam.
3. Establish minimum instream American Rivers et al. 0................ 1,295,830 \b\.... 1,295,830
flows in the bypassed reach
varying from 400 cfs to 3,400
cfs depending on the month.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terrestrial Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Implement the Vegetation Okanogan PUD, 32,260........... 0................ 2,180
Plan, including goals, the Interior--10(j),
species to be used, methods, Washington DFW--
and benchmarks of success for 10(j), Staff.
botanical resources (BOTA-01).
2. Develop a Vegetation Interior--10(j), 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
Resource Management Plan. Washington DFW--10(j).
3. Develop a Wildlife Interior, Washington 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
Management Plan including DFW.
planting native riparian
trees, grasses, and shrubs.
4. Plant riparian vegetation Okanogan PUD, 32,260........... 0................ 2,180
along the west and east banks Interior--10(j),
of the reservoir shoreline Washington DFW--
(BOTA-02). 10(j), Staff.
5. Return existing shoreline Okanogan PUD, 376,390.......... 1,450............ 26,920
road to natural conditions, Interior--10(j),
eliminate the current Washington DFW--
interruption between the 10(j), Staff.
shoreline and upland habitat,
relocate access road segment,
and develop trail to provide
recreation access to the river
below the dam on the east bank
(BOTA-03 and part of REC-13).
6. Plant woody riparian species Okanogan PUD, 16,130........... 0................ 1,090
in the riparian area along the Interior--10(j),
abandoned road corridor (BOTA- Washington DFW--
04). 10(j), Staff.
7. Plant woody riparian Okanogan PUD, 21,510........... 0................ 1,460
vegetation along the east and Interior--10(j),
west banks of the reservoir Washington DFW--
downstream of Shanker's Bend 10(j), Staff.
(BOTA-05).
[[Page 28602]]
8. Install grazing control Okanogan PUD, 26,890........... 0................ 1,820
measures including fencing Interior--10(j),
(BOTA-06). Washington DFW--
10(j), Staff.
9. Monitor restored areas Okanogan PUD, Staff... 16,130........... 2,900............ 3,990
annually for 5 years and
replant as necessary, and
provide annual reports of the
monitoring results (BOTA-07).
10. Additional monitoring of Interior--10(j), 100,000 \b\...... 0................ 6,770
restored areas. Washington DFW--10(j).
11. Employ BMPs including Okanogan PUD, 2,690............ 0................ 180
measures such as flagging and Interior--10(j),
temporarily fencing any Washington DFW--
wetland and riparian 10(j), Staff.
vegetation in the vicinity of
the project, and limiting
construction and maintenance-
related disturbance of
sensitive habitats to the
extent possible (BOTA-08).
12. Develop and implement an Okanogan PUD, Staff... 5,380............ 0................ 360
environmental training program
(BOTA-09).
13. Provide a biological Okanogan PUD, 77,430........... 0................ 5,240
monitor during construction Interior--10(j),
(BOTA-10). Washington DFW--
10(j), Staff.
14. Implement the Noxious Weed Okanogan PUD, 13,980........... 1,340............ 2,290
Control Program (BOTA-11). Interior--10(j),
Washington DFW--
10(j), Staff.
15. Survey disposal sites and Okanogan PUD, Staff... 3,230............ 0................ 220
control noxious weeds by
implementing control measures
prior to spoil disposal (BOTA-
12).
16. Hydroseed disposal sites Okanogan PUD, Staff... 14,200........... 0................ 960
using native upland species
(BOTA-13).
17. Conduct survey for Ute Okanogan PUD.......... 0................ 1,820............ 1,820
ladies'-tresses prior to,
during, and postconstruction
(BOTA-14) for 3 years.
18. Develop an Ute ladies'- Staff................. 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
tresses plan after agencies
consultation, and if present
in project areas, develop plan
to avoid or minimize effects.
19. Conduct survey for Ute Interior--10(j), 70,000 \b\....... 0................ 4,740
ladies'-tresses within 1 year Washington DFW--10(j).
of license issuance, and every
5 years thereafter.
20. GIS mapping and development Interior.............. 15,000 \b\....... 0................ 1,020
of a digital database for
sensitive species, noxious
weeds, and habitat restoration
sites.
21. Place the project Okanogan PUD, 540.............. 0................ 40
transmission line in location Interior--10(j),
to reduce adverse effects of Washington DFW--
the line on raptors and other 10(j), Staff.
birds (WILD-01).
22. Concentrate construction Okanogan PUD, 134,430.......... 0................ 9,100
activities to occur in summer Interior--10(j),
and early fall (WILD-02). Washington DFW--
10(j), Staff.
23. Conduct pre-disposal site Okanogan PUD, Staff... 3,230............ 0................ 220
survey for wildlife and time
clearing vegetation at spoil
disposal sites (WILD-03).
24. Install nest boxes for Interior, Washington 25/box........... 0................ minimal
small birds in areas that lack DFW.
snags or natural tree cavities.
25. Retain dead tress and Interior, Washington 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
install 10 artificial perch DFW, Staff.
poles along the reservoir
shoreline.
26. Install barriers on Interior, Washington 2,000 \b\........ 0................ 140
irrigation canal tunnels to DFW.
prevent human entry while
still allowing use by bats.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 28603]]
Recreation and Land Use Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Revise and implement the Okanogan PUD, 91,410 \c\....... 0................ 6,190
Fence Plan in coordination Interior, Staff.
with the Recreation Management
Plan to include (a)
installation of barricades and
fencing on the east side of
the dam and the area below the
dam; (b) use of non-barbed
wire at the recreation area;
and (c) installation of a
stock watering tank north of
the proposed recreation site
as an alternative source of
drinking water for all grazing
cattle with rights to this
area (REC-01).
2. Provide recreation access Okanogan PUD, 5,000............ 2,000............ 2,340
below Enloe dam on the east Interior, Staff.
bank by developing a trail to
the river below the dam (REC-
02).
3. Transfer to Okanogan County Okanogan PUD, 10,750........... 0................ 730
ownership rights to the Interior, Staff.
trestle bridge that is located
on the west side of the river
with certain conditions (REC-
03).
4. Improve the existing Okanogan PUD, 80,660........... 0................ 5,460
informal boat ramp located on Interior, Staff.
the east bank upstream of the
dam (REC-04).
5. Clean up and restore wooded Okanogan PUD, 10,750........... 0................ 730
area on east bank of the Interior, Staff.
reservoir (REC-05).
6. Develop an interpretive Okanogan PUD, 5,380............ 0................ 360
publication including a map Interior, Staff.
illustrating public access and
recreation sites (REC-06).
7. Remove existing trash and Okanogan PUD, 5,380............ 1,610............ 1,970
conduct annual cleanup Interior, Staff.
activities (REC-07).
8. Develop parking area and Okanogan PUD, 107,540.......... 0................ 7,280
install a vault toilet on the Interior, Staff.
east bank and upstream of
Enloe dam (REC-08).
9. Install picnic tables near Okanogan PUD, 16,130........... 0................ 1,090
the parking area taking Interior, Staff.
advantage of existing trees
for shading (REC-09).
10. Develop primitive campsites Okanogan PUD, 26,890........... 0................ 1,820
near the parking and picnic Interior, Staff.
area (REC-10).
11. Install one interpretive Okanogan PUD, 5,380............ 0................ 360
sign near the parking and Interior, Staff.
picnic area and one sign near
the abutment of the old
powerhouse access bridge (REC-
11).
12. Place an information board Okanogan PUD, 2,690............ 0................ 180
near Enloe dam (REC-12). Interior, Staff.
13. Finalize and implement the Okanogan PUD, 43,020........... 0................ 2,910
Recreation Management Plan Interior, Staff.
(REC-13).
14. Implement major Interior.............. 125,000 \b\...... 15,000 \b\....... 23,460
recreational development at
the BLM-owned Miner's Flat
site and bring into project
boundary.
15. Develop a formal boater BLM, Staff............ 35,000 \b\....... 1,000 \b\........ 3,370
take-out area at Miner's Flat,
upgrade the access roads to
the take-out if necessary, and
include approximately 1 acre
on which the take-out would be
located within the project
boundary.
16. Conduct recreation Interior, Staff....... 0................ 5,000 \b\........ 5,000
monitoring and provide
Recreation Management Plan
updates.
[[Page 28604]]
17. Provide for recreation site Interior.............. 0................ 50,000 \b\....... 50,000
grounds maintenance.
18. Rebuild the footbridge Interior.............. 10,000 \b\....... 500 \b\.......... 1,180
across the Similkameen River.
19. Develop and post a snow Staff................. 1,000 \b\........ 0................ 70
plowing schedule annually for
the project access road.
20. Remove the small, BLM................... 2,500 \b\........ 0................ 170
deteriorated, privately-owned
pump house at the north end of
the proposed Enloe dam
recreation area.
21. Remove the one small, BLM, Staff............ 2,500 \b\........ 0................ 170
deteriorated building on
Okanogan PUD land at the north
end of the proposed Enloe dam
recreation area.
22. Maintain the existing signs Okanogan PUD, Staff... 10,750........... 2,690............ 3,420
and system of safety cables
and grab ropes above the dam,
install canoe/kayak take-out
signs, install dam safety/
warning signs for boaters, and
install a log boom access the
powerhouse intake channel to
protect boaters (SAFETY-01).
23. Identify options for Okanogan PUD, Staff... 10,750........... 0................ 730
preventing public access to
the old powerhouse (SAFETY-03).
24. Develop and implement the Okanogan PUD, 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
Safety During Construction Interior, Staff.
Plan.
25. Develop and implement a Law Interior.............. 5,000 \b\........ 15,000 \b\....... 15,340
Enforcement, Fire, and
Emergency Services Plan.
26. Develop a Fire Suppression Staff................. 2,000 \b\........ 5,000 \b\........ 5,140
Program.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aesthetic Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Use visually-compatible Okanogan PUD, 10,750........... 0................ 730
colors and building materials Interior, Staff.
for construction (AES-01).
2. Consult with the Colville Okanogan PUD, 21,510........... 0................ 1,460
during restoration activities Interior, Staff.
(AES-02).
3. Revise and implement the Interior, Staff....... 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
Aesthetics Management Plan,
including provisions of AES-
01, AES-02, and AES-04, and
consultation with BLM on the
revision of the aesthetic
analysis.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cultural Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Solicit a new owner of the Okanogan PUD, 5,380............ 0................ 360
existing historic Enloe Interior, Staff.
powerhouse within 4 years from
issuance of a license (HIST-
01).
2. Allow at least 5 years Interior.............. 4,390 \b\........ 0................ 300
during which Okanogan PUD
would solicit and review
offers to parties that might
be interested in acquiring the
historic Enloe powerhouse.
3. If a qualified owner is not Okanogan PUD, Staff... 129,050.......... 0................ 8,730
identified for the existing
historic powerhouse, consult
with the CRWG, which includes
the Commission, prior to
demolition of the historic
Enloe powerhouse (HIST-02).
[[Page 28605]]
4. Install interpretive panels Okanogan PUD, 26,890........... 0................ 1,820
about the historic powerhouse Interior, Staff.
(HIST-03).
5. Review and reach agreement Okanogan PUD.......... 5,000 \b\........ 0................ 340
on the May 2009 HPMP and
incorporate information into a
PA (HIST-04).
6. Monitor effects of shoreline Okanogan PUD, 69,900........... 0................ 4,730
fluctuations on archaeological Interior, Staff.
sites in shoreline areas, and
mitigate, as needed (ARCH-01).
7. Avoid known National Okanogan PUD, 16,130........... 0................ 1,090
Register-eligible Interior, Staff.
archaeological sites to
prevent damage during
construction (ARCH-02).
8. Monitor eligible sites Okanogan PUD, 20,000 \b\....... 0................ 1,350
during construction activities Interior, Staff.
to avoid damage to these sites
(ARCH-03).
9. Develop and implement an Okanogan PUD, 16,130........... 0................ 1,090
inadvertent discovery plan if Interior, Staff.
a site is discovered during
construction and include
training of staff and
construction workers about the
potential for discovery of
archaeological deposits (ARCH-
04).
10. Determine if there would be Okanogan PUD, 10,000 \b\....... 0................ 680
effects on archaeological Interior, Staff.
sites in the vicinity of
recreation facilities (ARCH-
05).
11. Revise the May 2009 HPMP Interior, Staff....... 16,000 \e\....... 10,000 \e\....... 11,080
(as identified in section 3).
12. Include in the revised HPMP Staff................. 52,000 \b\....... 5,000 \b\........ 8,520
provisions for: (a) Further
consideration of capping site
45OK532; (b) a description of
the proposed side-channel
enhancement site; (c) two
separate defined APEs; (d)
consultation with the CRWG
regarding the resolution of
adverse effects on the
historic Enloe powerhouse; and
(e) re-evaluating the Oroville-
Tonasket Irrigation Canal for
National Register-eligibility.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Unless otherwise noted, all cost estimates are from Okanogan PUD.
\b\ Cost estimated by Staff.
\c\ Cost estimated by Okanogan PUD and Staff.
\d\ Cost estimated by Staff and includes only addition measures not proposed by Okanogan PUD.
\e\ This staff-estimated cost includes all of the revisions to the HPMP that Interior recommends. Staff does not
recommend that Okanogan PUD needs to allow 5 years to solicit entities that might be interested in acquiring
the historic Enloe powerhouse; there is no additional cost for this measure.
5.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1 Comparison of Alternatives
In this section we compare the development and non-developmental
effects of Okanogan PUD's proposal and Okanogan PUD's proposal as
modified by staff (staff alternative).
We estimate the annual generation of the project under the two
alternatives identified above. Our analysis shows that the annual
generation would be 44,409 MWh for the proposed action and the staff
alternative.
We summarize the environmental effects of the action alternatives
in Table 23.
[[Page 28606]]
Table 23--Summary of Key Differences in the Potential Effects of
Okanogan PUD's Proposal and the Staff Alternative
[Source: Staff]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okanogan PUD
Resource/issue proposal Staff alternative
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoil Disposal Plan......... No provisions for Spoil Disposal Plan
spoil disposal.. to address disposal/
storage of waste
soil and/or rock
materials (spoils)
generated by road
maintenance, slope
failures, and
construction
projects.
Water Quality............... Reduced TDG from Same as Okanogan
diversion of water PUD's proposal, but
around falls, and with Water Quality
adequate DO from Monitoring Plan to
aeration of the provide more
draft tube specificity and
downstream. oversight to ensure
Adequate intended results.
temperature and DO
in bypassed reach
from minimum flows.
Adequate levels
ensured by
monitoring, with
potential for
additional
measures.
Protections from
erosion and
sedimentation
during construction.
Project Operations and Protection of Same as Okanogan
Compliance Monitoring Plan. aquatic, PUD's proposal, but
recreation, and with Project
aesthetics Operations and
resources from run- Compliance
of-river operation, Monitoring Plan to
minimum flows in further define
the bypassed reach, protective
and ramping rates operations and
both in the project ensure compliance.
tailrace and in the
bypassed reach.
Aquatic Resources........... Potential minor Same as Okanogan
losses of fish from PUD's proposal, but
blasting and without further
increased turbidity evaluation of
and sedimentation potential effects
during to resident
construction. fishery, and no
Enhanced anadromous potential limited
fish habitat benefit to
downstream of whitefish or
project (including adverse effects
critical habitat from boulder
for threatened UCR placement in river
steelhead) due to upstream of
decrease in TDG and project.
maintenance of
adequate DO levels
and temperature,
enhanced side
channel habitat,
woody debris
transfer
downstream, gravel
augmentation, and
new riparian
vegetation. Reduced
aquatic habitat in
short bypassed
reach for resident
fish. Minor losses
to fish
entrainment, with
further evaluation
of potential
effects to resident
fishery. Potential
limited benefits to
whitefish in river
upstream of
project, but
potential negative
effect on
recreational
boating and water
temperatures.
Raptor and Other Avian Retention of non- Same as Okanogan
Perching Habitat. hazard dead trees PUD's proposal, but
along the reservoir. with addition of 10
artificial perch
poles along the
reservoir
shoreline.
Vegetation.................. Vegetation Plan and Same as Okanogan
control of noxious PUD's proposal, but
weeds. with additional
oversight.
Ute Ladies'-Tresses Plan.... Protection of Ute Same as Okanogan
Ladies'-Tresses PUD's proposal, but
during initial protection measures
construction and postconstruction if
continued warranted.
monitoring.
Recreation Management Plan.. Recreation Same as Okanogan
Management Plan, PUD's proposal, but
including numerous with additional
measures to protect provisions for fire
and enhance suppression,
recreation at the monitoring to
project. Potential ensure resource
negative effect on protection, added
recreational assurance of O&M of
boating in river the entire length
upstream of project of the public
from boulder access road from
placement. the Loomis-Oroville
Road to Enloe dam
(5 acres),
additional river
access take-out
point at Miner's
Flat, and removal
of one small,
deteriorated
building. No
potential negative
effect on
recreational
boating from
boulder placement
in river upstream
from project.
Aesthetics.................. Aesthetics Same as Okanogan
Management Plan, PUD's proposal, but
including numerous with additional
measures to address provisions to
aesthetics, and new ensure oversight
riparian vegetation and compliance, and
enhancing ensure other
appearance of resource measures
shoreline over do not detract
existing condition significantly from
with trees lost to aesthetics.
fire. Restoration Additionally,
of a shoreline road removal of a
to a natural deteriorated
condition. building.
Reduction of flows
in short bypassed
reach and over
falls.
Cultural Resources.......... May 2009 HPMP....... Same as proposed,
but with greater
detail, evaluation,
consultation, and
oversight to ensure
protection of
cultural resources.
Consultation and Commission Limited consultation Oversight of
approval. and Commission resource plans to
approvals for plans. ensure intended
results.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.2 Comprehensive Development and Recommended Alternative
Sections 4(e) and 10(a)(1) of the FPA require the Commission to
give equal consideration to all uses of the waterway on which a project
is located. When we review a proposed hydropower project, we consider
the water quality, fish and wildlife, recreation, cultural, and other
non-developmental values of the involved waterway equally with its
electric energy and other developmental values. In deciding whether,
and under what conditions a hydropower project should be licensed, the
Commission must determine that the project would be best adapted to a
comprehensive plan for improving or developing the waterway. This
section contains the basis for, and a summary of, our recommendations
for licensing the Enloe Project. We weigh the costs and benefits of our
[[Page 28607]]
recommended alternative against other proposed measures.
Recommended Alternative
Based on our independent review and evaluation of the environmental
and economic effects of the proposed action, the proposed action with
additional staff-recommended measures, and the no-action
alternative,\43\ we recommend the proposed action with staff-
recommended measures as the preferred alternative.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\43\ BLM stated that it would require Okanogan PUD to remove the
dam and all associated facilities from the public lands under the
existing right-of-way permit if a license is be issued. We discussed
dam removal under cumulative effects Section 3.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We recommend the staff alternative because: (1) Issuance of a new
license would allow Okanogan PUD to construct and operate the project
as a beneficial and dependable source of electrical energy; (2) the 9.0
MW of electric capacity available comes from a renewable resource which
does not contribute to atmospheric pollution; and (3) the recommended
environmental measures would protect water quality, enhance fish and
wildlife resources, protect cultural resources, and improve public use
of the project's recreational facilities and resources.
Measures Proposed by Okanogan PUD
Based on our environmental analysis of Okanogan PUD's proposal
discussed in section 3 and the costs discussed in section 4, we
conclude that the following measures proposed by Okanogan PUD would
protect and enhance environmental resources and would be worth the
cost. Therefore, we recommend including these measures in any license
issued for the project.
Develop and implement an ESCP to minimize the effects of
construction, repair, and operation of the dam and intake, penstocks,
powerhouse, tailrace, impoundment, access roads, powerline, and
construction camp (WQ-06).
Develop and implement a CSMP to minimize sediment
disturbance and maximize sediment containment during construction (WQ-
08).
Operate the project in a run-of-river mode so that there
are no detectable changes in flows below Similkameen Falls (FISH-08)
and avoid flow fluctuations that might affect downstream resources by
complying with ramping rate restrictions as recommended by resource
agencies.
Monitor water temperatures at three locations for a period
of 5 years to determine if the operation of the new crest gates causes
an increase in the water temperatures when compared with upstream of
the reservoir (WQ-01) (as modified below).
Design the powerhouse tailrace so that it discharges to
and circulates water in the plunge pool downstream of Similkameen
Falls, preventing stagnation and consequently water quality degradation
of the pool habitat (WQ-02).
Provide aeration in the powerhouse turbine draft tubes
during low flow summer months (WQ-03).
Monitor total TDG and DO at the project intake and in the
pool below Similkameen Falls for a period of 5 years to assess TDG and
DO levels under project operations (WQ-04) (as modified below).
Design a broad, shallow intake structure and channel to
minimize sediment disturbance from project construction and operation
in the reservoir near the intake (WQ-05).
Develop and implement at project initiation a Spill Plan
to reduce potential effects from accidental spills when heavy machinery
is operating near the river and reservoir (WQ-07).
Implement the Blasting Plan and use BMPs to avoid and
minimize potential blasting effects on aquatic resources, including
federally listed or sensitive species, associated with blasting (FISH-
01).
Ensure that logs and other large woody debris can pass
over the dam spillway during the annual flood and, if needed, transport
some large woody debris around the dam and place it in the river
downstream of the dam to provide fish habitat (FISH-03).
Design the intake trashrack with 1-inch bar spacing so
that smaller fish would be able to pass safely through the trashrack
and larger fish would be discouraged or prevented from passing through
the trashracks and turbines (FISH-04).
Install tailrace barrier nets in the powerhouse draft
tubes to prevent fish in the tailrace from swimming upstream into the
draft tubes during low flows and maintain the nets (FISH-06).
Monitor barrier nets with video cameras to observe if
adult salmonids are able to enter the draft tubes past the barrier nets
(FISH-07). Develop and implement a written operation plan, a
postconstruction evaluation and monitoring plan, and an inspection and
maintenance plan to ensure that the tailrace barrier operates
effectively.\44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\44\ Okanogan PUD proposed these additional plans as modified
(April 9, 2010) from NMFS recommendations (February 26, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Design and locate the tailrace in an area to avoid effects
on fish that use the plunge pool below Similkameen Falls (FISH-09).
Enhance an existing side channel to improve spawning,
rearing, and summer thermal refugia downstream of the powerhouse
tailrace (FISH-10).
Implement a gravel supplementation program to increase the
amount of gravel in the river downstream of Enloe dam and improve
spawning habitat (FISH-11).
Develop a biological review process which includes
establishing a TRG to provide ongoing refinement and evaluate
effectiveness of environmental measures (FISH-12).
Develop a fisheries monitoring database for organizing and
storing monitoring data related to aquatic resources for use by the TRG
to monitor effectiveness of measures. (FISH-13).
Provide minimum flows of 30 cfs from mid-July to mid-
September, and 10 cfs rest of the year in the bypassed reach for
resident fish using the plunge pools.
Monitor DO and water temperature in the bypassed reach for
a period of time postconstruction to be determined in consultation with
the TRG, and adopt an adaptive management program to enhance DO and
water temperatures should monitoring indicate that state water quality
standards are not being met (as modified below).
Determine appropriate thresholds for downramping rates in
the bypassed reach based on monitoring and field observations prior to
operations (as modified below).
Select an appropriate minimum flow release location in
consultation with fisheries resource agencies (Washington DOE,
Washington DFW, Interior, NMFS, BLM, and the Colville), and make
appropriate project modifications to provide minimum flow releases for
the bypassed reach (as modified below).
Implement the Vegetation Plan to minimize effects on
riparian and wetland vegetation, including goals, the species to be
used, methods, and benchmarks of success for botanical resources (BOTA-
01) (as modified below).\45\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\45\ The Vegetation Plan (BOTA-01) contains the measures BOTA-2
through BOTA-7, BOTA-11, REC-01, and AES-04.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plant riparian vegetation along the west and east banks of
the reservoir shoreline to mitigate the temporary loss of habitat due
to higher reservoir levels while fringe riparian vegetation establishes
along the new water line (BOTA-02).
Return the existing shoreline road to natural conditions
after project construction to improve wildlife habitat along the
reservoir and eliminate the current interruption between the
[[Page 28608]]
shoreline and upland habitat (BOTA-03, also analyzed as part of REC-
13).
Plant woody riparian species in the riparian area along
the abandoned road corridor (BOTA-04).
Plant woody riparian vegetation along the east and west
banks of the reservoir downstream of Shanker's Bend and upstream of the
reservoir (BOTA-05).
Install grazing control measures, including fencing, to
protect riparian plantings and sensitive areas from cattle grazing
(BOTA-06, also analyzed as part of REC-1).
Monitor restored areas annually for 5 years and then once
again at 8 years, and plant additional willows if performance criteria
are not met; provide annual reports of the monitoring results to the
Corps and Washington DOE (BOTA-07) (as modified below).
Employ BMPs to protect riparian and wetland vegetation,
including measures such as flagging and temporarily fencing any wetland
and riparian vegetation in the vicinity of the project that would
reduce or avoid accidental impacts, and limiting construction and
maintenance-related disturbance of sensitive habitats to the extent
possible to protect these resources (BOTA-08).
Develop and implement an environmental training program to
inform employees and contractor employees who work on the project site
or related facilities during construction and operation about the
sensitive biological resources associated with the project area (BOTA-
09).
Provide a biological monitor to check construction sites
on a weekly schedule to ensure that protected areas are not disturbed
and that fencing and other control measures are intact (BOTA-10).
Implement the Noxious Weed Control Program to control
weeds along roads and construction sites (BOTA-11).
Survey disposal sites and control noxious weeds by
implementing control measures prior to spoil disposal (included in
Okanogan PUD, 2009d) (BOTA-12).
Hydroseed disposal sites using native upland species,
following completion of spoil disposal (included in Okanogan PUD,
2009d) (BOTA-13).
Place and install the project transmission line to
minimize effects on raptors and other birds (WILD-01).
Concentrate construction activities to occur in summer and
early fall to minimize effects on overwintering birds and bald eagles
(WILD-02).
Conduct pre-disposal site survey for wildlife and time the
clearing of vegetation at spoil disposal sites to minimize wildlife
impacts (WILD-03), (included in Okanogan PUD, 2009d).
Conduct surveys for Ute ladies'-tresses prior to, during,
and postconstruction to either confirm that the species does not occur
in areas affected by the project or guide the development of avoidance
or mitigative measures (BOTA-14) (as modified below).
Revise and implement the Recreation Management Plan which
includes 12 measures for recreation and four measures for safety of and
access to the project areas (REC-13) (as modified below).
Revise and implement the Fence Plan in coordination with
the Recreation Management Plan to include: (a) Installation of
barricades and fencing on the east side of the dam and the area below
the dam; (b) use of non-barbed wire at the recreation area; and (c)
installation of a stock watering tank north of the proposed recreation
site as an alternative source of drinking water for all grazing cattle
with rights to this area (REC-01).
Provide public access below Enloe dam on the east bank by
developing a trail to the river below the dam (REC-02).
Transfer to Okanogan County ownership rights to the
trestle bridge for the development of a future public trail located on
the west side of the river downstream of the dam with certain
conditions (REC-03).
Improve the existing informal boat ramp located on the
east bank upstream of the dam (REC-04).
Clean up and restore the wooded area on the east bank of
the reservoir (REC-05).
Develop an interpretive publication, in collaboration with
Okanogan County, the Water Trail Committee, and other interested
parties, including a map illustrating public access and recreation
sites (REC-06).
Remove existing trash and conduct annual cleanup
activities within the wooded area on the east bank of the reservoir and
along the OTID Ditch Road leading from the Loomis-Oroville Road to the
dam site (REC-07).
Develop an accessible parking area and install a vault
toilet on the east bank and upstream of Enloe dam (REC-08).
Install picnic tables, at least one of which should
incorporate universal design principles, near the parking area taking
advantage of existing trees for shading (REC-09).
Develop primitive campsites near the parking and picnic
area (REC-10).
At a minimum, install one interpretive sign near the
parking and picnic area and one sign near the abutment of the old
powerhouse access bridge, below Similkameen Falls (REC-11).
Place an information board near Enloe dam to depict public
access areas and information concerning visitor use of the project area
(REC-12).
Maintain the existing signs and system of safety cables
and grab ropes above the dam, install dam safety/warning signs for
boaters, and install a log boom across the powerhouse intake channel to
protect boaters (SAFETY-01).
Allow limited public access to the project during
construction (SAFETY-02).
Coordinate with BLM and other land owners, as appropriate,
to identify options for preventing public access to the old powerhouse
(SAFETY-03).
Develop and implement a Safety During Construction Plan.
Implement the Aesthetics Management Plan (as modified
below), including:
[cir] Using visually-compatible colors and building materials for
construction occurring on the east bank (AES-01).
[cir] Consulting with the Colville and other stakeholders during
restoration activities (AES-02).
[cir] Using non-reflective surfaces where possible during
construction (AES-03).
[cir] Grading and repairing all slopes where buildings are removed
and plant native grasses and other riparian vegetation (AES-04).
Solicit a new owner for the existing historic powerhouse
(HIST-01).
If a qualified owner is not identified for the existing
historic powerhouse, demolish the existing historic powerhouse and
create an interpretive site (HIST-02).
Install interpretive panels about the existing historic
powerhouse (HIST-03).
Review and reach agreement on the draft HPMP and
incorporate information into a PA (HIST-04) (as modified below).
Monitor effects of shoreline fluctuations on
archaeological sites in shoreline areas, and mitigate, as needed.
(ARCH-01).
Avoid known National Register-eligible archaeological
sites to prevent effects during construction (ARCH-02).
Monitor eligible sites during construction activities to
avoid effects on these sites (ARCH-03).
Develop and implement an inadvertent discovery plan,
specifying required actions and procedures if a site is discovered
during construction and including training staff and construction
workers about the potential for discovery of archaeological deposits
(ARCH-04).
[[Page 28609]]
Determine if there would be effects on archaeological
sites in the vicinity of recreational facilities (ARCH-05).
Additional Staff-Recommended Measures
We recommend the measures described above, along with nine
additional staff-recommended measures/modifications. The additional
staff-recommended measures include the following: (1) A spoils disposal
plan; (2) consultation and approval of plans; (3) a water quality
monitoring plan; (4) a project operations and compliance monitoring
plan; (5) modifications to the proposed Vegetation Plan; (6) provision
for eagle perching habitat; (7) modifications to the Recreation
Management Plan; (8) modifications to the Aesthetics Management Plan;
(9) modifications to the Ute ladies'-tresses survey proposal; and (10)
modifications to the proposed HPMP. Below, we discuss the rationale for
our modifications and our additional staff-recommended measures.
Spoil Disposal Plan
Although Okanogan PUD proposed to implement an ESCP and a CSMP
which would lessen the potential effects associated with land-
disturbing activities during project construction and operation, they
do not propose anything for spoil disposal. Interior recommends that
Okanogan PUD develop and implement a Spoil Disposal Plan prior to any
construction activities that may affect the BLM-administered public
lands. The plan would address disposal and/or storage of waste soil
and/or rock materials (spoils) generated by road maintenance, slope
failures, and construction projects. Introduction of waste soil or rock
into the Similkameen River would have negative effects on water
quality. Implementation of the measures in a Spoil Disposal Plan would
minimize effects from excavated materials on water quality or the
surrounding environment within the project boundary and that such a
plan would be worth the estimated levelized annual cost of $340.
Consultation and Approval of Plans
Okanogan PUD proposes a Blasting Plan, a plan for woody debris, a
plan for the side-channel enhancement, a gravel supplementation
program, and a Spill Plan. We recommend consultation with the TRG and
Commission approval prior to implementation of these plans to ensure
that these plans are developed with expertise and recommendations from
the TRG. The cost of this additional measure would be minimal.
Water Quality Monitoring Plan
Okanogan PUD's water quality monitoring proposals include a number
of aspects that need to be clarified. These include: (1) A description
of the methods, equipment, maintenance and calibration procedures, and
specific locations that will be used to monitor water temperature, TDG,
and DO above the dam and below the dam in both the bypassed reach and
in the tailrace; (2) a description of the protocol for annually
reporting monitoring data to the Commission and Washington DOE; and (3)
an implementation schedule. Therefore, we recommend that Okanogan PUD
develop a Water Quality Monitoring Plan for the Enloe project, in
consultation with the TRG, to be filed for Commission approval that
includes these measures and with this level of detail.
Okanogan PUD proposes to monitor temperature at three unspecified
locations in the reservoir for a period of five years and in the
bypassed reach to determine if state water quality standards are being
met. Additionally, Okanogan PUD proposes to monitor TDG and DO at the
project intake and in the project tailrace for the same time period, as
well as DO monitoring in the bypassed reach. Interior and NMFS have
recommended these same provisions, and NMFS further recommends that DO
be monitored for the life of any license granted. Monitoring
temperature, TDG, and DO during the first 5 years of operation would
provide information on possible project effects on these parameters,
but if water quality standards are not met regularly, additional
monitoring and alternative measures may be necessary. A report at the
end of five years evaluating the need for continued monitoring and/or
measures, and implementation of any additional measures as needed,
would ensure that water quality is maintained at a level that will
support aquatic resources at the project. Therefore, we recommend that
the Water Quality Management Plan includes provisions for Okanogan PUD
to file a report with the Commission for approval at the end of the
five-year monitoring period, developed in consultation with the TRG,
documenting the results of the monitoring and any proposals and
recommendations for the need for continued monitoring and/or measures.
This plan would ensure that water quality at the project is effectively
monitored and maintained, and would be worth the estimated levelized
annual cost of $680.
Project Operations Compliance and Monitoring Plan
Okanogan PUD proposes to operate the project in a run-of-river
mode, to provide minimum flows in the bypassed reach, and to implement
ramping rates both in the project tailrace and in the bypassed reach.
The proposal includes many details which are yet to be determined,
including: (1) How to document compliance with the run-of-river
operations, minimum flow requirements (including exact dates to provide
the minimum flows), and ramping rates requirements; (2) critical flow
thresholds for downramping of flows in the bypassed reach; and (3) the
means of flow delivery to the bypassed reach. Therefore, we recommend
that Okanogan PUD develop a project operations compliance and
monitoring plan for the Enloe project, in consultation with the TRG, to
be filed for Commission approval that includes the details above. This
plan would ensure that the project operation is clearly defined and
that compliance could be demonstrated. The benefit of such a plan would
be worth the estimated levelized annual cost of $680.
Reporting Monitoring Results for Restored Areas
In its Vegetation Plan, Okanogan PUD proposes to provide to the
Corps and Washington DOE an annual report on its monitoring of restored
areas annually for 5 years and then once again at year 8. Comments
provided by the FWS, BLM, and Washington DFW indicate interest in
reviewing the reports on the restoration efforts, given the agencies'
responsibilities. In addition, the Commission would need to be apprised
of the success of restoration and the need for any further measures to
meet the Vegetation Plan's performance criteria. Therefore, Okanogan
PUD should revise its Vegetation Plan to include providing FWS, BLM,
and Washington DFW with its monitoring reports at the same time it
provides them to the Corps and Washington DOE. In addition, the
Vegetation Plan should be revised to include filing with the Commission
its monitoring reports for years 1 through 5 and 8, and for approval,
any proposals for further measures, developed in consultation with the
agencies.
Eagle Perching Habitat
A previous fire resulted in a loss of large shoreline cottonwoods
and other trees that could be used by bald eagles and other raptors.
Interior and Washington DFW recommend retaining dead trees along the
reservoir for bald
[[Page 28610]]
eagle perching habitat, with the exception of trees that pose a hazard.
Okanogan PUD agrees with this measure in their reply comments. Interior
and Washington DFW also recommend installation of 10 artificial perch
poles for perching habitat along the reservoir shoreline. The retention
of dead trees, until such time as they pose a hazard, and installation
and maintenance of artificial perch poles, would enhance the use of the
project area by bald eagles and other raptors. We estimate that
retaining non-hazard dead trees would have no additional cost than
typical maintenance, and the levelized annual cost of the perch poles
would be $680. We conclude that the potential benefits of these
measures would justify the low cost, and therefore would be in the
public interest.
Ute Ladies'-Tresses Plan
Okanogan PUD proposes to conduct additional surveys prior to,
during, and postconstruction for the threatened Ute ladies'-tresses.
Okanogan PUD should prepare a plan, after consulting with FWS, BLM, and
Washington DFW, for conducting these additional surveys, and should
include in the plan a provision to provide each year's survey results
to the Commission and the consulted agencies. The plan should also
include a provision to file with the Commission for approval, an
additional plan, after consultation with the agencies, with measures to
avoid or mitigate adverse impacts on Ute ladies'-tresses or other
listed species if the surveys identify a listed species in areas that
would be affected by the proposed project or side channel enhancement.
Development of the plan would have an estimated levelized annual cost
of $680. Therefore, we recommend development of the plan to ensure that
the additional surveys to confirm the presence or absence of Ute
ladies'-tresses are conducted and adequate, and that appropriate
measures are developed to avoid or mitigate impacts to the species.
Recreation Management Plan
Okanogan PUD proposes to implement a Recreation Management Plan.
Staff recommends that Okanogan PUD revise the proposed Recreation
Management Plan to coordinate with other proposed plans for the project
(specifically, the Aesthetics Management Plan and the HPMP) and include
consultation with stakeholders. In addition to Okanogan PUD's proposal,
staff recommends Okanogan PUD establish a snow plowing schedule to
allow visitors winter access to project lands and waters; develop and
implement a recreation use monitoring plan to include monitoring at the
falls; develop and implement a fire suppression program; add
approximately 5.0 acres to the project boundary incorporating the
entire length of the public access road from the Loomis-Oroville Road
to Enloe dam; develop a river access take-out point at Miner's Flat and
incorporate approximately 1 acre into the project boundary; and removal
of the one small, deteriorated building on Okanogan PUD land at the
north end of the proposed Enloe dam recreation area. Including
consultation with stakeholders and coordinating the Recreation
Management Plan with other proposed plans for the project would ensure
proposed measures would not adversely affect other environmental
resources at the project. Including these measures in the proposed
Recreation Management Plan would improve access to existing
recreational facilities and opportunities at the project, prevent
wildfire on project lands and adjoining wildlife areas, and would be
worth the estimated levelized annual cost of $13,580.
Building Removal
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD remove two small, deteriorating
buildings at the north end of the proposed Enloe Dam Recreation Area.
Okanogan PUD states that one of two small structures on the north end
of the proposed Enloe dam recreation area is owned by a private
landowner that maintains a lease with BLM. Okanogan PUD states it is
not in a position to remove the BLM-leased structure, however, it will
take reasonable measures to secure existing structures from
unauthorized entry. Removal of the BLM-leased structure is discussed
later in this section under Measures Not Recommended. Because the
remaining structure is not currently being used as a pump house, nor is
it being used for project purposes, staff recommends Okanogan PUD
remove this building from the north end of the proposed Enloe Dam
Recreation Area. Removal of this deteriorating building would improve
visual aesthetics at the proposed Enloe Dam Recreation Area, improve
safety at the site, and would be worth the estimated levelized annual
cost of $170.
Aesthetics Management Plan
Okanogan PUD proposes to implement an Aesthetics Management Plan.
Staff recommends that Okanogan PUD revise the Aesthetics Management
Plan to coordinate with other proposed plans for the project
(specifically the Recreation Management Plan and the HPMP). Staff also
recommends Okanogan include consultation with the Colville and BLM, and
file with Commission for approval, to ensure the project area has been
appropriately evaluated and that appropriate measures are undertaken to
preserve the aesthetic character of the area at a minimal cost of $340.
Cultural Resources
Okanogan PUD proposes to implement its May 2009 HPMP; however, the
May 2009 HPMP does not include consideration of Okanogan PUD's proposed
side-channel enhancement site. We recommend that Okanogan PUD revise
its May 2009 HPMP to include the proposed side-channel enhancement site
and additional measures for the protection of historic properties at
the Enloe Project. These measures include: (1) Further consideration of
the potential effects of capping site 45OK532; (2) a description of the
proposed side-channel enhancement site; (3) two separate defined APEs
that delineate the proposed Enloe project and the proposed side-channel
enhancement site; (4) consultation with the Cultural Resources Working
Group (CRWG) regarding the resolution of adverse effects on the
historic Enloe powerhouse; (5) re-evaluating the Oroville-Tonasket
Irrigation Canal for National Register-eligibility; (6) completing
determinations of eligibility for unidentified cultural resources on
BLM lands; (7) periodic review of the HPMP; (8) a site monitoring
program; (9) cultural interpretative and education measures; and (10)
revising the APEs to accommodate modifications to the project boundary,
if any. These additional measures would ensure protection of historic
properties and would be worth the estimated levelized annual cost of
$19,600.
Measures Not Recommended
Some of the measures proposed by Okanogan PUD and recommended by
other interested parties would not contribute to the best comprehensive
use of the Similkameen River water resources, do not exhibit sufficient
nexus to project environmental effects, or would not result in benefits
to non-power resources that would be worth their cost. The following
discusses the basis for staff's conclusion not to recommend some of the
measures proposed by Okanogan PUD and recommended by other entities.
DO Monitoring for Term of License
NMFS recommends that DO be monitored at the project intake and in
the tailrace for the life of any license
[[Page 28611]]
granted. Monitoring DO during the first 5 years of operation would
provide good information on possible project effects on DO, but if
water quality standards are not met regularly, additional monitoring
and alternative measures may be necessary. For this reason, we
recommend that Okanogan PUD file a report with the Commission at the
end of five years evaluating the need for continued monitoring and/or
measures as part of the Water Quality Management Plan. This plan would
be developed in consultation with the TRG and would ensure that the
water quality monitoring effort would be designed and implemented in an
effective manner. This approach would be sufficiently protective of
water quality in the area; therefore, we do not recommend that Okanogan
PUD be required to monitor DO for the life of any license that may be
granted.
Minimum Flows
Washington DFW, American Rivers et al., Interior, and CRITFC
recommend a minimum flow be provided in the bypassed reach immediately
downstream of Enloe dam. Washington DFW, Interior, and CRITFC did not
specify a recommended minimum flow, but American Rivers et al.
recommended a minimum flow that would range from 400 cfs to 3,400 cfs
depending on the month. In a filing with the Commission on October 28,
2010, Okanogan PUD stated that it has agreed with Washington DOE and
Washington DFW to provide a minimum flow of 10 to 30 cfs downstream of
Enloe dam. Although American Rivers et al. states that their
recommended flow is based on Washington regulations to ensure that
state water quality standards are met, neither of the Washington
agencies has recommended this flow, nor has American Rivers et al.
provided a technical justification for its flows beyond stating that
its flow would provide adequate depth, substrate, cover and velocity in
the bypassed reach. The bypassed reach is only 370-feet long and there
is no evidence that this short reach provides habitat that is critical
for the life stages of any fishes. In addition, anadromous fish do not
occur in the bypassed reach because they are unable pass Similkameen
Falls. Therefore, American Rivers et al.'s recommended minimum flows
would not result in benefits that would justify the estimated levelized
annual cost of $1,295,830.
Boulder Clusters
Okanogan PUD proposes (FISH-02) to construct and install boulder
clusters to improve mountain whitefish habitat and recreational
fisheries in the river upstream of the reservoir. Interior does not
recommend the boulder clusters because they could be a hazard to
recreational boaters and may further increase water temperatures in the
reservoir by creating further heat sink. Washington DFW also does not
recommend the boulder cluster placement, as it states that boulder
clusters are an insufficient measure to mitigate for project impacts on
resident fish.
As discussed in section 3.3.3.1, the current reservoir and the
river upstream of the reservoir is shallow, has little habitat
diversity, and habitat quality is the limiting factor for resident
fishes. Most of the fish in the reservoir are non-native species that
are better adapted to warmer, slower velocity water than native
coldwater fishes, such as the mountain whitefish. The project would
raise the elevation of the reservoir by 4 feet, which would result in
more warm, slow water habitat and less riverine habitat suitable for
coldwater, resident fishes. Okanogan PUD's proposal to add boulder
clusters upstream of the reservoir to provide habitat for resident,
coldwater fish may create a small amount of pool habitat behind the
clusters that could be used by native coldwater fishes, such as the
mountain whitefish. However, very few whitefish (0 in 2006; 2 in 2007)
have been found in the reservoir during recent surveys, probably due to
a combination of northern pikeminnow predation, warm water
temperatures, lack of cover, and the sand-silt substrate It is unlikely
that the proposed boulder clusters would provide much if any benefit to
the limited mountain whitefish fishery due to these limiting factors,
while creating additional negative effects on recreational boating and
water temperatures. We do not recommend this measure at an estimated
levelized annual cost of $4,370.
Entrainment and Resident Fish Population Monitoring
Okanogan PUD proposes to monitor seasonal variation in entrainment
susceptibility, to observe trauma and mortality caused by entrainment,
and to monitor reservoir fish populations to relate the entrainment
observations with the fish distribution and abundance in the reservoir.
Interior recommends monitoring resident fish populations in the
reservoir as part of its Resident Fish Habitat Management Plan, which
is discussed below. As discussed in section 3, both entrainment levels
and mortality of entrained fish are expected to be very low since there
are very few small fish in the area of the intake due to unsuitable
habitat. Likewise, effects of project entrainment on reservoir
populations are expected to be nominal for the same reason. Therefore,
these data collection efforts likely would not produce useful data.
Additionally, Okanogan PUD did not specify if these monitoring efforts
could lead to potential additional measures to adjust the proposed
measures to reduce any adverse effects associated with operation of the
intake. Therefore, we conclude that this monitoring would not be worth
the estimated levelized annual cost of $7,280.
Fisheries Enhancement Plan and Resident Fish Habitat Management Plan
Washington DFW recommends a Fisheries Enhancement Plan that would
consist of three measures: (1) Side channel enhancement at locations in
the lower Similkameen River; (2) gravel supplementation downstream of
the tailrace; and (3) stocking of sterile triploid trout above Enloe
Dam. Interior also recommends a Fisheries Enhancement Plan that
contains three measures, the first two of which were identical to the
measures proposed by Washington DFW. The third measure of Interior's
recommended plan provides for downstream transport and placement of
large woody debris captured at the project intake and trashrack. The
first two measures of the Washington DFW plan and all three of the
measures in Interior's recommended plan are identical to measures
proposed by Okanogan PUD (FISH-10, FISH-11, and FISH-03) and are
recommended by staff. We discuss the third measure recommended by
Washington DFW (stocking of sterile triploid trout) below.
Interior recommends a Resident Fish Habitat Management Plan. This
plan consists of six measures including: (1) A study of resident fish
populations and habitat conditions in the project reservoir; (2) a
study of the impacts of the project on water temperatures; (3) an
evaluation of the possible solutions for lowering water temperatures
and improving fish habitat in the Similkameen River, particularly
through riparian plantings; (4) the possible stocking of sterile
rainbow trout in the reservoir; and (5) a monitoring plan for fish
habitat in the project reservoir. Recommendation 1 is identical to
Okanogan PUD's proposal for resident fish population monitoring (FISH-
05), which we do not recommend as discussed above. Recommendation 2
would be accomplished by Okanogan PUD's proposal to monitor water
temperatures at the project for 5 years (WQ-01), which we recommend
with the option of continued monitoring after
[[Page 28612]]
the preparation of a report at the end of the five years of monitoring.
Recommendations 3 and 4 are consistent with Okanogan PUD's
recommendations for riparian plantings in the project area (BOTA-01, -
02, -04, -05), which we recommend. Recommendation 5 is discussed below.
Regarding recommendation 6, the proposed run-of-river operation of the
project would likely have no effect on reservoir species, and would
have little effect on the riverine habitat upstream of the reservoir.
The raising of the reservoir would have short-term effects, but the
system would stabilize over time and the habitat would be enhanced by
the planting of riparian vegetation. Therefore, we do not recommend the
measure because it is not worth the estimated levelized annual cost of
$65,110.
As mentioned above, Interior and Washington DFW recommend stocking
sterile triploid rainbow trout to support a recreational fishery
upstream of Enloe dam. This recommendation could result in a number of
adverse effects. While these fish would not live long and cannot
reproduce, there is a potential that stocking of fish could introduce
disease into native fish populations. The British Columbia Ministry of
Environment opposes stocking of fish in the Similkameen River above the
falls citing concerns that stocking could introduce disease into
upstream native populations. Stocking rainbow trout would also not
substantially contribute to the recreational fishery, in that the
fishery would be limited to a brief time during cooler months, because
of the high water temperatures in the reservoir. Stocked rainbow trout
would also compete with resident fishes for resources and could
negatively affect their populations. Due to the potential adverse
effects and limited benefit to the fishery, we do not recommend the
stocking of triploid trout in the project reservoir at an estimated
levelized annual cost of $50,000.
Intake Fish Screen
Okanogan PUD proposes to install a modified, narrow-spaced
trashrack to prevent fish entrainment. Interior and Washington DFW
recommend that Okanogan PUD install a fish screen at the project
intake, instead of the narrow-spaced trashrack, but do not specify the
kind of screen. Okanogan PUD's proposed trashrack would have a 1-inch
spacing between its bars, which would physically exclude most larger
fish (greater than 6 inches in length) from entrainment. As discussed
in Section 3.3.3.2, smaller fish which would be unable to swim away
from the trashrack and would fit though the one-inch spacing would
become entrained, but it is estimated that their survival rate would be
in the range of 84-95%. Additionally, fish surveys have shown that few
fish reside in the area of the proposed intake. A fish screen would
likely exclude smaller fish from entrainment, but at a much higher cost
to build, install, and maintain. Okanogan PUD estimates that a fish
screen in its proposed intake channel would cost between $16 and $24M,
or $1.1 and $1.6M annualized, to construct.\46\ While we can not verify
this number due to the agencies' lack of specificity in their
recommendations, we can assume that a fish screen would cost much more
than the $32,260 annualized cost of Okanogan PUD's proposed narrow-
spaced trashrack. Given the analysis above, and that the proposed
narrow-spaced trashrack would provide a sufficient level of protection
to resident fish, and at a much lower cost, we do not recommend a fish
screen at the project intake. We do, however, recommend that Okanogan
PUD consult with Interior and Washington DFW during the final design of
the intake structure and trashrack with 1-inch spacing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\46\ See Okanogan PUD's response to REA comments filed on April
9, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish Passage
CRITFC and BIA recommended that production potential estimates for
salmon and UCR steelhead upstream of Enloe dam be included as part of a
fish passage alternative in the current licensing proceeding, and
CRITFC recommended a paleolimnological study of historical anadromy
above Enloe dam. The BIA also commented that cost estimates for
designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining upstream and
downstream fish passage facilities for the term of any license need to
be developed in case such an action is required in the future.
Both FWS and NMFS recommend that upstream anadromous fish passage
facilities not be required now, and have reserved their authority to
require fish passage under section 18 in the future. The British
Columbia Ministry of the Environment states that it does not support
fish passage at Enloe Dam because the introduction of anadromous fishes
above Enloe dam would have adverse effects on the ecosystem, in the
form of disease transfer and competition for food and space with native
fishes.
As discussed in section 3.3.3.2, there are no documented accounts
of Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, UCR steelhead, or Pacific lamprey
above Similkameen Falls. In addition, Native Americans who have
inhabited the area for thousands of years believe that Similkameen
Falls has been a barrier to anadromous fish passage since the beginning
of their history. The Okanogan Sub-basin Plan, which was prepared for
the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, concluded that
Similkameen Falls is an impassable historic barrier to upstream salmon
migration. The Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board issued a recovery
plan that does not identify upstream and downstream passage of fish at
Enloe dam as being a short-term or long-term action that would
contribute to the restoration of these fish stocks, based on the
uncertainty of fish being able to ascend Similkameen Falls. Further,
there have been no verified accounts of a sighting of an anadromous
fish above the falls. We, therefore, have insufficient evidence to
conclude that Enloe dam blocks anadromous fish passage into the upper
Similkameen River. Additionally, due to the absence of anadromous fish
and the potential adverse effects that could occur upstream if
anadromous fish were to be passed, we conclude that any additional
studies of historical anadromy above Enloe dam are not worth the
estimated levelized annual cost of $6,770.
Flow Continuation
Interior recommends the development of a plan to provide 48 hours
of flow continuation in the event of an emergency project shutdown at
the unmanned, remotely operated powerhouse. In the case of an unplanned
outage, the power plant control system, using battery and diesel
generator back-up, would automatically start opening the crest gates to
maintain tailwater elevation at the powerhouse within the proposed
ramping rate criteria. This would ensure an uninterrupted flow of water
downstream of the project tailrace. The proposed crest gate operations,
as proposed by Okanogan PUD, would protect and maintain aquatic habitat
downstream of the project. Downstream aquatic habitat, including UCR
steelhead designated critical habitat and Chinook salmon EFH below
Similkameen Falls, would be protected in the event of operating
emergencies or planned outages. Based on this, we conclude there would
be no need for a specific flow continuation plan as recommended by
Interior.
Evidence of Financial Capability for Project Decommissioning
Washington DFW recommends that Okanogan PUD provide evidence of
[[Page 28613]]
financial securities to ensure that at the end of any license, they
would be capable of decommissioning the project. The Commission has
consistently denied requests for decommissioning cost studies and
establishment of decommissioning funds in licenses where the project is
determined to be economically and physically sound, not to have
significant adverse environmental impacts, no party has suggested
decommissioning in the foreseeable future after project construction,
and there is no indication that the licensee would lack the financial
resources to decommission the project if it were to be decommissioned.
Commission policy states that a theoretical risk of licensee's
inability to pay for decommissioning is insufficient basis for
requiring a decommissioning fund or evidence of financial securities.
Therefore, we do not recommend this measure.
Vegetation Resources Management Plan
Interior and Washington DFW recommend the development of a
Vegetation Resources Management Plan that would include the measures
contained in Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan, but also include
additional measures, such as long-term monitoring of restored areas,
GIS mapping, and creation of a digital database. We discuss the
agencies' recommended additional measures in the following sections and
conclude that they are not necessary. Therefore, the levelized annual
cost of $680 to develop a Vegetation Resources Management Plan that
contains those additional measures is not justified, and we do not
recommend development of such a plan.
Long-Term Monitoring for Restored (Revegetated) Areas and Surveys for
the Ute Ladies'-Tresses
Interior recommends a long-term survey effort for restored
(revegetated) areas and threatened and endangered plants. Specifically,
Interior recommends that Okanogan PUD monitor restored upland,
riparian, and wetland habitat sites every year for 5 years, continue
monitoring every 5 years thereafter, and replant sites as needed; and
survey for threatened and endangered plants within 1 year of license
issuance and every 5 years thereafter for the duration of any license.
Okanogan PUD proposes in its Vegetation Plan to monitor restored
areas annually for 5 years and to plant additional willows if
performance criteria are not met, but states that monitoring should be
discontinued once the criteria are met. We estimated that the levelized
annual cost of Interior's recommended monitoring schedule would be
$6,770. Monitoring restored areas after the new plantings have met
performance criteria would serve no purpose, would not warrant the
cost, and would not be in the public interest. Therefore, we cannot
support this recommendation.
The only threatened or endangered plant with suitable habitat in
the project area is Ute ladies'-tresses, and Okanogan PUD's surveys did
not locate any individuals of this species. Monitoring for Ute ladies'-
tresses for an additional 3 years, as Okanogan PUD proposes, would be
adequate to confirm the presence or absence of this plant. If the
surveys identify Ute ladies'-tresses in areas that could be affected by
the proposed project, developing a plan, after consultation with the
agencies, to avoid or minimize adverse impacts, as staff recommends,
would be appropriate to protect these plants. Monitoring according to
Interior's recommended schedule would have a levelized annual cost of
$4,740, and because the additional monitoring would not be expected to
provide greater protection to the species, the cost is not warranted.
Therefore, we do not recommend Interior's schedule for threatened and
endangered plant monitoring.
GIS Mapping and Digital Database
Interior recommends GIS mapping and development of a digital
database for sensitive species, noxious weeds, and habitat restoration
sites, to assist in associated management activities at the project.
Sufficient information exists on the location of sensitive species,
noxious weeds, and habitat, with the exception of the side channel
enhancement site that would be included in the proposed 3 years of
surveys for Ute ladies'-tresses. Staff estimates that GIS mapping and
the creation of a digital database would have an estimated levelized
annual cost of $1,020. Staff supports Okanogan PUD's proposals for
monitoring restored areas and noxious weeds and conducting Ute ladies'-
tresses surveys, but finds that using the monitoring and survey results
to create GIS mapping and a digital database is not needed to manage
project lands and their cost do not justify the benefits. Therefore,
staff does not recommend these measures.
Wildlife Management Plan
Interior and Washington DFW recommend the development of a Wildlife
Management Plan that would include Okanogan PUD's proposed wildlife
habitat mitigation measures, but also include additional measures, such
as visually marking the transmission line, installing a maintaining
nest boxes and artificial perch poles, placing seasonal restrictions on
project activities, installing barriers on irrigation tunnels, and
creating a 200-foot wetland/riparian buffer. We discuss each of the
agencies' individual additional measures separately, and conclude that,
with the exception of the artificial perch poles as discussed above,
the measures are not necessary. Therefore, the levelized annual cost of
$680 to develop a Wildlife Management Plan that contains those
additional measures is not justified, and we do not recommend
development of such a plan.
Visual Marking of Transmission Line
Interior and Washington DFW recommend visual marking of the
transmission line crossing the Similkameen River to prevent bald eagles
and other birds from colliding with the line. We do not recommend this
measure because the line would not cross the Similkameen River.
Nest Boxes
Interior and Washington DFW recommend installing and maintaining
nest boxes for small birds in areas that lack natural tree cavities.
The agencies have not specified the number of nest boxes or the target
species, nor have they documented the need for enhancing such species
at the project. Therefore, we cannot estimate the total cost or support
this recommendation at this time.
Seasonal Restrictions on Project Activities
Interior and Washington DFW recommend excluding project activities
during the winter hibernation period for Townsend's big-eared bats.
This recommendation lacks specific activities that would be excluded
and could result in Okanogan PUD's inability to operate and properly
maintain the project facilities. Therefore, we do not recommend this
measure.
Barriers on Tunnels
Interior and Washington DFW recommend installing barriers on the
OTID's abandoned irrigation tunnels to prevent human disturbance of
Townsend's big-eared bats in the tunnels. Only one OTID tunnel has an
entrance within the project boundary. Entrance to this tunnel is
prevented due to landslide blockage. Tunnels with greater bat habitat
potential are located near Shanker's Bend and further upstream, and are
far enough from the
[[Page 28614]]
project site that recreational or construction activity associated with
the project would be unlikely to affect bats using those tunnels.
Therefore, we do not recommend installing barriers on the abandoned
irrigation tunnel.
200-Foot Wetland/Riparian Buffer
Washington DFW recommends providing a 200-foot wetland/riparian
buffer to protect and enhance wildlife habitat. Under existing
conditions, wetlands occur in scattered patches along the reservoir,
and riparian shrub and forest communities occur in a narrow fringe
along the reservoir, with the largest stand consisting of riparian
forest on the east side of the reservoir just upstream from Enloe dam.
With the exception of the riparian forest area just upstream from the
dam, there are no 200-foot-wide areas of wetland/riparian habitat
within the project boundary, and we do not expect the use of
flashboards on the dam to foster a 200-foot-wide zone of wetland/
habitat area around the reservoir. The substrate along the reservoir is
unsuitable in places (i.e., rocks) for wetland/riparian habitat.
Therefore, providing a 200-foot wetland/riparian buffer around the
entire reservoir would be impossible. Further, we conclude that the
measures in the Vegetation Plan, including the planting of riparian
vegetation and restoration of the existing shoreline road segment that
traverses riparian forest, are adequate to protect and enhance riparian
wildlife habitat, and a 200-foot buffer is not warranted.
Recreation and Land Use
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD provide a footbridge to the west
side of the Similkameen River at the project. Access to the west side
of the Similkameen River is not needed due to the lack of public
facilities and recreation opportunities (existing or proposed) on that
side. Therefore, the provision for adding a footbridge to the west side
of the Similkameen River downstream of the dam is not warranted because
there is no project effect or need that would benefit from the measure
BLM recommends.
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD remove two small, deteriorating
buildings at the north end of the proposed Enloe Dam Recreation Area.
Okanogan PUD states that one of two small structures on the north end
of the proposed Enloe dam recreation area is owned by a private
landowner that maintains a lease with BLM. Okanogan PUD states it is
not in a position to remove BLM-leased structure. Although staff
recommended removal of the unused pump house earlier in this section
under Additional Staff-Recommended Measures, removal of the BLM-leased
pump house at the north end of the proposed recreation area is not
warranted because it does not interfere with the project operation and
it is being used for private purposes. We conclude that these measures
would not be worth the estimated levelized annual cost of $1,350.
Interior recommends that Okanogan PUD provide recreational
development at the Miner's Flat site, including parking areas, water
access for launching and landing boats, installing an information kiosk
with a map, establishing primitive campsites, including picnic tables
and steel fire rings, and installing a vault toilet.\47\ Miner's Flat
is BLM-owned and operated, and it is reasonable to assume BLM will
continue to operate and maintain the site throughout a new license
term. Moreover, Okanogan PUD has proposed to develop formalized
campsites within the project boundary and staff is recommending a river
access site within BLM's Miner's Flat recreation site for a boating
take-out. These measures provide sufficient access to formal campsites
and water-based recreation at the project. Therefore, making BLM's
Miner's Flat recreation area a project feature and bringing the entire
site into the project boundary would not be justified. We conclude that
the cost for BLM's recommendation would not be worth the estimated
levelized annual cost of $23,460.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\47\ BLM also recommends Okanogan PUD provide recreation site
grounds maintenance. Grounds maintenance is included in Okanogan
PUD's proposal and is included in the normal, day-to-day O&M costs
for the project.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLM recommends that Okanogan PUD provide for law enforcement and
emergency services plan, including funds. The Commission is concerned
with protecting resources through specific measures enforceable as to
the licensee, rather than requiring a licensee to provide funding to
another entity, because the Commission would have no way of assuring
that the activity paid for by the licensee would actually serve a
project purpose or ameliorate a project effect. Moreover, while
enforcement of the requirements of any license would be Okanogan PUD's
responsibility, enforcement of local laws within the project area and
the river basin is not a matter of Commission jurisdiction but is the
responsibility of local law enforcement agencies. Therefore, we do not
recommend this provision with an estimated levelized annual cost of
$15,140.
Cultural Resources
Interior recommends Okanogan PUD revise its May 2009 HPMP to allow
at least 5 years during which Okanogan PUD would solicit and review
offers to parties that might be interested in acquiring the historic
Enloe powerhouse. We do not recommend this measure. Instead, Okanogan
PUD's May 2009 HPMP proposes, and we recommend, a 4-year provision. If
a new owner is not identified within 4 years, Okanogan PUD would
consult with the CRWG, which includes the Commission, to identify
appropriate mitigation options prior to demolishing the structure. If
demolition is determined necessary, a Memorandum of Agreement between
the Commission and the Washington SHPO would be developed that would
identify agreed-upon mitigation measures. We conclude that Interior did
not provide any evidence to indicate why 4 years is insufficient to
allow parties to come forward with an offer for acquiring the historic
Enloe powerhouse.
Conclusion
Based on our review of the agency and public comments filed on the
project and our independent analysis pursuant to sections 4(e),
10(a)(1), and 10(a)(2) of the FPA, we conclude that licensing the Enloe
Project, as proposed by Okanogan PUD (with the exception of the boulder
clusters and entrainment and resident fish monitoring), with additional
staff-recommended measures, would be best adapted to a plan for
improving or developing the Similkameen River watershed.
5.3 Unavoidable Adverse Effects
Although Okanogan PUD proposes to implement a Blasting Plan and
BMPs, it is expected that blasting would cause short-term disturbance
to fish. It is not expected that there would be any long-term effects.
Although Okanogan PUD proposes to implement an ESCP, a CSMP, and
use appropriate BMPs, it is expected that sediment transport created by
project construction would cause short-term disturbances to fish and
aquatic species in the project area. These effects are expected to be
short-term and should have no lasting impact.
There would be a short-term loss of riparian and wetland habitats
resulting from the change in reservoir elevation. The long-term effect
of this change would be minimal due to the planting of native riparian
species.
There would be a reduction of flow in the bypassed reach which
would reduce fish habitat and DO in this short reach
[[Page 28615]]
and reduce the aesthetics of flows over Similkameen Falls. Raising of
the reservoir by 4 feet would convert 16 acres of riparian habitat to
aquatic habitat; however, new riparian habitat would be established and
enhanced with vegetative planting.
5.4 Fish and Wildlife Agency Recommendations
Under the provisions of section 10(j) of the FPA, each
hydroelectric license issued by the Commission shall include conditions
based on recommendations provided by federal and state fish and
wildlife agencies for the protection, mitigation, and enhancement of
fish and wildlife resources affected by the project.
Section 10(j) of the FPA states that whenever the Commission
believes that any fish and wildlife agency recommendation is
inconsistent with the purposes and the requirements of the FPA or other
applicable law, the Commission and the agency will attempt to resolve
any such inconsistency, giving due weight to the recommendations,
expertise, and statutory responsibilities of such agency.
In response to our REA notice, the following fish and wildlife
agencies submitted recommendations for the project: NMFS (letter filed
February 26, 2010); Interior, on behalf of BLM and FWS (letter filed
February 26, 2010); and Washington DFW (letter filed February 26,
2010). Table 23 lists the federal and state recommendations filed
subject to section 10(j) and whether the recommendations are adopted
under the staff alternative. Environmental recommendations that we
consider outside the scope of section 10(j) have been considered under
section 10(a) of the FPA and are addressed in the specific resource
sections of this document and the previous section.
Of the 35 recommendations that we consider to be within the scope
of 10(j), we wholly include 28, include 1 in part, and do not include
6. We discuss the reasons for not including those recommendations below
in table 24.
Table 24--Fish and Wildlife Agency Recommendations for the Enloe Hydroelectric Project
[Source: Staff]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within the scope Adopted or not
Recommendation Agency of 10(j) Annualized cost adopted
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downstream Water Quality
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improve DO concentrations during NMFS.............. Yes............... $5,060............ Adopted.
low flow period by providing
aeration in the draft tubes.
Monitor and report water NMFS.............. Yes............... $3,850............ Adopted.
temperature and TDG
concentrations for 5 years.
Monitor and report DO NMFS.............. Yes............... $5,500............ Not adopted--5
concentrations for life of the years of
license. monitoring likely
would be adequate
to characterize
DO conditions.
Also, monitoring
could be extended
if needed by the
TRG after the
first 5 years.
Implement the ESCP.............. NMFS.............. Yes............... $1,460............ Adopted.
Implement the spill prevention, NMFS.............. Yes............... $1,820............ Adopted.
containment and clean-up plan.
Allow Washington DFW, tribes, Washington DFW.... No--not a specific n/a............... Adopted--provided
and other interested resource measure to that adequate
agencies to inspect the project protect fish and notice is given.
site during construction and wildlife.
operation.
Develop an adaptive management Washington DFW.... No--not a specific n/a............... Adopted--Okanogan
plan. measure to PUD's proposed
protect fish and biological review
wildlife. process appears
to fulfill the
recommendation.
Provide evidence of financial Washington DFW.... No--not a specific n/a............... Not adopted--
security to ensure that measure to theoretical risk
Okanogan PUD would be capable protect fish and of applicant's
of project decommissioning at wildlife. inability to pay
the end of any license. for
decommissioning
is insufficient
basis for
requiring.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fisheries Enhancement Measures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construct and file detailed Interior, Yes............... $16-$24M.......... Not adopted--
design drawings of an intake Washington DFW. Okanogan PUD's
fish screen. proposed trash
rack will provide
adequate
protection at
significantly
less cost.
Implement a powerhouse Interior.......... Yes............... $340.............. Adopted.
operational plan.
[[Page 28616]]
Provide continuous instream Washington DFW.... Yes............... $37,940........... Adopted.
flows in the bypassed reach.
Design and construct tailrace Interior, NMFS, Yes............... $9,580............ Adopted.
net barriers and implement Washington DFW.
associated plans.
Implement side-channel/off- Interior, NMFS, Yes............... $30,210........... Adopted.
channel development/ Washington DFW.
enhancement at locations in the
lower Similkameen River or near
the Okanogan River.
Implement gravel supplementation Interior, NMFS, Yes............... $11,950........... Adopted.
downstream of Enloe dam. Washington DFW.
Transport downstream and place Interior.......... Yes............... $4,300............ Adopted.
large woody debris captured at
the project's intake and
trashrack.
Stock sterile triploid rainbow Interior, Yes............... $10,340........... Not adopted--
trout to support a recreational Washington DFW. Stocked trout
fishery upstream of Enloe dam. pose a disease
and competition
risk to native
populations.
Provide ramping rates during Interior, NMFS, Yes............... $0................ Adopted.
project start-up and shut-down. Washington DFW.
Select the location for ramping Interior, NMFS, Yes............... n/a............... Adopted.
rate monitoring in consultation Washington DFW.
with NMFS, FWS, Washington DFW,
the Yakima, and the Colville.
Develop a Wildlife Management Interior, Yes............... $680.............. Adopted (for
Plan including the following Washington DFW. preparing plan).
measures:
Restore the existing unimproved Interior, Yes............... \b\ $26,920....... Adopted.
shoreline road along Enloe Washington DFW.
reservoir to a natural
condition, eliminating the
current interruption between
the shoreline and upland
habitat.
Relocate access road to the Interior, Yes............... Cost included in Adopted.
reservoir. Washington DFW. measure above.
Locate the project's existing Interior, Yes............... minimal........... Adopted.
and proposed transmission lines Washington DFW.
and pole to prevent raptor
electrocution and include the
line within the project
boundary.
Include a provision to avoid Interior, Yes............... $9,100............ Adopted.
disturbing foraging bald eagles Washington DFW.
between October 31 and March 31
in the schedules for project
and transmission line
construction.
[[Page 28617]]
Retain dead trees along the Interior, Yes............... \a\ $680.......... Adopted.
reservoir unless they become a Washington DFW.
hazard, and install 10
artificial perch poles along
the reservoir shoreline and in
places where perch trees are
sparse or lacking, and
maintain, repair, or replace
perch poles as necessary.
Plant native riparian trees, Interior, Yes............... $6,730............ Adopted.
grasses, and shrubs, when they Washington DFW.
are called for. Part of BOTA-
02, 04, and 05.
Visually mark the section of the Interior, No--no minimal........... Not adopted--The
project transmission line Washington DFW. relationship to transmission line
crossing the Similkameen River. proposed project. does not cross
the Similkameen
River.
Install nest boxes for small Interior, No--number of \a\ $25/box....... Not adopted--
birds in areas that lack snags Washington DFW. boxes and type Insufficient
or natural tree cavities. unspecified. detail on measure
and support for
need.
Install barriers on irrigation Interior, Yes............... \a\ $140.......... Not adopted--
canal tunnels to prevent human Washington DFW. Tunnel near Enloe
entry while still allowing use dam blocked by
by bats. landslide and
other tunnels are
far enough away
from activity to
not warrant
barriers.
Exclude project activities in Interior, No--not a specific n/a............... Not adopted--
the winter hibernation period Washington DFW. measure; specific Generic exclusion
for bats. activities could prohibit
undefined. necessary project
activities.
Provide a 200-foot wetland/ Washington DFW.... Yes............... n/a............... Not adopted--The
riparian buffer. measures in the
Vegetation Plan
are adequate to
protect riparian
habitat
Develop a Vegetation Resources Interior, Yes............... $680.............. Adopted (for
Management Plan. Washington DFW. preparing plan).
Plant fast-growing native shade Interior, Yes............... \b\ $4,730........ Adopted.
producing trees along the Washington DFW.
reservoir, such as native
willows, alders, and/or
cottonwoods.
Abandon and restore the existing Interior, Yes............... \b\ $26,920....... Adopted.
shoreline road. Washington DFW.
Plant riparian species along Interior, Yes............... \b\ $1,090........ Adopted.
abandoned road corridor. Washington DFW.
Plant riparian species on the Interior, Yes............... \b\ $1,460........ Adopted.
east and west banks downstream Washington DFW.
of Shanker's Bend.
Install grazing control Interior, Yes............... \b\ $1,820........ Adopted.
measures, including fencing to Washington DFW.
protect sensitive riparian
areas and restored sites.
Monitor restored areas (upland Interior, Yes............... \a\ $6,770........ Adopted in part--
sites, riparian and wetland Washington DFW. Staff recommends
sites) every year for 5 years monitoring for 5
and continue monitoring every 5 consecutive years
years thereafter and replant and once in year
sites as needed. 8.
[[Page 28618]]
Employ BMPs during construction Interior, Yes............... \b\ $180.......... Adopted.
and implementation to protect Washington DFW.
riparian and wetland vegetation.
Provide biological monitoring Interior, Yes............... \b\ $5,240........ Adopted.
during construction to ensure Washington DFW.
minimal impact to aquatic and
terrestrial resources.
Implement a noxious weed control Interior, Yes............... \b\ $2,290........ Adopted.
program. Washington DFW.
Survey for and document Interior, Yes............... $4,740............ Not adopted--
threatened and endangered Washington DFW. Okanogan PUD's
plants within one year of the proposed measures
license issuance and every 5 are adequate to
years thereafter for the protect
duration of the license. resources.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all costs are from Okanogan PUD.
\a\ Estimated by Staff.
\b\ Part of Okanogan PUD's Vegetation Plan.
5.5 Consistency With Comprehensive Plans
Section 10(a)(2)(A) of the FPA, 16 U.S.C. 803(a)(2)(A), requires
the Commission to consider the extent to which a project is consistent
with the federal or state comprehensive plans for improving,
developing, or conserving a waterway or waterways affected by the
project. We reviewed 23 comprehensive plans that are applicable to the
Enloe Project, located in Washington State. No inconsistencies were
found.
Bureau of Land Management. 1987. Spokane resource area management
plan. Department of the Interior, Spokane, Washington. May 1987.
Bureau of Land Management. U.S. Forest Service. 1994. Standards and
guidelines for management of habitat for late-successional and old-
growth forest related species within the range of the northern
spotted owl. Washington, D.C. April 13, 1994.
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. 1995. State of
Washington outdoor recreation and habitat: Assessment and policy
plan 1995-2001. Tumwater, Washington. November 1995.
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. 1991. Washington State
trails plan: policy and action document. Tumwater, Washington. June
1991.
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. 2002. Washington State
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Document (SCORP): 2002-
2007. Olympia, Washington. October 2002.
Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 2009. Columbia River Basin
fish and wildlife program. Portland, Oregon. Council Document 2009-
09. October 2009.
Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 2010. The Sixth Northwest
conservation and electric power plan. Portland, Oregon. Council
Document 2010-09. February 2010.
Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 1988. Protected areas
amendments and response to comments. Portland, Oregon. Council
Document 88-22 (September 14, 1988).
Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 2003. Mainstem amendments
to the Columbia River Basin fish and wildlife program. Portland,
Oregon. Council Document 2003-11.
State of Washington. 1977. Statute establishing the State scenic
river system, Chapter 79.72 RCW. Olympia, Washington.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Undated. Fisheries USA: the
recreational fisheries policy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Washington, DC.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Canadian Wildlife Service. 1986.
North American waterfowl management plan. Department of the
Interior. Environment Canada. May 1986.
Washington Department of Community Development. Office of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation. 1987. A resource protection
planning process identification component for the eastern Washington
protohistoric study unit. Olympia, Washington.
Washington Department of Community Development. Office of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation. 1989. Resource protection
planning process--study unit transportation.
Washington Department of Ecology. 1978. Water resources management
program--Okanogan River Basin. Olympia, Washington. February 1978.
Washington Department of Ecology. 1986. Application of shoreline
management to hydroelectric developments. Olympia, Washington.
September 1986.
Washington Department of Fisheries. 1987. Hydroelectric project
assessment guidelines. Olympia, Washington.
Washington Department of Game. 1987. Strategies for Washington's
wildlife. Olympia, Washington. May 1987.
Washington Department of Natural Resources. 1987. State of
Washington natural heritage plan. Olympia, Washington.
Washington Department of Natural Resources. 1997. Final habitat
conservation plan. Olympia, Washington. September 1997.
Washington State Energy Office. 1992. Washington State hydropower
development/resource protection plan. Olympia, Washington. December
1992.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 1988. Washington
State scenic river assessment. Olympia, Washington. September 1988.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 1988. Scenic
rivers program--report. Olympia, Washington. January 29, 1988.
6.0 Finding of No Significant Impact
Construction and operation of the Enloe Project, with our
recommended measures, involves land disturbing activities associated
with access road clearing and grading and excavation of intake channel,
powerhouse, and powerhouse tailrace. There would be a temporary loss of
riparian and wetland habitats from the increased reservoir operating
level. There may also be short-term turbidity and contamination caused
from the resuspension of reservoir sediments and in-water excavation of
the powerhouse tailrace channel. Our recommended measures would ensure
water quality standards are not exceeded, ensure protection of
[[Page 28619]]
anadromous and resident fish, restore riparian vegetation, protect and
enhance public access and recreation opportunities, and protect
cultural and historic resources.
On the basis of our independent analysis, we find that the issuance
of a license for the Enloe Project, with our recommended environmental
measures, would not constitute a major federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment.
7.0 Literature Cited
Altman, B. and A. Holmes. 2000. Conservation strategy for landbirds
in the Columbia Plateau of eastern Oregon and Washington. Final
Report Version 1.0. Oregon-Washington Partners in Flight, Boring,
OR.
Bayer, K.C. 1983. Generalized structural, lithologic, and
physiographic provinces in the fold and thrust belts of the United
States (exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii). U.S. Geological Survey.
Scale: 1:2,500,000.
Boreson, K. 1992. A report of test excavations at three sites near
Enloe on the Similkameen River, Okanogan County, WA. Archaeological
and Historical Services, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA.
Chapman, D., C. Peven, T. Hillman, A. Giorgi, and F. Utter. 1994.
Status of summer steelhead in the mid-Columbia River. Don Chapman
Consultants, Inc. (now BioAnalysts, Inc., Eagle, ID.), Boise, ID.
Christensen Associates. 2007. Restoration of renewable hydropower
generation at Enloe dam. Geology Report. April 2007.
City of Oroville. 2010. City of Oroville's webpage. http://oroville-wa.com/. Accessed April 12, 2010. Oroville, Washington.
ENTRIX, Inc. (ENTRIX). 2009. Similkameen River Appraisal Level
Study. Prepared for Okanogan County Public Utility District No. 1 of
Okanogan. Prepared by ENTRIX, Inc., Seattle, WA. April 2009.
ENTRIX, Inc. 2007. Fish distribution and habitat use of the
Similkameen River in Relation to the Enloe Dam, Draft Report.
ENTRIX, Inc., Olympia, WA.
ENTRIX. 2006. Okanogan River watershed resource inventory area 49,
level I water quality technical assessment (Project No. 4138301).
Prepared for Okanogan County Watershed Planning Unit, Okanogan, WA.
Prepared by ENTRIX, Inc., Seattle, WA. June 2006.
EPA (U. S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2007. EPA identifies
noise levels affecting health and welfare. http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/noise/01.htm. Accessed April 30, 2008.
EPA. 1974. Information on levels of environmental noise requisite to
protect public health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety.
http://www.nonoise.org/library/levels74/levels74.htm. Accessed April
30, 2008.
Fertig, W., R. Black, and P. Wolken. 2005. Rangewide status review
of Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis). Prepared for the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Central Utah Water Conservancy
District. 30 September 2005.
Ford, J, 2010a. Paleolimnological investigations in the Palmer Lake
Watershed, Okanogan County, Washington. Phase I report for the
Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission.
Ford, J. 2010b. Further reflections concerning Paleolimnological
investigations in the Palmer Lake Watershed, Okanogan County,
Washington: Phase I report. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife,
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Franklin, J. F., and C.T. Dyrness. 1973. Natural vegetation of
Oregon and Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, General Technical Report PNW-8. Portland, Oregon.
FWS. 2010. Listed and proposed endangered and threatened species and
critical habitat; candidate species; and species of concern in
Okanogan County, Washington as prepared by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Central Washington Fish and Wildlife Field Office.
Revised May 4, 2009. http://www.fws.gov/wafwo/pdf/Okanogan_Cty_5-4-09.pdf Accessed March 4, 2010.
FWS. 2008. Final recovery plan for the northern spotted owl (Strix
occidentalis caurina). Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Portland, Oregon. May 13, 2008.
FWS. 2004. Species Assessment and Listing Priority Recovery Form--
Grizzly Bear Populations in the North Cascades Ecosystem. U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/mountainprairie/species/mammals/grizzly/grizzlybearCascades2004.pdf. Accessed March 4, 2010.
FWS. 2008. Final recovery plan for the northern spotted owl (Strix
occidentalis caurina). Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Portland, OR. May 13.
Galm, J. 1991. Cultural resource investigation of the Enloe Project,
Okanogan County, WA. Archaeological and Historical Services, Eastern
Washington University, Cheney, WA.
Hunter, M. A. 1992. Hydropower flow fluctuations and salmonids: A
review of the biological effects, mechanical causes, and options for
mitigation. Tech. Report No. 119, Washington DFW, Olympia, WA.
IEC Beak Consultants. 1984. Natural propagation and habitat
improvement--Similkameen River, Washington. Habitat Inventory,
Volume I and II, Final Report.
Johnson, A. 2002. A total maximum daily load evaluation for arsenic
in the Similkameen River: Section 303(d) listings waterbody No. WA-
49-1030, arsenic. Washington DOE, Publication No. 02-03-044.
KWA Ecological Sciences Inc., Okanogan County, the Colville
Confederated Tribes, Okanogan Nation Alliance. 2004. Okanogan
Subbasin Plan. Prepared for the Northwest Power and Conservation
Council by the lead agencies referenced and numerous other
contributors. Available at: http://www.nwcouncil.org/fw/subbasinplanning/okanogan/plan/.
MacDonald D.D., C.G. Ingersoll and T.A. Berger. 2000. Development
and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for
freshwater ecosystems. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 39:20-31.
Mathewson, C.C., T. Gonzalez, and J. S. Eblen. 1992. Burial as a
method of archaeological site protection. Prepared for U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS. Prepared by Center for
Engineering Geosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
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8.0 List of Preparers
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Kim Nguyen--FERC Project Coordinator, Need for Power, Geology and
Soils Resources, Water Quantity, and Developmental Resources (Civil
Engineer; B.S., Civil Engineering)
Ryan Hansen--Aquatic Resources and Water Quality (Fisheries
Biologist; M.S., Environmental Science and Public Policy; B.S.
Biology)
Mark Ivy--Aesthetic Resources, Recreation and Land Use, and
Socioeconomics (Outdoor Recreation Planner; Ph.D., Outdoor
Recreation Management; M.S., Recreation & Resources Development;
B.S., Natural Resource Planning)
Shana Murray--Aesthetic Resources and Recreation and Land Use
(Outdoor Recreation Planner; M.S., Recreation, Park, and Tourism
Management; B.S., Leisure Services)
Patricia Leppert--Cultural Resources (Environmental Protection
Specialist; M.A. Recreation and Parks/Biology; B.S. Recreation and
Parks/Biology)
Dianne Rodman--Terrestrial Resources and Threatened and Endangered
Species (Ecologist; M.S., Biology)
Kelly Wolcott--Terrestrial Resources and Threatened and Endangered
Species (Environmental Biologist; M.S., Natural Resources; B.S.,
Biology)
Louis Berger Group
Jim Holeman--Task Management (Senior Environmental Manager; B.A.,
Wildlife Management)
Alynda Foreman--Terrestrial Resources and Threatened and Endangered
Species (Ecologist; M.S., Multidisciplinary Studies; B.A., Biology)
Kenneth Hodge--Need for Power, Water Quantity, and Developmental
Analysis (Senior Engineer; B.S., Civil Engineering)
Coreen Johnson--Editorial Review (Technical Editor; B.A., English/
Education)
Lucy Littlejohn--Aquatic Resources and Water Quality (Senior
Fisheries Biologist; M.S., Marine Science, Department of
Ichthyology; B.S., Natural Science)
Alison Macdougall--Cultural Resources (Senior Environmental Manager;
B.A., Anthropology)
Jean Potvin--Recreation and Land Use, Cultural Resources, Aesthetic
Resources, and Socioeconomics (B.S., Recreation and Park Management)
[[Page 28621]]
Jane True--Graphics (Graphic Designer; B.A., Graphic Arts)
[FR Doc. 2011-11757 Filed 5-16-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P