10.3  Resident Fish Mitigation Measures for Specific Dams

Wherever in this section the Council has approved specific reservoir operating criteria, the Fish Passage Center and the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority, in its supervision of the Fish Passage Center, should incorporate these criteria into their planning and system operational requests, as set forth in Measure 5.1B.1. Bonneville, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers should include these operating guidelines in their Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement data submittals, System Operation Review Environmental Impact Statement, and other pertinent long-term and annual planning and operation of the Columbia River Power System.

10.3A  Hungry Horse Dam Resident Fish Mitigation

Bureau of Reclamation

10.3A.1  To aid reproduction of kokanee in the Flathead River and to aid rearing of other fish species and invertebrates, operate Hungry Horse Dam to provide the following instantaneous flows in the Flathead River at Columbia Falls.

• Flows not less than 3,500 cubic feet per second or more than 4,500 cubic feet per second from October 15 through December 15. The 4,500 cubic feet per second cap may be exceeded if kokanee are not present at the spawning sites. Coordinate with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to determine when this restriction may be lifted.
• A minimum flow for incubation of at least 3,500 cubic feet per second provided 24 hours per day from December 15 through April 30.
• A minimum flow for emergence of 3,500 cubic feet per second provided 24 hours per day during the period from May 1 through June 30.
• A minimum flow of at least 3,500 cubic feet per second provided 24 hours per day from July 1 through October 15 for rearing of bull trout, cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish, and for aquatic invertebrate production.

10.3A.2  Report monthly to the Council the hourly average river flows. Include an estimate of the costs in megawatts and dollars to the hydropower system associated with meeting these flows. Modify the required flows when requested by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for study purposes.

10.3A.3  Implement the integrated rule curves for Hungry Horse Reservoir submitted to the Council in July 1994 by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Limits on drafting set in the curves should be met in all years. However, exceeding the limits for local flood control is allowed provided that the Council, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the state of Montana are notified prior to drafting, and the reservoirs are not incurring additional flood control responsibilities that have historically been provided by other projects. Exceeding the limits for power purposes is also allowed, but is contingent upon approval by the Council, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the state of Montana. Deviations from the limits will require mitigation as prescribed by the tribes and states, approved by the Council and called for in Sections 10.3A.7 and 10.3A.8. Requests to exceed the limits should be submitted at least 60 days prior to drafting below the limits.

      The intent of this measure is to improve historic dam operational practices to provide more favorable biological conditions for resident fish in the reservoir and affected river reaches and to help balance conditions for anadromous and resident fish so that the recovery of one is not pursued at the expense of the other.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks

10.3A.4  Continue to refine integrated rule curves to limit drawdown of Hungry Horse Reservoir to protect resident fish. Prepare a review of the biological effectiveness of integrated rule curves including recommendations for refinement or continuance of the rule curves. Submit to the Council by September of 2005.

Council

10.3A.5  Review state and tribal summary and recommendations on the biological effectiveness of and implementation costs associated with integrated rule curves. Based on that review, determine if integrated rule curves should be continued as implemented, refined, or terminated.

Bonneville

10.3A.6  Continue to fund studies to evaluate the effect of Hungry Horse Dam operating procedures on resident fish. Prepare a summary of the costs incurred and adjustments made by the power system as a result of implementation of integrated rule curves.

10.3A.7  In years when the integrated rule curves are exceeded for power purposes at Hungry Horse Dam, immediately fund the mitigation of fish losses to the extent those losses are caused by power operations.

Corps of Engineers

10.3A.8  In years when the integrated rule curves are exceeded for system flood control purposes at Hungry Horse Dam, immediately fund the mitigation of fish losses to the extent those losses are caused by system flood control operations.

10.3A.9  If a conflict occurs between maintaining the minimum flows required by Section 10.3A.1 and maintaining reservoir levels required by Section 10.3A.3, consult with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to determine which requirements are preferred.

Relevant Parties

10.3A.10  Treat as elements of this program all resident fish loss estimates identified in the Fisheries Mitigation Plan For Losses Attributable to the Construction and Operation of Hungry Horse Dam prepared by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

10.3A.11  Implement the mitigation measures in the long-term implementation plan as approved by the Council in March 1993 and in subsequent amendments.

10.3A.12  Initially, limit hatchery supplementation activities called for in the implementation plan to kokanee only. Limit facilities for production of kokanee to those that are temporary and low cost. Use facilities to test the feasibility of increasing kokanee populations in the Flathead Basin. If kokanee populations can meet the criteria for determining success of kokanee reintroduction, as stated in the Hungry Horse Dam Fisheries Mitigation implementation plan, make recommendations to the Council for construction of permanent production facilities, if warranted. Limit supplementation activities for other species to research aimed at development and refinement of supplementation techniques for westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Submit recommendations to the Council regarding supplementation of these species based on results of this research.

10.3A.13  Implement habitat improvement projects in the implementation plan to be consistent with maintenance of the genetic integrity of native fish and protection of species that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern that occur in the improved or newly accessible habitat. This concern is critical where passage over natural barriers is considered. In addition, implement fish health monitoring.

Bonneville

10.3A.14  Consult with the state of Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to explore alternative methods, including a trust agreement, for financing the long-term, non-operational mitigation features of the implementation plan. Explore cost shares to fund aspects of the implementation plan, especially for projects that mitigate the effects of non-hydropower caused problems (e.g., man-caused passage barriers in reservoir tributaries, fencing of overgrazed riparian areas and sediment control projects). If the parties listed above reach agreement on a suitable method for financing, submit recommendations to the Council for approval. Fund the agreement upon approval.

Council

10.3A.15  The determination of losses and appropriate measures contained in the Hungry Horse Dam mitigation plan assumes that the operation of Hungry Horse Dam will be conducted in accordance with practices current as of 1992. Under those practices: 1) reservoir drawdown for power purposes is limited by Section 10.3A.3 of this program; 2) reservoir drawdown for flood control is conducted in accordance with the assignment of project flood control responsibility in effect prior to the 1992 operating year; and 3) no drawdown of the reservoir, other than proportional drafting for the existing water budget, takes place for the purpose of increasing downstream flows to benefit salmon and steelhead. In the event that any significant changes to current practices are undertaken, reopen this determination for the purpose of setting appropriate drawdown limitations to ensure that the mitigation measures contained in the plan remain adequate and effective.

Bonneville and Bureau of Reclamation

10.3A.16  Complete installation and operate a selective water withdrawal structure at Hungry Horse Dam to allow for temperature control to benefit resident fish.

Bureau of Reclamation, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Montana Power Company

10.3A.17  Continue coordinating the Kerr and Hungry Horse dams mitigation programs so that measures taken under those programs are complementary. The Council encourages representatives of Region 6 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to comment on mitigation and river management plans that affect fish and wildlife in Region 6.

Bonneville

10.3A.18  Fund an Instream Flow Incremental Methodology study of the mainstem Flathead River from the South Fork confluence downstream to the river inlet on Flathead Lake. Include recommendations for seasonal ramping rates and allowable flow fluctuations to benefit westslope cutthroat and bull trout spawners and juveniles, and insect production.

10.3B  Libby Dam Resident Fish Mitigation

Corps of Engineers

10.3B.1  Develop operating procedures for Libby Dam to ensure that sufficient flows are provided to protect resident fish in the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa. Require a minimum flow of 4,000 cubic feet per second. In years of extremely low runoff, provide no less than 3,000 cubic feet per second. Based on the best available historical record, and in consultation with the Montana                Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; Kootenai Tribe of Idaho; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; and the Council, include in the operating procedures a definition of ?extremely low runoff? that will permit the 4,000 cubic feet per second requirement to be met to the fullest extent practicable. Until new procedures are adopted, operate Libby Dam under existing criteria.

10.3B.2  Implement the integrated rule curves for Libby Reservoir submitted to the Council in July 1994 by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Limits on drafting set in the curves should be met in all years. However, exceeding the limits for local flood control is allowed provided that the Council, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the State of Montana are notified prior to drafting, and the reservoirs are not incurring additional flood control responsibilities that have historically been provided by other projects. Exceeding the limits for power purposes is also allowed, but is contingent upon approval by the Council, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the State of Montana. Deviations from the limits will require mitigation as prescribed by the tribes and states, approved by the Council, and called for in measures 10.3B.5 and 10.3B.6. Requests to exceed the limits should be submitted at least 60 days prior to drafting below the limits.

      The intent of this measure is to improve on historic dam operational practices to provide more favorable biological conditions for resident fish in the reservoirs and affected river reaches and to help balance conditions for anadromous and resident fish so that the recovery of one is not pursued at the expense of the other.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Kootenai Tribe of Idaho; and Idaho Department of Fish and Game

10.3B.3  Continue to refine integrated rule curves to limit drawdown of Libby Reservoir to protect resident fish. Prepare a review of the biological effectiveness of integrated rule curves including recommendations for refinement or continuance of the rule curves. Submit to the Council by September of 2005.

10.3B.4  Review state and tribal summary and recommendations on the biological effectiveness of and implementation costs associated with integrated rule curves. Based on that review, determine if integrated rule curves should be continued as implemented, refined, or terminated.

Bonneville

10.3B.5  Continue to fund studies to evaluate the effect of Libby Dam operating procedures on resident fish. Include a study of the effects of Libby Dam operations on reproduction and rearing of white sturgeon in the Kootenai River assessing, among other things, when and where fish are present, food requirements and sources, effects of pollutants, population recovery and propagation methods. Coordinate this work with that in Section 10.4. Prepare a summary of the costs incurred and adjustments made by the power system as a result of implementation of integrated rule curves.

10.3B.6  In years when the integrated rule curves are exceeded for power purposes at Libby Dam, immediately fund the mitigation of fish losses to the extent those losses are caused by power operations.

Corps of Engineers

10.3B.7  In years when the integrated rule curves are exceeded for system flood control purposes at Libby Dam, immediately fund the mitigation of fish losses to the extent those losses are caused by system flood control operations.

10.3B.8  If a conflict occurs between maintaining the minimum flows required by measure 10.3B.1 and maintaining reservoir levels required by measure 10.3B.3, consult with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho to determine which requirements are preferred.

Bonneville and Corps of Engineers

10.3B.9  In cooperation with the state of Montana, evaluate and, if beneficial to resident fish, feasible, cost-effective under the Council's power plan, and in compliance with all applicable Montana and federal laws, fund adding three generators at Libby Dam. If feasible, during wet years, such additions may allow the reservoir to fill earlier than otherwise and thereby maintain a higher pool level, possibly benefiting fish in the reservoir. Also, project spill could be reduced, providing benefits for fish in the Kootenai River downstream from the project. Include in the evaluation the following:

• Review the adequacy of existing ramping rates. No more than five generators could be used under any circumstances for peaking or load following. This limit is a result of historic proceedings that addressed this issue at Kootenai Falls and Jennings Rapids.
• Assume that operation of all eight units simultaneously would be strictly prohibited except during declared flood emergencies or for demonstrated beneficial resident fish flow operations. At no time would the full capacity be available solely for power purposes.
• Operations are assumed to be an efficiency upgrade (i.e., existing non-power constraints would be met, volume releases would not be increased, and peaking and other operations would be constrained as needed to protect the resident fish resource and dependent ecosystems above and below the dam). The dam is assumed to remain a five-turbine project, albeit with operation of the newer turbines instead of the older units, and not an eight-unit project.
• The project, when modified with additional units, will be expected to comply with present and future non-power constraints. Any additional generation produced by the project as a result of these changes would go to the federal Columbia River power system to be used to offset the investment in the project and other beneficial purposes as determined by the Bonneville administrator.
• Include analysis of costs, and impacts on fisheries, reservoir operations, water use and water quality.

Bonneville

10.3B.10  Fund the removal of materials that have accumulated in Kootenai River tributary deltas below Libby Dam as a result of the dam's construction and operation, because these materials interfere with the migration of spawning fish.

10.3B.11  In consultation with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and other appropriate entities, fund the design, construction, operation and maintenance of mitigation projects in the Kootenai River System and Lake Koocanusa to supplement natural propagation of fish. These projects are to counter the effects of habitat loss in the Kootenai River System caused by Libby Dam construction and by drawdown and discharges of water from Lake Koocanusa. In consultation with these entities, fund a study to determine levels of fish production necessary to mitigate the effects of the hydropower system. Submit results of the study to the Council by December 31, 1996. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and other appropriate entities are to make recommendations for further action and necessary program amendments at that time.

10.3B.12  In consultation with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and British Columbia Environment Fisheries Branch, fund, consistent with Section 2.2G, a three-year investigation of transboundary populations of rainbow trout, kokanee, bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in the British Columbia portion of Lake Koocanusa. This assessment will include mapping of critical spawning and rearing habitats, population estimates, stock identification, collection of biological information (age, growth, movement, etc.) and reservoir habitat preferences. Study results will correlate biological effects with impacts of different operating regimes of Libby Dam on the various species in the reservoir.

10.3C  Dworshak Dam Resident Fish Mitigation

Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Nez Perce Tribe

10.3C.1  Analyze methods to avoid or minimize entrainment of kokanee at Dworshak Dam, including behavioral avoidance devices such as strobe lights, pneumatic hammers, bubble screens and sound generators, as part of development of integrated rule curves for Dworshak Reservoir.

10.3C.2  Implement annual mid-water trawling to further define the relationship between the fishery, kokanee densities and the water year, as part of development of integrated rule curves for Dworshak Reservoir.

10.3C.3  Implement annual kokanee spawner counts in appropriate creeks.

10.3C.4  Implement a genetic inventory in the North Fork Clearwater River drainage to determine the genetic status of the endemic westslope cutthroat trout population including genetic introgression of the westslope cutthroat trout population by introduced rainbow trout. Based on the study, make recommendations regarding further planting of rainbow trout in the North Fork drainage. Coordinate this measure with the Corps? resident fish mitigation program and review addressed in measure 10.3C.7.

Bonneville

10.3C.5  Fund Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Nez Perce Tribe to implement the above measures. Work with the Corps and others to determine cost sharing opportunities on these measures.

10.3C.6  In consultation with the Nez Perce Tribe and appropriate state agencies, fund research, monitoring and evaluation activities to determine the potential impacts of multipurpose flow operations on resident fish in Dworshak Reservoir. This information will be used to develop analytical methods, such as biological and/or integrated rule curves for reservoir operations similar to those developed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for Hungry Horse and Libby reservoirs.

Corps of Engineers

10.3C.7  In coordination with appropriate fish and wildlife agencies and the Nez Perce Tribe, fund fish stocking activities in Dworshak Reservoir and in the North Fork of the Clearwater River upstream from the reservoir, consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Corps. Fund monitoring to determine the effects of the resident fish mitigation program on endemic fish populations, particularly westslope cutthroat trout upstream from Dworshak Dam. Coordinate with Bonneville, Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop and implement a review of this program to address native fish, watershed, and other concerns.

Corps of Engineers and Bonneville

10.3C.8  Fund investigation of the following items as part of development of integrated rule curves for Dworshak Reservoir: 1) the feasibility of avoiding downward fluctuations in Dworshak reservoir pool level from June 1 through August 31 to prevent dewatering smallmouth bass spawning nests; 2) the feasibility of achieving normal full pool during June, if flood runoff forecasting allows, to avoid rising pool levels and associated temperature depressions in near-shore areas when smallmouth bass are spawning; and 3) the feasibility of avoiding reservoir evacuation for winter flood control or hydropower prior to the September 1 date identified in the current flood control operating curve to promote terrestrial invertebrates deposition, which is an important food source for trout and smallmouth bass.

10.3D  Big Fork Hydroelectric Project Resident Fish Mitigation

Pacific Power and Light Company Pacific Power and Light Company

10.3D.1  Continue to operate the Big Fork Hydroelectric Project under provisions included in the project's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; and Pacific Power and Light Company

10.3D.2  Examine mitigation alternatives to address losses of westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bull trout and kokanee in the Flathead River system caused by the Big Fork Hydroelectric Project.

10.3D.3  Continue to work together to ensure coordination of Big Fork Hydroelectric Project operations with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes? fish management objectives.

10.3E  Other Projects

Bureau of Reclamation

10.3E.1  Ensure that Anderson Ranch Dam is operated to maintain established minimum flow levels for the wintering and spawning of trout in the South Fork of the Boise River.

10.3E.2  Consult with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and affected irrigation districts to explore the potential for releasing surplus water when it is available from Owyhee, Warm Springs and Beulah reservoirs. Such releases would be made during the non-irrigation season to benefit downstream resident fish.

Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers

10.3E.3  Operate Grand Coulee Dam and Lake Roosevelt to provide the maximum water retention times possible, with a minimum of 40 days, from June 15 through the end of September. By mid-April, have the reservoir as low as it will be drawn down. For the period from April 1 to June 15, operate the lake for the maximum water retention times that have been historically achievable. Minimize reservoir fluctuations.

      Meet the following end-of-month elevation targets while attempting to maintain the monthly mean water retention times as follows:

Period	Elevation (feet above sea level)	Retention
January	1,270	45 days
February	Operate reservoir to elevation 1260	40 days
March-April 15	Operate reservoir no lower than 1,250 feet above mean sea level	30 days
April 16	1,255	30 days
May	1,265	35 days
June-December	Operate reservoir at 1,288 (2 feet below full pool)	40-60 days or maximum historically achievable for each month

      Reduce the maximum water level from 1,288 feet above mean sea level to 1,283 feet above mean sea level every other year from June to August to re-establish terrestrial vegetation in littoral areas. Refill to elevation 1,288 feet above mean sea level by September 1. Refill in subsequent years to 1,288 feet above mean sea level.

      Include these operating guidelines in the Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement data submittals, System Operation Review Environmental Impact Statement, and other pertinent long-term and annual planning and operation of the Columbia River Power System. The guidelines should be treated as a hard constraint. Bonneville, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers are further directed to develop a biological rule curve, based on these guidelines, that will protect resident fish in Lake Roosevelt.

Fish Passage Center and Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority

10.3E.4  Incorporate these operating guidelines for Grand Coulee into planning and system operational requests, as set forth in Section 5.1B.1.

Fish Managers and Council

10.3E.5  Develop additional scientific information on the benefits and need for a water retention time standard for Grand Coulee and submit to the Council as soon as possible. The Council will review and refine this measure based on anticipated submissions by the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority in 1995.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

10.3E.6  To maintain habitat conditions suitable for the survival of resident fish in Georgetown Lake, do not permit alterations of future operations of the Flint Creek project from past practices without considering and incorporating the multiple uses of the project, including the needs of the fish.

Montana Power Company

10.3E.7  Continue funding an evaluation of the Milltown Dam proposed operating procedures to determine whether they will protect resident fish downstream from the project. Include an analysis of suspended sediments, associated heavy metals and organic pollutants, as well as an evaluation of the potential effect of these pollutants on resident fish. Propose mitigation alternatives to the Council if the investigations reveal that an adverse effect on the fish will result from the proposed operation.

Bureau of Reclamation, Corps of Engineers and Other Project Operators

10.3E.8  In consultation with the Council, tribes, and fish and wildlife agencies, use storage, where existing structures allow, to maintain water temperatures within the best ranges for fish habitat.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

10.3E.9  Acquire or construct a trout production facility and operate and maintain the facility for the production of native trout species for stocking on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and elsewhere. Assess opportunities for joint production strategies with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, including the training of tribal members in fish culture.

10.3E.10  Implement habitat restoration and enhancement activities in Spring Creek and Clear Creek along the Fort Hall Bottoms located on the Fort Hall Reservation.

Bonneville, Bureau of Reclamation and Other Relevant Entities

10.3E.11  Fund the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes projects listed above.

Washington Water Power Company

10.3E.12  Continue the existing operation of Post Falls Dam to minimize its impact on the fish and wildlife in Lake Coeur d?Alene and the Spokane River. Initiate consultation with the Coeur d?Alene Tribe to develop and conduct an evaluation(s) of the effects of current and projected hydropower operations at Post Falls Dam on fish in Lake Coeur d?Alene and the Spokane River by June 1996. In coordination with this consultation, continue to consult with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and others. Proposals for further action may be made on the basis of the evaluation(s).

< back  |  ^ top  |  next >