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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.17.2024 Board Correspondence - FW_ Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al.From: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: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. Date:Monday, June 17, 2024 3:34:36 PM Please see Board Correspondence - -----Original Message----- From: 'FERC eSubscription' <eSubscription@ferc.gov> Sent: Monday, June 17, 2024 1:16 PM Subject: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-2107-000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company,et al. .ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying.. On 6/17/2024, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.: Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company PG&E Corporation (as Agent) Docket(s): P-2107-000 Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company Filing Type: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits Documentation of Consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service re the 04/16/2024 Notice of Violation for the Poe Hydroelectric Project under P-2107, , To view the document for this Filing, click here https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20240617- 5162__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!CTq3xQJCUVHwptpxuDUE46mVxVRJXKInb5cuaFnyfkiRRUM_dGQgb0eurSQj1hUe1SSB6vBg9uCwKF_o5aVftsTw0uRwKNJsH8yX$ To modify your subscriptions, click here: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please do not respond to this email. Online help is available here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ferc.gov/efiling-help.asp__;!!KNMwiTCp4spf!CTq3xQJCUVHwptpxuDUE46mVxVRJXKInb5cuaFnyfkiRRUM_dGQgb0eurSQj1hUe1SSB6vBg9uCwKF_o5aVftsTw0uRwKHoddQms$ or for phone support, call 866-208-3676. Power Generation 300 Lakeside Drive Oakland, CA 94612 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 28209 Oakland, CA 94604 June 17, 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: Poe Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2107-CA NOV: Documentation of Consultation with USFWS Dear Acting Secretary Reese: This letter presents documentation of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) consultation with the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) associated with the Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. 2107 notice of violation (NOV). On April 16, 2024, FERC issued PG&E an NOV of FERC’s July 28, 2023, order, ordering paragraph C. In the NOV, FERC directs PG&E to request consultation with the USFWS to determine whether mitigation is necessary. FERC ordered PG&E request consultation within 30 days of the order and file documentation within 60 days. This order also directs PG&E to consult with USFWS to determine if an amendment is necessary to the Poe Ramping Rate Plan (RRP). No timeline was set for the RRP consultation. PG&E requested consultation with the USFWS on April 25, 2024. The USFWS requested PG&E include the United Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Water Resources Control Board, American Whitewater, and California Sportfishing Protection Alliance. PG&E set up recurring meetings with all requested parties. The meetings occurred on the following dates: May 1, 2024, May 8, 2024, May 15, 2024, May 22, 2024, and June 12, 2024. PG&E also met individually with the USFWS on June 5, 2024. Following the meetings, the USFWS determined that no mitigation is necessary and that the Poe Ramping Rate Plan should not be revised until more data is gathered. The USFWS’s determination letter to PG&E is provided as Enclosure 1. Documentation of consultation is provided as Enclosure 2. If you have questions or comments regarding this matter, please contact Sky Ramirez-Doble, license coordinator for PG&E, at (530) 250-7002. Sincerely, Matthew Joseph Supervisor, Hydro License Management Enclosures: 1. USFWS Determination Letter to PG&E 2. Documentation of Consultation cc: See Attached List Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 Debbie-Anne Reese, Acting Secretary June 15, 2024 Page 2 cc: via email w/enclosures Nathan Fish, SWRCB – Nathan.Fish@waterboards.ca.gov Jessica Dyke, SWRCB – Jessica.Dyke@waterboards.ca.gov Kurt Sable, Forest Service – kurt.sable@usda.gov Lori Cayo, Forest Service - lori.cayo@usda.gov Erika Brenzovich, Forest Service - erika.brenzovich@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 #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 1 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 8-300 Sacramento, California 95814 In reply refer to: FERC #2107 ECOSphere #2023-0084372 June 11, 2024 Pacific Gas & Electric Stephanie Maggard Director—Portfolio Strategy and Hydro Licensing 300 Lakeside Drive Oakland, CA 94612 Subject: Evaluation of Impacts to Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs from the August 2023 Variance Request to Complete the Poe Bypass Gate Project and the July 2023 Implementation of the Long-Term Ramping Rate Plan, Poe Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project #2107, Butte County, California Dear Ms. Maggard: This letter is in response to Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) evaluate the need for mitigation following PG&E deviation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (Commission) July 28, 2023 order to halt the Poe Hydroelectric Project (Project #2107) (Project) ramp-down to reach variance minimum instream flows if negative impacts to the (then) proposed threatened North Feather Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii)(frog) were observed. The North Feather DPS of the frog was subsequently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 1531, et seq.) (ESA) on September 28, 2023 (88 FR 59698). This response is provided under the authority of the Federal Power Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 791a, et seq.). Background PG&E submitted a request for a variance from Project conditions to the Commission on April 6, 2023. The Commission subsequently submitted a conference concurrence request for the Variance Request to Complete the Poe Bypass Gate Project (Variance) dated July 18, 2023, to the Service for potential impacts to the frog. The Service concurred with the Commission’s determination of may affect, not likely to adversely affect for the frog in our response letter dated July 27, 2023. The Commission subsequently approved PG&E to proceed with the activities associated with the Variance on July 28, 2023. PG&E reduced flows in the North Fork Feather River below Poe dam from approximately 550 cubic feet per second (cfs) to approximately 150 cfs over a four-week period from August 4 until September 1, 2023. Subsequently, PG&E ascertained they had not followed all the Commission’s order for the Variance and notified the Commission of this error on March 15, 2024. On April 16, 2024 the Commission ordered PG&E to 1) discuss with the Service if Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 mitigation is necessary and develop a plan and schedule for implementing mitigation, if deemed necessary, and 2) consult with the Service to determine if an amendment is necessary to the Poe Long-Term Ramping Rate Plan (LTRRP) which would further minimize future effects to the frog from stranding or scouring egg masses or tadpole groups. PG&E emailed the Service on April 25, 2024 and requested to meet to discuss the Commission’s order. Subsequent meetings between PG&E and the Service occurred on May 1, 8, 15, 22, and June 5, 2024. Other organizations were invited to participate in these meetings, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, State Water Resources Control Board, American Whitewater, and the California Sport Fish Protection Alliance. Each of these organizations have a long history of involvement with the Project and have been instrumental in the crafting of conservation measures for the frog. 2023 Impacts to Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs The frog is known to occur throughout the North Fork Feather River affected by the Project, from site 7c just downstream of Poe dam (most upstream site) to site 1b at the Poe powerhouse (most downstream site). All life stages of the frog have been detected at multiple locations over the decades of surveys that have been conducted within this reach. Suitable breeding habitat occurs in many areas along this portion of the river, although it is likely the quantity and quality varies with different flow levels. Flows were elevated throughout the spring and early summer in 2023 due to the wet water year, with flows remaining too high for surveys at some locations until July 6, 2023 (crew safety). PG&E conducted numerous frog surveys over the summer of 2023 at 15 established sites (including subsites) once they were accessible, especially targeting egg masses in June and early July, tadpoles in July and August, and young-of-year (YOY) in August, September, and October. Surveys in August were conducted at only two locations, so the frequency of surveys could be increased throughout the time frame of the Variance (every three days). Several tadpole groups were detected in both July and August, and these were monitored closely as flows continued to recede. Long-Term Ramping Rate Plan Results of 2023 frog surveys were presented in the draft “Results of 2023 Surveys for Foothill Yellow-legged Frog on the Poe Reach of the North Fork Feather River” (2023 Report) submitted to the Service by PG&E via email on May 22, 2024 (the final report is anticipated to be filed with the Commission later in June 2024). Visual encounter surveys occurred approximately every 10 days from April 20 to July 6 (additional surveys continued until mid-July) at all 15 subsites (when accessible). Releases from Poe dam at the end of spill period utilized Protocol 2 recession rates (see LTRRP, approved by the Commission on March 27, 2023). Protocol 2 calls for the following release schedule: • Hold steady for seven days once flows have decreased to approximately 1200cfs • Daily 10% reduction for days 8, 9, and 10 • Hold steady at 800cfs for days 11-17 • 10% reduction every other day starting day 18 until base flow is achieved. The LTRRP includes additional monitoring protocols to occur while the Protocol 2 recession takes place. In 2023, this monitoring took place at subsites 1b, 7a, 7b, and 7c on eight separate visits from June 27 (flows reached 1,200cfs) to July 14 (base flow of approximately 550cfs reached). Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 Analysis of Protocol 2 Impacts on Egg Masses: A total of 41 egg masses were detected in 2023 from late May to early July (several were inferred egg masses from new tadpole groups). A total of ten egg masses were documented to be scoured and/or stranded. The lain dates, dates of impact, and respective flows are included in the table below: Table 1: Egg Mass Impacts for 2023 June 4/2,772cfs June 12/1,640cfs June 16/1,518cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 17/1,518cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 19/1,504cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 20/1,410cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 21/1,172cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 21/1,172cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 21/1,172cfs June 28/1,074cfs (partial scour) July 6/~800cfs June 24/1,172cfs June 28/1,074cfs June 24/1,172cfs June 28/1,074cfs The dates that any egg mass was found to be either stranded or scoured may not have been the same date it became stranded or scoured (could have been impacted several days previously). Egg mass #1 was stranded prior to the start of Recession 2 protocols. The remaining nine egg masses were discovered impacted after Recession 2 protocols began. Egg masses #2, 3 and 4 experienced an approximately 440cfs drop in flow between being lain and when discovered impacted. Egg mass #5 experienced an approximately 330cfs drop in flow between being lain and when discovered impacted. Egg masses #6 through 10 had a drop of 100cfs between being lain and when discovered impacted. Although the impact of losing these nine egg masses during the Protocol 2 recession is greater than the Service was expecting, we acknowledge the difficulty in determining fault for each of these losses and how these losses might impact overall survival for the frog in 2023. For example, the Service wouldn’t have anticipated a drop in flow of 100cfs (approximately 8.5% flow reduction) to have impacted egg masses #6 through 10 to the extent they were. Additionally, site 7 (which is the location for all scoured egg masses in 2023) is known to experience egg mass scouring nearly every year over the four years surveys have taken place, including the driest water year types: • 2023 (Wet)—scour observed only at subsite 7b • 2022 (Dry)—scour observed at subsites 4c and 7b • 2021 (Critically Dry)—no scour observed at any site (fraying of egg masses was observed at 1b, 3, 4b, 4d, 5, 7a, and 7b) • 2020 (Critically Dry)—scour observed at 4a/4b and 7b (additional fraying of egg masses was observed at subsites 3, 4a, 7b, and 7c) It is unclear to the Service why site 7 experiences these losses when other survey locations either do not experience scour or infrequently experience it (under the same hydrology). The Service recommends continued discussion within the Project licensing group to determine if a stream profile analysis or other method may be necessary to assist in this evaluation of site 7. Similar to scouring, the causes of the fraying observed in some years is not clear. Typically, an egg mass can experience Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 fraying, with some eggs detaching from the mass and floating downstream (lost) with the remaining eggs attached and developing, as opposed to a scoured egg mass, where all eggs are lost. Fraying of egg masses can be the result of changes in flow rates from dam releases, or it can be caused by a predator (ex. crayfish), improper adhesion of the egg mass to the substrate, or other undetermined phenomena. Analysis of Protocol 2 Impacts on Tadpoles: Seven tadpole groups (precise numbers of tadpoles was not collected for July, but numbers can typically range from the 10s to >100s individual tadpoles) were found to be stranded during the Protocol 2 recession (these are separate impacts from the August Variance events described later in this letter). Some of these tadpoles were relocated to the river’s edge by field crews (rescued), although precise numbers were not noted (rescued tadpole condition was not noted, so survival of rescued tadpoles is uncertain). Similar to the loss of egg masses discussed previously, the loss of seven tadpole groups is greater than the Service was expecting under the recession rates of Protocol 2 and has the potential to be of significant impact to the local population. However, we do not yet have sufficient data regarding percent of losses for tadpoles to be able to determine with certainty if this loss constitutes a significant impact. The Service is continuing to work with PG&E, frog researchers, and other individuals and organizations that conduct monitoring and studies that will assist in the development of guidelines for life stage management of the frog. It is unclear to the Service why tadpoles would become stranded under the Protocol 2 recession rates. In an unpublished report from 2010, Lind et al found that all of the ten tadpoles utilized in the study were able to successfully follow a receding shoreline when flows reduced from approximately 1,100cfs to 250cfs over a period of about 12 hours (a much faster recession rate than under Protocol 2). Although the Service acknowledges this single study may not fully represent the species’ behavior (and was conducted in another watershed), we would have assumed similar behavior from tadpoles in the North Fork Feather River. The Service therefore acknowledges that our understanding of the frog’s tadpole behavior likely requires advancement, with additional investigation needed before we can better predict this behavior in any specific stream reach. The Service also is continuing to work with PG&E, frog researchers, and other individuals and organizations that conduct monitoring and studies that will assist in the development of guidelines for tadpole behavior. Comparison to Historical Recession Rates: The LTRRP was developed to reduce egg mass and tadpole losses in wetter water years when the Project would be reducing flows in the spring and early summer after spill ends at Poe dam but was not anticipated to eliminate all such losses. The recession rates provided within the LTRRP may have reduced impacts to the frog in 2023, as compared to historical years when PG&E followed less restrictive ramping rates. For instance, in 2006, at least half of all egg masses were stranded when flows dropped from 2,300cfs to 250cfs over seven days. In 2011, nearly 90% of egg masses were stranded when flows dropped from 1,600cfs to 150cfs over four days. Had these less restrictive recessions been in place in 2023, a much larger percentage of egg masses likely would have been lost than were observed. Through working with PG&E and other entities as indicated above, we aim to improve our understanding of what level of loss each life stage is capable of withstanding while still allowing the recovery of the species. We appreciate the improvements that PG&E has made by implementing the LTRRP and will continue to work with PG&E to ensure the frog’s recover within the Poe reach of the North Fork Feather River. Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 Updating the LTRRP: The LTRRP includes a process by which it can be reviewed and updated as necessary. Within the first six years of implementation, after each of four spill recession protocol events (two Protocol 1 and two Protocol 2), PG&E will prepare and distribute a detailed report describing the events. Should any stakeholder (defined within the LTRRP), after reviewing any of these reports, determine there have been impacts to the frog, the stakeholder can request a meeting of the larger group to determine if additional changes are necessary to the protocols. Given that only one recession protocol has occurred since the LTRRP was approved, the Service requires additional recession events (and the associated frog monitoring) before determining if the LTRRP requires modification. We therefore recommend that modification is not required at this time. Once the Service has additional years of data for the recession events, we may have recommendations for modification and would use the established method within the LTRRP. August Flow Recession (Impacts Associated with the Variance) Results of August surveys were presented in the draft 2023 Report. PG&E detected a total of 612 tadpoles at the two monitoring locations over the course of August. Six tadpoles were found to be stranded and had died, 76 tadpoles were found alive but stranded and then rescued, and 529 tadpoles were found alive and within the river’s edge. Given that the frog was not federally-listed at the time of these impacts, mitigation is not required under the ESA. However, since the Commission (via PG&E) has requested the Service determine if mitigation is necessary to offset these impacts, we have used the best data available to conduct this evaluation. Analysis of August Impacts: Although PG&E is confident most of the impacted tadpoles in August were detected by field crews, some losses may have gone undetected (scavengers consuming tadpoles in-between survey events). However, given the frequency of surveys, it is reasonable to assume that majority were detected (at least 50%). Of the 77 rescued tadpoles, some may not have survived their stranding, even though they were returned to the river’s edge (rescued tadpole condition was not noted by field crews at the time, although later staff indicated some tadpole groups were not as lively upon rescue as others). PG&E indicated that the number of tadpoles observed to be killed by the August flow recession constitutes 1% of the total number of tadpoles observed, while the 77 tadpoles rescued constitutes 12.6% of the total number of tadpoles observed. Since some amount of the rescued tadpoles may have subsequently died from being stranded and then relocated, the percentage of tadpoles lost from this action is likely somewhere between these two percentages. Tadpole survival overall is generally considered low for most Ranid species, although sufficient data is lacking on frog tadpole survival for the North Fork Feather River. Rose et al (2021) indicated that frog survival from egg to the adult life stage is approximately 0.2% but can vary widely depending on many factors. Kupferberg (1997) found survival from hatching to metamorphosis within the South Fork Eel river to be approximately 1.5% (mark-recapture), although this percentage likely undercounted surviving tadpoles (the percentage of actual survival is likely greater). Therefore, the Service generally anticipates that only a small percentage of tadpoles would be expected to survive to metamorphosis in any given year for the North Fork Feather River. Additionally, YOY (fully metamorphosed) monitoring conducted August 16 and 17, September 6, 7, and 8, and October 5 and 6, 2023 detected 45, 129, and 70 (respectively) YOY frogs at several subsites throughout the Project area. These numbers generally correspond to historical averages for this reach of the river over the decades that this monitoring has occurred. Given the overall low natural tadpole survival for most Ranid species and the survivorship documented in 2023, our best estimate at this time is that the loss of tadpoles documented in August of 2023 may not constitute a significant impact to this population. Although we previously acknowledged our need to develop targets for survival for each life stage of the frog in order to better understand how specific losses Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 may be impacting the population, the number of tadpoles that were lost during the August recession were significantly less than the losses experienced in late June and July. 2023 Frog Survival As noted in the 2023 Report, YOY surveys detected approximately average numbers of frogs across the Project area (as compared to historical averages), even though some significant losses of eggs and tadpoles occurred earlier in the year. The Service cautions the Commission or PG&E, from drawing too many conclusions from the survival observed in 2023. As we have noted throughout this letter, the Service has not fully developed life stage survivorship guidelines for the frog that will promote the recovery of the species. Conclusion After reviewing all available information, the Service does not recommend mitigation for the August 2023 tadpole losses within the Poe reach, nor immediate modification of the LTRRP. The Service recommends continuing to utilize the LTRRP as it was approved by the Commission. The Service also recommends that the Commission conduct formal consultation for the frog for the Poe Project. Impacts to eggs and tadpoles have occurred in most years of Project operations historically and the Service anticipates impacts to continue, even with implementation of the LTRRP and other avoidance and minimization measures in place. Completing formal ESA consultation for the frog would ensure that this incidental take is exempted from the ESA’s take prohibition (Section 9). The Service greatly appreciates both the Commission’s and PG&E’s attention to the impacts the frog experienced in 2023. The Service looks forward to future collaboration with PG&E and the Commission regarding the frog. If you have any questions regarding this response, please contact A. Leigh Bartoo of my staff via email at aondrea_bartoo@fws.gov. Sincerely, Heather Swinney Deputy Field Supervisor cc: FERC #P-2107 listserve CDFW—Michael Maher SWRCB—Savannah Downey Forest Service—Dawn Alvarez PG&E—Sky Ramirez-Doble Plumas County—Tracey Ferguson HEATHER SWINNEY Digitally signed by HEATHER SWINNEY Date: 2024.06.11 14:07:35 -07'00' Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 Literature Cited Kupferberg, S.J. 1997. Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) invasion of a California river: the role of larval competition. Ecology 78:1736‐1751. Lind, A., C. Bondi, and S. Yarnell. 2010. Rana boylii Tadpole Behavior, Movement, and Algal Food Resources under Natural and Hydro-Peaking Flow Conditions. Unpublished report (available upon request). Rose, J.P., S.J. Kupferberg, C.A. Wheeler, P.M. Kleeman, and B.J. Halstead. 2021. Estimating the survival of unobservable life stages for a declining frog with a complex life history. Ecosphere 12(2):e03381. 10.1002/ecs2.3381 Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 ENCLOSURE 2 Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 From:Ramirez-Doble, Sky To:Bartoo, Aondrea Cc:Phipps, Jacqueline - FS, CA; Herman, Andie; Lent, Michelle; Richards, Kevin; Stevens, Kevin; McCready, Chadwick; Joseph, Matthew; Walther, Janet; Fisch, Nathan@Waterboards; Dyke, Jessica@Waterboards; Brenzovich, Erika -FS; Alvarez, Dawn -FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; Sable, Kurt A -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; Maher, Michael@Wildlife; Walker, Matt; Brunswick, Betsy; "Chris Shutes"; "Dave Steindorf"; Bauer, Rachel - FS, CA; Urias, Anna Subject:RE: Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision Date:Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:27:00 PM Attachments:2024-5-22_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx 2024-6-12_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx Hi Leigh, Please see the attached draft agenda for today’s meeting and final agenda from last meeting. If you have any questions, please let me know. With gratitude, Sky Ramirez-Doble He/Him/His Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation Pacific Gas & Electric Company c: (530) 250-7002 e: s9rv@pge.com -----Original Appointment----- From: Ramirez-Doble, Sky Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5:46 PM To: Ramirez-Doble, Sky; Bartoo, Aondrea Cc: Phipps, Jacqueline - FS, CA; Herman, Andie; Lent, Michelle; Richards, Kevin; Stevens, Kevin; McCready, Chadwick; Joseph, Matthew; Walther, Janet; Fisch, Nathan@Waterboards; Dyke, Jessica@Waterboards; Brenzovich, Erika -FS; Alvarez, Dawn -FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; Sable, Kurt A -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; Maher, Michael@Wildlife; Walker, Matt; Brunswick, Betsy; 'Chris Shutes'; 'Dave Steindorf'; Bauer, Rachel - FS, CA; Urias, Anna Subject: Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 3:00 PM-4:00 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting Hi Leigh, This is the final meeting in the Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision series. If you have any questions, please let me know. With gratitude, Sky Ramirez-Doble ________________________________________________________________________________ Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting now Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 Meeting ID: 273 693 155 560 Passcode: n7EZgx Dial in by phone +1 415-906-0873,,725615142# United States, San Francisco Find a local number Phone conference ID: 725 615 142# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN Need Help with Teams? Click on the Help option in this invite to connect you directly to our Teams atPG&E Training site! "Please reply to this meeting invite if you need an ADA Reasonable Accommodationto attend" Org help ________________________________________________________________________________ Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 From:Ramirez-Doble, Sky To:Bartoo, Aondrea; Phipps, Jacqueline - FS, CA; Fisch, Nathan@Waterboards; Dyke, Jessica@Waterboards; Brenzovich, Erika -FS; Alvarez, Dawn -FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; Sable, Kurt A -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; Maher, Michael@Wildlife; Walker, Matt; Brunswick, Betsy; "Chris Shutes"; "Dave Steindorf"; Bauer, Rachel - FS, CA; Urias, Anna Cc:Herman, Andie; Lent, Michelle; Richards, Kevin; Stevens, Kevin; McCready, Chadwick; Joseph, Matthew; Walther, Janet Subject:Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision Date:Wednesday, May 22, 2024 2:59:00 PM Attachments:2024-5-15_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx 2024-5-22_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx Poe FYLF Egg Mass Data w Depth Analysis 052224.xlsx Hi everyone, Please see the attached draft agenda for today’s meeting, final agenda from last meeting, and Poe FYLF egg mass data with flow and depth analysis. If you have any questions, please let me know. With gratitude, Sky Ramirez-Doble He/Him/His Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation Pacific Gas & Electric Company c: (530) 250-7002 e: s9rv@pge.com Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 From:Ramirez-Doble, Sky To:"Bartoo, Aondrea" Cc:Herman, Andie; Lent, Michelle; Richards, Kevin; Stevens, Kevin; McCready, Chadwick; Joseph, Matthew; Walther, Janet; Fisch, Nathan@Waterboards; Dyke, Jessica@Waterboards; Brenzovich, Erika -FS; Alvarez, Dawn -FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; Sable, Kurt A -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; Maher, Michael@Wildlife; Walker, Matt; Brunswick, Betsy; "Chris Shutes"; "Dave Steindorf"; Bauer, Rachel - FS, CA Subject:Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision Date:Wednesday, May 15, 2024 2:43:00 PM Attachments:Poe 2023 Data Reveiw.pptx Poe Flow FYLF Analysis All Years with Site Photos - VES Dates Added.pdf 2024-5-15_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx 2024-5-08_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx Hi Leigh, Please see the attached final agenda from last meeting, draft agenda for today’s meeting, presentation from last meeting, and data for wet years impacts to egg masses. PG&E and our contractors are still working to revise the FYLF report. When available, I will send that over too. If you have any questions, please let me know. With gratitude, Sky Ramirez-Doble He/Him/His Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation Pacific Gas & Electric Company c: (530) 250-7002 e: s9rv@pge.com Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 From:Ramirez-Doble, Sky To:Bartoo, Aondrea Cc:Walther, Janet; Walker, Matt; Brunswick, Betsy; Herman, Andie; Lent, Michelle; Richards, Kevin; Stevens, Kevin; McCready, Chadwick; Joseph, Matthew; Fisch, Nathan@Waterboards; Dyke, Jessica@Waterboards; Brenzovich, Erika -FS; Alvarez, Dawn -FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; Sable, Kurt A -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; Maher, Michael@Wildlife; "Chris Shutes"; "Dave Steindorf"; Bauer, Rachel - FS, CA Subject:Agenda - May 8, 2024 - Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision Date:Wednesday, May 8, 2024 11:39:00 AM Attachments:2024-5-08_2107_USFWS and PGE_FYLF Mitigation Agenda.docx Hi Leigh, Please see the attached draft agenda for today’s consultation on FYLF mitigation. If you have any questions, please let me know. With gratitude, Sky Ramirez-Doble He/Him/His Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation Pacific Gas & Electric Company c: (530) 250-7002 e: s9rv@pge.com Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 From:Ramirez-Doble, Sky To:Bartoo, Aondrea Cc:Herman, Andie; Lent, Michelle; Richards, Kevin; Stevens, Kevin; McCready, Chadwick; Joseph, Matthew; Walther, Janet; Fisch, Nathan@Waterboards; Dyke, Jessica@Waterboards; Brenzovich, Erika -FS; Alvarez, Dawn -FS; Cayo, Lori -FS; Sable, Kurt A -FS; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; Maher, Michael@Wildlife; "Chris Shutes"; "Dave Steindorf"; Walker, Matt; Brunswick, Betsy Subject:Consultation on FYLF Mitigation and Ramping Rate Plan Revision Start:Wednesday, May 8, 2024 3:00:00 PM End:Wednesday, May 8, 2024 4:00:00 PM Location:Microsoft Teams Meeting Hi Leigh, Thank you for providing your availability. Upon your request, I’ve included all agencies as optional attendees. These recurring meetings are to discuss the need for mitigation on observed impacts to FYLF during the ramp-down to achieve the variance MIF lastyear. By June 16, 2024, PG&E will file with FERC documentation of this consultation, and if warranted based on the USFWS’s findings, a plan and schedule for implementing the proposed mitigation. These meetings are also to discuss whether an amendment is necessary to the Poe Ramping Rate Plan to further minimize future effects to FYLF breeding and development to metamorphosis stage when employing the Spill Recession protocols and, using this new information, to avoid flow ramping rates that are likely to strand or scour egg masses or tadpole groups. If it is determined, in consultation with USFWS, that revisions to the Poe Ramping Rate Plan are justified, then PG&E will work to revise the plan and file it with FERC for approval. If you have any questions, please let me know. With gratitude, Sky Ramirez-Doble He/Him/His Hydro License Coordinator | Power Generation Pacific Gas & Electric Company c: (530) 250-7002 e: s9rv@pge.com <mailto:s9rv@pge.com> ________________________________________________________________________________ Microsoft Teams Need help? <https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US> Join the meeting now <https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup- join/19%3ameeting_Zjk2YTUwZDItMWZhMC00YWIzLWEwNTUtZjVjYzlmYTc4YmU3%40thread.v2/0? context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2244ae661a-ece6-41aa-bc96-7c2c85a08941%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2280895f22-09af-4d9c-8056-0908a72ff7bb%22%7d> Meeting ID: 243 100 431 042 Passcode: 7SDHEC ________________________________ Dial-in by phone +1 415-906-0873,,750133891# <tel:+14159060873,,750133891> United States, San Francisco Find a local number <https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/f67b92ca-d71f-42b6-8e87-03270c2d4bee?id=750133891> Phone conference ID: 750 133 891# For organizers: Meeting options <https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=80895f22-09af-4d9c-8056- 0908a72ff7bb&tenantId=44ae661a-ece6-41aa-bc96- US> | Reset dial-in PIN <https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/usp/pstnconferencing> Need Help with Teams? Click on the Help option in this invite to connect you directly to our Teams at PG&E Training site! "Please reply to this meeting invite if you need an ADA Reasonable Accommodation to attend" Org help <https://pge.sharepoint.com/sites/Office365Hub/SitePages/Teams-at-PG&E.aspx> Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024 Document Content(s) 2024-06-17_2107_PGE-to-FERC_USFWS_Consultation_Ltr.pdf....................1 2024-06-17_2107_PGE-to-FERC_USFWS_Consultation_Enc1.pdf...................3 2024-06-17_2107_PGE-to-FERC_USFWS_Consultation_Enc2.pdf..................10 Document Accession #: 20240617-5162 Filed Date: 06/17/2024