Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration Program (DOE/EIS-0425)

Chelan and Okanogan counties, Washington

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In 2012, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of the construction and operation of the Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration Program. This program is implemented by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and funded, in part, by BPA. The goal of this program is to restore a naturally produced, self-sustaining population of coho by releasing up to 1.16 million coho smolts in the Wenatchee basin and 1.0 million coho smolts in the Methow basin annually. The action proposed in the EIS included a coho hatchery in the Wenatchee basin and 24 acclimation ponds in targeted tributaries in the two basins. The action also included the collection of adult coho to artificially produce coho eggs and juveniles at various hatcheries in Washington and Oregon hatchery in the Wenatchee basin and 24 acclimation ponds in targeted tributaries in the two basins. The action also included the collection of adult coho to artificially produce coho eggs and juveniles at various hatcheries in Washington and Oregon.

Since the EIS was completed, the Yakama Nation has conducted work at three acclimation ponds. In addition, they found that some modifications to original proposals are required. BPA has prepared a number of supplement analyses (SAs) to evaluate the environmental impacts that may occur as a result of these changes.

CURRENT STATUS

BPA is currently analyzing potential impacts of pond site relocations and a location adjustment for the Natapoc hatchery.

SA-03 - Merry Canyon and Trinity Acclimation Ponds: BPA initiated scoping for the Merry Canyon and Trinity acclimation sites and accepted comments from the public until September 9, 2014. BPA has completed its environmental review and has decided to fund construction and operation of the Trinity site. The supplemental analysis is available below.

We anticipate that the SA for Merry Canyon, if warranted, will be available to the public in 2017.

SA-04 - Natapoc Hatchery design revisions: BPA has completed its environmental review and has concluded that Natapoc Hatchery design revisions and potential effects on the environment are consistent with those that had been analyzed under the 2012 EIS, and that a new EIS need not be prepared. BPA requested public comment on the hatchery design changes in November 2014 and received one comment.

CONTACT

For environmental-related information, contact:
Chad Hamel Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist Direct line: 503-230-5564
Bonneville Power Administration - ECF-4  Email: cjhamel@bpa.gov 
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208-3621

For project information, contact:
Roy Beaty Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Project Manager Direct line: 503-230-5152
Bonneville Power Administration - EWU-4  Email: rebeaty@bpa.gov 
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208-3621

DOCUMENTS


SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSES
SA-06 - Early Winters 3 Acclimation Ponds
Public Letter (09/15/2016)
Supplement Analysis (09/06/2016)

Scoping comments received
Public Letter (11/20/2015)
Location Map (10/14/2015)
Comment Form (11/20/2015)

SA-05 - Acclimation Pond Modifications
Public Letter (01/25/2015)
Supplement Analysis (02/03/2015)
Location Map (11/25/2014)

SA-04 - Natapoc Hatchery
Public Letter (06/09/2017)
Supplement Analysis (05/30/2017)

Scoping comments received
Public Letter (11/04/2014)
Project Map (10/03/2014)
Comment Form (11/04/2014)

SA-03 - Merry Canyon and Trinity Acclimation Ponds
Public Letter (Trinity site) (12/30/2016)
Supplement Analysis (Trinity site) (12/14/2016)

Scoping comments received (for combined Merry Canyon and Trinity sites)
Public Letter (08/01/2014)
Project Map (07/01/2014)
Comment Form (08/01/2014)

SA-02 - Blue Buck Pond Modification
Public Letter (10/09/2013)
Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration Program Acclimation Pond Modification - Blue Buck Pond (10/07/2013)
Project Map (10/04/2013)

SA-01 - Butcher Pond Modification
Public Letter (07/22/2013)
Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration Program Acclimation Pond Modification - Butcher Pond (07/19/2013)

RECORD OF DECISION
Public Letter (07/23/2012)
ROD with Mitigation Action Plan (07/19/2012)

FINAL EIS
Public Letter (03/02/2012)
Final EIS (March 2012)

DRAFT EIS
Draft EIS comments received
Public Letter (06/21/2011)
Draft EIS (June, 2011)
Appendices 1-5 
Appendices 6-10 
Appendix 11 

Project Location Maps  (11/01/2010)

SCOPING
Scoping comments received
Public Letter (07/23/2009)
Comment Form (07/23/2009)

NOTICE OF INTENT
Notice of Intent (07/22/2009)