D2016-KTOI D2016-FWS#1 D2016-1A D2016-1B D2016-2 D2016-C1 D2016-C2
D2016-KTOI Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Release 6,000 cfs or less from Libby Dam during September through the first week of November, 2016. Provide gradually declining discharge to the target flow following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 USFWS BiOp for bull trout and white sturgeon. JUSTIFICATIONS: Low flows in the Kootenai River during September through the first week of November, 2016 are requested to allow the Kootenai Tribe of Idahos contractor to implement in-water work associated with the Bonners Ferry Island Project during September through first week of November, 2016. The purpose of restoration activities in the Bonners Ferry Islands project area is to: improve habitat conditions in the Kootenai River to help adult sturgeon migrate upstream, improve spawning habitat, increase juvenile rearing habitat, and improve overall ecosystem function. Project components include: creating deeper pools in the river by excavating areas on the river bottom; constructing bank structures to adjust water currents that will maintain pool features; developing and enhancing instream island surfaces; grading existing, eroding river banks; and planting native vegetation. The project will be constructed in two phases; the first of which was completed during fall 2015. The second phase of the project is scheduled for construction during 2016. Instream aquatic habitat improvements scheduled for the Bonners Ferry Islands Project in 2016 include the excavation of one large pool (20-30 feet deep)in the channel bed at the location of an existing island and construction of two large, pool forming bank structures along the south side of the Kootenai River. During 2016, portions of the south bank within the project area will be graded to a gentler slope that supports native riparian trees and shrubs. The regraded bank will be stabilized with woody debris and rock at the lower end of the slope. The bank treatments will protect the restored bank, create additional floodplain areas, and provide habitat for important fish species. 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 Idahos Kootenai River Restoration Project Master Plan. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Kootenai Tribe of Idaho; Sue Ireland, Fish and Wildlife Department Director | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
May 11, 2016, TMT Meeting The KTOI, presented TMT with the Kootenai River Habitat Restoration SOR. This habitat restoration project is ongoing since 2011. The SOR requests a release of 6kcfs or less from Libby Dam during September through the first week of November to allow for the contractor to implement in-water work associated with the Bonners Ferry Island Project. Additionally, the operation will provide a gradual declining discharge to target flows following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 BiOp for bull trout and white sturgeon. The purpose of the restoration is to improve habitat conditions in the Kootenai River to help adult sturgeon migrate upstream, improve spawning habitat, increase juvenile rearing habitat and improve the overall ecosystem function. Components of the restoration include: creating deeper pools, building bank structures to adjust water currents, developing instream island surfaces, grading eroding river banks and planting native vegetation. TMT members were polled on the SOR for Kootenai River Habitat Restoration, with the following results: o NOAA (support) o BPA (no objection) o Nez Perce (no objection) o MT (support) o ID (support) o BOR (no objection) o Umatilla (no objection) o Kootenai (support) o WA (no objection) o OR (no objection) |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Corps will implement the SOR to maintain flows of 6kcfs or lower from September through the first week of November. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
Libby Dam outflows, September 1 though 30, 2016, were a maximum of 6.5 kcfs and a minimum 6.0 kcfs with average outflow of 6.3 kcfs.
Across the month of September, Libby Dam gradually drafted. Midnight forebay elevation on September 1, 2016, was 2447 feet and on September 30, 2016, midnight elevation was 2445 feet. Libby Dam outflows, October 1 though 31, 2016, were a maximum of 5.1 kcfs and a minimum 4.0 kcfs with average outflow of 4.0 kcfs. Across the month of October, Libby Dam gradually filled. Midnight forebay elevation on October 1, 2016, was 2445 feet and on October 31, 2016, midnight elevation was 2453 feet. Libby Dam outflows, November 1 though 30, 2016, were a maximum of 25.2 kcfs and a minimum 4.0 kcfs with average outflow of 20.0 kcfs. Across the month of November, Libby Dam drafted. Midnight forebay elevation on November 1, 2016, was 2453 feet and on November 30, 2016, midnight elevation was 2441 feet. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2016-FWS #1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (Service) February 2006 Biological Opinion (2006 BO) on operations of Libby Dam, and the May final April-August volume runoff forecast of 5.8 million acre-feet, we are within a Tier 2 operations year for Kootenai River white sturgeon. The minimum recommended release volume for sturgeon conservation in a Tier 2 year is 0.93 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 2016: o The 2016 sturgeon operations at Libby Dam will consist of one period of peak flow, followed by a hydrograph that recedes towards the anticipated stable summer flow at Libby Dam (Figure 1). o Begin sturgeon augmentation flow 7-10 days prior to when the high elevation tributary run-off upstream of Libby Dam is forecast to peak; peak sturgeon augmentation flow timing will encompass peak inflow into Lake Koocanusa. o Increase discharge (according to ramping rates in the 2006 BO) from VARQ flow to 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) upon forecast of peak inflow into Lake Koocanusa. o Maintain a discharge of 20,000 cfs for 2 days (pre-peak flow). o 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. o Maintain peak discharge (20,000-25,000 cfs) for a period of 7-10 days. o After 7-10 days of peak discharge, decrease discharge (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) towards stable summer flows until the sturgeon volume is exhausted to no less than bull trout minimum flows (7,000 cfs in Tier 2). o Selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam above elevation 2,326 mean sea level will be placed to within 30 feet of the surface of the forebay commencing upon the initiation of the flow augmentation operation. The intent of this strategy is to allow release of warmer surface water during the peak of the operation, and also allow for continued warming of the Kootenai River as discharge volume decreases. The temperature management strategy is to provide appropriate spawning temperatures at Bonners Ferry (8-10 degrees C) during the peak AND descending limb of the hydrograph. o 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. JUSTIFICATION: The objective of the 2016 sturgeon augmentation operation described in this SOR is to provide peak river stages/flows during the spring run-off period. This peak, timed to high elevation run-off below Libby Dam, is intended to first provide sturgeon cues to begin upstream migration and staging, then as river temperatures warm to 8-10° C, provide sturgeon cues to migrate further upstream from their staging areas and spawn on the peak and descending limb. Overall, the goal is to provide conditions that will enable sturgeon to migrate to, and spawn over, rocky substrates that exist upstream of Bonners Ferry. Although a two-peak approach was successfully implemented in 2013 and 2014, lower water supply conditions in the Kootenai River basin preclude a repeat in 2016, as was the case in 2015. Telemetry data for spawning Kootenai sturgeon females from 2013-2014 indicate that a higher proportion migrated just upstream of Bonners Ferry than in previous years. A second year of single-peak sturgeon operations will allow sturgeon managers to test whether those results are due to the two-peak approach, temperature management, a combination of the two, or another factor. The operating parameters outlined in this SOR are intended to provide some guidance on how to achieve the attributes listed in Table 1 of the 2006 BO, given the current water supply forecast. Previous years operations have shown that conditions at Libby Dam and in the Kootenai River basin can change rapidly. Recognizing this, the start date and exact shape of the operation will need to be developed and modified in-season as more is known. The in-season coordination will occur in the sturgeon technical team and with a final recommendation coordinated through the action agencies and the Technical Management Team. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
The USFWS presented the SOR to the TMT during the meeting on May 11, 2016.
Additional information regarding the operation
may be found on the on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2016/ May 11, 2016, TMT Meeting: The USFWS, presented TMT with SOR FWS #1 on Libby Dam Releases for Sturgeon and Bull Trout Augmentation. The USFWS is looking to repeat the operation from last year with an emphasis on more water during the beginning of the operation. Due to the rapid snowmelt in April, the operation will consist of one period of peak flow, followed by a hydrograph that recedes towards the anticipated stable summer flow at Libby Dam. The sturgeon augmentation flow will begin 7-10 days prior to when the high elevation tributary run-off upstream of Libby is forecasted to peak. The USFWS noted there is a strong possibility the operation will commence this week. Once the forecast of peak inflow into Lake Koocanusa occurs, the project will ramp up according to the 2006 BiOp (discharge will increase from VARQ flow to 2,000kcfs). Flows will be maintained at 20,000kcfs for 2 days, then discharge will increase to full powerhouse for 7-10 days. After 7-10 days of peak discharge, they will ramp down to summer flows and to meet bull trout minimum flows (7kcfs in a Tier 2 year). The USFWS stated that the operation is targeting spawning temperatures of 10 ? C and drafting flows to encourage migration with spawning towards the end of the peak. BPA, stated that USFWS needs to coordinate with BPA today if they want to start the operation by Friday. TMT members were polled on SOR FWS #1, with the following results: oNOAA (support) oBPA (no objection) oNez Perce (no objection) oMT (support) oID (support) oBOR (no objection) oUmatilla (no objection) oKootenai (support) oWA (no objection) oOR (no objection) |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 11, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Corps will implement the SOR FWS #1 as stated above and then drop down to bull trout minimums.
The duration of the operation will depend on real time conditions and shape of the inflow hydrograph,
however, is requested to be 7-10 days. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
Libby Dam was at full powerhouse for the strugeon pulse from May 16-26, 2016.
During the month of May 2016, Libby outflows were the following: May 1 through 12: 15-17kcfs May 13: 19kcfs May 14 to 15: 20 kcfs May 16: 25 kcfs May 17 to 18: 27 kcfs May 19 to 21: 26 kcfs May 22 to 23: 27 kcfs May 24: 26 kcfs May 25: 27 kcfs May 26: 26 kcfs May 27 through 29: 20 kcfs May 30 through 31: 17 kcfs |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2016-1A Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Objective: As soon as reasonably possible, switch from the bulk spill pattern to the uniform spill pattern at Lower Monumental Dam and maintain until the number of PIT-tag sockeye detections indicate the bulk of the outmigration has passed Lower Monumental Dam. Based upon forecast flow conditions and past years sockeye passage data, it is estimated that it will take approximately three weeks for the bulk of the outmigration to pass Lower Monumental Dam. The objective of this operation is to increase sockeye salmon spillway passage. JUSTIFICATION: Data for the past four years indicate that adult sockeye that were transported as juveniles have poorer conversion rates to the Sawtooth Valley during warm water conditions than non-transported juveniles. This information is depicted in Table 1 below. Developing an operation that allows both spill and transport to occur during the month of May is desired to balance the effectiveness of transportation for sockeye and steelhead. The transport benefit for steelhead shows the highest degree of uncertainty from the Lower Monumental project. Therefore, this project has been chosen as the site to balance the competing needs of allowing a greater percentage of sockeye to remain in-river than being transported. At Snake River flow levels observed during the past week, spill has averaged only approximately 22% at Lower Monumental Dam, and these flow levels are projected to continue for at least the next 10 days. The Snake River sockeye smolt outmigration this year includes a relatively large number of wild/natural smolts produced from adults released for natural reproduction in 2014. Hatchery Snake River sockeye smolt releases are currently occurring and are scheduled to be completed on Monday the 16th. Hatchery Snake River sockeye smolt releases are scheduled to coincide with the normal peak of the wild/natural smolt outmigration. However, with the warm spring and early runoff, it appears that wild/natural Snake River sockeye smolts, like many other wild/natural smolts, are out-migrating earlier this year and significant numbers of these wild/natural smolts are already passing Lower Monumental Dam. This will result in a combined wild/natural and hatchery Snake River sockeye salmon smolt outmigration that is more protracted than normally observed. The intent is to transition to a uniform spill pattern and maintain this operation until detections of PIT-tagged sockeye shows a significant decrease in numbers, estimated to be approximately three weeks. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA National Fisheries Service, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
NOAA Fisheries presented the SOR to the TMT during the meeting on May 18, 2016.
Additional information regarding the operation
may be found on the on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2016/ May 18, 2016, TMT Meeting: The Corps reported that the Action Agencies implemented SOR 2016-1A at 1700 hours on Friday, May 13th. The operation changed the spill pattern at Lower Monumental from bulk to uniform spill. The change to a uniform pattern resulted in an increase in spill by 10kcfs, from 27kcfs to 37kcfs. The SOR is being implemented to increase spillway passage of juvenile Sockeye and reduce the number that will be transported from Lower Monumental Dam. The operation will continue until June 3rd at 1700 hours unless a significant decrease in passage of juvenile Sockeye is observed at Snake River projects, indicating that the bulk of the juvenile Sockeye run has passed prior to June 3; at which time the project will revert back to using the bulk spill pattern as specified in the 2016 Fish Operation Plan. Doug noted that the Corps received two SORs (SOR 2016 1A and SOR 2016 1B) with some agencies signing both and others only signing one. The Corps asked for clarity for the rationale of the two SORs. NOAA, explained that SOR 2016 1A was created following last Wednesdays TMT meeting. Due to time constraints, Salmon Managers were not able to follow their typical process of meeting to discuss and then having the Fish Passage Center draft and wordsmith to incorporate edits. As a result, there was disagreement over the language describing the rationale of the SOR, and thus two SORs were created. The Corps asked that standard TMT protocols and process be followed in an effort to provide clarity to the Action Agencies and to the record. ID, noted that version of SOR 2016 1A provided to the Corps inadvertently left out a sentence on the transportation benefits of steelhead in late May and early June; part of the rationale for the two SORs was due to varying perspectives of the effects of transportation on Sockeye and other species. TMT members were polled on SOR 2016-1A, with the following results: oNOAA (support) oID (support) oOR (do not support) oNez Perce (no objection) oWA (support) oBOR (support) oUSFWS (support) oBPA (support) oUmatilla (support) TMT members made the following comments during polling: oNOAA, noted that between the two SORs presented SOR 1A is clearer on the effects of transport. With less spill, there is more transport and with more spill, there is less transport. Lower Granite Dam and Little Goose Dam provide transport for all species starting May 1st and the available data indicates these projects show a transport benefit during this time; Lower Monumental Dam shows greater variation in benefits from transport for the species for which data is available. For 2016, there was an opportunity to change the spill pattern at Lower Monumental which is what both SORs capture. NOAA believed that SOR 1B was too vague in how it characterized the risk of transport. oOregon, noted that they do not support SOR 2016 1A. Oregon supports the operational change that is requested in both SORs, however the rational used to define transport is not supported. Oregon appreciates the Corps efforts in implementing the spill pattern change at LoMo. oThe Corps asked OR to comment on the different end dates specified in the SORs: SOR 2016 1A requests a three week duration (June 3rd), while SOR 2016 1B requests to end June 20th. OR noted that extending the date to incorporate run time is common and June 20th was specific to the spill pattern operation as outlined in the FOP. o The USFWS, noted that they support either version of the SORs, with slight preference to the explanatory language in SOR 2016 1B. o ID, noted that after reviewing the transport data, the intent was to describe in the justification of 1A, the general benefit of transportation for steelhead in late May and early June, and these benefits being less certain from LoMo. While for Sockeye, transportation appears to generally be a detriment. The benefits of the uniform spill pattern at LoMo, will be the increase in spillway passage of juvenile Sockeye without creating TDG concerns. Moreover, Salmon Managers struggled to define an end date for the SOR, which is motivation to work together in the coming weeks to devise a plan and further define when a substantial degree of the run has passed. ID suggested adding this operation into the FOP next year. He expressed appreciation the Action Agencies efforts on implementing the SOR promptly. oNez Perce, stated that from the Nez Perce perspective, switching from bulk to uniform spill is the correct operational change at this time. He urged that TMT not let the verbiage of the SORs get in the way of preventing a good operational change. The Corps noted that the two SORs as described vary by 17 days, SOR 2016 1A ends on June 3rd and SOR 2016 1B ends on June 20th. Because of the departure in targeted duration, the Corps would like to clarify the process moving forward. At this point, the Corps will plan to terminate the operation at 1700 hours on June 3rd. If the Corps receives notification from NOAA that the bulk of the juvenile Sockeye run has passed prior to June 3rd, the operation will conclude at that time. The Corps was asked if the Corps would consider operating in accordance with uniform pattern later than the end date/times specified above. The Corps indicated as identified in SOR 2016 1A the Corps plans on implementing the uniform pattern and maintain this operation until detections of PIT-tagged sockeye show a significant decrease in numbers estimated to be approximately three weeks, but if sockeye passage was running significantly later than planned the Corps would consider the request from NOAA. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 18, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Corps reported that the Action Agencies implemented SOR 2016-1A at 1700 hours on Friday, May 13th.
The operation changed the spill pattern at Lower Monumental from bulk to uniform spill. The change to a uniform pattern
resulted in an increase in spill by 10kcfs, from 27kcfs to 37kcfs. The SOR is being implemented to increase spillway passage of juvenile
Sockeye and reduce the number that will be transported from Lower Monumental Dam. The operation will continue until June 3rd
at 1700 hours unless a significant decrease in passage of juvenile Sockeye is observed at Snake River projects, indicating that the bulk
of the juvenile Sockeye run has passed prior to June 3; at which time the project will revert back to using the bulk spill pattern as specified
in the 2016 Fish Operation Plan. June 1, 2016, TMT Meeting: The Corps noted that SOR 2016-1A was implemented for three weeks and the end date is June 3rdat 1700 hours and as coordinated, they will revert back to a bulk spill pattern at Lower Monumental at that time. ACTION: The Corps will conclude SOR 2016-1A on June 3rd at 1700 hours. The project will then revert back to a bulk spill pattern. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Action Agencies implemented SOR 2016-1A at 1700 hours on Friday, May 13th through June 3rd at 1700 hours. The operation changed the spill pattern at Lower Monumental from bulk to uniform spill. The change to a uniform pattern resulted in an increase in spill by 10kcfs, from 27kcfs to 37kcfs. | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2016-1B Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Objective: As soon as reasonably possible, switch from the bulk spill pattern to the uniform spill pattern at Lower Monumental Dam and maintain through June 20 or until the number of PIT-tag sockeye detections indicate the outmigration has passed Lower Monumental Dam. The objective of this operation is to increase salmon spillway passage. JUSTIFICATION: Data for the past four years indicate that adult sockeye that were transported as juveniles have poorer conversion rates to the Sawtooth Valley during warm water conditions than non-transported juveniles. This information is depicted in Table 1 below and was also discussed in the FPC memo dated October 28, 2015. Average daily spill was less than 22% on May 9th at the observed spill levels at Lower Monumental Dam, and these flow levels are projected to continue for at least the next 10 days. Transport benefits are uncertain to occur from Snake River projects, including the Lower Monumental project. Although enhancing spill percentages at all FCRPS projects would decrease powerhouse passages and thus benefit survival, Lower Monumental has been chosen for this SOR because spill proportions there are lower than desired, and changing to a uniform pattern will provide an increase in the proportion while effectively reducing TDG production typically caused by the bulk pattern. It is expected that by changing to the uniform spill pattern a greater percentage of juveniles will remain in-river and as such will reduce negative effects described for transported sockeye without exceeding TDG criteria. The intent is to transition to a uniform spill pattern as soon as possible and maintain this operation until no longer than June 20, or possibly sooner if passage data so indicate. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
May 18, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Umatilla reported that the key differences between SOR 2016 1A and SOR 2016 1B are the
end dates and whether to include species other than Sockeye. NOAA Fisheries noted that 1B also addresses the
certainty of transport.
Additional information regarding the operation
may be found on the on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2016/ May 18, 2016, TMT Meeting: TMT members were polled on SOR 2016 1B, with the following results: o NOAA (do not support) o ID (do not support) o OR (support) o Nez Perce (support) o WA (support) BOR (do not support) o USFWS (support) o BPA (do not support) o Umatilla (support) The Corps will not implement SOR 2016 1B. The Corps noted that the two SORs as described vary by 17 days, SOR 2016 1A ends on June 3rd and SOR 2016 1B ends on June 20th. Because of the departure in targeted duration, the Corps would like to clarify the process moving forward. At this point, the Corps will plan to terminate the operation at 1700 hours on June 3rd. If the Corps receives notification from NOAA that the bulk of the juvenile Sockeye run has passed prior to June 3rd, the operation will conclude at that time. The Corps was asked if the Corps would consider operating in accordance with uniform pattern later than the end date/times specified above. The Corps indicated as identified in SOR 2016 1A the Corps plans on implementing the uniform pattern and maintain this operation until detections of PIT-tagged sockeye show a significant decrease in numbers estimated to be approximately three weeks, but if sockeye passage was running significantly later than planned the Corps would consider the request from NOAA. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 18, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Corps will not implement SOR 2016 1B. The Corps noted that the two SORs as described vary by 17 days, SOR 2016 1A ends on June 3rd and SOR 2016 1B ends on June 20th. Because of
the departure in targeted duration, the Corps would like to clarify the process moving forward. At this point, the Corps will plan to terminate
the operation at 1700 hours on June 3rd. If the Corps receives notification from NOAA that the bulk of the juvenile Sockeye run has passed
prior to June 3rd, the operation will conclude at that time. The Corps was asked if the Corps would consider operating in accordance with
uniform pattern later than the end date/times specified above. The Corps indicated as identified in SOR 2016 1A the Corps plans on implementing
the uniform pattern and maintain this operation until detections of PIT-tagged sockeye show a significant decrease in numbers estimated
to be approximately three weeks, but if sockeye passage was running significantly later than planned the Corps would consider the request from NOAA. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps will not implement SOR 2016 1B. The Corps noted that the two SORs as described vary by 17 days, SOR 2016 1A ends on June 3rd and SOR 2016 1B ends on June 20th. The Action Agencies implemented SOR 2016-1A at 1700 hours on Friday, May 13th through June 3rd at 1700 hours. The operation changed the spill pattern at Lower Monumental from bulk to uniform spill. The change to a uniform pattern resulted in an increase in spill by 10kcfs, from 27kcfs to 37kcfs. | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2016-2 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Objective: Terminate transportation operations at all three Snake River collector projects on August 1, 2016. JUSTIFICATION: As a result of the juvenile fish bypass system upgrade construction at Lower Granite Dam (LGR), all fish screens in the LGR bypass facility will be removed beginning August 1, 2016, thus terminating the ability to collect fish for transportation at this project. During the construction period spill will be provided (up to the gas cap) to compensate for the loss of guidance efficiency, as fish passing via the powerhouse will only be able to pass through turbines. Given that transportation at LGR will not be possible after August 1, 2016, barging would be limited to Little Goose (LGS) and Lower Monumental (LMN) dams until mid -August. According to the COE, barge transportation from LGS and LMN would logistically be difficult to accomplish. One alternative that was discussed is to switch to truck transport from LGS and LMN on August 1, 2016 (instead of the intended date of August 15, 2016). A second alternative operation would be to terminate transportation from all three collector projects on August 1, 2016. With respect to the first alternative (switching to truck transportation at LGS and LMN on August 1st) there remains concern regarding the use of trucks to transport juveniles during this period (ISAB 1998). Relative to the second alternative (terminate transportation from all three collector projects on August 1st), the following information is provided as background. Based on PIT-tag detections, juvenile fall Chinook are present at LGR through the end of sampling on October 31st each year. In the past five years, these PIT-tag detections have been composed mainly of wild/natural Clearwater River subyearling Chinook as well as a few late released hatchery origin fish also from the Clearwater Basin. In addition, small numbers of PIT-tagged Snake River wild/natural fall Chinook have been detected at LGR after August 1st. In reviewing the available information on transportation of fall Chinook during the late summer period (August-October) it appears that there is not a great risk to forgo transport from LGS or LMN in 2016. The numbers of subyearling Chinook collected at both LGS and LMN are expected to be relatively low and fish collected at this time at LMN often exhibit signs of the disease Columnaris. There are two analyses of data available for review regarding the benefits of transportation to subyearling fall Chinook. In 2014, the collaborative fall Chinook transportation study issued a draft report that contained ratios of Transport: Bypass S molt-to-Adult Return Rates ( SARs) for migration years 2006 and 2008 (Smith et al. 2014). In addition, NOAA provided results for migration years 2009 and 2010 at the 2014 AFEP review (via PowerPoint). The se analyses are based on a comparison of transported versus bypassed fish and contained some data for experimental fall Chinook surrogates (releases of surrogate study fish were discontinued after 2012) and limited data for production and wild/natural fall Chinook juveniles during the late summer period (August to October). The NOAA analyses on surrogates indicate there is a transport benefit, over bypassed fish, during the late summer period. The other set of information evaluating the transportation of fall Chinook juveniles comes from the Comparative Survival Study (CSS). The CSS is not limited to a comparison of bypassed versus transported fish, as it includes fish that were not detected (no bypass detection) at any of the three transportation collector projects. The CSS has found that in-river SARs of subyearling fall Chinook were higher than those of transported fish in most recent years (McCann et al. 2015). According to McCann et al. (2015), of the fall Chinook production PIT-tag cohorts released from 2006 to 2012, twelve study cohorts showed significant benefit to adult returns from migrating in -river while only five cohorts showed a significant transport benefit.However, it is worth noting that the juvenile fish in the McCann et al. (2015) analysis typically migrated past the Snake River collector dams (LGR, LGS, and LMN) from mid-May to July. Given the planned cessation of transportation at LGR, the lack of information demonstrating a consistent benefit to transportation from LGS and LMN after August 1st, and the proposed use of trucking in early August, we believe it is reasonable to allow these fish to migrate in-river. The collaborative fall Chinook transportation study should be final in 2017, at which time it will add to the present information available for making management decisions on this issue for future years. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | NOAA National Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
June 22, 2016, TMT Meeting: NOAA noted that as a result of the planned juvenile fish bypass system upgrade at Lower Granite (LWG) in August, the fish screens will be removed and fish will not be able to be barged out of LWG, at which point Lower Monumental (LMN) and Little Goose (LGS) will be the only transport locations. The Corps suggested trucking fish from LGS to LMN on August 1, 2016 (instead of the intended date of August 15, 2016). A second alternative operation would be to terminate transportation from all three collector projects on August 1, 2016. Salmon Managers expressed uncertainty regarding how many fish would benefit from truck transport at that point in the season. By August, there are very few fish at LMN and of those remaining, it is not uncommon for fish to have disease issues, thus they are better off to stay in river. Data on fall Chinook transport are available during the early transport season (May-July), as well as later on during the fall (September-October). There are very little data for fall Chinook transport during the month of August. Salmon Managers presented SOR 2016-2, which requests terminating all Snake River juvenile transport on August 1st and allow fish to migrate in river. The SOR does not preclude initiating truck transport at LGS and LMN in September or October as a tool if in-river conditions change and juvenile numbers increase or if it would be beneficial to transport. ID, noted an error in the SOR regarding spilling to the gas cap at LWG. The SOR should read: during the construction period spill will be provided from August 1-31 at 18kcfs and beginning on September 1-November 14, spill will be provided through the RSW during daytime hours for 12 hours. By November 15, work in the tailrace will commence and spill via the RSW may change at that time, depending on whether or not construction allows for RSW spill. OR, noted that there are some minor language changes in the SOR that were not fully vetted at FPAC, however, should not impact the Corps ability to make their decision. OR also noted that the language in the SOR is intended to be flexible, so that it can be implemented while allowing for in-season discussions and refinements. BPA, asked whether another SOR was needed if the Salmon Managers recommend starting truck transport in September or October. The Corps will discuss the SOR internally, and if they decide to implement it, they will provide a statement of implementation, Salmon Managers can help clarify details at that point. The Corps also asked that TMT members revisit BPAs process question on whether a follow-up SOR will be needed to start truck transportation after August 31st. ACTION: The Corps will review SOR 2016-2 and provide TMT with an implementation decision in the coming weeks. TMT will revisit this discussion at the July 6 meeting. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
July 27, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Corps will not implement SOR 2016-2. Due to a change in scheduling on the construction of the juvenile fish bypass system at
Lower Granite Dam, the fish screens will remain in place, making the termination of transport operation unnecessary. The Corps
will continue transporting juvenile fish as described in the 2016 Fish Operations Plan. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps will not implement SOR 2016-2. Due to a change in scheduling on the construction of the juvenile fish bypass system at Lower Granite Dam, the fish screens will remain in place, making the termination of transport operation unnecessary. | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2016-C1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
JUSTIFICATION: The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, on behalf of its members, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, requests the following reservoir operations in “Zone 6” (BON to MCN dams) during the summer 2016 Treaty fishery. This effort supports the 2016 ceremonial, subsistence, and commercial Treaty fishery times as set by the tribes and the Columbia River Compact. The 2016 summer treaty fishing season is of critical importance to CRITFC’s member tribes. The run sizes (Columbia River at Bonneville Dam) of an estimated 89,000 (above average) adult summer Upper Columbia chinook, 100,000 sockeye (below average), and 265,400 steelhead (below average) will create harvest opportunities for tribal fishers who will exercise their treaty rights by participating in this harvest using platform and gillnet fishing methods. This harvest will provide for the cultural, religious, and economic needs of the treaty tribes. CRITFC will sponsor net flights each week to count the nets in each Zone 6 pool. The survey data will be shared with COE-RCC staff by early afternoon of the flight day. Achieving good river conditions through managed river operations during the treaty fishery have been the basis of past litigation that have been supported by federal courts and are consistent with the trust and fiduciary responsibilities that the federal operators have with respect to CRITFC’s member tribes. Good river conditions during the treaty fishery are also consistent with the spirit of the 10-year Memorandum of Agreements signed by tribal and Corps, BPA, and USBR officials. In past meetings with Corps officials, tribal fishers have explained that a pool fluctuation of more than 1.5 foot disrupts tribal fishery operations. Specific problems include: (1) increased local currents that sweep debris into fishing nets, (2) rapid 1-2 hour drops in water level will lead to entanglement of nets or change local currents that affect fishing success, (3) boat access problems, and (4) nets torn from their anchors if pools are raised after nets are set. Nets and gear are costly to replace and may become lost. Any delays or disruptions to tribal fishing operations caused by the excessive pool fluctuations in Zone 6 can negatively impact tribal incomes, food resources and cultural practices. Much of the tribal fishers’ annual income and food is generated during the brief treaty fishing season. The fishers have expressed to Corps officials that the loss of fishing opportunity during the extremely limited treaty fishery period cannot be replaced. If this SOR cannot be accommodated, CRITFC requests a verbal response with an explanation from the federal operators by COB, Friday, June 10, 2016. Thank you for considering this request. SPECIFICATIONS: Implement the following pool operations, as follows: Thursday, June 16, 2016, 6 am, through Saturday, June 18, 2016, 6 pm Monday, June 20, 2016, 6 am, through Thursday, June 23, 2016, 6 pm Monday, June 27, 2016, 6 am, through Thursday, June 30, 2016, 6 pm Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles: 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. CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery after a Compact hearing. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
June 15, 2016, TMT Meeting: CRITFC, provided an overview of the Treaty Fishing SOR on behalf of the Columbia River Inter- Tribal Fish Commission members. SOR 2016-C1 requests a 1.5 foot band for the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools during the treaty fishing periods: June 16-18, June 20-23, and June 27- 30. CRITFC shared that the Columbia River at Bonneville Dam run size is estimated at 89,000 adult summer Upper Columbia Chinook (above average), 100,000 sockeye (below average) and 265,400 steelhead (below average). These runs will provide harvest opportunities for tribal fishers who will exercise their treaty rights by participating in this harvest using platform and gillnet fishing methods. CRITFC is sponsoring net flights on June 16, June 21 and June 28; nets will be counted to determine where fishing is taking place and results will be reported to TMT. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
June 15, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Corps will implement SOR 2016-C1, holding a 1.5ft band at the BON, TDA, and JDA
pools from June 16 at 0600 hours to June 18 at 1800 hours; June 20 at 0600 hours through June 23 at
1800 hours; and June 27 at 0600 hours through June 30 at 1800 hours. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps implemented the SOR in coordination with the CRITFC and the TMT. Specific hourly data regarding these operations may be found on the following website. http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/report/projdata.htm" | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2016-C2 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
JUSTIFICATION: The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, on behalf of its members, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, requests the following reservoir operations in “Zone 6” (BON to MCN dams) during the Fall 2016 Treaty fishery. This effort supports the 2016 ceremonial, subsistence, and commercial Treaty fishery times as set by the tribes and the Columbia River Compact. The Fall 2016 treaty fishing season is of critical importance to CRITFC’s member tribes. The updated run sizes (Columbia River at Bonneville Dam) of an estimated 617,000 (above average) adult fall chinook, 256,000 steelhead (below average), and 109,000 coho (below average) will create harvest opportunities for tribal fishers who will exercise their treaty rights by participating in this harvest using platform and gillnet fishing methods. This harvest will provide for the cultural, religious, and economic needs of the treaty tribes. CRITFC will sponsor net flights each week to count the nets in each Zone 6 pool. The survey data will be shared with COE-RCC staff by early afternoon of the flight day. Achieving good river conditions through managed river operations during the treaty fishery have been the basis of past litigation that have been supported by federal courts and are consistent with the trust and fiduciary responsibilities that the federal operators have with respect to CRITFC’s member tribes. Good river conditions during the treaty fishery are also consistent with the spirit of the 10-year Memorandum of Agreements signed by tribal and Corps, BPA, and USBR officials. In past meetings with Corps officials, tribal fishers have explained that a pool fluctuation of more than 1.5 foot disrupts tribal fishery operations. Specific problems include: (1) increased local currents that sweep debris into fishing nets, (2) rapid 1-2 hour drops in water level will lead to entanglement of nets or change local currents that affect fishing success, (3) boat access problems, and (4) nets torn from their anchors if pools are raised after nets are set. Nets and gear are costly to replace and may become lost. Any delays or disruptions to tribal fishing operations caused by the excessive pool fluctuations in Zone 6 can negatively impact tribal incomes, food resources and cultural practices. Much of the tribal fishers’ annual income and food is generated during the brief treaty fishing season. The fishers have expressed to Corps officials that the loss of fishing opportunity during the extremely limited treaty fishery period cannot be replaced. If this SOR cannot be accommodated, CRITFC requests a verbal response with an explanation from the federal operators by COB, Friday, August 12, 2016. Thank you for considering this request. SPECIFICATIONS: Implement the following pool operations, as follows: Monday, August 22, 2016, 6 am, through Friday, August 26, 2016, 6 pm Monday, August 29, 2016, 6 am, through Friday, September 2, 2016, 6 pm Monday, September 5, 2016, 6 am, through Friday, September 9, 2016, 6 pm Monday, September 12, 2016, 6 am, through Friday, September 16, 2016, 6 pm CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery after a Compact hearing. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
August 17, 2016, TMT Meeting: The Corps, reported that the Corps received SOR 2016 C-2 and will implement it as written. CRITFC, will provide an update on the SOR at the next TMT meeting on August 24th. August 31, 2016, TMT Meeting: CRITFC, reported that it is treaty fishing time and shared the details of SOR 2016 C-2, part of which the Corps has already implemented. The fishing seasons are from 6:00am to 6:00pm on the following dates: August 22-August 26 August 29-September 2 September 5-September 9 September 12-September 16. The SOR requests a 1.5ft forebay operating range as a soft constraint for the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools during those times. The Corps will continue to implement SOR 2016 C-2. If any issues arise, they will coordinate with CRITFC. If the tribes would like to request additional dates for the summer season, they will coordinate with the Action Agencies. Additionally, Kyle reported the most recent net-flight counts: there are currently 454 nets in the three pools (34% in BON, 17% in TDA, and 49% in JDA). The USFWS inquired as to how long the treaty fishing season lasts. CRITFC noted that the gillnet fishery is what is currently being coordinated through TMT. This may be expanded later into the season depending on fish counts. However, by treaty, the platform fishing season is open all year long. For details on where you can buy fish, please visit: http://www.critfc.org/harvest/ |
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| 4. AA Decision |
August 17, 2016, TMT Meeting:
The Corps will implement SOR 2016 C-2 beginning at 0600 hours on August 22nd. CRITFC will provide an update
on treaty fishing at the August 24th TMT meeting. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps implemented the SOR in coordination with the CRITFC and the TMT. Specific hourly data regarding these operations may be found on the following website. http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/report/projdata.htm" | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||