WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN · training modules the District will provide for contractors and...

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

ENLOE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (FERC PROJECT NO. 12569)

SEPTEMBER 2015

© 2015, Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County

Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County Wildlife Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................1

Purpose and Intent .................................................................................................................................1

Project Area...........................................................................................................................................1

General Wildlife and Game Species......................................................................................................3

Potential Impacts ...................................................................................................................................3

2.0 Measures ........................................................................................................................................5

2.1 Powerhouse Transmission Line Structure ................................................................................5

2.2 Avoid Disturbance OF Bald Eagles .........................................................................................8

Category A......................................................................................................................................9

Category H......................................................................................................................................9

2.3 Wildlife Trees and Artificial Perch Poles.................................................................................9

2.4 Implementation schedule........................................................................................................10

3.0 Environmental Training Program ............................................................................................12

3.1 Training ..................................................................................................................................12

Appendix a................................................................................................................................................13

Environmental training program .........................................................................................................13

FIGURES

Figure 1 Project Area and Land Ownership ............................................................................ 2

Figure 2 Transmission Line and Pole...................................................................................... 6

Figure 3 Raptor Safe Transmission Structure ......................................................................... 7

Figure 4 Raptor Safe Insulating Covers .................................................................................. 8

Figure 5 Perch Pole Locations...............................................................................................11

TABLES

Enloe Hydroelectric Project Wildlife Management Plan FERC Project #12569 i September 2015


Table 1 Recommended Construction Buffers ........................................................................ 9

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Environmental Training Program

LIST OF ACRONYMS

1. APLIC – Avian Powerline Interaction Committee

2. BLM – (United States) Bureau of Land Management

3. CCT – Confederated Colville Tribe

4. CRWG – Cultural Resources Working Group

5. District – Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County

6. FERC – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

7. Guidelines – Avian Protection Plan Guidelines

8. kV – Kilovolt

9. Project – Enloe Hydrologic Project

10. Project Area – Lands encompassed by the FERC Boundary

11. USFW – United States Fish and Wildlife Service

12. WAC – Washington Administrative Code

13. WMP – Wildlife Management Plan

Enloe Hydroelectric Project Wildlife Management Plan FERC Project #12569 ii September 2015


1.0 INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND INTENT

The Enloe Hydroelectric Project (Project) is located on the Similkameen River at river mile 8.8 measured upstream of its confluence with the Okanogan River. Enloe dam was originally constructed for hydroelectric generation, for which it was operated from 1923 until the powerhouse was decommissioned in 1958.

On July 9, 2013, the Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County (District) received a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to restore hydropower generation at Enloe Dam. The FERC license authorizes the District to construct a new 9-MW hydroelectric power plant downstream of the existing dam.

The purpose of the Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) is to protect, mitigate effects to, and enhance wildlife resources during construction and operation of the Project. The WMP has been developed by the District for compliance with Article 409 of the Project’s FERC License. Article 409 requires the District to file the WMP at least 90 days prior to starting construction. As specified in Article 409, the WMP was prepared in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition to the agencies required for consultation by Article 409, the District has included and requested the the Cultural Resources Work Group (CRWG) review the WMP and perch pole locations due to ground disturbing activities and potentially unknown cultural resources.

The WMP establishes goals for managing wildlife resources in the Project area, identifies implementation activities for managing resources, and incorporates an environmental training program for contractors and District personnel to be implemented through construction and operation of the Project. Although broadly identified as an environmental training program, this program is specific to avian mitigation, terrestrial wildlife and wildlife resources. The environmental training program is one in a series of training modules the District will provide for contractors and operations personnel.

PROJECT AREA

The Project is situated in a narrow portion of the Similkameen River valley, about 3.5 miles northwest of the City of Oroville, Washington. The project boundary encompasses approximately 152.31 acres of land and water and is generally defined by the 1,057.7 foot elevation contour (NAVD 88) and encompasses an approximately 2.4 mile reach of the Similkameen River (Figure 1). The project boundary extends one quarter mile downstream from Enloe Dam to include Similkameen Falls and the site of the proposed powerhouse, tailrace, and associated facilities. Most of the land within the project boundary is publicly owned. The term “Project Area” used in the WMP refers to the land and water areas encompassed by the project boundary.

Enloe Hydroelectric Project 1 Wildlife Management Plan FERC Project #12569 September 2015


Figure 1 Project Area and Land Ownership



GENERAL WILDLIFE AND GAME SPECIES

The Project Area is inhabited by a variety of wildlife species, most of which are of interest to visitors to the Project Area. The reservoir supports waterfowl, aquatic furbearers, and amphibians. Prominent among the waterfowl are mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), common mergansers (Mergus merganser), and scaups (Aythya marilla, A. affinis). Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are resident in the Project Area and small numbers may nest along the water in the Project Area. Beaver (Castor canadensis) are the most prevalent aquatic furbearer, feeding primarily on willow found in the riparian shrub and tree habitats bordering the reservoir. Amphibian observations have not been reported in the Project Area, but they are likely present along the reservoir and river.

Riparian habitat, generally recognized as having a high diversity of wildlife species, supports a number of song birds best represented by the western flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), eastern king bird (Tyrannus tyrannus,) American robin (Turdus migratorius), Bullock’s oriole (Icterus bullockii), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), and various species of warblers, sparrows, and woodpeckers. The upland area contains habitats dominated by sagebrush, bitterbrush, service berry, and rock outcrops, which support mule deer, yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris), black-billed magpie (Pica pica), and ground-nesting species such as chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) and California quail (Callipepla californica). Reptiles are also common in these habitats including western rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis), racers (Coluber constrictor), and gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoeucus).

Wildlife species that use a wider variety of habitat types in the Project Area include swallows, vultures, raptors and coyotes (Canis latrans). Common swallow species in the Project Area are barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), bank swallows (Riparia riparia), and violet-green swallows (Tachycineta thalassina). Vultures and raptors are primarily represented by turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). American kestrels (Flaco sparverius), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are also present, but in smaller numbers. Except for swallows, these species may occur in the Project Area year-round. Swallows are resident only during the summer months.

Project Area use by most of these species, as well as by other less common species, is greatest in the spring and summer and lowest in the winter, when many species migrate, move upslope away from the river, or hibernate. Prominent exceptions are mule deer and bald eagles, which winter in the Project Area and remain active in this season.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Construction and operation of the Project are expected to have minimal effects on wildlife, since the footprint for the hydroelectric facility will be small, and effects on existing flows and reservoir water levels will be minimal.

The primary impact will be associated with noise and human activity associated with Project construction and demolition of the original powerhouse. Construction noise is



expected to result from the use of such equipment as industrial trucks, pile drivers, earth moving equipment, and blasting to remove bedrock in or adjacent to the river. Additionally, the Project will require the District to install one new transmission line pole, therefore increasing the possibility of raptor electrocutions.

Construction, demolition and blasting may disturb wildlife in the immediate vicinity of these activities. Bald eagles and other wildlife may be temporarily displaced from the immediate Project Area. Bald eagles may avoid perching or feeding near the Project. Since most perch trees are located considerably upriver from the Project, the impact should be minimal. Other birds and mammals also may avoid the area around the Project, particularly during blasting or periods of intensive construction activity. Most would be expected to return to Project Area habitats once activities diminish and work is completed. Most habitats in the Project Area are already affected by some level of human disturbance, due to existing recreational access.



2.0 MEASURES

2.1 POWERHOUSE TRANSMISSION LINE STRUCTURE

The new powerhouse will interconnect with the existing District owned and operated electrical distribution system. One new transmission pole and the new 13.2 kilovolt (kV) 3-phase primary transmission line, approximately 100 feet in length, will be constructed and connected to the District’s distribution system at an existing pole immediately to the east of the powerhouse location. The new line will be the Project’s primary transmission line (Figure 2). The primary transmission line will interconnect with the District’s existing 13.2 kV distribution line which follows the Loomis-Oroville Road immediately east of the Project.



Figure 2 Transmission Line and Pole



Construction of the District’s transmission pole will follow recommendations listed in the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee’s (APLIC) Avian Protection Plan Guidelines (Guidelines). As noted in the guidelines, the District’s structure will maintain horizontal clearances of at least 60 inches to accommodate wrist-to-wrist distance of an eagle (approximately 54 inches). Likewise, vertical separation of at least 48 inches will be created to accommodate the height of an eagle from its feet to the top of its head (which is approximately 31 inches). Minimum clearances and raptor protection will be achieved through the use of commercially available insulated conductor covers, insulated jumpers, and perch guards or raptor safe construction design standards. Representative examples of raptor safe construction design and installed conductor covers are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3 Raptor Safe Transmission Structure



Figure 4 Raptor Safe Insulating Covers

2.2 AVOID DISTURBANCE OF BALD EAGLES

The Bald eagle is listed as a Washington State “Sensitive” species, defined under WAC 232-12-297 as a species “that is vulnerable or declining and is likely to become endangered or threatened in a significant portion of its range within the state without cooperative management or removal of threats.” Additional laws protecting the bald eagle, and its associated habitat, are the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Although the District has not identified a bald eagle communal roost or nesting site within or near the Project Area, transient individuals are known to use the upper reaches of the reservoir during the breeding season (October 31 to March 31). Due to their presence, the District will follow the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFW) 2007 National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines activity specific recommendations for categories A and H during construction of the project throughout the breeding season.



Category A and Category H activity descriptions and recommended guidelines to minimize disturbance are as follows:

Category A

• Building construction, 1 or 2 story, with project footprint of ½ acre or less • Construction of roads, trails, canals, power lines, and other linear utilities • Agriculture and aquaculture – new or expanded operations • Alteration of shorelines or wetlands • Installation of docks or moorings • Water impoundment

Table 1 Recommended Construction Buffers If there is no similar activity within

1 mile of the nest If there is similar activity closer

than 1 mile from the nest

If the activity will be visible from the nests

660 feet. Landscape buffers are recommended

660 feet, or as close as existing tolerated activity of similar scope.

Landscape buffers are recommended

If the activity will not be visible from the nest

330 feet. Clearing, external construction, and landscaping 330 feet and 660 feet should be done

outside of breeding season

330 feet, or as close as existing tolerated activity of similar scope.

Clearing, external construction and landscaping within 660 feet should be done outside breeding season

Category H Avoid blasting and other activities that produce extremely loud noises within 1/2 mile of active nests, unless greater tolerance to the activity (or similar activity) has been demonstrated by the eagles in the nesting area. This recommendation applies to the use of fireworks classified by the Federal Department of Transportation as Class B explosives which includes the larger fireworks that are intended for licensed public display.

2.3 WILDLIFE TREES AND ARTIFICIAL PERCH POLES

Standing dead and dying trees, “wildlife trees” or “snags,” provide key habitat for many species and contribute to the overall health of a diverse ecosystem. The District will retain all non-hazardous snags along the reservoir to provide essential wildlife habitat for the numerous species of birds and mammals that inhabit the Project Area.

Where perch trees are sparse or lacking along the reservoir shoreline, the District will install and maintain ten artificial perch poles (Figure 5). Each proposed perch pole location has been selected not only for the absence of existing adequate perching habitat, but also for the lack of known cultural resources. Perch poles will be installed



prior to abandonment of the lower 2,000 foot long section of the present Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation Ditch road.

As requested by the CRWG during the WMP consultation period, the District will provide the CRWG an opportunity to review the final perch pole construction plans prior to pole installation.

2.4 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

The following table details the District’s implementation schedule for each provision required in Article 409.

Table 2 Implementation Schedule

Mitigation Measure Start Date Completion Date

Transmission Line Raptor Protection

Prior to energization of transmission line

*July 9, 2063

Avoid Disturbance of Bald Eagles

Start of Construction *July 9, 2063

Retain Non-Hazardous Dead Trees Along Reservoir

July 9, 2013 *July 9, 2063

Install Artificial Perch Poles

Within six months of completion of construction

Within one year of completion of construction

Environmental Training Program

Prior to start of construction and as new employees and contractors are hired.

*July 9, 2063

*The Project was issued a 50 year license by the FERC July 9, 2013. The license expires July 9, 2063.



Figure 5 Perch Pole Locations



3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Article 409, Part 5, of the FERC license for the Enloe Dam requires the District, as a component of this WMP, to “Develop and implement an environmental training program to inform employees and contractor employees who work on the project site or related facilities during construction and operation about the sensitive biological resources (i.e. wildlife and wildlife habitat) associated with the project area and actions they can take to mitigate or avoid effects on these resources.”

In compliance with this requirement, the District has developed an environmental training program for employees and contractor employees who will work at the project site or related facilities during construction and operation of the Enloe Project. The environmental training consists of a series of informative slides to be presented to project employees and contractors.The training emphasizes practical guidance for avoiding and minimizing adverse effects on sensitive biological resources, including:

• The close relationship between safety and protecting the environment; • Awareness and behavior at the work site; • Avoiding environmentally sensitive features; • Avoiding interactions with wildlife; • Food handling, storage, and removal; • Preventing spills onto land and water; and • Understanding and respecting staked work limits.

The training is guided by the principle that the most effective avoidance and mitigation of unplanned project impacts can be achieved through a self-aware and prepared workforce. The desired outcomes of the environmental training program, as explained to the project employees and contractors, are:

• Safety of self and co-workers; • Awareness of self and surroundings at all times; • Fish, wildlife, and habitats avoided and undisturbed; • Vegetation outside the Project Area, nests, and dens untouched; • Soil and water kept clean; and • No lasting changes that are not part of the designed project.

3.1 TRAINING

Prior to the start of construction, District personnel and contractors will be provided the attached Environmental Training Program (Appendix A) or equivalent. Training will be conducted as needed when new employees and contractors are hired to assist project development and operations.



APPENDIX A

ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING PROGRAM


Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

Generation Department Enloe Dam

Environmental Training

Enloe Dam

Introduction and Safety Moment

Your presenter today Emergency procedures Restrooms Sign the log of attendees Questions & answers at end

Enloe Dam

Desired Outcomes

Safety of self and co-workers

Awareness of self and surroundings

Fish and wildlife avoided and undisturbed

Plants, nests, and dens untouched

Soil and water kept clean

No lasting changes that aren’t part of the project

Enloe Dam

Topics Covered Environment’s relationship to safety

Awareness and behavior

Avoiding environmentally sensitive features

Avoiding interactions with wildlife

Food handling, storage, and removal

Preventing spills onto land and water

Enloe Dam

Environment’s Relationship to Safety

Awareness of movement and location at all times Watching where you step Care with fuels, lubricants, solvents, and cleaners Spills are toxic to wildlife and habitat, but can also cause: Fire Slips and falls

Keeping food and drink pure Staying alert keeps you safe and protects the environment

Enloe Dam

Environmentally Sensitive Features Soils must be protected to prevent erosion Plant loss Sedimentation of downstream waters where fish spawn

Plants must be protected along with animals Damaged from walking or driving outside site perimeter Damaged by soil erosion Damaged by spills

Nests can be on the ground, on cliffs, or in trees Dens are hidden and can be damaged by mistake

Enloe Dam

F!;RC llound•ry

Plenned Rood

11.b>ncloned Ro•d

E<ictln9Ro.>d

Ra,irood

V"9etatlon Cla-• c.,,.lot*I (CEV)

• Hert>acews(ffS)

• Rock(RC)

• Rc>orion F«est (RF)

R4>a1ian Scrub (RS)

S@vicsborry Shrub-.t•ppe (585)

SllNl>-<C- (SS)

Vplond He>dow (UM)

Unoonsohdoted Sllore (US)

w.1 ...

800 ---===-----Feet 200 4-00

lmo:lgci ~~a;: PU .O. No. 1 of Ol•nogJn County, r.sav 2006 and USO" m1t1ona1 Agrtn1hrv lrn.J19Wy Pl"OY'~~ 2005

f 11loe Dam Uce.n1lng Proje.ct

AgureE.3-8 Vegetation in the

Project Area (Map 1of2)

i;jfii;lf!i

Project Area Vegetation Classes

Enloe Dam

How to Avoid Sensitive Features Stay inside the staked limits of the project – on foot or driving If you have to walk outside the project perimeter, avoid wet areas and stay on dry, bare, rocky or gravelly soil as much as possible In a vehicle, stay on established routes and avoid undisturbed areas

Enloe Dam

Some Wildlife of the Enloe Area Black bear, deer, coyote

Beaver, porcupine, raccoon, many other species

Bald eagle, hawks, raven, owls

Swans, geese, ducks

Ruffed Grouse, chukar, partridge, quail

Songbirds

Western rattlesnake, gopher snake, others

Enloe Dam

Some Things to Know about Wildlife

Most bear-human interactions are food-related and caused by inattentive food handling, storage, or disposal.

The bald eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Lacey Act (feathers and body parts).

Raptors, waterfowl, and most other birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Enloe Dam

If you encounter a bear: •First, back away slowly to a safer location, and call your supervisor, who will initiate the appropriate procedure. •The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says:

1. Stay calm and avoid direct eye contact, which could elicit a charge. Try to stay upwind and identify yourself as a human by standing up, talking and waving your hands above your head.

2. Do not approach the bear, particularly if cubs are present. Give the bear plenty of room.

3. If you cannot safely move away from the bear, and the animal does not flee, try to scare it away by clapping your hands or yelling.

4. If the bear attacks, fight back aggressively. As a last resort, should the attack continue, protect yourself by curling into a ball or lying on the ground on your stomach and playing dead.

Enloe Dam

Working around Bald Eagles

Do not feed, approach, or interact with eagles. If you see an eagle in the project

vicinity, notify your supervisor. If you are operating blasting equipment,

look for eagles (and other wildlife) and, if present, notify your supervisor to determine next steps.

Enloe Dam

If You Encounter a Snake

• Do not try to kill it.

• Do not make quick movements.

• Move away slowly.

• Be prepared - wear your work boots at all times, and even on hot days, wear long pants heavy enough to deflect a bite.

Enloe Dam

See the difference at a glance?

Western Gopher Snake Western Rattlesnake

Enloe Dam

How to Avoid Interacting with Wildlife

Most human-wildlife interactions at work sites are caused by food. Keep food in sealed containers so that scents do not escape into the air. Keep sealed food packages indoors or in a designated airtight containment location until it’s time to open them. Ask your supervisor about SOPs for onsite food storage.

Enloe Dam

How to Avoid Interacting with Wildlife (2)

Don’t leave food lying around – keep it sealed until immediately before you eat it. Clean up wrappers and food scraps and dispose of them in approved enclosed waste containers. Do not mix food or food wrappers with other trash – place all food scraps and wrappers in approved enclosed receptacles. Do not open-burn food waste or food packaging.

Enloe Dam

If an Animal Enters Your Work Site Stop work and call your supervisor Move away slowly and wait at a distance Do not try to attract or scare the animal Wait for and follow further instruction from your

supervisor It is likely that the animal will continue to move

through the work site and leave on its own

Enloe Dam

Spill Prevention

When pouring or transferring liquids – fuels, lubricants, cleaners or other chemicals – follow SOPs and Best Practices, and always do this over a secure container or designated contained location.

Do not pour left-over iced tea, soda pop, or any other type of flavored or sweetened beverage outdoors.

As a personal Best Practice – never allow any food or liquid to contact land or water.

Enloe Dam

To Recap, We Have Discussed. . . Environment’s relationship to safety

Awareness and behavior

Avoiding environmentally sensitive features

Avoiding interactions with wildlife

Food handling, storage, and removal

Preventing spills onto land and water

Enloe Dam

And our Desired Outcomes Are. . . Safety of self and co-workers

Awareness of self and surroundings

Fish and wildlife avoided and undisturbed

Plants, nests, and dens untouched

Soil and water kept clean

No lasting changes that aren’t part of the project

Enloe Dam

Remember – when you have a question or when you are not sure what to do –

Call your supervisor

THANK YOU for your attention today!

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