DOWNSTREAM FISH PASSAGE 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Transcription

1 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ARTICLE 105 DOWNSTREAM FISH PASSAGE 2011 ANNUAL REPORT REPORTING PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 AUGUST 31, 2012 BAKER RIVER HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC No April 2013 BAK SA 105 Annual Report 2011.Doc PUGET SOUND ENERGY Baker River Hydroelectric Project Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC 22 April 2013

2 CONTENTS CONTENTS 1.0 Executive Summary Introduction Description of Major Components Activity Report Principal Management Activities Acquisition and Related Activities Special Consultation Design and Planning Activities Documents Submitted Modifications to or Deviations from Planned Activities Issues and Resolution Upper Baker Lower Baker Proposed Changes to the Implementation Plan Accounting Funding and Expenditures Prescribed by SA Additional PSE Expenditures for SA Adjustments Supporting Documents Lower Baker FSC Siting & Facilities Plan Lower Baker FSC Construction and Startup Schedule Lower Baker FSC Construction Photos References Agency Review Comments Distribution List Cover Message Summary of Reviewer Replies Reviewer Comments and PSE Response Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page ii

3 List of Tables List of Tables Table 1. Numbers of juvenile salmonids captured and transported from the Upper Baker Development, Table 2. Numbers of juvenile salmonids captured and transported from the Lower Baker Development, Table 3. Total juvenile salmonids captured and transported from the Baker River Project, Table 4. Numbers of juvenile coho salmon released and recaptured at the Upper Baker Development, Table 5. Numbers of juvenile coho salmon released and recaptured at the Lower Baker Development, Table 6. Numbers of juvenile sockeye salmon released and recaptured at the Upper Baker Development, Table 7. Funds allocated to downstream fish passage account, (years one through four) Table 8. Parties who received the draft Downstream Fish Passage 2011 Annual Report for formal review Table 9. Comments following formal review of the draft Downstream Fish Passage 2011 Annual Report List of Figures Figure 1. Completed Upper Baker FSC in operation, May 12, Figure 2. Lower Baker fish collection barge, scheduled for replacement March Figure 3. Upper Baker forebay features with FSC in operation, July 3, Figure 4. Yearly number and trend of salmon smolts captured at the Upper Baker floating surface collector, Figure 5. Yearly number and trend of salmon smolts captured at the Lower Baker floating surface collector, Figure 6. Yearly number and trend of total salmon smolts captured at the Baker downstream passage facilities, Figure 7. Lower Baker FSC site plan, with Lower Baker Dam at far left Figure 8. Lower Baker FSC construction and startup schedule Figure 9. Final construction site preparation, Sep Figure 10. FSC hull sections in fabrication, Sep Figure 11. Lifting first FSC belly tank assembly, Sep. 24, Figure 12. FSC under construction, Nov Figure 13. FSC primary pumps being assembled, Dec Figure 14. NTS-to-FSC mating test, Jan Figure 15. Mooring anchor drilling from water, Feb Figure 16. Drilling pier pilings, Feb Figure 17. Primary screen perforated plate baffles, March Figure 18. Holding ponds under construction, May Figure 19. NTS assembly, June Figure 20. Aerial view of FSC & NTS construction site, June Figure 21. Pier and access construction with gulper and dam in background, June Figure 22. Original LB gulper (April 1958) in last season of operation, June Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page iii

4 List of Figures Figure 23. FSC launch, July 24, Figure 24. NTS launch, July 31, Figure 25. FSC & NTS launched and floating, Aug. 2, Figure 26. Original gulper removed and beached, new FSC in background, August 15, Figure 27. Stress-relief pond weir outlets Figure 28. Stress-relief pond outfall to the Baker River Figure 29. from PSE accompanying the draft Downstream Fish Passage 2011 Annual Report Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page iv

5 Executive Summary 1.0 Executive Summary This annual report reviews actions undertaken by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) in 2011 (reporting period September 1, 2011 August 31, 2012) in implementing settlement agreement article 105, Downstream Fish Passage Implementation Plan (SA 105) of the Order on Offer of Settlement, Issuing New License and Dismissing Amendment Application as Moot (the license) issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the Commission) for the Baker River Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2150, on October 17, It has been prepared pursuant to SA 102, Aquatics Reporting, and SA 105. The report covers SA 105 implementation measures completed during the reporting period of September 1, 2011 August 31, 2012 outlined in the reporting schedule contained in SA 102. At the Upper Baker Development during this period, PSE: Operated and maintained the Upper Baker floating surface collector (FSC). The FSC was ballasted into position and its pumps tested on February 25 28, The FSC was operated at 1,000-cfs flow due to results from the past two study seasons that indicated potential for higher capture success of sockeye at 1,000-cfs than at 500-cfs flow. Operated downstream facilities from February 29 August 1, Transported and released downstream-migrating fish to the stress-relief ponds, located upstream of the confluence of the Baker and Skagit Rivers. Tested subsampling procedures on high migration days to minimize handling, stress, potential for injury and transport delay. Notified the ARG on June 28, 2012 of a reduction in FSC inflow from 1,000 cfs to 500 cfs due to a recurring primary pump alarm that indicated risk to the pump under continued 1,000-cfs operation. The reduction followed the peak of the downstream migration, and occurred with one month remaining in the operating season. The FSC will remain at 500 cfs flow until deballasting, when the submersible pump can be serviced. Consulted with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) pursuant to section of the USFWS Section 18 Fishway Prescriptions regarding concurrence to perform annual shutdown of the Upper and Lower Baker passage facilities without an extension of the normal operational period (March 1 July 31). Conducted post-season FSC deballasting and maintenance work. 1. Removed and replaced failed primary submersible pump seals and removed a liter of oil from the motor sump. 2. Repaired primary pump variable frequency drive (VFD; damaged from line hit). 3. Repaired programmable logic controls (PLC) damaged from line hit, and purchased spares. 4. Replaced the HMI control panel in fisheries building. 5. Recalibrated water level sensors that were alarming during ballasting. 6. Rewired swing gate controls to resolve limit switch issues, and began design of more reliable switches for installation late Modified the hoppers with pneumatic controls. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 1

6 Executive Summary 8. Serviced the network to resolve communication failures. 9. Diagnosed and serviced the FSC server after failure. 10. Replaced the Atlas Polar primary screen cleaner limit switches, pulleys and drive motor. 11. Reprogrammed secondary channel screen cleaner sequencing. 12. Replaced the secondary channel diverter gate wiring. 13. Installed holding tank jump screen. 14. Repaired leaking guide net pneumatic float fittings and inspected guide net. 15. Tested the new guide net cleaning system. 16. Took FSC & NTS & net moorage line tension readings and adjusted where necessary. 17. Conducted safety review of facilities and made modifications where required, such as to handrail openings. 18. Replaced submerged sections of stair tower corroded stairway treads. 19. Removed stumps and grubbed/cleared net obstacles on each bank to prevent entanglement during rising pool. Developed plans for net replacement after the 2012 migration season, and updated the designs of both Upper and Lower Baker nets based on lessons learned. Fabrication was substantially completed during the reporting period, and assembly/installation was scheduled to begin in October Completed analysis and reporting of the fourth-year FSC performance evaluation conducted from April through July 2011 (R2 Resource Consultants, March 2012), and submitted the report to the Fish Passage Technical Working Group (FPTWG 1 ) and the Aquatic Resource Group (ARG 2 ). Consulted with the FPTWG and the ARG throughout operations and modifications. Consulted with the ARG regarding SA 105 planning and reporting. At the Lower Baker Development during this period, PSE: Operated and maintained the Lower Baker gulper (original surface collector) during its last year of operation. Operating dates were February 29 August 1, 2012, as required. Transported and released downstream-migrating fish to the stress-relief ponds near the confluence of the Baker and Skagit Rivers. Operated the stress-relief ponds according to the procedures agreed at the June 8, 2011 ARG meeting, holding fish for 24 hours, then allowing 48 hours volitional emigration before forcing fish from the ponds. 1 The FPTWG was a subcommittee of the ARG responsible for developing safe and effective fish passage facilities at the Baker River Hydroelectric Project, and acted as a primary consultation group whose actions were then reviewed and approved by the ARG. This group pre-dated the formalization of the ARG by the November 2004 comprehensive settlement agreement, and was subsumed into the ARG after its last formal meeting of April 11, The ARG is the primary license consultation group for implementing aquatic resource protection and management actions at the Baker River Hydroelectric Project. It consists of representatives of agencies, municipalities, federal services, non-governmental organizations, and members of the public. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 2

7 Executive Summary Replaced primary pumps sump box. Removed, repaired and stored guide net for spring 2012 migration season. Installed guide net in downstream orientation to accommodate pier and FSC construction. Experienced a loss of 183 smolts on May 18, 2012 from inadequate aeration during transfer from the gulper trap to the transport truck at the dam. The tote was immediately refreshed with a bucket of water and a lid placed on top to prevent jumping. Work practices were revisited by PSE fisheries staff with the temporary workers to avoid repeat incidences. Decommissioned the gulper after the migration season and removed it to shore for later demolition and disposal. Continued consultation during construction of the new Lower Baker FSC, scheduled to replace the gulper March 1, Finalized and submitted the April July 2009 smolt migration study report. The study was developed and conducted in consultation with the FPTWG and ARG to assist in the Lower Baker FSC site selection process. Developed and conducted a 2012 baseline gulper performance study using PITtagged coho and sockeye at three release sites, coincident with a release of freezebranded coho. Consulted with the FPTWG and the ARG throughout operations and FSC design and construction, and conducted several site inspections. Consulted with the ARG regarding SA 105 planning and reporting. Completed construction of the Lower Baker floating surface collector and the net transition structure. Selected consultants for development of SA 105 plans and began work in April Submitted on August 15, 2012 the following four plans to the ARG for a 30-day comment and recommendation period: 1) the Downstream Fish Passage Implementation Plan, which provides a detailed overview of Article 105 for downstream fish passage, its implementation components and schedule; 2) the Operation & Maintenance Plan, which describes the operation and maintenance program for downstream fish passage facilities; 3) the Preliminary Emergency Response Plan, which addresses operational contingencies and emergencies arising from facility operation; and 4) the Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan, which identifies methods to confirm that the fish passage facilities will be constructed according to the approved plans. Submitted on August the previously noted four plans and the Lower Baker FSC Post-Construction Evaluation Plan to the Services for a 30-day comment and approval period. This plan details hydraulic and biological evaluations for the new downstream fish passage facility at the Lower Baker reservoir and provides documentation of the multi-year development and consultation process. Submitted the 2010 SA 105 annual report to the ARG on November 11, Comments were addressed in the revised draft that was subsequently submitted to the ARG as part of the 2010 annual aquatics report on January 31, 2012 in accordance with SA 102, prior to submittal to the Commission. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 3

8 Introduction 2.0 Introduction The Baker River has historically supported six species of anadromous salmonids: sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), coho salmon (O. kisutch), Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), steelhead (O. mykiss), native char (bull trout - Salvelinus confluentus, previously reported as Dolly Varden S. malma), and sea-run cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki). Two salmon species not historically recorded as present in the Baker River drainage are occasionally captured in the upstream trap and transported to the reservoirs. These are: chum salmon (O. keta) and pink salmon (O. gorbuscha). A program for the downstream passage of anadromous salmonids has been in effect since A fish collection barge, known as the gulper, was installed in the Lower Baker forebay in April 1958, and a similar system installed at Upper Baker in April SA 105, which addresses the ongoing need for safe and effective downstream fish passage operations at each dam, requires the construction of a new floating surface collector (FSC) and related facilities at the downstream end of each reservoir to replace existing systems. Installation of the Upper Baker FSC was completed in March Startup of the Lower Baker FSC is scheduled for March 1, 2013, following a one-year schedule extension that was approved in consultation with the ARG, the FPTWG, and the Baker River Coordinating Committee (BRCC) in May Description of Major Components Upper Baker Floating Surface Collector The floating surface collector or FSC (figure 1) is the central feature of new downstream fish passage facilities for the capture and transfer of outmigrating juvenile salmonids from the Upper Baker reservoir (Baker Lake) to the Skagit River to continue their movement to the sea. The facility features conventional vee-screens within a floating channel, with flow induced by pumps. The FSC provides 500 cfs of attraction flow, which is nearly four times the 132 cfs provided by the previous Upper Baker collector and meets the NMFS screening criterion of 0.4 ft/sec approach velocity. The facility was designed with a 1,000 cfs pumping capacity (20% of the Upper Baker generation capacity) to test the difference in performance of the two flows, albeit while exceeding the approach criterion. The design allows for expansion of the primary screen area to accommodate 1,000-cfs flow, should a study demonstrate that a higher attraction flow significantly improves collection effectiveness, and should the Services direct PSE to make the modification. The FSC integrates a fish trap with sampling, handling, and transport facilities. Flotation tanks and buoyancy control are similar to that of a dry dock, enabling the FSC to be raised to expose submerged equipment for maintenance during the non-operating season. The Lower Baker fish collection barge (figure 2) is scheduled to be replaced with a similar facility by March 1, Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 4

9 Introduction Figure 1. Completed Upper Baker FSC in operation, May 12, Figure 2. Lower Baker fish collection barge, scheduled for replacement March Net Transition Structure The net transition structure (NTS), attached to the upstream end of the FSC and the downstream end of the guide net, is a narrowing channel with an inclined floor that provides a gradual physical and hydraulic transition from the open lake and the vertical face of the guide net to the shallow FSC entrance. It extends the entrance of the FSC to include the range of migration depths for most migrating fish (0 50 feet). The NTS establishes initial approach conditions from the forebay to the FSC by removing flow discontinuities and controlling acceleration and velocity leading to the primary screens of the FSC. The NTS walls and floor are supported by galvanized steel truss frames lined Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 5

10 Activity Report with sheets of high density polyethylene plastic. Two trusses span the top walls to provide rigidity and improved access. The NTS is detached from the FSC during the non-operating season, when the FSC is raised for maintenance activities. Guide Net The guide net is attached to the upstream end of the NTS and extends upstream into the forebay, creating a soft vee-screen barrier to guide fish to the NTS and FSC, and to prevent fish entrainment into the penstocks (figure 3). The upper 30 feet of the net is 3/32-inch Dyneema mesh, and the remainder, to the bottom of the lake, is quarter-inch mesh. It spans the entire forebay, from the surface to the bottom of the reservoir and from shore to shore. The net s small mesh almost entirely excludes fish, and its sharply angled approach and the water circulation pattern induced in the reservoir by the FSC pumps and turbine generation also provide guidance by creating a sweeping current parallel to the net and along the surface. The net s float line can be submerged remotely for both boat passage and for spill during flood operations. The net has incorporated continuous improvements since its first installation in Activity Report Figure 3. Upper Baker forebay features with FSC in operation, July 3, Principal Management Activities Activities at the Upper Baker Development 2011 Floating Surface Collector Performance Study Preliminary results of the fourth-year FSC performance study conducted by PSE and its consultant R2 Resource Consultants between April and July 2011 (during the 2010 reporting period) were submitted to the FPTWG and ARG in The final report was submitted to the FPTWG and ARG in January 2012, during the 2011 reporting period. The objectives of the 2011 Upper Baker FSC biological evaluation were to: Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 6

11 Activity Report Determine FSC collection performance for sockeye and coho under its optimal operating configuration (1,000-cfs entrance flow) using a PIT-tagged mark-recapture method. Determine injury/mortality of fry resulting from exposure to screens at more than double the standard approach velocity criterion of 0.4 fps. Determine the survival rate for fry passing through collection facilities. Determine the survival rate for smolts passing through collection, holding, and transport facilities. Identify the level of predation on study fish and its effect on FSC performance. Observe stress-release ponds for indications of stress/injury/mortality. Test a range of subsampling strategies throughout the migration period. Preliminary performance results for collection of coho and sockeye with 1,000-cfs entrance flow indicated mean recovery rates of 84.8% for sockeye and 70.6% for coho. Peak recovery rates were 85.3% for sockeye and 71.7% for coho. This was contrary to the results from 2008 and 2009, where recovery rates for coho were 5-15% higher than the rates for sockeye. The two line-short-caused FSC outages on May and May 16 reduced the entrance and secondary channel flows to lower-than-planned levels for extended periods of time; the effect of these reduced flows on the overall capture results is being evaluated. An evaluation of the condition of 1,400 hatchery sockeye fry of mm fork length after release at the upstream face of the primary screens at 1,000-cfs flow (more than double the approach velocity criterion of 0.4 fps) showed no evidence of impingement or injury in any of the release groups. Confirmation in 2011 of the 2010 fry impingement results were necessary due to a weakness in the recovery method employed and the consequent inability to recover all released fish. The refined recapture method resulted in improved collection (100%). Fish condition and initial holding/transport survival (100%) exceeded the criterion (98%) in all test groups. Floating Surface Collector Modifications and Adjustments A number of system modification requirements identified during fourth-year operations were addressed following the March July 2012 operating season. At Upper Baker during the reporting period, PSE: Rewired swing gate controls to resolve limit switch issues, and began designing more reliable switches for installation in late Completed modification of the hoppers with pneumatic controls. Diagnosed and serviced the FSC server after a failure. Replaced the Atlas Polar primary screen cleaner limit switches, pulleys, and drive motor. Reprogrammed secondary channel screen cleaner sequencing." Replaced the secondary channel diverter gate wiring. Conducted safety review of facilities and made modifications where required, such as to handrail openings. Replaced submerged sections of corroded stair tower stairway treads. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 7

12 Activity Report Removed stumps and grubbed/cleared net obstacles on each bank to prevent entanglement during rising pool. Designed a replacement net and nearly completed its fabrication, with installation scheduled to begin in October Compliance Monitoring Persistent alarms for one of the primary pumps at the Upper Baker FSC resulted in the decision to operate at 500 cfs flow (from 1,000 cfs) after June 28, 2012 to protect the pump from permanent damage. The reduction followed the peak of the downstream migration, and occurred with one month remaining in the operating season. Several electrical failures (see section 1.0 above) were also addressed, but are indicative of system complexity and of the potential for similar future issues. Activities at the Lower Baker Development 2012 Gulper Performance Study Preparatory to first-year performance testing of the Lower Baker FSC, which begins operating March 2013, PSE and our consultant R2 Resource Consultants conducted a study between April and July 2012 (the 2011 reporting period) to: Estimate the recapture rate of downstream-migrating PIT-tagged sockeye and coho released into Lake Shannon. Evaluate the effects of release location on the recapture of downstream-migrating sockeye and coho. Compare the recapture rate of PIT-tagged versus freeze-branded downstreammigrating coho to provide a baseline gulper recapture rate against which first-year Lower Baker FSC collection can be compared. Provide information to help guide future studies conducted on the Lower Baker FSC. The study plan was developed in consultation with the FPTWG and ARG in 2011 and Preliminary results and the final report will be submitted to the ARG in the fourth quarter of 2012, during the 2012 reporting period. Methods Test condition: constant gulper inflow; total end-of-study release number = 2,000 fish of each species in bulk releases timed to immediately precede or coincide with anticipated peak outmigration period, and 1,000 fish of each species released coincident to the freeze-branded coho release at Sulphur Creek. Study period = 10-week total window: 14 May (Monday) 27 July 2011 (Friday). Summary PIT tag lots (6,200 TX1411SST tags): (Release groups: 2 species x 3 release sites x 1,000 smolts = 6,000) + (Controls: 11 weeks x 20 = 220) + (contingency = 130) = 6,350 (6,200 tags ordered remaining from Upper Baker programs). Tag all 6,350 smolts February 2012 (3,175 each coho & sockeye). Fish need to be approximately 60/lb.; no feeding 24 hrs prior to tagging. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 8

13 Activity Report Hold test fish and controls in circulars at new hatchery and transfer (1,588 fish ea) to each of four large pens (6,350) 26 March Release sites (3) and dates (3): 1) Upstream Site/Sulphur Creek (coincides w/ coho RU freeze brand group (n=5,162) release Apr 12), sockeye and coho (each n=1,000) released from trucks 12 Apr at dusk; 2) Neck-down Site (near Three Mile Creek), sockeye (n=1,000) released at depth from barge 15 May at dusk, coho (n=1,000) released 22 May at dusk; 3) Boat Launch Site (near boat launch), sockeye (n=1,000) released at depth from barge 15 May at dusk, coho (n=1,000) released 22 May at dusk (1,010/group sampled & held 24 hrs. w/10 pulled just prior to release for n=1,000). Controls: 11 weekly releases (Wed. afternoons, 23 May 25 July) of 20 fish of either species at capture location. Results Upstream site/sulphur Creek sockeye (106 tags, 10.60%), coho (233 tags, 23.30%) Neck-down site sockeye (121 tags, 12.10%), coho (236 tags, 23.60%) Boat launch site sockeye (108 tags, 10.80%), coho (266 tags, 26.60%) Total recovered sockeye (335 tags, 11.17%), coho (735 tags, 24.50%) Gulper Modifications and Adjustments PSE completed the operation and maintenance of the Lower Baker gulper. One significant system modification was required at the beginning of the operating season. At Lower Baker during the reporting period, PSE: Replaced the primary pump sump box Lower Baker FSC Biological Study The 2013 (first-year) Lower Baker FSC study plan was developed in consultation with the FPTWG and the ARG, and will be conducted by PSE and R2 Resource Consultants from April through July 2013, during the 2012 reporting period. The study design is patterned after the 2010 Upper Baker FSC biological evaluation. The objectives of the 2013 study are to: Determine the flow preference of sockeye and coho salmon smolts by operating the FSC at 500 cfs and 1,000 cfs inflows, alternating daily. Determine the survival and physical condition of smolts through collection, holding, and transport facilities. Determine the survival and physical condition of sockeye fry while operating the FSC at 1,000-cfs inflow (testing for impingement at more than twice the criterion approach velocity). Compare the recapture rate of PIT-tagged and freeze-branded downstreammigrating sockeye and coho against the 2012 baseline gulper recapture rate. Use the physiological differences (gill ATPase) between the overall population of fish and the fish that are captured in the trap in order to discern the differences between migrants and non-migrants. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 9

14 Activity Report Identify the level of predation on study fish and its impact on FSC performance. Estimate the recapture rate of PIT-tagged downstream-migrating sockeye and coho salmon smolts at 500 vs. 1,000 cfs inflow. Summary of the Baker River Project Juvenile Passage System Cooperative studies and recovery programs (initiated in 1978), as well as continued improvements to Baker Project fish passage facilities and operations (initiated in 1986), have resulted in juvenile runs of outmigrants well in excess of an order of magnitude higher than the numbers observed at the start of these efforts. When compared with the 8,828 outmigrants recorded in 1987, the 2012 outmigration of 512,306 juvenile fish from Upper Baker the second-highest on record is impressive (tables 1 3). Five of the six highest outmigrations at Upper Baker have occurred during the five operating seasons since the new FSC was installed in March The steadily increasing trend reflects favorably on the long-term dedication and commitment of the agencies, tribes, and PSE to the resource, as well as on the cooperative relationship maintained by all parties involved. The number of juvenile migrants captured and transported at PSE s Baker River downstream fish passage facilities (Upper and Lower Baker combined) in 2012 was the highest on record, totaling 546,707 fish. Wild (unmarked) migrants totaled 397,620 sockeye and 65,478 coho (table 3). Wild smolts formed the dominant portion of the 2012 run, with hatchery and study fish releases supplementing them. The 2012 outmigration of 546,707 was 72% higher than the 10-year average of 317,126. Sockeye salmon is the predominant species in the basin, and receives the most attention from resource managers and mitigation and enhancement measures. A larger number (30,761 in 2012 vs. 6,148 in 2011) of sockeye fry (age 0+) were collected in the Upper Baker FSC trap and, with the exception of 167 mortalities resulting primarily from debris issues, were returned to the lake in accordance with the Fish Co-Manager operating protocol. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 10

15 Activity Report Table 1. Numbers of juvenile salmonids captured and transported from the Upper Baker Development, Upper Baker Juvenile Migration Year Sampling Season Unmarked Marked Unmarked Marked Native Chinook Pink O. mykiss Coho Coho Sockeye Sockeye Char 1 Cutthroat 2 Total Sockeye Other Coho Total Collected Total 1987 May 22 - July 31 3,293 4, ,828 7, March 28 - Aug 19 26,511 19,630 9,618 3, ,855 46,141 9, March 28 - Aug 09 36,571 42,110 6,346 1, ,304 78,681 6, Mar 30 - Aug 03 19,261 22,426 24, ,510 41,687 24, Apr 08 - Aug 06 26,895 2,493 9, ,132 29,388 9, Mar 20 - Aug 11 37,177 7,258 89, , ,281 44,435 89, Mar 22 - Aug 11 30,024 2,825 24, , ,917 32,849 25, Jan26-Feb3, Mar21-Aug1 52,684 7, , , ,103 60, , Feb 28 - July 31 33,637 6, , , ,103 39, , Mar 26 - July 19 44,267 4, , ,983 48, , Mar 26 - Aug 05 38,499 5, , ,321 43, , Mar 27 - July 27 51,997 11,429 48, ,321 63,426 48, Apr 09 - Aug 03 25,827 7, ,882 9, ,304 33, , Apr 03 - Aug 08 44,635 9,565 27, , ,550 54,200 27, Apr 02 - Aug 08 31,157 21, ,537 1, ,937 52, , Mar 25 - Aug 09 28,166 8, ,483 6,538 1, ,686 36, , Mar 19 - Aug 05 25,345 6,096 57,949 12,465 4, ,295 31,441 70, Apr 14 - Aug 03 38,091 8, ,211 15, ,260 46, , Mar 15 - Aug 02 34,299 8,220 97,792 15, ,355 42, , Mar 16 - Aug 01 40,106 10, ,962 20, ,629 50, , Mar 14 - July 31 27,315 7,879 83,177 33, ,555 35, , Mar 22 - Jul 31 18,007 9, ,489 42, ,558 27, , Feb 03 - Jul 31 98,918 9, ,100 33, , , , Feb 24 - Aug 03 71,853 7, ,458 36,839 1, , ,592 79, , Mar 01 - Aug 01 55,119 7, ,801 35, ,820 62, , Feb 29 - Aug 01 52,275 7, ,791 71, ,306 59, ,612 Mean (last 10 years) 46,133 8, ,273 31, ,812 54, ,162 Max. (last 10 years) 98,918 10, ,458 71,821 4, , , , ,612 Min. (last 10 years) 18,007 6,096 57,949 12, ,295 27,798 70,414 1 native char data included in column for 'other' spp. prior to cutthroat data included in column for 'other' spp. prior to 2001 Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 11

16 Activity Report Table 2. Numbers of juvenile salmonids captured and transported from the Lower Baker Development, Lower Baker Juvenile Migration Year Sampling Season Unmarked Marked Unmarked Marked Native Chinook Pink O. mykiss Coho Coho Sockeye Sockeye Char 1 Cutthroat 2 Total Sockeye Other Coho Total Collected Total 1989 Apr 25 - Aug May 14 - Jul , May 03 - Aug 05 1, , ,134 1,659 5, Apr 01 - Aug 10 1, ,859 2, Apr 09 - Aug 09 15, ,613 15, Jan26-Feb4, Apr5-Aug1 6, ,939 7, Apr 04 - Aug , Apr 01 - Jul , ,600 1,318 23, May 06 - Jul 31 2,629 1,460 14, ,846 4,089 14, Apr 08 - Jul 20 4,869 3,733 43, ,405 8,602 43, Apr 01 - Jul 20 1,402 1,745 9, ,899 3,147 9, Apr 06 - Aug 09 5,116 2, ,675 7, Apr 02 - Jul 31 8,254 1, ,160 9, Apr 02 - Jul 31 5,756 1,350 9, ,716 7,106 9, Apr 03 - Aug 05 3, ,943 3, Apr 20 - Aug 02 1, , ,423 2,281 4, Apr 11 - Aug 01 3,078 1,659 3, ,209 4,737 3, Apr 03 - Aug 01 3,690 1,365 4, ,970 5,055 4, Apr 03 - July 31 13,284 3,998 37,492 3, ,904 17,282 41, Apr 01 - Jul ,840 1, Feb 27 - Jul 31 21,003 1,990 7, ,762 22,993 7, Feb 26 - Jul 31 5, , ,645 6,289 1, Mar 01 - Aug 01 13, , ,041 14,866 5, Feb 29 - Aug 01 13,203 2,980 16, ,401 16,183 17,307 Mean (last 10 years) 7,916 1,516 8, ,314 9,432 8,664 Max. (last 10 years) 21,003 3,998 37,492 3, ,904 22,993 41,250 Min. (last 10 years) ,840 1, native char data included in column for 'other' spp. prior to cutthroat data included in column for 'other' spp. prior to 2001 Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 12

17 Activity Report Table 3. Total juvenile salmonids captured and transported from the Baker River Project, Total Baker Project Juvenile Migration Year Sampling Season Unmarked Marked Unmarked Marked Native Chinook Pink O. mykiss Coho Coho Sockeye Sockeye Char 1 Cutthroat 2 Total Sockeye Other Coho Total Collected Total 1987 May 22 - July 31 3,293 4, ,828 7, March 28 - Aug 19 26,511 19,630 9, , ,855 46,141 9, March 28 - Aug 09 36,785 42,158 6, , ,587 78,943 6, Mar 30 - Aug 03 19,877 22,574 24, ,787 42,451 24, Apr 08 - Aug 06 28,543 2,504 15, ,266 31,047 15, Mar 20 - Aug 11 39,034 7,921 89, , ,140 46,955 90, Mar 22 - Aug 11 45,261 3,243 25, , ,530 48,504 25, Jan26-Feb3, Mar21-Aug1 59,064 8, , , ,042 67, , Feb 28 - July 31 33,823 6, , , ,554 40, , Mar 26 - July 19 45,112 4, , ,583 49, , Mar 26 - Aug 05 41,128 6, , ,167 47, , Mar 27 - July 27 56,866 15,162 92, ,726 72,028 92, Apr 09 - Aug 03 27,229 8, ,221 10, ,203 36, , Apr 03 - Aug 08 49,751 12,051 28, , ,225 61,802 28, Apr 02 - Aug 08 39,411 22, , , ,097 62, , Mar 25 - Aug 09 33,922 9, ,733 6,748 1, ,402 43, , Mar 19 - Aug 05 28,373 6,525 58,346 12,480 4, ,238 34,898 70, Apr 14 - Aug 03 39,429 9, ,299 15, ,683 48, , Mar 15 - Aug 02 37,377 9, ,025 16, ,564 47, , Mar 16 - Aug 01 43,796 12, ,708 20, ,599 55, , Mar 14 - July 31 40,599 11, ,669 37, ,459 52, , Mar 22 - Jul 31 18,775 10, ,075 42, ,398 28, , Feb 03 - Jul ,921 11, ,633 33, , , , Feb 24 - Aug 03 77,713 8, ,743 36,844 1, , ,237 86, , Feb 29 - Aug 01 69,022 8, ,729 35, ,861 77, , Mar 01 - Aug 01 65,478 10, ,620 72, ,707 75, ,919 Mean (last 10 years) 54,048 9, ,485 32, ,126 63, ,826 Max. (last 10 years) 119,921 12, ,743 72,299 4, , , , ,919 Min. (last 10 years) 18,775 6,525 58,346 12, ,238 28,971 70,826 1 native char data included in column for 'other' spp. prior to cutthroat data included in column for 'other' spp. prior to 2001 Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 13

18 Activity Report Daily juvenile salmon outmigration monitoring began in 1980 in response to declining runs of returning adults to the upstream trap, which reached a low of 99 sockeye in Annual mark-release-recapture reservoir migration studies have been conducted since 1988 at Upper Baker and since 1992 at Lower Baker (tables 4-6). The recapture studies generally display an increasing trend that corresponds with surface collector and guide net improvements over time. Table 4. Numbers of juvenile coho salmon released and recaptured at the Upper Baker Development, Year Mark # Released Recovered % # UB fish caught LB % of LB captures 1988 RU 17,208 7, RV,R/\,L<,L> 99,678 41, RU 37,409 23, RV,R/\,L<,L> 5,098 2, RU,LU 10,200 6, R/\,LV 10,421 2, Rn,LU 10,726 7, R/\,LV 10,415 6, Rn,LU 10,237 4, R/\,LV 10,088 4, Rn,LU 10,147 6, RV,L/\ 8,660 5, Rn,LU 10,368 5, RV,LV 9,990 5, RU,Ln 10,041 5, R/\,L/\ 10,187 4, RU,LU 10,097 5, R/\,L/\ 10,323 5, Rn,LU 10,422 6, RV,LV 10,381 5, L,R 10,218 6, RV,LV 10,269 7, LU 5,235 3, RU 5,121 3, LV 5,200 3, RV 5,100 3, L 5,156 2, R 5,135 4, mean 58.2 Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 14

19 Activity Report Table 5. Numbers of juvenile coho salmon released and recaptured at the Lower Baker Development, Year Release Site Mark # Released Recovered % 1992 Rn 5, L/\ 5, Ln 5, L/\ 5, Ln 5, L/\ 5,043 1, Ln 5,041 2, LV 5,091 1, RU 4,998 2, L/\ 4,974 1, LU 5,032 1, Sulphur Cr RV 5, Sulphur Cr Rn 5, Sulphur Cr LV 5,045 1, Sulphur Cr RU 5,116 1, Sulphur Cr R/\ 5,189 1, Sulphur Cr LU 5, Sulphur Cr R/\ 5,152 1, Sulphur Cr Rn 5, Sulphur Cr R/\ 5, Sulphur Cr RU 5,162 2, mean 23.6 Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 15

20 Activity Report Table 6. Numbers of juvenile sockeye salmon released and recaptured at the Upper Baker Development, Year Release Site Mark # Released Recovered % # UB fish caught LB % 1992 ad clip 4, ad clip 5, ad clip 5, RC 4,945 2, ad clip 22,541 7, ad clip (2+) L< 4,892 1, ad clip 27,283 4, LC 5,203 2, ad clip 47,763 9, Blue Tarp ad clip 23,432 15, Blue Tarp RC 4,907 1, Blue Tarp ad clip 50,716 14, Blue Tarp L/\ 5,028 3, Baker Lk Resort ad clip 54,485 17, Blue Tarp RC 5,133 2, Blue Tarp ad clip 50,420 30, , ad clip 50,956 36, Blue Tarp כL 5,152 3, Blue Tarp ad clip 57,487 30, Blue Tarp RC 5,108 2, Blue Tarp ad clip 59,856 33, Blue Tarp R> 4,835 3, Blue Tarp ad clip 59,856 33, Blue Tarp R> 4,835 3, Blue Tarp ad clip 115,024 68, Blue Tarp LV 5,163 3, mean new FSC only Natural Smolt Outmigration A total of 512,306 migrating juvenile salmon (452,612 sockeye smolts and 52,295 coho smolts) were captured at the Upper Baker FSC in 2012 (table 1 and figure 4). The 2012 total outmigration was the second-highest on record at Upper Baker since monitoring began in 1980, the highest occurring in 2010 when 517,592 outmigrants were collected. The number of juvenile salmonids collected at the Upper Baker FSC has steadily increased since 1987, with five of the six highest totals occurring since the new FSC began operation in 2008 (figure 4). The largest daily peak trap count occurred on May 6, 2012, when an estimated 3 94,244 juvenile salmon were captured, exceeding the previous records of 85,335 salmon captured on May 6, ,629 and 58,275 salmon were captured on May 9 and 10, 2009, respectively. The new FSC has averaged 404,205 outmigrants during its first five seasons, while the previous gulper averaged 193,419 over its last five seasons of operation (table 1). 3 Subsampling occurred at a rate of 28%, so the sum of visually-estimated individual transport loads was used to determine total daily migration. (The accuracy of visual estimates exceeds that of mechanical estimates.) Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 16

21 Activity Report 600, , , ,000 Total Collected Trend Line Upper Baker River Juvenile Outmigration, (period of data record) 2010 (3rd-yr FSC) - record migration - 517, (2nd-yr FSC) - record migration (at time) - 443, (5th-yr FSC) - 2nd highest migration - 512,306 Number of Fish Captured at UB FSC 400, , , , , , , ,828 migrants (1st nets installed) nets extended to bottom redesigned net & NTS installed on existing "gulper" 2008 (1st-yr FSC) - 2nd highest migration (at time) - 280, (4th-yr FSC) - 266,820 50, Year Figure 4. Yearly number (solid) and trend (dotted) of salmon smolts captured at the Upper Baker floating surface collector, Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 17

22 Activity Report 100,000 90,000 80,000 Total Collected Trend Line Lower Baker River Juvenile Outmigration, (period of data record) 70,000 Number of Fish Captured at LB Gulper 60,000 50,000 40,000 30, final year of original gulper (April 1958) 20,000 10, Year Figure 5. Yearly number (solid) and trend (dotted) of salmon smolts captured at the Lower Baker floating surface collector, Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 18

23 Activity Report 600, , , ,000 Total Collected Trend Line Baker River Project Total Juvenile Outmigration, (period of data record) 2010 (3rd-yr FSC) - record migration (at time) - 525, (2nd-yr FSC) - record migration (at time) - 474, (5th-yr FSC) - record migration - 546,707 Number of Fish Migrating from Baker Project 400, , , , , , ,828 migrants (1st nets installed) nets extended to bottom redesigned net & NTS installed on existing "gulper" 2008 (1st-yr FSC) - 2nd highest migration (at time) - 282, (4th-yr FSC) - 287, ,000 50, Year Figure 6. Yearly number (solid) and trend (dotted) of total salmon smolts captured at the Baker downstream passage facilities, Acquisition and Related Activities No acquisitions or related activities under SA 105 occurred during the reporting period. 3.3 Special Consultation No special consultation occurred during the reporting period. 3.4 Design and Planning Activities PSE consulted with the FPTWG and ARG regarding planning, design development, and reporting relative to SA 105. Upper Baker FSC PSE, the FPTWG, and the ARG completed their review of the fourth-year (April July 2011) Upper Baker FSC performance evaluation report. Normal operation of the FSC resulted in the identification of required modifications to several systems. Design, planning, and installation of these modifications occurred during the reporting period, as described in section 3.1. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 19

24 Activity Report Plans to replace the guide net continued, with completion of fabrication (by the same fabricator and in parallel with work on the Lower Baker net) and hiring of a general contractor for installation activities. The field work is scheduled to begin in mid-october (one week after the Lower Baker net installation work begins). Lower Baker FSC PSE s primary contractor for the construction of Lower Baker downstream fish passage facilities (Skanska, Inc.) completed construction and launch of the FSC hull and NTS during the reporting period (see figures 8-26). Installation of moorage system anchors and fabrication of the guide net were also completed. Startup is scheduled for March 1, The original gulper (see figure 22) was disconnected from its mooring and towed to shore, where it was beached (see figure 26) and awaits demolition and disposal following approval by the Commission. Consultation with the FPTWG and ARG by the PSE technical and construction design teams continued during the reporting period. 3.5 Documents Submitted PSE submitted the following four plans on 15 August 2012 to the ARG for a 30-day comment and recommendation period: 1) the Downstream Fish Passage Implementation Plan, which provides a detailed overview of Article 105 for downstream fish passage, its implementation components and schedule; 2) the Operation & Maintenance Plan, which describes the operation and maintenance program for downstream fish passage facilities; 3) the Preliminary Emergency Response Plan, which addresses operational contingencies and emergencies arising from facility operation; and 4) the Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan, which identifies methods to confirm that the fish passage facilities will be constructed according to the approved plans. PSE submitted the four plans noted above with an additional Lower Baker FSC Post- Construction Evaluation Pan (PCEP) to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service for a 30-day comment and approval period. This PCEP details hydraulic and biological evaluations for the new downstream fish passage facility at the Lower Baker reservoir and provides documentation of the multi-year development and consultation process. All five plans will be submitted to the Commission with Services approval letters during the 2012 reporting period. PSE submitted the 2010 SA 105 annual report to the ARG on November 11, Comments were addressed in the revised draft that was subsequently submitted to the ARG as part of the 2010 annual aquatics report on January 31, 2011 in accordance with SA 102, prior to submittal to the Commission. 3.6 Modifications to or Deviations from Planned Activities All SA 105 activities scheduled for the reporting period were performed as planned. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 20

25 Issues and Resolution 4.0 Issues and Resolution 4.1 Upper Baker Primary Pump Seals A recurring primary pump alarm indicating failure of the submerged motor seal, with consequential increased risk to the pump, led PSE to notify the ARG of a reduction in FSC flow from 1,000 cfs to 500 cfs from June 28 to July 31, when the submersible pump could be removed for serviced. The reduction followed the peak of the downstream migration, and occurred with one month remaining in the operating season Limit Switches Recurring issues with limit switches for holding pond swing gates and the primary screen trash rake system were addressed in the short term by replacing faulty switches, and in the long term by developing new specifications for installation prior to the 2013 operating season (2012 reporting period). 4.2 Lower Baker Primary Pump Sumps Both Lower Baker gulper primary pump sumps were reconstructed due to leaks which would have reduced inflow and gulper effectiveness. 5.0 Proposed Changes to the Implementation Plan There were no proposed changes to the Downstream Fish Passage Implementation Plan during the reporting period. 6.0 Accounting Puget Sound Energy, pursuant to settlement agreement articles 102, 201, 301, 501, and 602, is required to provide an annual summary of expenditures made during the preceding year, as well as an accounting of funding expenditures, any interest earned, disbursements made as required by any article, and adjustments for inflation. This section provides an accounting of all expenditures made during the reporting period, including pre-license expenditures such as costs incurred for early land acquisition efforts. All disbursement adjustments and relevant calculations were determined using the guidelines provided in settlement agreement article Funding and Expenditures Prescribed by SA 105 Prescribed annual funding made available for beneficial modifications to the downstream trap and related facilities has accrued at $20,000 per year since the date of license issuance, escalated from 2006 dollars. Annual funding is made available on the anniversary date of license issuance October 17, The balance is reflected in the following table. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 21

26 Accounting Table 7. Funds allocated to downstream fish passage account, (years one through four). Year Amount Allocated Amount Spent Amount Carried Over Interest a Remaining (1) , , ,035 (2) , , ,194 (3) , , ,526 (4) , , ,406 b Total 85, , ,406 (+) a Annual allocation of $20,000 occurs in October of the reporting period, escalation is applied in February, and interest in accrued the following October. b Not including interest that will be accrued in October Additional PSE Expenditures for SA 105 Non-prescribed PSE expenditures for SA 105 implementation during the reporting period, excluding AFUDC, totaled: Upper Baker Capital $0. Lower Baker Capital $30,201,508 Upper Baker O&M $733,425 (including labor, pumping power costs, essential power. Lower Baker O&M $110,841 (including labor and power costs). The total expenditure of all the above funds for SA 105 during the reporting period was $31,045, Adjustments There were no adjustments to the funding for SA 105 during the reporting period. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 22

27 Supporting Documents 7.0 Supporting Documents 7.1 Lower Baker FSC Siting & Facilities Plan Figure 7. Lower Baker FSC site plan, with Lower Baker Dam at far left (MWH Global, Inc., May 2010). Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 23

28 Supporting Documents 7.2 Lower Baker FSC Construction and Startup Schedule Figure 8. Lower Baker FSC construction and startup schedule (Skanska, Inc., July 2012). Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 24

29 Supporting Documents 7.3 Lower Baker FSC Construction Photos Figure 9. Final construction site preparation, Sep Figure 10. FSC hull sections in fabrication, Sep Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 25

30 Supporting Documents Figure 11. Lifting first FSC belly tank assembly, Sep. 24, Figure 12. FSC under construction, Nov Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 26

31 Supporting Documents Figure 13. FSC primary pumps being assembled, Dec Figure 14. NTS-to-FSC mating test, Jan Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 27

32 Supporting Documents Figure 15. Mooring anchor drilling from water, Feb Figure 16. Drilling pier pilings, Feb Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 28

33 Supporting Documents Figure 17. Primary screen perforated plate baffles, March Figure 18. Holding ponds under construction, May Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 29

34 Supporting Documents Figure 19. NTS assembly, June Figure 20. Aerial view of FSC & NTS construction site, June Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 30

35 Supporting Documents Figure 21. Pier and access construction with gulper and dam in background, June Figure 22. Original LB gulper (April 1958) in last season of operation, June Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 31

36 Supporting Documents Figure 23. FSC launch, July 24, Figure 24. NTS launch, July 31, Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 32

37 Supporting Documents Figure 25. FSC & NTS launched and floating, Aug. 2, Figure 26. Original gulper removed and beached, new FSC in background, August 15, Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 33

38 Supporting Documents Figure 27. Stress-relief pond weir outlets. Figure 28. Stress-relief pond outfall to the Baker River. Doc ID: BAK PSE.FERC-DC Baker River Hydroelectric Project Page 34