Bear River, Feather River, North Fork Feather River, South Fork Feather River, Lost, and Slate creeks.
Bear River, California
FERC Project No. 2997 is located on the Bear River in Nevada, Yuba and Placer counties, California and is owned by South Sutter Water District (SSWD). The Project includes a single development whose principal facilities and features consist of: the 170-ft high Camp Far West Dam; the 93,740 ac-ft Camp Far West Reservoir; the 6.8 megawatt (MW) Camp Far West Powerhouse at the base of the Camp Far West Dam; and two recreation areas on Camp Far West Reservoir.
On March 14, 2016, SSWD filed with FERC a Notice of Intent to File an Application for a New License for the Project on or before June 30, 2019, 2 years prior to the expiration of the existing FERC license. In June 2019, SSWD filed their final license application with FERC. The application describes the Project facilities, Project operation, estimated costs related to continued operations, and general information.
The application also includes a description of environmental and recreational resources in the vicinity of the Project; an assessment of potential adverse environmental impacts associated with continued Project operation and maintenance; and SSWD’s proposed resource management measures to protect and enhance environmental and recreation resources, and mitigate any Project impacts. The relicensing is continuing through the traditional licensing process (TLP) with FERC scoping for NEPA analysis beginning in 2020.
Feather River, California
FERC Project No. 2100 is located on the Feather River, Butte County, California. The 762 megawatts (MW) Project is owned by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and is a key component of the State Water Project. The Project includes the Oroville Wildlife Recreation Area, numerous other recreational facilities around the Project Area, and three main Project Developments: Oroville, Thermalito, and the Feather River Fish Hatchery (FRFH):
Oroville: Oroville Dam, containing the Hyatt Pumping & Generation Plant (H-PGP) (645 MW) is located at the confluence of the South Fork, Middle Fork, and North Fork Feather rivers, and forms Lake Oroville. The H-PGP discharges into Thermalito Diversion Pool.
Thermalito: Thermalito Dam/Diversion Pool, Power Canal, and Thermalito Dam PGP (3 MW, TD-PGP); Thermalito Forebay/Dam, Thermalito Forebay Dam’s PGP (114 MW, TF-PGP), and Thermalito Afterbay and Dam. The H-PGP, TD-PGP, and TF-PGP can all generate power in either direction: (1) by gravity flow or; (2) by pumping water back into Lake Oroville (H-PGP), Diversion Pool (TD-PGP), or into the Forebay (TF-PGP), and then letting it gravity flow down through the PGPs.
FRFH: Fish Barrier Dam, which directs anadromous fish into the FRFH and its appurtenant facilities.
The distinct population segment (DPS) of California Central Valley (CV) steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and its critical habitat;
The evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of spring-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) and its critical habitat;
The DPS of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) and its critical habitat; and
The ESU of CV fall-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) [Species of Concern].
DWR filed its Final License Application in 2005. DWR, NOAA Fisheries, and parties to the relicensing signed a Settlement Agreement with the Licensee in March 2006 which included $60 million in habitat improvements to the lower Feather River. FERC incorporated the settlement agreement into its Final EIS in May 2007 and NOAA Fisheries completed a final Biological Opinion on the Project on Dec 5, 2016.
In addition, a “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) was signed between DWR, PG&E (the Licensees), NOAA Fisheries, and other signatories in 2007 and amended in 2011. The HEA directed the Licensees to develop a Habitat Expansion Plan to expand habitat for salmonids in the Sacramento River Basin in lieu of NOAA Fisheries prescribing fish passage in the Feather River. NOAA Fisheries, pursuant to the HEA, reserved its fish passage authority in 2007 for all four Feather River Projects (DWR/P-2100 & PG&Es Poe/P-2107, Rock-Creek Cresta/P-1962, and Upper NF Feather/P-2105).
In 2010, the Licensees produced a Habitat Expansion Plan that failed to meet the criteria set forth in the HEA. Currently, NOAA Fisheries and the Licensees continue to work to find a satisfactory path forward to implement the HEA. However, if the Licensees fail to produce a plan acceptable to NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA Fisheries formerly determines that the HEA has terminated, then NOAA Fisheries could prescribe fish passage in the Feather River.
North Fork Feather River, California
FERC Project P-2107 is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and is one of three PG&E FERC Projects that are located along the main stem North Fork Feather River (NFFR), upstream of the Oroville/P-2100 Project in Plumas and Butte counties, California. The three projects are operated as one system and known as PG&E’s “Stairway of Power” (7 dams/reservoirs and 8 powerhouses - 628.6 megawatts (MW)).
The upper-most project is Upper North Fork (NF) Feather/P-2105 (362.3 MW), next is Rock Creek-Cresta/P-1962 (114 MW); and finally Poe/P-2107 (142.83 MW). There is a fourth PG&E development, not on the main stem, and not part of the “Stairway of Power” called Bucks Creek/P-619. The 85 MW, P-619 Project encompasses Bucks, Grizzly, and Milk Ranch creeks in Plumas County, California, and discharges into the NFFR near the P-1962 Project.
The Poe/P-2107 Projects’ facilities are described as the following: Poe Dam/Reservoir on NFFR. Poe Tunnel into Penstock/Powerhouse (142.83 MW), into Big Bend Dam/Forebay, and discharges into North Fork arm of Lake Oroville (P-2100).
Currently, there are no anadromous fish in the NFFR Basin (upstream of Oroville Dam/P-2100). However, each of these projects and the P-2100 Project comprise the “Feather River Projects” and are subject to the “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) process as described below.
HEA Process: The “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) was signed between DWR, PG&E (the Licensees), NOAA Fisheries, and other signatories in 2007 and amended in 2011. The HEA directed the Licensees to develop a Habitat Expansion Plan to expand habitat for salmonids in the Sacramento River Basin in lieu of NOAA Fisheries prescribing fish passage in the Feather River.
NOAA Fisheries, pursuant to the HEA, reserved its fish passage authority in 2007 for all four Feather River Projects (DWR/P-2100 & PG&Es Poe/P-2107, Rock-Creek Cresta/P-1962, and Upper NF Feather/P-2105). In 2010, the Licensees produced a Habitat Expansion Plan that failed to meet the criteria set forth in the HEA. Currently, NOAA Fisheries and the Licensees continue to work to find a satisfactory path forward to implement the HEA. However, if the Licensees fail to produce a plan acceptable to NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA Fisheries formerly determines that the HEA has terminated, then NOAA Fisheries could prescribe fish passage in the Feather River.
Traditional Licensing Process: FERC issued its Final EA in March 2007. State Water Resources Control Board is working on Section 401 Water Quality Certification.
North Fork Feather River, California
FERC Project P-1962 is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and is one of three PG&E FERC Projects that are located along the main stem North Fork Feather River (NFFR), upstream of the Oroville/P-2100 Project in Plumas and Butte counties, California. The three projects are operated as one system and known as PG&E’s “Stairway of Power” (7 dams/reservoirs and 8 powerhouses – 690.13 megawatts (MW)).
The most upstream project is Upper North Fork (NF) Feather/P-2105 (362.3 MW). Next is Rock Creek-Cresta/P-1962 (185 MW) and then Poe/P-2107 (142.83 MW). There is a fourth PG&E development called Bucks Creek/P-619, which is not on the main stem and not part of the “Stairway of Power.” The 85 MW P-619 Project encompasses Bucks, Grizzly, and Milk Ranch creeks in Plumas County, California, and discharges into the NFFR near the P-1962 Project.
The Rock Creek-Cresta/P-1962 Projects’ facilities are described as the following: Rock Creek Dam/Reservoir on NFFR. Rock Creek Tunnel, into Penstock/Powerhouse (114 MW), into NFFR, and into Cresta Dam/Reservoir on NFFR. Cresta Tunnel, into Penstock/Powerhouse (71 MW), and discharges into Poe Reservoir (P-2107).
Currently, there are no anadromous fish in the NFFR Basin (upstream of OrovilleDam/P-2100). However, each of these projects and the P-2100 Project comprise the “Feather River Projects” and are subject to the “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) process as stated below.
HEA Process: The “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) was signed between DWR, PG&E (the Licensees), NOAA Fisheries, and other signatories in 2007 and amended in 2011. The HEA directed the Licensees to develop a Habitat Expansion Plan to expand habitat for salmonids in the Sacramento River Basin in lieu of NOAA Fisheries prescribing fish passage in the Feather River.
NOAA Fisheries, pursuant to the HEA, reserved its fish passage authority in 2007 for all four Feather River Projects (DWR/P-2100 & PG&Es Poe/P-2107, Rock-Creek Cresta/P-1962, and Upper NF Feather/P-2105). In 2010, the Licensees produced a Habitat Expansion Plan that failed to meet the criteria set forth in the HEA. Currently, NOAA Fisheries and the Licensees continue to work to find a satisfactory path forward to implement the HEA. However, if the Licensees fail to produce a plan acceptable to NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA Fisheries formerly determines that the HEA has terminated, then NOAA Fisheries could prescribe fish passage in the Feather River.
Traditional Licensing Process (since 1979): FERC incorporated a Settlement Agreement (September 2000) into its Final EA in May 2001. Section 401 Water Quality Certification was waived by FERC due to State Water Board’s inaction. FERC License issued in October 24, 2001 for 33 years.
South Fork Feather River, Lost, and Slate creeks, California
FERC Project No. 2088 is located on the South Fork Feather River (SFFR), Lost and Slate creeks, in Butte, Yuba, and Plumas counties, California. The 127.2 megawatt (MW) Project is owned and operated by the South Feather Water and Power Agency (Agency) and includes four developments:
Sly Creek: Little Grass Valley Dam on SFFR forms Little Grass Valley Reservoir. South Fork Dam on SFFR has South Fork Tunnel that diverts water from SFFR into Sly Creek Reservoir. Slate Creek Dam on Slate Creek (N. Yuba River) has Slate Creek Tunnel that diverts water into Sly Creek Reservoir. Sly Creek Dam on Lost Creek forms Syl Creek Reservoir, which has Sly Creek Penstock that delivers water into Sly Creek Powerhouse/Switchyard (13.2 MW). Both Reservoirs have recreation facilities.
Woodleaf: Lost Creek Dam on Lost Creek forms Lost Creek Reservoir. Woodleaf Tunnel delivers water from Lost Creek Reservoir into Woodleaf Penstock, which delivers water into Woodleaf Powerhouse/Switchyard (60 MW).
Forbestown: Forbestown Dam on SFFR forms Forbestown Impoundment. Forbestown Tunnel diverts water from Forbestown Impoundment into Forbestown Penstock and on into Forbestown Powerhouse/Switchyard (41 MW).
Kelly Ridge: Ponderosa Dam on SFFR forms Ponderosa Reservoir (spills into SFFR Arm of Lake Oroville of P-2100 Project). Ponderosa Tunnel diverts water from Ponderosa Reservoir into Miners Ranch Canal. Miners Ranch Canal (MRC) has siphons across McCabe and Powell creeks of Lake Oroville (P-2100), delivers water from Ponderosa Tunnel into Miners Ranch Tunnel, and delivers water into Miners Ranch Reservoir. Miners Ranch Dam on MRC forms Miners Ranch Reservoir. Kelly Ridge Tunnel diverts water from Miners Ranch Reservoir into Kelly Ridge Penstock and on into Kelly Ridge Powerhouse/Switchyard. This 13 MW powerhouse discharges just downstream of Oroville Dam.
There are no anadromous fish in the South Fork Feather River Basin (upstream of OrovilleDam/P-2100). Water from P-2088’s Kelly Ridge Development discharges directly into P-2100’s Thermalito Diversion Pool. The resulting water temperatures from P-2088 may affect the P-2100 Fish Hatchery Facilities and the following anadromous fish, found downstream in the P-2100 Project:
The distinct population segment of California Central Valley (CV) steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss);
The evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of spring-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha); and
The ESU of CV fall-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) [Species of Concern].
The Agency and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR, owns P-2100) signed an operations agreement in October 2012 to resolve the above water temperature issues. The Agency and its P-2088 Project are also not party to the 2011 Habitat Expansion Agreement between DWR, NOAA Fisheries, and other parties regarding the P-2100 and “Feather River Projects.”
Traditional Licensing Process since 2003: The Agency filed its Final License Application in March 2007. NOAA Fisheries reserved its Section 18 authority in April 2008. FERC issued its Final EIS in June 2009 and requested ESA consultation with NOAA Fisheries. NOAA Fisheries issued an ESA Letter of Concurrence in 2016. The State Water Resources Control Board issued its Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Project in 2018.
North Fork Feather River, California
FERC Project P-2105 is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and is one of three PG&E FERC Projects that are located along the main stem North Fork Feather River (NFFR), upstream of the Oroville/P-2100 Project in Plumas and Butte counties, California. The three projects are operated as one system and known as PG&E’s “Stairway of Power” (7 dams/reservoirs and 8 powerhouses - 690.13 megawatts (MW)).
The most upstream project is Upper North Fork (NF) Feather/P-2105 (362.3 MW). Next is Rock Creek-Cresta/P-1962 (185 MW) and finally Poe/P-2107 (142.83 MW). There is a fourth PG&E development called Bucks Creek/P-619, which is not on the main stem and not part of the “Stairway of Power.” The 85 MW P-619 Project encompasses Bucks, Grizzly, and Milk Ranch creeks in Plumas County, California, and discharges into the NFFR near the P-1962 Project.
The Upper North Fork Feather/P-2105 Projects’ facilities are described as follows: Lake Almanor Reservoir/Canyon Dam on NFFR: Prattville Tunnel, into Butt Valley Penstock/Powerhouse (41 MW), and discharges into Butt Valley Reservoir.
Butt Valley Reservoir/Dam: Caribou 1 & 2 Tunnels, into Caribou 1 (75 MW) & 2 (120 MW) Penstocks/Powerhouses; and both discharge into Belden Forebay.
Belden Forebay/Dam: Belden Tunnel, into Belden Penstock/Powerhouse (125 MW) or Dam through Oak Flat Powerhouse (1.3 MW); and both discharge into NFFR.
Currently, there are no anadromous fish in the NFFR Basin (upstream of OrovilleDam/P-2100). However, each of these projects and the P-2100 Project comprise the “Feather River Projects” and are subject to the “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) process as stated below.
HEA Process: The “Habitat Expansion Agreement” (HEA) was signed between DWR, PG&E (the Licensees), NOAA Fisheries, and other signatories in 2007 and amended in 2011. The HEA directed the Licensees to develop a Habitat Expansion Plan to expand habitat for salmonids in the Sacramento River Basin in lieu of NOAA Fisheries prescribing fish passage in the Feather River.
NOAA Fisheries, pursuant to the HEA, reserved its fish passage authority in 2007 for all four Feather River Projects (DWR/P-2100 & PG&Es Poe/P-2107, Rock-Creek Cresta/P-1962, and Upper NF Feather/P-2105). In 2010, the Licensees produced a Habitat Expansion Plan that failed to meet the criteria set forth in the HEA. Currently, NOAA Fisheries and the Licensees continue to work to find a satisfactory path forward to implement the HEA. However, if the Licensees fail to produce a plan acceptable to NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA Fisheries formerly determines that the HEA has terminated, then NOAA Fisheries could prescribe fish passage in the Feather River.
Traditional Licensing Process: FERC Final EIS (2005) included a Settlement Agreement. State Water Resources Control Board is working on Section 401 Water Quality Certification.
Chinook salmon jump in frothy white water. Credit: Laura Mahoney/USFWS
The Fivemile-Bell habitat restoration project in the Siuslaw watershed in Oregon. Credit: Siuslaw Watershed Council.
Southern Resident killer whales encountered during NOAA's PODs (Pacific Orcinus Distribution Survey) in October 2021 near the west end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
