Yuba County Water Agency Yuba River Development Project (FERC Project No. 2246) - Relicensing Public Meeting - August 13, 2011

Yuba County Water AgencyYuba County Water Agency

Yuba River Development Yuba River Development ProjectProject

(FERC Project No. 2246)(FERC Project No. 2246)

- Relicensing Public Meeting - - Relicensing Public Meeting -

August 13, 2011August 13, 2011

August 13, 2011August 13, 2011 Yuba River Development Project Yuba River Development Project Camptonville Public MeetingCamptonville Public Meeting

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Purpose of MeetingPurpose of Meeting

Help Interested Parties Engage in YCWA’s Help Interested Parties Engage in YCWA’s Yuba River Development Project Yuba River Development Project RelicensingRelicensing


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AgendaAgenda

Description of the Yuba River Development ProjectDescription of the Yuba River Development Project

General Description of Relicensing ProcessGeneral Description of Relicensing Process

Description of YCWA's Relicensing Process including ScheduleDescription of YCWA's Relicensing Process including Schedule

How to EngageHow to Engage


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Yuba RiverYuba RiverDevelopment Development

ProjectProject


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Project PurposesProject Purposes Water SupplyWater Supply

Flood ControlFlood Control

Power Generation, including Ancillary ServicesPower Generation, including Ancillary Services

Environmental EnhancementEnvironmental Enhancement

Recreation Recreation


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Existing Facilities/FeaturesExisting Facilities/Features Project on Main Stem Yuba River; North Yuba River; and Middle Yuba River Including Project on Main Stem Yuba River; North Yuba River; and Middle Yuba River Including

Tributary Oregon Creek in Yuba, Sierra and Nevada Counties. Portion of FERC Project Tributary Oregon Creek in Yuba, Sierra and Nevada Counties. Portion of FERC Project Boundary on National Forest System LandBoundary on National Forest System Land

1 Storage Reservoir – New Bullards Bar (966,103 ac-ft) on North Yuba River 1 Storage Reservoir – New Bullards Bar (966,103 ac-ft) on North Yuba River

2 Diversion Facilities – Our House on Middle Yuba River (860 cfs) and Log Cabin on 2 Diversion Facilities – Our House on Middle Yuba River (860 cfs) and Log Cabin on Oregon Creek (1,100 cfs) Oregon Creek (1,100 cfs)

3 Powerhouses – New Colgate (340 MW), New Bullards Minimum Flow (150 kW) and 3 Powerhouses – New Colgate (340 MW), New Bullards Minimum Flow (150 kW) and Narrows 2 (55 MW) Narrows 2 (55 MW)

4 Water Conduits – Lohman Ridge Tunnel (3.3 mi), Camptonville Tunnel (1.0 mi), New 4 Water Conduits – Lohman Ridge Tunnel (3.3 mi), Camptonville Tunnel (1.0 mi), New Colgate Power Tunnel and Penstock (4.7 mi) and Narrows 2 Power Tunnel (0.1 mi)Colgate Power Tunnel and Penstock (4.7 mi) and Narrows 2 Power Tunnel (0.1 mi)

New Bullards Bar Recreation Area (9 Campgrounds, 4 Day Use Areas & 2 Boat New Bullards Bar Recreation Area (9 Campgrounds, 4 Day Use Areas & 2 Boat Launches), & Some Facility Access RoadsLaunches), & Some Facility Access Roads

No Transmission Lines, Canals/Flumes, or Active Spoil Piles or Borrow Areas No Transmission Lines, Canals/Flumes, or Active Spoil Piles or Borrow Areas


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Reservoir/Diversions OperationsReservoir/Diversions Operations Project Operates Using Available Water Consistent with Meeting: Project Operates Using Available Water Consistent with Meeting:

Safety Considerations; All FERC License Conditions; USACE’s Safety Considerations; All FERC License Conditions; USACE’s Flood Control Requirements; and Pertinent Permits and ContractsFlood Control Requirements; and Pertinent Permits and Contracts

Lower Yuba River Accord establishes flow schedules below USACE’s Lower Yuba River Accord establishes flow schedules below USACE’s Englebright DamEnglebright Dam

Coordination with PG&E’s Narrows Project Coordination with PG&E’s Narrows Project

New Bullards Bar Reservoir Used for Storage - Usually at Highest New Bullards Bar Reservoir Used for Storage - Usually at Highest Elevation at End of Spring Runoff Season, and Then Gradually Elevation at End of Spring Runoff Season, and Then Gradually Drawn Down to Lowest Elevation in Mid Winter. Drawn Down to Lowest Elevation in Mid Winter.

Our House and Log Cabin (No Appreciable Storage or Fluctuation) Our House and Log Cabin (No Appreciable Storage or Fluctuation) Used for Diversion to New Bullards Bar Reservoir Used for Diversion to New Bullards Bar Reservoir

Water Passes Through USACE’s Englebright Reservoir Water Passes Through USACE’s Englebright Reservoir


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Powerhouse OperationsPowerhouse Operations New Colgate Powerhouse Operated for PeakingNew Colgate Powerhouse Operated for Peaking

High demand times of day (i.e., morning & evening)High demand times of day (i.e., morning & evening)

New Colgate Powerhouse Also Operated for Ancillary New Colgate Powerhouse Also Operated for Ancillary Services Services

Very rapid (within seconds) changes in operations Very rapid (within seconds) changes in operations Project important in Northern California to meet transmission Project important in Northern California to meet transmission

grid ancillary services requirementsgrid ancillary services requirements

Narrows 2 and New Bullards Minimum Flow Narrows 2 and New Bullards Minimum Flow Powerhouses Operated for Base Loading (Constant Powerhouses Operated for Base Loading (Constant Generation) Generation)


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OUR HOUSE DIVERSION DAM LOW-LEVEL OUTLETDiameter: 24 in Control: Hand-operated Gate ValveInvert Elevation: 1,988.5 ftCapacity: 60 cfs

OUR HOUSE DIVERSION DAMDam Height: 70 ftCrest Length: 368 ftCrest Elevation: 2,049 ftType: Concrete, Arch

Middle Yuba River

OUR HOUSE DIVERSION DAM SPILLWAYType: Uncontrolled, 6 BaysCapacity: 60,000 cfs

OUR HOUSE DIVERSION DAM SLUICEDiameter: 5 ftControl: Motor-operated Slide GateCenterline Elevation: 1,990 ftCapacity: 800 cfs


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Middle Yuba River

LOG CABIN DIVERSION DAMDam Height: 53 ftCrest Length: 300 ftCrest Elevation: 1,979 ftType: Concrete, Arch

LOG CABIN DIVERSION DAM LOW-LEVEL OUTLETDiameter: 18 inControl: Hand-operated Gate ValveInvert Elevation: 1,935 FtCapacity: 13 cfs Oregon Creek

LOG CABIN DIVERSION DAM SPILLWAYType: Uncontrolled, 6 BaysCapacity: 12,000 cfs

LOG CABIN DIVERSION DAM SLUICEDiameter: 5 ftControl: Motor-operated Slide GateCenterline Elevation: 1,938 ftCapacity: 800 cfs


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Cotton Creek

NEW BULLARDS BAR DAMDam Height: 645 ftCrest Length: 2,323 ftCrest Elevation: 1,965 ftType: Concrete, Arch

NEW BULLARDS BAR DAM SPILLWAYType: Controlled, 3 Tainter GatesCrest Elevation: 1,902 ft Length: 106 ftCapacity: 160,000 cfs

New Bullards BarReservoir

North Yuba River

NEW BULLARDS BAR DAMLOW-LEVEL OUTLETControl: 72 in Howell Jet ValveInvert Elevation: 1,395 ftCapacity: 1,250 cfs

NEW BULLARDS MIN FLOW POWERHOUSECapacity: 150 KWRated Head: 560 ft Rated Flow: 5 cfsTurbine Type: Pelton (1)

Emerald Cove Marina

Marysville Road(on YCWA land)

NEW COLGATE POWERHOUSE PENSTOCKConnects to New ColgatePower Tunnel


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Middle Yuba River

Oregon Creek

NEW COLGATE POWERHOUSECapacity: 340 MWRated Head: 1,360 ftRated Flow: 3,430 cfsTurbine Type: Pelton (2)

Yuba River

NEW COLGATE PENSTOCKType : Steel, Above-GroundDiameter: 9 ft to 14.4 ftLength: 2,809 ftRated Flow: 3,500 cfs

PG&E’s 60 kV Switchyard

YCWA’s Project Office


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Cotton Creek

NEW BULLARDS BAR DAM SPILLWAYType: Controlled, 3 Tainter GatesCrest Elevation: 1,902 ft Length: 106 ftMaximum Capacity: 160,000 cfs

North Yuba River

USACE’s Englebright DamHeight: 280 ftCrest Elevation: 527 ftType: Concrete, Arch

USACE’s Englebright Reservoir

NARROWS 2 POWERHOUSECapacity: 55 MWRated Head: 236 ftRated Flow: 3,400 cfsTurbine Type: Francis (1)

PG&E’s 12 MW Narrows #1Penstock and Powerhouse Rated Flow: 730 cfs

Power Tunnel Intake

Yuba River

Narrows 2 Access Road(on State & YCWA land)

NARROWS 2 POWERHOUSE BYPASSCapacity: 3,000 cfs


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RelicensingOverview


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What is Relicensing?What is Relicensing?

Relicensing Is Process of an Applicant Obtaining Relicensing Is Process of an Applicant Obtaining a New License from the Federal Energy a New License from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Continue Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Continue Operating an Existing Hydroelectric Project After Operating an Existing Hydroelectric Project After the End of the Project’s Current License Termthe End of the Project’s Current License Term

FERC Licenses are Issued for Terms of 30 to 50 FERC Licenses are Issued for Terms of 30 to 50 YearsYears


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What is Purpose of Relicensing?What is Purpose of Relicensing?

Balance Beneficial Uses of Project-Affected Balance Beneficial Uses of Project-Affected Resources Consistent with Current Social Resources Consistent with Current Social PrioritiesPriorities


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Relicensing BackgroundRelicensing Background

Relicensing Process and Requirements are Codified in the Relicensing Process and Requirements are Codified in the Federal Power Act and Interfacing StatutesFederal Power Act and Interfacing Statutes

Relicensing Process and the Licenses Are Administered by Relicensing Process and the Licenses Are Administered by FERC. Other State and Federal Agencies and Tribes Have FERC. Other State and Federal Agencies and Tribes Have Key Roles, as Does the PublicKey Roles, as Does the Public

Relicensing Takes a Statutory Minimum of 5 Years to Relicensing Takes a Statutory Minimum of 5 Years to Complete, and Can Take LongerComplete, and Can Take Longer


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General TimelineGeneral Timeline

Formal Start of Relicensing Proceeding Occurs When Applicant Files with FERC a Formal Start of Relicensing Proceeding Occurs When Applicant Files with FERC a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Pre-Application Document (PAD) Notice of Intent (NOI) and Pre-Application Document (PAD)

Year 1Year 1: FERC Performs NEPA Scoping; Relicensing Participants Develop Study : FERC Performs NEPA Scoping; Relicensing Participants Develop Study Plans and FERC Issues Formal Study Plan Determination; Applicant Begins Plans and FERC Issues Formal Study Plan Determination; Applicant Begins Performing StudiesPerforming Studies

Years 2 & 3Years 2 & 3: Applicant Gathers Information, Performs Studies, and Prepares License : Applicant Gathers Information, Performs Studies, and Prepares License Application with Input from Relicensing ParticipantsApplication with Input from Relicensing Participants

Years 4 & 5Years 4 & 5: FERC and State Perform Environmental Analyses (NEPA and CEQA); : FERC and State Perform Environmental Analyses (NEPA and CEQA); State Issues Water Quality Certificate; Federal Fish and Wildlife Agencies Issue State Issues Water Quality Certificate; Federal Fish and Wildlife Agencies Issue Biological Opinion under ESABiological Opinion under ESA

Years 5+Years 5+: FERC Issues New License with New Conditions: FERC Issues New License with New Conditions


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How to Find Out More About How to Find Out More About Relicensing in General?Relicensing in General?

FERC website: FERC website: www.ferc.gov

FERC’s Relicensing HandbookFERC’s Relicensing Handbook

Call FERCCall FERC

Ask YCWA (We Will Try to Help)Ask YCWA (We Will Try to Help)


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YCWA’s YCWA’s RelicensingRelicensing

ProcessProcess


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YCWA’s Goals in RelicensingYCWA’s Goals in Relicensing

Obtain a New FERC License That:Obtain a New FERC License That: Maintains and enhances the Project benefits (Maintains and enhances the Project benefits ( i.e., i.e., water supply, water supply,

flood control, electricity generation, environmental and flood control, electricity generation, environmental and recreation) recreation)

Has a minimal adverse impact to Project economicsHas a minimal adverse impact to Project economics Helps foster YCWA’s relationship with the community, resource Helps foster YCWA’s relationship with the community, resource

agencies, and other interested parties.agencies, and other interested parties. Has a maximum term at a minimum cost (both initially and Has a maximum term at a minimum cost (both initially and

ongoing) ongoing)


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YCWA’s Relicensing ProcessYCWA’s Relicensing Process

YCWA Is Following FERC’s Integrated Licensing YCWA Is Following FERC’s Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)Process (ILP)


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Formal Milestone So FarFormal Milestone So Far

November 5, 2010November 5, 2010 – YCWA Filed NOI/PAD. PAD Included 41 Preliminary Study – YCWA Filed NOI/PAD. PAD Included 41 Preliminary Study ProposalsProposals

January 4, 2011January 4, 2011 – FERC Issued Notice of Commencement of Proceeding and – FERC Issued Notice of Commencement of Proceeding and Scoping Document 1 (SD1)Scoping Document 1 (SD1)

February 1 and 2, 2011 February 1 and 2, 2011 – FERC Conducted Site Visit and Held Public Meetings – FERC Conducted Site Visit and Held Public Meetings

March 7, 2011 March 7, 2011 – Thirty Parties Filed Comments on YCWA’s PAD and FERC’s SD1– Thirty Parties Filed Comments on YCWA’s PAD and FERC’s SD1

April 18, 2011April 18, 2011 – FERC Issued SD2 – FERC Issued SD2

April 19, 2011 April 19, 2011 – YCWA Filed Proposed Study Plan with 41 Proposed Studies– YCWA Filed Proposed Study Plan with 41 Proposed Studies

July 18, 2011 July 18, 2011 – Eight Parties Filed Comments on YCWA’s Proposed Study Plan– Eight Parties Filed Comments on YCWA’s Proposed Study Plan


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What Is Next (Near-Term)?What Is Next (Near-Term)?

September 1, 2011 September 1, 2011 – Relicensing Participants May File with FERC Comments on – Relicensing Participants May File with FERC Comments on YCWA’s Revised Study PlanYCWA’s Revised Study Plan

September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011 – FERC Issues Study Plan Determination– FERC Issues Study Plan Determination

October 6, 2011 October 6, 2011 – Mandatory Conditioning Agencies May File Disputes with One or – Mandatory Conditioning Agencies May File Disputes with One or More of the Studies. For Any Study Not Disputed, YCWA Begins Study. For Any More of the Studies. For Any Study Not Disputed, YCWA Begins Study. For Any Study Disputed, FERC Begins Formal Dispute Resolution Process.Study Disputed, FERC Begins Formal Dispute Resolution Process.

By December 15, 2011 By December 15, 2011 – FERC Issues Determination Resolving Disputed Studies. – FERC Issues Determination Resolving Disputed Studies.


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What Is Next (Longer-Term)?What Is Next (Longer-Term)?

20122012- YCWA Performs FERC-Approved Studies, Issues Initial Study Report, and - YCWA Performs FERC-Approved Studies, Issues Initial Study Report, and Begins Negotiating Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Begins Negotiating Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

20132013 – YCWA Performs Additional Studies If Needed, Continues Negotiating – YCWA Performs Additional Studies If Needed, Continues Negotiating Measures, Issues Draft License Application in Late 2013, and Issues Updated Study Measures, Issues Draft License Application in Late 2013, and Issues Updated Study ReportReport

April 2014April 2014 – YCWA Files License Application – YCWA Files License Application


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After YCWA Files ApplicationAfter YCWA Files Application

Second Half of 2014Second Half of 2014 – FERC Issues Determination Regarding Need for Additional – FERC Issues Determination Regarding Need for Additional Studies, Issues Notice that the Application is Ready for Environmental Analysis Studies, Issues Notice that the Application is Ready for Environmental Analysis (REA), and Requests Comments, Fishway Prescriptions, and Mandatory Conditioning (REA), and Requests Comments, Fishway Prescriptions, and Mandatory Conditioning Agencies’ Preliminary Terms and Conditions. YCWA Files Request with SWRCB for Agencies’ Preliminary Terms and Conditions. YCWA Files Request with SWRCB for a Water Quality Certificate.a Water Quality Certificate.

First Half of 2015First Half of 2015 – YCWA and Relicensing Participants Comment on Fishway – YCWA and Relicensing Participants Comment on Fishway Prescriptions and Mandatory Conditioning Agencies’ Preliminary Terms and Prescriptions and Mandatory Conditioning Agencies’ Preliminary Terms and Conditions, and May Submit Alternatives/Request for Trial-Type Hearing. Mandatory Conditions, and May Submit Alternatives/Request for Trial-Type Hearing. Mandatory Conditioning Agencies Reply to Requests for Trial-Type Hearing, and Hold Hearing if Conditioning Agencies Reply to Requests for Trial-Type Hearing, and Hold Hearing if Appropriate. Appropriate.

Second Half of 2015Second Half of 2015 – FERC Issues Draft Environmental Document and Requests – FERC Issues Draft Environmental Document and Requests Mandatory Conditioning Agencies’ Final Terms and Conditions. YCWA and Mandatory Conditioning Agencies’ Final Terms and Conditions. YCWA and Relicensing Participants File Comments. YCWA Initiates CEQA.Relicensing Participants File Comments. YCWA Initiates CEQA.

By March 2016By March 2016 – FERC Issues Final Environmental Document. YCWA Completes – FERC Issues Final Environmental Document. YCWA Completes CEQA Process and SWRCB Issues Water Quality Certificate.CEQA Process and SWRCB Issues Water Quality Certificate.

April 2016April 2016 – Anticipated that FERC Issues New License Order. – Anticipated that FERC Issues New License Order.


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YCWA’s 42 YCWA’s 42 Proposed StudiesProposed Studies


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Studies Above/Below EnglebrightStudies Above/Below Englebright1.1. Hydrologic AlterationHydrologic Alteration

2.2. Water Balance/Operations ModelWater Balance/Operations Model

3.3. Water QualityWater Quality

4.4. Water Temperature MonitoringWater Temperature Monitoring11

5.5. Water Temperature ModelWater Temperature Model11

6.6. Special-Status Turtles – Western Pond TurtleSpecial-Status Turtles – Western Pond Turtle

7.7. Special-Status Wildlife – California Wildlife Habitat RelationshipsSpecial-Status Wildlife – California Wildlife Habitat Relationships

8.8. Special-Status Wildlife – BatsSpecial-Status Wildlife – Bats

9.9. Special-Status PlantsSpecial-Status Plants

10.10. WetlandsWetlands

11.11. ESA-Listed PlantsESA-Listed Plants

12.12. ESA-Listed Wildlife – Valley Elderberry Longhorn BeetleESA-Listed Wildlife – Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

13.13. CESA-Listed PlantsCESA-Listed Plants

14.14. CESA-Listed and Fully Protected Wildlife – California Wildlife Habitat RelationshipsCESA-Listed and Fully Protected Wildlife – California Wildlife Habitat Relationships

15.15. CESA-Listed and Fully Protected Wildlife – Bald EagleCESA-Listed and Fully Protected Wildlife – Bald Eagle

16.16. Primary Project Roads and TrailsPrimary Project Roads and Trails

17.17. Historic PropertiesHistoric Properties11

18.18. Native American Traditional Cultural PropertiesNative American Traditional Cultural Properties11


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Studies Above Englebright OnlyStudies Above Englebright Only

1.1. Channel Morphology Upstream of EnglebrightChannel Morphology Upstream of Englebright

2.2. BioaccumulationBioaccumulation11

3.3. Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Upstream of EnglebrightAquatic Macroinvertebrates Upstream of Englebright

4.4. Special-Status Aquatic MollusksSpecial-Status Aquatic Mollusks

5.5. Special-Status Amphibians – Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog SurveysSpecial-Status Amphibians – Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog Surveys11

6.6. Special-Status Amphibians – Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog Habitat ModelingSpecial-Status Amphibians – Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog Habitat Modeling

7.7. Reservoir Fish PopulationsReservoir Fish Populations

8.8. Stream Fish Populations Upstream of Englebright Stream Fish Populations Upstream of Englebright

9.9. Instream Flow Upstream of Englebright Instream Flow Upstream of Englebright

10.10. Fish EntrainmentFish Entrainment

11.11. Riparian Habitat Upstream of EnglebrightRiparian Habitat Upstream of Englebright11

12.12. ESA-Listed Amphibians – California Red-Legged FrogESA-Listed Amphibians – California Red-Legged Frog

13.13. Recreation Use and Visitor SurveysRecreation Use and Visitor Surveys

14.14. Recreational FlowRecreational Flow

15.15. Visual Quality on Federal LandVisual Quality on Federal Land


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Studies Below Englebright OnlyStudies Below Englebright Only

1.1. Channel Morphology Downstream of EnglebrightChannel Morphology Downstream of Englebright

2.2. Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Downstream of EnglebrightAquatic Macroinvertebrates Downstream of Englebright

3.3. Non-ESA-Listed Fish Populations Downstream of EnglebrightNon-ESA-Listed Fish Populations Downstream of Englebright

4.4. Riparian Habitat Downstream of EnglebrightRiparian Habitat Downstream of Englebright

5.5. Potential Narrows 2 Powerhouse Intake ExtensionPotential Narrows 2 Powerhouse Intake Extension

6.6. ESA/CESA-Listed Salmonids Downstream of EnglebrightESA/CESA-Listed Salmonids Downstream of Englebright

7.7. North American Green Sturgeon Downstream of EnglebrightNorth American Green Sturgeon Downstream of Englebright

8.8. Instream Flow Downstream of EnglebrightInstream Flow Downstream of Englebright

9.9. Assessment of Narrows 2 Powerhouse as Barrier to Anadromous Fish MigrationAssessment of Narrows 2 Powerhouse as Barrier to Anadromous Fish Migration


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How to ParticipateHow to Participate


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How Can You Participate?How Can You Participate?

Indicate Your Interest! Sign the Meeting Attendance Sheet (and Provide E-Indicate Your Interest! Sign the Meeting Attendance Sheet (and Provide E-mail Address and Other Contact Information). We Will Add You to mail Address and Other Contact Information). We Will Add You to Relicensing E-Mail Contact ListRelicensing E-Mail Contact List

Participate in Future Relicensing MeetingsParticipate in Future Relicensing Meetings

Stay Engaged. It Is a Long ProcessStay Engaged. It Is a Long Process

Visit Relicensing Website (Visit Relicensing Website (www.ycwa-relicensing.com) ) Event Calendar of Meetings/AgendaEvent Calendar of Meetings/Agenda ScheduleSchedule Relicensing Documents (as they become available)Relicensing Documents (as they become available) FERC FilingsFERC Filings

Questions?Questions?


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Thank YouThank You