HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.22.26 Board Correspondence - FW_ DOCKET CHANGE- General Correspondence submitted in FERC P-619-190 by Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyFrom: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; Loeser, Kamie
Cc:Nuzum, Danielle
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: DOCKET CHANGE- General Correspondence submitted in FERC P-619-190 by Pacific Gas and
Electric Company
Date:Friday, January 23, 2026 11:24:19 AM
Please see Board Correspondence -
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Subject: DOCKET CHANGE- General Correspondence submitted in FERC P-619-190 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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On 12/22/2025, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.:
Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Docket(s): P-619-190
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: General Correspondence
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits request for amendment to revise Clean Water Act Section 401 Water
Quality Certification, Condition 1 re the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project under P-619.
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Power Generation
300 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 28209
Oakland, CA 94604
December 19, 2025
Via Electronic Submittal (E-File)
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20426
Re: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA
Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Condition 1
Request to Amend License
Dear Secretary Reese:
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a new license for Pacific Gas
and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (Project), FERC No.
619 on June 16, 2022. This letter presents an amendment request to revise State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1341) Section 401
Water Quality Certification (WQC) Condition 1.
License Requirement
Condition 1: Minimum Instream Flows
Condition 1 of the Project’s WQC establishes Minimum Instream Flows (MIFs) at six
specific locations within the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project boundary:
1. Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake Dam
2. Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam
3. Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay
4. Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes
5. Milk Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1
6. South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3
The Licensee is required to maintain MIFs at each location as specified in Condition 1.
Temporary changes to MIFs for planned maintenance and repairs are currently allowed in
reaches 1, 4, 5, and 6, but not in reaches 2 and 3. Modification of MIFs due to operational
emergencies are permitted at all locations, provided the Licensee notifies the FERC,
Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), and Deputy Director of the State Water Board’s Division of Water
Rights within two business days and documents the event.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Debbie Anne-Reese, Secretary
December 19, 2025
Page 2
Annual compliance with MIF requirements must be summarized in a report submitted to
the Deputy Director by December 15 each year. The report includes flow data, any
deviations, and corrective actions taken.
Proposed Amendments
The Licensee requests the following amendments to Condition 1:
1. Expand Maintenance Flexibility
o Allow temporary MIF modifications for maintenance or repairs at all instream
flow release locations, including reaches 2 and 3.
2. Annual Reporting Alignment
o Move the annual MIF compliance report due date from December 15 to
January 31 to align with Forest Service 4(e) Condition 31 and FERC License
Article 401(c).
Background and Consultation History
PG&E submitted a MIF variance request to the SWRCB for the Lower Bucks Diversion
Dam Spillway Project in September 2022. The SWRCB denied the request, citing no
mechanism in the WQC for flow modifications at Bucks Creek, and advised PG&E to await
action on its 2020 Petition for Reconsideration or request a WQC amendment. To date,
PG&E has not received a response to the 2020 Petition.
On December 12, 2024, PG&E submitted a formal request to the SWRCB to amend
Condition 1 of the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Certification
(Enclosure 1). The requested amendment sought:
• Authorization for temporary MIF variances for planned maintenance and repairs at all
instream flow release locations, including Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam
and Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay.
• A change to the annual reporting due date for MIF compliance, moving it from
December 15 to January 31 to align with Forest Service 4(e) Condition 31 reporting
requirements.
These amendments would provide PG&E flexibility for maintenance and safety-related
work, while maintaining environmental protections and streamlining compliance reporting.
The SWRCB reviewed the amendment and determined it met regulatory and
environmental criteria and issued a formal letter December 11, 2025, approving the
amended Condition 1 language. (Enclosure 2) includes the SWRCB letter dated December
11, 2025, including the approved amended WQC Condition 1 language.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Debbie Anne-Reese, Secretary
December 19, 2025
Page 3
Conclusion
In order to support operational needs while ensuring continued protection of water quality,
PG&E respectfully requests FERC formally amend the Bucks Creek project license to
incorporate the SWRCB amended WQC Condition 1 language.
Should you have any technical questions concerning this matter, please contact PG&E’s
license project manager, Jamie Visinoni at (530) 215-6676.
Sincerely,
Janet Walther
Director, Hydro Licensing
Enclosures:
1. PG&E Amendment Request: Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification
Condition 1 dated December 12, 2024
2. State Water Resource Control Board Approval and Amended Water Quality Certificate
Condition 1 for the Bucks Creek license (FERC No. 619), dated December 11, 2025
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ENCLOSURE 1
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Power Generation
300 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 28209
December 12, 2024
Via Electronic Submittal (email)
Eric Oppenheimer
Executive Director
California State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street, 14th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Eric.Oppenheimer@waterboards.ca.gov
RE: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA
Amendment Request: Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification
Condition 1
Dear Eric Oppenheimer:
This letter presents an amendment request to revise State Water Resources Control Board
(SWRCB) Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1341) Section 401 Water Quality Certification
(WQC) Condition 1 which is part of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Bucks
Creek Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. 619
license.
On October 23, 2024, PG&E requested a “Pre-filing Meeting” with SWRCB staff, initiating
the 30 day waiting period. The meeting took place on November 18, 2024, during which
the following revisions were discussed.
WQC Condition 1 Revisions
Minimum Instream Flow for Maintenance Repairs
On September 8, 2022, PG&E submitted a minimum instream flow (MIF) variance request
to the SWRCB in support of the Lower Bucks Diversions Dam Spillway Project. The
SWRCB responded on November 7, 2022, stating they could not authorize a variance to
MIFs as there was no mechanism in the WQC to allow for flow modifications at Bucks
Creek. The SWRCB offered two options: 1) wait for SWRCB to act on PG&E’s Petition for
Reconsideration, which was submitted to the SWRCB on November 20, 2020, or, 2)
request a WQC amendment. To date, PG&E has not received a response to the 2020
Petition for Reconsideration from the SWRCB, therefore, PG&E is requesting an
amendment of the WQC.
PG&E is requesting an amendment to Condition 1 to allow temporary MIF modifications for
maintenance or repairs of the dams, appurtenant structures, outlet facilities, and MIF
release facilities at all instream flow release locations described in Condition 1. The current
WQC omits instream flow releases captured in Tables 2 (Bucks Creek Minimum Instream
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Eric Oppenheimer, Executive Director
December 12, 2024
Page 2
Flow Requirements Below Lower Bucks Lake) and 3 (Grizzly Creek Minimum Instream
Flow Requirements Below Grizzly Forebay). Including all flow tables is consistent with the
Bucks Creek FERC license articles, the Bucks Creek Section 4(e) conditions, as well as
SWRCB WQC and Section 4(e) conditions found in the Phoenix Hydroelectric Project
license, FERC No. 1061, the McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project license, FERC No. 2106,
and Balch Hydroelectric Project license, FERC No. 175. This revision would provide PG&E
the flexibility needed to address future maintenance and operational needs at Grizzly
Forebay Dam and Lower Bucks Lake Dam without seeking a WQC amendment and FERC
license amendment each time. Enclosure 1 provides a redlined version of WQC Condition
1 and Enclosure 2 provides a clean amended copy.
Annual Reporting
As described in PG&E’s 2020 Petition for Reconsideration of the WQC, the timing for
SWRCB Condition 1 Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance is inconsistent with
FERC License Article 401(c) (Requirement to File Reports), Section 4(e) Condition No. 31
(Instream Flows) and Condition No. 39 (Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan).
This due date 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 by
April.
Condition 1 requires PG&E to submit the Minimum Instream Flow report to the SWRCB on
December 15 annually. Following the Bucks Creek License, the draft Minimum Instream
Flow report is due to other agencies on January 31 (per Forest Service 4(e) Condition No.
31), consultation with all agencies is scheduled to occur annually around April 15 (per 4(e)
Condition No. 2, 3 and WQC Cond. 22) and the final report is due to FERC on May 1 (per
FERC License Article 401(c)). PG&E requests the WQC due date for the Annual Report
be moved from December 15 to January 31. Enclosure 1 provides a redlined version of
WQC Condition 1 and Enclosure 2 provides a clean amended copy.
PG&E is respectfully requesting:
1) Including language into WQC Condition 1 to allow MIF modifications for
maintenance or repairs of the dam, appurtenant structures, outlet facilities, and MIF
release facilities.
2) Adjust the annual reporting deadline in WQC Condition 1 to align with 4(e) and
FERC license.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Eric Oppenheimer, Executive Director
December 12, 2024
Page 3
The requested changes to the WQC align with the Bucks Creek FERC license. Upon
approval of the amended WQC by the SWRCB, PG&E will submit a formal request to
FERC to amend the license accordingly. Once FERC issues an order amending the
license, the revised WQC will be incorporated and implemented as specified.
If you have questions or comments regarding this matter, please contact Jamie Visinoni,
senior license coordinator for PG&E, at (530) 215-6676.
Sincerely,
Janet Walther
Director, Hydro Licensing
Enclosures:
1. Original Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Condition 1
(showing markups)
2. Amended Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Condition 1
cc: With Enclosures
Eric Oppenheimer, SWRCB – eric.oppenheimer@waterboards.ca.gov
Erik Ekhdahl, SWRCB - Erik.ekdahl@waterboards.ca.gov
Nathan Fisch, SWRCB – Nathan.Fisch@waterboards.ca.gov
Bryan Muro, SWRCB – bryan.muro@waterboards.ca.gov
Parker Thaler, SWRCB – Parker.thaler@waterboards.ca.gov
cc: Via E-File With Enclosures
Debbie Anne-Reese, FERC DHAC
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Eric Oppenheimer, Executive Director
December 12, 2024
Page 4
JNVS (530) 215-6676 \\SFShare01-NAS\PG\PG Safety Env & LM\A. NEW SELM\DeSabla
Area Projects\Poe (FERC No. 2107)\License Binder\401 Certification Revision\SWRCB
BCC: With Enclosures
PGenRegulatoryCorrespondence@pge.com
Jamie Visinoni
Megan Young
Anna Urias
Andrew Garcia
Rob Riedlinger
Kevin Stevens
Dan Stephens
Michelle Lent
SAP: 10209280
Notification: Analyst to attach letter and enclosure. Do not close notification
LC Tasks: Task 1
• Analyst to update long-text with date of filing.
• Analyst close task
New Outgoing Commitments for LC? No
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ENCLOSURE 1
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
CONDITION 1. Minimum Instream Flows
The Licensees shall provide instream flow releases at the following locations:
• Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake Dam;
• Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam;
• Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay;
• Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes;
• Milk Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1; and
• South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3.
The Licensees shall provide minimum instream flows as specified in Tables 1 through 6.
For compliance purposes, the point of measurement for each required minimum instream
flow is described in the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan (Condition 13) and
Tables 1 through 6.
The Licensees shall implement specified minimum instream flows within the first 90
days of the new license term, as required in Tables 1 through 6.
1 Where an instream flow release structure must be modified or newly constructed (refer
to the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan – Condition 13), the Licensees shall
complete the work as soon as reasonably practicable, and within two years after receiving
all required permits and approvals for the work.
Flows shall be measured at the gage or Project location referenced in this condition
unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Director. The Licensees shall comply with
applicable California laws and regulations regarding measuring and monitoring water
diversions, including California Code of Regulations, title 23, section 933, and
amendments thereto, and State Water Board requirements to provide telemetered
diversion data on a public website.2 The Licensees shall post all gaged flow and other
data to the California Data Exchange Center website, within 24-hours of flow
measurement, unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Director. The Licensees shall
publicly notice at an easily accessible location on the internet all known events that will
affect minimum flow releases (e.g., powerhouse outages, construction, etc.) a minimum
of 30 days in advance.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Continuous Measurements
1 Releases made through manually operated valves may be subject to weather and road conditions affecting
access or operability, and they shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable given the circumstances.
2 Information regarding telemetered requirements are available at the State Water Board’s Telemetry
Requirements webpage, which is available online at:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/measurement_regulation/telemetry_r
equirements.html. (Last Accessed October 21, 2020)
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
(Table 2 and Table 3). At locations with continuous instream flow measurements (see
Tables 2 and 3), minimum instream flows shall be measured as an average hourly flow
calculated at the top of each hour. At a minimum, the Licensees shall calculate the
average hourly flow by taking the mean of four instantaneous measurements at 15 minute
intervals, as specified by United States Geological Survey (USGS) standards. The
average hourly instream flow shall be at least 90 percent of the applicable minimum
instream flow requirement set forth in Tables 2 and 3. If the average hourly flow
temporarily falls below the applicable minimum instream flow requirement (due to
unforeseen circumstances such as debris blocking the intake, ice conditions on the
measurement weir, etc.) the Licensees shall restore the required minimum instream flow
as soon as reasonably practicable and notify the Deputy Director of the Division of Water
Rights (Deputy Director) within 24 hours of the temporary hourly flow deviation. For
any temporary average hourly instream flow decreases, the Licensee shall be document
the following items in the annual report: (a) duration of decreased flow; (b) cause of
decreased flow; and (c) actions the Licensees propose to take or have taken to prevent
such a decrease in flows in the future or a description of why such actions are not
feasible.
The average daily flow shall meet the applicable minimum instream flow requirement. If
the average daily flow deviates below the applicable minimum instream flow
requirement, the Licensees shall file a report with: Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC); United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest
Service); United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS);
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); and Deputy Director within 30
days of the incident. The report shall identify, to the extent possible, the cause, magnitude
(i.e., instream flows measured versus instream flow requirement), duration of the
deviation, any observed or reported adverse environmental impacts resulting from the
deviation, all corrective actions taken, and actions the Licensees propose to take to
prevent such a decrease in flows in the future.
The Deputy Director may require the Licensee to implement corrective actions to prevent
similar future deviations in instream flows.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Manual Data Collection (Table 1,
Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6). At locations with manual data collection, the release
valve shall be inspected and maintained at least once in each of the spring, summer, and
fall of each year. Seasonal inspection, maintenance, and documentation of valve settings
will constitute compliance with flow requirements at these locations. Adjustments to the
valves during seasonal inspections may be needed to comply with the prescribed
minimum instream flows in Tables 1, 4, 5, and 6, and adjustments to the valves shall be
documented in the annual report described below.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
The minimum instream flow requirements listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may be
temporarily modified as required for maintenance or repair of a dam, outlet facility, and
minimum flow release facility. The Licensees shall notify FERC, the Forest Service,
CDFW, USFWS, and the Deputy Director at least five business days prior to any such
modification. The notification shall include: a description of the temporary flow
modification; reason for the temporary flow modification; any potential impacts that may
result from the temporary flow modification; and anticipated duration of the temporary
flow modification. The Deputy Director may require the Licensees to defer the
temporary flow modification or implement other actions as part of the temporary flow
modification.
The Licensees shall notify FERC, Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and the Deputy
Director within two business days after any modification of the minimum instream flows
due to operational emergencies beyond the control of the Licensees, or in the interest of
public safety. For the purposes of this condition, an “emergency” is defined as an event
that is reasonably out of the control of the Licensees and requires Licensees to take
immediate action, either unilaterally or under instruction by law enforcement or other
regulatory agency staff, to prevent imminent loss of human life or substantial property
damage. An emergency may include but is not limited to: natural events such as
landslides, storms or wildfires; malfunction or failure of Project works; and recreation
accidents. Extremely dry conditions, including a drought for which the Governor of the
State of California declares a drought emergency for Plumas County, shall not be
considered an emergency for purposes of this condition.
Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance. After consulting with and
incorporating any comments from the Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and State Water
Board staff, the Licensees shall submit the final annual report to the Deputy Director that
summarizes compliance with the minimum instream flow requirements during the prior
water year 3 as specified in Condition 25. The annual report shall be submitted to the
Deputy Director no later than January 31 and shall include the items referenced below
and in this condition.
Continuous Monitoring: For all continuously gaged locations, daily mean data shall be
included in the report.
Manual Monitoring: At locations with flow releases based on manual valve settings, the
Licensees shall provide an annual report that includes:
• The dates the Licensees checked the outlet works/valves at each site from the
beginning of spring through fall;
• The estimated flow released at the time the valve was checked, along with a
3 A water year refers to the 12-month time period from October 1 to September 30.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
comparison to the applicable minimum instream flow requirement;
• Documentation of any adjustments made at each site at the time the outlet
works/valves were checked and the estimated flow released following any
adjustments; and
• The date the valves were adjusted to the Winter Setting (WS) at Milk Ranch Creek
below Three Lakes (Table 4) and at Milk Ranch Conduit Division No. 1 (Table 5),
respectively. If the valve(s) was set to the WS prior to November 1, the Licensees
shall describe the conditions that required the early adjustment.
Deviations from Minimum Instream Flows: Any deviations from the minimum instream
flows outlined in this condition shall be summarized in the report, including all
information referenced earlier in this condition.
The Licensees shall review the instream flow annual report at the annual Ecological
Consulting Group (ECG) meeting (Condition 22).
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
Table 1. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Bucks Lake by Water Year Type (in cubic
feet per second [cfs]), as measured at Project ID BUCKS2
All 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Table 2. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Lower Bucks Lake by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at USGS Gage No. 11403530 (also referred to as Project ID NF82)
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 8 6 6 6
Normal 6 6 6 6 8 12 12 12 9 8 8 7
Wet 8 8 8 8 10 15 15 15 11 10 8 8
Table 3. Grizzly Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Grizzly Forebay by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at USGS Gage No. 11404300 (also referred to as Project ID NF22)
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 6
Normal 8 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 9 9 9 8
Wet 9 9 9 9 10 13 13 13 11 10 10 9
Table 4. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Three Lakes by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at Project ID MR2
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
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1 WS: “Winter Setting” refers to when the low-level outlet valve is fully-opened and the natural inflow equals the outflow of the
reservoir. The Licensees may open the outlet to the WS prior to November 1 if weather is predicted that may restrict safe access to
the valve house.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following the publication of
California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather River at Oroville as set forth in
Bulletin 120.
Table 5. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1 by
Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC1
Critically Dry 0.25 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.252 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Dry 0.5 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Normal 1 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 12 1 1 1 1 1
Wet 2 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 22,3 23 23 23 23 2
1 0.25 or natural inflow, whichever is less. The Licensees may set the outlet to 0.25 cfs prior to November 1 if
weather is predicted that may restrict safe access to the diversion.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following
the publication of the California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in
the Feather River at Oroville as set forth in Bulletin 120.
3 If conditions are met in accordance with Condition 9 – Milk Ranch Conduit Closure, bypass flows shall be
implemented from April through August 15 in.
Table 6. South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 3 by Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC2
All 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
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1 0.5 or natural inflow, whichever is less.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ENCLOSURE 2
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
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CONDITION 1. Minimum Instream Flows
The Licensees shall provide instream flow releases at the following locations:
• Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake Dam;
• Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam;
• Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay;
• Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes;
• Milk Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1; and
• South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3.
The Licensees shall provide minimum instream flows as specified in Tables 1 through 6.
For compliance purposes, the point of measurement for each required minimum instream
flow is described in the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan (Condition 13) and
Tables 1 through 6.
The Licensees shall implement specified minimum instream flows within the first 90
days of the new license term, as required in Tables 1 through 6.
1 Where an instream flow release structure must be modified or newly constructed (refer
to the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan – Condition 13), the Licensees shall
complete the work as soon as reasonably practicable, and within two years after receiving
all required permits and approvals for the work.
Flows shall be measured at the gage or Project location referenced in this condition
unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Director. The Licensees shall comply with
applicable California laws and regulations regarding measuring and monitoring water
diversions, including California Code of Regulations, title 23, section 933, and
amendments thereto, and State Water Board requirements to provide telemetered
diversion data on a public website.2 The Licensees shall post all gaged flow and other
data to the California Data Exchange Center website, within 24-hours of flow
measurement, unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Director. The Licensees shall
publicly notice at an easily accessible location on the internet all known events that will
affect minimum flow releases (e.g., powerhouse outages, construction, etc.) a minimum
of 30 days in advance.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Continuous Measurements
1 Releases made through manually operated valves may be subject to weather and road conditions affecting
access or operability, and they shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable given the circumstances.
2 Information regarding telemetered requirements are available at the State Water Board’s Telemetry
Requirements webpage, which is available online at:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/measurement_regulation/telemetry_r
equirements.html. (Last Accessed October 21, 202 0)
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
(Table 2 and Table 3). At locations with continuous instream flow measurements (see
Tables 2 and 3), minimum instream flows shall be measured as an average hourly flow
calculated at the top of each hour. At a minimum, the Licensees shall calculate the
average hourly flow by taking the mean of four instantaneous measurements at 15 minute
intervals, as specified by United States Geological Survey (USGS) standards. The
average hourly instream flow shall be at least 90 percent of the applicable minimum
instream flow requirement set forth in Tables 2 and 3. If the average hourly flow
temporarily falls below the applicable minimum instream flow requirement (due to
unforeseen circumstances such as debris blocking the intake, ice conditions on the
measurement weir, etc.) the Licensees shall restore the required minimum instream flow
as soon as reasonably practicable and notify the Deputy Director of the Division of Water
Rights (Deputy Director) within 24 hours of the temporary hourly flow deviation. For
any temporary average hourly instream flow decreases, the Licensee shall be document
the following items in the annual report: (a) duration of decreased flow; (b) cause of
decreased flow; and (c) actions the Licensees propose to take or have taken to prevent
such a decrease in flows in the future or a description of why such actions are not
feasible.
The average daily flow shall meet the applicable minimum instream flow requirement. If
the average daily flow deviates below the applicable minimum instream flow
requirement, the Licensees shall file a report with: Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC); United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest
Service); United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS);
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); and Deputy Director within 30
days of the incident. The report shall identify, to the extent possible, the cause, magnitude
(i.e., instream flows measured versus instream flow requirement), duration of the
deviation, any observed or reported adverse environmental impacts resulting from the
deviation, all corrective actions taken, and actions the Licensees propose to take to
prevent such a decrease in flows in the future.
The Deputy Director may require the Licensee to implement corrective actions to prevent
similar future deviations in instream flows.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Manual Data Collection (Table 1,
Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6). At locations with manual data collection, the release
valve shall be inspected and maintained at least once in each of the spring, summer, and
fall of each year. Seasonal inspection, maintenance, and documentation of valve settings
will constitute compliance with flow requirements at these locations. Adjustments to the
valves during seasonal inspections may be needed to comply with the prescribed
minimum instream flows in Tables 1, 4, 5, and 6, and adjustments to the valves shall be
documented in the annual report described below.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
The minimum instream flow requirements listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may be
temporarily modified as required for maintenance or repair of a dam, outlet facility, and
minimum flow release facility. The Licensees shall notify FERC, the Forest Service,
CDFW, USFWS, and the Deputy Director at least five business days prior to any such
modification. The notification shall include: a description of the temporary flow
modification; reason for the temporary flow modification; any potential impacts that may
result from the temporary flow modification; and anticipated duration of the temporary
flow modification. The Deputy Director may require the Licensees to defer the
temporary flow modification or implement other actions as part of the temporary flow
modification.
The Licensees shall notify FERC, Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and the Deputy
Director within two business days after any modification of the minimum instream flows
due to operational emergencies beyond the control of the Licensees, or in the interest of
public safety. For the purposes of this condition, an “emergency” is defined as an event
that is reasonably out of the control of the Licensees and requires Licensees to take
immediate action, either unilaterally or under instruction by law enforcement or other
regulatory agency staff, to prevent imminent loss of human life or substantial property
damage. An emergency may include but is not limited to: natural events such as
landslides, storms or wildfires; malfunction or failure of Project works; and recreation
accidents. Extremely dry conditions, including a drought for which the Governor of the
State of California declares a drought emergency for Plumas County, shall not be
considered an emergency for purposes of this condition.
Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance. After consulting with and
incorporating any comments from the Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and State Water
Board staff, the Licensees shall submit the final annual report to the Deputy Director that
summarizes compliance with the minimum instream flow requirements during the prior
water year 3 as specified in Condition 25. The annual report shall be submitted to the
Deputy Director no later than December 15 January 31 and shall include the items
referenced below and in this condition.
Continuous Monitoring: For all continuously gaged locations, daily mean data shall be
included in the report.
Manual Monitoring: At locations with flow releases based on manual valve settings, the
Licensees shall provide an annual report that includes:
• The dates the Licensees checked the outlet works/valves at each site from the
beginning of spring through fall;
• The estimated flow released at the time the valve was checked, along with a
3 A water year refers to the 12-month time period from October 1 to September 30.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
comparison to the applicable minimum instream flow requirement;
• Documentation of any adjustments made at each site at the time the outlet
works/valves were checked and the estimated flow released following any
adjustments; and
• The date the valves were adjusted to the Winter Setting (WS) at Milk Ranch Creek
below Three Lakes (Table 4) and at Milk Ranch Conduit Division No. 1 (Table 5),
respectively. If the valve(s) was set to the WS prior to November 1, the Licensees
shall describe the conditions that required the early adjustment.
Deviations from Minimum Instream Flows: Any deviations from the minimum instream
flows outlined in this condition shall be summarized in the report, including all
information referenced earlier in this condition.
The Licensees shall review the instream flow annual report at the annual Ecological
Consulting Group (ECG) meeting (Condition 22).
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
Table 1. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Bucks Lake by Water Year Type (in cubic
feet per second [cfs]), as measured at Project ID BUCKS2
All 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Table 2. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Lower Bucks Lake by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at USGS Gage No. 11403530 (also referred to as Project ID NF82)
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 8 6 6 6
Normal 6 6 6 6 8 12 12 12 9 8 8 7
Wet 8 8 8 8 10 15 15 15 11 10 8 8
Table 3. Grizzly Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Grizzly Forebay by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at USGS Gage No. 11404300 (also referred to as Project ID NF22)
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 6
Normal 8 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 9 9 9 8
Wet 9 9 9 9 10 13 13 13 11 10 10 9
Table 4. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Three Lakes by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at Project ID MR2
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
1 WS: “Winter Setting” refers to when the low-level outlet valve is fully-opened and the natural inflow equals the outflow of the
reservoir. The Licensees may open the outlet to the WS prior to November 1 if weather is predicted that may restrict safe access to
the valve house.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following the publication of
California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather River at Oroville as set forth in
Bulletin 120.
Table 5. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1 by
Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC1
Critically Dry 0.25 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.252 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Dry 0.5 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Normal 1 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 12 1 1 1 1 1
Wet 2 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 22,3 23 23 23 23 2
1 0.25 or natural inflow, whichever is less. The Licensees may set the outlet to 0.25 cfs prior to November 1 if
weather is predicted that may restrict safe access to the diversion.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following
the publication of the California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in
the Feather River at Oroville as set forth in Bulletin 120.
3 If conditions are met in accordance with Condition 9 – Milk Ranch Conduit Closure, bypass flows shall be
implemented from April through August 15 in.
Table 6. South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 3 by Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC2
All 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Public
1 0.5 or natural inflow, whichever is less.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ENCLOSURE 2
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
State Water Resources Control Board
December 11, 2025
Ms. Janet Walther
Director, Hydro Licensing
Pacific Gas and Electricity Company
Sent via Email: janet.walther@pge.com
Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 619
Plumas County
Bucks Creek, Grizzly Creek, Milk Ranch Creek, and Unnamed Milk Ranch Creek
Tributaries
AMENDMENT OF THE BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION RELATED TO CONDITION 1 FOR TEMPORARY MINIMUM INSTREAM
FLOW VARIANCES AND ANNUAL REPORT TIMING
Dear Janet Walther:
On December 12, 2024, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board or
Board) received a request from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for an
amendment to the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (Project) water quality certification
(certification). PG&E’s amendment request is to change Condition 1: Minimum Instream Flows
(Condition 1) of the Project certification to: (1) allow for temporary changes to minimum
instream flows (MIFs) for planned maintenance and repairs of Project facilities; and (2) change
the Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance from December 15 to January
31 to align with United States Forest Service (Forest Service) 4(e) reporting requirement for
Condition No. 31: Instream Flows.
Background
PG&E and the City of Santa Clara own and operate the Project, which is located in the North
Fork Feather River watershed in Plumas County. The Project has an authorized installed
capacity of 84.8 megawatts and is comprised of two developments: (1) Bucks Creek
Development; and (2) Grizzly Development. The major components of the Bucks Creek
Development include: Bucks Lake Dam, Bucks Lake Reservoir, Bucks Creek Penstocks,
Bucks Powerhouse and Switchyard, Three Lakes Dam, Three Lakes (i.e., Lower Lake, Middle
Lake, and Upper Lake), Milk Ranch Conduit, Lower Bucks Lake Dam, Lower Bucks Lake,
Grizzly Forebay, Grizzly Forebay Dam, and Grizzly Forebay Tunnel. The major components of
the Grizzly Development include the Grizzly Powerhouse Tunnel and the Grizzly Powerhouse.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Janet Walther December 11, 2025
2
On October 22, 2020, the State Water Board’s Executive Director issued the original Project
certification. On November 20, 2020, PG&E filed a Petition for Reconsideration of the Water
Quality Certification for the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (Petition). PG&E’s Petition is
currently pending before the State Water Board. This certification amendment does not
constitute an action on PG&E’s pending Petition.
Condition 1: Minimum Instream Flows Amendment Discussion
Condition 1 establishes MIFs in the following Project reaches: (1) Bucks Creek below Bucks
Lake Dam; (2) Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake; (3) Grizzly Creek below Grizzly
Forebay; (4) Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes; (5) Milk Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch
Conduit Diversion No. 1; and (6) South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 3.
Condition 1 also allows temporary changes to MIFs for planned maintenance and repairs in
reaches 1, 4, 5, and 6, but does not allow for temporary changes to MIFs in reach 2 (Bucks
Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam) and reach 3 (Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay).
Additionally, Condition 1 allows for changes to MIFs for emergency situations and requires
PG&E to submit an annual report to the Deputy Director for the State Water Board’s Division of
Water Rights (Deputy Director) that summarizes compliance with MIFs during the prior water
year. The annual report is due to the Deputy Director by December 15 of each year.
PG&E’s December 12, 2024 certification amendment requests: (1) adding reaches 2 and 3 to
the reaches where changes to MIFs are allowed for planned maintenance and repairs; and (2)
changing the annual report due date from December 15 to January 31 consistent with the
timing of reporting required by Forest Service 4(e) Condition 31: Instream Flows.
Updating Condition 1 to allow for variances to MIFs for facility maintenance or repairs in
reaches 2 and 3 will provide PG&E with the flexibility to conduct maintenance and safety
related work in these reaches throughout the Project’s existing Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) license term. This amendment requires that PG&E request review and
approval of proposed MIF variances in advance implementation of changes to the MIFs and
notice of Deputy Director approved changes to MIFs. The noticing and Deputy Director
approval provisions ensure planned MIF variances are protective of water quality and
beneficial uses and is consistent with similar provisions in recent hydroelectric project
certifications.
Aligning the annual report due date with Forest Service requirements will streamline PG&E’s
reporting requirements without impacting the State Water Board’s oversight of the Project
certification. Additionally, this amendment corrects an incomplete statement related to bypass
flow requirements in Table 5 of Condition 1.
California Environmental Quality Act
Issuance of a certification amendment is a discretionary action that requires the State Water
Board to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The State Water Board
reviewed the proposed amendment and determined that the request meets the criteria for a
Class 1 categorical exemption – Existing Facilities (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301, subd.
(m)) and that there is no reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on
the environment due to unusual circumstances.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Janet Walther December 11, 2025
3
The State Water Board will file a Notice of Exemption with the Governor’s Office of Land Use
and Climate Innovation within five working days of issuance of this Project certification
amendment. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15062.)
Noticing
On January 10, 2025, the State Water Board provided public notice of PG&E’s request for an
amendment to the Project certification, pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 23,
section 3858, by posting information describing the amendment request on the Division of
Water Rights’ Water Quality Certification Program Public Notices webpage and noticing the
“Water Rights Water Quality Certification” email subscription list. The State Water Board
received no comments in response to the notice. Additionally, on November 24, 2025, State
Water Board staff shared the certification amendment application with staff at the Central
Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board and received no comments.
Certification Amendment
The State Water Board finds that the Board’s amendment of Condition 1 will comply with state
water quality standards and other appropriate requirements of state law. Amended Condition 1
is provided in Attachment A: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Certification
Amendment to Condition 1 (Strikethrough/Underline Version) and Attachment B: Bucks Creek
Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Certification Amendment to Condition 1 (Clean Version).
Notwithstanding the amendment request, maintenance activities may still be subject to
Condition 23: Dewatering and Diversion of the Project certification, which requires PG&E to
submit a Dewatering and Diversion Plan to the Deputy Director for review and approval for any
activity that requires water diversion or in-water work below the maximum water surface
elevation or high-water mark.
The State Water Board hereby amends the Project certification with the changes presented in
Attachment A of this Project certification amendment and as noted in this letter. This Project
certification amendment is granted with the following additional conditions:
(1) This certification amendment is subject to modification or revocation upon administrative
or judicial review, including review and amendment pursuant to Water Code section
13330 and California Code of Regulations, title 23, division 3, chapter 28, article 6
(commencing with section 3867).
(2) This certification amendment is not intended and shall not be construed to apply to any
activity involving a hydroelectric facility and requiring a FERC license or an amendment
to a FERC license unless the pertinent certification application was filed pursuant to
California Code of Regulations, title 23, section 3855, subdivision (b) and that
application specifically identified that a FERC license or amendment to a FERC license
for a hydroelectric facility was being sought.
(3) This certification amendment is conditioned upon total payment of any fee required
under California Code of Regulations, title 23, division 3, chapter 28 and owed by the
applicant.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Janet Walther December 11, 2025
4
If you have questions regarding this amendment, please contact Bryan Muro, Project Manager,
by email to: Bryan.Muro@waterboards.ca.gov or by phone call to:
(916) 327-8702.
Sincerely,
Eric Oppenheimer
Executive Director
Attachment A: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Certification Amendment to
Condition 1 (Strikethrough/Underline Version)
Attachment B: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Certification Amendment to
Condition 1 (Clean Version)
ec: Debbie Anne-Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Via e-filing to FERC Project Docket No. 619
Sahrye Cohen, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9
R9cwa401@epa.gov
Leigh Bartoo, United States Fish and Wildlife Service
aondrea_bartoo@fws.gov
Leslie Edlund, United States Forest Service
leslie.edlund@usda.gov
Kurt Sable, United States Forest Service
kurt.sable@usda.gov
Erika Brenzovich, United States Forest Service
ebrenzovich@fs.fed.us
Michael Maher, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
michael.maher@wildlife.ca.gov
Amber Mouser, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Amber.Mouser@wildlife.ca.gov
Jason Julienne, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Jason.Julienne@wildlife.ca.gov
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Janet Walther December 11, 2025
5
Patrick Pulupa, Executive Officer
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
Patrick.Pulupa@waterboards.ca.gov
Steve Hance, Division Manager
City of Santa Clara
SHance@SantaClaraca.gov
Larry Wise Jr., Pacific Gas and Electric Company
LMWO@pge.com
Jamie Visinoni, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
jnvs@pge.com
Megan Young, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
MRY2@pge.com
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
This attachment shows the changes to Conditions 1: Minimum Instream Flows of the water
quality certification (certification) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Bucks Creek
Hydroelectric Project, issued on October 22, 2020. Text from the certification is shown as
regular text. Additions are shown in the bold, underlined text, and deletions are shown in red
strikethrough text.
Condition 1. Minimum Instream Flows
The Licensees shall provide instream flow releases at the following locations:
• Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake Dam;
• Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam;
• Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay;
• Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes;
• Milk Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1; and
• South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3.
The Licensees shall provide minimum instream flows as specified in Tables 1 through 6. For
compliance purposes, the point of measurement for each required minimum instream flow is
described in the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan (Condition 13) and Tables 1
through 6.
The Licensees shall implement specified minimum instream flows within the first 90 days of the
new license term, as required in Tables 1 through 6.9 Where an instream flow release
structure must be modified or newly constructed (refer to the Streamflow and Reservoir Level
Gaging Plan – Condition 13), the Licensees shall complete the work as soon as reasonably
practicable, and within two years after receiving all required permits and approvals for the
work.
Flows shall be measured at the gage or Project location referenced in this condition unless
otherwise approved by the Deputy Director of the Division of Water Rights (Deputy
Director). The Licensees shall comply with applicable California laws and regulations
regarding measuring and monitoring water diversions, including California Code of
Regulations, title 23, section 933, and amendments thereto, and State Water Board
9 Releases made through manually operated valves may be subject to weather and road
conditions affecting access or operability, and they shall be made as soon as reasonably
practicable given the circumstances.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
2
requirements to provide telemetered diversion data on a public website.10 The Licensees shall
post all gaged flow and other data to the California Data Exchange Center website, within 24-
hours of flow measurement, unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Director. The
Licensees shall publicly notice at an easily accessible location on the internet all known events
that will affect minimum flow releases (e.g., powerhouse outages, construction, etc.) a
minimum of 30 days in advance.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Continuous Measurements (Table 2 and
Table 3). At locations with continuous instream flow measurements (see Tables 2 and 3),
minimum instream flows shall be measured as an average hourly flow calculated at the top of
each hour. At a minimum, the Licensees shall calculate the average hourly flow by taking the
mean of four instantaneous measurements at 15-minute intervals, as specified by United
States Geological Survey (USGS) standards. The average hourly instream flow shall be at
least 90 percent of the applicable minimum instream flow requirement set forth in Tables 2 and
3. If the average hourly flow temporarily falls below the applicable minimum instream flow
requirement (due to unforeseen circumstances such as debris blocking the intake, ice
conditions on the measurement weir, etc.) the Licensees shall restore the required minimum
instream flow as soon as reasonably practicable and notify the Deputy Director of the Division
of Water Rights (Deputy Director) within 24 hours of the temporary hourly flow deviation. For
any temporary average hourly instream flow decreases, the Licensee shall be document the
following items in the annual report: (a) duration of decreased flow; (b) cause of decreased
flow; and (c) actions the Licensees propose to take or have taken to prevent such a decrease
in flows in the future or a description of why such actions are not feasible.
The average daily flow shall meet the applicable minimum instream flow requirement. If the
average daily flow deviates below the applicable minimum instream flow requirement, the
Licensees shall file a report with: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); United
States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service); United States Department
of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW); and the Deputy Director within 30 days of the incident. The report shall identify, to
the extent possible, the cause, magnitude (i.e., instream flows measured versus instream flow
requirement), duration of the deviation, any observed or reported adverse environmental
impacts resulting from the deviation, all corrective actions taken, and actions the Licensees
propose to take to prevent such a decrease in flows in the future.
The Deputy Director may require the Licensees to implement corrective actions to prevent
similar future deviations in instream flows.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Manual Data Collection (Table 1, Table
4, Table 5, and Table 6). At locations with manual data collection, the release valve shall be
10 Information regarding telemetered requirements are available at the State Water Board’s
Telemetry Requirements webpage, which is available online at:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/measurement_regulation/t
elemetry_requirements.html. (Last Accessed October 21, 2020)
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
3
inspected and maintained at least once in each of the spring, summer, and fall of each year.
Seasonal inspection, maintenance, and documentation of valve settings will constitute
compliance with flow requirements at these locations. Adjustments to the valves during
seasonal inspections may be needed to comply with the prescribed minimum instream flows in
Tables 1, 4, 5, and 6, and adjustments to the valves shall be documented in the annual report
described below.
The minimum instream flow requirements listed in Tables 1, 4, 5, and 6 may be temporarily
modified as required for maintenance or repair of a dam, outlet facility, and minimum flow
release facility. The Licensees shall notify FERC, the Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and the
Deputy Director at least five business days prior to any such modification. The notification
shall include: a description of the temporary flow modification; reason for the temporary flow
modification; any potential impacts that may result from the temporary flow modification; and
anticipated duration of the temporary flow modification. The Deputy Director may require the
Licensees to defer the temporary flow modification or implement other actions as part of the
temporary flow modification.
The Licensees may request temporary minimum instream flow variances for planned
and/or non-emergency work including facility construction, modification, or
maintenance activities. Requests for temporary variance to the minimum instream flows
for non-emergency work shall be submitted to the Deputy Director for review and
consideration of approval as far in advance as practicable and no less than four months
in advance of the desired effective date. The Licensees shall notify the Forest Service,
CDFW and USFWS of the proposed temporary variance to minimum instream flows. The
request shall include: a description of the proposed work that necessitates the
variance, including a schedule for the proposed work; a description of the proposed
variance to minimum instream flows, including the planned duration and magnitude of
the variance; documentation of notification to the Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS and
any comments received; and proposed measures that will be implemented to protect
water quality and beneficial uses during the proposed minimum instream flow variance.
The Deputy Director may deny the request or require changes as part of any approval.
Upon Deputy Director approval of the variance, the Licensees shall provide public
notice of the planned variance on the Licensees’ Project webpage(s) and FERC docket a
minimum of 30 days in advance of the planned variance. The Licensees shall file with
the FERC any Deputy Director-approved variances to minimum instream flows and any
Deputy Director-approved amendments thereto.
The Licensees shall notify FERC, Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and the Deputy Director
within two business days after any modification of the minimum instream flows due to
operational emergencies beyond the control of the Licensees, or in the interest of public safety.
For the purposes of this condition, an “emergency” is defined as an event that is reasonably
out of the control of the Licensees and requires Licensees to take immediate action, either
unilaterally or under instruction by law enforcement or other regulatory agency staff, to prevent
imminent loss of human life or substantial property damage. An emergency may include but is
not limited to: natural events such as landslides, storms or wildfires; malfunction or failure of
Project works; and recreation accidents. Extremely dry conditions, including a drought for
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
4
which the Governor of the State of California declares a drought emergency for Plumas
County, shall not be considered an emergency for purposes of this condition.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
5
Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance. After consulting with and
incorporating any comments from the Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and State Water Board
staff, the Licensees shall submit the final annual report to the Deputy Director that summarizes
compliance with the minimum instream flow requirements during the prior water year 11 as
specified in Condition 25. The annual report shall be submitted to the Deputy Director no later
than December 15January 31 and shall include the items referenced below and in this
condition.
Continuous Monitoring: For all continuously gaged locations, daily mean data shall be
included in the report.
Manual Monitoring: At locations with flow releases based on manual valve settings, the
Licensees shall provide an annual report that includes:
• The dates the Licensees checked the outlet works/valves at each site from the
beginning of spring through fall;
• The estimated flow released at the time the valve was checked, along with a
comparison to the applicable minimum instream flow requirement;
• Documentation of any adjustments made at each site at the time the outlet
works/valves were checked and the estimated flow released following any
adjustments; and
• The date the valves were adjusted to the Winter Setting (WS) at Milk Ranch Creek
below Three Lakes (Table 4) and at Milk Ranch Conduit Division No. 1 (Table 5),
respectively. If the valve(s) was set to the WS prior to November 1, the Licensees
shall describe the conditions that required the early adjustment.
Deviations from Minimum Instream Flows: Any deviations from the minimum instream
flows outlined in this condition shall be summarized in the report, including all information
referenced earlier in this condition.
The Licensees shall review the instream flow annual report at the annual Ecological Consulting
Group (ECG) meeting (Condition 22).
11 A water year refers to the 12-month time period from October 1 to September 30.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT
TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
6
Table 1. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Bucks Lake by Water Year Type (in
cubic feet per second [cfs]), as measured at Project ID BUCKS2
All 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Table 2. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Lower Bucks Lake by Water Year Type (in
cfs), as measured at USGS Gage No. 11403530 (also referred to as Project ID NF82)
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 8 6 6 6
Wet 8 8 8 8 10 15 15 15 11 10 8 8
Table 3. Grizzly Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Grizzly Forebay by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at USGS Gage No. 11404300 (also referred to as Project ID NF22)
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Normal 8 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 9 9 9 8
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT
TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
7
Table 4. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Three Lakes by Water Year Type
(in cfs), as measured at Project ID MR2
Critically Dry 0.25 WS1 2
Dry 0.5 WS WS WS WS WS 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
2
Wet 2 WS WS WS WS WS 22 2 2 2 2 2
1 WS: “Winter Setting” refers to when the low-level outlet valve is fully-opened and the natural inflow equals the outflow
of the reservoir. The Licensees may open the outlet to the WS prior to November 1 if weather is predicted that may
restrict safe access to the valve house.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following the
publication of California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather
River at Oroville as set forth in Bulletin 120.
Table 5. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1 by
Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC1
Critically Dry 0.25 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.252 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
1 1 1 1 1 2
Normal 1 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 12 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 2,3 3 3 3 3
1 0.25 or natural inflow, whichever is less. The Licensees may set the outlet to 0.25 cfs prior to November 1 if weather
is predicted that may restrict safe access to the diversion.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following the
publication of the California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather
River at Oroville as set forth in Bulletin 120.
3 If conditions are met in accordance with Condition 9 – Milk Ranch Conduit Closure, bypass flows shall be
implemented from April through August 15 in wet water years.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT A: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION AMENDMENT
TO CONDITION 1
(STRIKETHOUGH/UNDERLINE VERSION)
8
Table 6. South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit
Diversion No. 3 by Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC2
All 0.51 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 0.5 or natural inflow, whichever is less.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
1
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
This attachment shows the clean version of Condition 1: Minimum Instream Flows of the water
quality certification (certification) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Bucks Creek
Hydroelectric Project), issued on October 22, 2020. Text from the certification is shown as
regular text.
Condition 1. Minimum Instream Flows
The Licensees shall provide instream flow releases at the following locations:
• Bucks Creek below Bucks Lake Dam;
• Bucks Creek below Lower Bucks Lake Dam;
• Grizzly Creek below Grizzly Forebay;
• Milk Ranch Creek below Three Lakes;
• Milk Ranch Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1; and
• South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 3.
The Licensees shall provide minimum instream flows as specified in Tables 1 through 6. For
compliance purposes, the point of measurement for each required minimum instream flow is
described in the Streamflow and Reservoir Level Gaging Plan (Condition 13) and Tables 1
through 6.
The Licensees shall implement specified minimum instream flows within the first 90 days of the
new license term, as required in Tables 1 through 6.9 Where an instream flow release
structure must be modified or newly constructed (refer to the Streamflow and Reservoir Level
Gaging Plan – Condition 13), the Licensees shall complete the work as soon as reasonably
practicable, and within two years after receiving all required permits and approvals for the
work.
Flows shall be measured at the gage or Project location referenced in this condition unless
otherwise approved by the Deputy Director of the Division of Water Rights (Deputy Director).
The Licensees shall comply with applicable California laws and regulations regarding
measuring and monitoring water diversions, including California Code of Regulations, title 23,
section 933, and amendments thereto, and State Water Board requirements to provide
telemetered diversion data on a public website.10 The Licensees shall post all gaged flow and
9 Releases made through manually operated valves may be subject to weather and road
conditions affecting access or operability, and they shall be made as soon as reasonably
practicable given the circumstances.
10 Information regarding telemetered requirements are available at the State Water Board’s
Telemetry Requirements webpage, which is available online at:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/measurement_regulation/t
elemetry_requirements.html. (Last Accessed October 21, 2020)
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
2
other data to the California Data Exchange Center website, within 24-hours of flow
measurement, unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Director. The Licensees shall
publicly notice at an easily accessible location on the internet all known events that will affect
minimum flow releases (e.g., powerhouse outages, construction, etc.) a minimum of 30 days in
advance.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Continuous Measurements (Table 2 and
Table 3). At locations with continuous instream flow measurements (see Tables 2 and 3),
minimum instream flows shall be measured as an average hourly flow calculated at the top of
each hour. At a minimum, the Licensees shall calculate the average hourly flow by taking the
mean of four instantaneous measurements at 15-minute intervals, as specified by United
States Geological Survey (USGS) standards. The average hourly instream flow shall be at
least 90 percent of the applicable minimum instream flow requirement set forth in Tables 2
and 3. If the average hourly flow temporarily falls below the applicable minimum instream flow
requirement (due to unforeseen circumstances such as debris blocking the intake, ice
conditions on the measurement weir, etc.) the Licensees shall restore the required minimum
instream flow as soon as reasonably practicable and notify the Deputy Director within 24 hours
of the temporary hourly flow deviation. For any temporary average hourly instream flow
decreases, the Licensee shall be document the following items in the annual report: (a)
duration of decreased flow; (b) cause of decreased flow; and (c) actions the Licensees
propose to take or have taken to prevent such a decrease in flows in the future or a description
of why such actions are not feasible.
The average daily flow shall meet the applicable minimum instream flow requirement. If the
average daily flow deviates below the applicable minimum instream flow requirement, the
Licensees shall file a report with: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); United
States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service); United States Department
of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW); and the Deputy Director within 30 days of the incident. The report shall identify, to
the extent possible, the cause, magnitude (i.e., instream flows measured versus instream flow
requirement), duration of the deviation, any observed or reported adverse environmental
impacts resulting from the deviation, all corrective actions taken, and actions the Licensees
propose to take to prevent such a decrease in flows in the future.
The Deputy Director may require the Licensees to implement corrective actions to prevent
similar future deviations in instream flows.
Flow Measurements and Reporting for Locations with Manual Data Collection (Table 1, Table
4, Table 5, and Table 6). At locations with manual data collection, the release valve shall be
inspected and maintained at least once in each of the spring, summer, and fall of each year.
Seasonal inspection, maintenance, and documentation of valve settings will constitute
compliance with flow requirements at these locations. Adjustments to the valves during
seasonal inspections may be needed to comply with the prescribed minimum instream flows in
Tables 1, 4, 5, and 6, and adjustments to the valves shall be documented in the annual report
described below.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
3
The Licensees may request temporary minimum instream flow variances for planned and/or
non-emergency work including facility construction, modification, or maintenance activities.
Requests for temporary variance to the minimum instream flows for non-emergency work shall
be submitted to the Deputy Director for review and consideration of approval as far in advance
as practicable and no less than four months in advance of the desired effective date. The
Licensees shall notify the Forest Service, CDFW and USFWS of the proposed temporary
variance to minimum instream flows. The request shall include: a description of the proposed
work that necessitates the variance, including a schedule for the proposed work; a description
of the proposed variance to minimum instream flows, including the planned duration and
magnitude of the variance; documentation of notification to the Forest Service, CDFW,
USFWS and any comments received; and proposed measures that will be implemented to
protect water quality and beneficial uses during the proposed minimum instream flow variance.
The Deputy Director may deny the request or require changes as part of any approval. Upon
Deputy Director approval of the variance, the Licensees shall provide public notice of the
planned variance on the Licensees’ Project webpage(s) and FERC docket a minimum of 30
days in advance of the planned variance. The Licensees shall file with the FERC any Deputy
Director-approved variances to minimum instream flows and any Deputy Director-approved
amendments thereto.
The Licensees shall notify FERC, Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and the Deputy Director
within two business days after any modification of the minimum instream flows due to
operational emergencies beyond the control of the Licensees, or in the interest of public safety.
For the purposes of this condition, an “emergency” is defined as an event that is reasonably
out of the control of the Licensees and requires Licensees to take immediate action, either
unilaterally or under instruction by law enforcement or other regulatory agency staff, to prevent
imminent loss of human life or substantial property damage. An emergency may include but is
not limited to: natural events such as landslides, storms or wildfires; malfunction or failure of
Project works; and recreation accidents. Extremely dry conditions, including a drought for
which the Governor of the State of California declares a drought emergency for Plumas
County, shall not be considered an emergency for purposes of this condition.
Annual Reporting on Minimum Instream Flow Compliance. After consulting with and
incorporating any comments from the Forest Service, CDFW, USFWS, and State Water Board
staff, the Licensees shall submit the final annual report to the Deputy Director that summarizes
compliance with the minimum instream flow requirements during the prior water year 11 as
specified in Condition 25. The annual report shall be submitted to the Deputy Director no later
than January 31 and shall include the items referenced below and in this condition.
Continuous Monitoring: For all continuously gaged locations, daily mean data shall be
included in the report.
Manual Monitoring: At locations with flow releases based on manual valve settings, the
Licensees shall provide an annual report that includes:
11 A water year refers to the 12-month time period from October 1 to September 30.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
4
• The dates the Licensees checked the outlet works/valves at each site from the
beginning of spring through fall;
• The estimated flow released at the time the valve was checked, along with a
comparison to the applicable minimum instream flow requirement;
• Documentation of any adjustments made at each site at the time the outlet
works/valves were checked and the estimated flow released following any
adjustments; and
• The date the valves were adjusted to the Winter Setting (WS) at Milk Ranch Creek
below Three Lakes (Table 4) and at Milk Ranch Conduit Division No. 1 (Table 5),
respectively. If the valve(s) was set to the WS prior to November 1, the Licensees
shall describe the conditions that required the early adjustment.
Deviations from Minimum Instream Flows: Any deviations from the minimum instream
flows outlined in this condition shall be summarized in the report, including all information
referenced earlier in this condition.
The Licensees shall review the instream flow annual report at the annual Ecological Consulting
Group (ECG) meeting (Condition 22).
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO
CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
5
Table 1. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Bucks Lake by Water Year Type (in cubic feet
per second [cfs]), as measured at Project ID BUCKS2
Water Year Type Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
All 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Table 2. Bucks Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Lower Bucks Lake by Water Year Type (in cfs), as
measured at USGS Gage No. 11403530 (also referred to as Project ID NF82)
Water Year Type Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 8 6 6 6
Normal 6 6 6 6 8 12 12 12 9 8 8 7
Wet 8 8 8 8 10 15 15 15 11 10 8 8
Table 3. Grizzly Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Grizzly Forebay by Water Year Type (in cfs),
as measured at USGS Gage No. 11404300 (also referred to as Project ID NF22)
Water Year Type Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Critically Dry 6 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Dry 6 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 6
Normal 8 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 9 9 9 8
Wet 9 9 9 9 10 13 13 13 11 10 10 9
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO
CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
6
Table 4. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements Below Three Lakes by Water Year Type (in cfs),
as measured at Project ID MR2
Water Year Type Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Critically Dry 0.25 WS1 WS WS WS WS 0.252 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Dry 0.5 WS WS WS WS WS 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Normal 1 WS WS WS WS WS 12 1 1 1 1 1
Wet 2 WS WS WS WS WS 22 2 2 2 2 2
1 WS: “Winter Setting” refers to when the low-level outlet valve is fully-opened and the natural inflow equals the outflow of the
reservoir. The Licensees may open the outlet to the WS prior to November 1 if weather is predicted that may restrict safe
access to the valve house.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following the publication
of California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather River at Oroville as set
forth in Bulletin 120.
Table 5. Milk Ranch Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion No. 1 by Water
Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC1
Water Year Type Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Critically Dry 0.25 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.252 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Dry 0.5 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Normal 1 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 12 1 1 1 1 1
Wet 2 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 0.251 22,3 23 23 23 23 2
1 0.25 or natural inflow, whichever is less. The Licensees may set the outlet to 0.25 cfs prior to November 1 if weather is
predicted that may restrict safe access to the diversion.
2 The Licensees shall adjust the valve within two business days, or as soon thereafter as accessible, following the publication
of the California Department of Water Resources water year forecast of unimpaired runoff in the Feather River at Oroville
as set forth in Bulletin 120.
3 If conditions are met in accordance with Condition 9 – Milk Ranch Conduit Closure, bypass flows shall be implemented from
April through August 15 in wet water years.
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
ATTACHMENT B: BUCKS CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO
CONDITION 1 (CLEAN VERSION)
7
Table 6. South Fork Grouse Hollow Creek Minimum Instream Flow Requirements at Milk Ranch Conduit Diversion
No. 3 by Water Year Type (in cfs), as measured at Project ID MRC2
WY Type Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
All 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51
1 0.5 or natural inflow, whichever is less
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025
Document Content(s)
PGE20251219_619_Bucks_ReqtoAmend_WQCCond.1.pdf ...........................1
Document Accession #: 20251222-5045 Filed Date: 12/22/2025