Download Project ID: 31030

Project ID: 31030
Technical Response
Santiam Water Control District
Fish Screen and Passage Project
Sponsor:
SWCD
Province:
Lower Columbia
Subbasin:
Willamette
Prepared by:
Craven Consulting Group
18867 S. Forest Grove Loop
Oregon City, Oregon 97045
and
David Evans & Associates
709 N.W. Wall Street
Bend, Oregon 97701
Prepared at the Request of:
Santiam Water Control District
Stayton, Oregon
March 15, 2002
Project ID: 31030
Short Project Description: Protect fisheries resources, especially threatened and endangered
species by planning, design, construction, and maintenance of a fish screen, fish bypass and fish
barrier on the SWCD canal (N. Santiam River) in Stayton, Oregon.
TECHNICAL RESPONSE TO COMMENTS PROVIDED BY ISRP:
ISRP Comment/Question: “While the proposal indicates that substantial planning for the
construction of the facilities have been conducted, the proposal provides no information on
the scale of the problem for FWP to be addressed by this proposal.”
The problem of the unscreened diversion has been cited in annual reports prepared by ODFW
and in the ODFW Fish Management Plan for the Santiam and Calapooia Subbasin (ODFW
1992). The plan cites passage problems for juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead. The plan
identifies improvement of upstream and downstream passage at Stayton as a “high priority” (See
following response).
Periodic sampling of the canal downstream of the diversion by ODFW has documented the
presence of various species of fish, including steelhead and chinook salmon. The scale of the
problem can best be characterized by the commitment of funding by the ODFW Fish Screening
Task Force ($200,000); the high percentage of flows that are diverted into the canal from the
North Santiam River; and the protected status of steelhead (Threatened), spring chinook
(Threatened), and Oregon chub (Endangered) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
ISRP Comment/Question: “A response is needed concerning what makes this a priority
screening project (stated top 5 priority in Oregon)?”
The ODFW Fish Screening Program has developed priority criteria for diversions based on:
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Fish Species Status
Fish Numbers Impacted
Diversion Size
Diversion Flow Relative to Stream Flow
Fish Migration
Habitat Quality
Basin Priority (ODFW)
Diversions Screened in Stream
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
The total possible points are 100. Based on these criteria, ODFW gave the SWCD diversion a
total of 97 points (Bernie Kepshire, ODFW, pers. comm., March 7, 2002). The diversion
received the highest points for each of the above priority criteria except for Diversions Screened
in Stream. It received only 2 out of 5 points for this criterion. The diversion received the highest
points primarily because of the size of the diversion (approximately 1,000 cfs), the Endangered
Species Act (ESA) status for the species and critical habitat (Table 1), fish numbers to be
protected, and the diversion flow relative to stream flow.
Table 1.
Threatened and Endangered Fish, Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs),
and Fish Protected under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Common
Name
Scientific
Name
Chinook
Salmon
Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha
Oncorhynchus
mykiss
Oregonichthys
crameri
Oncorhynchus
kisutch
Steelhead
Oregon
Chub
Coho Salmon
Federal
Status
Critical
Habitat
Essential
Fish
Habitat
Threatened
Designated 2/00
Yes
Threatened
Designated 2/00
No
Not Applicable
Endangered
No Designation
No
Not Applicable
Not Listed
No Designation
Yes
ESU
Upper Willamette
River
Upper Willamette
River
In addition to protection under the ESA, certain species have protection under section 305 of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), Federal agencies which
authorize, fund, or undertake any action which may adversely affect any essential fish habitat
(EFH) are required to consult with NMFS. EFH has been defined as those waters and substrate
necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity (PFMC 1999). EFH has
been designated for Federally managed groundfish, coastal pelagics, and Pacific salmon fisheries
as those waters and substrate necessary to ensure the production needed to support a long-term
sustainable fishery (Table 1). The project area is considered EFH for chinook salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
ISRP Comment/Question: “The proposal requests funds for construction and refers to
monitoring and evaluation but no methods are described.”
The monitoring plan for the project is under development. The monitoring plan will focus on the
following topics and activities to evaluate project effectiveness and to support adaptive
management activities. Specific methods will be developed and reviewed by ODFW, NMFS,
and USFWS.
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
1.0
PURPOSE
The purpose of the monitoring plan is to evaluate the effectiveness of the newly installed fish
screen and fish bypass, the effectiveness of the tailrace barrier, and the enhancement activities in
the abandoned man-made tailrace. The results will be used in an adaptive management program
that adjusts the fish screen and tailrace barrier structural and hydraulic components to improve
performance, and that modifies habitat components in the abandoned tailrace to improve habitat
quality for juvenile salmonids.
2.0
EVALUATION OF THE FISH SCREEN AND FISH BYPASS
Hydraulic characteristics, cleaning capabilities, and fish injury and/or mortality will be
evaluated.
2.1
Hydraulic Characteristics
Sweeping velocities and velocities through the screen were predicted based on calculations of
water volume, screen area, and screen configuration based on desired approach velocities. The
operating fish screen will be evaluated to determine if the predicted and operational
characteristics are achieved. Particular attention will be given to consideration of velocity
changes at the screen to bypass interface. In the instance that the operational characteristics are
not similar to the predicted characteristics, the impact of differences on cleaning capabilities and
fish injury and/or mortality will be evaluated. Operational characteristics will be modified as
necessary to achieve the best balance that achieves minimal fish injury and/or mortality.
Activity 1 – Compare predicted and actual velocities
Activity 2 – Modify configuration to evaluate sensitivity of configuration to changes that
may impact velocities across screen
Activity 3 – Evaluate changes in quantity of flow on proper operation
2.2
Cleaning Capabilities
Proper cleaning of the screen will depend on maintaining a proper configuration. The
mechanical and self-cleaning characteristics of the screen will be evaluated by observing debris
loading at the apex of the screen, within the length of the screen chamber, and in the bay behind
the screen. Observations will be made during various times of the year to have a range of
conditions that could cause low loading to high loading.
Activity 1 – Observe and document mechanical and self-cleaning capabilities of the screen
Activity 2 – Observe sediment accumulation on or behind the screen
Activity 3 – Observe sediment accumulation in the screen chamber and at the apex of the
screen
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
2.3
Impingement, Fish Injury and/or Mortality, and Predation
Impingement, fish injury and/or mortality will be evaluated by observation and collection of fish
downstream of the screen. Fish will be collected in the fish collection facility at the apex of the
screen and observed for descaling and injury. If observations suggest that descaling and injury is
occurring, then an additional test(s) will be conducted using hatchery fish in replicated tests after
adjustments to screen configuration. Comparisons will be made during periods of the year when
debris loading in the water column would be expected to be low and when debris loading would
be expected to be high.
Predation in the fish screen chamber will be evaluated by observation of evidence of predation
and presence of evidence of predators near the fish screen.
Activity 1 – Observe screen for evidence of impingement of fish on the fish screen
Activity 2 – Evaluate injury of fish passing the screen
Activity 3 – Survey fish screen for evidence of predation
Activity 4 – Evaluate injury mortality of hatchery fish across the screen
2.4
Migration Delay
The impact of the screen on fish movement over the screen and into the bypass will be evaluated
by direct observation, and, if necessary, by release of hatchery fish (if feasible and acceptable to
ODFW).
Activity 1 – Estimate Travel time of Fish across the Screen
Activity 2 – Evaluate Changes in Screen Configuration to Minimize Delay
3.0
EVALUATION OF THE TAILRACE BARRIER
The tailrace flow from the existing man-made channel will be redirected to a newly constructed
man-made channel that will have an outfall on the North Santiam River. The outfall will have a
tailrace barrier (vertical drop and velocity) to prevent fish, especially salmon and steelhead, from
entering the tailrace. The effectiveness of the tailrace will be observed.
Activity 1 – Observe the tailrace periodically during periods of upstream migration and
coordinate observations with adult trapping at Upper and Lower Bennett
Dams
4.0
EVALUATION OF ABANDONED TAILRACE CHANNEL
The flows from the man-made tailrace channel will be redirected to a new tailrace that will
connect to the North Santiam River by a shorter route. The lower approximately ½ mile of the
existing tailrace that no longer will be used as a tailrace will be converted to a backwater area for
rearing juvenile salmonids. Large woody debris will be placed in the channel to provide cover
and direct flows. Flows will be provided to the backwater area by releasing between 25 and 75
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
cfs of the tailrace flow back to the channel via a control structure that has been designed for this
purpose. The flow that will be delivered depends on additional studies to quantify desired
habitat conditions. These studies and consultation with ODFW, NMFS, and USFWS were
initiated last summer (2001). Once the initial changes in the channel are accomplished,
monitoring activities will be undertaken to allow adaptive management to further improve
juvenile habitat.
4.1
Riparian Habitat
The abandoned tailrace channel has extensive riparian vegetative growth and canopy, and
wetlands are present in various areas on the south side of the channel. Although no impacts are
expected, observations will be made of riparian habitat along the abandoned channel.
Activity 1 – Observe Changes in Riparian Species and Densities
4.2
Converted Tailrace Channel
Initially, the channel will be modified by placement of large woody debris. Development of
pools, riffles, and backwater areas will be evaluated. As the channel adjusts to the new flow
regime, observations will be made on habitat development.
Activity 1 – Observe and measure changes in riffle and pool width and depth
Activity 2 – Estimate long-term impact of flow regimes on habitat development
Activity 3 – Quantify effectiveness of large woody debris to provide juvenile habitat
4.3
Water Quality (turbidity, sedimentation, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature)
Water quality will be evaluated in the abandoned tailrace channel. Dissolved oxygen, water
temperature, turbidity, and sedimentation will be measured. Particular attention will be given to
water temperature during summer months and sediment deposition when sediment loading
would be expected to occur.
Activity 1 – Measure water quality parameters (turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and water
temperature)
Activity 2 – Measure sediment build-up in the abandoned channel
4.4
Fish Use
Adult and juvenile fish use in the abandoned tailrace channel will be evaluated. The intent is to
minimize the use of the abandoned tailrace channel by adult salmonids by controlling flow to the
channel. Flow will be controlled to prevent a false attraction of adult salmon and steelhead to the
outflow from the channel at the North Santiam River. A combination of observation,
electrofishing, and snorkel surveys will occur in the channel to estimate number of adult fish or
densities of juvenile fish. Fish use by time of year and habitat will be quantified.
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
Activity 1 – Evaluate riffle and pool areas by periodic sampling
Activity 2 – Estimate adult salmonid use of the abandoned tailrace
5.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1
Fish Screen
Based on the results of evaluations, changes in operation or configuration will be recommended
to minimize impacts on fish resources.
5.2
Tailrace Barrier
Based on observations, recommendations will be made to change the tailrace barrier to minimize
adult fish attraction to the tailrace.
5.3
Abandoned Tailrace Channel
Based on the results of observations and evaluations, recommendations will be made to modify
habitat characteristics to improve rearing or passage for juvenile or adult fish.
ISRP Comment/Question: “The proposal does show excellent cost sharing. Unfortunately,
there is nothing for the ISRP to review technically and to comment on … until we receive a
revised and more informative proposal.”
The Basis of Design (Appendix A) and construction plans (Appendix B) for the fish screen and
tailrace barrier are provided for ISRP review. These documents have been reviewed and revised
throughout the consultation process with the ODFW, NMFS, and USFWS to develop the 95%
construction plans. Engineers representing the SWCD (Kevin Crew, P. E. from David Evans and
Associates, Inc.), ODFW (Mike Lambert, P. E.), and the NMFS (Ed Meyer, P. E.) have been
involved in the design for up to several years. Biologists involved in the review include Wayne
Hunt (ODFW District Fish Biologist), Steve Mamoyac (ODFW) Will Biedler (ODFW), Bernie
Kepshire (ODFW State Fish Screen Coordinator), and Richard Craven (Craven Consulting
Group). In addition, the ODFW Fish Screening Task Force has provided funding ($200,000) for
this project on the basis of the consultation and design review that has occurred to date.
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
References
Bernie Kepshire. 2002. State Fish Screen Coordinator, ODFW, Personal Communication,
March 7, 2002.
ODFW. 1992. Santiam and Calapooia Subbasin Fish Management Plan. Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Portland, Oregon.
PFMC. 1999. Amendment 14 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan. Appendix A: Description and
Identification of Essential Fish Habitat, Adverse Impacts and Recommended Conservation
Measures for Salmon (August 1999). Pacific Fisheries Management Council.
Project ID: 31030
SWCD Fish Screen and
Passage Project
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March 15, 2002
Appendix A
Santiam Water Control District Fish Screening
and Passage Project Basis of Design
Please refer to files titled:
31030 response-Appendix A-Basis of Design (Word format)
31030 response-Appendix A-Table 1 (Excel format)
31030 response-Appendix A-Table 2 (Excel format)
Appendix B
Construction Plans for Main Canal Fish
Screen and Fish Barrier Project
This appendix includes thirteen, 11” x 17” figures. They are being provided in hardcopy
format only.