HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.26.22 Board Correspondence - FW_ Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. (2)
From:Paulsen, Shaina
To:BOS
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
Date:Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:34:15 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
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From: 'FERC eSubscription' <eSubscription@ferc.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:15 PM
Subject: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-619-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.
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On 4/26/2022, 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 Annual United States Forest Service Consultation in Accordance with Article 101 for Bucks
Creek Hydroelectric Project under P-619.
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tƚǞĻƩ DĻƓĻƩğƷźƚƓ
245 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Mailing Address:
Mail Code N11D
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, CA 94177
April 26, 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, DC 20426
RE: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA
Article 101 Annual United States Forest Service Consultation 2021
Dear Secretary Bose:
Article 101 of Pacific Gas and Electric Companys (PG&E) Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License No. 619 (Project) requires that the
licensee consult annually with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
(Forest Service) regarding measures needed to ensure protection and development of the
natural resource values of the Project area. Within two months of the meeting, the licensee is
also required to file a report of such consultation with FERC.
th
On March 9, 2022, PG&E met with the Forest Service to summarize work conducted during
2021 and to discuss upcoming work to be conducted during the 2022 calendar year for both the
Bucks Creek and Rock Creek-Cresta (FERC No. 1962) Projects. Comments and edits to the
Article 101 Report were made during the meeting and a draft-final was emailed to Forest
th
Service on March 10, 2022; but to date, no additional comments have been received.
If you have any questions, please call Senior License Coordinator, Jamie Visinoni, at
(530) 215-6676.
Sincerely,
Matthew Joseph
Interim Supervisor, Hydro Licensing
Enclosure:
1. 2021 Bucks Article 101 Annual Report
cc: Via Email
Amy Lind, USFS - amy.lind@usda.gov
Leslie Edlund, USFS - leslie.edlund@usda.gov
Damon Beck, City of Santa Clara - DBeck@SantaClaraCA.gov
Nick Van Haeften, City of Santa Clara - NVanHaeften@SantaClaraCA.gov
Steve Hance, City of Santa Clara SHance@SantaClaraca.gov
Bucks Creek Project, FERC No. 619 Article 101 Report
Summary of Consultation with the Forest Service
to Ensure Protection and Utilization of National Forest Resources
Activities Conducted in 2021
Annual Meeting on March 9, 2022, with Plans/Actions for 2022
This is a summary of items concerning the protection and development of natural resource values
in the Project area or other topics of discussion between the USDA Forest Service, Plumas
National Forest (Forest Service), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Project No. 619 licensees (Pacific Gas & Electric Company \[PG&E\] and the City of Santa
Clara). This information is prepared to support discussions under Project No. 619 license Article
101.
This report is organized by resource areas. Each area includes a summary of the FERC license
articles, background information as appropriate, and the status of that article. The actions are
determined in the consultation meeting. The following list identifies the resource areas:
1. Wildlife Resources
2. Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Special Status Species
3. Water Resources
4. Fish and Biological Aquatic Resources
5. River Sediment Management
6. Recreation and Land Use
7. Transportation and Road Use
8. Cultural Resource
9. Botanical Resources
10. Miscellaneous Subjects
1. Wildlife Resources
Article 103 Bald Eagle Management Plan. Bald Eagle monitoring is conducted
under the plan approved by FERC on 6/30/2006.
Status - Bald Eagle survey results and Bald Eagle Nesting Territory Survey Forms
were filed in 2021 with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and
with the Forest Service via email.
Plans/Actions: Annual surveys will be conducted in 2022.
Article 103 Haskins Valley/Willow Flycatcher Protection Plan. The Habitat and
Mitigation Plan for the Willow Flycatcher and Haskins Valley approved by FERC on
6/30/2006.
Status - Monitoring at Haskins Valley was conducted on September 27, 2021. The
2021 monitoring report was sent to Forest Service on October 26, 2021. The Forest
Service notified PG&E that they had no comments on the report on December 1,
2021. PG&E finalized the report with the consultation record and submitted it to
Forest Service on December 15, 2021.
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
Plans/Actions: The same sites that were monitored in 2021 will also be monitored in
2022.
2. Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Special Status Species Updates
Article 103 Special Status Plants. The 2006 Article 103 filing recommended PG&E
consult annually with the Forest Service on possible new sensitive plant species.
Status - PG&E will consult with the Forest Service annually on whether any
f
sensitive plant species. The Forest Service Region 5 Special Animal and Special
Plant lists were last updated in 2013.
Plans/Actions: Consultation March 9, 2022.
o Species Legal Status Updates
o Sierra Nevada Yellow- Legged Frog (SNYLF)
Status - Ongoing. The SNYLF was federally listed as endangered in June of 2014.
Critical Habitat has been designated, including portions of the Bucks Creek
Project. This listing will result in various project requirements related to
maintenance and activities that have the potential to affect the species. A SNYLF
Management Plan and a biological assessment have been prepared to address
ongoing operations and maintenance activities, specifically vegetation
management and pesticide use. On December 23, 2019, the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued its BO for the new license. The new
license is still in process.
o Foothill Yellow- Legged Frog (FYLF)
Status Ongoing - A petition to list FYLF under the Federal Endangered Species
Act (ESA) was submitted to USFWS on July 11, 2012. On July 1, 2015, USFWS
determined that the FYLF may warrant protection under the ESA and launched a
full status review. On December 28, 2021, the USFWS proposed listing the North
Feather Distinct Population Segment of FYLF as threatened. To date (Feb 23,
2022), no determination has been made as comments are being collected for final
review. In addition, a petition to list the species as threatened under the California
ESA was filed December 14, 2016. The California Fish and Game Commission
voted to approve the listing during their regularly scheduled meeting December
11, 2019. On February 21, 2020, the Commission adopted the findings, which
were noticed on March 10, 2020.
o Pacific Fisher
Status - Ongoing. In April 2016, the USFWS determined that Pacific fisher is not
warranted to be listed as a threatened species. The species no longer has that
status under the Federal ESA but remains a candidate for state listing and a Forest
Service sensitive species. This status could result in various project requirements
related to maintenance and other activities that may have a possible effect on the
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Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
species. On Nov. 7, 2019, the USFWS issued a revised proposed rule for the West
Coast distinct population segment (DPS) of fisher. In this revised proposal, the
USFWS proposes to list the DPS as threatened under the ESA and proposes
concurrent 4(d) rules. If the proposed rule is adopted, it could result in various
project requirements related to maintenance and other activities that may affect
Pacific fisher.
On May 15, 2020, the USFWS issued a final rule on the listing of Pacific fisher.
In this rule, the Service determined that the West Coast Distinct Population
Segment (DPS) should be divided into two separate DPS: The Northern
California Southern Oregon (NCSO) DPS, and the Southern Sierra Nevada (SSN)
DPS. The NCSO DPS is relevant to the Project, occupying areas in the Sierra
Nevada and Cascade mountains from the NF Feather River north to the Oregon
border. The SSN DPS occurs from the Merced River south to around Bakersfield.
The USFWS determined that the NCSO DPS did not meet the definition of an
endangered or threatened species. It determined that the SSN DPS did warrant
listing as an endangered species and listed it as such in accordance with the ESA.
o Western Pond Turtle (WPT)
Status - Ongoing. A petition to list the WPT under the Federal ESA was
submitted to USFWS July 11, 2012. On April 9, 2015, USFWS determined that
the WPT may warrant protection under the ESA and launched a full status review.
To this date, no final determination has been issued by USFWS. WPT is a Forest
Service sensitive species and a California Species of Special Concern. WPT has
not been observed in the project area, and PG&E currently has no data or record
of observations.
o Bats
Status No update. If applicable, update in 2021 summary. Six special status bat
species were identified as potentially present in the Project Area during
relicensing surveys big eared bat,
Spotted bat, Western red bat, Fringed myotis). None are listed under the federal
or state ESA. All were listed as California species of special concern, and pallid,
-eared and fringed myotis bats are Forest Service sensitive
-eared bat is also a candidate for listing under the
California ESA.
Plans/Actions: None
3. Water Resources
o Article 103 Water Quality. License Article 103 required PG&E to consult with the
Forest Service, conduct environmental studies and develop environmental mitigation
plans. They were submitted to FERC on April 30, 2005. An extensive water quality
monitoring program was conducted in 2005 and water reaches within the project were
found to be pristine with no concerns for water quality or temperature.
3
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
PG&E will consult with the Forest Service annually on whether water quality issues
arise, and they will be addressed through Article 101.
Status - During 2021 there were no activities related to PG&E operations that
could have impacted water quality.
Plans/Actions: None planned for 2022
4. Fish and Biological Aquatic Resources
Article 406 Erosion Control. Article 406 specifically relates to construction of the
Grizzly Powerhouse Development and the resulting disturbance and mitigation for those
specific sites and facilities. Article 406 was meant solely for the Grizzly Powerhouse
Development, as is discussed in the 1989 Environmental Assessment for the amendment.
Status No further action has taken place under Article 406 since the completion
of the Grizzly Powerhouse Development and no future actions are anticipated.
Therefore, PG&E proposes eliminating cursory Article 406 discussions in future
Article 101 reports.
Plans/Actions: No action.
5. River Sediment Management
Article 13 Annual Channel Maintenance Flows/Minimum Streamflow
Requirements. The August 1, 2006, Order Modifying and Approving Channel
Maintenance Flow Plan provides for certain levels of channel maintenance flows below
Lower Bucks Lake and Grizzly Forebay.
Status
The 2021 Annual Channel Maintenance Flow Report was filed with FERC on
July 27, 2021. Channel maintenance 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.
4
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
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 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.
Plans/Actions: No actions required in 2021 as it was a Critically Dry water year.
The next required annual Channel Maintenance Flow for Bucks Creek and
Grizzly Creek will be in 2022 if the March Bulletin 120 forecast classifies the year
. The next High Spill event (150-245cfs) will be required
in 2025.
6. Recreation and Land Use
Article 103 Shoreline Management/Shoreline Erosion Issues. In accordance with
Management Plan (SMP) under Article 103 (issued January 9, 2009) for the Bucks Creek
Project, PG&E periodically reviews the adequacy of the SMP in consultation with the
Forest Service, USFWS, CDFW, Plumas County Department of Public Works (PCDPW),
Shoreline Management Plan: FERC guidelines require that Licensees conduct an
adequacy review of their SMPs every 5 to 10 years. PG&E conducted an adequacy
review of the 2007 SMP in 2014 and determined it was adequate as written for full
compliance with applicable FERC license requirements for the Project (filed November
with License Article 103 and directed Licensees to file the next 5-year adequacy report
by January 31, 2019. In the course of completing relicensing studies and consulting with
stakeholders to prepare the Project application to FERC, the Licensees determined it was
necessary to revise the 2007 SMP. On December 28, 2018, PG&E requested an
extension to file the revised SMP by July 31, 2019. PG&E submitted a draft SMP to
many interested stakeholders including the Forest Service, USFWS, CDFW, PCDPW,
Association on February 14, 2019, for their review. In meetings held April 16 and 17,
2019, PG&E consulted with agencies, Indian tribes, Native American interest groups,
recreation residents and other stakeholders about the outline and content of the SMP. The
SMP was filed with FERC on July 26, 2019. Subsequent to that filing, PG&E received
5
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
additional comments from the Forest Service, and after further consultation with the
Forest Service, PG&E addressed the comments and revised the 2019 SMP and it was re-
filed with FERC on September 19, 2019.
Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Inspection and Enforcement:
After the 2014 Adequacy Review, PG&E conducted baseline assessments of the Project
shoreline and water surface in summer of 2015 and 2016 respectively. As of that
baseline inspection, all docks are under permit. 33 permits on National Forest System
lands, 57 on PG&E lands. One of the permits on Forest Service lands is at West End
Cove for a community dock for the use of four cabin owners. PG&E and the Forest
Service had been actively engaged with the management of the West End Cove prior to
the 2014 Adequacy Review. PG&E and Forest Service have offered the community dock
residents a mutually acceptable solution regarding the West End Cove dock. The Forest
Service sent the offer (Forest Service letter dated Feb 27, 2015) to the group on March 2,
2015. The group has not altered the dock configurations from the status quo in the last
several seasons, so it is assumed that the group is keeping the status quo option. Forest
Service will also be working with the cabin owners in this area to eliminate the storage of
personal property (boats and other recreation related items) on the shoreline.
Other issues identified during the 2015-2016 baseline inspections include unpermitted
structures, prohibited activities, and the placement of unauthorized temporary buoys.
Those deficiencies/discrepancies with the SMP were noted and a table was developed to
track private use of the shoreline for both PG&E and Forest Service tenants as well as
updated dock and buoy management information. The inspections conducted in 2015 and
2016 will serve as a complete baseline to be reviewed and updated yearly. The
inspection was repeated in 2017 and subsequent years, with all data recorded in the above
noted table.
Status
PG&E patrolled both the PG&E and Forest Service residential lots in July of 2021
to inspect and document current shoreline conditions and check for compliance
with the current SMP. Residential docks and buoys were tagged/re-tagged as
necessary. PG&E documented Forest Service lots that have SMP compliance
issues for Forest Service to address with their tenants. PG&E Land Agents ensure
compliance with the SMP and associated Residential Rules and Regulations with
PG&E Tenants as needed. These issues are discussed annually with the Forest
Service.
Plans/Actions: PG&E awaiting FERC approval of the 2019 Shoreline
Management Plan. PG&E plans to conduct annual shoreline inspections in the
summer of 2022.
Articles 103 Recreation. License Article 103 required PG&E to consult with the
Forest Service, conduct environmental studies and develop environmental mitigation
plans. FERC concurred with PG&E recreation enhancement recommendations in 2006.
6
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
PG&E will consult with the Forest Service annually on recreation issues that arise, and
they will be addressed through Article 101.
Status:
2021 Recreation Facilities Affected by Project Work, COVID-19, and Wildfire:
The Grizzly Forebay Campground remained closed
Valley Campground was opened to the public in late May of 2021. Initially, the
campsites were strategically opened to minimize crowding and maintain social
distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, the campground was
opened completely based on updated health agency guidance. The entire area was
placed under emergency evacuation orders due to the Dixie Fire on July 18, 2021.
The Regional Office of the US Forest Service issued a temporary closure of the
Plumas National Forest effective August 22, 2021, through September 06, 2021.
The Plumas Forest issued a Dixie Fire Closure Order effective September 19,
2021, through November 30, 2021. The area campgrounds were not able to
reopen in 2021 due to the evacuation orders, emergency response activities, road
closures, emergency closure orders, et cetera.
Existing Recreation Facility Maintenance
PG&E and the Forest Service have had ongoing discussions regarding existing
recreation facility concerns since 2018. Below are status updates on open
recreation facility concerns from previous Article 101 Meetings:
Sandy Point Boat Dock
2018 - Given that this is the only public dock on the reservoir, PG&E
proposed to move forward with funding the repair of the boat ramp
courtesy dock at Sandy Point.
2019 PG&E found a qualified contractor that could perform the work in
compliance with contractor safety requirements.
2020 The contract to support this work was executed in January 2020
and the dock replacement work took place on October 13, 2020.
2021
May 20, 2021, and maintained as needed until the July 18, 2021,
in October of 2021 to remove the dock from the reservoir and winterized it
at the top of the ramp.
Lower Bucks Day Use Area (DUA) Road/Parking Lot
2018 - PG&E planned to visit the site as soon as it was accessible in 2018
to assess a cost effective and reasonable solution to halt erosion caused by
7
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
inadequate drainage and preclude unauthorized vehicle access to the shore.
An invitation will also be extended to the Forest Service for this site visit.
Pending that assessment, PG&E proposed to commit a couple days of
labor to resolve immediate issues at the site but requested the Forest
Service provide any materials needed for the work. Any plan to improve
the site will attempt to utilize existing materials, such as the use of hazard
tree removals as vehicle barriers and to take into consideration future
improvements envisioned for the site in a new license so that efforts are
not duplicated. PG&E met with Forest Service staff to discuss
improvements at the Lower Bucks DUA in late May 2018. Email
correspondence followed but ultimately a repair plan was not settled upon
in 2018. The Forest Service brought in truckloads of gravel to address
some of the areas along the road and parking lot that had eroded away.
Additional repairs to Lower Bucks DUA Road were planned for 2020 in
conjunction with the Lower Bucks Dam Repair and Grizzly Subsurface
Debris removal projects slated for summer 2020.
Update Repairs to Lower Bucks DUA were started in 2020, gravel had
been staged in the DUA parking lot for use on the parking lot and access
road. However, PG&E was unable to complete the repairs in 2020 and
returned as soon as possible after the snow melt in 2021. The outstanding
work was completed in late June and PG&E provided email notification
and photographs of the completed work to the Forest Service on July 01,
2021. This stand-alone item was resolved in 2021 and PG&E does not
anticipate its inclusion in future Article 101 reports.
Grizzly Forebay Trail
Heavy Maintenance to the trails at Grizzly Forebay Campground Trail is
scheduled for the first year after issuance of a new license for the project.
PG&E does not see an urgent need to perform this current maintenance
work prior to a new license and considers the proposed timeframe to be
reasonable. However, the Forest Service expressed concerns that the trail
condition may pose a public safety issue.
In late 2018, the canopy around the trail was improved and light trail
maintenance was performed (smoothing/raking) by PG&E at the Grizzly
Forebay Trail.
Update If desired by the Forest Service, PG&E/O&M can participate in
a site visit with the Forest Service in 2022 to further evaluate trail needs
and discuss environmental clearances that may be needed if more
significant repairs are deemed necessary.
Plans/Actions: Sandy Point Boat Dock placed into service and maintained as
needed by contractor in 2022. If requested, Grizzly Forebay Trail site visit with
Forest Service (Leslie Edlund, et al) in 2022.
8
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
Article 408 Visual Resources. Article 408 specifically relates to construction of the
Grizzly Powerhouse Development and the resulting disturbance and mitigation for those
specific sites and facilities. Article 408 was meant solely for the Grizzly Powerhouse
Development, as is discussed in the 1989 Environmental Assessment for the amendment.
No further action has taken place under Article 408 since the completion of the Grizzly
Powerhouse Development and no future actions are anticipated. Therefore, PG&E
proposes eliminating cursory Article 408 discussions in future Article 101 reports.
Status No further action has taken place under Article 408 since the completion
of the Grizzly Powerhouse Development.
Plans/Actions: No action.
7. Transportation and Road Use
o Road Use Agreement
Status The annual RMA meeting was held on April 13, 2021. Discussions
included updating the existing Road Management Agreement (RMA) and annual
reporting of planned maintenance activities. Final road designations were
established during the relicensing process to determine which roads belong in
either the license plan or RMA. Efforts to coordinate changes to the multiple
licenses involved in the RMA have been ongoing. PG&E developed draft updated
roads maps and lists and provided these during the 2018 meeting with Forest
Service RMA staff. Chris Frappier (Forest Service) and Mike Momber had
ongoing RMA revision discussions since the 2019 RMA meeting and made all the
amendments and decisions that could be managed alone. The agreed-upon next
step was for the Forest Service to review these materials and convene an RMA
update meeting to discuss the progress to date and to reach an agreement on the
path forward. PG&E will look for follow up communications and/or invitations
from the Forest Service in 2022.
The plan for 2022 is to hold the annual RMA meeting in April, continue annual
road maintenance activity notifications to the Forest Service using the RMA
tracking spreadsheet on the Forest Service SharePoint site, and discuss the next
steps in the RMA update process, including an in-person meeting if possible. The
2022 annual RMA Meeting is scheduled for April 12, and it is likely to be a
virtual meeting only.
Plans/Actions:
Hold annual RMA meeting on April 12, 2022.
9
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
Continue to use the tracking spreadsheet on the Forest Service SharePoint
and/or to provide email notifications to Forest Service staff for emergent,
ad hoc RMA work.
8. Cultural Resources
Article 41 Cultural Resources. Article 41 allowed the ongoing use of flashboards on
Bucks and 3 Lakes. It required consultation with the Forest Service and the SHPO and
implementation of appropriate mitigation for anticipated effects to CA-PLU-115
(increased impacts due to higher water surface elevation, wave action, etc.).
Status No further action has taken place under Article 41 since the completion
of the above-listed activities.
Plans/Actions: None
Article 103 Cultural Resources. This article required due diligence for cultural
resources prior to the development/expansion activities planned at the following
facilities: West End Cove/Indian Rocks, Sundew Campground, Lower Bucks Lake
Camping Sites, Mill Creek Campground, Hutchins Group Camp, Bucks Creek Inlet
Trailhead, and Rainbow Point Trail.
Status No development or expansion activities were planned in the above listed
facilities.
Plans/Actions: None
Article 409 Cultural Resources. Article 409 specifically relates to construction of the
Grizzly Powerhouse Development and the resulting disturbance and mitigation for those
specific sites and facilities. Article 409 was meant solely for the Grizzly Powerhouse
Development, as is discussed in the 1989 Environmental Assessment for the amendment.
No further action has taken place under Article 409 since the completion of the Grizzly
Powerhouse Development and no future actions are anticipated. Therefore, PG&E
proposes eliminating cursory Article 409 discussions in future Article 101 reports.
Status No further action has taken place under Article 409 since the completion
of the Grizzly Powerhouse Development.
Plans/Actions: No action.
9. Botanical Resources
Article 103/102 Noxious Weed Control and Monitoring Program/Use of Pesticides
and Herbicides. The Noxious Weed Control and Prevention Plan was approved by
FERC on 6/30/2006 (Article 103). Based on the results of initial surveys, in 2008 PG&E
presented a Noxious Weed Management Strategy to the Forest Service, titled Bucks
10
Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
Creek Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 619 Vegetation Management Strategy for
Noxious Weeds within the Plumas National Forest. Based on the recommendations in
the Strategy, PG&E performs target noxious weed control activities including post-
treatment monitoring.
Status - In 2021 a comprehensive survey of the project area was implemented.
Treatments in 2021 were based on the results of those surveys. Grid cells with known
occurrences in the project were treated with manual methods July 13-14, 2021.
August post-treatment monitoring was cancelled due to the Plumas National Forest
closures associated with the Dixie Fire. The results of those treatments will be
documented in the 2022 Annual Monitoring Report. The 2021 comprehensive survey
report and 2021 annual monitoring report were sent to Forest Service on October 26,
2021. The Forest Service provided PG&E with comments on November 10, 2021.
PG&E addressed Forest Service comments, finalized the report with the consultation
record, and submitted it to Forest Service on December 15, 2021.
Plans/Actions: A new comprehensive survey for noxious weeds was conducted in
2021. Treatments and monitoring in the future will be based on this comprehensive
survey. Annual noxious weed treatment and monitoring will continue in 2022.
10. Miscellaneous Conditions/Subjects
o Project Update:
o Grizzly Forebay Dam Access Improvement, summer 2021 summer 2022
Grizzly Dam is only accessible during the summer/early fall.
PG&E/FERC/DSOD had identified several access and safety issues at Grizzly
Forebay Dam that need to be addressed for operations, maintenance, dam safety
inspectors, survey personnel and to improve general safety. This project has been
phased over 2 construction seasons:
Phase 1 (2021)
Installed a guardrail on the downstream side of Grizzly Dam (left of the
spillway)
Improved the ladder access locking mechanism (left abutment)
Improved the footpath and cut-in stairs to the toe of the dam (left of the
spillway)
Improved the footpath between the boat landing and the left dam abutment
and installed new stairs to access the dam.
Phase 2 work remaining to complete scheduled for June November 2022;
Install stairs to the settlement monitoring survey benchmark (left of left
abutment)
Install stairs to the low-level outlet (right abutment).
o Milk Ranch Conduit, Diversion 3 Repair, late summer 2024
PG&E performed additional geotechnical investigations in 2021. Geotech review
will continue in 2022 with design and permitting efforts, if necessary, continuing
into 2023. Construction initiation is tentatively planned for mid-late summer of
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Article 101 Report
Bucks Creek, FERC Project 619
March 9, 202022,nnual Forest Service Meeting
2024 pending any necessary reviews/approvals and FERC authorization. This
project has been redesigned as the initial design was no longer feasible. The new
design required fill and a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).
The project permits were issued but due to budget constraints and the need for
FERC approval, the project was postponed.
o Haskins Boat Ramp, fall 2021 and fall 2023
To avoid recreation impacts, construction was scheduled after Labor Day and
would need to occur over two construction seasons. Repairs were initially planned
for Fall of 2021 and 2022. During the 2021 construction season, the above water
work was completed to include drainage improvements and installation of the
new parking area. Due to fire and weather-related delays in restoring Grizzly
Powerhouse transmission, PG&E will not be able to lower the lake level to
support working in the dry in 2022. PG&E expects the remaining work will need
to be shifted to Fall 2023 when the Grizzly Powerhouse should be back online and
able to move water at full capacity.
o Lower Bucks Spillway Reconstruction, 2022/2023
This project is in the review and approval phase with FERC and DSOD. Section
106 and Section 7 compliance efforts are ongoing. PG&E met virtually with
Forest Service staff in 2021 to introduce the project and discuss anticipated
coordination moving forward. A complete notification package and Project
Description were transmitted to the Forest Service in January 2022. Tree removals
would be required in the construction footprint. Road closures, traffic controls,
and restricted public access are anticipated along the northern and southern shores
of Lower Bucks Reservoir. PG&E requested Forest Service direction on
coordination with the organization camps. The Forest Service may choose to
initiate three-way consultations with PG&E and the organization camps.
Alternatively, PG&E is willing to initiate consultation with the organization
camps if the Forest Service is amenable to this approach. The proposed
construction start is 2022, pending necessary reviews and approvals and FERC
authorization.
o Lower Bucks Downstream Face Dam Repair Possible Construction 2024
A Condition Assessment and Finite Element Analysis has been completed for
Bucks Diversion dam. This information will support the design criteria for the
downstream facing project, which is currently scheduled to follow immediately
after completion of the spillway reconstructing. Possible construction start date of
2024, with an expectation of a two-season project.
o Grizzly Dam Repair Possible Construction 2022/23
Spanning 2018 - 2021, PG&E performed a concrete condition assessment of the
Grizzly Forebay Dam. The assessment will be filed with FERC and DSOD for
review and next steps in spring 2022.
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