HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.02.21 Board Correspondence- DOCKET CHANGE- Project Operations Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-001 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
From:Clerk of the Board
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Cook, Robin;Hironimus, Patrizia;Kimmelshue, Tod;Lucero, Debra;Paulsen, Shaina;Pickett, Andy;Reaster, Kayla;Ring,
Brian;
Ritter, Tami;Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug
Subject:Board Correspondence- DOCKET CHANGE- Project Operations Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-001 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
Date:Friday, July 2, 2021 10:53:53 AM
Please see the below correspondence.
Kayla Reaster, MBA, MAED
Associate Clerk of the Board
Butte County Administration
25 County Center Drive, Suite 200, Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.552.3308 | F: 530.538.7120
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Subject: DOCKET CHANGE- Project Operations Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-001 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
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On 6/10/2021, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.:
Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
No Organization Found (as Agent)
Docket(s): P-619-001
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Project Operations Compliance Report
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits Annual United States Forest Service Consultation 2020 under P-619.
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245 Market Street
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Mailing Address:
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June 10, 2021
Via Electronic Submittal (E-File)
Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
RE: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA
Article 101 Annual United States Forest Service Consultation 2020
Dear Secretary Bose:
Article 101 of Pacific Gas and Electric Companys (PG&E) Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License No. 619 (Project) requires that the
licensee consult annually with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
(Forest Service) regarding measures needed to ensure protection and development of the
natural resource values of the Project area. Within two months of the meeting, the licensee is
also required to file a report of such consultation with FERC.
On April 14, 2020, PG&E met with the Forest Service to summarize work conducted during
2020 and to discuss upcoming work to be conducted during the 2021 calendar year for both the
Bucks Creek and Rock Creek-Cresta (FERC No. 1962) Projects. Comments and edits to the
Article 101 Report were made during the meeting and a draft-final was emailed to Forest
Service on April 16, 2021; but to date, no additional comments have been received.
If you have any questions, please call Senior License Coordinator, Jamie Visinoni, at
(530) 215-6676.
Sincerely,
Teri Smyly
Manager, FERC and DSOD Compliance
Enclosure: (2020 Bucks Article 101 Annual Report)
cc: via email
Amy Lind, USFS - amy.lind@usda.gov
Leslie Edlund, USFS - leslie.edlund@usda.gov
Damon Beck, City of Santa Clara - DBeck@SantaClaraCA.gov
Nick Van Haeften, City of Santa Clara - NVanHaeften@SantaClaraCA.gov
Steve Hance, City of Santa Clara SHance@SantaClaraca.gov
Bucks Creek Project, FERC No. 619 Article 101 Report
Summary of Consultation with the Forest Service
to Ensure Protection and Utilization of National Forest Resources
Activities Conducted in 2020
Annual Meeting on April 14, 2021 with Plans/Actions for 2021
This is a summary of items concerning the protection and development of natural resource values
in the Project area or other topics of discussion between the USDA Forest Service, Plumas
National Forest (Forest Service), and the Project No. 619 licensees (Pacific Gas & Electric
Company \[PG&E\] and the City of Santa Clara). This information is prepared to support
discussions under Project No. 619 license Article 101.
This report is organized by resource areas. Each area includes a summary of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) license articles, background information as appropriate, and the
status of that article. The actions are determined in the consultation meeting. The following list
identifies the resource areas:
1. Wildlife Resources
2. Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Special Status Species
3. Water Resources
4. Fish and Biological Aquatic Resources
5. River Sediment Management
6. Recreation and Land Use
7. Transportation and Road Use
8. Cultural Resource
9. Botanical Resources
10. Miscellaneous Subjects
1. Wildlife Resources
Article 103 Bald Eagle Management Plan. Bald Eagle monitoring is conducted
under the plan approved by FERC on 6/30/2006.
Status - Bald Eagle survey results and Bald Eagle Nesting Territory Survey Forms
were filed with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) via email on
8/21/2020 and with the Forest Service via email on 8/28/2020.
Actions 2021: Annual surveys will be conducted in 2021.
Article 103 Haskins Valley/Willow Flycatcher Protection Plan. The Habitat and
Mitigation Plan for the Willow Flycatcher and Haskins Valley approved by FERC on
6/30/2006.
Status - Monitoring at Haskins Valley was conducted on October 14, 2020, which
was later than usual due to the North Complex fire in the area. The 2020 monitoring
report was sent to Forest Service on October 27,2020. The Forest Service notified
PG&E that they had no comments or recommended changes to the report on
December 7, 2020. PG&E finalized the report with the consultation record and
submitted it to Forest Service on December 15, 2020.
Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
Actions 2021: The same sites that were monitored in 2020 will also be monitored in
2021.
2. Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Special Status Species Updates
Article 103 Special Status Plants. The 2006 Article 103 filing recommended PG&E
consult annually with the Forest Service on possible new sensitive plant species.
Status - PG&E will consult with the Forest Service annually on whether any
additions have been made in the last year to the Plumas National Fores
sensitive plant species. The Forest Service Region 5 Special Animal and Special
Plant lists were last updated in 2013.
Actions 2021: Consultation April 14, 2021.
o Species Legal Status Updates
o Sierra Nevada Yellow- Legged Frog (SNYLF)
Status - Ongoing. The SNYLF was federally listed as endangered in June of 2014.
Critical Habitat has been designated, including portions of the Bucks Creek
Project. This listing will result in various project requirements related to
maintenance and activities that have the potential to affect the species. A SNYLF
Management Plan and a biological assessment have been prepared to address
ongoing operations and maintenance activities, specifically vegetation
management and pesticide use. On December 23, 2019, the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued its BO for the new license. The new
license is still in process.
o Foothill Yellow- Legged Frog (FYLF)
Status Ongoing - A petition to list FYLF under the Federal Endangered Species
Act (ESA) was submitted to USFWS on July 11, 2012. On July 1, 2015, USFWS
determined that the FYLF may warrant protection under the ESA and launched a
full status review. As a result of a lawsuit regarding failure to act on the required
12-month finding period, USFWS has agreed to a schedule for completing the
overdue finding, with FYLF listing determination set for 2020. To date (Feb 23,
2021), no determination has been made. In addition, a petition to list the species
as threatened under the California ESA was filed December 14, 2016. The
California Fish and Game Commission voted to approve the listing during their
regularly scheduled meeting December 11, 2019. On February 21, 2020, the
Commission adopted the findings, which were noticed on March 10, 2020.
o Pacific Fisher
Status - Ongoing. In April 2016, the USFWS determined that Pacific fisher is not
warranted to be listed as a threatened species. The species no longer has that
status under the Federal ESA but remains a candidate for state listing and a Forest
Service sensitive species. This status could result in various project requirements
related to maintenance and other activities that may have a possible effect on the
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Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
species. On Nov. 7, 2019, the USFWS issued a revised proposed rule for the West
Coast distinct population segment (DPS) of fisher. In this revised proposal, the
USFWS proposes to list the DPS as threatened under the ESA and proposes
concurrent 4(d) rules. If the proposed rule is adopted, it could result in various
project requirements related to maintenance and other activities that may affect
Pacific fisher.
On May 15, 2020 the USFWS issued a final rule on the listing of Pacific fisher.
In this rule, the Service determined that the West Coast Distinct Population
Segment (DPS) should be divided into two separate DPS: The Northern
California Southern Oregon (NCSO) DPS, and the Southern Sierra Nevada (SSN)
DPS. The NCSO DPS is relevant to the Project, occupying areas in the Sierra
Nevada and Cascade mountains from the NF Feather River north to the Oregon
border. The SSN DPS occurs from the Merced River south to around Bakersfield.
The USFWS determined that the NCSO DPS did not meet the definition of an
endangered or threatened species. It determined that the SSN DPS did warrant
listing as an endangered species and listed it as such in accordance with the ESA.
o Western Pond Turtle (WPT)
Status - Ongoing. A petition to list the WPT under the Federal ESA was
submitted to USFWS July 11, 2012. On April 9, 2015, USFWS determined that
the WPT may warrant protection under the ESA and launched a full status review.
To this date, no final determination has been issued by USFWS. WPT is a Forest
Service sensitive species and a California Species of Special Concern. WPT has
not been observed in the project area, and PG&E currently has no data or record
of observations.
o Bats
Status No update. If applicable, update in 2021 summary. Six special status bat
species were identified as potentially present in the Project Area during
relicensing surveys (Western mastiff bat, Pallid bat, Townsends big eared bat,
Spotted bat, Western red bat, Fringed myotis). None are listed under the federal
or state ESA. All were listed as California species of special concern, and pallid,
Townsends big-eared and fringed myotis bats are Forest Service sensitive
species. Townsends big-eared bat is also a candidate for listing under the
California ESA.
3. Water Resources
o Article 103 Water Quality. License Article 103 required PG&E to consult with the
Forest Service, conduct environmental studies and develop environmental mitigation
plans. They were submitted to FERC on April 30, 2005. An extensive water quality
monitoring program was conducted in 2005 and water reaches within the project were
found to be pristine with no concerns for water quality or temperature.
PG&E will consult with the Forest Service annually on whether water quality issues
arise, and they will be addressed through Article 101.
3
Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
Status - During 2020, when the liner was being installed on Lower Bucks Dam
(i.e., the Lower Bucks Dam Geomembrane Project), water quality monitoring, as
stipulated in the 401 Certification for the Project, was completed. During the
monitoring, turbidity was monitored and reported to the Central Valley Regional
Water Quality Control Board. A notice of completion of discharge was filed on
December 16, 2020.
Actions 2021: None
4. Fish and Biological Aquatic Resources
Article 406 Erosion Control. Article 406 specifically relates to construction of the
Grizzly Powerhouse Development and the resulting disturbance and mitigation for those
specific sites and facilities. Article 406 was meant solely for the Grizzly Powerhouse
Development, as is discussed in the 1989 Environmental Assessment for the amendment.
Status No further action has taken place under Article 406 since the completion
of the Grizzly Powerhouse Development.
Actions 2021: No action.
5. River Sediment Management
Article 13 Annual Channel Maintenance Flows/ Minimum Streamflow
Requirements. The August 1, 2006 Order Modifying and Approving Channel
Maintenance Flow Plan provides for certain levels of channel maintenance flows below
Lower Bucks Lake and Grizzly Forebay.
Status
The March 2020 inflow forecast was 2,155,000 acre feet, which initially
classified 2020 as a critically dry water year.
For Bucks Creek, the Plan includes: 1) an annual spill requirement; and 2) a high
spill requirement. In general terms, the maintenance flows may be accomplished
by any combination of spill, release, and accretion flows for a duration of at least
12 hours. The annual spill requirement provides a minimum of 50 to 70 cubic
feet per second (cfs) every 18 months, and the high spill requirement provides 150
to 245 cfs every 5 years. The last annual spill flow occurred ended January 15,
2020 from Lower Bucks Lake to Bucks Creek. The last high spill event (required
every 5 years) with spills in excess of 150cfs occurred ended on December 23,
2019.
For Grizzly Creek, the Plan includes only an annual spill requirement. The terms
are similar to the maintenance flows for Bucks Creek, with an annual spill
requirement providing a minimum of 50 to 70 cfs every 18 months. Due to the
current dry water year classification, channel maintenance flows were not
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Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
required in 2020. However, the spill requirement was met during a natural spill
event on December 7-8, 2019.
The draft letter report was submitted to the U.S. Forest Service, USFWS, CDFW,
and the State Water Resources Control Board for comments by e-mail dated June
24, 2020, no comments were received.
Actions 2021: No actions required in 2021 as it is a Critically Dry water year.
The next required annual Channel Maintenance Flow for Bucks Creek and
Grizzly Creek will be in 2022. The next High Spill event (150-245cfs) will be
required in 2025.
6. Recreation and Land Use
Article 103 Shoreline Management/Shoreline Erosion Issues. In accordance with
FERCs Order Approving Pacific Gas and Electric Com&E) Shoreline
Management Plan (SMP) under Article 103 (issued January 9, 2009) for the Bucks Creek
Project, PG&E periodically reviews the adequacy of the SMP in consultation with the
Forest Service, USFWS, CDFW, Plumas County Department of Public Works (PCDPW),
Plumas Count, and Bucks Lake Homeowners Association.
Shoreline Management Plan: FERC guidelines require that Licensees conduct an
adequacy review of their SMPs every 5 to 10 years. PG&E conducted an adequacy
review of the 2007 SMP in 2014 and determined it was adequate as written for full
compliance with applicable FERC license requirements for the Project (filed November
6, 2014, with FERC). FERC acknowrt was filed in accordance
with License Article 103 and directed Licensees to file the next 5-year adequacy report
by January 31, 2019. In the course of completing relicensing studies and consulting with
stakeholders to prepare the Project application to FERC, the Licensees determined it was
necessary to revise the 2007 SMP. On December 28, 2018, PG&E requested an
extension to file the revised SMP by July 31, 2019. PG&E submitted a draft SMP to
many interested stakeholders including the Forest Service, USFWS, CDFW, PCDPW,
Pluepartment, Indian tribes, and Bucks Lake Homeowners
Association on February 14, 2019 for their review. In meetings held April 16 and 17,
2019, PG&E consulted with agencies, Indian tribes, Native American interest groups,
recreation residents and other stakeholders about the outline and content of the SMP. The
SMP was filed with FERC on July 26, 2019. Subsequent to that filing, PG&E received
additional comments from the Forest Service, and after further consultation with the
Forest Service, PG&E addressed the comments and revised the 2019 SMP and it was re-
filed with FERC on September 19, 2019.
Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Inspection and Enforcement:
After the 2014 Adequacy Review, PG&E conducted baseline assessments of the Project
shoreline and water surface in summer of 2015 and 2016 respectively. As of that
baseline inspection, all docks are under permit. 33 permits on National Forest System
5
Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
lands, 57 on PG&E lands. One of the permits on Forest Service lands is at West End
Cove for a community dock for the use of four cabin owners. PG&E and the Forest
Service had been actively engaged with the management of the West End Cove prior to
the 2014 Adequacy Review. PG&E and Forest Service have offered the community dock
residents a mutually acceptable solution regarding the West End Cove dock. The Forest
Service sent the offer (Forest Service letter dated Feb 27, 2015) to the group on March 2,
2015. The group has not altered the dock configurations from the status quo in the last
several seasons, so it is assumed that the group is keeping the status quo option. Forest
Service will also be working with the cabin owners in this area to eliminate the storage of
personal property (boats and other recreation related items) on the shoreline.
Other issues identified during the 2015-2016 baseline inspections include unpermitted
structures, prohibited activities, and the placement of unauthorized temporary buoys.
Those deficiencies/discrepancies with the SMP were noted and a table was developed to
track private use of the shoreline for both PG&E and Forest Service tenants as well as
updated dock and buoy management information. The inspections conducted in 2015 and
2016 will serve as a complete baseline to be reviewed and updated yearly. The
inspection was repeated in 2017 and subsequent years, with all data recorded in the above
noted table.
Status
In summer of 2020 (July 22-23), PG&E patrolled both the PG&E and Forest
Service residential lots by boat (and land as needed) to inspect and document
current shoreline conditions and check for compliance with the current SMP;
residential docks and buoys were tagged/re-tagged as necessary. PG&E provided
the Forest Service, on August 18 (via email), with a list of Forest Service lots that
have SMP compliance issues for Forest Service to address with their tenants.
PG&E has or will do the same with PG&E tenants and PG&E Land Agents will
enforce the SMP and associated Residential Rules and Regulations with those
PG&E Tenants found to be out of compliance. These issues will be discussed
yearly with the Forest Service.
Actions 2021: PG&E awaiting FERC approval of the 2019 Shoreline
Management Plan. PG&E plans to conduct annual shoreline inspections in July
or August 2021.
Articles 103 Recreation. License Article 103 required PG&E to consult with the
Forest Service, conduct environmental studies and develop environmental mitigation
plans. FERC concurred with PG&E recreation enhancement recommendations in 2006.
PG&E will consult with the Forest Service annually on recreation issues that arise, and
they will be addressed through Article 101.
Status:
2020 Recreation Facility Closures due to COVID-19 and Wildfire Evacuations:
PG&E and Forest Service operated recreation facilities in the Bucks Lake
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Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
Recreation Area were opened late and at limited capacities due to State of
California Governors Order set in place to protect against the COVID-19
pandemic. PG&E operated facilities were opened to the public in early July, at
reduced capacities (campground) in adherence with State and local Plumas
County Heath requirements. Report of recreation opening delays were provided to
FERC on April 10, 2020.
These same Bucks Lake Area Recreation Facilities were closed early in the fall,
around the first week of September due to wildfire evacuation warnings and
Orders issue by Plumas County Sheriff Department and the Forest Service. A
report on early recreation facility closure was provided to FERC on September
10, 2020.
Existing Recreation Facility Maintenance
PG&E and the Forest Service had several discussions and email correspondence
focused on existing recreation facility concerns since 2018. Below are status
updates on open recreation facility concerns from previous Article 101 Meetings:
Sandy Point Boat Dock
2018 - Given that this is the only public dock on the reservoir, PG&E
proposed to move forward with funding the repair of the boat ramp
courtesy dock at Sandy Point.
Update - PG&E was unable to finalize the contract with a local contractor
due to contractor safety requirements. In 2019, PG&E found a qualified
contractor that could perform the work in compliance with contractor
safety requirements. The contract to support this work was executed in
January 2020 and the courtesy dock has been ordered. The dock
replacement work took place on October 13, 2020. The dock will be
adjusted and maintained seasonally by PG&E (under contract) in 2021 and
beyond.
Lower Bucks Day Use Area (DUA) Road/Parking Lot
2018 - PG&E planned to visit the site as soon as it was accessible in 2018
to assess a cost effective and reasonable solution to halt erosion caused by
inadequate drainage and preclude unauthorized vehicle access to the shore.
An invitation will also be extended to the Forest Service for this site visit.
Pending that assessment, PG&E proposed to commit a couple days of
labor to resolve immediate issues at the site but requested the Forest
Service provide any materials needed for the work. Any plan to improve
the site will attempt to utilize existing materials, such as the use of hazard
tree removals as vehicle barriers and to take into consideration future
improvements envisioned for the site in a new license so that efforts are
not duplicated. PG&E met with Forest Service staff to discuss
improvements at the Lower Bucks DUA in late May 2018. Email
correspondence followed but ultimately a repair plan was not settled upon
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Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
in 2018. The Forest Service brought in truckloads of gravel to address
some of the areas along the road and parking lot that had eroded away.
Additional repairs to Lower Bucks DUA Road were planned for 2020 in
conjunction with the Lower Bucks Dam Repair and Grizzly Subsurface
Debris removal projects slated for summer 2020.
Update Repairs to Lower Bucks DUA were started in 2020, gravel has
been staged in the DUA parking lot for use on the parking lot and access
road. PG&E was unable to complete the work in 2020 and will be
returning as soon as we have access after snow melt.
Grizzly Forebay Trail
Heavy Maintenance to the trails at Grizzly Forebay Campground Trail is
scheduled for the first year after issuance of a new license for the project.
PG&E does not see an urgent need to perform this current maintenance
work prior to a new license and considers the proposed timeframe to be
reasonable. However, the Forest Service expressed concerns that the trail
condition may pose a public safety issue.
In late 2018, the canopy around the trail was improved and light trail
maintenance was performed (smoothing/raking) by PG&E at the Grizzly
Forebay Trail.
Update PG&E proposes a site visit with O&M and the Forest Service in
summer 2021 to further evaluate trail needs and discuss environmental
clearances that may be needed if more significant repairs are deemed
necessary.
Actions 2021: Lower Bucks DUA improvements following Lower Bucks and
Grizzly work, summer 2020 and spring 2021. Grizzly Forebay Trail site visit with
Forest Service (Leslie Edlund), summer 2021.
Article 408 Visual Resources. Article 408 specifically relates to construction of the
Grizzly Powerhouse Development and the resulting disturbance and mitigation for those
specific sites and facilities. Article 408 was meant solely for the Grizzly Powerhouse
Development, as is discussed in the 1989 Environmental Assessment for the amendment.
Status No further action has taken place under Article 408 since the completion
of the Grizzly Powerhouse Development.
Actions 2021: No action.
7. Transportation and Road Use
o Road Use Agreement
8
Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
Status Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual meeting held April 14, 2020
was a virtual meeting only-no in person gathering. Discussions included updating
the existing Road Management Agreement (RMA) and annual reporting of
planned maintenance activities. Final road designations have been established
during the relicensing process to determine which roads belong in either the
license plan or an RMA. Efforts to coordinate changes to the multiple licenses
involved in the RMA have begun. PG&E has developed draft updated roads maps
and lists and provided these during the 2018 meeting with Forest Service RMA
staff. Chris Frappier (Forest Service) and Mike Momber have had ongoing RMA
Revision discussions since the 2019 RMA meeting and the have made all the
amendments and decisions that can be managed alone. The next step is to
schedule a small face to face meeting with Forest Service staff to discuss progress
to date and to agree on the path forward, with the intent of having a face to face
meeting once COVID restrictions were lifted. Unfortunately, that did not happen
in 2020 and the effort will look to 2021 for an opportunity to meet and further the
RMA Revision. Amy Lind of PNF is supportive of this progress and approach.
An added clarification to the 2020 RMA call is that the list of RMA roads for the
future Agreement would be filtered to remove any roads that are covered by other
existing rights agreements such as relevant FERC Transportation Management
Plans (for Project specific/exclusive roads) and or electric line access roads with
Forest Service Master Service Agreements/Special Use Permits (SUPs).
The plan for 2021 is to discuss the next steps in the RMA update process,
including an in person meeting between PG&E and the Forest Service (if
possible), and continue annual road maintenance activity notification to the Forest
Service using the new RMA tracking spreadsheet posted on the Forest Service
SharePoint. The 2021 RMA Meeting is scheduled for April 13 and will likely be
another virtual meeting only.
Actions 2021:
Mile High Road (Forest Service road to PG&E cottage leases. No Special
Use Permit)
Need to develop SUP. Forest Service and PG&E are collaborating
on how to work with Bucks Lake Homeowners Association to
develop road use permits. PG&E is satisfied with
portion of the road but will want to meet the same
standard as the Forest Service. PG&Ees renew in
2019, so there is an opportunity to burden the tenants if the Forest
Service is willing to do the same. Forest Service cabin leases do
not expire until 2028. The tenants may already be paying certain
dues for road maintenance associated with their South Shore
Association fee.
9
Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
Three Lakes Road wet crossing (concrete apron) at MRC Diversion #3
(South Fork Grouse Hollow Ck) proposed for replacement during the
Diversion #3 Pipeline Repair Project (July-Oct).
8. Cultural Resources
Article 41 Cultural Resources. Article 41 allowed the ongoing use of flashboards on
Bucks and 3 Lakes. It required consultation with the Forest Service and the SHPO and
implementation of appropriate mitigation for anticipated effects to CA-PLU-115
(increased impacts due to higher water surface elevation, wave action, etc.).
Status No further action has taken place under Article 41 since the completion
of the above-listed activities.
Actions 2021: None
Article 103 Cultural Resources. This article required due diligence for cultural
resources prior to the development/expansion activities planned at the following
facilities: West End Cove/Indian Rocks, Sundew Campground, Lower Bucks Lake
Camping Sites, Mill Creek Campground, Hutchins Group Camp, Bucks Creek Inlet
Trailhead, and Rainbow Point Trail.
Status No development or expansion activities were planned in the above listed
facilities.
Article 409 Cultural Resources. Article 409 specifically relates to construction of the
Grizzly Powerhouse Development and the resulting disturbance and mitigation for those
specific sites and facilities. Article 409 was meant solely for the Grizzly Powerhouse
Development, as is discussed in the 1989 Environmental Assessment for the amendment.
Status No further action has taken place under Article 409 since the completion
of the Grizzly Powerhouse Development.
Actions 2021: No action.
9. Botanical Resources
Article 103/102 Noxious Weed Control and Monitoring Program/Use of Pesticides
and Herbicides. The Noxious Weed Control and Prevention Plan was approved by
FERC on 6/30/2006 (Article 103). Based on the results of initial surveys, in 2008 PG&E
presented a noxious weed management strategy to the Forest Service, titled Bucks Creek
Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 619 Vegetation Management Strategy for Noxious
Weeds within the Plumas National Forest. Based on the recommendations in the
Strategy, PG&E performs target noxious weed control activities including post-treatment
monitoring.
10
Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
Status - In 2016 a comprehensive survey of the project area was implemented.
Treatments in 2017-2020 were based on the results of those surveys. Grid cells with
known occurrences in the project were treated with manual methods in July 6-8 and
14-15, 2020. All treated cells were monitored approximately four weeks after
treatment on August 12 and 13, 2020. The 2020 monitoring report was sent to Forest
Service on October 27, 2020. The Forest Service provided PG&E with comments on
the report on November 23, 2020. PG&E addressed Forest Service comments,
finalized the report with the consultation record, and submitted it to Forest Service on
December 15, 2020.
Actions 2021: A new comprehensive survey for noxious weeds will be implemented in
2021. Treatments and monitoring in the future will be based on this comprehensive
survey. Annual noxious weed treatment and monitoring will continue in 2021.
10. Miscellaneous Conditions/Subjects
o Project Update:
o Lower Bucks Dam Repairs, 2020
Installation of the geomembrane liner was complete in November 2020.
Construction Stormwater Permit closeout is expected in spring 2021 (some upland
area hydroseeding/mulching activity) along with a full demobilization/project
wrap up:
Lower Bucks DUA and entry improvements (see item 6 above)
Milk Ranch Conduit tie-in return pipe to original configurations, will
require a road closure for 1-2 weeks
Remove and patch the pipe crossing in the road (24N24) near Bucks
Storage LLO Access Road
o Grizzly Forebay Debris Removal and Low-Level Outlet Improvement, 2020
Debris Removal and LLO modifications completed in October 2020.
o Grizzly Forebay Dam Access Improvement, summer 2021
Grizzly Dam is only accessible during the summer/early fall. G&E/FERC/DSOD
have identified several access and safety issues at Grizzly Forebay Dam that need
to be addressed for operations, maintenance, dam safety inspectors, survey
personnel and to improve general safety. This project will replace the right
abutment staircase, improve the left abutment access, provide dam crest
guardrails.
o Main Bucks Storage Spillway, 2020
The spillway was evaluated in 2019 with some spillway repairs occurring in late
2019. Repairs continued in 2020 and the work was completed in fall 2020.
o Milk Ranch Conduit, Diversion 3 Repair, late summer 2021
This project has been redesigned as the initial design was no longer feasible. The
new design required fill and a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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Article 101Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
April 14, 2021 Annual Forest Service Meeting
(Corps). The project permits were issued but due to budget constraints and the
need for FERC approval, the project was postponed. The project is planned to
kick off mid-late summer 2021 pending FERC approval.
o Haskins Boat Ramp, late summer 2021
Repair project planned for fall 2021, project is in the permitting phase.
o Lower Bucks Spillway Reconstruction, 2021/2022
Project is in planning phase; project team is pulling together an outline for
mobilization/Enviro Protection/Demolition/Formwork/Concrete/Site
Restoration/Demobilization
o Grizzly Dam Repair Possible Construction 2022/23
PG&E is working with DSOD and FERC on a geotechnical investigation to
evaluate the condition of the dam concrete at Grizzly Forebay Dam, the
investigation is planned for summer 2021. This assessment will inform PG&E if
a repair project is needed.
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