HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.12.25 Board Correspondence - FW_ Environmental Report issued in FERC P-619-164From:Clerk of the Board
To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod;
Kitts, Melissa; Krater, Sharleen; Lee, Lewis; Little, Melissa; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.;
Sweeney, Kathleen; Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth
Cc:Loeser, Kamie; Nuzum, Danielle
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Environmental Report issued in FERC P-619-164
Date:Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:24:22 AM
Please see Board Correspondence -
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Subject: Environmental Report issued in FERC P-619-164
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On 11/12/2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-619-164
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Environmental Report
Description: Environmental Inspection Report by San Francisco Regional Office for Pacific Gas & Electric
Company; City of Santa Clara, California, Bucks Creek Project, inspected on 09/23/2025 - 09/26/2025 under P-
619.
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ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION REPORT
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
San Francisco Region
Date of Inspection September 23 - 26, 2025
Name Bucks Creek Project No. P-619
Licensees Pacific Gas & Electric Company; City of Santa Clara License Type Major
License Issued June 16, 2022 License Expires May 31, 2072
Location Bucks Creek, North Fork Feather River, Grizzly Creek, Milk Ranch Creek
(Waterway)
Plumas County California
(Counties) (State)
Inspector Katie Schmidt
Licensees’ Representatives Jamie Visinoni, PG&E License Project Manager; Anna
Urias, PG&E License Coordinator; John Lopez, PG&E Water Crew Lead; Jim McKay,
PG&E Land Planner; Kevin Stevens, PG&E Generation Supervisor; Dan Stephens,
PG&E Hydrographer; Kathleen Forest, PG&E Cultural Resources Specialist; Andie
Herman, PG&E Amphibian Specialist; Renee Fernandez-Lipp, James Atkinson, PG&E
Public Safety Specialists; Joe Argento, PG&E Operations Electrician; Andrew Anderson,
PG&E Aquatic Biologist; Joe Deflawerance; PG&E Land Manager
Other Participants Leslie Edlund, Forest Service
Summary of Findings
This report covers conditions observed on the days of inspection and the
availability of recreational facilities, public safety signage and devices, and compliance
with the environmental license requirements for the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project.
In addition to its license articles, the project is also subject to requirements of the Form
L-5 (October, 1975), a section 401 Water Quality Certification (License Appendix A),
and a section 4(e) (License Appendix B). The licensees were in overall compliance with
license articles referenced in the inspection and were able to demonstrate compliance
with relevant articles through the examination of records, testing of project works, and
visual inspection of the facilities. Seven follow-up items, and one recommended task,
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 2 -
were identified during the inspection and included in a follow-up letter issued on October
9, 2025.
A. Inspection Findings
Requirements*
Date of
Requirement
Follow-
up
Needed
Photo
Nos.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
WQC Condition 7; 4(e) Condition 30: Water Year Type Determination
*2025 is a ‘wet’ water ea
L: 6/16/2022
R: 5/16/2025
Article 401(a); Standard Article 8; WQC Condition 13; 4(e) Condition
39: Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan. Licensees must install
and maintain gages and stream gaging stations to determine stage and flow,
provide readings from such, under supervision of USGS. Licensees to
keep accurate and sufficient records and provide such records annually, file
Ma 1.
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
AM: 5/6/2025
5, 14
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 1; 4(e) Condition 31: Minimum
Instream Flow Compliance Report, annually by May 1 on previous water
year for: Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake Dam (Bucks2), Bucks Creek
below Lower Bucks Lake Dam (NF82), Grizzly Creek below Grizzly
Forebay (NF22), Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes (MR2), Milk
Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1 (MRC1), South Fork
Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3 (MRC2)
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 9; 4(e) Condition 33: Wet Water Year
Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No 1 & 2 Unimpaired Bypass Flow Report
Annuall b Ma 31 if flows were b passed.
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 4; 4(e) Condition 34: Channel
Maintenance Flow Report for Bucks & Grizzly Creeks. Annually by May
31 if channel maintenance flows were released, required in Wet and
ormal water ears.
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 6; 4(e) Condition 35: Spill Management
Report Grizzly Forebay & Lower Bucks Lake. 5 yrs and 3 months after
license issuance, or until all three down-ramping scenarios have been
implemented.
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
WQC Condition 5; 4(e) Condition 36: Project Reservoirs Water Surface
Elevations Minimums mean sea level (MSL). Minimum elevations
required at: Lower Bucks Lake (NF13), Lower & Middle Three Lakes
(NF10), Bucks Lake (NF 16), Grizzl Foreba (NF19).
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 3; 4(e) Condition 37: Three Lakes
drawdown water surface elevation report
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
Article 401(b); WQC Condition 24; 4(e) Condition 62: Extremely Dry
Conditions/Drought Management Revised Operations Plan
In extremely dry conditions, plan filed and request to modify flows no later
than March 15. * Not et tri ered since license issuance.
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(c); 4(e) Condition 62: Drought Management Revised
Operations Plan Monitorin Repor . *Not et tri ered.
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(b); WQC Condition 8; 4(e) Condition 38: Milk Ranch
Conduit Diversions Management Work Plan. Existing inactive diversions
left in place, managed for safety and aesthetics (No. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8).
Seal exposed intakes and diversion pipes. *Work is complete.
L: 6/16/2022
R: 5/9/2025
7
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 8: Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion Water
Rights Disposition Report. 18 months after license issuance, licensees
have applied to alter water ri hts with state.
L: 6/16/2022
R: 9/20/2023
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 3 -
Requirements*
Date of
Requirement
Follow-
up
Needed
Photo
Nos.
WQC Condition 9, 4(e) Condition 33: Milk Ranch Conduit Closure. If
Bucks Lake elevation ≥ 5, 142 ft MSL in a Wet Year, close the Milk Ranch
Creek and North Fork Grouse Hollow Creek diversions within 2 days of
April Bulletin 120, until Au ust 15.
L: 6/16/2022
RH: 9/22/2022
R: 4/24/2025
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 12; 4(e) Condition 56: Shoreline
Mana ement Plan.
F: 9/19/2019
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 14; 4(e) Condition 41: Gravel
Augmentation Plan. Extension of time (EOT) request for first placement
until 10/31/2026, needs new topo survey if Wet year (2025 was ‘wet’),
*EOT request under review.
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
EOT
placement:
9/18/2025
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 15; 4(e) Condition 43: Aquatic
Resources Monitoring Plan. Rainbow trout, brown trout, CA roach,
foothill yellow-legged frog, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (SNYLF),
brook trout (Three Lakes), water temp. & quality, channel morphology,
large woody material, and riparian vegetation. Reporting due March 1 year
followin monitorin .
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
R: 5/8/2025
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 18; 4(e) Condition 45: Integrated
Vegetation Management Plan. Special status plant identification and
protection, enhance fens and quaking aspen groves, manage non-natives,
esticide/herbicide use. *No report to FERC.
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 16; 4(e) Condition 42: SNYLF
Management Plan. Listed endangered April 29, 2014. Report due May 1.
SNYLF BiOp T&C 1a, 1b: All handling, monitoring, surveys, & worker
trainings done by amphibian biologist with appropriate experience.
SNYLF BiOp T&C 1c: Amphibian rescues for eggs and tadpoles will be
done during road maintenance and construction stream crossings along
Three Lakes Road, if these life stages are detected.
SNYLF BiOp T&C 1d: Decontamination protocols will be used for all
direct handling of SNYLF (CA Center for Amphibian Disease Control
2007).
SNYLF BiOp T&C 1e, 1f: Report on egg masses and tadpole rescues, by
December 31 each year. Copy of all reports pertaining to frogs sent to
Assistance Field Supervisor at the BDFWO.
F: 9/20/2019
BO:
12/26/2019
L: 6/16/2022
R: 5/7/2025
Article 403: SNYLF Protection Measures. Must implement protection
measures described by April 13, 2021 biological assessment to protect the
frog during Haskins Valley Boat Launch and Parking Lot reconstruction.
*Not et constructed.
L: 6/16/2022
WQC Condition 2; 4(e) Condition 32: Cease Diversions at Bear Ravine
at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 8. For protection of SNYLF,
permanently cease diversion of flows from Bear Ravine into Milk Ranch
Conduit at No. 8, allowin full natural flow in Bear Ravine. *Completed.
L: 6/16/2022 7
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 17; 4(e) Condition 44: Aquatic Invasive
Species Management Plan. Focused sampling for quagga and zebra
mussels, calcium sampling, veliger tows, other species monitored via
incidental si htin s. Report ue March 1 ear followin monitorin .
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
R: 5/27/2025
Yes 10
Article 401(b); WQC Condition 11: Fish Stocking Plan due within 15
months of license issuance. Reservoirs stocked: Bucks Lake, Grizzly
Forebay (Lower Three Lakes & Middle Three Lakes if aerial plantings
ossible, otherwise amount redistributed).
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
F: 8/3/2023
AP: 9/8/2023
Article 401(c); WQC Condition 11: Fish Stocking Report. Due annually
December 31 after stockin occurs.
F: 8/3/2023
AP: 9/8/2023
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 4 -
Requirements*
Date of
Requirement
Follow-
up
Needed
Photo
Nos.
Article 401(b); WQC Condition 23: Dewatering and Diversion Plan
File Plan prior to in water work that requires diversion or work below the
maximum surface water elevation, 60 days prior. Plans filed and approved
for: Lower Bucks Spillway Rehabilitation Project (176-178), Lower Bucks
Spillway (180), Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3 Pipeline Rebuild
(182).
F: 8/24/2023
AP: 3/28/2024
AP: 5/3/2024
F: 5/7/2024
AP: 7/16/2024
Article 401(b); WQC Condition 10; 4(e) Condition 40: Woody Material
Passage Plan. *No report to FERC, see Forest Service Annual
Consultation Meetin repor .
F: 12/15/2023
F: 6/6/2024
AP: 8/12/2024
Article 401(a); 4(e) Condition 47: Bald Eagle Management Plan. *No
report to FERC, see Forest Service Annual Consultation Meetin report.
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(b); 4(e) Condition 46: Raptor Protection Plan. Conduct
evaluation of project transmission line for consistency with designs of the
Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (2006 & 2012). *2021 Dixie
Fire burned the entire line; therefore it was rebuilt in 2023 following
APLIC uidelines, therefore plan not needed.
L: 6/16/2022
R: 6/17/2024
Article 401(c); 4(e) Condition 49: Northern Goshawk & CA Spotted Owl
Nesting Survey Report. Conduct periodic surveys for species to determine
changes in nesting locations or new territories. File report within one year
of data collection.
L: 6/16/2022
R (goshawk):
7/10/2024
R (owl):
5/8/2025
4(e) Condition 48: Limited Operating Period of Breeding Osprey.
Preconstruction surveys for active nesting locations that may be disturbed
maintenance or operations durin breedin season.
L: 6/16/2022
4(e) Condition 50: Limit Project Activities During CA Spotted Owl &
orthern Goshawk Breedin Seasons near Active Nests
L: 6/16/2022
4(e) Condition 51: Limit Project Activities During Willow Flycatcher
Breedin Season
L: 6/16/2022
F: 10/31/2024
401(d): Notification of Planned Temporary Modifications of Mandatory
Conditions. Regarding planned deviations from required minimum
instream flows, channel maintenance flows, maintenance of surface water
elevations, down-ramping & management spills. File report with FERC no
later than 14 da s after onset of planned deviation.
L: 6/16/2022
401(e): Notification of Unplanned Deviations from Mandatory Conditions
Longer than 3 Hours or Resulting in Environmental Effects. Notify
a encies w/in 24 hrs, and FERC w/in 14 da s, file report w/in 30 da s.
L: 6/16/2022
401(f): Notification of Unplanned Deviations from Mandatory Conditions
Less than 3 Hours or No Environmental Effects. Annual Report by March
1, all such incidents durin prior Januar 1 throu h December 31.
L: 6/16/2022
WQC Condition 22; 4(e) Condition 2 and 3: Annual Ecological
Consultation Group (ECG) Meeting. ECG consists of Forest Service, Fish
& Wildlife Service, California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, American
Whitewater, Bucks Lake Homeowners Association, State Water Board, and
more). At least one meeting per year by April 15. Review of comments,
proposed actions, consultations, special status species, etc. Report to
FERC w/in 60 da s followin meetin .
L: 6/16/2022
R: 4/8/2025
4(e) Condition 23: Pesticide Use Restrictions on National Forest System
(NFS) lands. May not be used without prior written approval of Forest
Service.
L: 6/16/2022
R: 4/8/2025
4(e) Condition 28: Special Status Species. Prepare and submit biological
evaluations to Forest Service before new project features are constructed,
re ardin special status species or their habitats.
L: 6/16/2022
R: 4/8/2025
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 5 -
Requirements*
Date of
Requirement
Follow-
up
Needed
Photo
Nos.
4(e) Condition 29: Annual Review of Special Status Species Lists and
Assessments. Part of annual consultation with Forest Service
L: 6/16/2022
R: 4/8/2025
4(e) Condition 52, 53, 54: Consult w/Bat Biologist Prior to Structural
Modifications/Vegetation Management; loud disturbances along Three
Lakes Road or Three Lakes Dam; inspect tunnels for bats before
operations/maintenance activities in winte .
L: 6/16/2022
4(e) Condition 27; BiOp RPA 2: Annual Employee Training. Annually
perform employee environmental awareness for hydro operations and
maintenance staff. *Last trainin performed 4/17/2025.
L: 6/16/2022
R: 4/8/2025
PUBLIC SAFETY
18 CFR 12: Facilities and measures to assure public safety. Public safety
plans filed.
Current
regulations
F: 4/16/2025
F: 7/8/2025
13
Article 401(a); 4(e) Condition 61; Standard Article 27: Fire Prevention
and Response Plan. Minimize risk of fire hazard: Remove dry brush, grass,
debris and others near work areas. Equipment to extinguish fires near the
project. Communication system connecting each operation with Forest
Service or CalFire dispatch. Each vehicle will have round point shovel,
rake or fire hoe, one backpack water pump, and one 5-lb or greater ABC
fire extinguisher. Fire safety signage and use restrictions on all recreational
facilities. 5-foot radius to bare mineral soil around all fire rings and BBQs,
remove overhan in branches to 10 ft.
F: 9/20/2019
L: 6/16/2022
11, 12
RECREATION RESOURCES
18 CFR 2.7: Recreational development Current
re ulations
18 CFR 8: Recreation signing and posting Current
re ulations
Yes 1
Standard Article 17: Construct, maintain, and operation reasonable
recreational facilities giving consideration to the needs of the physically
handicapped.
L: 6/16/2022 Yes 9
Standard Article 18: Reasonable free public access for recreation. L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 21; 4(e) Condition 55: Recreation
Management Plan. Facilities covered in plan include:
Bucks Lake - Bucks Lake Inlet Parking, Haskins Valley Boat Launch
Haskins Valley Campground, Hutchins Group Campground, Indian Rock
Day Use Area, Mill Creek Campground, Sandy Point Boat Launch, Sandy
Point Day Use Area, Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail, Sundew Campground,
West End Cove Day Use Area, Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground, Mill
Creek Trail
Lower Bucks Lake - Lower Buck Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Three Lakes - Three Lakes Trailhead
Grizzly Forebay - Grizzly Forebay Campground and Grizzly Forebay
Trailhead, Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail, Grizzly Forebay
Recreation Area
F: 10/3/2019
F: 6/18/2024
R: 12/4/2024
Yes 2, 3, 8,
9, 10
4(e) Condition 4: Forest Service Approval of Final Desi ns L: 6/16/2022
4(e) Condition 5: Approval of Pro ect Chan es on NFS Lands L: 6/16/2022
4(e) Condition 6: Maintenance of Improvements on NFS Lands. Maintain
all improvements to standards of repair, neatness, sanitation, etc. on NFS
lands.
L: 6/16/2022
4(e) Condition 17: Consult with Forest Service prior to erecting signs
relatin to safet issues on NFS lands, et Forest Service approval.
L: 6/12/2022
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 6 -
Requirements*
Date of
Requirement
Follow-
up
Needed
Photo
Nos.
4(e) Condition 57: Consult with Forest Service Prior to Paintin Exteriors L: 6/16/2022
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Standard Article 19: Reasonable measures to prevent soil erosion,
sedimentation, and an form of water or air pollution
L: 6/16/2022 14
Standard Article 20: Clear and keep clear adequate widths of lands along
conduits of all temporary structures, unused timber, brush, refuse, and other
materials unnecessar for pro ect purposes
L: 6/16/2022
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 20; 4(e) Condition 60: Erosion
Mana ement Plan.
F: 9/20/2019
Article 401(a); WQC Condition 19; 4(e) Condition 22: Hazardous
Material Management Plan, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
Plan (SPCCP). Plans available in Bucks and Grizzly powerhouses. Clean-
up material to be available at owerhouses. Report spills within 24 hrs.
F: 9/20/2019
Article 401(a); 4(e) Condition 15, 19 and 59; Standard Article 31:
Transportation Mana ement Plan.
F: 9/20/2019
Article 405: Use and Occupancy. Licensees may grant use w/out FERC
approval for: landscape plantings; non-commercial piers/landings/boat
docks with no more than 10 watercraft occupancy (single family
dwellings); embankments, bulkheads, retaining walls for erosion control to
rotect existin shorelines; food plots and wildlife enhancements.
L: 6/12/2022
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Article 404, 4(e) Condition 58: Implement Approved Programmatic
Agreement & Historic Properties Management Plan
Executed October 13, 2021. Historic Properties Management Plan filed
October 2019.
F: 8/15/2019
F: 10/22/2019
R: 9/13/2024
15, 16
AP-Approved; AM-Amended; CFR-Code of Federal Regulations; L- License; F-Filed; R-report; RH -
Rehearing
B. Follow-Up Actions
The following items were identified on inspection and discussed with project staff on
the last day of the inspection:
Commission staff observed that the contact information on the project’s Part 8
sign had faded and become illegible (Photo 1). The licensees were directed to
either replace or repair the Part 8 sign.
At Sandy Point Boat Launch, only one loaner child life vest was available at the
time of inspection (Photo 2). Because the 2025 recreational season had ended by
the date of the inspection, Commission staff directed the licensees to restock the
child loaner life vest rack by the start of the 2026 recreational season, and to
continue to do so at the start of each recreational season going forward.
One of the shower units at the Sandy Point Boat Launch was out of service at the
time of inspection, and the licensees were directed to bring that unit back into use
before the start of the 2026 recreational season.
Potable water was not available at several campgrounds (Hutchins Group
Campground, Sundew Campground, and Mill Creek Campground) that were
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 7 -
described as providing this amenity in the Recreational Management Plan.
Licensees staff outlined the various plans to address this issue but, in the interim,
Commission staff required that the licensees post additional information at each
affected campground to better assist the public in finding available potable water
once at the campgrounds, and to provide more information about the safe uses of
water at particular sites.
At the Hutchins Group Campground, which was severely affected by the Dixie
Fire (Photo 3), the trailhead sign from Hutchins to Lower Bucks was also burned
and no longer legible. Commission staff directed the licensees to replace the
directional sign.
At Mill Creek, it was noted that a pathway to the bathrooms from one of the
accessible campsites had been raised up, causing the sidewalk to have two sharp
edges and decreasing the ease with which a person requiring a mobility device
could access the bathrooms. Commission staff requested the licensees to smooth
or in another way correct this issue until the Mill Creek Campground is more
formally rehabilitated.
An aquatic plant was observed in the Grizzly Forebay, that could be an invasive
water milfoil species. The licensees were directed to obtain a sample of the plant
and identify it to species, to see if further actions under their Aquatic Species
Management Plan would be warranted for its control and eradication.
As a recommendation, Commission staff requested that wasp abatement continue
to occur for project recreational amenity structures, such as showers, bathrooms,
and wildlife resistant food boxes, so that members of the public are not deterred
from using these facilities.
Nearly all items were requested to be completed by the start of the 2026 recreational
season and that the licensees file photo documentation of the tasks’ completions by May
31, 2026.
C. Comments
The project was relicensed on June 16, 2022. The original license term was
granted for a period of 40 years, but on rehearing, was extended to 50 years.1 The license
term now ends on May 31, 2072. The project occupies federal land within the Plumas
National Forest and portions of the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area. No project works are
located within the Bucks Lakes Wilderness Area, but the project boundary includes
federally owned land within the wilderness area. It consists of two developments, the
Bucks Creek and Grizzly developments, and four dams and reservoirs pairs (Three Lakes,
Bucks Lake, Lower Bucks Lake, and Grizzly Forebay).
1 ORDER ADDRESSING ARGUMENTS RAISED ON REHEARING (180 FERC ¶ 61,177), issued September 22,
2022. Docket P-619-174.
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 8 -
Three Lakes Dam impounds Milk Ranch Creek to form the Upper, Middle, and
Lower lakes of the Three Lakes Reservoir, and is considered the top of the watershed.
Three Lakes outflows are diverted from Milk Ranch Creek to Lower Bucks for
generation at both powerhouses through the Milk Ranch Conduit, otherwise Milk Ranch
Creek eventually joins the North Fork Feather River. The Milk Ranch conduit also
collects and transports water from other smaller streams within the watershed on its path
to Lower Bucks; these diversions occur and are accessed by the Three Lakes Road.
Originally, there were 16 conduit diversions; the licensees filed their Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion Water Rights Disposition Report in 2023. The licensees are in the process of
amending their water rights with State Water Resources Control Board to accurately
reflect which diversions remain active. Inactive diversions were to be left in place and
managed for safety, aesthetics, and environmental reasons (No. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8). The
Milk Ranch Creek Diversions Management Work Plan regarding the inactive diversions
has been completed, and resulted in sealing exposed intakes and diversion pipes, the
removal of construction litter and debris, and the screening of air vents to prevent wildlife
entrapment. The Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3 Pipeline Rebuild has also been
completed, which improved the stream and road crossing.
Bucks Creek is impounded by Bucks Lake Dam, and again at Lower Bucks Lake,
before joining the North Fork Feather River. Water diverted from Lower Bucks Lake
through the power tunnel supplies Grizzly Powerhouse generation. Water routed through
the Grizzly Powerhouse is discharged into the Grizzly Forebay; Grizzly Forebay Dam
also impounds Grizzly Creek. Water there can either be routed from Grizzly Forebay
through a power tunnel to Bucks Powerhouse and discharged into the North Fork Feather
River or released into Grizzly Creek downstream of the Grizzly Dam.
The Bucks Powerhouse was severely affected by the 2018 Camp fire, which
completely burned the transmission lines it connects to,2 requiring their replacement.
Only within the last year were repairs completed enough to reconnect and bring the
powerhouse back online. One unit at Bucks Powerhouse was generating power at the
time of inspection. PG&E staff estimate that the powerhouse will resume full power
generation in 2026 following the completion of repairs/replacement of the regional
transmission system. Of note, the Lower Bucks Spillway Rehabilitation Project was
underway and observed from a distance during the inspection (Photo 4). The construction
area was not inspected because this inspection was for overall license compliance and not
a special project inspection.
The 2024-2025 water year was determined to be a wet water year type.
Accordingly, observed flows compared to the required flows for September in a wet
water year, are identified below:
2 There are no project transmission lines at the Bucks Creek Powerhouse. Instead, the powerhouse connects directly
to an adjacent non-project switchyard that is part of the regional transmission system.
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Project No. 619-164 - 9 -
All reservoir elevations and stream flows observed were at or greater than license-
required minimums when checked on the days of inspection. Lower & Middle Three
Lakes water surface elevation was at its compliance point of minimum pool, at its lowest
point for the year (Photo 6), and no diversions from Milk Ranch Creek.
The licensees report that they are currently pursuing an amendment to the current
water quality certification Condition 1 with the State Water Resources Control Board,
regarding certain planned, temporary flow modifications to minimum instream flows.
Currently, WQC condition 1 does not permit temporary planned modifications to the
minimum flows required in Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake or Grizzly Creek
below Grizzly Forebay, while Article 401(d) and 4(e) condition 31 permit the minimum
flows of all project instream flows to be temporarily modified for maintenance or repair
of the dam, outlet facilities, and minimum flow release facilities, with prior notification to
the Commission and other agencies.
(1) Fish & Wildlife Resources:
The licensees monitor and manage many biological resources according to
approved plans: natural trout populations, stocked trout, river fishes, foothill yellow-
Date Gage # Name Observed
Value
Requirement
Value
9/23 NF 16 Bucks Reservoir elevation
(Photo 5)
5140.83 ft
MSL
No minimum
after Sept 1
BUCKS2 Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake
instream minimum flow
250 cfs 3 cfs
9/24 NF 11 Milk Ranch Condui 0 cfs N/A
9/24 NF 13 Lower Bucks Reservoir
elevation
5010.59 ft
MSL
4966 ft
9/24 NF 19 Grizzly Forebay elevation 4309.48 ft
MSL
4303 ft
9/24 NF 22 Grizzly Creek below Grizzly
Forebay instream minimum
flow
12.25 cfs 9 cfs
9/25 NF 10 Lower & Middle Three Lakes
elevation
6050.11 ft
MSL
6050.00 ft
MSL
9/25 MRC2 South Fork Grouse Hollow
Creek at Conduit Diversion No.
1
<0.2 cfs
(natural
inflow)
0.5 or natural
inflow,
whichever is
less
9/26 NF 82 Bucks Creek below Lower
Bucks Lake instream minimum
flow
12.5 cfs 8 cfs
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 10 -
legged frog, Sierra Neveda yellow-legged frog, brook trout in Three Lakes, aquatic
invasive species, bald eagles, northern goshawk, and California Spotted Owl. Other
wildlife species with special project requirements include osprey, willow flycatcher, and
bats. Waterway water quality, water temperature, channel morphology, large woody
material, and riparian vegetation are also monitored under the Aquatic Resources
Management Plan. The Integrated Vegetation Management Plan encompasses the
monitoring and management of the enhanced fen and quaking aspen grove areas, the
control of invasive plant species, herbicide use, and the protection and management of
special status plant species like Clarkia which can be found near the Grizzly Powerhouse.
The Gravel Augmentation Plan was approved with the issuance of the new project
license, and gravel was expected to be placed at two sites in Bucks Creek and one site at
Grizzly Creek in 2024 or 2025, depending on the results of topographic surveys. The
baselines surveys were delayed a year, with agency approval, to complete the surveys by
August 1, 2024 and place gravel in 2025. However, the 2024/2025 winter was
determined to be a wet water year and was expected to have changed the topographic
survey results. The California SWRCB required that another survey be completed to
accurately inform the gravel placements. The licensees completed the follow-up 2025
survey; however, had to request an additional extension to obtain an updated Section 401
certification regarding the gravel placement under a Section 404 activity. The new
expected date to place the gravel is October 31, 2026; however, the 2025/2026 water year
type may affect the applicability of the 2025 topographic survey results, if the new
extension is approved by the Commission.
Regarding Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (SNYLF), the Milk Ranch Conduit
No. 8 has been sealed so that full flows are available downstream in Bear Ravine, for the
benefit of SNYLF (Photo 7). The Milk Ranch Conduit diversion gate was welded in the
closed position and the pipe was pinched shut, so that inflow equals outflow for Bear
Ravine. The ventilation pipe was capped with mesh. Now, the management plan
consists of protecting the frog and its habitat during regular operations and maintenance,
and species monitoring. Seven adult frogs were observed in the 2024 monitoring efforts
within two sites (site number reduced due to Normal water year type determination,
greater number of sites surveyed in Wet and Dry year types through License Year 10). It
should be noted that eDNA samples failed to detect SNYLF at one site that was visually
confirmed to contain at least one individual upstream. The eDNA sampling also detected
the presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the chytrid fungus that causes
chytridiomycosis which is fatal to the frogs, on one replicate. However, the individuals
observed at that location appeared healthy and free from infection in the provided photos
(both were captured and handled). The project biologist noted that Sierra Nevada yellow-
legged frogs tend to exclusively occur in streams above 4,500 ft elevation while only
foothill yellow-legged frogs are found below this elevation.
In August 2023, the licensees self-reported tree clearing activities that occurred
without willow flycatcher surveys being completed during their nesting season (a
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 11 -
requirement of 4(e) condition 51). This incident is currently pending Commission review
and a final determination. Subsequently, the licensees filed a request to amend this
requirement on October 31, 2024, and report that the surveys are difficult to complete
before tree removal needs to be done, prior to opening the campgrounds for recreation
(whenever the snow melt occurs later in the year, the date access is possible is pushed
later into the year and closer to flycatcher breeding season). The licensees notified and
consulted with the resource agencies to determine the best course of action to avoid a
similar situation in the future. The Forest Service collaborated with the licensees to
revise the condition and change the number and timing of required surveys. Commission
approval of the requested amendment is currently pending.
Recently, fish stocking has occurred in Bucks Reservoir only, and licensees’ staff
stated that only triploid rainbow trout are stocked. In the past, project reservoirs were
stocked with lake, brown, rainbow, and kokanee trout, and some of those populations
remain and may still be breeding. The 2025 brook trout spawning surveys in Three
Lakes are scheduled to begin in October. No redds were observed in the previous survey.
Of note, a small brown bat of unknown species was observed in the Grizzly
Powerhouse Access Tunnel.
(2) Recreational Resources:
Many members of the public enjoy fishing and boating on project reservoirs, as
well as hiking, camping, and various day-use activities. There are also several
commercial companies offering recreational opportunities and year-round private
residences around Bucks Lake. The current Recreational Management Plan (RMP) was
filed on October 3, 2019, and incorporated into the new project license. The existing
recreational resources at the time of license issuance were 10 facilities around Bucks
Lake, one facility at Lower Bucks Lake, three at Grizzly Forebay, and one at Three
Lakes. Two new recreational facilities, the Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground and the
Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail, were added to the recreational facilities of the project in the
new project license.
The licensees submitted a schedule amendment request regarding multiple items
requiring construction and rehabilitation in the RMP in 2024. The schedule amendment
request also includes changes to the Transportation Management Plan schedule to align
road improvement construction with RMP construction to minimize impacts to
recreators. The Transportation Management Plan schedule changes do not require FERC
approval, only Forest Service agreement. The timing of some of the planned
improvements have been moved up on the schedule, and some have been moved back.
According to their request, the licensees plans to begin construction and updates at the
Bucks Penstock Road, Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area, and Mill Creek
Campground by the end of 2026; the Hutchins Group Campground access roads, water
system, and reconstruction by end of 2027; the Haskins Valley Boat Launch (Photo 8)
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 12 -
and Campground updates and improvements by 2028; Lower Bucks Day Use Area and
Campground roads and reconstruction by 2029; Sundew Campground and Three Lakes
access roads and amenities improvement (water system replacement at Sundew) by 2030;
Lower Bucks Lake Campground and Grizzly Forebay road improvements by 2031.
Project staff note that the Bucks Penstock Road improvements are mostly completed, but
that the downslope stabilization portion is still pending. The Grizzly Forebay
Recreational Area restroom replacement and signage installation was scheduled to be
completed by end of 2025 but had not started at the time of inspection (Photo 9). Project
staff estimate that the work will begin soon and be completed before winter snow begins
accumulating.
As discussed above, wildfire risk is an ongoing hazard addressed through various
project actions. Fire Risk at project campgrounds is categorized and assessed daily, with
the fire risk category posted and changed on the general information boards of
campgrounds following the daily meetings (Photo 10). The project’s fire risk changed
from 3 to 2 during inspection. While all campsites have a fire ring, campfire uses are
restricted according to the daily fire risk category and whether the campground has an in-
person host to monitor the grounds. As referenced in the follow-up letter, the Hutchins
Group Campground was severely burned in the Dixie Fire (
Photo 3), including its water tank, which supplied potable drinking water to its
own grounds and to the Sundew Campgrounds. Hutchins Campground is currently
available, cleared of hazard trees, and the restroom facilities are in working order.
However, both Hutchins and Sundew have been without potable water since the fire
occurred in 2018. The Mill Creek Campground had water spigots taped off, but due to
water quality issues (high total chloroform counts) which was reported as a long-term
issue. Project staff hypothesize that the water quality issues are linked to pipe damage
and believe once the system is dug up and replaced in concert with the overall Mill Creek
Campground rehab scheduled in the RMP for 2026 (updated timeline according to the
schedule amendment request), the water quality issues are likely to be resolved.
Vegetation clearing, and chipping or creation of slash piles were ongoing during
inspection in and around several campgrounds (Photo 11). Onsite crews were observed
actively working and carrying the 5-gallon water backpack suppression kit required to be
equipped with every crew vehicle pursuant to 4(e) condition 61. Inspection staff also
noted that project vehicles escorting the group had the required shovel, water backpack,
and ABC fire extinguisher in the company vehicle (Photo 12).
Active construction was observed at the Bucks Powerhouse, crews were in the
process of installing a non-conductive fence around the powerhouse, estimated to be
completed by the end of the year, with the purpose of allowing additional for public use
and parking near the powerhouse for recreation in the North Fork Feather River.
(3) Public Safety:
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 13 -
The project appears in overall compliance with its public safety plan (Example:
Photo 13). The latest public safety plan was revised and filed on July 8, 2025, and
accepted by Division of Dam Safety and Inspection – San Francisco Regional Office on
August 15, 2025.
(4) Other Environmental Requirements:
The project appears in overall compliance regarding its other environmental
requirements. The current versions on the Spill Prevention Containment and Control
Plan and its Hazardous Material Management Plan were observed easily accessible and
onsite at the Bucks Creek Powerhouse. It was noted that at both powerhouses, the
transmission yards and houses were self-contained and drain into the sumps without
possible direct discharges to waterbodies (i.e., a catastrophic spill would be contained at
these locations would drain to the sump and require a pump and haul operation out for
removal). The staff hydrologist reported that all battery packs in the stream gaging and
reservoir level stations were supplied with gel-type packs (Photo 14), reducing risk of
contamination.
(5) Cultural Resources:
The Mountain Maidu and Konkow Maidu have ties to land within the project
boundary. Cultural resource areas and sites are monitored under the Historic Properties
Management Plan, at least once every two years. The last monitoring and site condition
assessment effort conducted in 2024 surveyed approximately 50 locations and identified
five sites that showed signs of disturbance or changed and recommended a project
response. Cultural and historical informational signs were observed at Indian Rock Day
Use Area (Photo 15), that explain the significance of the area. At this recreational facility,
multiple large mortar rocks are observable.
The project area contains historical resources relating to the Sierra Nevada’s part
of the Gold Rush and the Euroamerican miners that migrated to California starting in
1849. Along with the influx of Europeans, Bucks Ranch was established and by 1900,
became a supply outpost, waystation, and agricultural center of the local region. In the
1920s however, the area had gained the interest of hydropower developers. This area was
flooded and became Bucks Lake Reservoir with the creation of the Bucks Creek
Hydroelectric Project. The first license for the project was issued by the Federal Power
Commission in 1925, and an original operating center and switchboard still occupies
Bucks Powerhouse, built in 1926, though it is now disconnected (Photo 16).
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Project No. 619-164 - 14 -
D. Exhibit and Photographs
The following shows the location of the project and illustrates project features:
Exhibit 1. Bucks Creek P-619 Project Area.
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Project No. 619-164 - 15 -
Photo 1. Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project Part 8 sign at Haskins Valley Campground.
Photo 2. Boating safety, aquatic invasive species warning, and child loaner life rack post
just above Sandy Point Boat Launch.
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Project No. 619-164 - 16 -
Photo 3. View from Hutchins Group Campground showing the severity of the wildfire,
partial view of a slash pile cleared from the campground on the left.
Photo 4. Active construction on the Lower Bucks Spillway Rehabilitation Project.
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Project No. 619-164 - 17 -
Photo 5. Reservoir level at Bucks Lake observed measured by project staff on September
23, 2025.
Photo 6. Three Lakes Reservoir and Dam, displaying persisting burn scar surrounding
the lakes and minimum pool.
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Project No. 619-164 - 18 -
Photo 7. Full flows through Milk Ranch Conduit No.8 to Bear Ravine, permanently
modified to prevent any water diversion.
Photo 8. Boat launch at Haskins Valley, scheduled to be repaired starting in 2028 in
updated RMP, moved up by a year.
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Project No. 619-164 - 19 -
Photo 9. Accessible parking and restroom to be replaced by end of 2025 at Grizzly
Forebay, construction flagging visible.
Photo 10. Information board at Haskins Valley Campground near camp host and
restrooms, note the fire risk rating in lower left corner.
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Project No. 619-164 - 20 -
Photo 11. Large slash piles from clearing in and around the Lower Bucks Day
Campground and Use Area.
Photo 12. Project staff vehicle carrying the required fire control and prevention items of
5-gallon of water backpack cannister, ABC fire extinguisher, and shovel or fire hoe.
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 21 -
Photo 13. A public safety sign regarding hazardous winter weather at Bucks Lake.
Photo 14. Example of a project stream gaging station, powered by a gel-type battery
pack.
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Project No. 619-164 - 22 -
Photo 15. New cultural information sign at Indian Rock Day Use Area.
Photo 16. Original operations center at Bucks Powerhouse, built 1926, currently
disconnected from power.
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025
Document Content(s)
2025 Bucks EPUI Report.pdf................................................1
Document Accession #: 20251112-3021 Filed Date: 11/12/2025