Upper North Fork Feather RiverHydroelectric ProjectDraft Environmental Impact Report

November 2014FERC Project #2105

Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project

Draft Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2005082122)

Prepared for:

State Water Resources Control Board P.O. Box 2000

Sacramento, CA 95812-2000 Contact: Peter Barnes

Email: Peter.Barnes@waterboards.ca.gov Phone: (916) 445-9989

Prepared by: North State Resources, Inc.

5000 Bechelli Lane, Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002

November 2014

State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 i Draft Environmental Impact Report

Table of Contents

Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................. viii Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. ES-1

ES-1 Introduction .......................................................................................... ES-1 ES-2 Definition of the Proposed Project in This EIR ..................................... ES-2 ES-3 Overview of the UNFFR Project .......................................................... ES-2 ES-4 Project and Alternatives Evaluated in This EIR ................................... ES-4

Alternative 1: Thermal Curtains at Prattville Intake and Caribou Intakes with Modifications to Canyon Dam Outlet Structure and Associated Flows to the Seneca and Belden Reaches ........................................ ES-5

Alternative 2: Thermal Curtains at Prattville Intake and Caribou Intakes and Associated Flows to the Seneca and Belden Reaches ........... ES-6

ES-5 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................................... ES-7 ES-6 Areas of Known Controversy and Issues to be Resolved .................... ES-7

Chapter 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Background ............................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Purpose of This Environmental Impact Report .......................................... 1-2 1.3 Relationship to the UNFFR Environmental Impact Statement and Settlement

Agreement ................................................................................................. 1-2 1.4 Agency Responsibilities ............................................................................. 1-3

1.4.1 State Water Board and Regional Water Boards ......................... 1-3 1.4.2 Resource Agencies ..................................................................... 1-4 1.4.3 Other Agencies ........................................................................... 1-5

1.5 CEQA Process .......................................................................................... 1-6 1.5.1 Definition of PG&E’s Proposed Project in This EIR .................... 1-6 1.5.2 Comparison of EIR Analysis and CWA Analysis ........................ 1-6 1.5.3 Scoping Process and Public Involvement ................................... 1-6 1.5.4 Availability of Draft EIR ............................................................... 1-7

1.6 Organization of EIR ................................................................................... 1-9

Chapter 2 State Water Board’s Regulatory Responsibilities ......................................... 2-1 2.1 Role of State Water Board ......................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Overview of Basin Plan ............................................................................. 2-1

2.2.1 Water Quality Standards ............................................................. 2-1 2.2.2 Beneficial Uses ........................................................................... 2-2 2.2.3 Water Quality Objectives ............................................................ 2-3 2.2.4 Controllable Factors .................................................................... 2-6

Chapter 3 PG&E’s Upper North Fork Feather River Project .......................................... 3-1 3.1 Project History and Background ................................................................ 3-1

3.1.1 UNFFR Project History ............................................................... 3-1 3.1.2 FERC Relicensing Process ......................................................... 3-2

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State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 ii Draft Environmental Impact Report

3.1.3 Settlement Agreement Process .................................................. 3-2 3.2 Project Location ......................................................................................... 3-3 3.3 Overview of PG&E’s UNFFR Project ......................................................... 3-3

3.3.1 Existing Facilities ........................................................................ 3-4 3.3.2 Overview of Operations .............................................................. 3-6

3.4 Overview of Other Hydroelectric Projects .................................................. 3-7 3.4.1 Hamilton Branch Hydroelectric Project ....................................... 3-7 3.4.2 Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project ............................................. 3-8 3.4.3 Rock Creek–Cresta Hydroelectric Project .................................. 3-8 3.4.4 Poe Hydroelectric Project ........................................................... 3-8

3.5 Proposed UNNFR Project ......................................................................... 3-8 3.5.1 PG&E’s Application to FERC ...................................................... 3-8 3.5.2 Modifications to Applicant’s Original Proposal .......................... 3-14 3.5.3 Evaluation of the Proposed Project ........................................... 3-18

Chapter 4 Project Alternatives .......................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 4-1 4.2 Project Alternative Development Process ................................................. 4-1 4.3 Project Alternatives Eliminated from Further Consideration ...................... 4-3 4.4 Project Alternatives Evaluated in this EIR ................................................. 4-4

4.4.1 The Proposed UNFFR Project .................................................... 4-4 4.4.2 State Water Board Proposed Project Alternatives ...................... 4-4

Chapter 5 Regulatory Framework..................................................................................... 5-1 5.1 Federal ...................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Plumas and Lassen National Forests Land and Resource Management Plans ..................................................................... 5-1

5.1.2 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment ..................................... 5-1 5.1.3 Clean Water Act .......................................................................... 5-2 5.1.4 Endangered Species Act ............................................................ 5-2 5.1.5 Migratory Bird Treaty Act ............................................................ 5-3 5.1.6 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ........................................ 5-4 5.1.7 National Forest Management Act ............................................... 5-4 5.1.8 National Historic Preservation Act .............................................. 5-4 5.1.9 Clean Air Act ............................................................................... 5-5

5.2 State of California ...................................................................................... 5-5 5.2.1 Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin

River Basins ................................................................................ 5-5 5.2.2 California Endangered Species Act ............................................ 5-5 5.2.3 Fish and Game Code .................................................................. 5-6 5.2.4 Food and Agricultural Code ........................................................ 5-7 5.2.5 Public Resources Code (Historical Resources and Native American

Artifacts) ...................................................................................... 5-8 5.2.6 Streets and Highway Code (Scenic Highways) .......................... 5-9

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State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 iii Draft Environmental Impact Report

5.2.7 Streets and Highway Code (Encroachment Permit) ................... 5-9 5.2.8 California Clean Air Act ............................................................... 5-9 5.2.9 Toxic Air Contaminant Program ................................................ 5-10 5.2.10 California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 ..................... 5-10

5.3 Local ........................................................................................................ 5-11 5.3.1 Plumas County General Plan .................................................... 5-11 5.3.2 Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Rules ............ 5-11

Chapter 6 Environmental Setting and Environmental Impacts .................................. 6.1-1 6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 6.1-1

6.1.1 Environmental Baseline in This EIR ......................................... 6.1-1 6.1.2 Overview of the Analysis .......................................................... 6.1-2

6.2 Land Use and Mineral Resources .......................................................... 6.2-1 6.2.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.2-1 6.2.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................... 6.2-7

6.3 Geology, Geomorphology, and Soils ...................................................... 6.3-1 6.3.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.3-1 6.3.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.3-11

6.4 Water Resources .................................................................................... 6.4-1 6.4.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.4-1 6.4.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................... 6.4-5

6.5 Water Quality .......................................................................................... 6.5-1 6.5.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.5-2 6.5.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.5-13

6.6 Fisheries ................................................................................................. 6.6-1 6.6.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.6-1 6.6.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.6-12

6.7 Vegetation, Wildlife, and Sensitive Biological Resources ....................... 6.7-1 6.7.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.7-1 6.7.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.7-24

6.8 Recreation .............................................................................................. 6.8-1 6.8.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.8-1 6.8.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................... 6.8-5

6.9 Aesthetics ............................................................................................... 6.9-1 6.9.1 Environmental Setting .............................................................. 6.9-1 6.9.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................... 6.9-6

6.10 Public Services and Utilities ................................................................. 6.10-1 6.10.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.10-1 6.10.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.10-3

6.11 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ....................................................... 6.11-1 6.11.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.11-1 6.11.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.11-3

6.12 Cultural Resources ............................................................................... 6.12-1

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State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 iv Draft Environmental Impact Report

6.12.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.12-1 6.12.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.12-8

6.13 Transportation and Traffic .................................................................... 6.13-1 6.13.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.13-1 6.13.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.13-4

6.14 Air Quality ............................................................................................. 6.14-1 6.14.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.14-1 6.14.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.14-3

6.15 Noise .................................................................................................... 6.15-1 6.15.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.15-1 6.15.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.15-3

6.16 Climate Change .................................................................................... 6.16-1 6.16.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 6.16-2 6.16.2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................. 6.16-5

Chapter 7 Cumulative Impacts and Other CEQA Considerations ................................. 7-1 7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 7-1 7.2 Cumulative Impacts Analysis ..................................................................... 7-1

7.2.1 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Projects .... 7-2 7.2.2 Cumulative Impact Analysis Approach ....................................... 7-3 7.2.3 Cumulative Impact Analysis ........................................................ 7-3

7.3 Growth-Inducing Impacts ........................................................................... 7-8 7.4 Significant Effects ...................................................................................... 7-9

7.4.1 Significant Environmental Effects of the Proposed Project ......... 7-9 7.4.2 Significant Unavoidable Effects .................................................. 7-9 7.4.3 Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes ....................... 7-10 7.4.4 Effects Found Not to Be Significant .......................................... 7-10

7.5 Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize the Significant Effects ......... 7-11 7.6 CEQA Findings and Statements of Overriding Consideration ................. 7-11

Chapter 8 Alternatives Development ............................................................................... 8-1 8.1 Alternatives Analysis Requirements .......................................................... 8-1 8.2 The No Project Alternative ......................................................................... 8-2

Chapter 9 References ........................................................................................................ 9-1 Chapter 10 Glossary .......................................................................................................... 10-1 Chapter 11 List of Preparers ............................................................................................. 11-1 Tables

Table ES-1. Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures ............................................. ES-8 Table 2-1. Beneficial Uses of Lake Almanor and North Fork Feather River ..................... 2-2 Table 2-2. Water Quality Objectives for Lake Almanor and North Fork Feather River ..... 2-4

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State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 v Draft Environmental Impact Report

Table 3-1. Proposed Minimum Streamflow Releases (in cfs) from Canyon Dam ........... 3-15 Table 3-2. Proposed Minimum Streamflow Releases (in cfs) from Belden Dam ............ 3-15 Table 4-1. Alternative Seneca Reach Minimum Flows – in cfs ....................................... 4-10 Table 4-2. Alternative Belden Reach Minimum Flows – in cfs ........................................ 4-10 Table 5-1. CDFA and Cal-IPC Invasive and Noxious Weed Categories ........................... 5-7 Table 5-2. Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards ......................................... 5-10 Table 6.2-1. Summary of Land Use (LU) and Mineral Resources Impacts ....................... 6.2-8 Table 6.3-1. Modern Geomorphic Parameters at Sampling Sites in the Belden Reach ... 6.3-5 Table 6.3-2. Modern Geomorphic Parameters at Sampling Sites in the Seneca Reach .. 6.3-6 Table 6.3-3. Modern Geomorphic Parameters at Sampling Sites in Lower Butt Creek .... 6.3-7 Table 6.3-4. Discharge Predicted to Initiate Motion of the Median Bed Particles ............. 6.3-8 Table 6.3-5. Summary of Geologic, Geomorphic, and Soils (GGS) Impacts .................. 6.3-12 Table 6.4-1. Summary of Water Resources (WR) Impacts ............................................... 6.4-5 Table 6.4-2. Alternative Minimum Streamflow Releases from Canyon Dam .................... 6.4-8 Table 6.4-3. Alternative Minimum Streamflow Releases from Belden Dam ...................... 6.4-8 Table 6.5-1. Summary of Water Quality (WQ) Impacts ................................................... 6.5-16 Table 6.5-2. Measured Water Temperature and DO in the Discharge Channel about 180

Feet from the Butt Valley Powerhouse during the 2006 Summertime Special Test ............................................................................................................. 6.5-25

Table 6.6-1. Fish Species Documented in the Upper North Fork Feather River and Reservoirs ..................................................................................................... 6.6-4

Table 6.6-2. Fish stocking Records for Lake Almanor, 2001 through 2011 ...................... 6.6-7 Table 6.6-3. Summary of Fishery (FS) Impacts .............................................................. 6.6-13 Table 6.7-1. Invasive and Noxious Weeds in the Biological Study Area ........................... 6.7-6 Table 6.7-2. Occurrence Potential for Special-Status Plants in the Activity Areas ............ 6.7-9 Table 6.7-3. Occurrence Potential for Special-Status Wildlife in the Activity Areas ........ 6.7-16 Table 6.7-4. Summary of Vegetation, Wildlife, and Sensitive Biological Resources (BR)

Impacts........................................................................................................ 6.7-25 Table 6.8-1. Summary of Recreation (RE) Impacts .......................................................... 6.8-6 Table 6.9-1. Summary of Aesthetics (AE) Impacts ........................................................... 6.9-6 Table 6.10-1. Summary of Public Services and Utilities (PS) Impacts .............................. 6.10-4 Table 6.11-1. Summary of Hazards and Hazardous Materials (HM) Impacts ................... 6.11-4 Table 6.12-1. Development Timeline in the North Fork Feather River Watershed ........... 6.12-4 Table 6.12-2. Traditional Cultural Properties in the UNFFR Project Area ......................... 6.12-6 Table 6.12-3. UNFFR Project NRHP Historic District Components .................................. 6.12-8 Table 6.12-4. Summary of Cultural Resources (CR) Impacts ........................................... 6.12-9 Table 6.13-1. UNFFR Project Roads ................................................................................ 6.13-2 Table 6.13-2. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) on State Highways ........................... 6.13-3 Table 6.13-3. Summary of Transportation and Traffic (TT) Impacts ................................. 6.13-4 Table 6.14-1. Summary of Air Quality (AQ) Impacts........................................................ 6.14-4 Table 6.15-1. Noise Levels for Common Sources ............................................................. 6.15-1 Table 6.15-2. Summary of Noise (NO) Impacts ................................................................ 6.15-4 Table 6.16-1. Summary Comparison of Estimated Power Losses .................................... 6.16-2 Table 6.16-2. Summary of Climate Change (CC) Impacts ................................................ 6.16-7 Table 6.16-3. Potential Annual Change in GHG Emissions for Power Scenarios (2020) . 6.16-9 Table 6.16-4. Comparison of Average Flows in the 2004 Settlement Agreement with

Average Flows under Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 ................................. 6.16-9

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State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 vi Draft Environmental Impact Report

Figures

Figure 1-1. Vicinity Map .................................................................................................... 1-11 Figure 3-1. Upper North Fork Feather River Project Location .......................................... 3-20 Figure 3-2. Schematic Diagram of Flow ........................................................................... 3-21 Figure 3-3. Hydroelectric Projects on North Fork Feather River ...................................... 3-22 Figure 4-1. Activity Areas ................................................................................................. 4-14 Figure 4-2. Plan View of Prattville Intake Thermal Curtain ............................................... 4-15 Figure 4-3. Thermal Curtain Trolley Detail ....................................................................... 4-16 Figure 4-4. Elevation View of Prattville Intake Thermal Curtain ....................................... 4-17 Figure 4-5. Profile View of Prattville Intake Thermal Curtain ............................................ 4-18 Figure 4-6. Canyon Dam Outlet Structure Modifications .................................................. 4-19 Figure 4-7. Canyon Dam Bypass Pipeline ........................................................................ 4-20 Figure 4-8. Plan View of Caribou Intakes Thermal Curtain .............................................. 4-21 Figure 4-9. Elevation View of Caribou Intakes Thermal Curtain ....................................... 4-22 Figure 6.3-1. Geomorphic Classifications and Hydraulic Sites ......................................... 6.3-19 Figure 6.4-1. North Fork Feather River Watershed .......................................................... 6.4-10 Figure 6.5-1a. Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2000 (Normal Water Year) .............. 6.5-33 Figure 6.5-1b. Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2001 (Critically Dry Water Year) ..... 6.5-33 Figure 6.5-1c. Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2002 (Dry Water Year) .................... 6.5-34 Figure 6.5-1d. Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2004 (Below Normal Water Year) ... 6.5-34 Figure 6.5-1e. Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2006 (Wet Water Year) ................... 6.5-35 Figure 6.5-1f Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2007 (Dry Water Year) .................... 6.5-35 Figure 6.5-1g Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2008 (Critically Dry Water Year) .... 6.5-36 Figure 6.5-1h Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2009 (Dry Water Year) ................... 6.5-36 Figure 6.5-1i Seasonal Temperature Profiles, Year 2010 (Below Normal Water Year) .. 6.5-37 Figure 6.5-2a Seasonal Dissolved Oxygen Profiles during 2000 (Normal Water Year) ... 6.5-38 Figure 6.5-2b Seasonal Dissolved Oxygen Profiles by Year (2009-2011) ....................... 6.5-39 Figure 6.5-3a Measured Mean Daily Water Temperatures in Butt Valley Reservoir in 2002

(Dry) ........................................................................................................... 6.5-40 Figure 6.5-3b Measured Mean Daily Water Temperatures in Butt Valley Reservoir in 2003

(Normal) ...................................................................................................... 6.5-41 Figure 6.6-1. Typical Life Cycle Timing For Rainbow Trout in Streams Draining the West

Slope of the Sierra Nevada ........................................................................... 6.6-3 Figure 6.9-1. Photo Viewpoint Locations .......................................................................... 6.9-11 Figure 6.9-2. Graphic Rendering of the Thermal Curtain Stabilization Buoys at the

Prattville Intake for Both Alternatives .......................................................... 6.9-12 Figure 6.13-1. Transportation Network ............................................................................... 6.13-7

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State Water Resources Control Board Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project November 2014 vii Draft Environmental Impact Report

Appendices

Appendix A 2004 Settlement Agreement

Appendix B Scoping and Public Involvement

Appendix C Recreation Improvements

Appendix D Level 1 and Level 2 Report: Development and Screening of Potentially Effective and Feasible Alternatives to Achieve the Basin Plan Objective for Water Temperature and Protect Cold Freshwater Habitat Beneficial Use Along the North Fork Feather River

Appendix E Level 3 Report: Analysis of Temperature Control Alternatives Advanced from Level 2 Designed to Meet Water Quality Requirements and Protect Cold Freshwater Habitat Along the North Fork Feather River

Appendix E-1 Summary of Supplemental Modeling Results to Support the UNFFR Project EIR

Appendix F Evaluation of the Biological Performance of Potential Water Quality Measures to Improve Compliance with Temperature Objectives of the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins

Appendix G Terrestrial Biology Lists

Appendix H PG&E Proposed Supplemental Construction Mitigation Measures — March 3, 2014

Appendix I Visual Assessment Units and Photographs

Appendix J Greenhouse Gas Emission Changes from Proposed Operational Measures