HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.31.26 Board Correspondence - FW_ Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-803-129 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
Cc:Loeser, Kamie; Cannon, Jamie
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-803-129 by Pacific Gas and
Electric Company
Date:Wednesday, April 1, 2026 9:20:27 AM
Please see Board Correspondence -
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Subject: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report submitted in FERC P-803-129 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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On 3/31/2026, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C.:
Filer: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Docket(s): P-803-129
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Environmental and Recreational Compliance Report
Description: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submits biological analysis and effects determination for the Foothill Yellow-
Legged Frog et al. related to proposed 2026 Minimum Instream Flow variance re the DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project
under P-803.
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Power Generation
300 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
Mailing Address:
Mail Code N11D
P.O. Box 770000
March 31, 2026
Via Electronic Submittal (E-File)
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
RE: DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 803-129
BW- 3 and BW-40 Temporary Flow Modification:
May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect (MANLAA) Determination
Dear Secretary Reese:
This letter presents Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) biological analysis and
effects determination for the foothill yellow-legged frog (FYLF). The analysis supports the
proposed 2026 Minimum Instream Flow variance, filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) on February 6, 2026, for PG&E’s DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric
Project, FERC No. 803. PG&E transmitted the biological analysis report to the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on March 4, 2026, and forms the basis for the USFWS
concurrence letter dated March 25, 2026. It includes PG&E's determination that the action
may affect, but not likely to adversely affect (MANLAA) the FYLF under Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act.
PG&E’s March 4, 2026 letter to the USFWS is provided as Enclosure 1.
For general questions, please contact Duncan Drummond, license coordinator for PG&E,
at (530) 215-9678.
Sincerely,
Sky Ramirez-Doble
Senior License Coordinator
Enclosure:
1. PG&E to USWFS 2026 Temporary Flow Modification MANLAA
cc: w/Enclosure:
Stephanie Millsap (USFWS) - Stephanie_Millsap@fws.gov
Brittany Reaves (USFWS)- Brittany_reaves@fws.gov
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
ENCLOSURE 1
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
300 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA. 94612-3534
March 04, 2026
Donald Ratcliff
Field Supervisor
San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Dear Donald Ratcliff:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is respectfully requesting concurrence from the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on our determination that the proposed DeSabla-
Centerville Project, No. 803-CA, Gaging Stations BW-40 and BW-3, 2026 DeSabla-
Centerville Minimum Instream Flow Temporary Modification. (Information for Planning
and Consultation Project Code: 2025-0108199) may affect but is not likely to adversely
affect the following species:
Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) (FYLF) (threatened; proposed critical
habitat overlaps within the Action Area)
The proposed project is located in Butte County, California. This proposed project Action
involves modifying license flows associated with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) Project 803, DeSabla Centerville. In a letter dated February 26, 2026, PG&E (the
licensee of the Project) was designated the non-federal lead for informal consultation with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act
(ESA).
Project Description
The PG&E’s Annual Operations and Maintenance Plan identifies a minimum target flow
of 60 cfs through the DeSabla Forebay (Forebay). This target flow helps minimize heating
of water by decreasing travel time through Forebay. This minimum target flow is achieved
during the dry, hot summer months of the CVSRCS by diverting water from the West
Branch Feather River (WBFR) at the Hendricks Diversion Dam (HDD) into the Hendricks
Canal. During the holding period, outflow from Philbrook Reservoir is managed by PG&E
to supplement flow in the WBFR. This increases the availability of flow that can be
diverted into the Hendricks Canal. Together the releases from Philbrook Reservoir and
diversions at the HDD benefit the CVSRCS during the holding period by increasing flow
through the Forebay and into Butte Creek.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Donal Ratcliff, Field Supervisor
March 04, 2026
Page 2
Proposed Project Action
The proposed Project Action involves requesting a temporary reduction of the minimum
instream flow (MIF) license requirements at stream gaging stations BW-3 and BW-40
ahead and during the 2026 Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon (CVSRCS;
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha; federally listed as threatened) holding period. The BW-3
station measures MIF released from Philbrook Reservoir into Philbrook Creek, a tributary
to the WBFR. The BW-40 station measures MIF in the WBFR below the HHD. A summary
regarding the temporary flow reduction is provided below; however, more details are
included in the attached DeSabla-Centerville Project, No. 803-CA, Gaging Stations BW-
40 and BW-3, 2026 Minimum Instream Flow Temporary Flow Modification dated
February 6, 2026 (Enclosure 1).
The proposed temporary flow reduction will run from May 4 to September 30, 2026. If
Philbrook Reservoir has less than 2,116 acre-feet of water on April 1, PG&E and
cooperating agencies may start the temporary flow reduction at station BW-3 before May
4, 2026, to conserve water.
Flow Reduction at Station BW-3
The flow reduction at station BW-3 would temporarily allow for an average MIF over 48
hours with a target flow between 1 – 2 cfs instead of the license required instantaneous
MIF of 2 cfs. This would allow PG&E to release flows from Philbrook Reservoir without
an added buffer normally released to avoid potential Notice of Violations (NOVs) should
a deviation occur. The purpose of the temporary flow reduction at BW-3 is to allow PG&E
to maximize storage ahead of the 2026 holding period under the current minimum elevation
restrictions that have been imposed as a safety measure. The proposed flow reduction at
BW-3 could start as early as April 1, 2026, as it would help store water until it is
advantageous to release higher flows during the holding period.
Flow Reduction at Station BW-40
The flow reduction at stream gage BW-40 would temporarily allow for an average MIF
over 48 cfs with a target flow of 7 cfs, regardless of water year type. This flow reduction
differs from the license requirement of an instantaneous MIF threshold of 7 cfs during a
Dry Water Year and 15 cfs during a Normal Water Year. The purpose of the temporary
flow reduction at BW-40 is to allow PG&E to maximize the amount of water that can be
diverted into the Hendricks Canal which is the sole source of water into Forebay. The
proposed flow reduction at this stream gage would likely not start until it is needed to
supplement flows to Butte Creek. This may occur from mid-June to mid-July when room
becomes available in the Hendricks Canal as flows naturally recede in the summer time.
Proposed Project Action Area
The proposed project Action Area includes the following reaches (Enclosure 2; map):
Philbrook Creek (located below Philbrook Reservoir) to its confluence with the
WBFR,
WBFR from Philbrook Creek confluence to the Miocene Head Dam, and
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Donal Ratcliff, Field Supervisor
March 04, 2026
Page 3
Butte Creek from the DeSabla Powerhouse outflow to the Parrot-Phelan Diversion
Dam.
The flow reduction will temporarily change the MIF at BW-40 to 7 cfs, which is the MIF
prescribed for a Dry water year type in the DeSabla-Centerville Project operating license.
This flow reduction would occur independent of water year type classification in 2026. If
2026 is a Normal water year, it is expected that impacts of implementing this MIF would
not have an impact because the natural flows in the WBFR and tributaries, and the water
table in the watershed will be higher than in a Dry water year. The water diverted makes
up a smaller proportion of the flow in the WBFR. The proportion of water diverted from
the WBFR will be proportionally smaller. The temporary flow reduction will increase flow
in Butte Creek, but again, if it is a Normal water year with high flow in Butte Creek, the
amount diverted is proportionally smaller than the flow in Butte Creek. If 2026 is a Dry
year, then there will be no change in flow from the license requirement in that water year
type.
Conservation Measures
To minimize potential effects of the project, PG&E will implement the following
conservation measures (CM) developed in consultation with the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife, USFWS, United States Forest Service, and National Marine Fisheries
Service (hereafter referred to as Resource Agencies):
CM -1 PG&E will continue to hold weekly CVRCS Holding Period Meetings with
Resource Agencies. Meetings are estimated to occur from June through
September 2026.
CM - 2 PG&E will consult with Resource Agencies on when and how to begin
implementing the flow modification.
CM – 3 PG&E staff will consult with Resource Agencies prior to implementing flow
changes once the flow modification period has begun.
CM – 3 PG&E will maintain a MIF of 7 cfs, measured at BW-40, as agreed upon with
PG&E staff and the Resource Agencies.
CM - 4 PG&E will monitor and provide weekly flow changes to the Resource Agencies
for gauging stations BW-40 and BW-3 during weekly CVRCS Holding Period
Meetings.
CM – 5 PG&E will promptly notify the Resource Agencies of any event that
significantly inhibits or impairs the release structures from maintaining the
average MIF at either gage (BW-40 or BW-3).
Assessment of Project Effects on Species
PG&E biologists carefully reviewed the list of species and critical habitat that may be
present within the Action Area based on a query of Information for Planning and
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Donal Ratcliff, Field Supervisor
March 04, 2026
Page 4
Consultation (IPaC) website on February 26, 2026 (Enclosure 3). The proposed Action
Area is not anticipated to have effects on the species listed in Enclosure 4 because the
Actions will not impact physical or biological features critical to success of these species.
In addition, no wildlife species (i.e., FYLF) will be handled, moved, or removed from the
Action Area. The proposed Action will not impede species from moving within or out of
the Action Area.
Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog
FYLF is known to occur within the Action Area in Butte Creek and portions of the WBFR
(i.e., below Hendricks Head Dam) that will be affected by the proposed Action.
Observations are recorded in the California Natural Diversity Database, DeSabla-
Centerville relicensing study reports from studies performed in 2006, and ongoing studies
performed in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 associated with the 2023 Butte Canal breach. All
lifestages of FYLF were observed on Butte Creek and WBFR (e.g., adults, juveniles, egg
masses, and tadpoles).
The proposed reduction in MIF release at BW-40, from 15 cfs to 7 cfs is unlikely to have
substantial impacts to FYLF as proposed flow would not be different than license required
flow implemented in a Dry water year. Accretion flows from several tributaries will
ameliorate the 8 cfs reduction on WBFR during the proposed temporary flow reduction.
The up-to-8 cfs additional flow to Butte Creek is unlikely to have substantial impacts as it
is a small contribution in relation to the natural flow in Butte Creek. This holds true even
if the temporary flow reduction is implemented during the breeding season of the FYLF
since the amount of flow change is minimal.
Conclusion
For the reasons previously stated, PG&E biologists conclude that the proposed DeSabla-
Centerville Hydroelectric Project, No. 803-CA, 2026 Minimum Instream Flow Temporary
Flow Modification is not likely to adversely affect FYLF or FYLF proposed Critical
Habitat. PG&E requests your concurrence on this determination.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Catalina Reyes,
senior aquatic biologist for PG&E, at (925) 808-8811 or Catalina.reyes@pge.com.
Sincerely
Catalina Reyes
Senior Aquatic Biologist
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Donal Ratcliff, Field Supervisor
March 04, 2026
Page 5
Enclosures:
1. DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project, No. 803-CA, Gaging Stations BW-40
and BW-3, 2026 Minimum Instream Flow Temporary Flow Modification dated
February 6, 2026
2. Action Area map
3. Official IPaC results dated February 26, 2026.
4. Federal listed species from IPaC query (Enclosure 3) excluded from further
analysis.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Enclosure 1
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Power Generation
300 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 28209
Oakland, CA 94604
February 6, 2026
Via Electronic Submittal (E-Filing)
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20426
RE: DeSabla-Centerville Project, No. 803-CA
Gaging Stations BW-40 and BW-3
2026 Minimum Instream Flow Temporary Flow Modification
Dear Secretary Reese,
This letter presents Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E’s) request for a temporary flow
modification from the minimum instream flow requirement at gaging station BW- 40 (Hendricks
Head Dam) and BW-3 (Philbrook Reservoir), during the 2026 Central Valley spring-run Chinook
salmon (CVSRCS; Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) holding period. Hendricks Head Dam and
Philbrook Reservoir are part of PG&E’s DeSabla-Centerville Project, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) No. 803. This requested temporary flow modification would provide
flexibility to PG&E for the management of minimum instream flow from Philbrook Reservoir and
at the Hendricks Head Dam to support the 2026 CVSRCS holding population.
PG&E developed the proposed temporary flow modification in consultation with the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
United States Forest Service (Forest Service), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS),
(hereafter referred to as Resource Agencies).
License Requirement
Project license Article 39 provides the minimum instream flow requirements for the DeSabla-
Centerville Project. For reference, Article 39 is presented below in italics.
Licensee shall maintain a minimum pool volume of 250 acre-feet in Philbrook Reservoir,
except when releases from the 250 acre-feet minimum pool are necessary to maintain
minimum flows downstream of Philbrook Reservoir. Further, Licensee shall discharge
from the DeSabla-Centerville Project facilities the following minimum instantaneous
flows or inflow at points of diversion, whichever is less.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 2
Volume of Discharge in cubic feet per second (cfs)
during normal and dry water years1
Point of Discharge Normal Dry2 Time Period
Philbrook Reservoir [BW-3] 2.0 2.0 [Year-round]
Hendricks Head Dam [BW-40] 15 7 [Year-round]
These flows may be temporarily modified if required by operating emergencies beyond
the control of the Licensee, and for short periods upon mutual agreement between the
Licensee and the California Department of Fish and Game.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) issues the Bulletin 120 report in May that
is used to classify the water year type. The water year classification determines the required
minimum flow that is released downstream of Philbrook Dam at stream gage BW-3 and
downstream of the Hendricks Head Dam at stream gage BW-40.
Background
The Philbrook Reservoir storage (5,000 acre-feet) is utilized during the summer holding period
of CVSRCS to provide additional flows to Butte Creek. Philbrook Reservoir is located on the
West Branch Feather River (WBFR) watershed. Flows released from Philbrook Reservoir, along
with other flow within the WBFR, are diverted into the Hendricks Canal at the Hendricks
Diversion Dam (Figure 1). Depending on water availability, water diverted from the WBFR at the
Hendricks Diversion Dam can increase the total flow available in Butte Creek below DeSabla
Powerhouse up to 40% in July through September depending on the water year type.
PG&E operates the project in such a way as to reduce water residency time within DeSabla
Forebay (Forebay) to reduce potential temperature impacts. Historically, this has been achieved
by providing a minimum of 60 cfs to the Forebay from the Butte and Hendricks Canals.
However, in August 2023, the Butte Canal sustained damage that removed the canal from
service. PG&E has made the determination to keep the canal out of service indefinitely. The
loss of flow from the Butte Canal results in decreased flow through the Forebay. This temporary
flow modification request will help PG&E meet the minimum target flow of 60 cfs through the
Forebay during the summer months by helping to maximize the amount of flow drafted from the
WBFR.
In addition to the loss of the Butte Canal, results of recently completed seismic stability analyses
for Philbrook Dam indicated unsatisfactory performance of the dam under the seismic loading
scenarios considered when the reservoir is at its normal maximum water surface elevation
(NMWSE) of 5,552.5 feet (National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 [NGVD29]). Considering
these results, the potential downstream consequences associated with the risk of post-seismic
deformation could lead to uncontrolled release of the reservoir. A reservoir restriction has been
1 Discharge is in cubic feet per second (cfs).
2 A dry water year is any 12-month period beginning May 1 in which the natural runoff of the Feather River at
Oroville for the April 1 to July 31 period, as forecast on April 1 by the State of California Department of Water
Resources, and as may be adjusted by the State on May 1, will be 50 percent of less of the average for such period as
computed by the State for the 50-year period used at that time. If during a designated dry year, the February 1 or
later water year prediction indicates that dry year conditions no longer prevail, Licensee will resume normal year
flow releases immediately upon notification by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 3
established at Philbrook as an interim risk reduction measure (IRRM) until a long-term solution
has been selected and implemented. PG&E will manage the Philbrook Reservoir at a target
elevation of 5,542.7 feet NGVD29, which is 9.8 feet below the NMWSE and corresponds to a
decrease of approximately 1,600 acre-feet of its storage capacity. The decreased availability of
water from the Philbrook reservoirs due to the elevation restrictions significantly impairs PG&E’s
ability to maintain 60 cfs of inflow into the Forebay without the requested flow modification. The
requested modification will support PG&E’s efforts to maintain a target of 60 cfs flowing into the
Forebay during all water year type classifications.
Figure 1- Locations of Philbrook Reservoir and Hendricks Head Dam
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 4
Operations and Maintenance Plan
On August 21, 1997, FERC issued an Order placing temperature restrictions (17º Celsius at
Round Valley and 18º Celsius at Philbrook) on the releases from these dams. On August 20,
1998, FERC revised its Order to allow for modification of the criteria upon mutual agreement of
NMFS, CDFW, and USFWS. An Operation and Maintenance Plan and an annual meeting held
ahead of the summer holding period are the mechanisms by which PG&E consults with the
agencies to gain mutual agreement on releases from these dams. To advance collaboration,
PG&E also includes the SWRCB and USFS in this consultation process.
The population of CVSRCS in Butte Creek is the largest remaining self-sustaining population of
this threatened species in California. Under the annual Operations and Maintenance Plan,
PG&E coordinates an annual meeting ahead of the holding period with the Resource Agencies
and holds weekly conference calls with the Resource Agencies during the CVSRCS’s holding
period. The weekly conference calls are from early June through mid-September (as needed).
During these conference calls, the Resource Group (PG&E and Resource Agencies) will
discuss the results of pre-spawning mortality surveys (if provided by CDFW), meteorological
forecasts, water temperatures recorded by CDFW at Quartz Bowl Pool, project flows, and
storage in Philbrook Reservoir.
Proposed Flow Modification
The proposed flow modification includes changing instantaneous minimum instream flow (MIF)
requirements at BW-40 from 15 cfs to 7 cfs measured as an average MIF over a 48-hour period
and changes the MIF at BW-3 from 2 cfs to a target between 1 and 2 cfs average over 48-hour
period. These proposed MIFs would be implemented regardless of water year type (Table 1)
since water storage will be limited in all water year types due to the elevation limit on Philbrook
Reservoir. Once approved, PG&E would implement the temporary flow modification at the
Hendricks Head Dam (BW-40) and Philbrook Reservoir (BW-3) beginning May 4, 2026, which
coincides with the end of the annual maintenance outage for DeSabla Powerhouse. If water
storage in Philbrook Reservoir is less than 2,116 acre-feet by April 1, 2026, the Resource Group
can meet and collectively agree to start the flow reduction at BW-3 before the proposed May 4,
2026 start date. This proposed contingency at BW-3 will promote additional storage in Philbrook
Reservoir if an unusually dry year occurs. The flow modification will be completed at both BW-3
and BW-40 on September 30, 2026
Table 1: License required flows and requested flow modifications.
Compliance
Point
Requirement (cfs) without flow
modification
Requested Flows for
Temporary Flow Modification
Hendricks
Head Dam
(BW-40)
Instantaneous Minimum Instream Flow
(MIF) of 15 cfs Normal WY, 7 cfs dry WY
Average MIF over 48 hour- target
cfs of 7 cfs
Philbrook
Reservoir
(BW-3)
Instantaneous Minimum Instream Flow
(MIF) of 2 cfs Normal WY, 2 cfs dry WY
Average MIF over 48 hour -
target between 1 and 2 cfs
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 5
The flow modification at Hendricks Head Dam will maximize the delivery of flow released from
Philbrook Reservoir to Butte Creek. All flow released from Philbrook will be utilized instead of a
portion being used to buffer flow to meet the higher instantaneous MIF requirements. With the
implementation of the proposed flow modification, flow through the Forebay will increase or at
least remain steady. Heating in the Forebay is caused by exposure to solar radiation and natural
high air temperatures during the summer holding period as it travels through the forebay.
Increased flow will minimize residence time in the forebay thereby decreasing heating effects
within the Forebay. Thus, this action of providing as much flow from the WBFR through the
Hendricks Canal, in the absence of the Butte Canal will help minimize heating in the Forebay.
The flow modification at BW-3 will help maintain storage in Philbrook Reservoir by minimizing
flow released to comply with MIF ahead of flow releases made to supplement Butte Creek
during the holding period.
The following conditions will be in effect during the flow modification time frame:
1. PG&E will continue to hold weekly CVSRCS meetings with Resource Agencies.
Meetings are estimated to occur from June through September 2026.
2. PG&E will consult with Resource Agencies on when and how to begin implementing
the flow modification.
3. PG&E staff will consult with Resource Agencies prior to implementing flow changes
once the flow modification period has begun.
4. PG&E will maintain a MIF of 7 cfs, measured at BW-40, as agreed upon with PG&E
staff and the Resource Agencies.
5. PG&E will monitor and provide weekly flow changes to the Resource Agencies for
gauging stations BW-40 and BW-3 during weekly CVSRCS Holding Period Meetings.
6. PG&E will promptly notify the Resource Agencies of any event that significantly inhibits
or impairs the release structures from maintaining the proposed modified flow MIF at
either gage (BW-40 or BW-3).
Biological Impacts on CVSRCS
PG&E fisheries biologists have reviewed this flow modification proposal and believe that the
proposed flow changes would benefit the holding CVSRCS by maximizing the volume of water
that can be delivered to Butte Creek from the WBFR during periods especially when the Butte
Canal is offline. In addition to the CVSRCS, DeSabla Reservoir is an important recreational
location for residents in the area and rainbow trout are stocked during the spring and early
summer months. This flow modification will also support that fishery and the recreationalist who
depend on it.
The material informing this request includes the following:
• The holding pattern of adult CVSRCS since the Lower Centerville Powerhouse was
taken off-line (2011), has shifted to more of the population holding in the upper
reaches. It is expected that >95% of adults will hold in the upstream four miles of
habitat due to water temperatures. This concentration of individuals increases the
potential breakout of disease among a larger portion of the holding population.
• The flow modification will help provide a larger volume of water through Butte Creek.
This is important to minimize the effects of high ambient air temperatures which drive
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 6
water temperatures. Higher water temperatures result in higher potential and severity
of a disease outbreak. This is particularly true with an increase in population density.
• Increasing inflow from Hendricks Canal shortens the travel time through the Forebay
thus decreasing the heating of water by minimizing exposure to solar radiation. This
minimizes the temperature of the water that enters Butte Creek.
Agency Consultation
On January 22, 2026, PG&E hosted a meeting with the Resource Agencies to discuss the water
management constraints and options for supporting the population of CVSRCS during the
summer holding period. This flow modification request supports PG&E’s and the Resource
Agencies’ efforts of ensuring the availability of cold-water storage in Philbrook Reservoir to
support the population and minimizing water temperature increases in the Forebay.
The consultation record is provided as (Enclosure 1).
Conclusion
PG&E respectfully requests changing instantaneous MIF requirements at BW-40 and BW-3
between May 4, 2026 and September 30, 2026. The request changes the MIF at BW-40 from
15 cfs to 7 cfs measured as an average MIF over a 48-hour period, and changes BW-3 from 2
cfs to a target between 1 and 2 cfs average MIF over 48-hour period. If water storage in
Philbrook Reservoir has not exceeded 2,116 acre-feet by April 1, 2026, the Resource Group
can meet and collectively agree to start the flow reduction at BW-3 before the proposed May 4,
2026 start date. The proposed modified MIFs would be independent of water year type. This
temporary flow modification will provide additional water and operational flexibility to transfer the
maximum amount of water into the Hendricks Canal from the WBFR to increase flow through
the DeSabla Forebay and into Butte Creek during the hottest part of the summer holding period
for CVSRCS in Butte Creek.
To maintain the modification timeline, PG&E requests a response to this letter by April 1,2026. If
you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact PG&E’s license coordinator, Sky
Ramirez- Doble, at (530) 250-7002.
Sincerely,
Matt Joseph
Supervisor, Hydro Licensing
Enclosure:
1. Agency Consultation Record
cc: See Attached List
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 7
cc: via email w/enclosure
Tracy McReynolds (CDFW) – Tracy.McReynolds@wildlife.ca.gov,
Anna Allison (CDFW) – Anna.Allison@wildlife.ca.gov
Beth Lawson (CDFW) – Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov,
Grant Henley (CDFW) - Grantton.Henley@wildlife.ca.gov
Ellen Roots (NOAA Fisheries) – ellen.roots@noaa.gov
Yvette Redler-Medina (NOAA Fisheries) - yvette.redler-medina@noaa.gov
Cathy Marcinvage (NOAA Fisheries) cathy.marcinkevage@noaa.gov
Tristan Leong (USFS)– tristan.leong@usda.gov,
Brittany Reaves (USFWS) –brittany_reaves@fws.gov
Stephanie Millsap (USFWS) - Stephanie_Millsap@fws.gov
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
February 6, 2026
Page 8
S9RV (530) 250-7002 \\SFShare01-NAS\PG\ PG Safety Env & LM\A. NEW SELM\DeSabla Area
Projects\DeSabla Centerville (FERC No. 803)\Incidents, Deviations, Variances\2026 BW-3 & BW-
40 Variance Request
BCC: w/Enclosure
PGen Regulatory Correspondence
Rob Riedlinger
Ben Meyers
Gabe Lerossignol
Betsy Brunswick
Ed Cheslak
Catalina Reyes
Andie Herman
Sky Ramirez-Doble
Duncan Drummond
SAP: 10247444.2
Notification:
• Analyst to attach letter
• If all tasks complete, close the notification
LC Task 2:
• Analyst update long-text with date of filing and close task
DSE Task N/A:
Outgoing Commitments LC: No
Outgoing Commitments DSE: No
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
ENCLOSURE 1
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
From:Allison, Anna@Wildlife
To:Drummond, Duncan; McReynolds, Tracy@Wildlife; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife; ellen.roots@noaa.gov; Leong, Tristan
-FS; Millsap, Stephanie D; brittany_reaves@fws.gov; cathy.marcinkevage@noaa.gov
Cc:Ramirez-Doble, Sky; Reyes, Catalina; Cheslak, Edward; Meyers, Ben; Herman, Andie; Brunswick, Betsy
Subject:RE: 2026 Draft DeSabla-Centerville Temporary Flow Reduction Request
Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 3:26:59 PM
!!! EXTERNAL SENDER !!!
This email came from outside PG&E. Think before you click. Be extra wary of links,
attachments, providing sensitive information, and QR Codes. If this email seems suspicious,
use the REPORT PHISH BUTTON.
Hi Duncan,
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) concurs with PG&E’s proposed
temporary flow reduction request for the DeSabla-Centerville FERC license conditions through
September 30, 2026.
It is CDFW’s understanding that PG&E has not changed their decision to operate Philbrook
Reservoir at limited capacity, therefore a full reservoir will not be available during the summer
to help manage water temperatures in the reaches of Butte Creek that support holding State
and federally listed threatened adult spring-run Chinook salmon. This temporary flow
reduction will help PG&E and the agencies work together to make timely water management
decisions with limited resources. Specifically, this modification will allow PG&E and the
agencies to collaboratively adjust flows from the project reservoirs at Philbrook and Round
Valley during the summer to quickly respond to hot, dry conditions in the watershed.
Also, please note: numerous NMFS staff listed on the original email are retired or no
longer work for NMFS and Ellen’s email is ellen.roots@noaa.gov.
Thanks,
Anna
Anna Allison
Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
North Central Region Fisheries
Chico Field Office
(916) 272-4373
Anna.Allison@wildlife.ca.gov
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
From: Drummond, Duncan <DGDH@pge.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 11:16 AM
To: McReynolds, Tracy@Wildlife <Tracy.McReynolds@wildlife.ca.gov>; Allison, Anna@Wildlife
<Anna.Allison@wildlife.ca.gov>; Lawson, Beth@Wildlife <Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>; Ellen
McBride: <ellen.mcbride@noaa.gov>; Leong, Tristan -FS <tristan.leong@usda.gov>; Millsap,
Stephanie D <stephanie_millsap@fws.gov>; Steve Edmondson - NOAA Federal
<steve.edmondson@noaa.gov>; brittany_reaves@fws.gov; cathy.marcinkevage@noaa.gov;
william.foster@noaa.gov; evan.sawyer@noaa.gov; samuel.smith@noaa.gov; allison.bosworth
<Allison.Bosworth@noaa.gov>; paul.ortiz@noaa.gov; hannah.mone@noaa.gov;
brian.ellrott@noaa.gov
Cc: Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Reyes, Catalina <CERh@pge.com>; Cheslak, Edward
<EFC3@pge.com>; Meyers, Ben <B1Mb@pge.com>; Herman, Andie <AEHb@pge.com>; Brunswick,
Betsy <BMB7@pge.com>
Subject: 2026 Draft DeSabla-Centerville Temporary Flow Reduction Request
WARNING: This message is from an external source. Verify the sender and exercise caution when clicking links or
opening attachments.
Good afternoon agencies members,
PG&E has drafted a temporary flow modification request to support the spring run holding
period in 2026. The variance is very similar to the 2025 variance. It would be greatly
appreciated if you all could review and provide comments, or concurrence by January 19,
2026. PG&E would like to get this filed with FERC by the week of February 2, 2026.
We would like to hold a follow-up meeting to discuss the 2026 temporary flow modification
request. Please respond with your availability, and we will send out a meeting invite once we
have received a majority response.
Proposed dates and times:
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 09:00 – 11:00 or 13:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 11:00 – 13:00 or 14:00 – 16:00
Please feel free to forward to any agency staff that I may have inadvertently omitted, or let me
know if anyone needs to be removed from the mailing list.
Duncan Drummond
Hydroelectric License Coordinator
Pacific Gas & Electric
530.215.9678
You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
From:Reaves, Brittany L
To:Drummond, Duncan; McReynolds, Tracy@Wildlife; Allison, Anna@Wildlife; Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov; Leong,
Tristan - FS, CA; Millsap, Stephanie D; Ellen Roots - NOAA Federal; yvette.redler-medina@noaa.gov
Cc:Ramirez-Doble, Sky; Reyes, Catalina; Cheslak, Edward; Meyers, Ben; Herman, Andie; Brunswick, Betsy
Subject:Re: [EXTERNAL] 2026 Draft DeSabla-Centerville Temporary Flow Reduction Request
Date:Wednesday, January 28, 2026 7:38:35 AM
!!! EXTERNAL SENDER !!!
This email came from outside PG&E. Think before you click. Be extra wary of links,
attachments, providing sensitive information, and QR Codes. If this email seems suspicious,
use the REPORT PHISH BUTTON.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) concurs with PG&E’s proposed temporary flow
modification request for the DeSabla-Centerville FERC license conditions through September
30, 2026.
Reducing minimum instream flow requirements in the West Branch Feather River at the
Hendricks Canal Head Dam and Philbrook Creek will allow the Resource Group to
collaboratively adjust flows from the project reservoirs during the summer to support the
Central Valley spring run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) holding period. This is
needed in part due to reduced storage capacity at Philbrook Dam and the decommissioning of
Butte Canal.
We understand that upon receiving Delegation of Authority from FERC, PG&E will consult with
the Service regarding federally listed species.
Adding on to Anna's postscript: Yvette Redler-Medina (yvette.redler-medina@noaa.gov) is the
NMFS staff member currently assigned to this Project and can be included on
communications along with Ellen Roots.
Thanks,
Brittany Reaves
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(530) 365-7150
***********************
I am currently working:
Monday – Thursday
From: Drummond, Duncan <DGDH@pge.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 11:15 AM
To: McReynolds, Tracy@Wildlife <Tracy.McReynolds@wildlife.ca.gov>; Allison, Anna@Wildlife
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
<Anna.allison@wildlife.ca.gov>; Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov <Beth.Lawson@wildlife.ca.gov>;
Ellen McBride: <ellen.mcbride@noaa.gov>; Leong, Tristan - FS, CA <tristan.leong@usda.gov>;
Millsap, Stephanie D <stephanie_millsap@fws.gov>; Steve Edmondson - NOAA Federal
<steve.edmondson@noaa.gov>; Reaves, Brittany L <brittany_reaves@fws.gov>;
cathy.marcinkevage@noaa.gov <cathy.marcinkevage@noaa.gov>; william.foster@noaa.gov
<william.foster@noaa.gov>; evan.sawyer@noaa.gov <evan.sawyer@noaa.gov>;
samuel.smith@noaa.gov <samuel.smith@noaa.gov>; Allison.bosworth@noaa.gov
<Allison.bosworth@noaa.gov>; paul.ortiz@noaa.gov <paul.ortiz@noaa.gov>;
hannah.mone@noaa.gov <hannah.mone@noaa.gov>; brian.ellrott@noaa.gov
<brian.ellrott@noaa.gov>
Cc: Ramirez-Doble, Sky <S9RV@pge.com>; Reyes, Catalina <CERh@pge.com>; Cheslak,
Edward <EFC3@pge.com>; Meyers, Ben <B1Mb@pge.com>; Herman, Andie
<AEHb@pge.com>; Brunswick, Betsy <BMB7@pge.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2026 Draft DeSabla-Centerville Temporary Flow Reduction Request
This email has been received from outside of DOI - Use caution before clicking on
links, opening attachments, or responding.
Good afternoon agencies members,
PG&E has drafted a temporary flow modification request to support the spring run holding
period in 2026. The variance is very similar to the 2025 variance. It would be greatly
appreciated if you all could review and provide comments, or concurrence by January 19,
2026. PG&E would like to get this filed with FERC by the week of February 2, 2026.
We would like to hold a follow-up meeting to discuss the 2026 temporary flow modification
request. Please respond with your availability, and we will send out a meeting invite once we
have received a majority response.
Proposed dates and times:
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 09:00 – 11:00 or 13:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 11:00 – 13:00 or 14:00 – 16:00
Please feel free to forward to any agency staff that I may have inadvertently omitted, or let me
know if anyone needs to be removed from the mailing list.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Duncan Drummond
Hydroelectric License Coordinator
Pacific Gas & Electric
530.215.9678
You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
February 5, 2026
Duncan Drummond
Hydroelectric License Coordinator
Pacific Gas & Electric
PO Box 28209
Oakland, CA 94604
Re: 2026 Flow Variance Request for the DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project
Dear Mr. Drummond:
On December 30, 2025, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a copy of
Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) instream flow variance request to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project.
This flow variance request is summarized below in Table 1.
Table 1. License and Variance Request Flows
Compliance Requirement without flow
modification temporary flow
Hendricks Head Dam
(BW-40) Instream Flow (MIF) of 15 cfs
normal water year (WY), 7 cfs
target cfs of 7 cfs
(BW-3) Instream Flow (MIF) of 2 cfs target between 1 and 2 cfs
The following Philbrook Reservoir storage thresholds will be used to determine the start date of
the flow variance:
Table 2. Philbrook Reservoir Storage Thresholds
thresholds ac-ft (stage) Min- 250 (11.5’)
PG&E developed the proposed temporary flow modification in consultation with the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
2
NMFS concurs with the requested flow variance to help maximize the volume of water that can
be delivered to Butte Creek from the West Branch Feather River during the 2026 Central Valley
spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) holding and spawning season. The
need for this flow variance is urgent and will help ensure the protection of anadromous and
resident salmonid fish resources in Butte Creek.
NMFS appreciates the continued cooperation of PG&E and looks forward to working with
PG&E and the other resource agencies on this matter.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Yvette Redler at yvette.redler-
medina@noaa.gov or (209) 645-0307.
Sincerely,
Ellen Roots, M.S.
Chief, North Central Valley Branch
CC: To the File ARN 151422-WCR2026-SA0008
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Enclosure 2
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Map of Action Area that includes river reaches in the West Branch Feather River and
Butte Creek.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Enclosure 3
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Sacramento Fish And Wildlife Office
Federal Building
2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825-1846
Phone: (916) 414-6600 Fax: (916) 414-6713
In Reply Refer To:
Project Code: 2025-0108199
Project Name: DSC Hydroelectric Project, No. 803-CA, 2025 DSC MIF Variance at BW-40 and
BW-3 (P-803)
Subject:List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the
requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of
species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to
contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to
federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical
habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the
Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be
completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be
completed by visiting the IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and
implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested
through the IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
2 of 10
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having
similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)
(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological
evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may
affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended
contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.
If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that
listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the
agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service
recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed
within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7
consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered
Species Consultation Handbook" at:
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/endangered-species-consultation-
handbook.pdf
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to
protect native birds from project-related impacts. Any activity resulting in take of migratory
birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more information regarding these
Acts, see https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-bird-permit/what-we-do.
It is the responsibility of the project proponent to comply with these Acts by identifying potential
impacts to migratory birds and eagles within applicable NEPA documents (when there is a
federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan (when there is no federal nexus). Proponents
should implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project-related
stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and their resources to the project-related stressors.
For more information on avian stressors and recommended conservation measures, see https://
www.fws.gov/library/collections/threats-birds.
In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies
to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities
that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures
that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both
migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of
Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/partner/council-conservation-
migratory-birds.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages
Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project
planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
3 of 10
▪
this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit
to our office.
Attachment(s):
Official Species List
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Sacramento Fish And Wildlife Office
Federal Building
2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825-1846
(916) 414-6600
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
4 of 10
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code:2025-0108199
Project Name:DSC Hydroelectric Project, No. 803-CA, 2025 DSC MIF Variance at
BW-40 and BW-3 (P-803)
Project Type:Dam - Operations
Project Description:The proposed project involves requesting a temporary minimum instream
flow (MIF) modification of the license MIF at BW – 03 and BW-40
during the 2025 Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon (CVSRCS)
holding period. BW-3 gage measures MIF into Philbrook Creek below
Philbrook Reservoir. The BW-40 gage measures MIF in the West Branch
Feather River (WBFR) below Hendricks Head Dam (HHD).
The variance at BW-3 would not change the MIF but would temporarily
allow for average MIF over 48 hours with a target between 1 – 2 cfs
instead of an instantaneous MIF of 2 cfs. This would allow PG&E to
release without a buffer to preserve water in Philbrook Reservoir without
risking a deviation if flow drops below the license required flow.
The request at BW-40 would temporarily decrease the license required
MIF of 15 cfs during the current year, which has been designated as a
Normal Water Year Type, to a MIF of 7cfs which is the license required
MIF of a Dry Water Year Type. This request would allow PG&E to
provide additional flow towards the Butte Creek side of the project to
minimize any potential heating that may occur in the DeSabla Forebay. As
part of the PG&E’s Annual Operations and Maintenance Plan, the goal is
to keep 60 cfs flowing through the DeSabla Forebay to minimize heating
by decreasing travel time through the forebay. An additional 8 cfs into the
DeSabla Forebay achieved by the variance at BW-40 will help maintain
that 60 cfs. This action will have a positive effect on federally listed
CVSRCS in Butte Creek.
The project action area includes the following reaches:
• Philbrook Creek (located below Philbrook Reservoir) to its confluence
with the WBFR,
• the WBFR from Philbrook Creek confluence to the Miocene Head Dam,
and
• Butte Creek from the DeSabla Powerhouse outflow to the Parrot-Phelan
Diversion Dam.
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.google.com/maps/@39.92299285,-121.52430998886018,14z
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
5 of 10
Counties:Butte County, California
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
6 of 10
1.
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 18 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species. Note that 1 of these species should be
considered only under certain conditions.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
1
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
7 of 10
▪
MAMMALS
NAME STATUS
Gray Wolf Canis lupus
Population: U.S.A.: All of AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA,
MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA,
VT, WI, and WV; and portions of AZ, NM, OR, UT, and WA. Mexico.
There is final critical habitat for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4488
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Endangered
North American Wolverine Gulo gulo luscus
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
This species only needs to be considered under the following conditions:
Species may be present based on transient occurrence as it moves through or too suitable
habitat. Effects should be considered to species and projects should consult with the
Service, however, depending on the project, consultation may not be necessary.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5123
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Threatened
BIRDS
NAME STATUS
California Condor Gymnogyps californianus
Population: Pacific Northwest NEP
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8193
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Experimental
Population,
Non-
Essential
California Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis occidentalis
Population: Sierra Nevada
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7266
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Proposed
Threatened
REPTILES
NAME STATUS
Northwestern Pond Turtle Actinemys marmorata
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1111
General project design guidelines:
Proposed
Threatened
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
8 of 10
NAME STATUS
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
AMPHIBIANS
NAME STATUS
California Red-legged Frog Rana draytonii
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2891
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Threatened
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Rana boylii
Population: North Feather Distinct Population Segment (North Feather DPS)
There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5133
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Threatened
Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog Rana sierrae
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9529
Endangered
Western Spadefoot Spea hammondii
Population: Northern DPS
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5425
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Proposed
Threatened
INSECTS
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical
habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Proposed
Threatened
Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Desmocerus californicus dimorphus
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7850
Threatened
CRUSTACEANS
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
9 of 10
NAME STATUS
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta conservatio
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8246
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Endangered
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta lynchi
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/498
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Threatened
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp Lepidurus packardi
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2246
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/OMALXRJT4NBPPMPRF3NSJU5ENA/documents/
generated/11271.pdf
Endangered
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME STATUS
Butte County Meadowfoam Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4223
Endangered
Greene's Tuctoria Tuctoria greenei
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1573
Endangered
Hairy Orcutt Grass Orcuttia pilosa
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2262
Endangered
Hoover's Spurge Chamaesyce hooveri
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3019
Threatened
CRITICAL HABITATS
There is 1 critical habitat wholly or partially within your project area under this office's
jurisdiction.
NAME STATUS
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Rana boylii
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5133#crithab
Proposed
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Project code: 2025-0108199 02/26/2026 17:12:48 UTC
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IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency:Private Entity
Name:Catalina Reyes
Address:300 Lakeside Dr.
City:Oakland
State:CA
Zip:94612
Email catalina.reyes@pge.com
Phone:9258088811
LEAD AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Lead Agency:Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Enclosure 4
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Federal listed species from IPaC query (Enclosure 3) excluded from further analysis.
Species
Federal
Listing
Status
Critical
Habitat in
Action Area
Effects Determination and Explanation
Mammals
Gray wolf
(Canus lupus) Endangered None
Designated
No Effect.
Not expected to occur. No reports in the CNDDB. If species is in the
area the proposed temporary decrease flow would have no impacts
on this species. No vegetation removal or ground disturbance is
occurring with this action.
North American wolverine
(Gulo gulo luscus) Threatened None
Designated
No Effect.
Not expected to occur. No reports in the CNDDB. If species is in the
area the proposed temporary decrease flow would have no impacts
on this species. No vegetation removal or ground disturbance is
occurring with this action.
Avian
California condor
(Gymnogyps
californianus)
Experimental
Population
None
Designated
No Effect.
Not expected to occur. No reports in the CNDDB. If species is in the
area the proposed temporary decrease flow would have no impacts
on this species. No vegetation removal or ground disturbance is
occurring with this action.
California spotted owl
Sierra Nevada DPS (Strix
occidentalis occidentalis)
Proposed
Threatened
None
Designated
No Effect.
The species do occur within the proximity of the Hendricks Head
Dam. However, the proposed temporary decrease flow would have
no impacts on this species. No vegetation removal or ground
disturbance is occurring with this action.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Species
Federal
Listing
Status
Critical
Habitat in
Action Area
Effects Determination and Explanation
Amphibians
California red-legged frog
(Rana draytonii) Threatened No No Effect.
This species does not occur within the project range.
Sierra Nevada yellow-
legged frog (Rana sierrae)
Endangered No No Effect.
They do not occur within the project affected reaches.
Western spadefoot (Spea
hammondii)
Proposed
Threatened
None
Designated
No Effect.
They do not occur within the project affected reaches and appropriate
habitat is not present. No reports in the CNDDB.
Insects
Monarch butterfly
(Danaus plexippus)
Proposed
Threatened
None
Designated
No Effect.
If species is in the area the temporary proposed decrease flow would
have no impacts on this species
Valley elderberry
longhorn beetle
(Desmocerus californicus
dimorphus)
Threatened No No Effect.
The project is outside of the range of its host plant.
Crustaceans
Conservancy fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta
conservation)
Endangered No.
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Vernal pool fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta lynchi) Threatened NO
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Species
Federal
Listing
Status
Critical
Habitat in
Action Area
Effects Determination and Explanation
Vernal pool tadpole
Shrimp (Lepidurus
packardi)
Endangered No
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Flowering Plants
Butte county
meadowfoam (Limnanthes
floccosa ssp. californica)
Endangered No
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Greene's tuctoria (Tuctoria
greenei) Endangered No
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Hairy orcutt grass
(Orcuttia Pilosa) Endangered No
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Hoover's spurge
Chamaesyce hooveri Threatened No
No Effect.
Habitat not within range of project affected reaches. No vegetation
removal or ground disturbance is occurring as part of the action.
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026
Document Content(s)
PGE20260331_803_DSC_2026_Flow_Mod_MANLAA_Ltr.pdf .........................1
PGE20260331_803_DSC_2026_Flow_Mod_MANLAA_Enc-1.pdf........................2
Document Accession #: 20260331-5301 Filed Date: 03/31/2026