HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.02.21 Board Correspondence - FERC
From:Paulsen, Shaina
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 - FERC
Date:Monday, August 2, 2021 10:40:11 AM
Attachments:FERC 07.26.21 -07.29.21.pdf
Please see attached Board Correspondence from FERC.
Shaina Paulsen
Administrative Assistant, Senior
Butte County Administration
25 County Center Drive, Suite 200
Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.552.3304 | F: 530.538.7120
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:Dam Safety Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-1061-019,et al. by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
Date:Thursday, July 15, 2021 11:25:52 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/15/2021, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.:
Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (as Agent)
Docket(s): P-1061-019
P-1121-000
P-1333-000
P-1354-000
P-137-000
P-175-000
P-1962-001
P-1988-000
P-2105-000
P-2106-000
P-2107-000
P-2130-000
P-2310-000
P-233-000
P-2661-000
P-2687-000
P-2735-000
P-606-000
P-619-000
P-77-001
P-803-000
P-96-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Dam Safety Compliance Report
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits Owner's Dam Safety Program Audit Updates under P-77, et. al.
To view the document for this Filing, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210715-
5072__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!VFvsmE_ew44C2xogi7aZm3BUx1cv6jp_X_fY1EBmX0wS9RQGaUwbQ9R1qYlGBhEbHDpmANSYOcQ$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!VFvsmE_ew44C2xogi7aZm3BUx1cv6jp_X_fY1EBmX0wS9RQGaUwbQ9R1qYlGBhEbHDpmVSn4uIg$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!VFvsmE_ew44C2xogi7aZm3BUx1cv6jp_X_fY1EBmX0wS9RQGaUwbQ9R1qYlGBhEbHDpm34aGDVo$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
245 Market Street
tƚǞĻƩ DĻƓĻƩğƷźƚƓ
San Francisco, CA 94105
Mailing Address:
Mail Code N11D
P.O. Box 770000
July 15, 2021
San Francisco, CA 94177
Via Electronic Submittal (E-File)
Mr. Frank L. Blackett, P.E., Regional Engineer
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Division of Dam Safety and Inspections
San Francisco Regional Office
100 First Street, Suite 2300
San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
RE: Owners Dam Safety Program Audit
FERC Project Nos. 77, 96, 137, 175, 233, 606, 619, 803, 1061, 1121, 1333, 1354,
1962, 1988, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2130, 2310, 2661, 2687, and 2735
Dear Frank L. Blackett:
This letter presents an update on (PG&E) schedule for
conducting an external audit of ODam Safety Program (ODSP). As described in
letters to your office, dated August 10, 2020 and January 7, 2021, PG&E proposed a panel of
four independent experts to perform the audit, which was scheduled to occur during the first
two weeks of August 2021. FERC approved panelists and schedule on
April 28, 2021.
Restrictions on international travel related to the COVID-19 pandemic prevent Mr. Stephen
Rigbey, audit panelists and a Canadian resident, from fully
participating if the audit proceeds in August, as scheduled. To
participation in planned in-person interviews and field visits, PG&E has elected to postpone the
audit until November 2021.
PG&E plan to conduct the audit in virtual and in-person phases during two consecutive
weeks remains unchanged. The first phase, comprising video conference presentations and
interviews with PG&E leadership and key dam safety staff, has been rescheduled for the week
of November 8, 2021. The second phase, involving field visits and interviews with local dam
safety engineers, operations and maintenance crews, and other PG&E staff who support the
ODSP, has been rescheduled for the week of November 15, 2021.
Dam Safety Program. Should you have
any questions concerning this matter, please contact me at (415) 264-1795.
Sincerely,
David L. Ritzman, P.E., G.E.
Chief Dam Safety Engineer
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:Delegated Order issued in FERC P-619-000
Date:Thursday, July 22, 2021 11:45:15 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/22/2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-619-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Delegated Order
Description: Letter order to Pacific Gas and Electric Company accepting the plan and schedule to address the Independent Consultant's recommendations for Eleventh Part 12D Inspection
for Lower Bucks Lake, part of the Bucks Creek Project under 619.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210722-
3059__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!WCCzVsMC6NOXZGkYEoDsLDJdksOMiWCtYYhaicTtxHD87Fkv0NGUvrSDZYZCh8Q5-37LUAstFjo$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!WCCzVsMC6NOXZGkYEoDsLDJdksOMiWCtYYhaicTtxHD87Fkv0NGUvrSDZYZCh8Q5-
37L4TyCvEY$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!WCCzVsMC6NOXZGkYEoDsLDJdksOMiWCtYYhaicTtxHD87Fkv0NGUvrSDZYZCh8Q5-
37LU2qXIpY$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
Comments and Suggestions can be sent to this email address: mailto:FERCOnlineSupport@Ferc.gov
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Energy Projects
Division of Dam Safety and Inspections San Francisco Regional Office
100 First Street, Suite 2300
San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
(415) 369-3300 Office (415) 369-3322 Facsimile
July 22, 2021
In reply refer to:
Project No. 619-CA
Mr. Jan Nimick, Vice President
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
Mail Code N11E
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177-0001
Re: Lower Bucks Lake Eleventh Part 12D Plan and Schedule
Dear Mr. Nimick:
This is in response to a letter dated April 1, 2020, from Mr. David Ritzman that
submitted the plan and schedule
recommendations for Eleventh Part 12D Inspection for Lower Bucks Lake, part of the
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619. The plan and schedule to
address the recommendations
12D inspection by the dates outlined in the Enclosure 1 of the ter is
acceptable except for the following:
1. Recommendation 1 the analysis of
alternatives (AoA) to address potential spillway deficiencies by June 30, 2021
is overdue.
2. Recommendation 3 - a plan and schedule for updating
Section 5 of the Supporting Technical Information Document (STID) within 90
days after receiving approval from FERC for the erodibility and scour
assessment of the downstream foundation and abutment is not acceptable. The
STID should be updated once the assessment is completed.
3. Recommendations 4 and 5 -
updating Section 8 of the Supporting Technical Information Document (STID)
within 90 days after receiving approval from FERC for the updated stability
analysis is not acceptable. The STID should be updated once the updated
stability analyses are completed.
2
4.
Section 5 and Section 8 of the Supporting Technical Information Document
(STID) within 90 days after receiving approval from FERC for the kinematic
study is not acceptable. The STID should be updated once the kinematic study
is completed.
5. Recommendation 8 -
Section 6 of the Supporting Technical Information Document (STID) within 90
days after receiving approval from FERC for the 2020 inflow design flood
(IDF) study is not acceptable. Update the STID to include the results of the
2020 IDF study.
Within 45 days from the date of this letter, please provide a response to our
comments or a plan and schedule for address our comments. File your submittals using
the Commission's eFiling system at https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview. For all
Dam Safety and Public Safety Documents, select Hydro: Regional Office and San
Francisco Regional Office from the eFiling menu. The cover page of the filing must
indicate that the material was eFiled. For assistance with eFiling, contact FERC Online
Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659
(TTY).
We appreciate your continued cooperation in this aspect of the
safety program. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Thao Bui at (415) 369-
3312 or Mr. Edgar Salire at (415) 369-3369.
Sincerely,
Frank L. Blackett, P.E.
Regional Engineer
cc:
Ms. Sharon Tapia, Chief
CA Dept. of Water Resources
Division of Safety of Dams
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:Delegated Order issued in FERC P-619-000
Date:Wednesday, July 14, 2021 5:25:11 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/13/2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-619-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Delegated Order
Description: Letter order to Pacific Gas and Electric Company accepting the responses and a plan and schedule to address FREC's comments on the 2017 focused
spillway assessment report for Lower Bucks Lake Dam, part of the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Proj., P-619.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210713-
3068__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!T41jLiIpar30qKGRcpMUgbvsVHpafA205ijelKM64GR2SuK6fnIW1-0chM_y-qGeULrXgU7mR_c$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!T41jLiIpar30qKGRcpMUgbvsVHpafA205ijelKM64GR2SuK6fnIW1-
0chM_y-qGeULrXcBZdig0$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!T41jLiIpar30qKGRcpMUgbvsVHpafA205ijelKM64GR2SuK6fnIW1-
0chM_y-qGeULrX_L7WyrE$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
Comments and Suggestions can be sent to this email address: mailto:FERCOnlineSupport@Ferc.gov
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Energy Projects
Division of Dam Safety and Inspections San Francisco Regional Office
100 First Street, Suite 2300
San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
(415) 369-3300 Office (415) 369-3322 Facsimile
July 13, 2021
In reply refer to:
Project No. 619-CA
Mr. Jan Nimick, Vice President
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Mail Code N11E
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177-0001
Re: Lower Bucks Lake Dam - 2017 Focused Spillway Assessment Report
Dear Mr. Nimick:
This is in response to a letter dated April 15, 2021 from Mr. David Ritzman that
submitted responses and a plan and schedule to address our comments regarding the 2017
Focused Spillway Assessment Report for Lower Bucks Lake Dam, which is part of the
Bucks Creek Hydroelctric Project, FERC No. 619. We have reviewed the responses and
have no comments. The plan and schedule to submit the status summary table addressing
the recommendations from the 2017 Focused Spillway Assessment Report by July 31,
2021 is acceptable.
File your submittal using the Commission's eFiling system at
https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview. For all Dam Safety and Public Safety
Documents, select Hydro: Regional Office and San Francisco Regional Office from the
eFiling menu. The cover page of the filing must indicate that the material was eFiled.
For assistance with eFiling, contact FERC Online Support at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY).
2
We appreciate your continued effortsdam
safetyprogram.If you have any questions, please contact Mr.Edgar Salireat
(415)369-3369.
Sincerely,
Frank L. Blackett, P.E.
Regional Engineer
cc:
Ms. Sharon Tapia, Chief
Division of Safety of Dams
California Department of Water Resources
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
Date:Wednesday, July 28, 2021 10:08:58 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/28/2021, 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-619-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits 2021 Channel Maintenance Spill Report for the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project under P-619.
To view the document for this Filing, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210728-
5045__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!Rq33919hQnOYmvjdo5JGxoZynukWvj3FckRFLgkElgCKXIWeWW8KCwwIVJed85sgIJnpZx3ytl8$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!Rq33919hQnOYmvjdo5JGxoZynukWvj3FckRFLgkElgCKXIWeWW8KCwwIVJed85sgIJnp9P1W0aM$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!Rq33919hQnOYmvjdo5JGxoZynukWvj3FckRFLgkElgCKXIWeWW8KCwwIVJed85sgIJnp4EZiIfY$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
tƚǞĻƩ DĻƓĻƩğƷźƚƓ
245 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Mailing Address:
Mail Code N11D
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177
July 27, 2021
Via Electronic Submittal (E-Filing)
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)
License Article 13 2021 Channel Maintenance Spill Report
Dear Secretary Bose:
This letter provides the 2021 Annual Channel Maintenance Flow Report to satisfy ordering
paragraph (B) of the August 1, 2006 Order Modifying and Approving Channel Maintenance
Flow Plan, which provides for certain levels of channel maintenance flows below Lower
Bucks Lake and Grizzly Forebay, depending on the water year type. Such flows are not
required in dry and critically dry water years, based on the unimpaired inflow to Oroville
Reservoir as forecasted by the California Department of Water Resources. When required,
channel maintenance flows are to be conducted prior to March 31. The March 2021 inflow
forecast was 2,120,000 acrefeet, which classifies 2021 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 from Lower Bucks Lake to Bucks Creek occurred in early 2020, ending on
June 28, 2020. The last high spill event, required every 5 years with spills in excess of 150
cfs, occurred in late 2019, ending 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 critically dry
water year classification, channel maintenance flows were not required in 2021. However,
the spill requirement was met several times in the first half of 2021, most recently during a
natural spill event extending from April into early May 2021. The exact dates will not be
established until the flow data is reviewed and finalized.
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
July 27, 2021
Page 2
The draft letter report was submitted to the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the State Water Resources
Control Board for comments by e-mail dated May 26, 2021 and June 8, 2021, Agency
Correspondence is enclosed.
If you have any questions, please contact PG&Es senior license coordinator, Jamie
Visinoni, at (530) 215-6676.
Sincerely,
Teri Smyly
Manager, FERC and DSOD Compliance
Enclosure:
1. Agency Correspondence
cc: via email w/ Enclosure
Amy Lind, USFS - amy.lind@usda.gov
Leslie Edlund, USFS - leslie.edlund@usda.gov
Leigh Bartoo, USFWS - Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov
Beth Lawson, CDFW - Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov
Michael Maher, CDFW Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov
Amber Villalobos, SWRCB - Amber.Villalobos@Waterboards.ca.gov
Chase Hildeburn, SWRCB Chase.Hildeburn@waterboards.ca.gov
Nick van Haeften, City of Santa Clara - NVanHaeften@SantaClaraCA.gov
Steve Hance, City of Santa Clara shance@santaclaraca.gov
Damon Beck, City of Santa Clara - DBeck@SantaClaraCA.gov
From:Sable, Kurt -FS
To:Lind, Amy -FS; Visinoni, Jamie
Subject:RE: Request for Review/Concurrence - Bucks Creek (FERC Project 619) - 2021 Annual Channel Maintenance Spill Report
Date:Wednesday, June 09, 2021 9:02:25 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
*****CAUTION: This email was sent from an EXTERNAL source. Think before clicking links or
opening attachments.*****
FS concurs, good catch.
From: Lind, Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 8:45 AM
To: Sable, Kurt -FS <kurt.sable@usda.gov>
Subject: FW: Request for Review/Concurrence - Bucks Creek (FERC Project 619) - 2021 Annual Channel
Maintenance Spill Report
Kurt – One more look please and then respond to both me and PG&E (Jamie Visinoni - JNVS@pge.com ), as I
will be on leave starting tomorrow.
Thanks,
Amy
Amy Lind
Hydroelectric Coordinator
Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region, Public Services
office: 530-478-6298
mobile: 530-559-5451
amy.lind@usda.gov
c/o Tahoe National Forest
631 Coyote St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
From: Visinoni, Jamie <JNVS@pge.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 11:57 AM
To: Lind, Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>; Edlund, Leslie - FS <leslie.edlund@usda.gov>; Lawson,
Beth@Wildlife <Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>; Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov; Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov;
Maher, Michael@Wildlife <Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov>; Villalobos, Amber@Waterboards
<Amber.Villalobos@Waterboards.ca.gov>; Bradbury, Eric@Waterboards
<Eric.Bradbury@Waterboards.ca.gov>
Cc: Lent, Michelle <M4LQ@pge.com>; Ramirez, Tim <TRR9@pge.com>; Stephens, Dan <DPSK@pge.com>;
Richards, Kevin <K1Ra@pge.com>; Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Nick Van Haeften
<NVanHaeften@SantaClaraCA.gov>; Damon Beck <DBeck@SantaClaraCA.gov>
Subject: RE: Request for Review/Concurrence - Bucks Creek (FERC Project 619) - 2021 Annual Channel
Maintenance Spill Report
Hello All,
We made a minor update to the Annual Channel Maintenance Spill Report. For Bucks Creek, the last day
flows exceeded 50 cfs was on June 28, 2020 (not January 15, 2020 as originally reported).
Please see revised report attached.
Thanks,
Jamie Visinoni
Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
d: (530) 894-4779 | m: (530) 215-6676 | e: jnvs@pge.com
From: Visinoni, Jamie
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 3:06 PM
To: Lind, Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>; Edlund, Leslie - FS <leslie.edlund@usda.gov>; Lawson,
Beth@Wildlife <Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>; Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov; Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov;
Jeff.Wetzel@waterboards.ca.gov
Cc: Lent, Michelle <M4LQ@pge.com>; Ramirez, Tim <TRR9@pge.com>; Stephens, Dan <DPSK@pge.com>;
Richards, Kevin <K1Ra@pge.com>; Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Nick Van Haeften
<NVanHaeften@SantaClaraCA.gov>; Damon Beck <DBeck@SantaClaraCA.gov>
Subject: Request for Review/Concurrence - Bucks Creek (FERC Project 619) - 2021 Annual Channel
Maintenance Spill Report
Hello All,
Attached for your review and comment is the draft FERC 619 Bucks Creek 2021 Annual Channel
Maintenance Spill Letter Report in compliance with ordering paragraph (B) of Order Modifying and
Approving Channel Maintenance Flow Plan delegated August 1, 2006. The Order provides certain levels of
channel maintenance flows below Lower Bucks Lake and Grizzly Forebay depending on the water year type.
If you would, please review this draft 2021 Annual Channel Maintenance Spill Letter Report and provide any
comments by July 15, 2021 so that we may meet the FERC filing deadline.
Thank you,
Jamie Visinoni
Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
d: (530) 894-4779 | m: (530) 215-6676 | e: jnvs@pge.com
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended
recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it
contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you
have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:FERC Correspondence With Government Agencies issued in FERC P-619-000
Date:Monday, July 19, 2021 11:55:25 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/19/2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-619-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: FERC Correspondence With Government Agencies
Description: Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discussing the request for concurrence with endangered species determinations under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for
the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project under P-619.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210719-
3038__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!UnYbhShRlh57R5r64q3aeR1k_iJVAyszmvuBHbSh8GLvd84O2Tf7yHBQdcKHinxraW97OgEK6wU$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!UnYbhShRlh57R5r64q3aeR1k_iJVAyszmvuBHbSh8GLvd84O2Tf7yHBQdcKHinxraW97-
eZc7Vs$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-
help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!UnYbhShRlh57R5r64q3aeR1k_iJVAyszmvuBHbSh8GLvd84O2Tf7yHBQdcKHinxraW979R1mtK8$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
Comments and Suggestions can be sent to this email address: mailto:FERCOnlineSupport@Ferc.gov
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20426
OFFICE OF ENERGY PROJECTS
Project No. 619—California
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
City of Santa Clara, California
July 19, 2021
VIA USPS First Class Mail
Ms. Kim Turner
Deputy Field Supervisor
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2800 Cottage Way, Room w-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825
Subject: Request for concurrence with endangered species determinations under
section 7 of the Endangered Species Act
Dear Ms. Turner:
The purpose of this letter is to request your concurrence with our endangered
species determination under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act regarding the
replacement of the Haskins Boat Ramp, part of the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project
No. 619. The project is located on the North Fork Feather River and Bucks and Grizzly
creeks in Plumas County, California. The project occupies federal land within the
Plumas National Forest administered by the U.S. Forest Service.
The Haskins Boat Ramp (boat ramp) is located in Haskins Bay, at the southern
end of Bucks Lake and is designated as a project recreation facility. Access to the boat
ramp is gained through the Haskins Valley Family Campground, which is also designated
as a project recreation facility. Both the campground and boat ramp were constructed in
1967. The existing boat ramp is a single lane, approximately 12-foot wide, concrete
ramp that extends from the campground parking lot into Haskins Bay. In 2013, Pacific
Gas and Electric Company (licensee) concluded that the ramp needed repair, and in 2014
an assessment was completed as part of a draft license application, where it was
recommended to repair the boat ramp. In addition to the boat launch, the existing parking
lot has also deteriorated among other things. In 2019, it was determined that the extent of
the damage to the ramp would require full replacement since repair was no longer a
viable or economical option.
Project No. 619-000
-2 -
On April 13, 2021, the licensee submitted a proposal for replacing the exiting boat
1
ramp. The licensee proposes to demolish the existing boat ramp, construct an Armorflex
concrete mat replacement boat ramp, and construct new pavement on an access road, a
turnaround, and a parking area. The proposed work would occur, in part, within the
dewatered lakebed of Bucks Lake and is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late September of
2021. Staging would occur in previously developed areas within the work area, Haskins
Campground, and at a developed staging area on the licensee’s property adjacent to the
Oro-Quincy highway, which is a short distance from the work area.
As you are aware, Commission staff designated the licensee as its non-federal
representative for informal consultation concerning this matter in a March 22, 2021 letter.
As part of the consultation, the licensee developed a biological assessment (BA) to
consider the effects to federally-listed species potentially affected by the proposed action.
The biological assessment considers potential effects to the California red-legged frog,
the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, Delta Smelt, and the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged
frog critical habitat and are described in an applicant-prepared BA.
Analysis in the BA found that the replacement project would have no effect on
California red-legged frog because suitable habitat does not exist for the species, which is
located at the very top of the species elevational range, nor were any individuals of this
species observed during focused surveys for amphibians and aquatic reptiles during
surveys that were performed for the relicensing of the project. The BA also found that
the replacement project would have no effect on Delta Smelt since they are endemic to
the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta and do not occur in the Feather River watershed,
where the project is located. The BA states that most of the action area for the boat ramp
replacement lies within or immediately adjacent to designated critical habitat for the
Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. However, none have been documented in the action
area during recent surveys. The primary risk to the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog
would be to individuals that might migrate into the work area by traveling along the lake
shore from Haskins Creek, if they still exist in that area. Activities from the replacement
project that could pose a risk to the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog include drawing
down Bucks Lake, erosion control and water quality measures, and post-project
completion site restoration, and the BA indicates that it is unlikely that these activities
would affect the frog. However, the BA includes measures designed to protect Sierra
Nevada yellow-legged frog and its habitatwithin the project boundary to avoid or
minimize adverse effects on the species during replacement of the boat ramp.
1
The licensee’s proposal can be accessed at:
https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?document_id=14947834&accessionnumber=202
10413-5301
Project No. 619-000
-3 -
We conclude that the proposed action with the included avoidance and
minimization measures “may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect” the Sierra
Nevada yellow-legged frog and its critical habitat. Therefore, we do not believe that
formal consultation is required under the Endangered Species Act. Please tell us in
writing within 30 days from the date of receipt of this letter if you do or do not agree with
our assessment.
Please inform us in writing, within 30 days of the date of this letter, if you concur
with our determinations. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please
file your response using the Commission’s eFiling system at
http://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/efiling.asp . For assistance, please contact FERC Online
Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20426. The first
page of any filing related to this letter must include the project number P-619.
Should you need to informally discuss any concerns before making your
determination, please contact Shawn Halerz at (202) 502-6360 or
Shawn.Halerz@ferc.gov. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Fletcher
Land Resources Branch
Division of Hydropower Administration
and Compliance
cc: VIA FERC Service
Ms. Jan Nimick, V.P. - Power Generation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
245 Market Street
Mail Code: N11E
San Francisco, CA 94105
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:General Correspondence issued in FERC P-619-000
Date:Wednesday, July 14, 2021 5:45:10 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/13/2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-619-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: General Correspondence
Description: Letter responding to Pacific Gas and Electric Company's 06/08/2021 letter submitting the responses to follow-up action items from the 2019 annual dam safety inspection for
Bucks
Lake Dam et al, parts of the Bucks Creek Proj., P-619.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210713-
3076__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!UQUA0b5P2DlFJ10x3jOByljaAH2Gb1wSHRzbAgSCicFZylEg0zBofPz5ZynGeFSpkdGjFirS61w$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!UQUA0b5P2DlFJ10x3jOByljaAH2Gb1wSHRzbAgSCicFZylEg0zBofPz5ZynGeFSpkdGjsMpO_6s$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!UQUA0b5P2DlFJ10x3jOByljaAH2Gb1wSHRzbAgSCicFZylEg0zBofPz5ZynGeFSpkdGj-MVuPW8$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
Comments and Suggestions can be sent to this email address: mailto:FERCOnlineSupport@Ferc.gov
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Energy Projects
Division of Dam Safety and Inspections San Francisco Regional Office
100 First Street, Suite 2300
San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
(415) 369-3300 Office (415) 369-3322Facsimile
July 13, 2021
In reply refer to:
Project No. 619-CA
Mr. Jan Nimick, Vice President
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Mail Code N11E
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177-0001
Re:2019 Dam Safety Inspection Follow-Up
Dear Mr.Nimick:
This is in response toaletter datedJune 8, 2021from Mr.David Ritzmanthat
submitted theresponses to follow-up action items from the 2019 annual dam safety
inspectionfor Bucks Lake, Lower Bucks Lake, and Grizzly Forebay Dams, which are
part of the Bucks Creek Project, FERC No. 619. We have reviewed thesubmittal, and
we have nocomments.
program. If you have any questions, please contact Mr.Edgar Salireat (415) 369 3369.
Sincerely,
Frank L. Blackett, P.E.
Regional Engineer
cc:
Ms. Sharon Tapia, Chief
Division of Safety of Dams
California Department of Water Resources
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:General Correspondence issued in FERC P-2105-000,et al.
Date:Tuesday, July 27, 2021 1:35:14 PM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or
replying..
On 7/27/2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-2105-000
P-619-000
P-803-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: General Correspondence
Delegated Order
Description: Letter to Pacific Gas and Electric Company discussing the responses and plan and schedule to address FERC's comments on the
2017 revised probable maximum flood studies report for Bucks Creek Hydro Proj et al under P-619 et al.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210727-
3045__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!TbjJQ6CFtI9SZLHuK4Vxwjwb8dz64RJExk9R-UPCAadO5PEBJBnfh6D16p9L-yHRVt_33KVwmg0$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!TbjJQ6CFtI9SZLHuK4Vxwjwb8dz64RJExk9R-
UPCAadO5PEBJBnfh6D16p9L-yHRVt_3IjlfeGk$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!TbjJQ6CFtI9SZLHuK4Vxwjwb8dz64RJExk9R-
UPCAadO5PEBJBnfh6D16p9L-yHRVt_3ZjPKz8Y$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
Comments and Suggestions can be sent to this email address: mailto:FERCOnlineSupport@Ferc.gov
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Energy Projects
Division of Dam Safety and Inspections San Francisco Regional Office
100 First Street, Suite 2300
San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
(415) 369-3300 Office (415) 369-3322 Facsimile
July 27, 2021
In reply refer to:
Project Nos. 619-CA, 803-CA,
and 2105-CA
Mr. Jan Nimick, Vice President
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Mail Code N11E
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177-0001
Re: Revised Probable Maximum Flood Studies Plan and Schedule
Dear Mr. Nimick:
This is in response to a letter dated April 2, 2021 from Mr. David Ritzman that
submitted responses and a plan and schedule to address our comments regarding the 2017
Revised Probable Maximum Flood Studies Report for Bucks Creek (FERC No. 619),
DeSabla-Centerville (FERC No. 803), and Upper North Fork Feather River (FERC
No. 2105) Hydroelectric Projects. The plan and schedule to submit a summary of the
completed and ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks of potential overtopping for the
referenced project dams and to consider additional interim risk reduction measures if
necessary by September 30, 2021 is acceptable.
File your submittal using the Commission's eFiling system at
https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview. For all Dam Safety and Public Safety
Documents, select Hydro: Regional Office and San Francisco Regional Office from the
eFiling menu. The cover page of the filing must indicate that the material was eFiled.
For assistance with eFiling, contact FERC Online Support at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY).
2
We appreciate your continued effortsdam
safetyprogram.If you have any questions, please contact Mr.Edgar Salireat
(415)369-3369.
Sincerely,
Frank L. Blackett, P.E.
Regional Engineer
cc:
Ms. Sharon Tapia, Chief
Division of Safety of Dams
California Department of Water Resources
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
From:"FERC eSubscription"
Subject:Procedural Motion submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
Date:Tuesday, July 27, 2021 10:45:12 AM
.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening
attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
On 7/27/2021, 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: Procedural Motion
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits Request for Variance of Instream Flow Release for 2021
Monitoring Efforts re the Poe Hydroelectric Project under P-2107.
To view the document for this Filing, click here
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20210727-
5103__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!S-f_MisyyVCLsbY7xLjrhVgrB-
3eWMMhEPqoian0iofXhuuU68usUNhZQzW_01zydtd4dHYNnFg$
To modify your subscriptions, click here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eSubscription.aspx__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!S-
f_MisyyVCLsbY7xLjrhVgrB-3eWMMhEPqoian0iofXhuuU68usUNhZQzW_01zydtd4PLNKI1I$
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not respond to this email.
Online help is available here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!S-
f_MisyyVCLsbY7xLjrhVgrB-3eWMMhEPqoian0iofXhuuU68usUNhZQzW_01zydtd46tkgv14$
or for phone support, call 866-208-3676.
245 Market Street
tƚǞĻƩ DĻƓĻƩğƷźƚƓ
San Francisco, CA 94105
Mailing Address:
Mail Code N11D
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177
July 27, 2021
Via Electronic Submittal (E-File)
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N. E.
Washington, D.C. 20426
RE: Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2107)
Request for Variance of Instream Flow Release for 2021 Monitoring Efforts
Dear Secretary Bose:
In preparation for the 2021 fishery and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) monitoring program
for Pacific Gas and Electric Companys (PG&E) Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. 2107, PG&E is requesting FERCs approval to reduce
the instream flows to levels below those required under FERC License Article 401 (Part c) in
the Poe Reach. The flow reduction is necessary to allow the field team to work safely in the
Project reach located in the North Fork Feather River and is consistent with past monitoring
efforts performed upstream in the Rock Creek and Cresta Reaches (see Order Modifying
and Approving Temporary Variance of Minimum Flow Requirements (168 FERC ¶ 62,075),
issued August 8, 2019 ). This is also consistent with the approved Poe Bypass Reach Fish
and BMI Monitoring Plan, which includes the following language:
PG&E may reduce streamflows defined in, and in accordance with any other requirements
of, SWRCB WQC Condition 1, Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 23, and FERC License
Article 401(c) to implement this monitoring Plan under the following conditions:
1. Monitoring will occur between September 15 to October 15, with a goal to complete
monitoring by the end of September, whenever possible;
2. Monitoring streamflows will be no less than 55 cfs;
3. Reduced streamflow shall not exceed 10 consecutive days;
4. Up and down ramping rates during this period will be limited to no more than 100 cfs
per hour;
5. Reduced streamflow may only be commenced if no whitewater boating flow releases
have occurred for seven consecutive days;
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
July 27, 2021
Page 2
Each year that monitoring occurs, PG&E shall provide the agencies with the specific
proposed schedule at least 45 days prior to monitoring. Agencies will have 15 days to
comment on the schedule, and if any agency proposes an alternative schedule, PG&E will
convene a conference call with all agencies to develop a revised schedule.
Without the flow reduction, the methodologies used for monitoring (backpack electrofishing,
snorkeling and BMI collection) would not be feasible and would result in an incomplete data
set.
Current minimum instream flow releases (based on the Water Year Type of Critically Dry)
per Condition 1 of the California State Water Resources Control Board 401 certification and
Condition 23 (Part 1) of the Forest Service 4e Conditions, both of which are incorporated
into FERC License Article 401 (Part c) in the months of September through October in the
Poe Reach are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Minimum River Flow Critically Dry Years
Poe Reach
Date Min. Flow
September 250 cfs
October 180 cfs
The fisheries monitoring is being conducted in compliance with Article 401(Part a) of the
current Poe FERC License which can be summarized as follows:
The Poe Hydroelectric Project License No. 2107 (issued December 17, 2018)
requires the Licensee to file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) a bypass reach biological monitoring plan which include monitoring of
fish, benthic macroinvertebrates and amphibians. The Poe Bypass Reach Fish
and BMI Monitoring Plan was prepared to address the fish and BMI monitoring.
Amphibian monitoring is addressed in a separate plan. The Poe Bypass Reach
Fish and BMI Monitoring Plan was prepared in consultation with the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), the U.S. Forest Service and the State Water Resource
Control Board (here after collectively called the Resource Agencies) and
approved by FERC on April 16, 2020.
PG&E would like to decrease the flows to 55 cfs from September 19, 2021 to September 29,
2021, a total of 10 days, in the Poe Reach to complete the required monitoring (Table 2).
PG&E will implement a target ramp down rate of no more than 40 cfs per hour in both
reaches to avoid stranding.
Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
July 27, 2021
Page 3
Table 2: Proposed Reduced River Flow for 2021 Monitoring
Poe Reach
Date Flow
Sept. 19 Sept. 29 55 cfs
The draft written request for flow reduction for the fisheries monitoring was circulated via
email on June 29, 2021 to the agencies for comments. Enclosed for your review is the
agency concurrence received from the email notification.
If you have any questions, please call P Senior License Coordinator, Matthew
Joseph, at (530) 889-3276.
Sincerely,
Teri Smyly
Manager, FERC and DSOD Compliance
Enclosure:
1. Agency Consultation
Enclosure 1
Agency Consultation
From:Maher, Michael@Wildlife
To:Bartoo, Aondrea; Joseph, Matthew; Downey, Savannah@Waterboards; Lind, Amy -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife
Cc:Ramirez-Doble, Sky; Reyes, Catalina; Visinoni, Jamie
Subject:RE: \[EXTERNAL\] Poe Flow Variance Request for Fall 2021 Fish/BMI Monitoring
Date:Friday, July 23, 2021 10:36:44 AM
*****CAUTION: This email was sent from an EXTERNAL source. Think before clicking links
or opening attachments.*****
Hello Matthew,
For the reasons Leigh outlined below, that the flow variance is of the same magnitude and time
frame as survey work performed in 2020, CDFW concurs with the request for a flow variance to
perform fishery and BMI sampling in the Poe Reach. Please keep us informed if any of the
parameters of the variance request need to be revised prior to the surveys. We echo the USFWS
statement that any potential impacts should be avoided or minimized and request notification as
soon as possible if any impacts to aquatic species related to the variance become apparent during
the requested period.
Thank you Matthew,
Michael Maher
Region 2 FERC Coordinator | Cell: 916-597-5505
California Department of Fish & Wildlife | North Central Region
1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova | michael.maher@wildlife.ca.gov
From: Bartoo, Aondrea <aondrea_bartoo@fws.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 3:10 PM
To: Joseph, Matthew <MWJA@pge.com>; Downey, Savannah@Waterboards
<Savannah.Downey@Waterboards.ca.gov>; Lind, Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>; Maher,
Michael@Wildlife <Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov>; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife
<Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>
Cc: Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Reyes, Catalina <CERh@pge.com>; Visinoni, Jamie
<JNVS@pge.com>
Subject: Re: \[EXTERNAL\] Poe Flow Variance Request for Fall 2021 Fish/BMI Monitoring
WARNING: This message is from an external source. Verify the sender and exercise caution when clicking links or
opening attachments.
I went through the variance request for last year for BMI studies, and the parameters you've
indicated below appear to be the same as last year's request (dates, flows, period of reduced
flows, etc). The USFWS concurs with the need for the variance request to conduct the fish and
BMI monitoring for this year, and that any potential impacts should be avoided or minimized.
We appreciate the notice and opportunity for input. Thanks!
A. Leigh Bartoo
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office
650 Capitol Mall, Suite 8-300
Sacramento, California 95814
916-930-5621
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Please contact me by email while staff are working from home.
From: Joseph, Matthew <MWJA@pge.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 3:33 PM
To: Bartoo, Aondrea <aondrea_bartoo@fws.gov>; Savannah Downey
<Savannah.Downey@Waterboards.ca.gov>; Lind, Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>; Maher,
Michael@Wildlife <Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov>; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife
<beth.lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>
Cc: Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Reyes, Catalina <CERh@pge.com>; Visinoni, Jamie
<JNVS@pge.com>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Poe Flow Variance Request for Fall 2021 Fish/BMI Monitoring
This email has been received from outside of DOI - Use caution before clicking on links,
opening attachments, or responding.
Dear Resource Agencies,
Please find the proposed schedule and request for temporary flow variance concurrence for
the 2021 fishery and BMI monitoring on Poe.
In preparation for the 2021 fishery and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) monitoring program
for the Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No.
2107, PG&E is requesting FERC approval to reduce the instream flows to levels below
those required under License FERC License Article 401 (Part c) in the Poe Reach. The
flow reduction is necessary to allow the field team to work safely in the Project reach
located in the North Fork Feather River and is consistent with past monitoring efforts
performed upstream in the Rock Creek and Cresta Reaches (see Order Modifying and
Approving Temporary Variance of Minimum Flow Requirements (168 FERC ¶ 62,075),
issued August 8, 2019 ). This is also consistent with the approved Poe Bypass Reach Fish
and BMI Monitoring Plan which includes the following language:
PG&E may reduce streamflows defined in, and in accordance with any other requirements
of, SWRCB WQC Condition 1, Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 23, and FERC License
Article 401(c) to implement this monitoring Plan under the following conditions:
1. Monitoring will occur between September 15 to October 15, with a goal to complete
monitoring by the end of September, whenever possible;
2. Monitoring streamflows will be no less than 55 cfs;
3. Reduced streamflow shall not exceed 10 consecutive days;
4. Up and down ramping rates during this period will be limited to no more than 100 cfs per
hour;
5. Reduced streamflow may only be commenced if no whitewater boating flow releases
have occurred for seven consecutive days;
Each year that monitoring occurs, PG&E shall provide the agencies with the specific
proposed schedule at least 45 days prior to monitoring. Agencies will have 15 days to
comment on the schedule, and if any agency proposes an alternative schedule, PG&E will
convene a conference call with all agencies to develop a revised schedule.
Without the flow reduction, the use of methodologies used for monitoring (backpack
electrofishing, snorkeling and BMI collection) would not be feasible and would result in an
incomplete data set.
Current minimum instream flow releases (based on the Water Year Type of Critically Dry)
per Condition 1 of the California State Water Resources Control Board 401 certification and
Condition 23 (Part 1) of the Forest Service 4e Conditions, both of which are incorporated
into FERC License Article 401 (Part c) in the months of September through October in the
Poe Reach are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Minimum River Flow – Critically Dry Years
Poe Reach
DateMin. Flow
September250 cfs
October180 cfs
The fisheries monitoring is being conducted in compliance with Article 401(Part a) of the
current Poe FERC License can be summarized as follows:
The Poe Hydroelectric Project License No. 2107 (issued December 17, 2018)
requires the Licensee to file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) a bypass reach biological monitoring plan which include monitoring of fish,
benthic macroinvertebrates and amphibians. The Poe Bypass Reach Fish and BMI
Monitoring Plan was prepared to address the fish and BMI monitoring. Amphibian
monitoring is addressed in a separate plan. The Poe Bypass Reach Fish and BMI
Monitoring Plan was prepared in consultation with the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S.
Forest Service and the State Water Resource Control Board (here after collectively
called the Resource Agencies) and approved by FERC on April 16, 2020.
PG&E would like to decrease the flows to 55 cfs from September 19, 2021 to September
29, 2021, a total of 10 days, in the Poe Reach to complete the required monitoring. (Table
2). PG&E will implement a target ramp down rate of no more than 40 cfs per hour in both
reaches to avoid stranding.
Table 2: Proposed Reduced River Flow for 2020 Monitoring
Poe Reach
DateFlow
Sept. 19 – Sept. 2955 cfs
Please review and provide your concurrence via email by July 23rd. Thank you for your
timely attention to this matter, all concurrence emails that we receive will be included in our
letter to FERC to request authorization of the flow variance.
If you have any questions regarding this monitoring, please let me know.
Thanks,
Matt
Matthew Joseph
Senior License Coordinator, Hydro Licensing
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
530-889-3276
From:Moghaddas, Emily - FS
To:Joseph, Matthew
Cc:Carlton, Christopher - FS; Lind, Amy -FS; Kane, Christopher - FS, Quincy, CA; Cayo, Lori -FS
Subject:RE: Poe Flow Variance Request for Fall 2021 Fish/BMI Monitoring
Date:Thursday, July 15, 2021 4:41:57 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
*****CAUTION: This email was sent from an EXTERNAL source. Think before clicking links
or opening attachments.*****
Dear Matthew Joseph:
The Forest Service approves Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s request for a variance of instream
flow requirements under the Poe Hydroelectric Project license (FERC No. 2107). The variance
request was described in an email sent to the Plumas National Forest and other stakeholders on
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 (trailing email). I understand this variance is needed for fisheries and
benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring required by the FERC license for this Project. Under Forest
Service 4(e) Condition No. 23 within the Poe Project FERC license, required instream flows in
September are 250 cfs.
For the monitoring work, we understand that flows in the Poe reach of the North Fork Feather River
will be temporarily reduced to 55 cfs from September 19 through 29, 2021.
We expect PG&E to follow all other license requirements during this monitoring work.
Sincerely,
Emily Moghaddas
Acting for: Chris Carlton, Forest Supervisor, Plumas National Forest
Emily Moghaddas, PhD
Recreation, Engineering, Lands, and Minerals Staff Officer
Forest Service
Plumas National Forest, Supervisor's Office
p: 530-283-7772
c: 530-927-7439
emily.moghaddas@usda.gov
159 Lawrence St.
Quincy, CA 95971
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
From: Joseph, Matthew <MWJA@pge.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 3:33 PM
To: Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov; Savannah Downey <Savannah.Downey@Waterboards.ca.gov>; Lind,
Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>; Maher, Michael@Wildlife <Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov>;
Lawson, Beth@Wildlife <Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>
Cc: Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Reyes, Catalina <CERh@pge.com>; Visinoni, Jamie
<JNVS@pge.com>
Subject: Poe Flow Variance Request for Fall 2021 Fish/BMI Monitoring
Dear Resource Agencies,
Please find the proposed schedule and request for temporary flow variance concurrence for
the 2021 fishery and BMI monitoring on Poe.
In preparation for the 2021 fishery and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) monitoring program
for the Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No.
2107, PG&E is requesting FERC approval to reduce the instream flows to levels below
those required under License FERC License Article 401 (Part c) in the Poe Reach. The
flow reduction is necessary to allow the field team to work safely in the Project reach
located in the North Fork Feather River and is consistent with past monitoring efforts
performed upstream in the Rock Creek and Cresta Reaches (see Order Modifying and
Approving Temporary Variance of Minimum Flow Requirements (168 FERC ¶ 62,075),
issued August 8, 2019 ). This is also consistent with the approved Poe Bypass Reach Fish
and BMI Monitoring Plan which includes the following language:
PG&E may reduce streamflows defined in, and in accordance with any other requirements
of, SWRCB WQC Condition 1, Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 23, and FERC License
Article 401(c) to implement this monitoring Plan under the following conditions:
1. Monitoring will occur between September 15 to October 15, with a goal to complete
monitoring by the end of September, whenever possible;
2. Monitoring streamflows will be no less than 55 cfs;
3. Reduced streamflow shall not exceed 10 consecutive days;
4. Up and down ramping rates during this period will be limited to no more than 100 cfs per
hour;
5. Reduced streamflow may only be commenced if no whitewater boating flow releases
have occurred for seven consecutive days;
Each year that monitoring occurs, PG&E shall provide the agencies with the specific
proposed schedule at least 45 days prior to monitoring. Agencies will have 15 days to
comment on the schedule, and if any agency proposes an alternative schedule, PG&E will
convene a conference call with all agencies to develop a revised schedule.
Without the flow reduction, the use of methodologies used for monitoring (backpack
electrofishing, snorkeling and BMI collection) would not be feasible and would result in an
incomplete data set.
Current minimum instream flow releases (based on the Water Year Type of Critically Dry)
per Condition 1 of the California State Water Resources Control Board 401 certification and
Condition 23 (Part 1) of the Forest Service 4e Conditions, both of which are incorporated
into FERC License Article 401 (Part c) in the months of September through October in the
Poe Reach are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Minimum River Flow – Critically Dry Years
Poe Reach
DateMin. Flow
September250 cfs
October180 cfs
The fisheries monitoring is being conducted in compliance with Article 401(Part a) of the
current Poe FERC License can be summarized as follows:
The Poe Hydroelectric Project License No. 2107 (issued December 17, 2018)
requires the Licensee to file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) a bypass reach biological monitoring plan which include monitoring of fish,
benthic macroinvertebrates and amphibians. The Poe Bypass Reach Fish and BMI
Monitoring Plan was prepared to address the fish and BMI monitoring. Amphibian
monitoring is addressed in a separate plan. The Poe Bypass Reach Fish and BMI
Monitoring Plan was prepared in consultation with the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S.
Forest Service and the State Water Resource Control Board (here after collectively
called the Resource Agencies) and approved by FERC on April 16, 2020.
PG&E would like to decrease the flows to 55 cfs from September 19, 2021 to September
29, 2021, a total of 10 days, in the Poe Reach to complete the required monitoring. (Table
2). PG&E will implement a target ramp down rate of no more than 40 cfs per hour in both
reaches to avoid stranding.
Table 2: Proposed Reduced River Flow for 2020 Monitoring
Poe Reach
DateFlow
Sept. 19 – Sept. 2955 cfs
Please review and provide your concurrence via email by July 23rd. Thank you for your
timely attention to this matter, all concurrence emails that we receive will be included in our
letter to FERC to request authorization of the flow variance.
If you have any questions regarding this monitoring, please let me know.
Thanks,
Matt
Matthew Joseph
Senior License Coordinator, Hydro Licensing
Pacific Gas and Electric Company