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5.31.22 Board Correspondence - FW_ Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. (3)
From:Paulsen, Shaina To:BOS Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. Date:Tuesday, May 31, 2022 4:45:37 PM Please see Board Correspondence below. Shaina Paulsen Associate Clerk of The Board Butte County Administration 25 County Center Drive, Suite 200, Oroville, CA 95965 T: 530.552.3304 | F: 530.538.7120 -----Original Message----- From: 'FERC eSubscription' <eSubscription@ferc.gov> Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 4:35 PM Subject: Environmental and Recreational 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 5/31/2022, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.: Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company PG&E Corporation (as Agent) Docket(s): P-2107-000 Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company Filing Type: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits 2021 Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Reports for Poe Hydroelectric Project under P-2107. 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Box 770000 San Francisco, CA 94177 May 31, 2022 Via Electronic Submittal (E-File) Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance 888 First Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20426 RE: Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2107-CA 2021 Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate (BMI) Monitoring Reports Dear Secretary Bose: This letter presents the 2021 Fish Monitoring Report and 2021 Benthic Macroinvertebrate (BMI) Monitoring Report for Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. 2107. Pursuant to the Poe Bypass Reach Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan, approved by FERC April 16, 2021, PG&E provided a Draft 2021 Fish Monitoring Report and Draft 2021 BMI Monitoring Report to the Forest Service, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by email on March 7, 2022. Over 30 days was allowed for review and comment. CDFW provided their support of the reports. No other agencies responded. The 2021 Fish Monitoring Report is provided in Enclosure 1. The 2021 BMI Monitoring Report is provided in Enclosure 2. The consultation record is provided in Enclosure 3. For questions, Sky Ramirez-Doble, at (530) 250-7002. Sincerely, Matthew Joseph Senior License Coordinator Enclosure: 1. 2021 Fish Monitoring Report, prepared by PG&E, dated May 2022 2. 2021 BMI Monitoring Report, prepared by PG&E, dated May 2022 3. Agency Consultation via Email cc: List Attached Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary May 31, 2022 Page 2 cc: With Enclosures Amy Lind (Forest Service) - amy.lind@usda.gov Savanah Downey (SWRCB) - Savannah.Downey@Waterboards.ca.gov Emily Moghaddas (Forest Service) - emily.moghaddas@usda.gov Lori Cayo (Forest Service) - lori.cayo@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 P ACIFIC G AS AND E LECTRIC C OMPANY Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 POE BYPASS REACH FISH MONITORING 2021 ANNUAL REPORT May 2022 © 2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company P ACIFIC G AS AND E LECTRIC C OMPANY Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 POE BYPASS REACH FISH MONITORING 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Prepared For: Pacific Gas and Electric Company 245 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Prepared By: S PRING R IVERS E COLOGICAL S CIENCES LLC FISHBIO Post Office Box 153 1617 South Yosemite Ave. Cassel, California 96016 Oakdale, CA 95361 May 2022 © 2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Citation: Pacific Gas and Electric Company. 2022. Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report. May 2022. San Ramon, CA. Prepared by FISHBIO, Chico, CA and Spring Rivers Ecological Sciences LLC, Cassel, CA. Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. ii List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ iii Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iv 1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Background ................................................................................................. 1 2.0 Methods............................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Electrofishing .......................................................................................................... 2 2.1.1 Electrofishing Sites ..................................................................................... 2 2.1.2 Electrofishing Survey.................................................................................. 4 2.1.3 Environmental Conditions and Physical Habitat ........................................ 5 2.1.4 Electrofishing Data Analysis ...................................................................... 6 2.2 Snorkeling ............................................................................................................... 7 2.2.1 Snorkeling Surveys and Data Recording .................................................... 7 2.2.2 Snorkeling Sites .......................................................................................... 8 2.2.3 Snorkeling Surveys Data Analysis.............................................................. 8 3.0 Results ............................................................................................................................... 10 3.1 Electrofishing ........................................................................................................ 10 3.1.1 Effort, Environmental Conditions, and Physical Habitat.......................... 10 3.1.2 Species Composition and Age/Size Classes ............................................. 11 3.1.3 Length-Weight Relationships, Condition, Abundance, Density, and Biomass ..................................................................................................... 12 3.2 Snorkeling ............................................................................................................. 19 3.2.1 Effort, Environmental Conditions and Physical Habitat........................... 19 3.2.2 Species Composition and Size Classes ..................................................... 21 4.0 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 24 5.0 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 26 6.0 References ......................................................................................................................... 27 Table of Contents i May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1. Poe Bypass Reach electrofishing survey sites and relevant site characteristics. ......................................................................................................... 4 Table 2-2. Poe Bypass Reach snorkel survey sites and relevant site characteristics. .............. 8 Table 3-1. Summary of water temperatures (°C) and effort (seconds) during each electrofishing pass at three sampling sites in the Poe Bypass Reach in September 2021. ................................................................................................... 10 Table 3-2. Summary of physical habitat characteristics at three sampling sites in the Poe Bypass Reach in September 2021. All values shown are percentages. ........ 10 Table 3-3. Summary of fish captured by electrofishing at three sampling sites in the Poe Bypass Reach in September 2021. ................................................................. 11 Table 3-4. Capture summary and estimated abundance, error, and capture probability of electrofishing surveys at three locations on the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. ............................................................................................... 19 Table 3-5. Estimated densities and biomass of different fish species at three locations on the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021....................................................................................................................... 20 Table 3-6. Area surveyed and pertinent environmental conditions during snorkel surveys on the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. ............................. 20 Table 3-7. Summary of fish species and size classes observed during snorkel surveys at Flea Valley Creek in September 2021. ................................................................. 21 Table 3-8. Summary of fish species and size classes observed during snorkel surveys at ......................................................................... 22 Table 3-9. Summary of fish species and size classes observed during snorkel surveys at Poe Beach in September 2021. ............................................................................. 22 Table 3-10. Densities of different fish species (all size classes combined) observed during visual observation surveys at different locations on the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. ................................ 23 Table of Contents ii May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2-2. Downstream block net spanning the North Fork Feather River at Flea Valley Creek, just prior to the first pass of depletion electrofishing. ..................... 4 Figure 2-3. Image of prickly sculpin (top) and riffle sculpin (bottom) anal fins captured during electrofishing in the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River. ....................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2-4. .................... 9 Figure 3-1. Length-frequency histogram of rainbow trout captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. .......................................................................................... 13 Figure 3-2. Length-frequency histogram of Sacramento sucker captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. ................................................................................. 13 Figure 3-3. Length-frequency histogram of Sacramento pikeminnow captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. ........................................................................... 14 Figure 3-4. Length-frequency histogram of hardhead captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. .......................................................................................... 14 Figure 3-5. Length-frequency histogram of riffle sculpin captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. .......................................................................................... 15 Figure 3-6. Length-frequency histogram of prickly sculpin captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. .......................................................................................... 15 Figure 3-7. Length-frequency histogram of smallmouth bass captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. .......................................................................................... 16 Figure 3-8. Length-frequency histogram of speckled dace captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. .......................................................................................... 16 Figure 3-9. Length-Weight relationship of rainbow trout captured in the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. ................................ 17 Figure 3-10. Length-Weight relationship of Sacramento sucker captured in the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. .................... 17 Figure 3-11. Minor lesions near the insertion of the pelvic (a) and dorsal (b) fins of two Sacramento suckers sampled at Flea Valley Creek in September 2021. .............. 18 Table of Contents iii May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document describes the 2021 fish m Hydroelectric Project (Project), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2107, at three locations within the Poe Bypass Reach on the North Fork Feather River. Results of this monitoring effort serve to establish baseline (first year) conditions for future comparison and evaluation of the fish population response under the license-required flow regime. Originally scheduled for September 2020, the fish monitoring was postponed until September 2021 due to an active wildfire in the vicinity of the Project in September 2020. The postponement pushed back the monitoring schedule by one year. As specified in the monitoring plan (PG&E 2019), monitoring occurred between September 15 and October 15 (i.e., September 2224, 2021), and the goal to complete monitoring activities by the end of September was met. Monitoring data was collected during a decreased baseflow target of 55 cubic feet per second (cfs). Depletion electrofishing was conducted at each of the three monitoring locations by completing multiple passes at monitoring sites isolated by block nets. Captured fish were processed to collect length and weight measurements, subsequently used to estimate weight-length relationships and condition factors (for rainbow trout), evaluate length and age structure of species encountered, and to calculate density and biomass estimates for each location. In areas too deep for effective electrofishing surveys, visual observation surveys were implemented to calculate indices of abundance and density, as well as community composition. A total of 408 individuals, belonging to eight fish species were sampled. The most abundant species overall were riffle sculpin (n=170; 41.7%), followed by Sacramento sucker (n=130; 31.9%). All other species constituted less than ten percent of total fish catch, including rainbow trout (n=36; 8.8%), Sacramento pikeminnow (n=30; 7.4%), smallmouth bass (n=13; 3.2%); hardhead and speckled dace (both n=12; 2.9%), and prickly sculpin (n=5; 1.2%). Smallmouth bass was the only non-native species captured during electrofishing surveys. Speckled dace had not been documented in this reach or adjacent upstream river reaches in recent years. Fish population biomass , 11.79 kg/ha (Poe Beach), to 173.27 kg/ha (Flea Valley Creek), with most of the variability attributable to variations in abundance of Sacramento sucker. Snorkel surveys permitted calculation of standardized index densities for habitats too deep to sample effectively by electrofishing and will serve as a baseline for future comparison. The condition factors of rainbow trout in the Poe Bypass Reach were comparable to the Rock Creek-Cresta Reach, with a mean condition factor just above 1.2. Overall, it can be concluded that the fish community meets Fish and Game Code 5937 definitions of good condition, as indicated by abundance levels comparable to other areas in the watershed, a size structure indicative of multiple age classes (including young-of-year individuals), a low observed rate of incidence of physical detriments (lesions, injuries), and includes co-evolved species of all trophic levels. Executive Summary iv May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 1.0 Introduction This report describes the 2021 (PG&E) Poe Hydroelectric Project (Project), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project (FERC) No. 2107, at three locations within the Poe Bypass Reach on the North Fork Feather River, Butte County, California. The fish monitoring sites are referred to as Flea Valley Creek (near the town ing the large pool at the historic railroad bridge), and Poe Beach, a short distance upstream from the Poe Powerhouse. 1.1 Project Background The Poe Hydroelectric Project is operated by PG&E under a new license (License) issued by FERC on December 17, 2018. This License incorporates State of California Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) Conditions into the license articles in Appendix A (SWRCB 2017) and United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service) 4(e) Conditions in Appendix B (Forest Service 2018). In 2019, PG&E in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Forest Service, and the SWRCB developed and finalized the Poe Bypass Reach Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan (Plan; PG&E 2019) to comply with fish population and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) monitoring required by SWRCB WQC Condition 9 and Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 25 (incorporated into FERC License Article 401). The Plan specifies that fisheries monitoring should occur in years 2, 3, and 4 (called Block 1) of the first five License years, corresponding years 2020, 2021, and 2022. Fish and BMI monitoring was scheduled for September 2020 but had to be cancelled due to hazards posed by the North Complex Fire, which burned over 300,000 acres in the vicinity of the Project sites from August 17, 2020, until December 3, 2020. The goal of the Poe Bypass Reach fish population monitoring is to collect fish population information from the three sections of the NFFR Poe Bypass Reach under the new license-required instream flows, with the objective to provide information on the fisheries population response to the new license required minimum instream flows. Specific objectives are as follows: 1. Determine trends in composition, size/age distribution, relative abundance, and biomass for all species and Condition Factor (K) for trout, a target fisheries species. 2. Compare data collected during sampling blocks to document status of the fish community, including any identified response to the change in Project operations or enhancement. This report describes the first year of fish population monitoring conducted for the Project on September 2224, 2021 and is complementary to the Poe Bypass Reach Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Report (PG&E 2022). 1.0 Introduction 1 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 2.0 Methods The Plan (PG&E 2019) stipulates that fish and BMI monitoring occur between September 15 and October 15, with the desired goal to complete monitoring activities by the end of September. FERC has granted a temporary variance (reduction) of baseflows to 55 cfs to facilitate monitoring efforts; such reduced flows are not to exceed ten consecutive days. Actual flows during monitoring were slightly higher than the permitted variance to allow a buffer for PG&E Operations to remain in compliance, plus additional inflow from tributaries. Fish population monitoring was conducted on September 22 (Flea Valley Creek), September 23 (Bardees Bar), and September 24 (Poe Beach; Figure 2-1) at reduced flows to permit instream sampling. PG&E temporarily reduced discharge from 202 cfs on September 19 to approximately 72 cfs (i.e., the targeted 55 cfs plus a buffer) on the sampling days. Monitoring methods consisted of a combination of physical (electrofishing) and visual (snorkel) sampling methods, depending on physical characteristics of the habitat sampled. At each site, snorkel surveys were conducted following the completion of electrofishing each day. 2.1 Electrofishing Backpack electrofishing was conducted in stream reaches that were sufficiently shallow, consisting mostly of riffle, run, and glide habitats. Of note, pre-survey site visits were conducted at regular operating flows (255260 cfs) on 16 July 2020. Survey locations identified during regular operating flows could be adequately isolated with block nets for the multi-pass depletion sampling at Flea Valley Creek and Poe Beach. , deep water precluded installation of block nets at the upstream end of the planned 100-m sampling site. Consequently, the upstream block net was placed at the farthest upstream location that would still permit safe and effective electrofishing operation, resulting in a short (20-m) reach for depletion sampling. The remainder of the originally intended electrofishing (80 m in length) site was visually surveyed by snorkelers, as described in detail in Section 2.2 of this report. 2.1.1 Electrofishing Sites At each of the three monitoring reaches, a stream segment conducive to backpack electrofishing was selected based on natural breaks in habitat characteristics, water depth, and current velocity, and delineated in detail on the day of the actual survey at reduced flows (Figure 2-1, Table 2-1). 2.0 Methods 2 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 2-1. North Fork Feather River, Poe Bypass Reach electrofishing and snorkel survey locations. 2.0 Methods 3 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Table 2-1. Poe Bypass Reach electrofishing survey sites and relevant site characteristics. Monitoring GPS GPS Length Mean Area Gradient 2 Site Downstream Upstream (m) Depth (m) (m) (%) N 39.80165 N 39.80198, Flea Valley Creek 110 0.54 2,975 1.66 W 121.44692 W 121.44578 N 39.76984 N 39.76994, 20 0.72 726 0.00 W 121.45666 W 121.45663 N 39.73188 N 39.73240, Poe Beach 82 0.45 2,031 0.74 W 121.46710 W 121.46774 2.1.2 Electrofishing Survey Upon arrival at each sampling location, ¼-inch square-mesh block nets were installed at the upstream and downstream boundaries of the sampling site (e.g., Figure 2-2). The net was attached to anchor points on the banks and suspended over metal tripods in the channel. Rocks collected in the stream channel were used to weigh down and secure the net lead line to ensure secure contact with the bottom substrate to prevent fish of all sizes from exiting or entering the sampling site during the depletion survey. Figure 2-2. Downstream block net spanning the North Fork Feather River at Flea Valley Creek, just prior to the first pass of depletion electrofishing. 2.0 Methods 4 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Following installation of the block nets, six backpack electrofisher (Smith-Root LR-24) operators, each supported by one or two netters, proceeded upstream in unison, activating electrical current at their discretion while ensuring that the entire stream area was adequately sampled. Fish captured by the netters were promptly transferred to temporary holding buckets, which were in turn periodically transferred to live boxes placed in the river outside the isolated sampling area and away from electrical fields generated by the sampling equipment. Three consecutive passes were completed, and effort was recorded for each operator and pass. Water temperature was measured at the sampling site before each electrofishing pass to ensure that the upper threshold temperature for sampling (i.e., 23 °C), as specified in the study plan, were not exceeded. For processing, fish were removed, several individuals at a time, from the live boxes and placed in five-gallon buckets to facilitate transport. Prior to processing, fish were anesthetized with CO 2 by immersion in an Alka-Seltzer Gold solution until loss of equilibrium was observed. All fish were identified to species, using distinguishing meristic characteristics as applicable and necessary. Anal fin ray counts were used to identify all captured sculpin (riffle sculpin have 12 16 anal fin rays, while prickly sculpin have 1619). All riffle sculpin had less than 15 anal fin rays, while all prickly sculpin sampled had 17 or more (Figure 2-3). Following identification, all individuals were measured to the nearest mm fork length (FL) (total length for sculpin species) and weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. Due to the moderate fish numbers in the catch, no sub-sampling procedure was employed. Lengths, weights, and notable physical features or anomalies (e.g., injuries, scars, tumors, parasites, etc.), as well as fish condition (e.g., mortalities, if applicable) were noted on standardized datasheets. After processing, fish were placed in buckets filled with river water and fitted with aeration devices until equilibrium was restored. Fish were released in the vicinity of their capture location following recovery. 2.1.3 Environmental Conditions and Physical Habitat The physical habitat was characterized at each electrofishing site, and all measurements recorded on standardized data sheets. The length of each site was measured to the nearest meter using a range finder. Wetted widths were measured at 10-meter intervals throughout the sampling site with a range finder to the nearest 0.1 m, and depths were measured with a stadia rod to the nearest centimeter at 25%, 50% and 75% of wetted width. The relative habitat composition of the sampling site (categories: pool, glide, riffle, run), substrate composition (fines \[<2 mm\], sand \[2 7 mm\], gravel \[775 mm\], cobble \[75300 mm\], boulder \[>300 mm\], bedrock) and fish cover type (i.e., surface turbulence, instream object, undercut bank, overhanging vegetation) were estimated, based on consensus among several of the biologists present, and recorded at each sampling site. Additional environmental conditions, including air and water temperature (°C), turbidity (NTU), dissolved oxygen concentration (mg/l), and specific conductivity (µS/cm) were measured and recorded at each sampling site. 2.0 Methods 5 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 2-3. Image of prickly sculpin (top) and riffle sculpin (bottom) anal fins captured during electrofishing in the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River. 2.1.4 Electrofishing Data Analysis Length measurements of fish sampled were used to generate length-frequency histograms for each captured species at each sampling site. Bin sizes were species-specific and selected to permit an accurate visual representation of length composition. Weight-length relationships were fitted to both the rainbow trout and Sacramento sucker data, in the form , where W is the weight (g) and L is the FL (mm) (the parameters a and b in this equation are calculated by the curve-fitting process). Two condition factors were calculated for rainbow trout, specifically Condition Factor (K), where (Fulton 1911) and 2.0 Methods 6 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report b is the exponent calculated from the length-weight regression. While the Plan (PG&E 2019) also includes condition factor as proposed by Bagenal and Tesch (1978) to permit comparisons with condition indices from the Rock Creek-Cresta Reach, which used the latter method. Rainbow trout lengths in the field were recorded as fork lengths while calculations of condition factor generally use total length. A conversion of fork length to total lengths was established for rainbow trout using fork- and total lengths from 2,566 rainbow trout ranging in size from 30 to 555 mm fork length, sampled in the Calaveras River, CA, between November 1, 2020 and October 31, 2021 (FISHBIO unpublished data). The resulting linear relationship 2 (TL=0.3506375+FL*1.0657923; r=0.998; p<0.001) was used to estimate total length of rainbow trout captured during this monitoring effort and subsequent calculations of condition factors. Data from electrofishing were also used to generate abundance estimates for each sampling site and species, using the k-pass likelihood estimator presented by Van Deventer and Platts (1983) and implemented in the Microfish software (Van Deventer 1989). The estimator was applied using the . Overall abundance estimates were standardized, for each species, to the number of individuals per uniform units of stream length and area (e.g., fish per mile or fish per acre). Biomass estimates were calculated by multiplying the estimated total abundance of each species each site and standardized to kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) and pounds per acre (lb/ac) to facilitate comparison among sites. 2.2 Snorkeling Snorkel surveys were conducted as a complement to electrofishing depletion surveys at each of the three sampling sites. These surveys were intended to provide a baseline index of abundance and relative species composition in habitats that are too deep for quantitative depletion electrofishing. 2.2.1 Snorkeling Surveys and Data Recording At each of the three monitoring reaches, pool habitats adjacent or near the electrofishing sites were visually surveyed by snorkeling. Selected habitats were surveyed thrice by six experienced snorkelers, proceeding through the site in unison. A shore-based observer ensured that snorkelers proceeded through the unit with adequate spacing, directing personnel as necessary to ensure the best-possible sampling coverage. Units were snorkeled in a downstream direction to minimize behavioral disturbance of fish caused by swimming/movement. Snorkelers recorded fish counts on wrist-mounted dive slates and assigned a size category to each observation (in two-inch increments). When approaching the boundary of the survey unit, snorkelers carefully monitored fish holding close to the unit boundary and included fish that crossed the unit boundary. Any fish that was observed moving between lanes was noted immediately after the survey to avoid multiple counts of the same fish. Upon completion of each pass, data recorded on the snorkelers individual dive slates were transferred to data sheets by the shore-based observer. 2.0 Methods 7 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Snorkel survey datasheets included fields for recording environmental conditions, including water temperature (°C) and air temperature (°C). In addition, because snorkel survey results are more likely to be influenced by external conditions that could affect visibility than electrofishing, time of survey, estimated visibility (in feet), and estimated percentage of shade cover of the surveyed unit were also recorded. 2.2.2 Snorkeling Sites Upstream of the Flea Valley Creek electrofishing site, the long pool that includes the confluence of Mill Creek on river left was surveyed, for a total length of 290 m. Observations in the vicinity of the Mill Creek confluence were recorded separately to provide an indication of fish habitat use near this feature (Table 2-2.). limited the habitat area that could be sampled effectively by electrofishing to just 20 meters (Figure 2-4). To provide additional fish abundance data, a section of stream 80 meters in length immediately upstream of the electrofishing boundary block net was snorkeled (Table 2-2). In addition, the large pool immediately downstream of the steep riffle was also surveyed, from the base of the riffle to the old railroad bridge (210 m). At Poe Beach, the large pool downstream of the electrofishing site (adjacent to Poe Beach) was surveyed (220 m). 2.2.3 Snorkeling Surveys Data Analysis Counts of individual fish species and size classes were used to evaluate species composition, generate indices of abundance and densities in survey reaches or sections that were too deep for effective electrofishing. At each site, the highest count (of three successive passes) for a given species and size class was used to calculate indices of abundance, including number of individuals (all size classes combined) per 100 meters, and per mile. Table 2-2. Poe Bypass Reach snorkel survey sites and relevant site characteristics. GPS GPS Site Length x Habitat Types Monitoring Site Downstream Upstream Width (m) (%) Flea Valley Creek N 39.80476 N 39.80527 65 x 28 Pool (100) (Mill Creek confluence) W 121.44036 W 121.43996 Flea Valley Creek N 39.80333 N 39.80476 225 x 39 Pool (100) (downstream of Mill Creek) W 121.44221 W 121.44036 N 39.76994 N 39.77071 Run (50), Glide (upstream of electrofishing 80 x 29 W 121.45663 W 121.45610 (50) site) N 39.76957 N 39.76937 210 x 40 Pool (100) (downstream pool) W 121.45855 W 121.45682 N 39.72992 N 39.73169 Poe Beach 220 x 32 Pool (100) W 121.46652 W 121.46703 2.0 Methods 8 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 2-4. 3.0 Results 9 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 3.0 Results 3.1 Electrofishing 3.1.1 Effort, Environmental Conditions, and Physical Habitat Real-time monitoring of water temperatures during electrofishing and direct observation monitoring confirmed that the upper temperature threshold of 23 °C stipulated in the Plan was not exceeded during monitoring activities (Table 3-1). The dissolved oxygen concentrations were 9.45 mg/L (Flea Valley Creek), 9.86 mg/L L (Poe Beach) just prior to the first electrofishing pass. Specific conductivities were 128 µS/cm at Flea Valley Creek, 126 Bar, and 131 µS/cm at Poe Beach. Cobble and boulders constituted the majority of the substrate at electrofishing sites. Instream objects and surface turbulence were the only fish cover types in the sampled reaches, undercut banks and overhanging vegetation were not observed (Table 3-2). Table 3-1. Summary of water temperatures (°C) and effort (seconds) during each electrofishing pass at three sampling sites in the Poe Bypass Reach in September 2021. Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 3 Location Temperature Effort Temperature Effort Temperature Effort Flea Valley Creek 17.3 12,638 19.0 9,909 19.5 9,250 17.4 3,120 18.8 2,636 18.5 2,313 Poe Beach 18.0 10,086 19.0 6,840 19.5 6,305 Table 3-2. Summary of physical habitat characteristics at three sampling sites in the Poe Bypass Reach in September 2021. All values shown are percentages. Habitat Types Substrate Cover Location PL GL RF RN F S G C B BR T O U V Flea Valley Creek 0 20 40 40 5 5 15 40 35 0 50 50 0 0 0 50 0 50 5 5 10 10 70 0 0 100 0 0 Poe Beach 15 10 50 25 5 5 10 70 10 0 50 50 0 0 Note: Habitat designations are PL=pool, GL=glide, RF=riffle, RN=run. Substrate designations are F=fines, S=sand, G=gravel, C=cobble, B=boulder, BR=bedrock). Fish cover designations are T=turbulence, O=instream object (including substrate), U=undercut bank, V=overhanging vegetation. 3.0 Results 10 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 3.1.2 Species Composition and Age/Size Classes At all three sampling sites combined, 408 individuals, belonging to eight species, were collected by electrofishing (Table 3-3). The most abundant species overall were riffle sculpin (Cottus gulosus; n=170; 41.7%), followed by Sacramento sucker (Catostomus occidentalis; n=130; 31.9%). All other species constituted less than 10 percent of total fish catch, including rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss; n=36; 8.8%), Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis; n=30; 7.4%), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu; n=13; 3.2%); hardhead (Mylopharodon conocephalus) and speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus; both n=12; 2.9%), and prickly sculpin (Cottus asper; n=5; 1.2%). Smallmouth bass was the only non-native species captured during electrofishing surveys. Table 3-3. Summary of fish captured by electrofishing at three sampling sites in the Poe Bypass Reach in September 2021. Species Flea Valley Creek Poe Beach Total Rainbow trout 32 0 4 36 (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Sacramento sucker 122 0 8 130 (Catostomus occidentalis) Riffle sculpin 106 2 62 170 (Cottus gulosus) Hardhead 3 1 8 12 (Mylopharodon conocephalus) Sacramento pikeminnow 10 0 20 30 (Ptychocheilus grandis) Prickly sculpin 2 0 3 5 (Cottus asper) Smallmouth bass 0 3 10 13 (Micropterus dolomieu) Speckled dace 0 0 12 12 (Rhinichthys osculus) Total 275 6 127 408 Length-frequency analysis indicates that a range of age classes was present in the Poe Bypass Reach for most species sampled (Figures 3-1 through 3-8). This was particularly evident for rainbow trout and Sacramento sucker, with presumed young-of-year (YOY) individuals and multiple mature age classes represented. Rainbow trout sizes ranged from 53 mm to 380 mm (n=32) at Flea Valley Creek, and from 84 mm to 146 mm (n=4) at Poe Beach. . At Flea Valley Creek, 21 individuals (62%) were smaller than 120 mm, representing YOY (i.e., 0+) individuals. The larger individuals were determined to represent at least two additional year classes (Figure 3-1). Insufficient sample numbers precluded a detailed length-frequency based determination of 3.0 Results 11 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report age classes present. At Poe Beach, all individuals were smaller than 150 mm, most likely representing YOY. Sacramento sucker captured during electrofishing ranged in size from 62 mm to 464 mm FL at Flea Valley Creek (n=122), with multiple age classes represented. YOY individuals are likely represented by fish measuring from approximately 50 mm to 100 mm, while Age 1+ individuals likely range from approximately 100 mm to 160 mm. Historically, seven- to ten-year-old Sacramento sucker in the North Fork Feather River measured from 350 mm to 420 mm (Moyle et al. 1983). As Sacramento sucker up to 464 mm (FL) were documented at Flea Valley Creek, it is reasonable to expect that ages of Sacramento sucker at this site ranged from 0 to 10+ years. The observed length range of Sacramento sucker sampled at Poe Beach (n=8) was much more limited than at Flea Valley Creek, ranging from 191 mm to 289 mm FL (Figure 3-2) indicating that these fish likely ranged in age from 2+ to 3+ years. Sacramento pikeminnow were captured at two sites, Flea Valley Creek (n=10) and Poe Beach (n=20). While the numbers of fish captured were low overall, the resulting length-frequency histograms suggest that YOY are represented by individuals smaller than 100 mm (FL), and that the age 1+ fish sampled measured 100160 mm (Figure 3-3). The two mature individuals sampled (both at Flea Valley Creek) with lengths of 424 and 516 mm (FL), could be eight to ten years old, based on the premise that the species can reach about 350 mm by the end of their fifth year (Brown 1990). 3.1.3 Length-Weight Relationships, Condition, Abundance, Density, and Biomass 3.1.3.1 Length-Weight Relationships The estimated length-weight relationship equation for rainbow trout captured in the Poe Bypass Reach took the form of (Figure 3-9.), where W is the weight, in grams, and L is the fork length, in millimeters. For Sacramento sucker, the estimated length-weight relationship was (Figure 3-10). 3.1.3.2 Condition K) and Condition Factor () according to Bagenal and Tech (1978) were calculated for all rainbow trout sampled (n=36), using their estimated total length based on the conversion described in Section 2.1.4 (Electrofishing Data Analysis). The mean K was 0.958 (range: 0.6571.347), and the mean was 1.207 (range 0.8281.667). Physical abnormalities were rarely observed on sampled fish. At Flea Valley Creek, slightly frayed dorsal or caudal fins were noted on seven of the sampled Sacramento sucker (5.7%) and two of the rainbow trout (6.3%). Small lesions were observed at the insertion of pelvic and dorsal fin of three Sacramento sucker (2.5%; e.g., Figure 3-11). 3.0 Results 12 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 3-1. Length-frequency histogram of rainbow trout captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. Figure 3-2. Length-frequency histogram of Sacramento sucker captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. 3.0 Results 13 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 3-3. Length-frequency histogram of Sacramento pikeminnow captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. Figure 3-4. Length-frequency histogram of hardhead captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. 3.0 Results 14 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 3-5. Length-frequency histogram of riffle sculpin captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. Figure 3-6. Length-frequency histogram of prickly sculpin captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. 3.0 Results 15 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 3-7. Length-frequency histogram of smallmouth bass captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. Figure 3-8. Length-frequency histogram of speckled dace captured during the 2021 electrofishing surveys. 3.0 Results 16 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 3-9. Length-Weight relationship of rainbow trout captured in the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. Figure 3-10. Length-Weight relationship of Sacramento sucker captured in the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. 3.0 Results 17 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Figure 3-11. Minor lesions near the insertion of the pelvic (a) and dorsal (b) fins of two Sacramento suckers sampled at Flea Valley Creek in September 2021. 3.1.3.3 Abundance, Density, and Biomass The number of individuals belonging to distinct species captured during each of the three electrofishing passes at each site were used to estimate total abundance of the respective species at each monitoring site. The abundance estimates were generated using the k-pass likelihood estimator (i.e., Burnham method) presented by Van Deventer and Platts (1983) and implemented 1989). Resulting abundance estimates, along with standard errors and estimated capture probabilities are summarized in Table 3-4. Table 3-4 includes some NA values because the k- pass likelihood estimator fails under certain conditions, such as when all fish are captured on the first pass, only a single fish is captured during the (combined) three passes, or the catch pattern is non-depleting. Biomass estimates were calculated by multiplying the estimated total abundance of each species by the mean weight of captured individuals at each site. Biomass estimates are summarized in Table 3-5. Total densities and biomass estimates should be considered conservative, as they do not include species for which total abundance could not be estimated. The highest density and biomass of fish were observed at the Flea Valley Creek site, which is largely attributable to abundance of Sacramento sucker (39% of individuals and 83% of biomass). be attributable to fish being displaced from the sampled area during block net installation due to the short length of the sampling reach (see Discussion). 3.0 Results 18 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Table 3-4. Capture summary and estimated abundance, error, and capture probability of electrofishing surveys at three locations on the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. # Caught per Total Abundance Standard Capture Species Pass Catch Estimate Error Probability Flea Valley Creek Rainbow Trout 12, 12, 8 32 58 32.65 0.20 Sacramento Sucker 76, 29, 17 122 133 5.99 0.56 Riffle Sculpin 57, 21, 28 106 143 20.30 0.36 Hardhead 1, 2, 0 3 3 0.71 0.60 aaa Sacramento Pikeminnow 2, 2, 6 10 NA NA NA bbb Prickly Sculpin 2, 0, 0 2 NA NA NA Riffle Sculpin 1, 0, 1 2 2 1.04 0.50 ccc Hardhead 0, 0, 1 1 NA NA NA aaa Smallmouth Bass 0, 0, 3 3 NA NA NA Poe Beach Rainbow Trout 1, 3, 0 4 4 0.97 0.57 Sacramento Sucker 5, 3, 0 8 8 0.51 0.73 Riffle Sculpin 32, 18, 12 62 76 9.96 0.43 Hardhead 7, 1, 0 8 8 0.11 0.89 Sacramento Pikeminnow 11, 6, 3 20 22 2.96 0.53 Prickly Sculpin 1, 1, 1 3 3 1.27 0.50 Smallmouth Bass 5, 4, 1 10 10 1.11 0.63 aaa Speckled Dace 4, 2, 6 12 NA NA NA a Due to a non-depleting catch pattern, the Burnham method failed to find estimates for population size and capture probability. b All fish captured on first pass results in model failure for the Burnham method. c Total catch of one individual results in model failure for the Burnham method 3.2 Snorkeling 3.2.1 Effort, Environmental Conditions and Physical Habitat Environmental conditions at all survey sites were conducive to visual surveys, with visibility 22 greater than 8 ft. Survey sites ranged in area from 2,320 m to 8,400 m (Table 3-6). All sites were snorkeled by six snorkelers to ensure adequate visual coverage of the unit cross-section as the snorkelers progressed through the site. Except for the 80-meter-long reach upstream of the habitat (see also Table 2-2), all other visually surveyed reaches were classified as pool habitats. 3.0 Results 19 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Table 3-5. Estimated densities and biomass of different fish species at three locations on the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. Fish Density Fish Biomass Species Per 100 meter Per mile lb/mi lb/ac kg/ha Flea Valley Creek Rainbow Trout 53 848 218.94 20.36 22.84 Sacramento Sucker 121 1,945 1,381.73 128.50 144.16 Riffle Sculpin 130 2,092 33.19 3.09 3.46 Hardhead 3 44 26.89 2.50 2.81 Sacramento Pikeminnow NA NA NA NA NA Prickly Sculpin NA NA NA NA NA Total 307 4,929 1,660.75 154.45 173.27 Riffle Sculpin 10 161 5.21 0.36 0.41 Hardhead NA NA NA NA NA Smallmouth Bass NA NA NA NA NA Total 10 161 5.21 0.36 0.41 Poe Beach Rainbow Trout 5 78 4.16 0.42 0.47 Sacramento Sucker 10 157 56.26 5.71 6.41 Riffle Sculpin 93 1,491 33.60 3.41 3.83 Hardhead 10 157 0.70 0.07 0.08 Sacramento Pikeminnow 27 432 4.45 0.45 0.51 Prickly Sculpin 4 59 1.26 0.13 0.14 Smallmouth Bass 12 196 3.03 0.31 0.35 Speckled Dace NA NA NA NA NA Total 161 2,570 103.46 10.50 11.79 Table 3-6. Area surveyed and pertinent environmental conditions during snorkel surveys on the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. Area Water Air Shade Location Date Time Visibility (ft) 2 (m) Temp. (°C) Temp. (°C) (%) FV - MCC 9/22/2021 17:0018:15 1,820 19.8 30 8+ 2030 FV - DMC 9/22/2021 17:0018:15 7,775 19.8 30 8+ 2030 BB - US 9/23/2021 13:3014:15 2,320 17.8 31 10+ 2 BB - DS 9/23/2021 14:1515:15 8,400 18.0 31 10+ 10 PB 9/24/2021 13:4515:00 7,040 19.6 31 10+ 5 Note: At Flea Valley Creek, counts distinguished between the confluence area of Mill Creek (FV-MCC) and downstream of the confluence (FV-DMC). electrofishing site (BB-US) was snorkeled as a substitute to depletion electrofishing due to depth constraints. -DS) and Poe Beach (PB). Time is in reference to the time period during which three passes were completed. 3.0 Results 20 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 3.2.2 Species Composition and Size Classes The same five species (rainbow trout, Sacramento sucker, Sacramento pikeminnow, hardhead, and smallmouth bass) were consistently observed in all snorkeled units, but their relative abundance differed among sites. Small benthic species detected during electrofishing surveys (sculpin and dace) were not observed during snorkel surveys. This is most likely attributable to their low detection probability resulting from their small size, benthic habits, and cryptic coloration. During the snorkel surveys in the Poe Bypass Reach, the smallest individuals observed were smallmouth bass in the 24 inch size class at Poe Beach. At the other locations, the smallest individuals observed were categorized under the 68 inch size class, and included rainbow trout, Sacramento sucker and smallmouth bass at Flea Valley Creek, near the Mill Creek confluence, as well as (Tables 3-7, 3-8, and 3-9). While small species and size classes may be difficult to reliably detect during visual observation surveys, such surveys can provide valuable information on the abundance of larger individuals. This is particularly applicable to the characteristic pikeminnow-hardhead-sucker assemblage that occupies predominantly run and glide habitats as well as pools (Moyle 2002), which are often too deep to sample effectively using other methods. While direct age determination is not possible based solely on visual observation of size classes present, it can be determined that, for most species and sites, multiple age classes were represented. Naturally, exceptions to this generalization apply to instances when only a single individual of a particular species was observed at a site. Table 3-7. Summary of fish species and size classes observed during snorkel surveys at Flea Valley Creek in September 2021. Size Class RBT SKR HH SAPM SMB (inches) MCC DMC MCC DMC MCC DMC MCC DMC MCC DMC <2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 68 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 810 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 1012 0 0 0 0 4 0 3 2 2 2 1214 1 1 0 6 8 1 3 0 3 6 1416 1 0 5 24 0 11 3 3 3 2 1618 0 0 0 48 0 0 10 8 1 0 1820 0 0 12 44 0 0 5 4 0 0 >20 0 0 0 15 0 0 1 1 0 0 Total 3 1 19 137 12 12 26 22 10 11 Note: Fish species are RBT=rainbow trout, SKR=Sacramento sucker, HH=hardhead, SAPM= Sacramento pikeminnow, SMB=smallmouth bass. Counts represent the highest number observed of three consecutive passes in each size category, separated by area (near Mill Creek Confluence \[MCC\] and downstream of Mill Creek \[DMC\]. 3.0 Results 21 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Table 3-8. Summary of fish species and size classes observed during snorkel surveys at September 2021. Size Class RBT SKR HH SAPM SMB (inches) US DS US DS US DS US DS US DS <2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 810 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1012 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 5 1214 1 7 3 0 8 1 0 16 0 6 1416 1 7 25 0 8 2 20 40 2 11 1618 1 5 52 0 5 1 3 16 0 4 1820 0 0 48 1 1 0 4 2 0 0 >20 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 Total 3 20 130 1 22 4 29 93 2 30 Note: Fish species are RBT=rainbow trout, SKR=Sacramento sucker, HH=hardhead, SAPM= Sacramento pikeminnow, SMB=smallmouth bass. Counts represent the highest number observed of three consecutive passes in each size category, separated by area (upstream of the electrofishing site \[US\], and the pool downstream \[DS\]). Table 3-9. Summary of fish species and size classes observed during snorkel surveys at Poe Beach in September 2021. Size Class (inches) RBT SKR HH SAPM SMB <2 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 2 46 0 0 0 0 2 68 0 0 0 0 1 810 0 0 0 0 0 1012 0 0 6 0 2 1214 0 10 4 5 5 1416 8 9 4 5 1 1618 4 4 0 15 6 1820 4 4 2 1 0 >20 0 0 0 3 0 Total 16 27 16 29 19 Note: Fish species are RBT=rainbow trout, SKR=Sacramento sucker, HH=hardhead, SAPM= Sacramento pikeminnow, SMB=smallmouth bass. Counts represent the highest number observed of three consecutive passes in each category. Densities of observed species varied within and among monitoring sites (Table 3-10). At Flea Valley Creek, a higher density of fish was observed near the Mill Creek confluence, with the exception of Sacramento sucker, which were observed in higher densities in the pool habitat not directly adjacent to Mill Creek. A high density of Sacramento sucker was also observed in the mobile fish may have left the area selected for electrofishing during block net installation. 3.0 Results 22 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Table 3-10. Densities of different fish species (all size classes combined) observed during visual observation surveys at different locations on the Poe Bypass Reach of the North Fork Feather River in September 2021. Fish per 100 Meters Fish per Mile Location RBT SKR HH SAPM SMB RBT SKR HH SAPM SMB FV - MCC 4.6 29.2 18.5 40.0 15.4 74.3 470.3 297.1 643.6 247.5 FV - DMC 0.4 60.9 5.3 9.8 4.9 7.2 979.7 85.8 157.3 78.7 FV - Total 1.4 53.8 8.3 16.6 7.2 22.2 865.5 133.2 266.3 116.5 BB - US 3.8 162.5 27.5 36.3 2.5 60.3 2,614.6 442.5 583.3 40.2 BB - DS 9.5 0.5 1.9 44.3 14.3 153.2 7.7 30.7 712.6 229.9 BB - Total 7.9 45.2 9.0 42.1 11.0 127.6 726.8 144.3 676.9 177.5 Poe Beach 7.3 12.3 7.3 13.2 8.6 117.0 197.5 117.0 212.1 139.0 Note: Fish species are RBT=rainbow trout, SKR=Sacramento sucker, HH=hardhead, SAPM= Sacramento pikeminnow, SMB=smallmouth bass. At Flea Valley Creek, counts distinguished between the confluence area of Mill Creek (FV-MCC) and downstream of the confluence (FV- immediately upstream of the electrofishing site (BB-US) was snorkeled as a substitute to depletion electrofishing due to depth constraints. Large pools were surveyed downstream of the electrofishing sites at -DS) and Poe Beach (PB). 3.0 Results 23 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 4.0 Discussion The fish monitoring effort described herein defines the standard protocols and baseline biological conditions for periodic monitoring as outlined in the monitoring plan (PG&E 2019). Among the greatest challenges for quantitative biological monitoring are the depth and current velocity encountered in the monitoring reach during typical operations. In order to facilitate access and biological sampling, discharge must be lowered for the duration of field sampling. The reduced flows affect physical habitat conditions, including water depth, flow velocities, potential turbulence, and holding capacities at any given location. The reduced flows to accommodate sampling and the resultant changes in habitat conditions may cause fish to redistribute to different habitats and, therefore, the fish community present at the sampling sites may differ compared to typical seasonal flows. This most likely affects larger individuals and more mobile species (salmonids, catostomids, and cyprinids) to a greater degree than small species (sculpin and dace). However, this potential redistribution of fish species is at least partially compensated by inclusion of observational techniques in the survey protocol that permits sampling of habitats that are too deep for electrofishing. Overall, the results of the monitoring efforts serve as a baseline for future monitoring and comparison, so long as such surveys are conducted under comparable streamflow conditions. Potential redistribution of fish in the surveyed area likely also contributed to low catches during monitoring site, where, due to the extremely short length of the electrofishing unit, it is likely that some of the more mobile fish species and size classes left the electrofishing reach due to disturbance before block net installation was completed. Relatively high abundance indices of Sacramento sucker (163 individuals/100 m), Sacramento pikeminnow (36 individuals/100 m) and hardhead (28 individuals/100 m) observed during snorkel surveys in the reach immediately upstream of the electrofishing location corroborate this hypothesis. The complementary snorkel survey to compensate for the small area sampled by electrofishing provides a more accurate representation of fish abundance in this area. Generally, fish community composition was comparable to that documented over a 15-year period in the adjacent upstream reaches (PG&E 2020), consisting of rainbow trout, Sacramento sucker, Sacramento pikeminnow, hardhead, prickly and riffle sculpin, and smallmouth bass, with abundance and biomass of native species greatly exceeding (>95%) that of the single non-native species documented in the study reach (smallmouth bass). Notably, speckled dace were documented at Poe Beach in 2021, but not at other monitoring locations in the Poe Bypass Reach, the Rock Creek-Cresta Reach during a recently completed long-term monitoring effort (PG&E 2020), or during Poe relicensing studies (PG&E 2003reference). Future fish community sampling in the Poe Bypass Reach should be implemented under comparable conditions (discharge magnitude and season); a minor modification to the protocol should include the measurement of fork and total lengths (as applicable) to permit calculation of condition factor identical to those used in the Rock Creek-Cresta Reach (without the need to estimate total length). Comparison of condition factor of rainbow trout between the Poe Bypass 4.0 Discussion 24 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report Reach and the Rock Creek-Cresta Reach indicates that fish condition factors are generally comparable between the two reaches (mean trout condition factor just above 1.2; PG&E 2020). Overall, it can be concluded that the fish community meets Fish and Game Code 5937 definitions good condition, as indicated by abundance levels comparable to other areas in the watershed, a fish size structure indicative of multiple age classes (including YOY individuals), low abundance of invasive/non-native species, low observed rate of incidence of physical detriments (lesions, injuries), and high condition factors of rainbow trout. 4.0 Discussion 25 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 5.0 Recommendations Due to the extremely short reach of habitat that could be sampled effectively by electrofishing at s to fish present in the short reach, we recommend eliminating depletion sampling at this site and instead sampling the entire monitoring reach (i.e., all habitats that were snorkeled and electrofished in 2021) using snorkel surveys only. No suitable alternative area for backpack electrofishing could be identified in the field during variance (low) flows in September 2022 and limited access throughout the Poe Bypass reach does not allow for alternative site that would replace Bardees Bar. A minor recommendation is to include fork and total lengths measurement for trout to permit calculation of condition factor identical to the methods used in the Rock Creek-Cresta Reach. 5.0 Recommendations 26 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 6.0 References Bagenal, T. B., and F. W. Tesch. 1978. Age and Growth. Chapter 5 in T. B. Bagenal, editor. rd Methods for Assessment of Fish Production in Fresh Waters, 3 edition. International Biological Program Handbook 3. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. 365p. Brown, L. R. 1990. Age, Growth, Feeding, and Behavior of Sacramento Squawfish (Ptychocheilus grandis) in Bear Creek, Colusa County California. Southwestern Naturalist 35: 249-260. 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, 2018. Fulton, T. W. 1911. The Sovereignty of the Seas: An Historical Account of the Claims of England to the Dominion of the British Seas, and of the Evolution of the Territorial Waters: with Special Reference to the Rights of Fishing and the Naval Salute. W. Blackwood, Edinburgh, London. 799 pp. Moyle, P. B., B. Vondracek, and G. Grossman. 1983. Responses of Fish Populations in the North Fork Feather River, California, to Treatments with Fish Toxicants. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 3: 48-60. Moyle, P. B. 2002. Inland fishes of California. Second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, California, USA. Ogle, D. 2021. Simple Fisheries Stock Assessment Methods. Version 0.9.1. URL: https://github.com/droglenc/FSA Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). 2003. Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2107 Application for New License; Report E3 Fish, Wildlife and Botanical Resources. PG&E. 2019. Poe Bypass Reach Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan. San Ramon, CA. 33p. PG&E. 2020. 2019 Fish monitoring and summary of 15-year test flow period results, FERC License Condition No. 7. Prepared by PG&E, GANDA, Normandeau, and TRPA for PG&E. August 2020. PG&E. 2022. Poe Bypass Reach Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring 2021 Annual Report. January 2022. San Ramon, CA. Prepared by Spring Rivers Ecological Sciences LLC, Cassel, CA and FISHBIO, Chico, CA. 6.0 References 27 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2107) Poe Bypass Reach Fish Monitoring 2021 Annual Report 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, 2017. 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 Southwest Region. July 6, 2018. Van Deventer, J. S., and W. S. Platts. 1983. Sampling and estimating fish populations from streams. Transactions of the 48th North American Wildlife and Natural Resource Conference. pp. 349-354. Van Deventer, J. S. 1989. Microcomputer Software System for Generating Population Statistics from Electrofishing Data. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report INT-254. 29 p. 6.0 References 28 May 2022 Hydroelectric Project License Compliance ©2022, Pacific Gas and Electric Company P ACIFIC G AS AND E LECTRIC C OMPANY Poe Hydroelectric Project FERC ProjectNo. 2107 POE BYPASS REACH BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE MONITORING 2021ANNUALREPORT May2022 P ACIFIC G AS AND E LECTRIC C OMPANY PoeHydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2107 POE BYPASS REACH BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE MONITORING 2021ANNUALREPORT S PRING R IVERS May2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables.................................................................................................................................ii! List of Figures................................................................................................................................ii! Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................iii! 1.0!Introduction........................................................................................................................1! !! 2.0!Methods...............................................................................................................................5! !! !! !! 3.0!Results.................................................................................................................................9! !! !! 4.0!Discussion..........................................................................................................................14! 5.0!References.........................................................................................................................16! APPENDICES Table of ContentsMay2022 LIST OF TABLES ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! LIST OF FIGURES !! ! ! ! ! Table of ContentsMay2022 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Table of ContentsMay2022 1.0INTRODUCTION Poe Bypass Reach Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan Poe Bypass Fish Monitoring Report 1.0IntroductionMay2022 1.1Study Area Table 1-1.BMI monitoring GPS locations and SWAMP Station Codesfor Poe Bypass Reach monitoring and reference sites. SWAMP Branch of the Monitoring SiteStation CodeFeather RiverGPS DownstreamGPS Upstream 1.0IntroductionMay2022 Figure 1-1BMI and Physical Habitat monitoring locationsin the Poe Bypass Reach. 1.0IntroductionMay2022 Figure 1-2BMIand Physical habitat monitoring locations at reference sitesnot sampled during 2021 due to hazardous conditions. 1.0IntroductionMay2022 2.0METHODS 2.1BMI andHabitat Field Sampling 2.2BMI and Habitat Data Analysis 2.0MethodsMay2022 2.2.1BMI Metrics EPTIndex California Stream Condition Index 2.0MethodsMay2022 Table 2-1BMImetrics and their expected response to environmental disturbance. Responseto MetricDescriptionImpairment Richness Measures Composition Measures Tolerance/Intolerance Measures Functional Feeding Group Multi-metric Index 2.0MethodsMay2022 Table 2-2Scoring ranges for general interpretation of CSCI scores CSCI Scoring RangeGeneral threshold for interpretation 2.0MethodsMay2022 3.0RESULTS 3.1BMI Metrics Very Likely Altered Figure 3-1.CSCI scores for the three Poe Bypass Reach sites for Reach Wide Benthos (RWB) and Target Riffle Composite (TRC) samples. 3.0ResultsMay2022 Table 3-1Summary of metrics for RWB and TRC BMI samples collected in the Poe Bypass Reachin2021. Flea Valley CreekBBarPoe Beach Metric MeasuresRWBTRCRWBTRCRWBTRC Plan-specific Metrics Richness Composition Tolerance/Intolerance Functional Feeding Group 3.2SWAMP Physical Habitat Assessment 3.0ResultsMay2022 3.0ResultsMay2022 Table 3-2Summary of SWAMP physical habitat and water quality parameters fromFlea in the Poe Reach in2021. SWAMP Parameter MeasurementsFlea ValleyPoe Beach 3.0ResultsMay2022 Table 3-2(Cont.)Summary of SWAMP physical habitat and water quality parameters 2021. SWAMP Parameter MeasurementsFlea ValleyPoe Beach 3.0ResultsMay2022 4.0DISCUSSION Very Likely Altered 4.0DiscussionMay2022 Table 4-1EPT Index (%) comparison for the three sites in the Poe Bypass Reach monitored during the 19992002 relicensingand in 2021. Sampling Method Three-riffle Sample MeanRWBTRC Year 199920002001200220212021 Monitoring Site 4.0DiscussionMay2022 5.0REFERENCES 5.0ReferencesMay2022 5.0ReferencesMay2022 A PPENDIX A B ENTHIC M ACROINVERTEBRATE T AXA L IST 2021 A PPENDIX AB ENTHIC M ACROINVERTEBRATE T AXA L IST 2021 Appendix AMay2022 Appendix AMay2022 A PPENDIX B S ITE P HOTOGRAPHS 2021 A PPENDIX BS ITE P HOTOGRAPHS 2021 Appendix BMay2022 A PPENDIX BS ITE P HOTOGRAPHS 2021 Appendix BMay2022 A PPENDIX BS ITE P HOTOGRAPHS 2021 Appendix BMay2022 A PPENDIX C SWAMPP HYSICAL H ABITAT D ATA S HEETS 2021 From:Maher, Michael@Wildlife To:Ramirez-Doble, Sky; Lind, Amy -FS; Downey, Savannah@Waterboards; Moghaddas, Emily - FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife Cc:Joseph, Matthew; McCready, Chadwick; Reyes, Catalina Subject:RE: FERC 2107: Draft Poe 2021 Fish and BMI Monitoring Report Date:Friday, April 15, 2022 2:07:41 PM *****CAUTION: This email was sent from an EXTERNAL source. Think before clicking links or opening attachments.***** Hello Sky, CDFW has reviewed the draft 2021 Fish and BMI Monitoring reports for the Poe Hydroelectric Project and has no comments. As these surveys are the initial efforts for Block 1 we look forward to subsequent survey efforts to help determine any potential effects of the flow regime under the new license on resources within the project affected area. Thank you, 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: Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com> Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 3:37 PM To: Lind, Amy -FS <amy.lind@usda.gov>; Downey, Savannah@Waterboards <Savannah.Downey@Waterboards.ca.gov>; Moghaddas, Emily - FS <emily.moghaddas@usda.gov>; Cayo, Lori -FS <lori.cayo@usda.gov>; aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife <Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>; Maher, Michael@Wildlife <Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov> Cc: Joseph, Matthew <MWJA@pge.com>; McCready, Chadwick <COMM@pge.com>; Reyes, Catalina <CERh@pge.com> Subject: FERC 2107: Draft Poe 2021 Fish and BMI Monitoring Report WARNING: This message is from an external source. Verify the sender and exercise caution when clicking links or opening attachments. Hello everybody, Please see the attached draft 2021 Poe Fish and BMI Monitoring Reports. These reports are required by the Poe Bypass Reach Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan, which was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on April 16, 2021 and required in the Poe Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2107) license by Article 401, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Quality Condition 9, and Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 25. Please review this draft report and provide comments and/or recommendations by April 15, 2022. Those comments and/or recommendations will be incorporated into the final report, which will be filed with FERC by May 31, 2022. If PG&E does not adopt a recommendation, the filing will include PG&E’s reasons based on project specific information. If you have any questions, please let me know.