Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.19.20 Email from FERC - Project Operations Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. From:Schuman, Amy To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Lambert, Steve;Lucero, Debra;McCracken, Shari; Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;Rodas, Amalia;Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug Subject:FW: Project Operations Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. Date:Thursday, March 19, 2020 1:08:23 PM Good afternoon, Please see the following email from FERC. Amy Schuman Administrative Assistant Butte County Administration 25 County Center Drive, Suite 200, Oroville, CA 95965 T: 530.552.3324| F: 530.538.7120 Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest -----Original Message----- From: 'FERC eSubscription' <eSubscription@ferc.gov> Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 1:06 PM Subject: Project Operations Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. .ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying.. On 3/19/2020, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.: Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company PGE (as Agent) Docket(s): P-2107-000 Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company Filing Type: Project Operations Compliance Report Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company under P-2107, Poe Project, Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan- Request for Approval To view the document for this Filing, click here https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp? accession_num=20200319-5127__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!W8v8e5e3y4keunXh5EVZOMO3FF- 5bc604cda_CNa4xdM15EG6skTgyiQAQgMDZ4UQl2Q5cuyIlA$ To modify your subscriptions, click here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!W8v8e5e3y4keunXh5EVZOMO3FF- 5bc604cda_CNa4xdM15EG6skTgyiQAQgMDZ4UQl2QHGDd4fE$ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please do not respond to this email. Online help is available here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!W8v8e5e3y4keunXh5EVZOMO3FF- 5bc604cda_CNa4xdM15EG6skTgyiQAQgMDZ4UQl2QDSAK-yM$ or for phone support, call 866-208-3676. Enclosure A Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 POE RIPARIAN MONITORING PLAN Prepared for: Pacific Gas & Electric Company 3401 Crow Canyon Road San Ramon, CA 94583 Prepared by: Cardno, Inc. 2890 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95833 December 2019 © 2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan POE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC PROJECT NO. 2107 POE RIPARIAN MONITORING PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1 2.0Goal and Objectives .......................................................................................................... 4 3.0Study Area ......................................................................................................................... 4 4.0Methods .............................................................................................................................. 6 4.1Selection of Monitoring Sites ................................................................................. 6 4.1.1Selection Approach ..................................................................................... 6 4.1.2Proposed Monitoring Sites .......................................................................... 7 4.2Monitoring Methods ............................................................................................. 11 4.2.1Vegetation Surveys at Selected Monitoring Sites ..................................... 11 4.2.2Hydrology ................................................................................................. 15 4.2.3Relationship to Nearby Riparian Monitoring Studies ............................... 16 4.3Analysis Methods.................................................................................................. 16 4.3.1Vegetation Surveys at Selected Monitoring Sites ..................................... 16 4.3.2Hydrology ................................................................................................. 17 4.3.3Coordination with Other Monitoring Studies ........................................... 17 4.4Monitoring Schedule ............................................................................................. 17 5.0Deliverables and Reporting Schedule ........................................................................... 18 5.1Deliverables .......................................................................................................... 18 5.2Reporting Schedule ............................................................................................... 18 5.3Plan Revisions ....................................................................................................... 19 6.0References ........................................................................................................................ 20 December 2019 Page i Table of Contents Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Attachment A. FERC Article 401 Requirements Attachment B. FERC Appendix A Î Water Quality Certification Condition 11 Attachment C. Representative Photographs of the Poe Bypass Reach Attachment D. Monitoring Site Section Matrix Attachment E. Riparian Monitoring Datasheets Attachment F. United States Forest Service and State Water Resources Control Board Consultation LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3-1. Map of the Poe Bypass Reach. ......................................................................... 5 Figure 4-1.Approximate locations of proposed riparian monitoring sites. ....................... 10 LIST OF TABLES Table 4-1. Criteria used to select Poe Bypass Reach riparian monitoring sites. ................ 7 Table 4-2.Poe Bypass Reach riparian monitoring sites. .................................................... 9 Table 5-1.Riparian monitoring and reporting schedule. .................................................. 19 December 2019 Page ii Table of Contents Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan LIST OF ACRONYMS Agencies United States Forest Service staff and SWRCB staff BMI benthic macroinvertebrates CDEC California Data Exchange Center cfs cubic foot/feet per second DBH diameter at breast height DWR California Department of Water Resources FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FYLF foothill yellow-legged frog GPS Global Positioning System MFFR Middle Fork Feather River NFFR North Fork Feather River PBR Poe Bypass Reach PG&E or Licensee Pacific Gas and Electric Company Project Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 RM river mile SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board WQC Water Quality Certification December 2019 Page iii Table of Contents Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 1.0Introduction On December 17, 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a new license for Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyÓs (PG&E or Licensee) Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 (Project). The new license incorporates State of California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) Conditions into the license articles in Appendix A of the new license (FERC 2018). The new license contains requirements to monitor riparian vegetation potentially affected by changes in operations, including recreational flows, slower down ramping rates, higher minimum instream flows, and pulse flows. Under the new license, up to 6,000 acre-feet of flow will be provided in Wet and Above Normal water years for recreational boating purposes when biological monitoring indicates the flows will not impact foothill yellow-legged frogs (FYLF). The new license requires slower down ramping rates from all Poe Dam flows under PG&EÓs control and below 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to protect FYLF and other biological resources. Pulse flows to flush fine grain sediment will be implemented if sediment monitoring indicates an accumulation of sediments within the reach. The results of the riparian vegetation monitoring will be used in conjunction with the results of other biological monitoring studies, including fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and FYLFs, to evaluate the potential responses of biological resources to the changes in operations under the new license. The patterns of riparian vegetation establishment and distribution along a river are created by the interaction of physical processes (e.g., flows of varying magnitudes, timing of flows, spring flow recession rates, inter and intra-annual flow variability, depth to groundwater during the growing season, and sediment deposition) and the different life history characteristics of the dominant species. The dominant woody riparian species present along the North Fork Feather River (NFFR) have many life history adaptations that promote their success under dynamic and episodic, yet seasonally predictable, hydrologic conditions. December 2019 Page 1 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Flow attributes that are important for maintaining the distribution, and structural and compositional complexity of riparian communities include: (1) inter-annual variability; (2) hydrograph shape; (3) frequency of high-magnitude scouring or Ðre-settingÑ flows (flows that generally occur every 10 to 25 years); and (4) frequency, magnitude, timing, and recession rates of spring flows (i.e., recruitment flows; flows that generally occur every 1.5 to 5 years). Variability in flows within and between years creates a dynamic physical environment to which riparian vegetation responds. Flow attributes during ecologically sensitive time periods for riparian species (i.e., seed release, initial establishment, growing season) are particularly important for maintaining riparian vegetation. For successful recruitment to occur, flows of suitable recession rates must coincide with the release of seeds, to provide sufficient moisture to the seedlings and sprouts. This hydrology may occur in the same year as a re-setting flow or may occur several years later. Willows and cottonwoods, species present along the Project Bypass Reach, release seeds in the spring, timed with elevated flows from snowmelt. These seeds are only viable for a short period of time (weeks), requiring suitable moisture and soil conditions to be present at the time of seed release. For seedlings to survive, flow recession rates must be slow, and groundwater must be available through the dry summer. Riparian vegetation often establishes in elevation zones where water is available during the drier months and the plants are not too close the channel and susceptible to damage by high flows. The instream flows required by the new license are expected to enhance flow conditions that support riparian communities. This document, Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan (Plan), presents the plan to comply with the riparian monitoring required by SWRCB WQC Condition No. 11, which was incorporated into FERC License Article 401. The relevant FERC Article 401 requirements applicable to this Plan are provided in Attachment A. Similarly, SWRCB Condition 11 is included in Attachment B. The Plan was developed in consultation with the United States Forest Service Plumas National Forest and the SWRCB staff (Agencies). The response to comments table that addresses the United States Forest Service and SWRCB comments on the draft plan are provided in Attachment F. The Poe Project is located in the North Fork Feather River Basin, which contains extensive forested lands and is sparsely populated. Waters of the Poe Project include the Poe Reservoir, a 7.62-mile- December 2019 Page 2 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan long bypassed reach (ÐPoe Bypass ReachÑ), and the Big Bend Reservoir, which serves as the afterbay for the Project. The Poe Powerhouse and Big Bend Reservoir are located just upstream of Lake Oroville, the primary storage reservoir for the California Department of Water ResourcesÓ (DWR) Feather River Project (FERC Project No. 2100). December 2019 Page 3 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 2.0Goal and Objectives The goal of riparian monitoring is to document the condition of the riparian resources in the Poe Bypass Reach under the new license-required instream flows (as of the 2018 FERC license issuance) and ramping rates. Specific objectives are as follows: 1) Determine the existing condition of riparian vegetation in the Project area. 2) Determine if the new flow regime results in a change in riparian vegetation distribution and position along and adjacent to the active channel. 3)Determine if the new flow regime results in a change in the species composition of riparian vegetation in selected sites. 4) Determine if the new flow regime results in a change in riparian vegetation age class structure, including regeneration, in selected sites. 5) Determine if the new flow regime results in a change in riparian density in selected sites. 6) Determine if the new flow regime results in a change in riparian health in selected reaches over the term of the new license. 3.0 Study Area The study area for the riparian monitoring includes the 7.62-river mile (RM) Poe Bypass Reach on the NFFR from Poe Dam downstream to Poe Powerhouse. The Poe Bypass Reach is shown in red on Figure 3-1. December 2019 Page 4 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Figure 3-1. Map of the Poe Bypass Reach. December 2019 Page 5 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 4.0Methods The following describes the approach for monitoring riparian vegetation in the Poe Bypass Reach, including: selection of proposed long-term monitoring sites, monitoring methods, analysis methods, and monitoring schedule. 4.1 Selection of Monitoring Sites 4.1.1Selection Approach Riparian corridor vegetation community distribution patterns and age structure diversity within a watershed reflect interactions between watershed geology, channel morphology, fluvial geomorphic processes, and life history adaptations of the plant species. To identify and select riparian long-term monitoring sites that are representative of the Poe Bypass Reach and have conditions suitable to support riparian vegetation, the reach was characterized based on several geomorphic and riparian criteria. In addition to these characteristics, the location of past and current studies, such as instream flows, FYLF, benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI), and fish population, within the Poe Bypass Reach were considered during the selection of the riparian 1 monitoring reaches. Locations of potential vegetation encroachment, lower-gradient areas, and accessibility were also considered. These criteria are listed in Table 4-1. In addition to the monitoring sites in the Poe Bypass Reach, a reference site on an unimpaired river was selected for comparison. Reference site locations that were considered included sites used for other past and current studies and availability of flow data. 1 The riparian study conducted in support of the relicensing of the Poe Project involved mapping riparian vegetation along the Poe Bypass Reach. Studies were not conducted at specific study sites. December 2019 Page 6 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Table 4-1. Criteria used to select Poe Bypass Reach riparian monitoring sites. Characteristics Selection Criteria Data Source Channel geomorphic Channel characteristics, such as FERC License Application characteristics valley type, channel form, (PG&E 2003); topographic maps; geomorphic landforms, and aerial imagery; site reconnaissance. Confinement substrate, are suitable to support Gradient riparian vegetation along a river. Presence of depositional Lower-gradient, less confined landforms reaches with finer substrate and Substrate Size deposition landforms provide suitable conditions to support riparian vegetation. Woody riparian corridor Landscape-level riparian FERC License Application characteristics distribution, composition, and age (PG&E 2003); aerial imagery; structure are representative of those riparian vegetation site Distribution within the bypass reach, and reconnaissance. Composition characteristic of the region and Age structure channel morphology. Co-located or nearby aquatic Located near other aquatic or FERC License Application Report study sites instream flow study sites to provide (PG&E 2003); PG&EÓs technical a more comprehensive assessment study plans (PG&E 2004). of the reach. Other floodplain activities Minimal observations of ongoing or FERC License Application Report historic activities such as mining, (PG&E 2003); PG&EÓs technical high recreation use (e.g., camping, study plans (PG&E 2001; 2004); hiking) or grazing along the aerial imagery, riparian vegetation channel that may alter riparian site reconnaissance. condition. Accessibility Site is safely accessible by Topographic maps; site helicopter or hiking trail. reconnaissance. 4.1.2Proposed Monitoring Sites The Poe Bypass Reach is predominately comprised of a steep, confined bedrock-controlled channel. Much of the channel is developed on resistant bedrock mantled with a discontinuous cover of large boulder and cobble deposits. The steep boulder-bedrock reaches that store little sediment are interspersed with lower-gradient cascade, boulder step-pool, and boulder-cobble plane-bed reaches. The steep side slopes, narrow valley bottom, and prevalence of bedrock and boulder along long sections of the Poe Bypass Reach limit conditions suitable for riparian vegetation to establish. Two small tributaries, Mill Creek and Flea Valley Creek, enter the NFFR December 2019 Page 7 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan from opposite sides of the river near the upstream end of the reach. The mouths of these creeks are about 0.5 mile and 0.9 mile, respectively, downstream of Poe Dam. The upper 1.01 RM (5,350 feet) of the Poe Bypass Reach, from Poe Dam downstream to immediately downstream from the mouth of Flea Valley Creek is a wider, lower-gradient channel. The river then flows through a narrower, steeper canyon section dominated by bedrock canyon walls and large boulders, with limited accessibility (approximately 2.53 miles RM \[13,360 feet\]). The lower section of river (approximately 4.08 RM \[21,560 feet\]), from BardeeÓs Bar to Poe Powerhouse, opens to a wider, lower-gradient channel with long pools, runs, and pocket-water habitats separated by short sections of riffles and/or cascades. The comparatively lower-gradient, wider valley bottom sections with alluvial depositional features and finer substrate (e.g., cobbles and gravels) provide conditions suitable to support riparian colonization, establishment, and development along the Poe Bypass Reach. The vegetation habitat types along the NFFR are mainly riparian, with mixed pine-oak forest dominating the surrounding upland areas. The adjacent railroad grade serves as a constraint to the riparian corridor extent on the right bank on the upper section of the Poe Bypass Reach and crossing to the left bank for the remainder of the Project reach at the Highway 70 bridge. Representative photographs of the Poe Bypass Reach are provided in Attachment C. The selection criteria are summarized for the Poe Bypass Reach in Attachment D. Based on the evaluation of the selection criteria, three riparian monitoring sites in the Poe Bypass Reach are proposed to document changes in riparian resources in response to the new flow requirements required by the license and be representative of the Poe Bypass Reach (Table 4-2, Figure 4-1). The monitoring sites were chosen to represent areas where sensitivity to altered flow and probability of change in riparian vegetation were judged to be the greatest. These sites are referred to by the prefix ÐPBRÑ followed by a number, e.g., PBR-1. Riparian monitoring sites were selected that encompassed at least one transect for which stage-discharge relationships were previously developed so that riparian vegetation patterns can be evaluated in relation to the range of flow stages, recession rates, and inundation at the monitoring sites. Monitoring sites were not December 2019 Page 8 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan selected within the bedrock confined sections or sections with boulder banks due to lack of naturally occurring riparian vegetation. In addition to the three monitoring sites within the Poe Bypass Reach, one reference site is proposed on the Middle Fork Feather River (MFFR), in an unregulated reach. This site is referred to as REF-1 (Table 4-2; Figure 4-1). This site is near reference sites for other aquatic studies, and flow and stage data are available from California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) gage MER (Middle Fork Feather River at Merrimac). Table 4-2. Poe Bypass Reach riparian monitoring sites. a Approximate Upstream Location (Lat/Long) Reach ID Site Description Reach Type Latitude Longitude PBR-1 Above Mill Creek Confluence Regulated 39.80828 -121.435769 PBR-2 Above Flea Valley Creek Confluence Regulated 39.80371 -121.441841 PBR-3 Poe Beach Regulated 39.733901 -121.469034 REF-1 Below Milsap Bar Bridge; MFFR Unregulated 39.705277 -121.26986 a Actual upstream and downstream extent will be identified and recorded during first monitoring event for all subsequent monitoring. Monitoring site reach lengths will be at least twenty times the channel width. December 2019 Page 9 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company ©2019, Pacific Gas oposed riparian monitoring sites. Poe Hydroelectric Project Page 10 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Figure 4-1. Approximate locations of pr December 2019 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 4.2Monitoring Methods Site-scale field surveys with repeat photo documentation will be conducted at the selected long- 2 term monitoring sites to monitor riparian vegetation within the Poe Bypass Reach. The surveys will provide an assessment of the riparian composition and age structure in relation to the flow and geomorphic conditions. Riparian vegetation at the monitoring sites will be surveyed with transects oriented across the riparian corridor and stream bank surveys. Data will be collected to characterize the vegetation community distribution, composition, age structure and structural diversity, and will include: percent cover of dominant plant species, tree and shrub height and canopy structure, relative density of woody riparian and upland vegetation, woody riparian and upland vegetation age and size classes present, evidence of unusual mortality, 3 width of the riparian corridor, riparian health, and observations of other stressors potentially impacting riparian resources. Incidental wildlife observations and presence of diagnostic sign (such as tracks, scat, feathers, etc.) data will be recorded. Flow data will be evaluated and related to vegetation distribution and growth patterns. The methods for the riparian vegetation survey and photo documentation at the selected monitoring sites are described below. 4.2.1Vegetation Surveys at Selected Monitoring Sites 4.2.1.1 Vegetation Transect Composition and Structure Quantitative data will be collected along transects established perpendicular to the channel. Data will be collected along transects so that vegetation patterns can be related to elevations, flow stage and inundation, seasonality, and flow connectivity. 2 Monitoring site reach lengths will be at least twenty times the channel width. 3 Riparian health will be characterized based on observations of the vegetation itself, such as premature leaf drop, insect infestation, trampling from animals or people, and fire. The ratio of woody riparian seedlings/young to mature individuals within the sampling area will also be assessed. December 2019 Page 11 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Three long-term monitoring transects will be established within each monitoring site. The transects will be established at representative locations approximately equidistant within the monitoring site. The length of the transect will extend to approximately five feet beyond the start of upland vegetation at the upland hillslope base, and include any bars present, except in cases where it may be unsafe to work within the channel. This will ensure that herbaceous and woody riparian vegetation currently established along the low flow channel, as well as new riparian vegetation that may establish farther from the channel, are included in the survey. Paired transects will be surveyed on either side of the channel. The ends of the transects will be marked with headpins, such as capped rebar or other semi-permanent marker, and located with Global Positioning System (GPS). The topography of the transects across the floodplain and channel, if conditions are safe, will be surveyed. Topographic data will be collected under low flow conditions during each monitoring period to create an elevation profile. Along the surveyed transect, the surveyors will note the 4 location of the water surface elevation and the greenline location. If possible, these transects will be tied to any temporary benchmarks that are established as part of other monitoring surveys. Vegetation data will be collected along the transects using the line-intercept method and will be used to characterize the species distributions within the riparian corridor along the elevation profile (Winward 2000; Coles-Ritchie et al. 2004). Composition data (dominant groundcover, shrub, and tree species present) will be obtained by walking along a transect tape that extends across the riparian corridor and measuring and recording the length of cover of each dominant or co-dominant 5 species that intersects the tape along the transect. Intersection of the overhead canopy with the transect tape will be determined using a rod, approximately three meters in length, held up vertically perpendicular from the tape into the canopy. Sub-dominant species found with the dominant species also will be recorded. When a change in the dominant species is observed, a new data entry will be recorded. In addition, the length of areas of bare ground, leaf litter, large 4 The greenline is defined as: ÐThe first perennial vegetation that forms a lineal grouping of community types on or near the waterÓs edge. Most often it occurs at or slightly below the bankfull stageÑ (Winward 2000). 5 All cover measurements will be made with a densitometer or densiometer; using cover classes consistent with Mayer and Laudenslayer (1988). December 2019 Page 12 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan woody debris, and different substrate size classes will be recorded along each transect. If the lengths of these attributes are different from the vegetation coverage lengths, these attributes will be recorded as separate entries on the datasheet. The lengths of the vegetation and other corridor attributes will then be related to the width of the entire riparian corridor to determine the proportion of each within the corridor (Winward 2000). A line-intercept sample datasheet is provided in Attachment E. The relative densities of the general age classes of woody riparian and upland vegetation within the riparian monitoring sites will be characterized by tallying the number of woody plant individuals (riparian and upland, if present) by species and size class along a 2-meter wide belt along the line-intercept transect. The age classes for tree species defined by the diameter at breast height (DBH) size categories will be classified as follows: (1) sprouts with diameters less than 1 inch; (2) saplings with DBH between 1 and 3 inches, (3) mature trees with DBH between 3 and 10 inches, and (4) old trees with DBH greater than 10 inches. The number of shrubs in each of four size categories will be recorded: (1) seedlings with one stem; (2) young shrubs with less than 10 stems per individual; (3) mature shrubs with between 10 and 60 stems per individual; and (4) old shrubs with greater than 60 stems per individual. A sample datasheet is provided in Attachment E. A full species list will be created for each monitoring site and compiled for a master list of the riparian vegetation community in the Poe Bypass Reach. All species will be identified by scientific and common names, wetland indicator status, native or non-native status, and other pertinent 6 classifications (such as invasive weed status or sensitive species). General botanical nomenclature will follow Baldwin et al. (2012) or most recent accepted standard. Other pertinent information will be recorded as observed at the monitoring site, including: substrate, channel encroachment, large woody debris within the riparian corridor, bank instability, and evidence of recreational and other land use activities (e.g. fishing trails, vegetation trampling, fire, or clipping, horses or cattle present). Encroachment of riparian vegetation into the channel 6 The target invasive weeds list will be included in the Poe Noxious Weed Management Plan. December 2019 Page 13 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan will monitored along the surveyed transects by comparing the location of mature vegetation documented as part of the line-intercept surveys along the channel margins over time and within the reference site. In addition, excessive accumulations of sediments within stream margin and vegetation and/or berm development will be noted. Evidence of unusual stress or mortality, and/or incidental wildlife observations will also be noted. 4.2.1.2 Riparian Recruitment Riparian recruitment will be characterized within each monitoring site. Potential locations for riparian vegetation recruitment will be mapped and riparian recruitment and physical characteristics of each potential location will be characterized. Potential areas for recruitment are defined as relatively open areas with open alluvial substrate at a distance from and elevation above the active channel where riparian vegetation could potentially establish. Within each potential recruitment area, data on the physical characteristics of the area will be collected, including: substrate, physiographic setting, and distance from and elevation above the base flow channel. The number of seedlings and saplings of riparian species will be tallied and recorded within each potential recruitment area. The density and cover of potentially competing vegetation will also be documented.A sample datasheet is provided in Attachment E. 4.2.1.3 Photo Documentation Photo documentation will provide a visual record of the conditions of the riparian communities and land use over time (Elzinga et al. 1998; Bureau of Land Management 1999, Burton et. al. 2007). The photographs will be used to document changes in herbaceous and woody species cover along the stream banks, structure of the community (e.g. multi-layered canopy, single stratum shrub, tree-shrub, shrub-herbaceous, etc.), position of the vegetation along the channel, other activities (e.g. ungulate grazing, beaver presence, recreation) within the monitoring sites. Riparian conditions within the monitoring sites will be documented with permanent photo point locations and/or drone imagery. Permanent photo point locations will be selected at multiple locations within each riparian monitoring site to document the riparian conditions along the stream banks and within the riparian corridor. The photo points will be taken from the same vantage December 2019 Page 14 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan points each year and will include at a minimum: (1) photograph facing upstream from approximately mid-channel; (2) photograph facing downstream from approximately mid-channel; (3) photograph toward the left bank from the right bank; and (4) photograph facing the right bank from the left bank at each transect location. At least four photo point locations within each monitoring site will be selected that best represent the site and will capture changes in riparian vegetation in response to flow changes. All other photographs will be archived. Additional photo points also will be established at the following locations: (1) from Poe Dam to assess the riparian vegetation condition immediately downstream of the dam; (2) from the Highway 70 bridge (looking upstream and downstream) to provide an aerial assessment of the bedrock section of the Poe Bypass Reach; and (3) from the Poe Powerhouse access road bridge (upstream and downstream) to provide an overview of the gravel bars and riparian condition adjacent to the powerhouse. Each photo point location will be recorded with a GPS. Each photo point location will be documented with a marker in the field, proximity to a nearby unique feature will be noted, or a unique feature will be included within the photograph to facilitate repeatability during subsequent monitoring. Photographs from previous years will be taken into the field each year to assist in orienting the camera. The photographs will be taken of the same location at approximately the same time of year (season), and at approximately the same time of day (when feasible) during each monitoring study. The photographs will be stored by year electronically in a photo log with pertinent information such as date, time, number, environmental information (such as recent high flows, etc.) A photo point datasheet is provided in Attachment E. 4.2.2 Hydrology Following each monitoring period, recent flows will be summarized. Average daily stream flow data from PG&EÓs flow gage NF-23 located on the NFFR and CDECÓs flow gage MER located on the MFFR for at least a twenty-year period of record will be summarized for each monitoring period. This longer period of record provides context for the condition of the riparian vegetation December 2019 Page 15 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan that is influenced by the recent flow regime, as well as the pattern of flows over the past several decades, including high magnitude flows that Ðre-setÑ or scour vegetation. 4.2.3 Relationship to Nearby Riparian Monitoring Studies The riparian vegetation monitoring methods are consistent, and results will be comparable with the methods specified in the Riparian Vegetation Monitoring Plan for the Rock Creek-Cresta Project (FERC No. 1962) located upstream of the Poe Project. Specifically, both monitoring studies include line-intercept surveys along topographic transects established perpendicular to the channel to describe the vegetation in relation to changes in elevation and distance from the channel. Monitoring for both projects requires collecting age class distribution data for dominant riparian species to describe the age structure of the riparian community over time. The riparian recruitment monitoring described in Section 4.2.1.2 and the riparian recruitment monitoring for the RCC Project are similar, documenting the quality and quantity of potential areas suitable for riparian establishment and success of riparian recruitment within these areas over time. 4.3 Analysis Methods 4.3.1Vegetation Surveys at Selected Monitoring Sites Data collected at each monitoring site will be summarized to describe the vegetation characteristics across the riparian corridor and along the stream banks, including the relative percent cover by dominant species and strata; age structure; and densities (numbers of individuals by species per area surveyed for each monitoring site). The data will be evaluated to determine descriptive statistics for the measured parameters, including frequency distributions (i.e., histograms) of age classes present. The results of the line-intercept surveys will be graphically illustrated along the elevation profiles. Different flow stages that occurred during the time period since the last monitoring studies (e.g. pulse flows, spill flows, and minimum instream flows \[MIFs\]) will be graphically illustrated along the surveyed transects with the results of the vegetation composition from the line-intercept surveys. The ratio of woody riparian seedlings/young to mature individuals will be calculated as December 2019 Page 16 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan one measure of riparian health. Other observations of riparian health, such as premature leaf drop, insect infestation, trampling from animals or people, and disease will also be summarized. The riparian recruitment data will be compiled and summarized in tabular and graphical formats. Qualitative data, including encroachment observations and species lists, collected at each site will be compiled and summarized. The riparian data in the Poe Bypass Reach will be compared with the reference site, and with the previous monitoring periods to assess changes over time. 4.3.2 Hydrology The daily flow data from NF23 and MER gages will be graphed to illustrate the frequency and magnitude of high flows, prolonged dry periods, and the timing and magnitude of snow melt flows. The daily flow data will be converted to stage to evaluate the range of stages, recession rates, and inundation at the monitoring sites. The results of the riparian vegetation monitoring will be related to the recent flow regime, including the inter-annual variability; hydrograph shape; occurrence of high-magnitude scouring or Ðre-settingÑ flows (flows that generally occur every 10 to 25 years); and frequency, magnitude, timing, and recession rates of spring flows (i.e., recruitment flows; flows that generally occur every 1.5 to 5 years); and drought. 4.3.3 Coordination with Other Monitoring Studies Pertinent data collected as part of the Riparian Monitoring Plan surveys, including invasive weeds, special-status plants, sediment erosion/deposition, large woody debris, and vegetation cover and structure, will be provided to other license required monitoring studies (i.e. fish, FYLF, sediment, and temperature studies), as appropriate. The data will be provided prior to the next reporting period for that study to enable incorporation into the respective reports. 4.4 Monitoring Schedule Riparian monitoring includes baseline data collection in the first fall following approval of this Plan and monitoring to assess potential changes in riparian vegetation in response to the flows and evaluate trends over time (refer to Table 5-1). Riparian vegetation will be monitored in license year 10, 20, 30, and every 10 years thereafter, for the term of the license and any extensions. If a December 2019 Page 17 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 7 high flow occurs that meets or exceeds 59,800 cfs, based on average daily flow measured at PG&EÓs flow gage NF-23, occurs during the first five years of the ten year period between monitoring, PG&E will conduct an additional riparian monitoring the fall after the event occurs to document the potential effects of the flow event on the channel and riparian community within each monitoring site. If no high flow event occurs during the first five years of a ten-year period between monitoring, PG&E will conduct riparian monitoring the fall of the fifth year. To the extent feasible, riparian vegetation monitoring surveys will be conducted in the late September/early October when flows will be reduced to about 55 cfs in accordance with the Fish and BMI Monitoring Plan. 5.0 Deliverables and Reporting Schedule 5.1 Deliverables Riparian Monitoring Reports will be prepared each year that monitoring is conducted. Each yearÓs report will include the results from the current year, and a comparison with the previous yearsÓ results under the new license. The report will include a summary of the survey methods and analysis, including maps, tables, figures, and other analysis products, as described above. 5.2 Reporting Schedule PG&E will submit a draft of the Poe Riparian Monitoring Report to the SWRCB and Forest Service following the conclusion of each monitoring year (Table 5-1). PG&E will submit the draft report on or before March 15 of the subsequent year. PG&E will allow the SWRCB and Forest Service at least 30 days to review and comment on the draft report and will set up a consultation meeting, if warranted. The final monitoring report will be filed with SWRCB with a copy to Forest Service by May 31 the year following a monitoring year. PG&E will include in the final report any comments and 7 A flow of this magnitude has been documented to result in substantial re-working of the channel and scouring of riparian vegetation. December 2019 Page 18 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan recommendations made by the agencies on the draft report. If PG&E does not adopt a recommendation, the filing shall include PG&EÓs reasons based on Project-specific information. Table 5-1. Riparian monitoring and reporting schedule. Activity Year Monitoring Baseline site-scale field surveys at monitoring sites First fall following approval of Plan Site-scale field surveys at monitoring sites License years 10, 20, and 30, and every 10 years thereafter, for the term of the license and any extensions, and after a high magnitude flow a (59,800 cfs) that occurs within the first 5 years of the ten year period between monitoring. If no high flow event occurs during the first five years of a ten-year period between monitoring, PG&E will conduct riparian monitoring the fall of the fifth year. Reporting PG&E will submit draft report to the SWRCB and On or before March 15 the year following field Forest Service for review monitoring SWRCB and Forest Service review period 30 days after receiving draft report PG&E will submit final report to the SWRCB and On or before May 31 the year following field Forest Service monitoring a Average daily flow, measured at the PG&E NF-23 gage. 5.3 Plan Revisions The Licensee, in consultation with the Forest Service and SWRCB, will review, update, and revise the Plan, if necessary, during the report review period every ten (10) years. Changes to be considered include methodologies and monitoring frequencies based on effects to the riparian habitat from operations. After consultation and agreement with the Forest Service and SWRCB, the Licensee will work with the Forest Service and SWRCB to file the updated Plan with FERC. The Licensee will include all relevant documentation of coordination and consultation with the updated Plan filed with FERC. If the Licensee does not adopt a particular recommendation by USFWS or CDFW, the filing will include the reasons for not doing so. The Licensee will implement the revised Plan once approved by FERC. December 2019 Page 19 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 6.0References Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken, Editors. 2012. The Jepson Manual: vascular plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1999. Sampling vegetation attributes interagency technical reference. Denver, Colorado. Burton, T.A., E.R. Cowley, and S.J. Smith. 2007. Monitoring streambanks and riparian vegetation Î multiple indicators. Idaho Technical Bulletin No. 2007-01. April 2007. United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 50 pp. Coles-Ritchie, M.C., R.C. Henderson, E.K. Archer, C. Kennedy, and J.L. Kershner. 2004. Repeatability of riparian vegetation sampling methods: how useful are these techniques for broad-scale, long-term monitoring? USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-138. Elzinga, C.L., D.W. Salzer, and J.W. Willoughby. 1998. Measuring and monitoring plant populations. Bureau of Land Management, BLM Technical Reference 1730-1. Denver, Colorado. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). 2018. Order Issuing New License. Project Nos. 2107-016. Prepared by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of Energy Projects, Division of Hydropower Licensing. Washington, DC. December 17. Mayer, K.E., and W.F. Laudenslayer. 1988. A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California. State of California, Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA. 166 pp. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). 2001. North Fork Feather River Instream Flow Study Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107. April. ______. 2003. Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2107 Application for New License. Final: December ______. 2004. Results of 2000-2002 Surveys for Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) on the North Fork Feather River and Selected Tributaries with the Poe Project. December. Powell, D.C. 2006. Recording the changes: field guide to establishing and maintaining permanent camera point systems. United States Department of Agriculture Î Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Region. FS-14-SO-09-06. August. 21 pp. Sawyer, J., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation (second edition). California Native Plant Society Press. Sacramento, California December 2019 Page 20 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan State of California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 2017. In the Matter of Water Quality Certification for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2107. December 28. United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service (Forest Service). 2018. Forest Service revised final license terms and conditions necessary for the protection and utilization of the Plumas National Forest in condition with the application for license Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2107, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Pacific South West Region. July 6. Winward, A.H. 2000. Monitoring the vegetation resources in riparian areas. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station RMRS-GTR-47. December 2019 Page 21 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan ATTACHMENT A FERC Article 401 Requirements December 2019 Page A-1 Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan FERC Article 401 Î Commission Approval, Reporting, Notification, and Filing of Amendments (FERC 2018) (a) Requirement to File Plans for Commission Approval The State Water Resources Control BoardÓs (Water Board) section 401 water quality certification (WQC) (Appendix A) and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Î Forest ServiceÓs (Forest Service) section 4(e) conditions (Appendix B) require the Licensee to prepare plans in consultation with other entities for approval by the Water Board or Forest Service or for submittal to the Commission, and implement specific measures without prior Commission approval. The following plans must also be submitted to the Commission for approval by the deadlines specified below: Water Board WQC Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. Condition No. Plan Name Commission Due Date Poe Bypass Reach Within 1 year from 11 -- Riparian Monitoring Plan license issuance *excerpt from FERC 2018 Article 401 With each plan filed with the Commission, the Licensee must include documentation that it developed the plan in consultation with the above-listed agencies and provide copies of any comments received, as well as its response to each comment. The Commission reserves the right to make changes to any plan filed. Upon Commission approval, the plan becomes a requirement of the license, and the Licensee must implement the plan, including any changes required by the Commission. Any changes in the above schedule or plans require approval by the Commission before implementing the proposed change. December 2019 Page A-2 Attachment A Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan ATTACHMENT B FERC Appendix A Î Water Quality Certification Condition 11 December 2019 Page B-1 Attachment B Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 8 SWRCB 401 Water Quality Certification Condition No. 11 Î Poe Bypass Reach Riparian Monitoring Within one year of license issuance, the Licensee shall prepare, in consultation with State Water Board staff and Forest Service, a Riparian Monitoring Plan for the Poe bypass reach. The Licensee shall file the Riparian Monitoring Plan with the Deputy Director for review and approval. The Deputy Director may require modifications as part of any approval. The Licensee shall file the Deputy DirectorÓs approval, and any required modifications, with FERC. The Licensee shall conduct initial baselinemonitoring in the year following approval of the Riparian Monitoring Plan. Subsequent surveys shall be conducted in Years 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and every 5 years thereafter, for the term of the license and any extensions, following the implementation of the new instream flow requirements (unless other intervals are deemed necessary by the Deputy Director to evaluate the effects of flow changes on riparian vegetation). 8 SWRCB (2017) December 2019 Page B-2 Attachment B Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan ATTACHMENT C Representative Photographs of the Poe Bypass Reach December 2019 Page C-1 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Photographs of the Poe Bypass Reach 6/18/2019 Figure C-1. From Highway 70 Bridge, looking upstream from river left. 6/18/2019 Figure C-2. From Poe Powerhouse Access Bridge, looking upstream from channel center. December 2019 Page C-2 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 6/18/2019 Figure C-3. Poe Powerhouse Access Bridge, looking downstream from channel center. 6/18/2019 Figure C-4. BardeeÓs Bar, looking downstream from river right. December 2019 Page C-3 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 6/18/2019 Figure C-5. BardeeÓs Bar, looking upstream from river right. 6/18/2019 Figure C-6. From BardeeÓs Bar Road, below BardeeÓs Bar, looking upstream from river right. December 2019 Page C-4 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 6/18/2019 Figure C-7. From BardeeÓs Bar Road, looking upstream at BardeeÓs Bar from river right. December 2019 Page C-5 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 6/18/2019 Figure C-8. From BardeeÓs Bar Road, below BardeeÓs Bar, looking downstream from river right. December 2019 Page C-6 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Representative Photographs of PBR-1: Above Mill Creek Confluence 6/18/2019 Figure C-9. PBR-1 from river left, looking downstream. 6/18/2019 Figure C-10. PBR-1 from river left, looking upstream. December 2019 Page C-7 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Representative Photographs of PBR-2: Above Flea Valley Creek Confluence 6/18/2019 Figure C-11. PBR-2 from river left, looking downstream. 6/18/2019 Figure C-12. PBR-2 from river left, looking downstream. December 2019 Page C-8 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Representative Photographs of PBR-3: Poe Beach 6/18/2019 Figure C-13. PBR-3 from river right, looking upstream. 6/18/2019 Figure C-14. PBR-3 from river right, looking downstream. December 2019 Page C-9 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Representative Photographs of REF-1: Below Milsap Bar Bridge 10/2011 Figure C-15. REF-1 from channel center, looking downstream. 10/2011 Figure C-16. REF-1 from channel center, looking upstream. December 2019 Page C-10 Attachment C Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan ATTACHMENT D Monitoring Site Section Matrix December 2019 Page D-1 Attachment D Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Attachment D PBR-1 PBR-2 Recommended Study Site Name gravel substrate. gravel substrate. gravel substrate. gravel substrate. Minimal depositional features suitable to support riparian vegetation. Minimal nearby aquatic study sites. Adjacent to tailrace. Boulder, cobble, and Depositional bars and features suitable to support riparian vegetation. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology. Boulder, cobble, and Sandy depositional bar unlikely to support riparian vegetation. Evidence of high recreational use. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology on left bank. Minimal riparian vegetation on right bank. Confluence area may not be representative of reach. Boulder, cobble, and Depositional bars and features suitable to support riparian vegetation. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology. Boulder, cobble, and Minimal depositional feature. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology on left bank. Confluence area may not be representative of reach. N Y N Y N (Y/N) Rationale Reach Monitoring for Riparian Recommended s are highlighted in yellow). Site Notes Downstream of Poe Dam. Railroad is a confining feature on the right bank. Above Mill Creek Confluence. Railroad is a confining feature on the right bank. Mill Creek Confluence and Sandy Beach. Railroad is confining feature on the right bank. Sandy Beach is well used recreational area. Above Flea Valley Creek Confluence. Railroad is confining feature on right bank. Flea Valley Confluence. , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Notes Page D-2 Accessibility Access via slope adjacent to Highway 70 Access via slope adjacent to Highway 70 Access via slope adjacent to Highway 70 or from Sandy Beach. Upstream access from Sandy Beach on left bank. Downstream access from end of Pulga Road, near Flea Valley Creek Confluence, on right bank. Upstream access from end of Pulga Road, near Flea Valley Creek Confluence, on right bank. c ©2019, Pacific Gas Poe Hydroelectric Project Implementation Study or License Monitoring Sites Aquatic Licensing Potential fish monitoring site Potential fish monitoring site Potential BMI monitoring site Potential fish monitoring site Recreation relicensing study site Potential tributary fish access site Amphibian monitoring site IFIM relicensing study site; stage-discharge relationship available IFIM relicensing study site; stage-discharge relationship available Potential tributary fish access site (shown on Figure D-1) Co-located and Nearby ss Reach and reference riparian monitoring sites (proposed reache Woody Riparian Vegetation Tailrace section has minimal riparian vegetation even under low flow conditions. Continuous narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. Continuous narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor predominately on left bank. Discontinuous riparian vegetation on right bank. Continuous narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. Continuous narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. a 0.5 Î 2% 0.5 Î 2% 0.5 Î 2% 0.5 Î 2% 0.5 Î 2% Channel Gradient (%) a Channel Characteristics Tailrace section, followed by short section of pool-riffle morphology. Meandering pool-riffle morphology with alternating cobble/gravel bars. Meandering pool-riffle morphology with alternating cobble/gravel bars. Mill Creek confluence on left bank, with large downstream gravel/sand depositional feature. Meandering pool-riffle morphology. Meandering pool-riffle morphology. Flea Valley Confluence on right bank. Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan from Poe (Distance Dam\[miles\]) Downstream Stream Segment 0 Î 0.20 0.20 Î 0.40 0.40 Î 0.65 0.65 Î 0.95 0.95 Î 1.01 Table D-1. Summary of selection criteria of potential Poe Bypa December 2019 Attachment D Recommended Study Site Name ith sparse riparian djustable reach, with djustable reach, with gravel substrate. Moderately steep channel with boulder and cobble substrate, non-aminimal vegetation. Large boulder dominant. Minimal depositional features suitable to support riparian vegetation. Difficult site access. Highly entrenched bedrock and boulder-dominant, non-adjustable reach, with sparse riparian vegetation. Minimal to no depositional features suitable to support riparian vegetation. No nearby aquatic study sites. Very difficult site access. Entrenched bedrock and boulder-dominant, non-adjustable reach, wvegetation. Large boulder dominant. Minimal depositional features suitable to support riparian vegetation. Moderately steep channel with boulder and cobble substrate, non-aminimal vegetation. Large boulder dominant. Minimal depositional features suitable to support riparian vegetation. Difficult site access. No nearby aquatic sites. Boulder, cobble, and Some depositional bars and features may be suitable to support riparian vegetation. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology. Difficult site access. N N N N (Y/N) Rationale Reach Monitoring for Riparian Recommended Site Notes Confluence to Highway 70 Bridge. Railroad is confining feature on right bank. Bridge and BardeeÓs Bar. BardeeÓs Bar N Below BardeeÓs Bar Above Swimmers Beach , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Notes Page D-3 Accessibility Difficult. Below Flea Valley Access from BardeeÓs Bar Road (dirt, in poor condition in summer 2019) to right bank. Very difficult. Difficult. c ©2019, Pacific Gas Poe Hydroelectric Project Implementation Study or License Monitoring Sites Aquatic Licensing Potential BMI monitoring site None Very difficult. Between Highway 70 Amphibian monitoring site Recreation study site Potential fish study site None Amphibian monitoring site (shown on Figure D-1) Co-located and Nearby Woody Riparian Vegetation narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor predominately on left bank. Discontinuous riparian vegetation on right bank. vegetation. vegetation. Continuous very narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. Continuous narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. a >7% Little to no riparian 3-6% Minimal riparian 3-6% 3-6% 0.5 Î 2% Continuous very Channel Gradient (%) a Channel Characteristics gradient; boulder-cobble dominant. steep gradient step-pools; bedrock-boulder dominant. gradient; bedrock-boulder riffle-pool and plane-bed morphology with bedrock control on left bank. Entrenched, moderate gradient; boulder-cobble dominant. Pool-riffle morphology with alternating boulder/cobble bars. Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan from Poe (Distance Dam\[miles\]) Downstream Stream Segment 1.01 Î 1.60 Entrenched, moderate 1.60 Î 3.54 Highly entrenched, 3.54 Î 4.00 Entrenched, moderate 4.00 Î 6.25 6.25 Î 6.75 December 2019 Attachment D REF-1 PBR-3 Recommended Study Site Name gravel substrate. gravel substrate. gravel substrate. Boulder, cobble, and Depositional bars and features are suitable to support riparian vegetation. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative characteristic of the region and channel morphology. Boulder, cobble, and Depositional bars and features are suitable to support riparian vegetation. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology. Evidence of high recreation use. Upstream of Big Bend Reservoir. Boulder, cobble, and Depositional bars and features are suitable to support riparian vegetation. Landscape-scale riparian distribution, composition, and age structure is representative and characteristic of the region and channel morphology. Y N Y (Y/N) Rationale Reach Monitoring for Riparian Recommended Site Notes Swimmers Beach Between Swimmers Beach and Poe Powerhouse. Recreation apparent at both Swimmers Beach and Poe Powerhouse Beach. Below Milsap Bar Bridge Flow data and stage data are available from CDEC gage MER (Middle Fork Feather River at Merrimac) , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Notes Page D-4 Accessibility Trail access from Poe Powerhouse Access Road to right bank. Trail access from Poe Powerhouse Access Road to right bank and from Poe Powerhouse on left bank. Access from Milsap Bar Campground. c ©2019, Pacific Gas Poe Hydroelectric Project Potential BMI reference monitoring site a short distance upstream Implementation Study or License Monitoring Sites Aquatic Licensing Amphibian monitoring site Recreation study site Potential BMI monitoring site IFIM relicensing study site; stage-discharge relationship available Amphibian monitoring site Recreation study site Potential BMI monitoring site (shown on Figure D-1) Co-located and Nearby Woody Riparian Vegetation Continuous narrow young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. Continuous wide young and medium-aged alder/willow-dominated corridor. a b <1% <1% Continuous narrow <2% Channel Gradient (%) a Channel Characteristics Pool-riffle morphology with alternating boulder/cobble bars. morphology with alternating cobble/gravel bars. Meandering pool-riffle morphology with alternating boulder/cobble bars. Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan from Poe (Distance Dam\[miles\]) Downstream Stream Segment 6.75 Î 7.05 7.05 Î 7.62 Meandering pool-riffle NA Estimated from Google earth imagery. As documented in Appendix E3-18 in PG&E (2003). The BMI and fish sites have been proposed for monitoring by PG&E in the draft monitoring plans under the new License. abc December 2019 Attachment D , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Page D-5 ©2019, Pacific Gas Poe Hydroelectric Project s and nearby aquatic monitoring sites. Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Figure D-1. Proposed riparian monitoring site December 2019 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan ATTACHMENT E Riparian Monitoring Datasheets December 2019 Page E-1 Attachment E Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Attachment E 4 Tree 4 , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company 0.002 Shrub Riparian Datasheets 4 5 ©2019, Pacific Gas Poe Hydroelectric Project Substrate Ground Layer 1 <1% 1 <10 1 <10 2 2-9% 2 10-24% 2 10-24% 3 10-39% 3 25-39% 3 25-39% 4 40-59% 4 40-59% 4 40-59% 5 60-99% 5 60-99% 5 60-99% 6 100% 6 100% 6 100% Silt 0.062 to 0.002 Clay Sand 0.063 to 2 Gravel 2 to 64 Cobble 64 to 256 Levels Cover Levels Cover Levels Cover Levels Size (mm) Boulder > 256 es recorded. Circle the dominate size class Bedrock - 2,3 1,3 Page E-2 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Canopy Cover Relative % Cover The amount of area the canopy layer covers within the plot area Relative cover of each species within the plot area Record all levels present for each speci Mayer and Laudenslayer, 1988 Based on Udden-Wentworth size classes. 12345 December 2019 2 Attachment E Notes iver Mile: ____________ Distance on Transect (m) Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop 3 Other , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Species Sub-Dominant activities, submerged vegetation. is, dead vegetation). 1 5 ©2019, Pacific Gas Line-Intercept Datasheet Poe Hydroelectric Project Attribute bble, gravel, sand, fines, dead vegetation. Tree Height 4 substrate, woody debr scence, grazing, other land use of the dominant species. Dominant Species Species % Cover Page E-3 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Bank Species or attribute (litter, bare ground, Fluvial landform, decadence, seneLitter, duff, woody debris, bedrock, boulder, coPercent cover of the species. Average tree or shrub height L or R Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Stream Segment and Site: _____________________ Date: ______________ Name: _____________________ GPS Waypoint: ____________ RTotal Riparian Corridor Width (m): __________________________ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. December 2019 5 Attachment E River Mile: ___________ Total Number Old 4 Total Number Mature 3 , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Total Number Young 2 rout p ©2019, Pacific Gas S Poe Hydroelectric Project Total Number Seedling/ activities, fluvial landforms, substrate) 1 Age Class Datasheet along the Line-Intercept Transect Species Page E-4 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Bank L or R Include woody riparian and upland species. Seedling Shrub: 1 stem at the ground surface; or Sprout: dbh <1Ñ. Young Shrub: <10 stems/individual or Young Tree: dbh <3Ñ Mature shrub: 10 to 60 stems per individual; Mature tree: dbh 3 to 10Ñ Old shrub: >60 stems per individual; Old tree: dbh > 10Ñ Stream Segment and Site: ______________________ Date: ________________ Name: ______________ GPS Waypoint: _______________ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 Notes or Other Observations (e.g. land use December 2019 Attachment E Channel (ft) Height above (ft) from Channel Distance hic Setting Physiograp , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company % Cover for Each Species Substrate 3 Saplings ©2019, Pacific Gas Total Number Poe Hydroelectric Project Name: 2 Vegetation Data Physical Conditions activities, fluvial landforms, substrate) Total Number Seedling/Sprout Riparian Recruitment within Monitoring Site Datasheet 1 Species Page E-5 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Map ID No. Polygon Include woody riparian species. Seedling Shrub: 1 stem at the ground surface; or Sprout: dbh <1Ñ. Young Shrub: <10 stems/individual or Young Tree: dbh <3Ñ for trees or 5Ñ for cottonwoods. Stream Segment and Site:Date: 1. 2. 3. Notes or Other Observations (e.g. land use December 2019 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan Photo Point Datasheet Site Name: Photo Point Identification Number: Date: Time: Weather Conditions: GPS Coordinates: Photographer: Camera Type: Subject of Photograph and Purpose of Photographs: Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo No.: Photo No.: Photo No.: Brief Description: Brief Description: Brief Description: Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo No.: Photo No.: Photo No.: Brief Description: Brief Description: Brief Description: Reference Point 1 Sketch of Photo and Reference Point Locations: Description: Marking: Distance to photo point marker (ft): Reference Point 2 Description: Marking: Distance to photo point marker (ft): Reference Point 3 Description: Marking: Distance to photo point marker (ft): December 2019 Page E-6 Attachment E Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan ATTACHMENT F United States Forest Service and State Water Resources Control Board Consultation December 2019 Page F-1 Attachment F Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2107 ©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Attachment F to provide sufficient each, release seeds in the deposition) and the different For seedlings to survive, the Forest Service, State ecession rates, inter and intra- provided in Wet and Above for a short period of time (weeks), rian species present along the North the release of seeds, conjunction with the results of the other biological ong the Project Bypass R at the time of seed release. e periods for riparian species (i.e., seed release, initial res slower down ramping rates from all Poe Dam flows e during the drier months and the plants are not too close ing of flows, spring flow rnamic physical environment to which riparian vegetation growing season, and sediment stribution, and structural and compositional complexity of ans require consultation with 000 acre-feet of flow will be PG&E Response to monitor riparian vegetation potentially affected by changes in instream Fish and Wildlife after each monitoring period to review the study results. snowmelt. These seeds are only viable ant species. The dominant woody ripa onwoods, species present al suitable recession rates must coincide with flows of varying magnitudes, tim The results of the riparian monitoring will be used in The following text (underlined) has been added to the Introduction to summarize the flows required by the Background information on the inter-relationships between riparian vegetation and the fluvial-geomorphic ÐThe new license contains requirements flows operations, including pulse flows, recreational flows, slower down ramping rates, higher minimum instream flows, and pulse flows. Under the new license, up to 6,Normal water years for recreational boating purposes if biological monitoring indicates the flows will not impact foothill yellow-legged frogs (FYLF). The new license requiunder PG&EÓs control and below 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to protect FYLF and other biological resources. Pulse flows to flush fine grain sediment will be implemented when sediment monitoring indicates an accumulation of sediments within the reach.Ñ ÐThe patterns of riparian vegetation establishment and distribution along a river are created by the interaction of physical processes (e.g., annual flow variability, depth to groundwater during the life history characteristics of the dominFork Feather River (NFFR) have many life history adaptations that promote their success under dynamic and episodic, yet seasonally predictable, hydrologic conditions. Flow attributes that are important for maintaining the diriparian communities include: (1) inter-annual variability; (2) hydrograph shape; (3) frequency of high-magnitude scouring or Ðre-settingÑ flows (flows that generally occur every 10 to 25 years); and (4) frequency, magnitude, timing, and recession rates of spring flows (i.e., recruitment flows; flows that generally occur every 1.5 to 5 years). Variability in flows within and between years creates a dyresponds. Flow attributes during ecologically sensitive timestablishment, growing season) are particularly important for maintaining riparian vegetation. For successful recruitment to occur, flows ofmoisture to the seedlings and sprouts. This hydrology may occur in the same year as a re-setting flow or may occur several years later. Willows and cottspring, timed with elevated flows from requiring suitable moisture and soil conditions to be present flow recession rates must be slow, and groundwater must be available through the dry summer. Riparian vegetation often establishes in elevation zones where water is availablthe channel and susceptible to damage by high flows. The instream flows required by the new license are expected to enhance flow conditions that support riparian communities.Ñ ÐThe results of the riparian vegetation monitoring will be used in conjunction with the results of the other biological monitoring studies, including fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and FYLFs, to evaluate the potential responses of biological resources to the changes operations under the new license.Ñ Accepted. new license: Accepted. conditions as been added to the Introduction Section, as follows: Clarification. monitoring studies to evaluate the potential responses of the biological resources to the changes in the flow regime required by the new license. The Biological Monitoring PlWater Board, and California Department ofThe results of the riparian monitoring will also be included in these discussions. The following text has been added to the Introduction Section: , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Page F-2 nts on the Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan. Suggest adding additional ©2019, Pacific Gas Poe Hydroelectric Project affect riparian vegetation? Ðchanges in instream flows, flows are affecting riparian vegetationÈÑ Include a summary of why and how the flows are being changed. Now the draft Plan just says includingÈÑ. The Water Quality Certification (2017) says ÐA riparian vegetation monitoring plan will help determine how increased If possible include a discussion of what changes are expected or hoped for as a result of the changes in instream flows. e.g, how are increases in minimum/base flows, ramping rates, pulse flows, whitewater flows expected to How will the results of this monitoring be used? Do any particular monitoring results prompt changes in management of instream flows or other management? Or reopen consultation about flows? It looks like SWRCB holds this responsibility, but I donÓt find anything in the WQC about what this means in terms of assessment or potentially requiring changes to required stream flows. Regarding details provided in the introduction: backgroundÈ. and State Water Resources Control Board Comme Paragraph Number Comment Section/ Page Number/ Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 1 U.S. Forest Service 1.0 Introduction /1/-- Regarding details provided in the introduction: 2 U.S. Forest Service 1.0 Introduction /1/-- Regarding details provided in the introduction: 3 U.S. Forest Service 1.0 Introduction /1 /-- 4 U.S. Forest Service 1.0 Introduction /1/-- Regarding details provided in the introduction: See response to Comment 3. Number Commented By Comment Response to Unites States Forest Service December 2019 Attachment F ent and success of riparian ect (FERC No. 1962) located er time. The riparian recruitment most recent accepted standard.Ñ le for riparian establishm be the vegetation in relation to changes in elevation and recruitment monitoring for the RCC Project are similar, r the Rock Creek-Cresta Proj ears of a ten-year period between monitoring, PG&E will PG&E Response d Rock Creek-Cresta projects, as follows: lly, both monitoring studies include line-intercept surveys along topographic least twenty times the channel width.Ñ thods are consistent, and results will be comparable with the methods structure of the riparian community ov ill follow Baldwin et al. (2012) or A footnote has been added to clarify that the site-scale surveys focus on monitoring vegetation within a A new section has been added to the Plan that discusses the comparability of the riparian community A map has been added to Attachment D that shows the locations of the proposed riparian monitoring sites Section 4.4 has been revised to include the following underlined text: The text has been revised as follows: Ð4.2.3 Relationship to Nearby Riparian Monitoring Studies The riparian vegetation monitoring mespecified in the Riparian Vegetation Monitoring Plan foupstream of the Poe Project. Specificatransects established perpendicular to the channel to descridistance from the channel. Monitoring for both projects requires collecting age class distribution data for dominant riparian species to describe the age monitoring described in Section 4.2.1.2 and the riparian documenting the quality and quantity of potential areas suitabrecruitment within these areas over time.Ñ ÐIf no high flow event occurs during the first five yconduct riparian monitoring the fall of the fifth year.Ñ ÐGeneral botanical nomenclature w ÐMonitoring site reach lengths will be at Accepted. monitoring methods and results for the Poe an Accepted. and the monitoring site locations for the other biological monitoring, including FYLF, fish, and benthic macroinvertebrates. Clarification. reach, as follows: Accepted.Accepted. , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Page F-3 tation. ©2019, Pacific Gas used in assessing flow effects on Poe Hydroelectric Project an additional riparian monitoring ose Î i.e., how the methods in this unity within each monitoring site. that meets or exceeds 59,800 cubic prove on the RCC methods, allowing for eÑ: Define Î in footnote? ects at some point. , based on average daily flow measured at PG&EÓs 9 Will the results of this monitoring beother SWRCB Conditions? ÐThe new license streamflow conditions will alter flow levels and timing of flows relative to past project operations. Thus the following elements will need to be reestablished or re-verified following commencement of the new flow regime for typical oviposition (egg-laying) and rearing (tadpole) habitats for both occupied and non-occupied areas. The determination will include the new: temperature regimes, riparian vegetation establishment, encroachment and scouring, habitat conditions (water depths, velocities, bank slopes, etc.), and river bar formation/loss.Ñ Text Edit (underline): ÐIf a high flow feet per second (cfs)flow gage NF-23, occurs during the first five years of the ten year period between monitoring, PG&E will conduct the fall after the event occurs to document the potential effects of the flow event on the channel and riparian commIf no high flow event occurs during the first five years of a ten-year period between monitoring, PG&E will conduct riparian monitoring the fall of the fifth year.Ñ upstream projects and Merritt input on thPlan are similar or different or imcomparison among ProjRegarding the Proposed Monitoring Sites: Add info on how these sites overlap (or donÓt) with monitoring for other resources (fish/bmi, fylf, etc.). Also consider including this info in a new column in Table 4-2. Note that Forest Service 4e Condition No. 25 (Poe Reach Biological Monitoring) states: Regarding the term Ðsite-scalRegarding the nomenclature convention for the study: Revise to make flexible if this reference is updated or a new reference becomes the standard. Paragraph Number Comment Section/ Page Number/ Monitoring Sites/5/-- Methods/9/1 Transect Composition and Structure/11/-- 4.4 Monitoring Schedule/ 15/3 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 5 U.S. Forest Service 4.0 Methods /4/-- Regarding the study methods: As appropriate, reference methods used in 6 U.S. Forest Service 4.1.2 Proposed 7 U.S. Forest Service 4.2 Monitoring 8 U.S. Forest Service 4.2.1.1 Vegetation 9 SWRCB Number Commented By Comment A flow of this magnitude has been documented to result in substantial re-working of the channel and scouring of riparian vege 9 December 2019 Attachment F occur after a itment that may y trigger for monitoring the immediate effects of ee will work with the Forest Service and SWRCB to file encroachment in to the channel, lack of recruitment, or ll relevant documentation of coordination and consultation -magnitude scouring or Ðre-settingÑ flows (flows that and SWRCB, will review, update, and revise the Plan, if magnitude, timing, and recession rates of spring flows . Similarly, successful recru ears of a ten-year period between monitoring, PG&E will PG&E Response occur every 1.5 to 5 years); and drought.Ñ If the Licensee does not adopt a particular recommendation by USFWS or ons for not doing so. The Licensee will implement the revised Plan once ecruitment surveys. ΝΌ See response to Comments 1 and 2. The monitoring schedule has been revised to include riparian The proposed monitoring schedule includes a primar The description of the hydrologic analyses in Section 4.3.2 Hydrology has been updated to specify analyses Table 5-1 has been revised to include the following underlined text: See response to Comment 10. ÐThe results of the riparian vegetation monitoring will be related to the recent flow regime, including the inter-annual variability; hydrograph shape; occurrence of highgenerally occur every 10 to 25 years); and frequency, (i.e., recruitment flows; flows that generallyÐIf no high flow event occurs during the first five yconduct riparian monitoring the fall of the fifth year.Ñ ÐThe Licensee, in consultation with the Forest Service necessary, during the report review period every ten (10) years. Changes to be considered include methodologies and monitoring frequencies based on effects to the riparian habitat from operations. After consultation and agreement with the Forest Service and SWRCB, the Licensthe updated Plan with FERC. The Licensee will include awith the updated Plan filed with FERC.CDFW, the filing will include the reasapproved by FERC. Accepted. that will be completed to describe the relationship between the hydrology and the condition of the riparian resources, as follows: Clarification. monitoring in the fifth year of a ten-year period if a high flow does not occur during the first five years of a ten-year period between monitoring. Clarification.high magnitude scouring floods on riparian vegetation. Riparian responses to other triggers, such as multi-year droughts, will not be immediate. Potential responses such as riparian health would occur more slowly, and would be documented at the monitoring frequency in the revised monitoring schedule incorporating the monitoring in the fifth year of a ten-year period if a high flow does not occur during the first five years of a ten-year monitoring periodhigh magnitude and scouring flood will be documented in the subsequent monitoring period in the age class data collection and riparian r An additional section has been added to section 5.0 that would provide an opportunity for PG&E and the agencies to discuss the potential need for updates or revisions to the Plan. Section 5.3 Plan Revisions has been added as follows: Accepted. Accepted. , FERC Project No. 2107 and Electric Company Page F-4 ©2019, Pacific Gas rian vegetation.Ñ However, the ars of the ten year period between Poe Hydroelectric Project puty Director to evaluate the effects of ereÓs time, maybe we could discuss how summary/evaluation of what the results erables: Include a that occurs within the first 5 ye increased flows are affecting ripa a how - Ð Regarding the monitoring schedule and hydrologic analysis: Good discussion on the WebEx on 9/18/19. SWRCB will need to weigh in on any of this that doesnÓt meet their Condition. Recommend looking at Yuba River Project (FERC No. 2246) Aquatic Monitoring Plan for possible triggering language. Let me know if you need a copy of that. Agree that high flow events are good triggers, but it may be just as important to understand what comes after the high flow event Î e.g., is event followed by additional wet years or multiple dry years. While this is somewhat captured in Section 4.2.2 above, it may be worth considering how to assess the hydrologic pattern and identifying other potential triggering events, such as multiple dry years. Regarding the monitoring schedule: The SWRCB identified a total of 11 riparian monitoring events Î could these be distributed in response to various triggers, with a requirement that if no trigger is met, then monitoring would occur on 10 year intervals?Definitely an interesting concept. If ththis might work with the requirements I added in. Text Edit: ÐLicense years 10, 20, and 30, and every 10 years thereafter, for the term of the license and any extensions; and after a high magnitude flow (59,800 cfs)monitoring or, if no high magnitude flow occurs within the first 5 years, the fall of the fifth year between monitoring periods.Ñ mean only mention of ÐevaluationÑ I can find is where the SWRCB Condition 11 seems to indicate that itÓs up to the ÐDeflow changes on riparian vegetation.Ñ Perhaps this part of the process needs to be explained in the Introduction. Paragraph Number Comment Section/ Page Number/ 4.4 Monitoring Schedule/15/-- Schedule/15/-- Schedule/15/-- Schedule/17/Table 5.1 Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 Poe Riparian Monitoring Plan 10 U.S. Forest Service 11 U.S. Forest Service 4.4 Monitoring 12 SWRCB 4.4 Monitoring 13 SWRCB 5.2 Reporting 14 U.S. Forest Service 5.1 Deliverables/18/1 Regarding deliv Number Commented By Comment December 2019 Enclosure B SWRCB Approval of Plan State Water Resources Control Board MAR 06, 2020 Mr. Steven Bauman, P.E. Senior Relicensing Project Manager Mail Code N11D P.O. Box 770000 San Francisco, CA 94177 sjb2@pge.com Poe Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2107 Butte County North Fork Feather River SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF RECREATION TECHNICAL REVIEW GROUP MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, STREAMFLOW GAGING PLAN, FISH AND BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE MONITORING PLAN, RIPARIAN MONITORING PLAN, AND TRIBUTARY ACCESS PLAN Dear Mr. Bauman, On December 29, 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) issued a water quality certification (certification) for the Pacific Gas and Electric PG&E to develop a memorandum of understanding and management plans for review and approval by the Deputy Director of the Division of Water Rights (Deputy Director). PG&E submitted the following documents for Deputy Director review and approval, as noted below (listed in order of applicable condition number): 1) Recreation Technical Review Group Memorandum of Understanding (Condition 6, Recreational Flows; submitted November 5, 2019); 2) Gaging Plan (Condition 7, Gaging Maintenance; submitted November 22, 2019); 3) Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan (Condition 9, Poe Bypass Reach Biological Monitoring; submitted November 5, 2019); 4) Riparian Monitoring Plan (Condition 11, Riparian Monitoring; submitted December 19, 2019); and 5) Tributary Access Plan (Condition 13, Tributary Access; submitted December 18, 2019). Mr. Steven Bauman-2-MAR 06, 2020 Recreation Technical Review Group Memorandum of Understanding Condition 6 requires PG&E to establish a Recreation Technical Review Group (RTRG) and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between United States Forest Service (Forest Service), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), American Whitewater, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Butte County, Plumas County, and PG&E. The goal of the RTRG is to develop a schedule for releasing 6,000 acre-feet of recreation flows in the Poe bypass reach in normal and wet water years when biological monitoring indicates flows will not impact foothill yellow-legged frogs. The MOU establishes the participant roles and a process for dispute resolution. PG&E circulated the MOU for signature on July 25, 2019; all signatory parties signed the MOU by October 23, 2019. Gaging Plan Condition 7 requires PG&E to develop a Gaging Plan. The purpose of the Gaging Plan is to outline how PG&E will document compliance with streamflow requirements and provide streamflow data to the public. The Gaging Plan includes Project gage information, streamflow data quality assurance and quality control methods, and streamflow data storage and availability. PG&E received concurrence on the Gaging Plan from the Forest Service and CDFW on November 20, 2019. Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan Condition 9 requires PG&E to develop a biological monitoring plan for fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and amphibians in consultation with State Water Board staff, Forest Service, CDFW, and USFWS. During early consultation, PG&E and the consulting agencies agreed to develop two plans to meet this requirement: a Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan (Fish and BMI Plan); and an Amphibian Monitoring Plan. The Fish and BMI Plan includes survey methods, reporting requirements, and procedures for updating the Fish and BMI Plan, if necessary. PG&E received concurrence from USFWS and CDFW on October 15, 2019, and Forest Service approval on December 6, 2019. Riparian Monitoring Plan Condition 11 requires PG&E to develop the Riparian Monitoring Plan in consultation with State Water Board staff and the Forest Service. The purpose of the Riparian Monitoring Plan is to determine how minimum instream flows in the new license affect riparian vegetation in the Poe bypass reach. The Riparian Monitoring Plan includes survey methods, methods to analyze riparian vegetation data in the context of recent and historic flow regimes, and procedures for updating the Riparian Monitoring Plan, if necessary. PG&E received concurrence from the Forest Service on December 4, 2019. Mr. Steven Bauman-3-MAR 06, 2020 PG&E plans to conduct baseline riparian monitoring no later than October of 2020 if it receives timely approval of the plan by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Tributary Access Plan Condition 13 requires PG&E to develop a Tributary Access Plan in consultation with State Water Board staff, the Forest Service, CDFW, and USFWS. The purpose of the Tributary Access Plan is to determine if minimum instream flows in the new license affect rainbow trout access to Flea Valley Creek and Mill Creek. The Tributary Access Plan includes methods to analyze connectivity, reporting to agencies, and development of long-term monitoring protocols, if necessary. PG&E received concurrence from CDFW on December 5, 2019, and USFWS on December 10, 2019. Forest Service review and approval of the Tributary Access Plan is pending. Memorandum of Understanding and Management Plans Approval State Water Board staff reviewed the RTRG MOU, Gaging Plan, Fish and BMI Plan, Riparian Monitoring Plan, and Tributary Access Plan and find that they comply with Condition 6, Condition 7, Condition 9, Condition 11, and Condition 13, respectively, of the certification. The RTRG MOU, Gaging Plan, Fish and BMI Plan, Riparian Monitoring Plan, and Tributary Access Plan are hereby approved. PG&E shall implement the approved RTRG MOU, Gaging Plan, Fish and BMI Plan, Riparian Monitoring Plan, and Tributary Access Plan throughout the term of the FERC license and any extensions. Any revisions to the RTRG MOU, Gaging Plan, Fish and BMI Plan, Riparian Monitoring Plan, or Tributary Access Plan must be approved by the Deputy Director and filed with FERC prior to implementation. If you have questions regarding this letter please contact Savannah Downey, Project Manager, by email at Savannah.Downey@waterboards.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 322-1585. Written correspondence should be directed to: State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Rights Water Quality Certification Program Attn: Savannah Downey P.O. Box 2000 Sacramento, CA 95812-2000 Sincerely, ORIGINAL SIGNED BY Erik Ekdahl, Deputy Director Division of Water Rights cc: On next page. Mr. Steven Bauman-4-MAR 06, 2020 cc: Mr. Patrick Pulupa, Executive Officer Mr. Paul Gosselin, Director Central Valley Regional Water Quality Butte County Department of Water and Control Board Resource Conservation 11020 Sun Center Drive, #200 308 Nelson Avenue Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Oroville, CA 95965 Mr. Randy Wilson, Planning Director Plumas County Planning and Building Services 555 Main Street Quincy, CA 95971 ec: Ms. Amy Lind, Forest Service Ms. Sarah Lose, CDFW Amy.Lind@usda.gov Sarah.Lose@wildlife.ca.gov Ms. Beth Lawson, CDFW Ms. Leigh Bartoo, USFWS Beth.Lawson@wildlife.gov Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov Mr. Dave Steindorf, American Mr. Chris Shutes, California Sportfishing Whitewater Protection Alliance Dave@americanwhitewater.org blancapaloma@msn.com