Disposition of 2007 SORs / TMT

DISPOSITION OF 2007 SORs

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FWS-1 FWS-2
USFWS-IDFG-1
MT-1
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

D2007-FWS2 Top of Page

20 Nov 2007 2007-FWS2 FWS Winter Temperature Operation of Libby Dam for Kootenai River burbot

1. SOR request Specifications:
FWS in cooperation with Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative request that USACE use selective withdrawal gate system at Libby Dam to release the coolest water possible in November & December 2007 before temperature stratification limits the temperature control capability. Purpose is to provide cooler river temperatures downstream of Bonners Ferry, and also to determine how radio-tagged burbot in Kootenai River respond to these temperatures. Temperature rule curve deviation has been coordinated with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Corps at Libby Dam will remove selective withdrawal gates incrementally to assure that daily temperature change remains within 2 degrees F per day; gates should be removed systematically during October to slowly lowever river temperature to the minimum by November 1 (on average, a span of about 5 degrees C, or 9 degrees F.

2. Participants U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

3. TMT recommendation Implement the operation as specified.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation The Corps began removal of the remaining selective withdrawal gates (13 of 18 rows remained in place after spring and summer temperature management) on October 1st, and completed removal of all gates by October 23rd. Beginning gate elevation was 2,357' when the pool was at ~2,435' (2,459' is full pool); ending gate elevation was 2,222', with the pool remaining essentially unchanged during the removal period. Initial release temperature on October 1st was ~ 54° F, and was lowered to ~ 45° F by October 23rd. From October 23rd until the end of the SOR period temperature from Libby Dam was minimized to the extent possible via selective withdrawal gate capabilities.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-C6 Top of Page

27 September 2007 2007-C6 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2007 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request Specifications:
Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
October 3rd, 2007, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, October 6th, 2007, Friday.

Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool between msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5.
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool between msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5.
John Day Pool: Operate the pool between 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, 3 October 2007 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 6 October 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs 0600 hrs Wednesday, 3 October 2007 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 6 October 2007.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation From 0600 hrs Wednesday, 3 October 2007 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 6 October 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 98% of the time.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-USFWS/IDFG-1 Top of Page

25 September 2007 2007-USFWS/IDFG-1 UWFWS/IDFG-1 Request for the fall draw down of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho during 2007, to enhance kokanee spawning success

1. SOR request Specifications:
Draw Lake Pend Oreille down to an elevation no lower than 2055' while minimizing or eliminating the need to spill at Albeni Falls Dam. If possible, reach the elevation of 2055' by November 20, 2007. The lake should then go no lower than whatever elevation is reached on November 20 for the duration of the winter. During the kokanee spawning season, November 20 to December 31, keep the lake within 0.5' above the level set on November 20th; ideally 2055.0' to 2055.5'.

2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/IDFG

3. TMT recommendation Implement the operation as specified.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation Operation to maintain lake elevation between 2055 and 2055.5 (as measured at the Hope gage) began November 12, 2007, and ended midnight December 31, 2007.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-C5 Top of Page

24 September 2007 2007-C5 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2007 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request Specifications:
Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
September 25th, 2007, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 28th, 2007, Friday.

Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool between msl elevation 73.5 - 74.5.
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool between msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5.
John Day Pool: Operate the pool between msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5.

The COE issued a permit for dredging contract work for Skamania County near the Rock Creek confluence. This permit requires a 2 foot drawdown of the Bonneville pool during the dredging work. As a result, the Bonneville pool project constraints for this fishery are 2 feet lower than what is normally provided for treaty fisheries.

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 73.0 - 74.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 25 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 28 September 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 73.5 - 74.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 25 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 28 September 2007. Note lower forebay than previous treaty fishing periods to accommodate rock creek dredging work

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation From 0600 hrs Tuesday, 25 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 28 September 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 98% of the time.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-C4 Top of Page

6 September 2007 2007-C4 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2007 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request Specifications:
Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
September 11th, 2007, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 14th, 2007, Friday.
September 17th, 2007, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 21st, 2007, Friday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within a 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).

At this time we anticipate additional weeks of Treaty fishery in September, depending on observed run counts and other factors. CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery, after each Compact hearing, via a new SOR.

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 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Thursday, 14 September 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 11 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Thursday, 14 September 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, 17 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 21 September 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, 17 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 21 September 2007.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation From 0600 hrs Tuesday, 11 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Thursday, 14 September 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 100% of the time. From 0600 hrs Monday, 17 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 21 September 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 100% of the time.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-C3 Top of Page

15 August-2007 2007-C3 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2007 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request Specifications:
Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
August 22nd, 2007, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, August 24th, 2007, Friday.
August 28th, 2007, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, August 31st, 2007, Friday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.

September 4th, 2007, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 8th, 2007, 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).

At this time we anticipate additional weeks of Treaty fishery in September, depending on observed run counts and other factors. CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery, after each Compact hearing, via a new SOR.

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, 22 August 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 24 August 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday, 22 August 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, Friday, 24 August 2007.
Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 28 August 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 31 August 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 28 August 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 31 August 2007.
Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 4 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 08 September 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 4 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 08 September 2007.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation From 0600 hrs Wednesday, 22 August 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 24 August 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 93% of the time.
From 0600 hrs Tuesday, 28 August 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 31 August 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 86% of the time.
From 0600 hrs Tuesday, 4 September 2007 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 08 September 2007. Bon forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. Bon forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 100% of the time.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-07 Top of Page

26-June-2007 2007-07 USFWS, ODFW, WDFW, NPT, CRITFC Libby 2007 and Hungry Horse Summer Operations

1. SOR request Specifications:
Provide Outflows from Libby and Hungry Horse dams over July and August as estimated in the last (6-26-07) STP to draft these reservoirs to 20 feet below their full pool elevations by August 31, followed by a gradual ramp down of flow through the first week of September. The current STP estimates an outflow from Libby of 17.4 Kcfs while drafting to elevation 2439 feet (20 feet from full) and outflows of 4.4 Kcfs from Hungry Horse while drafting to elevation 3540 feet (20 feet from full). If near term COE water forecast and flow predictions show that these recommended outflow levels will leave these reservoirs above the 20-foot draft level by the end of August, we request that the volume of water predicted to be left in the reservoirs above the 20-foot draft level by August 31, be provided from other storage water releases, such as from Canadian sources, in the July-August migration period. Should Non-Treaty water become available for flow augmentation later in the summer, these recommended releases from Libby and Hungry Horse can be modified to reflect the change in water availability such as was accomplished in 2006.

2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

3. TMT recommendation Could not reach consensus and elevated to IT

4. AA decision Defer to IT.

5. IT recommendation Implement the Biological Opinion default operation to reach reservoir elevation 20 feet from full by August 31 at Libby and Hungry Horse Dams

6. AA decision (after IT)
Implement the Biological Opinion default operation to reach reservoir elevation 20 feet from full by August 31 at Libby and Hungry Horse Dams. However, Montana objected to this operation and requested the issue be elevated to the Regional Executives level for decision as soon as possible. Regional Executives decision was to implement the CRITFC/Nez Perce/OR/USFWS SOR for 2007, as a default BiOP supported operation. Federal executives present at that meeting expressed support for implementing the Montana proposal per the Mainstem Amendment recommendations in the future, and for including discussions of this issue through the Remand process, as it is supported by ISAB review and supports listed fish.

7. Actual Operation Implement CRITFC/Nez Perce/OR/USFWS SOR for 2007

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-C2 Top of Page

22-June-2007 2007-C2 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2007 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request Specifications:
Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
June 26th, 2007, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, June 29th, 2007, Friday.
July 3rd, 2007, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, July 6th, 2007, Friday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.

At this time we anticipate a Treaty fishery each week through July. CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery, after each Compact hearing, via a new SOR.

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, 26 June 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 29 June 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 26 June 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 29 June 2007.
Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 3 July 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 6 July 2007. Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 3 July 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 6 July 2007.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation From 0600 hrs Tuesday, 26 June 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 29 June 2007. BON forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. BON forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 94% of the time.
From 0600 hrs Tuesday, 3 July 2007 - 1800 hrs Friday, 6 July 2007. BON forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. BON forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 76% of the time.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-C1 Top of Page

14-June-2007 2007-C1 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2007 Treaty Fishery

1. SOR request Specifications:
Implement the following operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
June 18th, 2007, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, June 20th, 2007, Wednesday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within a 1.0 foot band.

At this time we anticipate a Treaty fishery each week through July. CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery, after each Compact hearing, via a new SOR.

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 Monday, 18 June 2007 - 1800 hrs Wednesday, 20 June 2007.
Hold BON pool within a 1.0 foot range, elevations 75.5 - 76.5 feet, as a soft constraint from 0600 hrs Monday, 18 June 2007 - 1800 hrs Wednesday, 20 June 2007.

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation From 0600 hrs Monday, 18 June 2007 - 1800 hrs Wednesday, 20 June 2007. BON forebay elevation was held within the hard constraint 100% of the time. BON forebay elevation was held within the soft constraint 95% of the time.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-MT-1 Top of Page

12-June-2007 2007-MT-1 Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks & Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Libby & Hungry Horse Operations for July through September

1. SOR request Specifications:
Hungry Horse

Attempt to refill by June 30 while also avoiding the risk of filling to quickly resulting in uncontrolled spill. Even small amounts of spill will likely exceed Montana's water quality regulations for 110% dissolved gas. Therefore, the refill date and outflows should be managed to avoid, if possible, uncontrolled spill.

Assuming that Hungry Horse refills in late June or early July it will be necessary for Reclamation to pass inflows until they drop below the desired flat flow of 4.0 kcfs1. For the remainder of July, August and September target a flat flow of 4.0 kcfs.

Maintain minimum in stream flows for bull trout at Columbia Falls and in the river below Hungry Horse dam.

Attempt to provide stable or, if necessary, gradually declining flows at Columbia Falls.

Libby

Following the May-June flow operation for sturgeon, continue the flat flow target of 15.0 kcfs1 through July 21st or until the core sampling in the Bonners Ferry area is complete. Based on recent runoff volume forecasts it appears that it will be necessary to reduce flows to 12 kcfs for the remainder of July and August.

Montana the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Corps will review this operation, actual runoff volumes and resulting reservoir elevations. By the middle of July this SOR's flow request for the remainder of July, August and September may need to be modified. If modification is necessary, a recommendation will be brought to TMT for discussion and resolution.

Water conditions this year make it unlikely that the Corps will be able to refill Libby therefore; refill is lower priority than providing flat flows in the most productive summer months.

Operate to provide at least minimum bull trout flows through September (USFWS BiOp).

Biological Evaluations
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks has a range of field experiments that will provide useful information on the changes in survival and productivity of trout below Libby and Horse reservoirs. These experiments will be continued and to the extent possible provide additional biological information on the benefits of the proposed operation for resident fish.

Radio tracking and PIT tag methods will continue in the Flathead and Kootenai Rivers to detect movements and potential downstream displacement of fish. This will allow a comparison of changes in fish movement and response to flow fluctuations caused by the dam operations called for in this SOR.

IFIM river models, benthic biomass models and reservoir modeling will compare previous operations with modified operations. Field observations will be conducted to see how fish respond to new operations to determine any changes from previous measurements.

Using the existing biological models the proposed operations will be evaluated to determine changes in river and reservoir productivity and these simulations will be validated with field sampling.

2. Participants Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks & Kootenai Tribe of Idaho

3. TMT recommendation Many of the salmon managers felt that given the court ordered spill, a policy decision was needed on this issue and recommended that IT discuss and decide.

4. AA decision Defer to NOAA

5. IT recommendation IT representatives requested that TMT continue discussing alternative or modified operation proposals that would, from a technical perspective, meet or get close to the various regional interests.
IT supported the TMT subgroup recommended operation and was subsequently sent to various federal legal counsel for review and submission to the court process.

6. AA decision (after IT)
NOAA brought forth a proposed operation based on current forecasts and a desire to try to meet the interests of the full region. A subgroup of representatives from Montana, Oregon, CRITRC, NOAA, BPA and COE met to review the current information and developed a proposal that included NOAA's suggested operation and likely impacts on flow at McNary. The TMT subgroup sent a memo for discussion during an IT call which recommended maintaining 15 kcfs flows at Libby through August 31. Similarly, a flat flow of 3 kcfs was recommended for Hungry Horse which was believed would draft the project 10. by August 31.

7. Actual Operation COE reported that as of the evening of July 25th, per recommendation, operations flows at Libby were reduced to 14-14.5 kcfs. BOR reported that Hungry Horse was ramping down 3 kcfs and was expected to hold until the end of August. COE planned to begin ramping down Libby flows from 14 kcfs on 8/31 at 10 p.m using the BiOp ramp rates. Ramp down will continue until a flow rate of 9 kcfs is reached. More details on the specific operation will be coordinated between COE, MT and BPA, and TMT will check in on Libby operations at the September 13 TMT meeting. Hungry Horse will begin ramping down starting Friday, to meet the Columbia Falls minimum. COE reported that Libby elevation was at 2440.6', with outflows at 9 kcfs on 9/13. ESP inflow analyses depicting Libby releases continuing at 9 kcfs through September showed a very small expected elevation range, of 2437.8' - 2437'. BPA noted that Bonneville will likely request ramping down to 6 kcfs at the end of September. As ramp rates between 9-6 kcfs for September are 1 kcfs per day, the ramp down will likely begin on the evening of September 27th. The action agencies noted the continued need for flexibility with respect to power needs, and agreed to check status at each TMT meeting. COE ramped down to 4.4 kcfs by 1 October and plans to hold at this flow until into November-December.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-FWS1 Top of Page

11-May-2007 2007-FWS1 USFWS 2007 Libby Dam Releases for Sturgeon and Bull Trout Augmentation Flows

1. SOR request Specifications:
Based on the May final April-August volume runoff forecast of 6.990 million acre-feet we are within a tier 4 operations year for Kootenai River white sturgeon as defined in the Fish and Wildlife Service's February 2006 Biological Opinion (2006 BO) on operations of Libby Dam. The minimum recommended release volume for sturgeon conservation under these circumstances is 1,170 thousand acre-feet, and we now recommend the following procedures for discharge of at least this minimum volume from Libby Dam:
Ascending limb of hydrograph: Once Kootenai River temperatures at Bonners Ferry reach 8° C, and Koocanusa Reservoir warms such that 20-25 thousand cubic feet per second can be released through the turbines without decreasing Kootenai River temperatures by more than 1.5° C, increase flow at Libby Dam to 20 thousand cubic feet per second (according to ramping rates in the 2006 BO); the ramp up should begin at 6:00 AM on the initial day.

Peak of hydrograph: Ninety six hours (4 days) after the start of the above flow increases, at about 6:00 AM, increase flow at Libby Dam to 25 thousand cubic feet per second. No load following should occur during this period of peak flows. Maintain 25 thousand cubic feet per second flow out of Libby Dam for 14 days.

Descending Limb of the Hydrograph: At about 6:00 AM following 14 days at full discharge, discharge from Libby Dam can be reduced (following prescribed ramping rates) to 20 thousand cubic feet per second. However, this discharge rate may be continued if necessary to reduce the rate of reservoir refill to avoid a double peak following the spring freshet. Note: The intent is to delay reservoir refill until inflows decline below turbine capacity.

At about 6:00 am after three days at 20 thousand cubic feet per second, ramp Libby Dam discharge downward to a minimum of 15K cfs.

Use the remainder of the tiered volume of 1,170 thousand acre-feet to assure a gradual decline from the spring freshet and avoid a double peak. However, this discharge rate may be continued for additional days if you elect to provide sturgeon flow in addition to the minimum recommended.

Provide stabile or gradually declining discharge through the end of September.

Additional recommendations may be provided as water supply forecasts are updated. However in the absence of this clarification, beginning approximately June 15, 2007 we recommend that at least the tiered bull trout minimum flow of 9,000 cfs from the 2006 BO be maintained through September.

2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

3. TMT recommendation Implement SOR as described.

4. AA decision Follow TMT recommendation to implement SOR

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation Based on temperature criteria in SOR, COE started the operation on May 18 passing 20 kcfs for 4 days, then up to full powerhouse for 14 days, back down to 20 kcfs for 3 days, then down to 15 kcfs until sturgeon volume is exhausted which ended up being June 24.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-06 Top of Page

08-May-2007 2007-06 USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NOAA Fisheries, NPT, CRITFC Bonneville Dam Spill for Fish Passage According to the Court Order

1. SOR request Specifications:
Increase spill to the amounts specified in the Court's Order when TDG levels decrease below the criteria.

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, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

3. TMT recommendation Implement the SOR

4. AA decision The COE will do their best to spill as close to the gas caps as possible and will speed up response time whenever possible. The COE will be sensitive to the migration of the fish, and will focus on these projects and monitor progress of fish movement.

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation COE continues to monitor the spill caps and fish migrations and provide the best possible operation without violating any state and federal water quality standards.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-05 Top of Page

26-Apr-2007 2007-05 ODFW, WDFW, IDFG, NOAA Fisheries, USFWS, SBT, CRITFC Bonneville Dam Operations for Spring Creek Hatchery Release on May 1, 2007

1. SOR request Specifications:

The Salmon Managers listed above request the Action Agencies to operate the units at Bonneville Second Powerhouse equipped with gap closure devices, at the low end of the 1% efficiency range. This operation should be implemented beginning at 0001 hours on May 2 and continue for 72 hours, or longer, if the majority (95%) of Spring Creek Hatchery fish continue to pass the project.

If mortality rates in the sample at any time meet, or exceed 2%, spill should be increased from the 100 Kcfs to the level of the gas cap spill.

2. Participants Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, NOAA Fisheries, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

3. TMT recommendation Implement the SOR

4. AA decision Implement the SOR to operate those units in powerhouse two with modified gap closure devices at the lower end of 1%

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation Started the operation at 1201hours on May 2 and on May 4 the USFWS requested that the operation continue past the planned 72 hours for an additional 8-hours as described in the SOR. The COE agreed to extend the operation to ensure that 95% of the Spring Creek hatchery fish passed the project.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-04 Top of Page

21-Mar-2007 2007-04 ODFW, USFWS, SBT, CRITFC
Early Spring Dworshak Operations

1. SOR request Specifications:
The Salmon Managers listed above urge the Action Agencies to approach the present operation of Dworshak Dam (increased outflows) with caution to assure that the April 10th shifted Flood Control elevation is met. Outflows may have to be altered to reach the April 10th URC.

2. Participants Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

3. TMT recommendation

4. AA decision

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-03 Top of Page

09-Mar-2007 2007-03 USFWS, ODFW, WDFW, NOAA Fisheries, SBT, CRITFC
Bonneville Dam Operations

1. SOR request Specifications:
Beginning immediately, spill at Bonneville Dam to provide an alternate route of passage from the bypass system in order to spread-the risk at the project. Continue the spill operation until the Bonneville Dam bypass system has been eliminated as a source of the recent increased mortality rates for listed Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery subyearling fall chinook. Spill a minimum of 85 Kcfs at Bonneville Dam, using a minimum 2-foot spill gate opening at each spillbay. Continue until 95% of the Spring Creek hatchery releases have passed, likely this will occur by Wednesday morning March 14, 2007.

2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (Due to the 2007 Operations Agreement between BPA and the CRITFC Tribes, we cannot support the SOR but will not oppose the SOR).

3. TMT recommendation TMT recommended spill of 85 kcfs and operate the corner collector to spread the risk as stated in the SOR. However, information provided by NOAA-F during the TMT call resulted in the Corps continuing with the existing operation of the corner collector only, with no spill. TMT agreed to continue with the monitoring of fish mortalities at the Juvenile Monitoring Facility (JMF) and in the event of increases in mortalities at the JMF; reconvene a TMT meeting as soon as needed and discuss the SOR.

4. AA decision Continue to operate corner collector for spring creek release w/o spill

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation Operate corner collector for spring creek release w/o spill. TMT did not reconvene due to declining mortalities reported by the Juvenile Monitoring Facility.

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-02 Top of Page

27-Feb-2007 2007-02 ODFW, WDFW, SBT, CRITFC
Spill at Bonneville Dam for the March Spring Creek Hatchery Release Spill Evaluation Study

1. SOR request Specifications:
The Salmon Managers listed above are requesting the following fishery operations at the Bonneville Project:

Operation of the Corner Collector for four days beginning one-day following either one of the releases of coded wire tagged (CWT) tule fall Chinook from Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery (Spring Creek NFH), scheduled for March 5 and March 9, 2007;

Spill at 75 kcfs beginning one-day following either one of the releases of coded wire tagged tule fall Chinook from Spring Creek NFH scheduled for March 5 and March 9. Alternatively, operate with 75 kcfs of spill plus the corner collector for four days following either one of the releases from Spring Creek NFH.

2. Participants Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

3. TMT recommendation TMT could not come to agreement, elevated to IT

4. AA decision Operate corner collector for spring creek release w/o spill

5. IT recommendation Operate corner collector for spring creek release w/o spill

6. AA decision (after IT)
Operate corner collector for spring creek release w/o spill

7. Actual Operation Operate corner collector for spring creek release w/o spill

8. If different from AA decision, why?

D2007-01 Top of Page

31-Jan-2007 2007-01 USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NPT, SBT, CRITFC Grand Coulee Operations and Chum Flows

1. SOR request Specifications:
Operate Grand Coulee Dam conservatively to better assure the ability to try and maintain the minimum 13.0-foot tailwater elevation below Bonneville Dam through chum salmon emergence, Vernita Bar flows, and to assure reaching the April 10 upper rule curve.

2. Participants 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

4. AA decision Acknowledged the request, and all share an interest with the Salmon Managers in maintaining balance for all needs in the system

5. IT recommendation

6. AA decision (after IT)

7. Actual Operation

8. If different from AA decision, why?