DISPOSITION OF 2013 SORs

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D2013-01   Top of Page
3-Apr-2013 D2013-01 Kootenai Tribe of Idaho – Sue Ireland, Fish & Wildlife Department Director September/October 2013 Libby Dam Outflow for Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Project, Phase 2, Braided Reach
1. SOR Request SPECIFICATIONS:
Release 8,000 cfs or less from Libby Dam during September and October, 2013. Provide gradually declining discharge to the target flows following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 USFWS BiOp for bull trout and white sturgeon.

JUSTIFICATIONS:
Low flows in the Kootenai River in September and October are requested to allow the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s contractor to de-water two areas (channels) located in the Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Project, Phase 2, Braided Reach 2 project area. The restoration strategy for this portion of the project is to stabilize eroding banks, trap sediment and promote floodplain development, increase riparian vegetation, create pools and increase channel margin and side channel complexity. The Middle Meander project will result in restoration of approximately 2,700 feet of river bank and will substantially reduce sediment loading that is contributing to degraded habitat conditions downstream. The 1A Extension project will address degraded habitat conditions in 900 feet of side channel.

The proposed operation will ensure Action Agency compliance with the USFWS Biological Opinion regarding the Effects of Libby Dam Operations on the Kootenai River White Sturgeon, Bull Trout, and Kootenai Sturgeon Critical Habitat (1901F0279R) as clarified (2008). Action 2.1 under RPA Component 2 (Management of Sturgeon Habitat) calls for Action Agency cooperation in implementing the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s Kootenai River Restoration Project Master Plan.
2. Requester(s) Kootenai Tribe of Idaho – Sue Ireland, Fish & Wildlife Department Director
3. TMT Recommendation 4/11 TMT Meeting: The AAs coordinated the following operation with the TMT in order to implement the SOR: 1) Target 2449 feet by end September, 2) to achieve that goal, the operation would target an elevation band of 2449-2451.6 feet by the end of August, and 3) Libby would then release no greater than 8 kcfs through September 30 or until elevation 2449 is attained, whichever comes first. Members provided the following responses associated with the AAs proposed operation needed to implement the SOR.

Oregon – no objection

Montana – approve

Washington – support

Idaho – no objection

USFWS – support

NOAA – support

Nez Perce Tribe – no objection

Umatilla (CTUIR) – no objection

Colville Tribes – not available during polling

Reclamation – support

BPA – support

COE – support

6/19 TMT Meeting: The Corps provided the following update on current Libby Dam operations: 1) Flood risk is moderate, 2) no spill for the sturgeon pulse, and 3) refill was expected in mid August. The Corps is still planning on implementing the operation coordinated during the 4/3 meeting in order to implement the SOR.

7/10 TMT Meeting: The Corps provided the following update on current Libby Dam operations: 1) Extreme rainfall in late June filled space held in reserve, 2) peak elevation in early July (2457.8’), 3) unit outage beginning July 22 will reduce powerhouse capacity to ~14 kcfs, 4) once unit outage is underway and until 31 Aug hold 14 kcfs until elevation at Libby Dam reaches 2450.0’, then adjust release to target 2449 ft on 31 Aug, 5) maintain previous S.O.R.: anticipate the 31 Aug target range is 2449 ft to 2451.6 ft and then release 8 kcfs in September until the reservoir elevation reaches 2449 ft, then ramp down to 6 kcfs.

8/21 TMT Meeting: The Corps provided the following update on current Libby Dam operations: 1) The pool elevation will pass below 2450' on Friday, so flows at Libby will need to be reduced in order to meet a target elevation of 2449’ at the end of the month, 2) starting tomorrow (Thursday 8/22), a ramp down of 1 kcfs/day will be implemented to reach 10 kcfs outflows by Monday, 3) on Monday, additional adjustment will be made if necessary to set a flow for the remainder of the month that will result in an elevation as close as possible to 2449, and 4) September discharges are expected to hold around 6 kcfs to support the Kootenai Tribe habitat work.

4. AA Decision The AAs committed to implement the SOR as coordinated with TMT, and will adjust through coordination with TMT as necessary as observed conditions and forecasts develop.
5. IT Recommendation  
6. AA decision (post IT)  
7. Actual Implemented Operation The August 31 elevation was 2449.0 ft and the following were the dates and respective flows rates associated with implementation of the SOR: 1) August 1 though 22 outflows of 14.0 kcfs, 2) August 23 outflows of 13.0 kcfs, 3) August 24 outflows of 12.0 kcfs, 4) August 25 outflows of 11.0 kcfs, 5) August 26 through 30 outflows of 10.0 kcfs, 6) August 31 outflows of 9.0 kcfs, 7) September 1 through 3 ouflows of 8.0 kcfs , 8) September 4 outflows of 7.0 kcfs, and 9) September 5 through 30 outflows of 6.0 kcfs.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013-1   Top of Page
23-Apr-2013 D2013-1 National Marine Fisheries Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Colville Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. 2013 McNary Dam Summer Transport Operations
1. SOR Request OBJECTIVE:
Do not initiate summer transport operations at McNary Dam.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Do not initiate summer transport from McNary Dam over migration year 2013.

JUSTIFICATION:
With regard to summer transportation at McNary Dam, the 2013 Fish Operations Plan (FOP) states:

Transportation will be initiated at McNary Dam between July 15–30 per the 2010 Supplemental BiOp (RPA 30, Table 4) and in coordination with NOAA Fisheries and the TMT. Fish will be transported from McNary Dam by barge through August 16, then transported by truck every other day. All fish collected will be transported except those marked for in-river studies. Fish are expected to be transported through September 30. The presence of factors such as excess shad, algae or bryozoans that can clog screens and flumes may result in discontinuing transport operations at McNary Dam before September 30. Detailed criteria for McNary transport are contained in the FPP, Appendix B.

Transportation operations may be adjusted for research purposes, due to conditions at the collection facilities, or as a result of the adaptive management process (to better match juvenile outmigration timing and/or to achieve or maintain performance standards). If new information indicates that modifying (or eliminating) transportation operations at McNary Dam is warranted, adaptive management will be used to make appropriate adjustments through coordination with the FPOM/TMT.

The Salmon Managers recommend eliminating summer transport operations at McNary Dam in 2013. The most recent data on McNary summer transport is from the years 2001 and 2002. That data indicated a transport to inriver benefit ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 could occur during the mid-July to mid-August timeframe. Substantial improvements have been made to the McNary project and the projects down river which has resulted in increased survival at the projects as well as likely increases in reach survivals for inriver migrants which would reduce the transport benefit observed in those years. List of Improvements since 2002:

McNary Dam:
• 24 hours spill
• Relocated bypass outfall

John Day Dam:
• Top spill weirs
• Improved spill patterns
• Improved avian wire array
• 24 hours spill

The Dalles Dam:
• Spillway wall and associated improved spill patterns
• Improved ice and trash sluiceway chain gate opening patterns
• Improved avian wire arrays

Bonneville Dam:
• Second Powerhouse corner collector (surface bypass)
• Improved spill patterns (increased minimum openings)
• Increased spill volume
• Finished minimum gap runners at the First Powerhouse
• Improved ice and trash sluiceway flow, gate pattern and gate operation
• Filled holes and removed obstructions in spillway

System:
• Increased incentives and scope of Pikeminnow sport harvest reward program

In past years, the Region has maintained summer transport at McNary Dam primarily because of poor bypass performance at this project. However, in 2012, a new juvenile outfall was constructed at the McNary project that has improved survival at this project. Subyearling Chinook bypass survival was estimated at 94.6% in a single release study, which is a significant improvement over past years bypass survival (which ranged from 84.5% to 92.1%). The 2012 estimate was achieved despite high avian presence early in the subyearling migration season.

From a project safety perspective, there is a risk to the outfall if there is a problem with a barge operating in the relatively high flow and velocity conditions below this project. Eliminating summer transport would eliminate this risk. Current interruptions in spill and changes in the spill pattern required for the barge to dock at the juvenile facility (that do not favor fish passage) would also be eliminated.

The signatories to this SOR believe that, based on the improvements at McNary, John Day, The Dalles and Bonneville, the 96.2 % survival estimate for sub yearling chinook through the new McNary outfall, and the ongoing intensive sport reward harvest for northern Pikeminnow, that neither barge nor truck transport from McNary should be initiated in 2013.

2. Requester(s) National Marine Fisheries Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Colville Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT Recommendation 4/24 TMT Meeting: NOAA, presented this SOR, saying it was very similar to the request made last year for no transportation at McNary during the summer season. They wanted to get the request in early to avoid any potential contract issues. NOAA said the main driver for this request was that there have been structural changes to the system, with a new bypass constructed last year at the project, which should benefit in river fish. In addition to the signatories to the SOR (NOAA, USFWS, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nez Perce, and CRITFC/Umatilla), Montana expressed no objection to the request today. The Action Agencies acknowledged receipt of the request and said they needed some time to review it from a policy standpoint, and will get back to TMT with a response either next week during the 5/1 TMT conference call, or the following 5/15 TMT meeting.

5/15 TMT Meeting: Corps, shared the Action Agencies’ response to an SOR submitted on 4/23 and discussed at the 4/24 TMT meeting re: summer transportation operations at McNary. The Corps will implement the request for 2013.

4. AA Decision The AA’s decided to implement the request for 2013 and not transport juveniles from McNary Dam.
5. IT Recommendation  
6. AA Decision (post IT)  
7. Actual Implemented Operation The Corps did not transport juveniles from McNary Dam in 2013.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013-2   Top of Page
23-Apr-2013 D2013-2 National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Dworshak Dam Flow
1. SOR Request SPECIFICATIONS:
Maintain a release 10 Kcfs (full powerhouse) from Dworshak Dam.

JUSTIFICATIONS:
Presently releases from Dworshak Dam are 10 Kcfs. The US Army Corps of Engineers has advised that they will decrease the releases at Dworshak in order to meet the end of April flood control target of 1568.5 ft. Given the number of juvenile migrants that are presently inriver and the low springtime flows, we request the Corps to maintain the 10 Kcfs outflow from Dworshak, and continue through May to the extent the 10 Kcfs discharge allows refill of the project by the end of June.

2. Requester(s) National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT Recommendation 4/24 TMT Meeting: Corps, provided an overview that the current end of month elevation target at Dworshak is 1568.5 feet. The Corps showed the intersection between flood control and refill occurring around 5/14, with refill occurring in the second week of June based on the Corps plan to reduce flows to 5 kcfs today.

However, the Corps received an alternative proposal from NOAA yesterday recommending the project maintain at current full powerhouse for another week given the number of juvenile migrants that are presently in-river and the low springtime flows.

The proposal suggests maintaining 10 kcfs outflow through May to the extent possible while still being able to meet refill of the project at the end of May. NOAA added that the salmon managers would like to work with the action agencies to adaptively manage this operation on a weekly basis given the varying inflow forecasts.

Signatories to the SOR were NOAA, Washington, Idaho and CRITFC. USFWS, added support for the SOR. Nez Perce Tribe, raised a concern that we have not seen the freshet yet and there is uncertainty about how much ‘peak’ there will be this year. Given this and the desire to store enough cool water at Dworshak for later dry hot weather, the Nez Perce Tribe emphasized the need to proceed with caution. That said, the Nez Perce did not object to the proposal.

The Corps added that a maintenance issue will require one of the turbines at the project to be out of service for 1-2 days and reducing flows by 2.5 kcfs, but this will not likely happen for at least another week. To that end, the Corps believed the proposed operation was feasible to implement for the next week.

The Corps planned to maintain full powerhouse outflows at Dworshak for the next week and revisit this operation with TMT during their 5/1 call, or sooner if needed based on changing forecasts or needs of the project repair work.

4. AA Decision The AA’s decided to maintain full powerhouse outflows at Dworshak for the next week and revisit this operation with TMT during their 5/1 call, or sooner if needed based on changing forecasts or needs of the project repair work.

5. IT Recommendation  
6. AA decision (post IT)  
7. Actual Implemented Operation April 23 through May 7 the Corps maintained 10 kcfs outflows and on May 8 outflows were reduced to 8 kcfs.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013-FWS#1   Top of Page
8-May-2013 D2013-FWS#1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2013 Libby Dam Releases for Sturgeon and Bull Trout Augmentation Flows
1. SOR Request SPECIFICATIONS:
Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) February 2006 Biological Opinion (2006 BO) on operations of Libby Dam, and the May final April-August volume runoff forecast of 6.535 million acre-feet, we are within a Tier 3 operations year for Kootenai River white sturgeon. The minimum recommended release volume for sturgeon conservation in a Tier 3 year is 1.14 million acre-feet and we recommend the following procedures for discharge of at least this minimum volume from Libby Dam:

The precise means that will be utilized to meet these objectives are largely dependent on real-time conditions and in-season management. It is not possible to develop a single definitive recommendation for a sturgeon operation at this time due to the uncertainties in the forecast, and shape and volume of inflow. Given these uncertainties, the Service has developed the following guidelines for sturgeon operations in 2013:

• The 2013 sturgeon operations at Libby Dam will consist of two periods of peak flows.

• Begin sturgeon augmentation flow for the first peak when the Regional Team of Biologists determines that local tributary run-off downstream of Libby Dam is peaking.

• Increase discharge (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) from Libby Dam up to full powerhouse capacity, depending on local conditions, e.g. river stage at Bonners Ferry.

• Maintain peak discharge (20,000-25,000 cubic feet per second (cfs)) for a period of 5-7 days.

• Selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam above elevation 2,326 mean sea level will remain uninstalled during this peak, allowing for conservation of warmer surface water that will be targeted for release during the descending limb of the second peak, described below.

• After 5-7 days of peak discharge, decrease discharge at Libby Dam (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) to a discharge that is sufficient to maintain a flow of at least 18,000 cfs at Bonners Ferry until commencement of the second peak.

• Increase discharge (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) from Libby Dam up to full powerhouse capacity when the Regional Team of Biologists determines that the high-elevation run-off in the Kootenai Basin has begun. Actual peak discharge during this second peak will depend on local conditions (i.e. river stage at Bonners Ferry).

• Selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam above elevation 2,326 mean sea level will be placed to within 30’ of the surface of the reservoir prior to the end of the second peak, described above, allowing for release of warmer surface water as the receding limb of the hydrograph commences. Release of warmer water from Libby Dam, in combination with lower volume of release, will allow the Kootenai River temperature to increase to appropriate spawning temperatures at Bonners Ferry (8-10°C) during the receding limb of the hydrograph.

• Maintain peak discharge for a period of 7-9 days.

• After 7-9 days of peak discharge, and until the sturgeon volume is exhausted, decrease discharge at Libby Dam towards stable summer flows, to no less than bull trout minimum flows (8,000 cfs in Tier 3).

• Total number of days at peak discharge will depend on real time conditions and the shape of the inflow hydrographs.

As always, flood risk reduction operations supersede sturgeon flow augmentation, and dam managers will coordinate operations with regional sturgeon managers.

Sturgeon augmentation discharge may be extended for additional days if the Corps elects to provide volume in excess of the minimum volume requirement in the 2006 BO and to control the refill rate of Libby Dam.

2. Requester(s) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
3. TMT Recommendation May 8 TMT Meeting - The USFWS presented the SOR which was coordinated through the Kootenai Recovery Team and would provide operations during two periods of peak flows during the spring migration, one coinciding with low elevation runoff. The operation will be coordinated with the Corps and others along the way. TMT members were polled on their level of support for the operation:

Oregon – ok

Montana – ok

Washington – ok

Nez Perce Tribe – ok

Colville Tribes – ok

CRITFC/Umatilla – ok

NOAA – ok

USFWS – ok

Reclamation – ok

BPA – ok

COE – ok

4. AA Decision The AAs decided to implement the SOR.
5. IT Recommendation  
6. AA decision (post IT)  
7. Actual Implemented Operation The sturgeon operation occurred from May 12 to June 11. Peak 1 occurred from May 12 – 17 when outflows ranged between 22-26kcfs. May 18 – 23 outflows decreased to 18 – 21 kcfs. Peak 2 occurred May 24 to June 4 when outflows ranged between 24 - 27 kcfs. June 5 to 11 Libby outflows ramped down from 24-16 kcfs.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013-3   Top of Page
28-May-2013 D2013-3 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Dworshak Dam Flow
1. SOR Request OBJECTIVE:
Due to the high rate of descaling of juvenile sockeye salmon passing through the Bonneville Dam juvenile bypass facility, implement the Fish Passage Plan Request Change Form written and recommended by the FPOM sub-group concerning Bonneville turbine operations.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Immediately Implement Fish Passage Plan Change Request Form:14BON001 Table BON-16 Add Mid-Range.

JUSTIFICATIONS:
The Fish Passage Operations and Maintenance (FPOM) Committee directed a sub-group to investigate and recommend changes concerning turbine operations at Bonneville Dam with regard to juvenile and adult migrant passage and survival. Fish Passage Change Plan Form 14BON001 Table BON-16 Add Mid-Range is the recommendation made by the FPOM sub-group to FPOM. The sub-group justification is in the attached memo Bonneville Dam Turbine Unit Operations and Fish Condition dated May 3, 2013. To date, this change form has been agreed upon by all fisheries agencies, but is waiting for approval from the Action Agencies. This change form and FPOM sub-group support memo are attached and can be found at the FPOM website under the May meeting minutes on the following website:

http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/documents/FPOM/2010/2013_FPOM_MEET/2013_MAY/.

With continued elevated sockeye descaling recorded at Bonneville Dam, it is the recommendation of the members signed on to this SOR that the action agencies immediately implement the change form written and recommended by an FPOM sub-group to FPOM. Attached is a memorandum written on June 7, 2012 by the Fish passage Center concerning Juvenile Fish Mortality Estimates for Bonneville Second Powerhouse Bypass.

2. Requester(s) Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT Recommendation 5/29 TMT Meeting- The Umatilla Tribe presented the SOR and requested implementation of the operation. The following were the 4 primary specifications associated with the SOR:

1. Operate PH2 units within the 1% mid-range (Table BON-16);

2. Then, operate PH1 units up to the 1% upper limit (Table BON-15);

3. Then, operate PH1 units up to Best Operating Point (BOP; Table BON-15);

4. From April 10 through June 20 (spring spill season), additional flow above what can be passed in steps 1-3 will be passed in one of the two following ways, as directed by Project Fisheries based on monitoring of juvenile and adult spring Chinook passage and collection data:

a. If the adult trigger is met (adult counts exceed juvenile collection counts for two consecutive days), then operate PH2 up to the 1% upper limit in the following unit priority order: 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 until adult counts drop below juvenile counts for 3 consecutive days.

b. If the adult trigger is not met (adult counts are less than juvenile collection counts for two consecutive days), then increase spill to pass the additional flow.

The Corps indicated operational adjustments 1-3 identified above could be implemented. Item number 4 could not be implemented because it had significant policy implications associated with conflicts with the Clean Water Act (CWA).

4. AA Decision The AA’s decided to implement the SOR with the exception to the provision identified in item 4 above until AA legal and policy staff could decide on how to resolve conflicts between the request and the CWA.

5. IT Recommendation  
6. AA decision (post IT)  
7. Actual Implemented Operation May 29 to September 4, 2013 the AAs implemented steps 1-3 as described in the SOR. This operation was coordinated during TMT meetings on the following dates: May 29, June 5, June 19, and September 4, 2013.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-1   Top of Page
12-June-2013 2013C-1 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: June 17, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, June 21, 2013, Friday and again June 24, 6am, Monday, through 6 pm, June 27, 2013, Thursday.
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Jun 17 - 21, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Jun 24 - 27, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-2   Top of Page
27-June-2013 2013C-2 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 1, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 3, 2013, Wednesday.
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 60 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 1 - 3, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-3   Top of Page
3-Jul-2013 2013C-3 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 8, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 11, 2013, Thursday.
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Jul 8 - 11, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-4   Top of Page
11-Jul-2013 2013C-4 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 15, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 18, 2013, Thursday.
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 15 - 18, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-5   Top of Page
17-Jul-2013 2013C-5 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 22, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 25, 2013, Thursday.
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.
John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 22 - 25, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 99% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013-4   Top of Page
23-Jul-2013 D2013-4 National Marine Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Nez Perce Tribe, Colville Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Water Temperature Issues at the Lower Granite Dam Adult Ladder
1. SOR Request OBJECTIVE:
To increase adult passage and reduce the water temperature in the Lower Granite Dam Adult Ladder.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Immediately take actions that may increase adult passage and decrease the water temperature in the adult ladder.

The Lower Granite forebay is currently operating at elevation 735.6 ft (7/22). The temperature of the ladder near the exit (20 feet from exit and 5 ft depth) has been ranging between 72 and 76º F. The upper ladder at LWG is comprised of two sources of water: 1) Gravity flow directly from the forebay into the upper ladder and, 2) auxiliary water coming from diffuser #14, which pulls water from the forebay at a depth of 18–20 feet. At a depth of 5 meters (16.4 feet), forebay water has been ranging between 68 and 72º F. Diffuser #14 has been contributing approximately 40% of the total ladder flow. The total contribution of gravity forebay water along with water from diffuser #14 contributes well over one-half of the entire ladder flow.

We are providing the following suggestions, but the COE should not be limited to these suggestions:

• Cycle navigation locks as much as practical to facilitate the passage of adult sockeye and potentially reduce thermal stratification in the forebay.

• Reduce the contribution of the warmest gravity flow water into the ladder and increase cool water from Diffuser #14. Possible alternatives to accomplish this objective include: 1) A modified gate could be installed at the exit that would limit the gravity flow water to the ladder. The gate could be designed to pull water from below the surface of the forebay, and the opening reduced to only supply a volume of water that would be necessary to supply the upper ladder above the contribution of Diffuser #14 water; 2) The forebay elevation could be reduced to MOP or elevation 733 feet. This would reduce the depth of gravity water at the exit by 2.6 feet, and; 3) In either case, to make up the loss in gravity water, the contribution of Diffuser #14 water would be increased (several degrees cooler than the gravity water).

• Utilize multiple pumps to pull cooler water from deeper into the forebay and add into the ladder. Specifically, this could aid cooling to facilitate fish passage from the diffuser to the exit.

• Temporarily extend the diffuser intake into deeper water to provide cooler water.

• Modify operations at Lower Granite Dam to the following: 1) from 0600 to 1800 maximize powerhouse operations (Unit 1 priority) while providing spill through the RSW and 2) from 1800 to 0600 operate to powerhouse station service and maximize spill.

JUSTIFICATIONS:
Present temperatures in the ladder, as well as the discrepancy in the temperature between the ladder and the tailrace, are impeding adult passage at the facility. Fish count data over the past several days (http://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/HistFishTwo_7day-ytd_Adults.htm) have shown declines for all species. Elevated temperatures in the Lower Granite Adult ladder is not a new issue and it is apparent that long term modifications are necessary to avoid these high ladder temperatures in the future.

The TMT addressed LWG temperature/adult delay issues during 12 meetings that occurred between July 23 and October 2, 2013. Operations specifically associated with the SOR were primarily discussed during 9 of the meetings (July 23, 24, 26, 29; July 31, and; August 2, 5, 14, 21). The remaining 3 meetings (September 4, 18, and October 2) addressed operations outside the scope of the SOR but they have been included below because they were a continuation of the TMT coordinated operations that were consistent with the intent (increasing adult passage at LWG by minimizing temperature differentials) of the SOR. Additional information from these meetings may be found on TMT meeting agendas available on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2013/

1. July 23 TMT Meeting – As identified in the SOR in an effort to increase passage at Lower Granite Dam the TMT coordinated the following operation: 1) From 0600 to 1800 hours maximize powerhouse operations (Unit 1 as the priority) while providing spill through the RSW, and 2) from 1800 to 0600 hours operate to powerhouse station service and spill to the gas cap. The Corps was unable to implement the other requests identified in the SOR.

2. July 24 TMT Meeting – The TMT agreed to run another 24-hour cycle of the current operation (Unit 1 priority), now scheduled to sunset Thursday, July 25 at 1800 hours; Corps will then assume normal (Unit 2 priority) FPP operations. TMT will review the temperature and passage data and reassess the operation via conference call on Friday, July 26 at 1:00pm.

3. July 26 TMT Meeting - TMT explored the option of switching to Unit 1 as priority unit for the rest of the day and through weekend while trying to collect and transport sockeye. NOAA and Idaho supported this option. Washington did not object; Nez Perce also did not object; Montana said it was a reasonable proposal; BPA supported it; and Oregon did not object though expressed concern for spill being reduced for juveniles. Washington emphasized the need to see all data continue to be collected and inform our decisions. The Corps will implement the operation as described above starting today and through the weekend. The Corps will run Unit 1 priority until Monday morning, at which time TMT will reconvene for a conference call at 10:00 am.

4. July 29 TMT Meeting - Idaho proposed returning to the FPP unit priority operation with Unit 2 as first priority, which would also provide approximately 5-6 kcfs more spill for juveniles. TMT members gave their views of the Idaho proposal to revert to Unit 2 priority operations at Lower Granite and spill through the RSW up to the spill cap:

• NOAA – No objection

• Oregon – No objection

• Washington – No objection

• BPA – Supports the proposal

• COE – Supports the proposal

• USFWS – Supports the proposal

• Nez Perce Tribe – Supports the proposal

• Montana – Supports the proposal

With consensus on this operation, the AAs will implement the operation and TMT will revisit Lower Granite operations in a conference call July 31.

5. July 31 TMT Meeting - NOAA provided the following recommendation from FPAC after an evaluation of the recent Unit 1 priority operation data: Discontinue the FPP Unit 2 priority operation and resume Unit 1 priority operation and review the results on Monday, August 5. Therefore effective today, the AAs switched Lower Granite unit priority to Unit 1 and continued this operation through midnight Monday, August 5.

6. August 2 TMT Meeting - Today’s call was the sixth in a series of TMT conference calls regarding adult passage at Lower Granite Dam. The purpose of today’s meeting was for TMT to review the effects of the Unit 1 priority operation at Lower Granite on temperatures in the adult ladder and corresponding adult passage counts, particularly sockeye. In light of current conditions, the AAs proposed to continue the Unit 1 priority operation and auxiliary water supply to the fishway through the coming weekend, and possibly until August 10 when the Lower Granite Dam roof repair will begin. The Corps will post weekend passage and temperature data for Lower Granite to the TMT webpage by 10 am Monday, August 5. TMT will then meet at 2 pm Monday for further decision-making regarding adult passage conditions at Lower Granite. There were no objections to this operation.

7. August 5 TMT Meeting - The purpose of this meeting was to review the effects of the Unit 1 priority operation over the weekend and decide whether to continue that operation until August 10, when the fish facility roof repair is scheduled to begin.

FPAC’s recommendation was to continue operating Unit 1 as the priority unit with the RSW spilling from 5 am to 5 pm. At 5 pm, transition to running Unit 5 at speed-no-load and spill the remainder up to the gas cap until 5 am the next morning. Idaho said FPAC made this unanimous recommendation because operating Unit 1 doesn’t seem to provide much benefit to adult passage at night, and alternating with nighttime spill up to the gas cap and operating Unit 5 at speed-no-load will provide better passage conditions for juveniles.

The AAs held a caucus and made slight modifications to the FPAC proposal. They proposed to maintain Unit 1 priority with RSW spill from 5 am to 5 pm as inflows allow, and would switch to a uniform spill pattern with no RSW if inflows drop below approximately 24 kcfs. From 5 pm to 5 am, operate Unit 4 priority at speed-no-load (5 kcfs) and spill up to the gas cap (currently 26 kcfs) using the FPP spill pattern with the RSW operating. This operation would remain in effect through August 10 at 9:30 am, when daily powerhouse outages begin for roof repair work. Hearing no objections, the AAs will implement this operation at Lower Granite beginning at 5 pm tonight until daily outages begin for the roof work on the morning of Saturday, August 10.

8. August 14 TMT Meeting – The Corps, provided a recap on the Lower Granite Adult Ladder Temperature operation that ended August 10. The operation implemented a Unit 1 priority during daylight hours and station service and spill to the gas cap at night. Hourly temperature and passage data were posted daily during the operation and continued to be provided through August 12. The Corps reported that adult Sockeye were able to pass, although numbers were low. Additionally, auxiliary pumps have been utilized at Lower Granite to pump cool water into the fishway which has helped to lower water temperatures; however, use of the pumps prevents use of the adult trap. The Corps suggested the adult trap reopen within the next two weeks and FPAC input would be appreciated. IDFG, will discuss reopening the adult trap and turning off the auxiliary pumps with project researchers and operators and develop a proposal to discuss with FPAC during their weekly call next Tuesday, 8/20. TMT will discuss FPAC’s proposal at the August 21 TMT meeting.

9. August 21 TMT Meeting – The Corps reported that the additional auxiliary pumps installed at Lower Granite are still running to pump cooler water into the ladder. At some point, the pumps will need to be shut off in order to resume the adult trap operation, but it is uncertain as to when that should occur. The region (including TMT and other affected stakeholders like the researchers) generally agreed that the preference is to shut off the auxiliary pumps and get the fish trap running as soon as temperatures are within operating criteria defined in the Fish Passage Plan (less than 72?F). Current temperatures are still too high to operate the trap. This operation came to TMT due to adult Sockeye passage issues; guidance will now be transferred back to Project Operators and other on-site staff and researchers that are most familiar with the trap.

10. September 4 TMT Meeting – The Corps acknowledged recent FPAC concerns associated with low passage of adult fall Chinook at Lower Granite Dam. A total of 7,070 have passed Little Goose, however, only 2,613 have passed Lower Granite. The Corps explained that continued roof repair (currently anticipated to be completed on September 22) and annual maintenance of Unit 1 (September 3 to 27) has limited options for changing water temperatures and potentially increasing fish passage at Lower Granite. The repairs on Unit 1 were originally scheduled to begin August 1, however were postponed in order to implement the TMT-coordinated operation of Unit 1 priority to address adult Sockeye passage delay issues. The recent hot weather warmed the pool significantly and contributed to the decline in adult passage. Temperatures were measured on September 3 as high as 73°F at the surface, 69-70°F at 30ft depth and remained around 69°F at 50ft. Weather forecasts call for precipitation for the next 5-7 days, however, a drastic change is not expected in the near term. NOAA, inquired as to if continuing to operate the two auxiliary pumps in the ladder would help pull in cold water, The Corps responded that is was unlikely to help because the pumps pull from a depth of 30ft where the temps are still high due to recent mixing that occurred in the pool. BPA, questioned whether there was interest in raising the forebay pool to see if it would pull in more cold water; The Corps explained that 2/3 of the water coming into the forebay is warm water from the Anatone and Orifino, and that raising the pool wouldn’t have much of an effect, if any, on water temperatures at depth. Additionally the Corps shared that they have issued a request to see if there are options to speed up the roof repairs. CRITFC, mentioned that unless the temperature issues are caused by both warm air and hydraulics, speeding up the roof repair will not help. CRITFC requested that COE post photos of Unit 2 and 3 when in operation today to help determine if hydraulics are a contributing factor.

As of yesterday (9/3), the operation was spilling the river and operating Unit 5 for station service (5 kcfs) during daylight hours and generating at night with Unit 2 from 2000 to 0500 hours and shifting to operating Units 2 and 3 from 0600 to 0930 hours when the outage begins for the roof repair work.

Due to the inability to operate Unit 1, both COE and FPAC suggest the operation of Unit 2 and 3 during the morning hours prior to the start of roof repair work that starts around 0930 hours.

The project will operate two units (Units 2 and 3) rather than only one unit (Unit 2) in an effort to improve adult passage. It was noted that implementing this operation may result in exceedences of end of MOP operation (1-ft range of 735.0 – 736.0 FT as a soft constraint until September 22) that was previously coordinated at TMT. The Corps will update water temperature data and photos of tailrace hydraulic conditions during this morning’s Unit 2 & 3 operation for posting on today’s TMT agenda.

Note: Originally, the Lower Granite Fish Passage and Ladder Temperature operation came to TMT due to adult Sockeye passage issues and was transferred back to Project Operators, researchers and staff as of the August 21st TMT meeting. The Corps noted that due to necessary response time, TMT continues to discuss the operation, although it is coordinated through FPOM.

11. September 18 TMT Meeting - The Corps reported that inflows at Lower Granite are low. Yesterdays (9/17) day average outflows were 22 kcfs. Flows are forecasted to decrease to 19.5kcfs on the September 20, then drop to between 16-17.5kcfs on September 22 and remain low. The current operation is a modified 2013 Fish Passage Plan (FPP) unit priority of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; with flows shaped to operate both Units 1 and 2 for higher discharge during morning hours to provide attraction to the fish ladder. The Corps added that roof repair requires one more day of powerhouse outage for final inspection, but has been delayed due to rain. The final outage for the roof work is currently scheduled for Thursday 9/19 from 1200-1700 hours. Also, it was reported that adult passage numbers had picked up and yesterday’s numbers were: 3,426 adult Fall Chinook; 1,649 jack fall Chinook; 1,068 clipped steelhead and over 500 wild steelhead. Fish passage occurred primarily during the earlier part of the day from 0500-1300 hours.

To provide an operation that will best support adult fish passage during this period of extremely low Snake River flows, various unit priority options were discussed. The current operation is a modified unit priority order (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to prioritize Unit 1 to the extent possible and a daily two-unit operation (Units 1 and 2) from 0500-1200 hours to provide increased attraction flow to the fish ladder during the critical morning hours of peak passage. From 1300-0500 hours, the project switches to Unit 2 priority as necessary to store water in the reservoir to provide the morning two-unit operation. Unit 2 has adjustable blades and can be operated at the lower end of the 1% range (lower discharge). The options discussed were:

• Continue the current modified unit priority (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and daily two-unit operation from 0500-1200. At 1300, if necessary due to low river flow, switch to Unit 2 at a lower discharge and store water in the reservoir to ensure sufficient water to operate Units 1 and 2 the following morning.

• Or, run Unit 1 during all hours as inflows allow. If inflows increase enough to operate two units, then add Unit 2 during the peak morning hours. If flows decrease below ~18 kcfs that is required to run Unit 1, switch to Unit 2.

The Corps reported that inflows the night of 9/17 and morning of 9/18 were too low to operate Unit 1 and so the project had to switch to Unit 2 only.

The Salmon Managers expressed that their preference would be to run Unit 1 as much as possible throughout the day, with a priority to run it in the morning peak passage hours. The Corps acknowledged that they heard the request and will incorporate the Salmon Managers recommendations to the extent possible with the available inflows.

12. October 2 TMT Meeting – The Corps reported that Lower Granite forebay water temperatures have decreased and compared to the report from the 9/18 TMT meeting, adult fish passage numbers have increased. The Corps is interested in returning to normal FPP operations as soon as possible due to O&M concerns with Unit 1 operations and to support overall water management capabilities in the Snake River system. CRITFC spoke with many of the Salmon Managers about this and they agreed to request that the Action Agencies delay returning to normal FPP operations at Lower Granite for another week, and instead keep operating with a prioritization for use of Unit 1.

The Salmon Manager’s interest is to limit potential risk of further delaying adult passage over the project. The Salmon Managers pointed to a system-wide slowdown of adult passage as a concern and hope to limit any potential action that could contribute to passage issues. It was recognized that the turbine operation at Lower Granite is likely not what is causing the current slowdown; however, Salmon Managers recommend a precautionary approach. The Action Agencies agreed to delay returning to normal FPP operations for a week, or until water conditions limited that operation of Unit 1, whichever comes first.

Current Lower Granite operations, prioritizing Unit 1, will continue until 1700 hours on Wednesday, October 9. However, if flows drop below what is needed to operate Unit 1, the project will switch to FPP priority of Units 2 and 3 and the project will manage for water management purposes. Operations will return to normal FPP operation (Table LWG-4) as of 1700 hours on 10/9/13.

2. Requester(s) National Marine Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Nez Perce Tribe, Colville Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
3. TMT Recommendation  
4. AA Decision Various AA decisions were coordinated with the TMT as described above.
5. IT Recommendation  
6. AA decision (post IT)  
7. Actual Implemented Operation Various operations were implemented as described above in coordination with the TMT.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-6   Top of Page
14-August-2013 2013C-6 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: August 19, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, August 21, 2013, Wednesday. August 26, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, August 30, 2013, Friday. September 3, 2013, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 7, 2013, Saturday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 60 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Aug 19 - Aug 21, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Aug 26 - Aug 30, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 98% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Sep 3 - Sep 7, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.


8. If different from AA decision, why? At Bonneville, for the period Aug 26 - Aug 30, the 1.5 foot band was exceed by .1 ft for several hours at the end of the period (Aug 30) due to transition of the system from spill and draft target goals to end of spill and begin of Grand Coulee refill. The miss was inadvertent and unintentional.

 

D2013C-7   Top of Page
9-Sep-2013 2013C-7 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: September 10, 2013, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 14, 2013, Saturday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Sep 10 - 14, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-8   Top of Page
12-Sep-2013 2013C-8 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: September 16, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 20, 2013, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Sep 16 - 20, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-9   Top of Page
19-Sep-2013 2013C-9 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: September 24, 2013, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 27, 2013, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Sep 24 - 27, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2013C-10   Top of Page
27-Sep-2013 2013C-10 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2013 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request Specifications: Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: September 30, 2013, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, October 3, 2013, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period.

2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation No objections were received from TMT.
4. AA decision The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint. Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September.

5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, Sep. 30 - Oct. 3, the Corps maintained the following system constraints:
Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance.

8. If different from AA decision, why?