Disposition of 2004 SORs / TMT

DISPOSITION OF 2004 SORs

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FWS1 FWS2
MT-1 MT-2
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13

D2004-FWS2 Top of Page

05-November-2004	2004-FWS2	UCFWO, USFWS, IDOSC, KTID, IDDFG, CBFBCID	Winter Temperature Operation of Libby Dam for burbot

1. SOR request	USFWS staff and others met, as members of the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) burbot sub-committee, on October 19 to discuss issues regarding burbot this winter. Three issues affecting dam operation (temperature, flow, and research) were discussed. The group requests that the Corps of Engineers use the selective withdrawal system at Libby Dam to release the coolest water possible in November and December, before temperature stratification limits the temperature control capability. This will likely result in November and December temperatures slightly cooler than the existing selective withdrawal temperature rule curve. This diversion from the temperature rule curve has been coordinated with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
2. Participants	Susan Martin, Supervisor, Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on behalf of the following cooperating agencies and tribe: Idaho Office of Species Conservation, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the City of Bonners Ferry and Boundary County, Idaho.
3. TMT recommendation	Move selective withdrawal gates at Libby to reduce discharge temperatures for burbot.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Libby selective withdrawal gates were moved on November 24 in an attempt to reduce discharge water temperature. Observed temperatures: 43 - 44 deg. F. (~6 deg. C.) late November, 43 deg. F. mid-December, 39 deg. F. (4 deg. C.) mid-January.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-19 Top of Page

26-October-2004	2004-19	NOAA, USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NPT, SBT, CRITFC	Tailwater elevation at Bonneville Dam to protect natural spawning of chum and fall chinook salmon at the Ives/Pierce Island Complex, Multnomah Falls, and partly influence the I-205 seeps.

1. SOR request	As required by the 2000 NMFS Biological Opinion, beginning when chum are present and continuing until further notice, provide a minimum instantaneous tailrace elevation of 11.5 feet at Bonneville Dam. On average it is anticipated that daily average flows will not exceed 125 Kcfs.
2. Participants	NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Effective Thursday 10/28 at 0700 hours: 24 hours/day Hard constraint minimum 10.5' Bonneville tailwater 24 hours/day Soft constraint minimum 11' Bonneville tailwater If chum salmon are present on Friday, 10/29, Dave Wills or Paul Wagner will notify Cathy Hlebechuk or Julie Ammann. Effective 0700 - 1900 hours daily starting Saturday, 10/30, target tailwater 11.5' and soft constraint 11.3' - 11.7' Effective 0700 - 1900 hours daily starting Monday, 11/1, target 11.5' and hard constraint 11.3' - 11.7' If chum are NOT present on 10/29: Effective 0700 - 1900 hours daily starting Monday, 11/1, 10.5' - 12' hard constraint If chum are present Tuesday 11/2, Dave Wills or Paul Wagner will notify Cathy Hlebechuk or Rudd Turner Effective 0700 - 1900 hours daily starting Wednesday, 11/3, target tailwater 11.5' and soft constraint 11.3' - 11.7' Effective 0700 - 1900 hours daily starting Thursday, 11/4, target 11.5' and hard constraint 11.3' - 11.7'
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Based on the observation of adult chum salmon at Ives and Pierce Islands, a stable tailwater elevation in the Ives and Pierce Islands area started on November 9 with an initial targeted daytime tailwater elevation of 11.3 - 11.7 feet. This elevation was increased to 11.7 - 12.1 feet on December 8. The elevation was increased again to 11.9 . 12.3 feet on December 15. On several occasions in December it was necessary to allow daily tailwater change exceedences and expanded hours for higher discharges in order to pass high river flows. Also flows were ramped up and back down during day and night hours on 7 dates between November 17 and December 8 for a chum spawning study. The Bonneville tailwater was increased from 11.5 feet up to 15.1 feet in 1.2-foot increments every other hour, then ramped back down again on the same schedule, for the study. At a TMT conference call on December 29, the salmon managers stated that spawning had ended. As a result, the action agencies. changed the operational goal from limiting spawning access to a redd protection operation for the incubation/emergence period. At that time the daytime upper elevation limit was ended and a 24 hr/day minimum tailwater level was set at 11.9 ft.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C13 Top of Page

12-October-2004	2004-C13	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: October 13th, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, October 16th, 2004, Saturday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 . 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, October 13, 2004 until 1800 hrs Saturday, October 16, 2004. During these times, also hold JDA pool within a 1 foot range, elevations 264 - 265 feet, as a soft constraint.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	BON: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery. JDA: The forebay range was held for 99% of the hours of the fishery.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C12 Top of Page

30-September-2004	2004-C12	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: October 04th, 2004, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, October 08th, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 . 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, October 4, 2004 until 1800 hrs Friday, October 8, 2004. During these times, also hold JDA pool within a 1 foot range, elevations 264 - 265 feet, as a soft constraint.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	BON: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery. JDA: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C11 Top of Page

23-September-2004	2004-C11	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: September 27th, 2004, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 30th, 2004, Thursday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 . 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, September 27, 2004 until 1800 hrs Thursday, September 30, 2004. During these times, also hold JDA pool within a 1 foot range, elevations 263 - 264 feet, as a soft constraint.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	BON: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery. JDA: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C10 Top of Page

16-September-2004	2004-C10	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: September 20th, 2004, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 24th, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 . 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, September 20, 2004 until 1800 hrs Friday, September 24, 2004. During these times, also hold JDA pool within a 1 foot range, elevations 263 - 264 feet, as a soft constraint.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	BON: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery. JDA: The forebay range was held for 100% of the hours of the fishery.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-18 Top of Page

24-August-2004	2004-18	USFWS, NOAA, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NPT, SBT, CRITFC	Late Summer Dworshak Operations

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: Target elevation 1533 feet at Dworshak Dam by August 31, 2004. Maintain outflows of 10.0 Kcfs at Dworshak until it becomes necessary to reduce flows to 7 Kcfs in order to achieve the end of August elevation of 1533 feet. Maintain a 45-47°F release temperature from Dworshak. Maintain flows of 7 Kcfs through September 15th, 2004 or until elevation 1520 feet is reached.
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	The Action Agencies will hold Dworshak between 10.2-10.3 through August 30/31 and expect to hit 1533. on August 31, as requested. On Sept. 1 they will drop to 7 kcfs. When the discharge is 7 kcfs, they anticipate the temperature will be close to 47 degrees, but it may vary up or down depending on ambient weather conditions.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Dworshak elevation was 1533.20 ft August 31. Until August 31 outflow was a little above 10 kcfs. Outflow was reduced to 7 kcfs August 31. Outflow temperature was maintained in the 45-47 degree range until. September 14 when the temperature went up to around 54 degrees when flow was reduced to 4.7 kcfs.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C9 Top of Page

18-August-2004	2004-C9	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 25 August 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 27 August 2004. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 31 August 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 3 September 2004. Hold JDA pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 262.5 - 264 feet, as a hard constraint and hold JDA pool within a 1 foot range 263-264 as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 7 September 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 10 September 2004. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, 13 September 2004 - 800 hrs Thursday, 16 September 2004. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0800 hrs Thursday, 16 September 2004 - 1800 hrs Thursday, 16 September 2004. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 1800 hrs Monday, 16 September 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 16 September 2004. Hold JDA pool within a 1 foot range 263-264 as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, 13 September 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 17 September 2004.
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	For the treaty-fishing period starting August 25 Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time. For the treaty-fishing period starting August 31 Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time. For the treaty-fishing period starting September 7 Jda forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time and within the soft constraint 96% of the time
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C8 Top of Page

20-July-2004	2004-C8	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: July 21st, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, July 24th, 2004, Saturday. July 26th, 2004, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 31st, 2004, Saturday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 . 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 21 July 2004 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 24 July 2004. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, 26 July 2004 - 0600 hrs Tuesday, 27 July 2004. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 27 July 2004 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 31 July 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C7 Top of Page

13-July-2004	2004-C7	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: July 14th, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, July 17th, 2004, Saturday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 . 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 74.0 - 75.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 14 July 2004 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 17 July 2004. Note; lower than normal pool operation was because of previously scheduled work on the Drano Lake boat ramp, which is located in the Bonneville forebay.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-MT-2 Top of Page

07-July-2004	2004-MT-2	MFWP	Libby & Hungry Horse Operations for July through September

1. SOR request	Implement the Northwest Power Planning Council's Mainstem Recommendations for operation of Libby and Hungry Horse dams and evaluate the resulting physical and biological changes in water qualities and quantities and the affects on the aquatic environment in Montana and in the Lower Columbia River from McNary to below Bonneville dam. Because this water year falls in the lowest 20th percentile, the Council recommends drafting both Libby and Horse to an elevation that is 20 feet from full by the end of September using a flat weekly average flow adjusted as actual inflows change.
2. Participants	Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks
3. TMT recommendation	Issue raised to IT. The following question was sent to IT ..Shall the action agencies begin implementation of the Council's Mainstem Recommendations for Libby and Hungry Horse, as requested in Montana's SOR 2004 MT-2? Montana has proposed reducing lower Columbia River flows by approximately 4 Kcfs during the months of July and August, moving a portion of the Libby and Hungry Horse flow augmentation volumes designated by the BiOp for use during the summer season into September. Should this operation be implemented under the adaptive management provisions of the BiOp, and do the proposed research and resident fish benefits balance the potential risks (and benefits) to salmon in the lower river? Are there alternative sources of water that could offset the proposed reduction in lower river flow, given 2004 environmental and flow conditions?.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation	The IT met on Thursday, July 8th to discuss the policy questions elevated from TMT. The IT was unable to reach consensus on the issue, so a Regional Executives call was scheduled for Monday, July 12th at 10:00 am. Regional Executives call decision was to hold Libby.s current discharge of 12.5 Kcfs as long as possible, until elevation 2439 is achieved.
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Libby outflow held at 12.5 Kcfs.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-17 Top of Page

06-July-2004	2004-17	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NOAA, NPT, SBT, CRITFC	Summer Dworshak Operations

1. SOR request	Maintain outflows at Dworshak of 10 Kcfs (or near powerhouse flows) through July 11th, 2004. On July 12th, 2004 increase outflows to 12 Kcfs and maintain through August 8th, 2004. On August 9th, 2004 decrease flows to 10 Kcfs and maintain through August 31st, 2004. Draft to elevation 1535 feet by August 31st, 2004 and maintain approximately 200 Kaf of Dworshak storage water for early September flow and temperature augmentation. All recommended outflows should target 45°F and are contingent upon maintaining temperature below 68°F in the Lower Granite tailwater.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Agreed to implement the SOR.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Dworshak flows were ramped up to 11.5 kcfs (full powerhouse plus 2 kcfs spill) July 12th. Due to concerns with high air temperature flows were ramped up to 13 kcfs July 23. (This was coordinated at a July 23 TMT conference call). Flows were ramped back down to 11.7 kcfs July 26th. Flows were ramped down to 9.8 kcfs (full powerhouse) August 8. Water temperature of 45 deg. F. was targeted for most of the implementation period. Dworshak release temperature was reduced to 43 deg. F. during July 26 . August 4, also to attempt to counteract the effect of high air temperatures.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-16 Top of Page

29-June-2004	2004-16	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NOAA, NPT, SBT, CRITFC	Dworshak Operations

1. SOR request	On Wednesday afternoon (6-30-2004), ramp Dworshak outflows up to between 6.8 and 7.2 Kcfs, maintain through July 5th. On July 6th, further increase outflows to 10 Kcfs through July 7th. Target 45°F outflow water temperature through July 7th.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Agreed to ramp up outflows to 7 kcfs June 30th and to ramp up flows to full powerhouse (approximately 9.5 kcfs) July 6th. Agreed to release water at 45 to 46 degrees.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Dworshak outflow ramped up to 7 kcfs June 30th.Flows ramped up to full powerhouse July 6th.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C6 Top of Page

28-June-2004	2004-C6	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: June 30th, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, July 2nd, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 – 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 30 June 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 2 July 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-15 Top of Page

22-June-2004	2004-15	USFWS, ODFW, WDFW, NP, SBT, CRITFC	Lower Columbia River Summer Spill Program

1. SOR request	Continue implementing the Biological Opinion spring spill program through June 30. Beginning on July 1, 2004 spill daily at Lower Columbia River projects according to the summer spill provisions contained in the 2000 Biological Opinion. Spill 24 hours daily at John Day Dam at 30% of instantaneous flow. Spill at The Dalles Dam shall occur for 24 hours daily at a level equal to 40% of instantaneous flow. Spill to the 120% gas cap at Bonneville Dam during nighttime hours and 75 Kcfs during daytime hours.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Agreed to spill as specified at John Day and The Dalles. (Note start of summer spill date at John Day see Actual Operations). Salmon managers would like to sit down with the Corps in another venue - perhaps at FPAC - to discuss the Corps' response to the Bonneville spill test (JTS letter). It was so agreed.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Summer spill at John Day began June 21st. Note July 21 date given in 2004 Fish Passage Plan and 2004 Water Management Plan was in error. Summer spill at The Dalles is the same as spring spill that started April 12. Bonneville spill test started June 20th. Bonneville spill test consists of spilling to BiOp spill levels (75 kcfs daytime spill, spill to the 120% TDG gas cap at night) compared to spilling 50 kcfs 24 hours a day.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-14 Top of Page

22-June-2004	2004-14	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, MFWP, NP, SBT, CRITFC	Summer Flows at Libby

1. SOR request	Maintain stable outflows from Libby after the Sturgeon Pulse Operation while drafting Libby Dam to 2439 feet by August 31st, 2004. Provide stable flows during September to meet Montana's request for a reduced varial zone during the productive summer months by either drafting early toward the January 1 flood control elevation or by pursuing an agreement with Canada (i.e., Libby/Arrow swap or passage of September releases through Kootenay Lake).
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	The following two-week operation will be implemented: Complete the sturgeon pulse on 6/27, then ramp down using bull trout ramp rates to near 12.5 kcfs, and hold steady until further notice. The COE will use Scenario 1 as the base case for discussion with Canada about a swap.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Libby outflows ramped down to 12.5 Kcfs June 28. Outflows held to that level (at the current time)
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C5 Top of Page

17-June-2004	2004-C5	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFS, NPT, SBT, CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: June 23rd, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, June 25th, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 – 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 23 June 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 25 June 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-13 Top of Page

15-June-2004	2004-13	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFS, NPT, SBT, CRITFC	McNary Operations for Maximizing Survival of Fall Chinook

1. SOR request	At McNary: June 16th to June 30th: Maintain BIOP spill to the gas cap during the nighttime hours as spring like flows and temperature conditions continue. After the Biological Opinion June 30th planning date: Spill to the gas cap during the nighttime hours, if involuntary spill is available. If the spill volume is greater than 20% of flow then shape for 24-hour spill. If the spill volume is less than 20% of flow then only spill at night. Transport those juveniles collected in the bypass system.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	The COE and BPA agreed that the BiOp could be interpreted the way the salmon managers described it for this SOR, and agreed to link the end of BiOp spill with the end of spring-like conditions at McNary. To clarify the transportation strategy, when spill ends (even if before June 30), the fish will be collected and transported.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Spill ended June 23 and juvenile fish collection for transport began that day.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-MT-1 Top of Page

14-June-2004	2004-MT-1	MFWP	Libby Operations for June & the rest of the summer

1. SOR request	Reduce the current flows out of Libby dam to 12 kcfs as soon as possible using the established ramping rates for bull trout. It is anticipated that based on current inflow forecasts that approximately this level of flow can be maintained until the end of August with the reservoir ending at elevation 2439. Additional work is currently underway to determine if it is feasible to draft Libby to elevation 2439 by the end of September, but this work is not complete at this time. When completed, Montana will present another SOR to further modify Libby flows with the objective of maintaining a constant, or slightly declining, weekly average flow through the end of September.
2. Participants	Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
3. TMT recommendation	TMT supported continuing with the sturgeon pulse operation laid out in the USFWS SOR (so ramp up to 16 kcfs on Sunday, June 20), and discuss July and August flow strategies (after the sturgeon pulse ends) at the TMT meeting next Wednesday, June 23.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	At Libby flows ramped up to 16 Kcfs June 20th. Libby outflows started to ramp down June 27th.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-12 Top of Page

25-May-2004	2004-12	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFS, SBT, CRITFC	Priest Rapids Flows

1. SOR request	Maintain flows at Priest Rapids to a week average of 125 Kcfs beginning June 1, 2004, continue until further notice.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	The action agencies will operate the system from May 31-June 6 to provide a hard minimum flow of 125 Kcfs at Priest Rapids, with a soft constraint of 135 Kcfs, providing flows above 125 Kcfs as a weekly average, if above-average precipitation allows for the release of additional water over and above that needed to assure Grand Coulee refill by June 30.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Priest Rapids average flow the week of May 31 to June 6 was 131 kcfs.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C4 Top of Page

25-May-2004	2004-C4	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Spring 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: May 26th, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, May 28th, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 – 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 26 May 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 28 May 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 100% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-FWS1 Top of Page

20-May-2004	2004-FWS1	USFWC	Libby Dam Releases for Sturgeon and Bull Trout Augmentation Flows

1. SOR request	Beginning when the first evidence of sturgeon spawning is observed in the Canyon reach of the Kootenai River (estimated to occur during the last week in May) target a flow of 18,000 cfs measured at the Leonia gage for four consecutive weeks. Based on ESP runs of comparable run-off years, this may be achieved by consecutive increasing releases of; 13,000 cfs during the first week; 14,000 cfs the second week; 15,000 cfs the third week; and 16,000 cfs the fourth week. If the start date occurs during the third week of May the target would be increased to 19,000 cfs, but the actual releases from Libby Dam would remain as above. Alternatively, if the start date occurs during the first week in June the target would be 17,000 cfs at the Leonia gage, and again the actual releases from Libby Dam would remain as above. Evidence of sturgeon spawning to trigger initiation of sturgeon flows may include either the capture of sturgeon eggs, or the abrupt and rapid downstream movement of a radio tagged female. This is a characteristic movement of a post spawning female white sturgeon. A second and equal trigger to initiate augmentation flows would be capture of eggs on mats placed over gravel substrate in the immediate vicinity of Bonners Ferry. The Fish and Wildlife Service will directly contact the Reservoir Control Center to request flows be ramped up for sturgeon flows immediately when any of the above triggers is to be activated. In the event that neither of the above triggers is activated, there would be no request for sturgeon augmentation flows. This possibility would occur when the Fish and wildlife Service determines there are no more females remaining and expected to spawn over gravel substrates, and little likelihood remains of capturing any additional females for transport. This determination would not likely occur before the third week in June, and again the Fish and Wildlife Service will directly contact the Reservoir Control Center when this determination is made. Should this latter situation (no sturgeon flow) occur, it is recommended that, after coordination with the Fish and wildlife Service, flows be immediately ramped up to meet the tiered minimum flow for bull trout identified in the 2000 Biological Opinion. Otherwise, sturgeon augmentation flows should be followed by a ramp down to the tiered bull trout minimum flow. Greater flows may occur during this period depending on recommendations from NOAA Fisheries If at the end of the fourth week of sturgeon augmentation flows, additional water is available without compromise to refill, we recommend splitting that additional volume equally to extend the duration of the current target sturgeon incubation flow, and to achieve a higher tiered bull trout flow through July.
2. Participants	Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office
3. TMT recommendation	Agreed to implement the SOR.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Libby flows started to ramp up May 29. Libby outflows reached 13 KCFS May 30th. Outflows ramped up to 14 Kcfs June 6th. Flows ramped up to 15 Kcfs June 13th, and up to 16 Kcfs June 20th. Libby outflows started to ramp down June 27th.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-11 Top of Page

18-May-2004	2004-11	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, SBT, CRITFC	McNary Turbine Operations

1. SOR request	Operate all McNary turbine units within the 1% peak efficiency range during spring and summer 2004 as described in RPA Measure 58 in the 2000 Biological Opinion Immediately terminate Vertical Barrier Screen tests, which require operation of turbine units outside the 1% peak efficiency range.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Shoshone Bannock Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribe and the Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Walla Wall District FFDRWG group is discussing the McNary modernization test; there was general agreement that it would be best to wait until FFDRWG weighs in before making a final TMT recommendation on this SOR. At the next meeting COE agree to change the study to test two units instead of four outside of 1%. Unit 6 will be operated within 1% so the fish can be tested and compared to those who pass units operating outside 1%. If there is less than 5% difference in treatments, the COE will continue with the modernization study. If the difference is more than 5%, the COE will consider discontinuing the study.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Running units outside of 1% was stopped May 28, 2004.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-10 Top of Page

18-May-2004	2004-10	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NOAA, SBT, CRITFC	Implementation of Full BIOP Spill and Compensation for Reduced BIOP Spill at The Dalles and John Day Dams

1. SOR request	Assure spill at John Day and The Dalles Dams is provided to the full Biological Opinion Levels (40% of total flow for 24-hours at The Dalles and 60% of total flow for 12-hours at John Day). Compensate for spill below the Biological Opinion levels between April 12, 2004 and May 17, 2004 at John Day (295 KAF) and The Dalles Dams (106 KAF). In order to "true up" the difference in planned and actual spill volumes provided, extend the spill interval at John Day Dam to a 12 hour spill program (6AM to 6PM) until the planned and actual spill volumes are equal.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Shoshone Bannock Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribe and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	The COE will send out a teletype that reinforces the objective of meeting the respective 40% and 60% spill objectives at The Dalles and John Day. They will work with project operators and BPA schedulers to find adjustments to operate closer to 60% at John Day.
4. AA decision	In regard to compensating for lost spill the Corps is unable to agree to provide the type of compensation or mitigation the SOR requests.
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	The subgroup met June 2 to look at operations at The Dalles and John Day, and agreed to revise the management strategy so that the percentages (40%, 60%) are targets rather than maximums. The COE and BPA have been operating with this strategy since Friday, June 4, following a TMT conference call and agreement.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C3 Top of Page

17-May-2004	2004-C3	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Spring 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: May 19th, 2004, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, May 21st, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 19 May 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 21 May 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 97% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-09 Top of Page

07-May-2004	2004-09	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, SBT, NPT, CRITFC	Operations at Little Goose Dam

1. SOR request	According to the 2004 Fish Passage Plan, page B4, "When collection systems are not providing safe fish passage or meeting operating criteria, project managers and biologists will make operational changes that are in the best interest of the fish". Therefore, the Salmon Manager's request that spill occur hourly at Little Goose Dam to those levels specified by the Biological Opinion when it is predicted, based on fish passage information and barge availability, that fish cannot be transported safely from Little Goose Dam. Unsafe transport conditions include: Fish densities in the raceway exceed, or are predicted to exceed, barge capacity or availability; Holding time at the transportation collection site is expected to exceed that specified in the Juvenile Fish Passage Plan. This operation should not come at the expense of other fish protection measures being implemented in the hydrosystem. This operation is within the context of the Fish Passage Plan. This is a way of implementing the Fish Passage Plan to deal with emergency conditions at the Snake River transportation collector projects.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Shoshone Bannock Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribe and the Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	No consensus was reached. Question was elevated to IT "Are adaptive management strategies for improved fish survival not identified in any plan required to be revenue-neutral if they are to be implemented? Also, is it appropriate for technical personnel, rather than policy level personnel, to make such decisions?"
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation	IT members met on Tuesday, May 11th, to discuss this issue. The outcome of that discussion was that for the future, revenue-neutrality should not be a constraint, but that in unique situations such as the one described above, operations should be managed to benefit fish and be 'cost effective'. TMT should not make trade-offs for fish protection measures, since this occurs in other plans and processes. There was disagreement on whether this was an 'emergency'. TMT was encouraged to work through FPOM and TMT to resolve technical issues. The IT representatives concluded that this particular situation was handled appropriately.
6. AA decision (after IT)	Action agencies felt that no emergency existed at this time. The operation is to follow the Fish Passage Plan and bypass the fish if raceway capacity is exceeded at Little Goose.
7. Actual Operation	No special spill was provided.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C2 Top of Page

07-May-2004	2004-C2	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Spring 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: May 11th, 2004, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, May 14th, 2004, Friday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 – 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 11 May 2004 - 1800 hrs Friday, 14 May 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 95% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-08 Top of Page

05-May-2004	2004-08	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, CRITFC	Lower Granite Dam Operations

1. SOR request	Rather than pass fish in the primary bypass system at Lower Granite Dam, operate the Removable Spillway Weir (RSW) with 12 Kcfs training spill to reduce fish collection to that number that can be accommodated in the facility with safe loading into available barges. This operation should not come at the expense of other fish protection measures being implemented in the hydrosystem.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Project operators at Lower Granite will continue to monitor the project, and do not expect any more outages. If more fish are collected than can be transported, fish will go through the bypass system.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	After additional coordination it was decided that spill could occur at Lower Granite. Actual operation: LWG biological staff informed the control room that raceway 9 was beginning to fill at 1500 hours Wednesday May 5 and RSW spill began at 1510 hours, continuing until 0600 hours today, Thursday May 6. A spill level of 100 kcfs (a reduction of normal spill level) was provided at Bonneville last night and early today, during the regular nighttime spill hours."
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-07 Top of Page

04-May-2004	2004-07	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFW, CRITFC	Flows at Priest Rapids Dam

1. SOR request	Increase flows at Grand Coulee Dam to provide a day average flow of 120 Kcfs by Friday, May 7, 2004 at Priest Rapids Dam. Further increase flows at Grand Coulee Dam on May 10, 2004 to provide a weekly average flow of 135 Kcfs at Priest Rapids Dam. Weekly average flows at Priest Rapids should be maintained at 135 Kcfs after May 10, 2004 until further notice; the Salmon Managers will review available water supply information on a weekly basis and make flow recommendations for Priest Rapids Dam accordingly. Reduce flow fluctuations at Priest Rapids Dam to the greatest extent possible.1 The goal of this operation is to provide relatively steady flows during the month of May and June. If the operators believe that this goal cannot be accomplishedm a discussion of what flows are likely to be sustainable is requested.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	Provide 120 kcfs of outflow May 7 from Priest Rapids. Start 135 kcfs weekly flow average starting May 10.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Priest Rapids average flow was 139 kcfs the week of May 10th, 132 kcfs the week of May 17th and 127 kcfs the week of May 24th. The 135 kcfs target was reduced to 125 - 135 kcfs May 31.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-C1 Top of Page

27-Apr-2004	2004-C1	CRITFC	Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Spring 2004 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request	Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint as follows: May 4th, 2004, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, May 6th, 2004, Thursday. Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5). The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5). John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants	Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation	As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 4 May 2004 - 1800 hrs Thursday, 6 May 2004.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Bon forebay elevation was held within the specified limit 97% of the time.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-06 Top of Page

22-Apr-2004	2004-06	USFWS, IDFG, WDFW, CRITFC, Nez Perce, ODFW	Snake River Spill

1. SOR request	Continue Snake River spill at the Lower Granite and Little Goose Dam transport collector projects until steelhead predominate in the fish collection numbers at Lower Granite Dam for at least three consecutive days. A similar request would be made for Lower Monumental; however 15 days of spill will be implemented during early May for a spill study, which will provide protection for this early portion of the juvenile migrants. If flow conditions improve later this season, a request to continue spill at the transport collector projects will be considered to provide a spread-the-risk management approach. Biological Opinion spill for fish passage at Ice Harbor Dam is to continue through the spring and summer migration periods.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation
4. AA decision	The COE is standing by the "Corps of Engineers Decision 2004 Spring Spill at Lower Snake River Projects" which was released 4/19/04.
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Spill for juvenile fish passage ended April 23, 2004 at Lower Granite and Little Goose. Spill for juvenile fish passage ended May 14, 2004 at Lower Monumental.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-05-M Top of Page

14-Apr-2004	2004-05-M	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFS, CRITFC	Flow Priest Rapids Flows, Spill at Bonneville Dam

1. SOR request	Starting April 15, 2004 and continuing until further notice, release water at Grand Coulee Reservoir to begin providing flows of 110 Kcfs at Priest Rapids Dam seven days per week with minimum hourly flow fluctuations. The daily average flow at Priest Rapids Dam shall be maintained at or greater than 110 Kcfs for the remainder of the juvenile rearing period as defined in the Hanford Reach Protection Program. Increase spill at Bonneville Dam to at least 75 Kcfs until either water conditions or the end of chum salmon emergence; allow for spill to the total dissolved gas cap.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	The action agencies agreed to implement the SOR with the caveat that the 110 kcfs at Priest Rapids is a weekly average.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Weekly average outflow from Priest rapids was 117 the week of April 18 - April 24. Spill level at Bonneville raised to 75 kcfs April 16.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-05 Top of Page

13-Apr-2004	2004-05	USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFS, CRITFC	Flow Priest Rapids Flows, Spill at Bonneville Dam

1. SOR request	Starting April 15, 2004 and continuing until further notice, release water at Grand Coulee Reservoir to begin providing flows of 110 Kcfs at Priest Rapids Dam seven days per week with minimum hourly flow fluctuations. Increase spill at Bonneville Dam to at least 75 Kcfs until either water conditions or the end of chum salmon emergence; allow for spill to the total dissolved gas cap.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation	The action agencies agreed to implement the SOR with the caveat that the 110 kcfs at Priest Rapids is a weekly average.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Weekly average outflow from Priest rapids was 117 the week of April 18 - April 24. Spill level at Bonneville raised to 75 kcfs April 16.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-04 Top of Page

12-Apr-2004	2004-04	USFWS, NOAA, IDFG, WDFW, CRITFC, ODFW	Lower Columbia River Spill Program

1. SOR request	Beginning on April 12, 2003, spill daily at Lower Columbia River projects according to the 2000 Biological Opinion up to the 120% spill cap, with the exception of Bonneville Dam. Spill at Bonneville Dam is to occur as described below. At McNary Dam spill should occur between the hours of 1800 and 0600 and instantaneous volumes should only be limited by the gas cap. Spill daily at John Day Dam at 60% of instantaneous flow during nighttime hours at flows up to 300 Kcfs, and up to the 120% gas cap at flows greater than 300 Kcfs. Spill should occur from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise. Spill at The Dalles Dam shall occur for 24 hours daily at a level equal to 40% of instantaneous flow. Until notified otherwise, spill 50 Kcfs at Bonneville Dam for 24 hours daily, maintaining an instantaneous tailwater elevation of 13 feet. Operate the corner collector for fish passage.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation	Begin spill at the four Lower Columbia projects as specified.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	Spill started 1800 at all four Lower Columbia projects.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-03 Top of Page

12-Apr-2004	2004-03	USFWS, NOAA, IDFG, WDFW, CRITFC, ODFW	Implementation of Snake River Spill Operations

1. SOR request	Continue the implementation of spill at Lower Granite Dam and Little Goose dams as described in the 2000 Biological Opinion. Begin Biological Opinion spill at Lower Monumental and at Ice Harbor Dam on the evening of April 12. Continue Biological Opinion spill through April 30 at Lower Granite, Little Goose and Lower Monumental dams. Continue Biological Opinion spill at Ice Harbor Dam through June 20. Implement spill at all the Lower Snake River1 projects as necessary throughout the spring period to conduct research tests scheduled for conduct in 2004.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation	No agreement issue sent to IT with the following questions; Should the region rely on data and analysis from NOAA to make decisions about spring spill in the Lower Snake River to satisfy Action 51, 2000 FCRPS BiOp? Do discussions in the Regional Forum, and TMT specifically, meet the "COE & BPA, in coordination with NMFS through the annual planning process, shall identify and implement appropriate measures" requirements within Action 51?
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)	The action agencies released "Corps of Engineers Decision 2004 Spring Spill at Lower Snake River Projects". This decision stated that spill would end at Lower Granite and Little Goose April 23. Spill at Lower Monumental would be limited to 3 days before the spill test and to 15 days during the study.
7. Actual Operation	Spill at Lower Granite and Little Goose stopped April 23 at 0600. Limited spill started April 24 at 1800 at Lower Monumental.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-02 Top of Page

30-Mar-2004	2004-02	USFWS, NOAA, IDFG, WDFW, CRITFC, ODFW	Implementation of Snake River Spill Operations and MOP

1. SOR request	Implement spill at Lower Granite Dam as described in the 2000 Biological Opinion. Begin spill at Lower Granite Dam beginning at 1800 hours on April 3, 2004. It is anticipated that spill will then be phased in at the downriver projects at two-day intervals, initiating spill at Little Goose on April 5, at Lower Monumental on April 7 and at Ice Harbor Dam on April 9. (This two-day implementation interval may be modified pending collection of juvenile passage information at these downriver passage sites. The Salmon Managers will review the smolt monitoring data on the morning of April 5 and advise the COE at that time.) Implement MOP operations beginning at Lower Granite Pool at MOP+1 on April 3 to coincide with the initiation of spill. MOP+1 operations are then to be implemented sequentially at Little Goose Reservoir on April 4, and Ice Harbor Reservoir on April 6, with MOP at Lower Monumental Reservoir beginning on April 5. (Note: It is CRITFC's policy desire to operate at MOP, as mentioned at TMT on March 3rd, 2004, in order to be consistent with 2000 Biological Opinion operations.)
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation	COE agreed to operate as per the request.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	MOP to MOP +1 and MOP +1 to MOP+2 operations implemented as specified above. Spill started April 3 at 1800 at Lower Granite. Due to low numbers of juvenile fish spill did not start at Little Goose until April 7 at 1800. Due to the low water supply forecast at Lower Granite, TMT began to question if spill should be continued at Lower Granite, Little Goose, and Lower Monumental because inflow to Lower Granite was forecasted to be below 85 kcfs. Spill at Ice Harbor began April 13 at 1800. Due to low water supply forecasts spill at Lower Granite and Little Goose stopped April 23 at 0600. Limited spill started April 24 at 1800 at Lower Monumental.
8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2004-01 Top of Page

16-Mar-2004	2004-01	USFWS, IDFG, WDFW, CRITFC, ODFW	Turbine Operations at McNary Dam

1. SOR request	Operate McNary turbine units within the 1% of peak efficiency range during spring and summer 2004 as described in RPA Measure 58 in the 2000 Biological opinion.
2. Participants	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation	Implement the SOR while discussions concerning the operation outside 1% continue. Except for Units involved in the McNary modernization program. At the April 21 TMT meeting the proposal to operate outside 1% at McNary was withdrawn for this year due to low water supply.
4. AA decision
5. IT recommendation
6. AA decision (after IT)
7. Actual Operation	All unit (except units involved in the McNary modernization program test) where operated within 1% limits as specified in the Fish Passage Plan.
8. If different from AA decision, why?