The following is a summary of the process discussion between members of the Technical Management Team on 12/18/03. The notes are not intended to be a verbatim account of the meeting nor do they serve as the official "record". They are intended to highlight discussion points, decisions, and actions.
Bonneville Tailwater Operations:
BPA and NOAA requested a call today to discuss releases of high
water levels at Bonneville. There is a 7' tailwater change
constraint that BPA would like to stay within, otherwise the agency
is required to obtain an exceedance from the COE. Because of the
high flows in the river, the tailwater elevation at Bonneville has
increased at night at the project.
TMT discussed how to operate the system in light of the high water levels. A question was raised whether a flatter 24-hour flow would be possible. Dave Wills, USFWS, explained that at the end of the chum spawning season such an operation could help reduce superimposition of redds, thereby aiding the existing redds. A flatter flow maintained over 24 hours would be preferred and, if new redds were deposited at higher elevations, the numbers would be so small that dewatering at a later date could be contemplated.
Paul Wagner, NOAA, explained that the chum BiOp states that any redds deposited at higher levels must be maintained (watered) throughout the season. As such, he suggested an alternate operation that would reduce the likelihood of deposits at high elevation and attempt to support some spawning between 7 am and 2 pm. NOAA suggested an operation that would increase flows later in the day and into the night when the likelihood of spawning is less, then work toward the 11.8-12.1' range by 7 am. CRITFC expressed interest in flatter/smoother flows and agreed with the NOAA proposal. BPA requested the flexibility to do this through the end of December, in order to avoid the need for another conference call during the holiday season. The COE did not foresee a need for this operation, after the next two days, until after December 29th. The COE felt that the operation should occur over the next two days, then if necessary, hold a conference call to discuss implementing the emergency operation again. The USFWS expressed concern with high differentials in nighttime flow, but did not have an objection to giving the action agencies flexibility through December. NOAA did not object to granting the action agencies the flexibility through December and acknowledged the concern raised by the USFWS. CRITFC also did not object to the operation or flexibility issue. In light of this, a compromise operation was suggested and agreed to by the group.
ACTION:
The following emergency operation to reduce water levels and stay
within the chum BiOp constraints was not objected to by the TMT:
BON will be operated to allow 15' tailwater beginning at 2 pm
(1400) below the project to reduce pools higher in the system. This
elevation and increase in flows is expected to discourage chum
spawning in higher elevations that likely could not be supported by
flows later in the season. At 0700 the project will bring flows
back to the 12' range (with lesser flows) to support chum spawning
while staying within the 7' tailwater range requirement. (note:
USFWS expressed concern that the shortened timeframe may NOT
support any chum spawning at all and preferred a flatter flow, but
was willing to defer the decision to NOAA).
This agreement/operation is expected to occur for the next two days
only. However, if there is an unexpected weather event and the
water level rises to a day average of above 170 160 kcfs (COE to
confirm this number) before 12/31, the action agencies may use this
tool again without calling a TMT meeting. If the COE has a high
level of concern over such action, they may call for another
emergency TMT meeting.
Editor's note: On 12/19, COE analysis determined threshold should
be set at day average of above 170 kcfs. Cindy henriksen called
John Wellschlager and told him of the change.