HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.13.2024 Board Correspondence - FW_ DOCKET CHANGE- Annual Water Quality_Minimum Flow submitted in FERC P-619-164 by Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyFrom:Clerk of the Board
To:Bennett, Robin; Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod; Kitts, Melissa; Lee, Lewis; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen; Teeter, Doug; Zepeda,
Elizabeth; Loeser, Kamie
Cc:Nevers, Dawn
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: DOCKET CHANGE- Annual Water Quality/Minimum Flow submitted in FERC P-619-164 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Date:Tuesday, May 14, 2024 8:31:17 AM
Please see Board correspondence -
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Subject: DOCKET CHANGE- Annual Water Quality/Minimum Flow submitted in FERC P-619-164 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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On 4/29/2024, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.:
Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Docket(s): P-619-164
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Annual Water Quality/Minimum Flow
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits Annual Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report for Water Year 2023 re the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project under P-619.
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April 29, 2024 Via Electronic Submittal (E-File) Debbie-Anne Reese , Acting Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance 888 First Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20426 RE: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA Annual Bucks Creek Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report , Water Year 2023 Dear Secretary Reese: This letter presents the 2023 Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report (Annual Hydrology Summary
Report for Water Year 2023) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Bucks Creek
Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. 619. FERC issued a new
license for the Bucks Creek Project on June 16, 2022. License Article 401(c) requires the licensees to
file compliance reports required by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 401 Water
Quality Certification (WQC) conditions and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service’s (“Forest
Service”) section 4(e) conditions with the Commission. The Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report (Annual Hydrology Summary Report) compiles and summarizes data required to meet the following SWRCB 401 WQC and Forest Service
section 4(e) conditions: • WQC Condition 1 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 31 - Annual Report on
Minimum Instream Flow Compliance • WQC Condition 3 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 37 - Annual Report on
Drawdown of Three Lakes • WQC Condition 4 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 34 - Annual Report on
Channel Maintenance Flows • WQC Condition 13 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 39 – Annual Report on
Streamflow and Reservoir Level • WQC Condition 6 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 35 – 5 Year Spill
Management Report • WQC Condition 9 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 33 – Milk Ranch Conduit
Closure Report Article 401(c) states that compliance reports required by the SWRCB WQC or Forest Service 4(e)
conditions be filed annually with FERC on or between May 1 and May 3 1 of the following water year. As required by SWRCB WQC Condition 1, PG&E provided preliminary streamflow gaging report data
via email to the SWRCB on December 15, 2023 , no comments were received . PG&E provided a Draft
Streamflow Gaging Report to the Forest Service, SWRCB, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by email on January 31 , 2024 . Over
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Debbie-Anne Reese , Acting Secretary April 29, 2024 Page 2
45 days was allowed for review and comment. Forest Service provided a comment, which was incorporated into the report. No other comments were received. The final Annual Hydrology Summary Report for Water Year 2023 is provided in Enclosure 1 .
Documentation of agency consultation is included as Attachment 4 of Enclosure 1. For questions, please contact Jamie Visinoni, senior license coordinator for PG&E, at (530) 215-6676. Sincerely, Matthew Joseph Supervisor, Hydro License Compliance Enclosure: 1. 2023 Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report (Annual Hydrology Summary Report for Water
Year 2023), prepared by PG&E and dated January 2023 cc: via email w/Enclosure Erik Ekdahl (SWRCB) – erik.ekdahl@waterboards.ca.gov Bryan Muro (SWRCB) – Bryan.muro@Waterboards.ca.gov Nathan Fisch (SWRCB) – Nathan.fisch@waterboards.ca.gov Leslie Edlund (Forest Service) – Leslie.edlund@usda.gov Erika Brenzovich (Forest Service) – Erika.brenzovich@usda.gov Kurt Sable (Forest Service) – Kurt.sable@usda.gov Dawn Alvarez (Forest Service) - Dawn.alvarez@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 Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Public
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project
FERC Project No. 619
Water Year 2023
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
January 2024
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
1 | Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ 1
SECTION 2.0 PROJECT GAGE INFORMATION ............................................................ 4
SECTION 3.0 STREAMFLOW DATA ............................................................................... 10
3.1 Water Year Type (Cond. 7 and Cond. No. 30)
3.2 Annual Report on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance (Cond. 1 & Cond. No. 31)
3.3 Annual Report on Drawdown of Three Lakes (Cond. 3 and Cond. No. 37)
3.4 Annual Report on Channel Maintenance Flows (Cond. 4 and Cond. No. 34)
3.5 Annual Report on Streamflow and Reservoir Level (Cond. 13 and Cond. No. 39)
3.6 5 Year Spill Management Report (Cond. 6 and Cond. No. 35)
3.7 Milk Ranch Conduit Closure (Cond. 9 and Cond. No. 33)
SECTION 4.0 DEVIATIONS ............................................................................................... 13
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Flow Gaging Location .......................................................................................9
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Project-Related PG&E Flow and Reservoir Gages ...........................................4
Table 2. 2023 DWR Bulletin 120 Forecasted Feather River Inflow into Lake
Oroville ............................................................................................................10
Table 3. Spills to Bucks Creek .......................................................................................11
Table 4. Spills to Grizzly Creek .....................................................................................11
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1. Draft Streamflow and Reservoir Data in USGS Format
Attachment 2. Inspection Site Summary for Sites with Manual Valve Setting
Attachment 3. Reservoir Elevation Daily Values
Attachment 4. Consultation Documentation
Attachment 5. Comment Response Matrix
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
2 | Page
SECTION 1.0
Reporting Requirements
On June 16, 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a new license for
Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619.
License Article 401(c) requires the licensees to file compliance reports required by State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) conditions and U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service’s (“Forest Service”) section 4(e) conditions with the
Commission. The Bucks Creek Streamflow Data Report (Annual Hydrology Summary Report)
compiles and summarizes data required to meet the following WQC and Forest Service section
4(e) conditions:
Condition 1 of the WQC and Condition No. 31 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit an Annual
Report on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance. As stated in the condition:
The Licensees shall submit a draft annual report (from the prior water year) to the Forest
Service, State Water Board, USFWS, and CDFW, for their review and comment by January
31. For the purpose of reporting compliance with the instream flow requirement, daily
mean data shall be included in the report for all continuously gaged locations. Continuous
15-minute or hourly flow data in DSS format (or comparable format) will be provided to
the Forest Service, State Water Board, USFWS, and CDFW upon request.
At locations with flow releases based on manual valve settings, the Licensees shall provide
a report including:
• The dates the Licensees checked the outlet works/valves at each site during the time
the Licensees first accessed each site (starting approximately in April) until
November 1;
• The estimated flow released at the time the valve was checked in comparison to the
flow requirement as shown in Table 1 of this Condition;
• Documentation of any adjustments made at each site at the time the outlet
works/valves were checked; and
• The date the valves were adjusted for the Winter Setting (WS) or minimum over-
winter valve settings at Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes and at Milk Ranch
Conduit Diversion No. 1, respectively.
Condition 3 of the WQC and Condition No. 37 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report on the
Annual Drawdown of Three Lakes. As stated in the condition:
By January 31, the Licensees shall provide the Forest Service, State Water Board, USFWS,
and CDFW, a report documenting the following:
• The WSE of Lower Three Lakes on or about August 15;
• The date the Licensees initiated the drawdown of Three Lakes;
• The date when minimum pool was reached at Lower Three Lakes; and
• The date when the outlet valve was fully opened to the “Winter Setting.”
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
3 | Page
Condition 4 of the WQC and Condition No. 34 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report on the
Annual Channel Maintenance Flows. As stated in the condition:
The Licensees shall prepare a report for each year that a channel maintenance flow is
released in either Bucks Creek or Grizzly Creek. The report shall include data on the
timing, magnitude, and duration of the flow(s); any turbidity data collected; and any
observations made by operations and maintenance (O&M) personnel.
The Licensees shall submit a draft of the report to the Forest Service, State Water Board,
USFWS, and CDFW, for their review and comment by January 31 of the following year.
The Licensees shall allow the above-listed agencies at least 45 days to provide their input
on the draft report.
Condition 13 of the WQC and Condition No. 39 of the 4(e) required PG&E to create a Streamflow
Gaging Plan, which was approved by FERC with issuance of the new license on June 16, 2022.
As stated in the plan:
By January 31 of each year, the Licensees will file with FERC a streamflow and reservoir
level report. The report will include the following data for the preceding water year
(October 1 through September 30):
1) for each gage that monitors compliance with conditions in the FERC license,
flow and reservoir elevation data of appropriate time step in electronic format (i.e.,
on digital versatile disk or similar format);
2) for ungaged locations, the dates the Licensees set the outlet works/valves for
each site based on water year type during the time the Licensees first accessed each
site (starting approximately in April) until November 1 (or until the winter setting
was established); and
3) a description of any deviations from the flow and reservoir level requirements in
the license.
Condition 6 of the WQC and Condition No. 35 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report on
spill management after License Year Five or all three ramping scenarios have been implemented.
As stated in the Condition:
Stream stage and calculated flow shall be monitored in Bucks Creek downstream of
Lower Bucks Lake Dam and in Grizzly Creek downstream of Grizzly Forebay Dam for
the first five years of the License, or until all three ramping scenarios outlined in the
above tables are implemented, whichever may come first. Flow measurement methods
are described in the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan (Condition No. 39).
After License Year Five, the Licensees shall compile a report that documents the effects
of implementation of the measure on instream flow conditions in Bucks Creek, Grizzly
Creek, and the NFFR. The report shall also provide recommendations to improve the
Licensees’ compliance with this measure.
Condition 9 of the WQC and Condition No. 33 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit report on Milk
Ranch Conduit Closure. As stated in the condition:
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
4 | Page
If the Bucks Lake elevation is 5,142 ft above msl or greater (as measured by PG&E Gage
NF16) at the time of a Wet water year determination per the April Bulletin 120 forecast
(Condition 7), the Licensees shall temporarily close (i.e., bypass) the following Milk
Ranch Conduit Diversions within two business days, or as soon as reasonably accessible,
from the publication date of the April Bulletin 120 forecast through August 15:
• PG&E Diversion No. 1 (Milk Ranch Creek)
• PG&E Diversion No. 2 (North Fork Grouse Hollow Creek)
By January 31, if flows were bypassed in the prior year, the Licensees shall provide the
Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and State Water Board staff a report documenting the
dates when the Licensees closed and reopened the Milk Ranch Conduit diversion valves.
After consulting with and incorporating any comments from the Forest Service, CDFW,
USFWS, and State Water Board staff, the Licensees shall file a final report on the Milk
Ranch Conduit closure with the Deputy Director, as specified in Condition 25. The
Licensees shall review the results of the Milk Ranch Conduit closure report at the annual
ECG meeting (Condition 22).
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
5 | Page
SECTION 2.0
Project Gage Information
Licensees own and operates all the gages listed in Table 1 and Figure 1 that are used to document
compliance with minimum streamflows and reservoir elevations required by the FERC license.
PG&E reviews flow and elevation data daily via a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) system and its Hydrologic Data Storage and Retrieval Software (HYDSTRA) for
operations and to ensure compliance. PG&E verifies stage accuracy using a staff gage during site
visits, and submits site visit records to USGS for annual review. PG&E and USGS are each
required to make a minimum of two low-flow measurements per year to validate gage data.
PG&E and USGS provide data quality control. For the cross-listed PG&E and USGS gages listed
in Table 1, PG&E and USGS verify the stage-to-discharge relationship by making streamflow
measurements to capture changing conditions. Data logger gage height is verified with outside
staff gages monthly. Each year, a mean-daily flow summary, station analysis and description, shift
rationale, gage height corrections, current meter measurement summary, field data sheets, datum
adjustments, rating tables, and hydrographs for the entire water year are submitted to USGS. Every
3-5 years, gage benchmarks, staff gages, point-of-zero flow, and water-surface elevation (WSE)
are surveyed to determine if there has been any movement in the reference elevations.
Gage data are processed and stored using HYDSTRA software. Rating tables are created in
HYDSTRA within the software program where HYDSTRA plots stage-to-discharge relationships
based on streamflow measurements made during stream gage rating checks on a log-log graph,
drawing a best-fit curve, and interpolating between graphical points on the curve. Manual
adjustments can be made to the software-derived rating curves by the hydrographer when needed.
New ratings are rare due to the stability of the concrete weir boxes and bedrock or boulder
dominated channels.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
6 | Page
PG&E
Gage ID USGS No. Gage Name1
Approximate
Location
Location Description
Gage Type
and Range
Data
Collection
and
Reporting3
License
Complian
ce
Period of Record
Latitud
e2
Longitu
de2 Start End
NF20 11403700 Bucks Creek
Powerhouse, near
Storrie
39°54’3
9”
121°19’3
7”
Bucks Creek
Powerhouse located on
east bank of the NFFR,
approx. 0.2 miles
downstream of the Bucks
Creek confluence
Calculated,
Powerhouse
Rating Curve,
full range of
flows
Continuous
15-min
collection
Manageabl
e spill
ramping
rates
1980-10-
01
Present
NF22 11404300 Grizzly Creek
below Grizzly
Diversion Dam
39°53’2
9”
121°17’3
5”
Gage and weir are
located on Grizzly Creek
~0.2 miles downstream
of Grizzly Forebay Dam
Weir and
Water-stage
recorder,
standard rating
below GH
1.05 ft, above
is based on
current meter
measurements
and Grizzly
Forebay
spillway
discharge.
Continuous
15-min
collection5
Instream
flow
Channel
maintenanc
e flow
Manageabl
e spill
ramping
rates
1985-09-
30
Present
NF82 114035304
Bucks Creek
below Bucks
Diversion Dam,
near Bucks Lodge
39°54’1
6”
121°13’4
7”
Lower Bucks Lake Dam
low level outlet, just
upstream of the Howell-
Bunger valve
Ultrasonic
flow meter,
full range of
flows
Continuous
15-min
collection
Instream
flow
1990-09-
30 Present
NF108 11404240 Grizzly
Powerhouse
39°53'21
"
121°16'4
4"
In Grizzly Powerhouse
located on north shore of
Grizzly Forebay near
upstream end of forebay.
Ultrasonic
flow meter,
full range of
flows
Continuous
15-min
collection
Manageabl
e spill
ramping
rates
1993-10-
01 Present
GR16 -- Grizzly Creek
above NFFR N/A N/A
Temporary, seasonal
gage installed just
upstream of the NFFR
confluence
Water-stage
and
temperature
recorder
Intermittent
-Summer
Water
temperatur
e
monitoring
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
7 | Page
PG&E
Gage ID USGS No. Gage Name1
Approximate
Location
Location Description
Gage Type
and Range
Data
Collection
and
Reporting3
License
Complian
ce
Period of Record
Latitud
e2
Longitu
de2 Start End
MR16 -- Milk Ranch Creek
above NFFR N/A N/A
Temporary, seasonal
gage installed just
upstream of the NFFR
confluence
Water-stage
and
temperature
recorder
Intermittent
-Summer
Water
temperatur
e
monitoring
BUCKS16 Bucks Creek
above NFFR N/A N/A
Temporary, seasonal
gage installed just
upstream of the NFFR
confluence
Water-stage
and
temperature
recorder
Intermittent
-Summer
Water
temperatur
e
monitoring
MR2
(new)
Milk Ranch Creek
below Three
Lakes Reservoir
-- -- Three Lakes low level
outlet valve. Rating Curve
Manual
measureme
nt
Instream
flow -- --
MRC1
(new) --
Milk Ranch Creek
at Milk Ranch
Conduit Diversion
No. 1
-- --
Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 1 sand
trap valve
Rating Curve
Manual
measureme
nt
Instream
Flow -- --
MRC3
(new) --
South Fork
Grouse Hollow
Creek at Milk
Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 3
-- --
Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 3 sand
trap valve
Rating Curve
Manual
measureme
nt
Instream
Flow -- --
BUCKS2
(new) --
Bucks Creek
below Bucks
Lake Dam
-- --
Upper Bucks Lake Dam
low level outlet HB
valve, (new valve)
Rating Curve
Manual
measureme
nt
Instream
Flow -- --
NF11 11403450 Milk Ranch
Conduit at Outlet
39°54’0
9”
121°13’3
6”
Stilling well and staff
gage are located in a
sand trap approximately
200 feet upstream of the
conduit outlet.
Water-stage
recorder, full
range of flows
Continuous,
15-min
collection
1969-10-
01 Present
NF40 11404100
Bucks Creek
Tunnel Outlet
near Storrie
39°53’0
3”
121°13’4
2” N/A N/A N/A 1976-10-
01
1994-09-
29
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
8 | Page
PG&E
Gage ID USGS No. Gage Name1
Approximate
Location
Location Description
Gage Type
and Range
Data
Collection
and
Reporting3
License
Complian
ce
Period of Record
Latitud
e2
Longitu
de2 Start End
NF10 11403300 Three Lakes
Reservoir
39°58’0
5”
121°13’2
0”
Staff gage is located on
upstream face of Three
Lakes Dam.
Staff gage and
proposed new
water-stage
recorder
Manual
measureme
nt
(Continuou
s, 15-min
collection
upon
installation
of water-
stage
recorder)
Reservoir
Elevation
No data
available
on line
NF12 114035303 Lower Bucks
Lake Spillway
39°54’1
6”
121°13’4
7” Same as NF13.
Calculated,
Spillway
Rating Curve,
full range of
flows
Continuous,
15-min
collection
Channel
maintenanc
e flow
Manageabl
e spill
ramping
rate
1990-09-
30
Present
NF13 11403520
Lower Bucks
Lake near Bucks
Lodge
39°54'16
"
121°13'4
7"
Gage is located at outlet
tower just upstream of
Bucks Diversion Dam.
Water-stage
recorder
Continuous,
15-min
collection
Reservoir
Elevation
1985-09-
30
Present
NF16 11403500
(BCL7)
Bucks Lake near
Bucks Lodge
39°53’4
5”
121°12’0
8”
Gage is located at outlet
tower just upstream of
Bucks Storage Dam.
Water-stage
recorder
Continuous,
15-min
collection4
Reservoir
Elevation
1928-10-
01
Present
NF19 11404250
Grizzly (Forebay)
Ck. Diversion
near Storrie
39°53’3
2”
121°17’2
5”
Gage is located at outlet
tower just upstream of
Grizzly Forebay Dam.
Water-stage
recorder
Continuous,
15-min
collection
Reservoir
Elevation
1986-09-
30
Present
Notes: -- = Not Applicable
N/A = Not Available
1. Official USGS Gage Name, refer to Location Description column for spatial description of gage location.
2. Referenced to North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27)
3. Continuous flow data will be reported to the USGS as mean daily flows (i.e., 24-hour average). Intermittent water temperature data will be collected mid-June through mid-
September and data reported as part of PG&E’s Rock Creek-Cresta Project (FERC No. 1962) Water Temperature Monitoring Plan. Manual measurements will be collected
when on-site for maintenance activities, and reported annually.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
9 | Page
4. USGS gage represents the sum of NF12 and NF82. NFC12 is calculated by combining the flowmeter record from a gage located within the Bucks Diversion Dam low level
outlet (NF82) with the Bucks Diversion Dam spillway discharge record (NF12), which is a calculated measurement based on the Lower Bucks Lake gage height record
(NF13).
5. Data will be upload to California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR’s) California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) website (https://cdec.water.ca.gov/)
6. Gages may be deployed as part PG&E’s Rock Creek-Cresta Project (FERC No. 1962) Water Temperature Monitoring Plan.
7. CDEC Site ID.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
10 | Page
Figure 1. Flow and Reservoir Gaging Locations
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
11 | Page
SECTION 3.0
Streamflow Data
3.1 Water Year Type
The water year type (WYT) for 2023 was based on the California Department of Water Resources
(DWR) water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather River at Oroville as set forth in
DWR’s Bulletin 120. The Bulletin 120 for May 2023 forecast the total annual inflow to Oroville
Reservoir at 6,720 thousand-acre-feet (TAF) and classified it as a wet year under the provisions of
Condition 30 of the WQC and Condition No. 7 of the 4(e). The water year types are defined as
follows:
• Wet: Greater than or equal to 5,679 thousand acre-feet (TAF) inflow to Oroville
• Normal: Less than 5,679 TAF but greater than or equal to 3,228 TAF inflow to Oroville
• Dry: Less than 3,228 TAF but greater than or equal to 2,505 TAF inflow to Oroville
• Critically Dry: Less than 2,505 TAF inflow to Oroville
Table 2. 2023 DWR Bulletin 120 Forecasted Feather River Inflow into Lake Oroville
Month
Water Year Forecast
(TAF) Percent of Average
Water Year
Classification
February 5,095 117% Normal
March 5,545 128% Normal
April 6,830 157% Wet
May 6,720 155% Wet
3.2 Annual Report on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance (Cond. 1 and
Cond. No. 31)
Condition 1 of the WQC and Condition No. 31 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit an Annual
Report on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance.
There were no deviations from the minimum instream flows outlined in Condition 1 of the WQC
or Condition No. 31 of the 4(e). Instream flow data is provided in the following Attachments:
• Attachment 1 provides gage data in USGS format for all continuously monitored gaged
locations.
• Attachment 2 provides the annual inspection summary for sites with manual valve
settings to document IFR Compliance
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
12 | Page
3.3 Annual Report on Drawdown of Three Lakes (Cond. 3 and Cond. No.
37)
Condition 3 of the WQC and Condition No. 37 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report on the
Annual Drawdown of Three Lakes Reservoir. The drawdown is initiated between August 15 and
September 15 to prevent the dewatering of brook trout redds.
The water surface elevation (WSE) of Lower Three Lakes on August 14, 2023 was 6069.69’.
Drawdown of Three Lakes reservoir began a day early this year, in order to accommodate tree
removal operations along the access road. Three Lakes is located within the Dixie Fire burn
scar. Prior to this drawdown setting, 3.7 cfs was drafting from the lake via the low level outlet
(LLO). Following setting the draft release, 10.5 cfs was being spilled at MRC1. On August 31,
MRC1 was found spilling 8.4 cfs, and increased to 10.5 cfs. Minimum pool was reached on
September 8, 2023. It should be noted that Three Lakes doesn’t reach zero storage, due to mild
debris upon the grizzly crest, natural inflow and rainfall. Less than 10 ac/ft is used as the
threshold for minimum pool.
The Three Lakes outlet valve was fully opened to the Winter Setting on November 1, 2023.
Three Lakes Daily Value Compliance Summary data is provided in the following Attachments:
• Attachment 2 provides the annual inspection summary/field observations/dates
• Attachment 3 provides Reservoir Elevation Daily Values
3.4 Annual Report on Channel Maintenance Flows (Cond. 4 and Cond.
No. 34)
Condition 4 of the WQC and Condition No. 34 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report on the
Annual Channel Maintenance Flows for each year that a channel maintenance flow is released to
Bucks Creek or Grizzly Creek.
Channel maintenance flows to Bucks Creek and Grizzly Creek were required by the Bucks Creek
license in 2023 as it was a wet water year.
The following spills of greater than 18 hours duration occurred at Lower Bucks during the 2023
water year. These spills included periods that met the annual spill requirement exceeding 70 cfs
and the 5-year high spill criteria of exceeding 200 cfs for over 18 hours. The final period that met
the high spill criteria was July 18-19, 2023.
Table 3. WY 2023 Spills to Bucks Creek
Date Daily Mean Value
Jan. 10-25, 2023 61-343 cfs was sustained
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
13 | Page
Feb. 9-Ju1. 21, 2023 40-888 cfs was sustained
The following spills of greater than 18 hours duration occurred at Grizzly Forebay during the
2023 water year.
Table 4. WY 2023 Spills to Grizzly Creek
Date Daily Mean Value
Dec. 30, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 10-181 cfs was sustained
Jan. 12-15, 2023 27-102 cfs was sustained
Jan. 18-Mar. 3, 2023 11-103 cfs was sustained
Mar. 13-22, 2023 23-392 cfs was sustained
Apr. 12-14, 2023 24-35 cfs was sustained
Apr. 24-Jun. 12, 2023 22-216 cfs was sustained
Instream flow data for NF22 Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Dam and NFC12 Bucks Creek below
Lower Bucks Dam is provided in Attachment 1.
3.5 Annual Report on Streamflow and Reservoir Level (Cond. 13 and
Cond. No. 39)
Condition 13 of the WQC and Condition No. 39 of the 4(e) required PG&E to create a Streamflow
Gaging Plan, the Plan require PG&E to submit a streamflow and reservoir level report for the
preceding water year.
Streamflow and reservoir data are provided in the following Attachments:
• Attachment 1 provides daily value summaries of the following compliance sites:
o NFC12 Bucks Creek Below Diversion Dam (total), USGS #: 11403530
o NF22 Grizzly Creek Below Diversion Dam, USGS #: 11404300.
• Attachment 2 provides the annual inspection summary for sites with manual valve settings
to document IFR Compliance
• Attachment 3 provides Daily Value tables that summarize elevations at midnight of storage
sites and mean daily flow at stream discharge sites.
No streamflow or reservoir level deviations occurred in 2023 water year.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
14 | Page
3.6 5 Year Spill Management Report (Cond. 6 and Cond. No. 35)
Condition 6 of the WQC and Condition No. 35 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report on
spill management after License Year Five (2027) or all three ramping scenarios have been
implemented. This section is meant to serve as a place holder for the future report and to document
the ramping scenario that was met in the preceding water year.
There were numerous spills at Lower Bucks Lake Dam and Grizzly Forebay Dam in water year
2023, however Grizzly remained offline with no transmission service and Bucks unit 2 remained
on an extended outage, leaving only Bucks unit 1 available. For the most part, Bucks unit 1 was
run full-load before and during spills with no load changes, aside from one instance of unit start-
up testing during spill. Unit testing requirements typically cannot adhere to the limited allowable
load changes laid out in the license, and so are unlikely to present ramping scenario implementation
opportunities. The license does not include language to allow for required unit testing, so
depending on circumstances (inflows, WYT, availability of other units for managing flows),
temporary modifications to down ramping requirements may need to be requested for future unit
testing.
3.7 Milk Ranch Conduit Closure (Cond. 9 and Cond. No. 33)
If the Bucks Lake elevation is 5,142 ft above msl or greater (as measured by PG&E Gage NF16)
at the time of a Wet water year determination per the April Bulletin 120 forecast, Condition 9 of
the WQC and Condition No. 33 of the 4(e) require PG&E to submit a report documenting the dates
the Milk Ranch Conduit diversions 1 and 2 were closed and opened.
Due to the continued outage of Grizzly Powerhouse, all diversions to the Milk Ranch Conduit
remained closed in WY 2023.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
15 | Page
SECTION 4.0
Deviations
During WY 2023, no deviations occurred.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
16 | Page
ATTACHMENT 1 - Gage Data in USGS format
Daily Value Tables for continuously monitored IFR sites. Bucks Creek license issued June 16, 2022, new IFR requirements
implemented within 90 days.
Site: NFC12 Bucks Creek Blw Diversion Dam (total)
USGS #: 11403530
Beginning Date: 10/01/2022
Ending Date: 09/30/2023
Daily Mean Discharge in Cubic feet/second Water Year Oct 2022 to Sep 2023
Day OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 29.75 10.48 30.24 30.35 31.18 147.06 225.31 352.24 757.74 53.83 31.13 11.40
2 29.83 10.48 30.29 30.31 31.09 145.08 227.35 360.40 802.30 53.08 30.98 11.44
3 29.89 10.35 30.19 30.23 30.94 144.58 224.92 357.06 854.25 53.01 31.07 11.44
4 29.81 10.38 30.02 30.20 30.84 151.44 263.24 355.44 888.01 52.64 31.05 11.44
5 18.15 10.42 30.10 30.25 30.82 158.23 306.72 352.86 863.35 77.47 31.28 11.44
6 10.43 10.42 30.21 30.26 30.88 103.35 270.41 356.02 825.34 118.91 31.10 11.42
7 10.48 10.35 30.28 30.53 31.16 59.32 219.04 344.88 810.96 80.15 31.33 11.42
8 10.44 10.38 30.19 30.91 31.47 59.83 208.92 350.60 776.30 49.50 31.13 11.39
9 10.38 19.78 30.15 31.34 82.31 58.11 209.81 341.84 733.51 43.94 31.38 11.37
10 10.43 30.23 30.10 101.09 145.06 77.28 215.31 343.30 682.89 110.29 31.46 11.31
11 10.48 29.88 30.07 227.35 147.15 62.87 226.48 351.91 648.84 258.18 31.47 11.38
12 10.45 29.92 30.13 328.45 146.51 76.14 227.23 359.08 650.54 265.03 31.14 11.43
13 10.38 30.00 30.32 326.46 147.18 182.05 224.66 368.38 618.43 265.19 30.88 11.39
14 10.42 30.03 30.21 342.98 147.62 294.30E 230.17 396.36 576.31 262.62 31.08 11.35
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
17 | Page
15 10.48 30.06 30.14 326.41 145.60 274.53 243.65 425.95 527.63 261.46 31.12 11.35
16 10.49 30.10 30.04 311.99 137.21 243.61 247.30 428.42 473.29 260.40 30.98 11.30
17 10.41 30.17 30.19 307.43 97.73 238.10 249.97 431.61 406.77 260.98 31.20 11.32
18 10.52 30.04 30.29 308.49 78.44 233.33 251.44 434.85 342.58 260.03 31.32 11.39
19 10.51 29.89 30.19 304.56 90.18 239.60 244.81 433.22 316.28 221.33 31.25 11.41
20 10.50 29.98 30.13 303.05 116.55 235.70 245.14 433.44 294.34 73.28 30.98 11.36
21 10.47 30.07 30.04 301.56 147.07 228.53 250.06 436.40 273.96 39.91 31.05 11.22
22 10.48 30.12 30.28 299.82 148.17 228.09 257.16 437.19 256.39 31.79 31.07 10.97
23 10.47 30.18 30.27 286.84 155.05 230.35 264.53 437.31 253.36 31.66 31.26 10.94
24 10.45 30.25 30.17 146.99 157.70 223.82E 269.37 435.52 251.92 31.06 31.26 10.96
25 10.44 30.27 30.10 60.89 146.70 223.58 279.03 435.13 251.89 30.83 31.06 10.99
26 10.43 30.12 30.07 31.55 155.50 222.17 325.15 435.71 251.88 30.97 19.71 10.99
27 10.45 30.01 30.37 31.49 156.66 222.89 332.33 435.67 202.98 30.93 11.35 10.87
28 10.48 30.08 30.41 31.43 164.40 242.78 338.56 438.52 63.86 31.15 11.34 10.89
29 10.53 30.11 30.35 31.37 231.41 344.10 446.98 54.82 30.96 11.31 10.94 10.94
30 10.44 30.15 30.33 31.30 225.37 349.41 552.71 54.24 30.90 11.31 11.01 11.01
31 10.42 ------ 30.40 31.26 223.60 ------ 679.65 ------ 30.90 11.30 ------
Mean 13.20 24.49 30.20 153.13 105.76 183.45 259.05 411.25 492.17 110.72 27.59 11.25
Max 29.89 30.27 30.41 342.98 164.40 294.30 349.41 679.65 888.01 265.19 31.47 11.44
Min 10.38 10.35 30.02 30.20 30.82 58.11 208.92 341.84 54.24 30.83 11.30 10.87
Acre-Ft 811.81 1457.26 1857.06 9415.81 5873.40 11280.2 15414.7 25286.6 29285.9 6808.03 1696.56 669.48
Wtr Year 2023 Mean 151.74 Max 888.01 Min 10.35 Inst Max 888.01 Acre-Ft 109857
Cal Year 2022 Mean 22.61 Max 30.41 Min 10.35 Inst Max 30.41 Acre-Ft 4126.14
------------------ Notes -------------------
All recorded data is continuous and reliable
except where the following tags are used...
E ... Estimated Record
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
18 | Page
Site: NF22 Grizzly Creek Below Diversion Dam
USGS #: 11404300
Beginning Date: 10/01/2022. Ending Date: 09/30/2023.
Daily Mean Discharge in Cubic feet/second Water Year Oct 2022 to Sep 2023
Day OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 9.4 7.9 8.6 10 54 46 20 140 113 21 14 14
2 9.2 7.7 8.6 9.2 77 46 20 102 99 21 14 14
3 9.3 7.7 8.9 8.9 74 37 20 67 96 21 14 14
4 9.3 8.6 9.1 8.9 59 21 21 53 96 21 14 14
5 9.3 9.0 9.0 10 103 20 20 42 83 21 14 14
6 9.2 9.0 9.0 9.7 78 20 20 51 68 20 14 14
7 9.1 9.0 9.0 9.2 69 21 20 35 48 20 14 14
8 9.0 9.1 9.0 9.4 64 20 21 24 35 21 14 14
9 9.0 9.2 9.0 18 61 19 21 23 26 21 14 14
10 8.8 9.2 9.2 39 60 20 21 27 22 17 14 14
11 8.8 9.2 8.9 11 59 19 21 53 22 14 14 14
12 8.6 9.1 8.6 66 56 19 25 98 30 14 14 14
13 8.4 8.9 8.4 42 56 138 35 148 22 14 14 14
14 8.3 8.8 8.3 102 56 392E 24 175 22 14 14 14
15 8.2 8.6 8.4 27 54 318E 22 201 21 14 14 14
16 8.3 8.6 8.4 10 63 146 22 197 20 14 14 14
17 8.7 8.6 8.2 10 90 91 22 192 20 14 14 14
18 8.8 8.6 8.2 11 90 55 22 201 21 14 14 14
19 8.7 8.6 8.3 90 44 22 213 21 14 14 14 14
20 8.6 8.8 8.6 92 66 60 22 216 21 14 14 14
21 8.6 8.8 8.6 87 50 35 22 206 21 14 14 14
22 8.6 8.8 8.6 83 50 23 22 194 21 14 14 14
23 8.6 8.8 8.6 77 51 22 22 189 21 14 14 14
24 8.6 8.7 8.6 87 51 22 31 171 20 14 14 14
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
19 | Page
25 8.6 8.6 8.6 101 49 22 73 155 20 14 14 14
26 8.5 8.6 8.6 66 50 21 61 151 20 14 14 14
27 8.5 8.6 78 65 49 21 96 158 20 14 14 14
28 8.4 8.6 15 62 46 21 125 139 21 14 14 14
29 7.9 8.6 9.0 60 ------ 21 154 128 21 14 14 14
30 7.9 8.6 66 57 ------ 20 158 128 21 14 14 14
31 7.9 ------ 181 55 ------ 20 ------ 125 ------ 14 14 ------
Mean 8.68 8.70 18.5 45.1 63.4 58.1 40.2 129 37.1 16.1 14.0 14.0
Max 9.4 9.2 181 102 103 392 158 216 113 21 14 14
Min 7.9 7.7 8.2 8.9 46 19 20 23 20 14 14 14
Acre-Ft 534 517 1140 2780 3520 3570 2390 7940 2210 988 861 833
Wtr Year 2023 Mean 37.7 Max 392 Min 7.7 Inst Max 392 Acre-Ft 27270
Cal Year 2022 Mean 12.0 Max 181 Min 7.7 Inst Max 181 Acre-Ft 2190
------------------ Notes -------------------
All recorded data is continuous and reliable
except where the following tags are used...
E ... Estimated Record
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
20 | Page
ATTACHMENT 2 – Inspection Summary for Sites with Manual
Valve Settings
Inspection summary for sites with manual valve settings and IFR Compliance1.
Site Date in
inspection
IFR Estimated flow
found
Estimated flow
after adjustment
Comments
MR2 4/24/2023 NA ---- ---- Flyover, 100% deep snow coverage
MR2 5/11/2023 NA 3-5 cfs ---- Found LLO valve wide-open, approximately 3-5 cfs
running down natural channel, bypassing diversion 1
intake.
MR2 5/30/2023 NA >2 cfs >2 cfs 3L LLO covered in snow.WC set LLO release to >2
cfs at 1.75” on stem. Sideflow added 8 cfs, with >11
cfs going to natural channel at Div 1. WC repacked
corroded stem, dropped boards.
MR2 6/12/2023 NA >2 cfs >2 cfs Increased NF10 LLO from 1.75” to 2”, in anticipation
of side water drying up. Did not hike to Div 1.
MR2 6/21/2023 NA >2 cfs + spill >2 cfs + spill Found spilling through keyhole of spill boards. Found
stem at 2”.
MR2 7/19/2023 NA >2 cfs >2 cfs No changes made to stem elevation.
MR2 7/26/2023 NA >2 cfs >2 cfs Found stem at 2”.
MR2 8/14/2023 NA >2 cfs 10 cfs Found stem at 1.5”, increased to 3.25”
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
21 | Page
MR2 8/31/2023 NA 8.4 cfs 10.5 cfs Found stem at 3.25”, increase to 4.2”.
MR2 11/1/2023 NA 1.9 cfs 1.9 cfs Water Crew found gate at 4.2”, opened to full
open/Winter Setting.
MR2 11/2/2023 NA 1.9 cfs 1.9 cfs Found gate at full open/Winter Setting. Lake in dead
storage.
MRC1 5/30/2023 2 cfs Natural flow through
full-open 3L LLO
11 cfs WC set 3L LLO release to >2 cfs at 1.75” on stem.
Sideflow added approx 8 cfs with >11 cfs going to
natural channel at Div 1. At Div 1, installed OSS,
rated crest w Francis formula for standard suppressed
rectangular weir. Q=3.33L(H3/2pwr). PZF=.03’. Left
new OSS reading .32’=11 cfs.
MRC1 6/21/2023 2 cfs 10 cfs 10 cfs Site spilling 9.97 cfs, opened forebay LLO to release
3 cfs to maintain flush. No diversion to MRC.
MRC1 7/19/2023 2 cfs 6.4 cfs 6.4 cfs Found no diversion to MRC. Test ramped forebay
LLO valve.
MRC1 7/26/2023 2 cfs 4.54 cfs 4.54 cfs Diversion gate to MRC found closed.
MRC1 8/14/2023 2 cfs 3.72 cfs 10.5 cfs Diversion gate to MRC found closed. Increased
release at 3L LLO.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
22 | Page
MRC1 8/31/2023 2 cfs 8.4 cfs 10.5 cfs Diversion gate to MRC found closed. Increased
release at 3L LLO.
MRC1 11/2/2023 WS 1.9 cfs 1.9 cfs Diversion gate to MRC found closed. 1.9 cfs is base
flow at this time from 3L LLO. No spill, proving pipe
will pass 2 cfs w head pressure at crest. Forebay LLO
left open.
MRC3 All year NA NA NA All natural flow remains in drainage. No diversions.
BUCK
S2
NA 3 cfs NA NA Awaiting upgrades for future compliance
requirement.
1 See USGS MEAS V46 for source documentation
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
23 | Page
ATTACHMENT 3 – Reservoir Elevation Daily Value
Site: NF10 Three Lakes Reservoir Nr. Belden
USGS #: 11403300 Beginning Date: 04/01/2022 Ending Date: 09/30/2023
Daily 2400 Corrected Level in Feet, April 2023 to Sep 2023
Day APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 6052.23 6052.57 6062.26 6075.42 6071.28 6059.64
2 6052.23 6052.59 6064.67 6075.30 6071.17 6058.88
3 6052.22 6052.60 6066.18 6075.18 6071.07 6058.08
4 6052.22 6052.60 6067.66 6075.06 6070.94 6057.19
5 6052.22 6052.61 6069.30 6074.94 6070.83 6055.72
6 6052.21 6052.61 6070.65 6074.80 6070.71 6054.17
7 6052.21 6052.61 6071.99 6074.66 6070.56 6052.84
8 6052.20 6052.60 6072.86 6074.53 6070.44 6052.20
9 6052.20 6052.60 6073.66 6074.38 6070.32 6051.92
10 6052.21 6052.60 6074.49 6074.25 6070.18 6051.82
11 6052.23 6052.60 6075.37 6074.10 6070.05 6051.74
12 6052.25 6052.62 6075.95 6073.94 6069.92 6051.55
13 6052.26 6052.65 6076.08 6073.80 6069.78 6051.55
14 6052.27 6052.75 6076.18 6073.64 6069.69 6051.43
15 6052.28 6053.13 6076.25 6073.49 6069.62 6051.37
16 6052.29 6053.28 6076.34 6073.32 6069.47 6051.26
17 6052.30 6053.37 6076.39 6073.15 6069.22 6051.19
18 6052.31 6053.46 6076.42 6072.99 6068.39 6051.10
19 6052.31 6053.56 6076.43 6072.85 6067.70 6051.03
20 6052.32 6053.85 6076.45 6072.75 6067.12 6050.95
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
24 | Page
21 6052.33 6054.19 6076.42 6072.64 6066.56 6050.87
22 6052.35 6054.37 6076.34 6072.55 6066.03 6050.81
23 6052.37 6054.49 6076.26 6072.44 6065.49 6050.76
24 6052.39 6054.55 6076.17 6072.33 6064.94 6050.71
25 6052.41 6054.56 6076.08 6072.22 6064.32 6050.66
26 6052.43 6054.55 6075.98 6071.88 6063.60 6050.63
27 6052.45 6054.55 6075.87 6071.79 6062.91 6050.61
28 6052.47 6054.55 6075.77 6071.70 6062.24 6050.58
29 6052.50 6053.76 6075.65 6071.59 6061.62 6050.56
30 6052.54 6055.11 6075.54 6071.50 6061.00 6050.57
31 6058.85 ------ 6071.40 6060.37 ------ ------
Mean 6052.31 6053.57 6073.86 6073.37 6067.66 6052.42
Max 6052.54 6058.85 6076.45 6075.42 6071.28 6059.64
Min 6052.20 6052.57 6062.26 6071.40 6060.37 6050.56
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
25 | Page
Site: NF10 Three Lakes Reservoir Nr. Belden
USGS #: 11403300 Beginning Date: 10/01/2023 Ending Date: 11/2/2023
Daily 2400 Corrected Level in Feet
Day OCT NOV
---------------------------------------
1 6050.57 6050.29
2 6050.56
3 6050.55
4 6050.54
5 6050.53
6 6050.52
7 6050.52
8 6050.51
9 6050.50
10 6050.49
11 6050.48
12 6050.47
13 6050.47
14 6050.46
15 6050.45
16 6050.43
17 6050.42
18 6050.40
19 6050.39
20 6050.37
21 6050.36
22 6050.35
23 6050.35
24 6050.34
25 6050.33
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
26 | Page
26 6050.32
27 6050.32
28 6050.31
29 6050.31
30 6050.30
31 6050.29
Mean 6050.43 6050.29
Max 6050.57 6050.29
Min 6050.29 6050.29
------------------ Notes -------------------
All recorded data is continuous and reliable
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
27 | Page
Site: NF13 Bucks Diversion Reservoir
USGS #: 11403520Beginning Date: 10/01/2022 Ending Date: 09/30/2023
Daily 2400 Corrected Level in Feet Water Year Oct 2022 to Sep 2023
Day OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 5015.24 5015.77 5015.76 5016.07 5019.66 5022.56 5022.75 5023.04 5023.78 5022.29 5016.51 5017.99
2 5015.58 5015.21 5015.96 5015.82 5018.91 5022.56 5022.77 5023.04 5023.84 5022.29 5016.67 5017.90
3 5015.92 5014.75 5014.88 5015.57 5018.36 5022.57 5022.75 5023.03 5023.92 5022.29 5016.83 5017.82
4 5014.77 5015.26 5014.78 5015.43 5018.20 5022.58 5022.93 5023.02 5023.96 5022.29 5016.99 5017.71
5 5014.95 5015.84 5015.15 5015.66 5018.00 5022.57 5022.94 5023.02 5023.87 5022.50 5017.14 5017.61
6 5015.50 5015.01 5015.97 5016.08 5018.91 5022.31 5022.75 5023.02 5023.82 5022.45 5017.27 5017.50
7 5015.98 5014.89 5015.56 5017.75 5020.38 5022.31 5022.72 5023.00 5023.80 5022.32 5017.43 5017.37
8 5014.63 5015.59 5015.23 5019.49 5021.80 5022.28 5022.72 5023.00 5023.74 5022.24 5017.57 5017.18
9 5014.94 5015.88 5014.89 5021.60 5022.55 5022.37 5022.72 5023.00 5023.65 5022.24 5017.69 5016.51
10 5015.42 5014.54 5014.84 5022.62 5022.57 5022.33 5022.75 5023.01 5023.58 5022.85 5017.84 5016.43
11 5015.90 5014.75 5014.57 5022.94 5022.57 5022.34 5022.77 5023.04 5023.57 5022.92 5017.97 5017.49
12 5014.87 5014.98 5015.73 5022.94 5022.57 5022.43 5022.76 5023.05 5023.55 5022.92 5016.40 5017.56
13 5014.85 5015.19 5015.68 5022.97 5022.57 5022.84 5022.75 5023.08 5023.48 5022.91 5016.10 5017.05
14 5015.33 5015.39 5015.27 5022.97 5022.56 5022.98 5022.79 5023.16 5023.40 5022.90 5016.27 5016.94
15 5015.81 5015.58 5014.86 5022.94 5022.57 5022.81 5022.80 5023.18 5023.30 5022.91 5016.41 5016.23
16 5015.02 5015.77 5014.65 5022.92 5022.47 5022.78 5022.81 5023.18 5023.22 5022.90 5017.33 5016.39
17 5015.70 5015.98 5015.98 5022.91 5022.44 5022.79 5022.83 5023.18 5023.04 5022.91 5017.77 5016.86
18 5015.90 5014.49 5015.56 5022.93 5022.39 5022.77 5022.80 5023.19 5022.97 5022.91 5017.35 5017.33
19 5015.78 5014.70 5015.15 5022.91 5022.44 5022.78 5022.79 5023.20 5022.94 5022.54 5016.94 5017.79
20 5015.64 5014.90 5014.75 5022.91 5022.56 5022.76 5022.80 5023.20 5022.89 5022.39 5016.53 5017.21
21 5015.50 5015.10 5015.13 5022.90 5022.57 5022.77 5022.82 5023.20 5022.84 5021.27 5016.17 5016.07
22 5015.36 5015.29 5015.85 5022.90 5022.58 5022.75 5022.84 5023.19 5022.83 5019.57 5016.93 5016.55
23 5015.21 5015.58 5015.45 5022.68 5022.61 5022.76 5022.85 5023.20 5022.82 5017.85 5017.89 5017.01
24 5015.07 5015.80 5015.05 5022.46 5022.58 5022.75 5022.86 5023.19 5022.82 5016.07 5017.49 5017.48
25 5014.94 5015.94 5014.67 5021.85 5022.57 5022.75 5022.96 5023.20 5022.82 5016.07 5017.09 5017.93
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
28 | Page
26 5014.65 5014.52 5015.44 5021.54 5022.60 5022.75 5022.97 5023.19 5022.82 5016.26 5016.85 5016.77
27 5015.17 5014.74 5016.37 5021.25 5022.59 5022.75 5023.00 5023.19 5022.43 5016.91 5016.75 5016.21
28 5015.68 5014.96 5016.13 5020.93 5022.59 5022.77 5023.01 5023.21 5022.30 5017.08 5016.64 5016.68
29 5015.48 5015.16 5015.90 5020.63 ------ 5022.77 5023.03 5023.27 5022.30 5016.01 5016.54 5017.26
30 5014.65 5015.36 5016.25 5020.30 ------ 5022.75 5023.04 5023.54 5022.29 5016.17 5016.18 5017.91
31 5015.17 ------ 5016.28 5019.98 ------ 5022.75 ------ 5023.68 ------ 5016.34 5016.89 ------
Mean 5015.31 5015.23 5015.41 5020.74 5021.61 5022.65 5022.84 5023.15 5023.22 5020.70 5016.98 5017.16
Max 5015.98 5015.98 5016.37 5022.97 5022.61 5022.98 5023.04 5023.68 5023.96 5022.92 5017.97 5017.99
Min 5014.63 5014.49 5014.57 5015.43 5018.00 5022.28 5022.72 5023.00 5022.29 5016.01 5016.10 5016.07
Wtr Year 2023 Mean 5019.57 Max 5023.96 Min 5014.49 Inst Max 5023.96
Cal Year 2022 Mean 5015.23 Max 5016.37 Min 5012.69 Inst Max 5016.37
------------------ Notes -------------------
All recorded data is continuous and reliable
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
29 | Page
Site: NF16, Bucks Lake
USGS#: 11403500
Beginning Date: 10/01/2022 Ending Date: 09/30/2023
Daily 2400 Stage in Feet Water Year Oct 2022 to Sep 2023
Day OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 5145.53 5143.13 5140.58 5143.84 5145.65 5145.26 5145.35 5144.79 5155.99 5154.42 5150.90 5148.98
2 5145.40 5143.13 5140.46 5143.97 5145.68 5145.18 5145.25 5144.99 5156.05 5154.41 5150.81 5149.05
3 5145.25 5143.07 5140.70 5144.10 5145.84 5145.11 5145.04 5145.15 5156.05 5154.36 5150.71 5149.11
4 5145.24 5142.93 5140.82 5144.44 5146.10 5145.14 5144.85 5145.24 5156.08 5154.31 5150.57 5149.10
5 5145.11 5142.87 5140.87 5144.95 5146.23 5145.17 5144.63 5145.40 5156.04 5154.28 5150.46 5149.11
6 5144.97 5142.86 5140.77 5145.07 5146.18 5145.11 5144.44 5145.51 5156.07 5154.21 5150.31 5149.12
7 5144.83 5142.91 5140.80 5145.13 5146.17 5145.09 5144.38 5145.53 5156.01 5154.13 5150.16 5149.14
8 5144.84 5143.00 5140.89 5145.22 5146.09 5145.10 5144.23 5145.57 5155.94 5154.06 5150.10 5149.17
9 5144.70 5142.90 5140.96 5145.69 5145.99 5145.15 5144.06 5145.59 5155.88 5154.00 5149.91 5149.16
10 5144.55 5142.87 5141.33 5145.99 5145.95 5145.35 5143.90 5145.67 5155.80 5153.80 5149.80 5149.15
11 5144.41 5142.76 5141.47 5146.04 5145.89 5145.48 5143.89 5145.64 5155.82 5153.59 5149.66 5148.99
12 5144.39 5142.64 5141.38 5146.15 5145.78 5145.70 5143.84 5145.84 5155.76 5153.37 5149.67 5148.92
13 5144.27 5142.49 5141.39 5146.29 5145.73 5146.04 5143.73 5146.18 5155.69 5153.12 5149.59 5148.95
14 5144.14 5142.35 5141.42 5146.53 5145.67 5146.78 5143.61 5146.65 5155.61 5152.93 5149.46 5148.96
15 5144.00 5142.18 5141.42 5146.50 5145.60 5147.09 5143.56 5147.19 5155.52 5152.69 5149.33 5149.00
16 5143.96 5142.07 5141.44 5146.40 5145.53 5147.09 5143.50 5147.73 5155.43 5152.44 5149.20 5148.89
17 5143.77 5141.94 5141.33 5146.21 5145.43 5147.04 5143.47 5148.26 5155.33 5152.23 5149.15 5148.72
18 5143.74 5141.92 5141.34 5146.13 5145.38 5146.97 5143.38 5148.88 5155.26 5151.98 5149.17 5148.60
19 5143.73 5141.80 5141.38 5145.93 5145.32 5146.95 5143.28 5149.50 5155.21 5151.84 5149.18 5148.49
20 5143.71 5141.67 5141.42 5145.74 5145.19 5146.85 5143.14 5150.23 5155.12 5151.75 5149.20 5148.40
21 5143.73 5141.53 5141.36 5145.53 5145.18 5146.78 5143.02 5150.90 5155.01 5151.75 5149.27 5148.39
22 5143.76 5141.40 5141.32 5145.34 5145.12 5146.64 5143.02 5151.54 5155.06 5151.79 5149.20 5148.26
23 5143.74 5141.25 5141.36 5145.16 5145.17 5146.58 5143.06 5152.19 5154.95 5151.80 5149.11 5148.13
24 5143.75 5141.12 5141.37 5145.11 5145.20 5146.40 5143.07 5152.72 5154.83 5151.81 5149.12 5148.00
25 5143.76 5141.02 5141.42 5145.12 5145.14 5146.26 5143.14 5153.27 5154.68 5151.71 5149.16 5147.90
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
30 | Page
26 5143.71 5141.00 5141.43 5145.21 5145.18 5146.08 5143.29 5153.83 5154.56 5151.59 5149.16 5147.87
27 5143.57 5140.88 5142.10 5145.28 5145.22 5145.89 5143.45 5154.38 5154.52 5151.45 5149.18 5147.80
28 5143.43 5140.75 5142.25 5145.37 5145.34 5145.99 5143.74 5154.91 5154.49 5151.32 5149.18 5147.68
29 5143.35 5140.61 5142.41 5145.44 ------ 5145.89 5144.07 5155.34 5154.50 5151.27 5149.19 5147.64
30 5143.29 5140.51 5143.08 5145.55 ------ 5145.71 5144.42 5155.68 5154.48 5151.13 5149.18 5147.71
31 5143.17 ------ 5143.68 5145.59 ------ 5145.52 ------ 5155.88 ------ 5151.04 5149.04 ------
Mean 5144.19 5142.05 5141.42 5145.45 5145.61 5145.98 5143.86 5149.04 5155.39 5152.73 5149.62 5148.61
Max 5145.53 5143.13 5143.68 5146.53 5146.23 5147.09 5145.35 5155.88 5156.08 5154.42 5150.90 5149.17
Min 5143.17 5140.51 5140.46 5143.84 5145.12 5145.09 5143.02 5144.79 5154.48 5151.04 5149.04 5147.64
Wtr Year 2023 Mean 5147.00 Max 5156.08 Min 5140.46 Inst Max 5156.10
Cal Year 2022 Mean 5142.59 Max 5145.68 Min 5140.46 Inst Max 5145.68
------------------ Notes -------------------
All recorded data is continuous and reliable
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
31 | Page
Site:NF19 Grizzly Creek Diversion Reservoir
USGS #: 11404250
Beginning Date: 10/01/2022
Ending Date: 09/30/2023
Daily Mean Stage in Feet Water Year Oct 2022 to Sep 2023
Day OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 4313.53 4310.98 4309.41 4314.99 4316.33 4316.31 4306.92 4316.92 4316.74 4308.22 4310.13 4312.98
2 4311.13 4310.04 4309.99 4311.33 4316.39 4316.31 4307.68 4316.63 4316.63 4308.73 4310.16 4313.26
3 4311.59 4307.25 4311.13 4307.42 4316.41 4316.09 4309.78 4316.42 4316.60 4308.80 4309.75 4313.28
4 4312.31 4307.88 4313.46 4306.33 4316.33 4312.18 4311.30 4316.35 4316.60 4309.04 4309.16 4313.30
5 4312.26 4306.61 4313.10 4310.14 4316.50 4310.18 4309.71 4316.26 4316.54 4308.57 4310.30 4313.27
6 4311.33 4306.09 4313.37 4310.38 4316.41 4311.76 4307.81 4316.32 4316.44 4305.61 4312.85 4313.20
7 4310.34 4307.11 4313.24 4306.05 4316.37 4313.07 4309.79 4316.22 4316.34 4307.36 4314.15 4313.10
8 4309.22 4308.64 4313.16 4306.08 4316.36 4310.78 4311.50 4316.10 4316.24 4310.33 4313.03 4313.05
9 4308.89 4310.80 4312.86 4310.24 4316.35 4307.24 4312.13 4316.05 4316.09 4310.66 4311.59 4313.32
10 4308.35 4311.52 4310.93 4316.24 4316.35 4308.09 4312.45 4316.12 4315.78 4309.72 4310.60 4313.91
11 4308.37 4310.48 4309.05 4314.50 4316.35 4308.00 4312.99 4316.34 4315.94 4310.94 4311.22 4313.54
12 4308.89 4309.54 4308.27 4315.20 4316.34 4307.80 4315.51 4316.59 4316.10 4313.07 4313.86 4314.04
13 4309.79 4310.14 4308.17 4316.28 4316.34 4314.80 4316.21 4316.89 4315.31 4313.49 4313.93 4314.59
14 4309.08 4309.83 4307.60 4316.49 4316.33 4317.37 4316.03 4317.04 4313.78 4311.87 4314.16 4313.79
15 4308.67 4309.18 4307.68 4316.13 4316.32 4317.37 4315.35 4317.09 4311.49 4309.93 4314.68 4312.91
16 4310.42 4309.09 4307.88 4314.29 4316.35 4316.69 4315.18 4317.04 4308.70 4310.54 4314.52 4314.56
17 4314.10 4309.48 4308.21 4310.92 4316.45 4316.43 4315.78 4316.98 4307.10 4313.02 4312.55 4314.63
18 4314.17 4309.09 4308.52 4313.76 4316.45 4316.30 4315.40 4317.03 4309.19 4314.13 4311.41 4314.64
19 4313.99 4309.98 4308.79 4316.45 4316.44 4316.24 4314.34 4317.10 4311.12 4314.84 4311.02 4314.57
20 4313.84 4311.68 4309.06 4316.45 4316.38 4316.32 4312.77 4317.15 4311.94 4314.15 4310.62 4314.68
21 4313.66 4312.66 4309 4316.43 4316.31 4316.20 4311.20 4317.14 4312.96 4312.15 4310.38 4314.50
22 4313.49 4312.44 4309.57 4316.42 4316.31 4315.96 4310.57 4317.11 4311.32 4309.42 4310.53 4314.65
23 4313.32 4311.45 4309.83 4316.40 4316.32 4315.26 4312.13 4317.10 4309.35 4310.28 4310.55 4314.59
24 4313.15 4310.75 4310.07 4316.43 4316.32 4314.10 4315.21 4317.05 4308.05 4309.89 4310.51 4314.75
25 4312.97 4309.85 4309.42 4316.50 4316.31 4312.40 4316.64 4316.98 4307.65 4308.50 4310.44 4314.24
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
32 | Page
26 4312.13 4309.18 4309.01 4316.37 4316.31 4311.38 4316.57 4316.94 4308.42 4307.88 4310.36 4314.40
27 4313.09 4309.19 4313.03 4316.36 4316.31 4311.34 4316.55 4317.00 4308.44 4308.29 4310.25 4314.17
28 4313.64 4309.34 4315.16 4316.36 4316.30 4309.18 4316.79 4316.91 4308.91 4308.49 4310.14 4314.52
29 4311.95 4309.22 4309.61 4316.35 ------ 4308.19 4316.95 4316.82 4308.42 4309.44 4310.00 4314.20
30 4312.45 4309.65 4308.85 4316.34 ------ 4307.11 4316.97 4316.82 4308.28 4311.19 4309.96 4314.30
31 4312.40 ------ 4316.91 4316.33 ------ 4305.44 ------ 4316.80 ------ 4311.02 4311.35 ------
Mean 4311.69 4309.64 4310.47 4313.87 4316.36 4312.77 4313.27 4316.75 4312.55 4310.31 4311.42 4313.96
Max 4314.17 4312.66 4316.91 4316.50 4316.50 4317.37 4316.97 4317.15 4316.74 4314.84 4314.68 4314.75
Min 4308.35 4306.09 4307.60 4306.05 4316.30 4305.44 4306.92 4316.05 4307.10 4305.61 4309.16 4312.91
Wtr Year 2023 Mean 4312.73 Max 4317.37 Min 4305.44 Inst Max 4318.30
Cal Year 2022 Mean 4310.61 Max 4316.91 Min 4306.09 Inst Max 4317.67
------------------ Notes -------------------
All recorded data is continuous and reliable
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
33 | Page
ATTACHMENT 4 - Consultation Documentation
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
From:Visinoni, Jamie
To:erik.ekdahl@waterboards.ca.gov
Cc:Muro, Bryan@Waterboards; Nathan.Fisch@waterboards.ca.gov; Lent, Michelle; Stephens, Dan; Tarr, Holly;
Joseph, Matthew
Subject:Bucks Creek, FERC No. 619 - Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance 2023
Date:Friday, December 15, 2023 8:28:00 PM
Attachments:NFC12_WY2023_V1.PDF
NF22_11404300_WY2023_1_USDAY_Summary.rtf
NF10_11403300_WY2023_3_USGSMEAS.pdf
Diversion 1, MRC DV 2023.PDF
Hello SWRCB,
Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance is a requirement of State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB) Final 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) Condition 1 for Pacific Gas and
Electric Company’s (PG&E) Bucks Creek Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Project No. 619, issued June 16, 2022.
Pursuant to WQC Condition 1, please find included for your review the following preliminary data for
Water Year 2023 which is October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023:
Continuous Monitoring:
Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake (NFC12 = NF12 +NF82 Low Level Outlet) -
attached
Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay (NF22) - attached
Manual Monitoring:
Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake (Project ID BUCKS2) – facility modifications
pending
Milk Ranch below Three Lakes (Project ID MR2) – attached – see NF10 inspection
summary for dates of inspection, valve set in excess of license required MIF to
achieve license required Three Lakes drawdown.
Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1 (Project ID MRC1) – attached – Diversion 1,
MRC
Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3 (Project ID MRC2) – facility modification
pending
Deviations from Minimum Instream Flows: There were no deviations of the minimum
instream flows outlined in this condition (see NFC12 and NF22 DV tables).
As described in PG&E’s Petition for Reconsideration of the Water Quality Certification for the Bucks
Creek Hydroelectric Project, the timing for SWRCB Condition 1 Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow
Compliance is inconsistent with FERC License Article 401(c) (Requirement to File Reports), US Forest
Service 4(e) Condition No. 31 (Instream Flows) and Condition No. 39 (Streamflow and Reservoir
Level Gaging Plan). It is also inconsistent with the SWRCB Division of Water Rights reporting for
Water Diversion and Use Reports which is due February 1. The Water Diversion and Use Reporting
timeline aligns with United States Geological Survey (USGS) process, where records are provided to
the USGS by FERC licensees as a method for reviewing and quality assuring licensees accuracy and
precision in water records. Calibration measurements (by both licensee hydrographers and USGS
staff) are taken throughout the water year and into the fall to confirm accuracy, then collaborative
review of these preliminary records occurs in the winter, and the USGS publishes final reviewed data
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
by April. Therefore, the WY data provided in this report is preliminary.
In accordance with the Bucks Creek License, the draft Minimum Instream Flow report will be
provided to the other agencies on January 31 (per Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 31), consultation
with all agencies is scheduled to occur around April 15th (per 4(e) Condition No. 2, 3 and WQC Cond.
22) and the final report will be filed with FERC on May 1 (per FERC License Article 401(c)).
Please review at your earliest convenience and feel free to provide comments, we will incorporate
all comments received into the final report.
Thank you,
Jamie Visinoni
Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
d: (530) 894-4779 | m: (530) 215-6676 | e: jnvs@pge.com
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
From:Edlund, Leslie - FS, CA
To:Visinoni, Jamie; "Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov"; Michael Maher; Sable, Kurt - FS, CA; Muro, Bryan@Waterboards
Cc:Stephens, Dan; Lent, Michelle; Tarr, Holly; Joseph, Matthew; Nathan.Fisch@waterboards.ca.gov; Alvarez, Dawn -
FS, CA; Brenzovich, Erika - FS, CA; Wise Jr., Larry
Subject:RE: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619 - WY 2023 Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
Date:Sunday, February 04, 2024 8:39:55 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
Annual flow and reservoir Report PNF Review.xlsx
CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER!
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you expecting this email? Are you expecting any links or attachments? If
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Hi Jamie,
One comment. Please see attached.
Leslie Edlund
Public Service Staff Officer
Forest Service
Plumas National Forest, Mt. Hough
Ranger District
p: 530-283-7620
f: 520-283-1821
leslie.edlund@usda.gov
39696 Hwy 70
Quincy, CA 95971
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
From: Visinoni, Jamie <JNVS@pge.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 4:44 PM
To: 'Aondrea_Bartoo@fws.gov' <aondrea_bartoo@fws.gov>; Michael Maher
<Michael.Maher@wildlife.ca.gov>; Edlund, Leslie - FS, CA <leslie.edlund@usda.gov>; Sable, Kurt - FS,
CA <kurt.sable@usda.gov>; Muro, Bryan@Waterboards <bryan.muro@waterboards.ca.gov>
Cc: Stephens, Dan <DPSK@pge.com>; Lent, Michelle <M4LQ@pge.com>; Tarr, Holly
<H1TC@pge.com>; Joseph, Matthew <MWJA@pge.com>; Nathan.Fisch@waterboards.ca.gov;
Alvarez, Dawn - FS, CA <dawn.alvarez@usda.gov>; Brenzovich, Erika - FS, CA
<erika.brenzovich@usda.gov>; Wise Jr., Larry <LMWO@pge.com>
Subject: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619 - WY 2023 Streamflow and
Reservoir Gaging Report
Classification: Public
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Hello Forest Service, SWRCB, CDFW and USFWS partners,
This email presents the Draft 2023 Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report (Annual
Hydrology Summary Report for Water Year 2023) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s
(PG&E) Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No.
619. FERC issued a new license for the Bucks Creek Project on June 16, 2022. License Article
401(c) requires the licensees to file compliance reports required by State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB) 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) conditions and U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service’s (“Forest Service”) section 4(e) conditions with the
Commission.
The Draft Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report (Annual Hydrology Summary Report)
compiles and summarizes data required to meet the following SWRCB 401 WQC and Forest
Service section 4(e) conditions:
WQC Condition 1 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 31 - Annual Report on
Minimum Instream Flow Compliance
WQC Condition 3 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 37 - Annual Report on
Drawdown of Three Lakes
WQC Condition 4 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 34 - Annual Report on
Channel Maintenance Flows
WQC Condition 13 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 39 – Annual Report on
Streamflow and Reservoir Level
WQC Condition 6 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 35 – 5 Year Spill
Management Report
WQC Condition 9 and Forest Service section 4(e) Condition No. 33 – Milk Ranch Conduit
Closure Report
A comment response matrix is also attached. Please provide any input on the draft report by
March 18, 2024 (+45 days) so that we are prepared to discuss any comments during the annual
Forest Service Consultation meeting (March 27, 2024) and the Ecological Consultation Group
meeting (April 10, 2024).
Thank you,
Jamie Visinoni
Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
d: (530) 894-4779 | m: (530) 215-6676 | e: jnvs@pge.com
You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended
recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the
information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal
penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and
delete the email immediately.
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619
Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
34 | Page
ATTACHMENT 5 – Comment Response Matrix
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
1
12
and
13
3.4
I find the table for channel maintenance flows
a little confusing, "61-343 was maintained,"
does not tell me that the 18 hours at 200cfs
was actually met. I am guessing it was with
the amount of flow and with one unit down.
Kurt Sable
Added "The final period that met the high spill criteria was
July 18-19, 2023." Will add that to each years report
moving forward.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Section
Comment Response Matrix
Bucks Creek Streamflow and Reservoir Gaging Report
#
Location
Comment/Suggested Edit Commenter Licensee ResponsePage
#Public
Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024
Document Content(s)
PGE20240429_619_Bucks_Annual_Hydrology_Report.pdf .........................1Document Accession #: 20240429-5350 Filed Date: 04/29/2024