Appendix — Public Utility District No. 1 v. Confederated Tribes & Bands of the Yakima Indian Nation
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No. 84- ALEXANDER L. OTEVAR,
IN THE
Suprene Court of the United States
OCTOBER TERM, 1984
PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT No. 1 OF
CHELAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON,
Petitioner,
Vv.
CONFEDERATED TRIBES AND BANDS OF THE
YAKIMA INDIAN NATION, et al.,
Respondents.
APPENDIX TO
PETITION FOR A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Of Counsel: JAMES B. VASILE
Davip J. DorSEY Counsel of Record
DAVIS, ARNEIL, DORSEY, MICHAEL F.. HEALY
KIGHT & PARLETTE JILL E. GRANT
617 Washington Street NEWMAN & HOLTZINGER, P.C.
P.O. Box 2136 1615 L Street, N.W.
Wenatchee, Washington 98801 Washington, D.C. 20086
(509) 662-8551 (202) 955-6600
Attorneys for Petitioner
Public Utility District No. 1
of Chelan County, Washington
SNEED
WILSON - EPES PRINTING Co., INC. - 789-0096 . WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. JUDICIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OPIN-
EINE: chaicosrssinsiohinstiniaieniecsiinciogenibaniaiiiacnniaabsninbeagetaninenenes
II.
III.
A.
Confederated Tribes and Rands of the Yak-
ima Indian Nation v. FERC, Nos. 82-7561,
-7562, -7038 (9th Cir., June 7, 1984) _..........
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Or-
ders in Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan
County, Washington, Project No. 943 ..........
1. Order Issuing New License (Major)
I iad ceeeeetnimininas
2. Order on Appeal (June 4, 1982) -...............
3. Order on Rehearing (November 23,
RSIS RCS aR ie oe
. Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yak-
ima Indian Nation v. FERC, Nos. 82-7561,
-7562, -7038 (9th Cir., Oct. 30, 1984) _.........
NS citi cdttrreitierinnssetitrientnen Riiemitncnninitentnncinnntins
IE ciceieresniieninnithnmnsennndinnsannnantnenn
A. Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan
County, Washington, Project No. 943, Order
Amending License (Major) (March 29,
BRR SPREE OE SA: ee Oc
. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Or-
ders in the Mid-Columbia Proceeding ............
1. Order Consolidating Proceedings, Estab-
lishing Hearing and Requiring Prehear-
ing Conference (March 7, 1979) -...........
2. Order Approving Interim Offer of Settle-
ment as Modified (March 20, 1980) .........
3. Submission of Offer of Settlement.............
. Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan
County, Washington, Project No. 943, Notice
of Issuance of Annual License (January 4,
| SOR RERE NES oe
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I. JUDICIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OPINIONS
A. Opinion Below
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Nos. 82-7561
82-7562
and 83-7038
CONFEDERATED TRIBES AND BANDS OF THE
YAKIMA INDIAN NATION,
Petitioner,
MALCOLM BALDRIGE, Secretary of Commerce,
Petitioner,
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION,
Petitioner-Intervenor,
and
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES and
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF GAME,
Intervenors,
vs.
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION,
ona Respondent,
PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT No. 1 OF
CHELAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON,
Intervenor.
On Review of an Order of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Argued and submitted December 8, 1983
2a
OPINION
Before: ANDERSON and FLETCHER, Circuit Judges, and
EastT,* District Judge.
J. BLAINE ANDERSON, Circuit Judge:
On November 23, 1982, the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC or Commission) upheld an order
granting Chelan County Public Utility District No. 1
(Chelan) a new license for the operation of Rock Island
Hydropower Project No. 943. The license is for a forty-
year term. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the
Department of Commerce (NMFS), the Washington State
Departments of Fisheries and Game (Washington), the
National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and the Con-
federated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Indian Nation
(Yakima) petition this court for review. We grant the
petitions, set aside the license, and remand to FERC.
I BACKGROUND
A. Facts
The Rock Island Project was originally licensed on
January 21, 1930 by the Federal Power Commission. The
license authorized the construction of Rock Island Dam,
the first dam to span the Columbia River. In 1952,
Chelan became a joint licensee of the project and in 1980
became the sole licensee.
Rock Is!and originally had a single powerhouse. In
1974, the license was amended, allowing construction of a
second powerhouse. The second powerhouse was com-
pleted in 1979 and has increased the generating capacity
of Rock Island to 622.5 megawatts.
Rock Island is one of ten hydroelectric projects on the
Columbia River. Six of those projects are federally owned
and operated. Four, including Rock Island, are owned
and operated by three public utility districts pursuant to
license. These four projects utilize five dams and are
* The Honorable William G. East, Senior United States District
Judge, District of Oregon, sitting by designation.
3a
located next to one another on the middle stretch of the
Columbia.
As with all dams, Rock Island has a significant impact
on the environment, especially anadromous fish runs. In
the Pacific Northwest, juvenile anadromous fish (chinook,
coho and sockeye salmon, and steelhead trout) utilize the
Columbia River and its tributaries to migrate to the
Pacific Ocean where they mature. As adults, the fish
travel the same route upstream to spawn. Rock Island
Dam has fish ladders and other facilities to assist adult
fish migrating upstream, but it has no comparable facili-
ties to enable the juvenile fish to pass through or around
the dam. The result is that a significant number of
juvenile salmon and steelhead die either as a result of
passing through the turbines or because of a phenomenon
called “holding over.” Holding over occurs when juvenile
fish prematurely end migration because of the delays in
traveling through impounded water and in trying to pass
around a dam. It is the petitioner’s concern with the
effect of Rock Island Dam on juvenile fish which forms
the basis of their appeal.
B. Procedure
The pertinent procedural background of this case be-
gins in 1973 when Chelan applied for and subsequently
received an amended license allowing it to construct the
second powerhouse. 51 F.P.C. 1141 (1974). At that
time, NMFS and Washington intervened and sought the
construction of passage facilities for juvenile fish as a
condition to the amended license. The Federal Power
Commission (FPC), whose functions were transferred to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 1977, did
not impose the conditions. Instead, it added “Article 48”
to the license which required Chelan to conduct studies in
conjunction with federal and state fishery agencies on
the effects of the project on the fishery. The result of
these studies was to be a revised “Exhibit S” (fish and
da
wildlife report). This report was to be submitted three
years after the second powerhouse was operational. Also,
Article 21 of the amended license contained a “reopener”
clause which reserved to FERC the right to require modi-
fication of the dam’s facilities and operations as deemed
reasonable and necessary for the development of fish and
wildlife resources.
In 1976, Washington petitioned the Commission to
modify operations at the Priest Rapids Dam, which is
two dams below Rock Island on the Columbia. Similar
petitions were filed requesting the modification of opera-
tions at four other dams, including Rock Island. All
these petitions sought the amendment of existing licenses
in order to implement fish protection measures. These
five dams are operated by three local public utility dis-
tricts, including Chelan. In 1979, the Commission con-
solidated these petitions into a single action, the Mid-
Columbia Proceeding. 6 F.E.R.C. { 61,210.
The Commission divided the Mid-Columbia Proceeding
into two phases. In Phase I, the Commission ordered an
expedited hearing to consider any interim measures nec-
essary to protect the Spring 1979 downstream migration
of smolts. In Phase II, the Commission ordered that the
usual procedures be followed to reach a long-term solu-
tion to the anadromous fish problem. In late 1979, the
parties to the Mid-Columbia Proceeding (NMFS, Wash-
ington, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Idaho
Department of Fish & Game, Chelan, and the other two
licensees) proposed an interim settlement agreement for
Phase II. FERC approved the settlement in March, 1980.
10 F.E.R.C. § 61,257. It provides for minimum flows and
spills at designated times until 1984. In the meantime,
a five-year study investigating a variety of fish protection
measures was to commence. Importantly, the Commission
recognized the inconclusive nature of the settlement, stat-
ing that it “is obviously an interim measure designed to
5a
gather data rather than a final resolution of appropriate
flows.”
In 1977, Chelan applied for a new license, its original
fifty-year license being due to expire in January, 1980.
In July, 1978, FERC issued its public notice of the appli-
cation and asked interested parties to comment or inter-
vene by September 18, 1978. NMFS and Washington
petitioned to intervene, each noting that further studics
were necessary to gauge the effect of the recent modifi-
cations to Rock Island and that fish protection measures
should be incorporated into the new license. FERC
granted intervention.
In January, 1980, and January, 1981, FERC issued
annual licenses pending its final decision. Then, on May
13, 1981, the Director of the FERC Office of Electric
Power Regulation issued a new license to Chelan, allow-
ing it to continue operation of the project for another
forty years. 14 F.E.R.C. { 62,187. Apparently, NMFS
and Washington had not been contacted again by FERC
after being granted leave to intervene. Also, no hearings
were ever held on the relicensing question.
The Director was of the opinion that FERC’s obliga-
tions to consider fishery issues were being fulfilled by
the related Mid-Columbia Proceeding. He noted that the
new license contained a “reopener” clause which would
permit FERC to impose any necessary fish protection
measures once the continuing studies under the Mid-
Columbia Proceeding were completed, as well as those
done to complete the Revised Exhibit S. Finally, the
Director found that no environmental impact statement
was required prior to licensing because the continued op-
eration of the project did not involve any changes in the
status quo.
NMFS appealed the order to the Commission. Yakima
joined in the appeal. The National Wildlife Federation
filed a separate petition appealing the order. Washington
da
joined later in NMFS’s appeal. The petitioners claimed
that the order failed to comply with the Federal Power
Act (FPA), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(FWCA), the Pacific Northwest Power Planning & Con-
servation Act (PNPA), the National Environmental Pro-
tection Act (NEPA), and Commission regulations. In
essence, petitioners claim that fishery issues must be
considered prior to licensing and that they may not be
deferred to 2 separate proceeding. Without a hearing,
FERC issued its order on appeal, rejecting NWF’s and
Washington’s appeai as untimely and affirming th. Di-
rector’s opinion that fishery measures could be imple-
mented in the license once the Mid-Columbia Proceeding
and the Revised Exhibit S were completed. 19 F.E.R.C.
§ 61,223. The petitioners requested a rehearing and on
November 23, 1983, the Commission again rejected their
claims. 21 F.E.R.C. { 61,264. The petition for review to
this court. followed.
ll. JURISDICTION
NMFS, having filed a petition for review in this court
within sixty days of the denial of its application for re-
hearing by the Commission, is properly before this court.
16 U.S.C. § 825l(b). Chelan and Washington were
granted leave to intervene in the appeal pursuant to
Fed. R. App. P. 15(d). No one contests the order grant-
ing intervention to these interested parties.
Yakima and NWF also filed timely petitions for re-
view. FERC argues that this court must dismiss these
petitions because NWF and Yakima failed to intervene
in the license proceeding prior to issuance of the license
order. Neither NWF nor Yakima qualify, FERC states,
as a “party to a proceeding under this chapter aggrieved
by an order issued by the Commission,” 16 U.S.C. § 825/
(b), entitling them to seek review in this court.
We disagree. Under the regulations then in force, any
“interested person” could appeal staff action. 18 C.F.R.
§7(d) (1981). Both Yakima and NWF appealed the
full
FERC. Yakima then filed a timely joint appeal with
NMFs. FERC considered the issues raised by Yakima
in its order on appeal. Under these
must conclude that Yakime qualifies a
FERC proceeding and therefore is entitled to be before
Although NWF’s situation is more questionable, we
need not decide whether its petition for review before
this court in No. 82-7562 wes timely since its motion to
intervene in the appeal to this court was granted 0.
82-7561. NWF is sn interested entity and pursuant to
a prebriefing conference order it briefed one issue that
had been properly raised before the Commission and that
was before this court in Nos. 82-7561 and 7038. Neither
the court nor the parties would be deprived of briefing
on any of the substantive issues nor would any
rights be prejudiced were NWF’s petition dismissed. Ac-
cordingly, we dismiss NWF’s petition for review as moot.
Ill. FERC’S STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS ON
RELICENSING
The issue in this case can be stated rather simply:
Can the Commission satisfy its obligations under the
relevant siatutes by deferring consideration and imple-
S
Z
8a
mentation of fishery protection measures until after
licensing? While we are sympathetic with FER©’s stated
practical desire to resolve the fishery questions in a
comprehensive proceeding covering all five of the Mid-
Columbia Dams, we hold that the statutes require FERC
to examine fishery issues before issuance of a license.
No factual questions are involved in this case. Only
questions of law are presented, which generally receive
de novo review. However, an agency interpretation of
the statute it administers is entitled to deference to the
extent the interpretation is reasonable and comports with
the intent of the statute. Committee for an Independent
P-I v. Hearst Corp., 704 F.2d 467, 473 (9th Cir.), cert.
denied, —— U.S. —— (1983); see City of Centralia,
Washington v. FERC, 661 F.2d 787, 790 & n.8 (9th Cir.
1981).
A. Statutory Obligations to Consider Fishery Issues
Prior to Licensing
NMFS asserts, and FERC does not dispute, that under
the Federal Power Act FERC must make the same in-
quiry into fishery issues in relicensing as required when
initially licensing a project. Section 15(a) of the FPA,
16 U.S.C. § 808(a), governs license renewals and pro-
vides that “the [C]ommission is authorized to issue a new
license to the original licensee upon such terms and condi-
tions as may be authorized or required under the then
existing laws and regulations, or to issue a new license
under said terms and conditions to a new licensee” if the
United States does not exercise its right to take over the
project at the expiration of the original license. No
federal take-over is involved in this action and no new
entity is seeking the right to operate Rock Island.
Section 15 and the related federal take-over provision,
section 14, 16 U.S.C. § 807, were amended in 1968. See
Pub. L. No. 90-451 §§ 2, 3, 82 Stat. 617 (1968). The
9a
house report on the amendments makes it plain that Con-
gress intended the Commission to make the same inquiries
on relicensing as on initial licensing:
It provides that the Commission, no earlier than 5
years before the expiration of a license for a project
subject to recapture, shall entertain applications for
a new license. Just as in the case of original licensing
the controlling criteria would be the comprehensive
development standard of section 10(a) of the Fed-
eral Power Act. In view of this fact the relicensing
proceeding would be deemed to involve “initial li-
censing” within the context of the Administrative
Procedure Act rather than “license renewal.”
H.R. Rep. No. 1643, 90th Cong., 2d Sess., reprinted in
1968 U.S. Code Cong. & Ad. News 3081, 3084. The pro-
posed amendments were submitted to Congress by the
Chairman of the Federal Power Commission, Lee C.
White. His letter, incorporated into the house report,
confirms and supports the report’s interpretation of the
Commission’s duties on relicensing, and notes that in
addition to power production, comprehensive development
includes the consideration of fish and wildlife conserva-
tion, among other public uses. Jd. at 3089.
In turn, section 10(a), 16 U.S.C. § 803(a), requires
the Commission to consider all beneficial public uses when
it grants a license. In pertinent part, this subsection
conditions the grant of a license on the determination
that the project
will be best adapted to a comprehensive plan for im-
proving or developing a waterway or waterways for
the use or benefit of interstate or foreign commerce,
for the improvement and utilization of water-power
development, and for other beneficial public uses,
including recreational purposes. .. .
In Udall v. FPC, the Supreme Court recognized that the
examination of fish and wildlife resources is mandated
10a
as part of the consideration of “recreational purposes.”
See 387 U.S. 428, 440 (1967). As stated by the Court:
The test is whether the project will be in the public
interest. And that determination can be made only
after an exploration of all issues relevant to the
“public interest,” including .. . the preservation of
anadromous fish for commercial and recreational
purposes. ...
Id. at 450; see also Clifornia v. FPC, 345 F.2d 917
(9th Cir.), cert. denied, 382 U.S. 941 (1965); Scenic
Hudson Preservation Conference v. FPC, 354 F.2d 608
(2d Cir. 1965), cert. denied, 384 U.S. 941 (1966).
The law, then, is well defined: Prior to issuance of a
new license, FERC must study the effect of a project on
the fishery resource and consider possible mitigative
measures. It is undisputed that in this proceeding the
FERC did not undertake this obligation prior to issuing
the license. Instead, it deferred full consideration of fish
protection in two ways. First, it did not require Chelan
to submit an “Exhibit S” (fish and wildlife report) as
part of its application nor prior to issuance of the
license, as required by FERC regulation. 18 C.F.R.
§ 4.41 (1981). This exhibit is the primary method used
by the Commission to study the project’s effect on wild-
life (see Part B, infra). Second and most critically, it
deferred study and resolution of fish protection issues to
the Mid-Columbia Proceeding. FERC argues that de-
ferring consideration of fishery issues is well within its
discretion. The statute and the gloss put upon it by the
courts warrant another conclusion. FERC must consider
fishery issues before, not after, issuance of a license.
_ Udall, 387 U.S. at 450; see Scenic Hudson, 354 F.2d at
620.
FERC cites Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v.
NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 543-544 (1978) as support for the
proposition that an agency has discretion to modify its
lla
procedures such as done in this case. The opinion in
Vermont Yankeee, recognized, however, that such discre-
tion may be circumscribed by statutory mandate. Id. at
549 n.21. As stated, the statute requires that public
interest concerns be evaluated as a condition to licensing.
Cases discussing the environmental impact statement
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act,
42 U.S.C. § 4332, are instructive. In Cady v. Morton,
527 F.2d 786, 794 (9th Cir. 1975), the court stated that
“the filing of an EIS should precede rather than follow
federal agency action. . . .” (citations omitted). The
rationale behind this rule is that inflexibility may occur
if delay in preparing an EIS is allowed: “After major
investment of both time and money, it is likely that more
environmental ham will be tolerated.” Environmental
Defense Fund v. Andrus, 596 F.2d 848, 853 (9th Cir.
1979).
We see no reason why the law should be different under
the Federal Power Act. The FPA imposes obligations
similar to NEPA. In essence, the court reviews the
license with particular concern to see that the Commis-
sion has fulfilled all its procedural obligations that must
be undertaken prior to its issuance. In this case those
procedural obligations include, among other things, pre-
licensing consideration of fishery issues. In Scenic Hud-
son, 354 F.2d 608, the Second Circuit was presented with
an analogous situation involving the correct review of the
Commission’s decision to license a hydropowe® project.
The court overturned the license on the basis the Com-
mission failed to fully study alternatives to the proposed
project and possible fish protection measures as part of
its determination the license would be in the public in-
terest. We agree with Scenic Hudson’s discussion of the
court’s reviewing function:
This court cannot and should not attempt to sub-
stitute its judgment for that of the Commission.
But we must decide whether the Commission has
12a
correctly discharged its duties, including the proper
fulfillment of its planning function in deciding that
the “licensing of the project would be in the overall
public interest.” The Commission must see to it that
the record is complete. The Commission has an
affirmative duty to inquire into and consider all
relevant facts.
854 F.2d at 620 (citations omitted); cf. California v.
FPC, 345 F.2d 917 (9th Cir. 1965) (license upheld
where FPC gave fishery issues due consideration).
FERC argues that the procedure it is utilizing fo.
Rock Island best comports with its statutory mandate to
consider the “comprehensive” picture in its decision to
license. See 16 U.S.C. § 803(a). Deferral to the Mid-
Columbia Proceeding, FERC states, serves this goal be-
cause in it fish protection measures for five dams on
the central Columbia River are being studied simultane-
ously. We agree it is important that fishery issues be
addressed with a view to the total system: Storage and
spill of one dar iece‘sarily affects the operation of other
dams. We do not agree, however, that this makes FERC’s
procedure in this case proper. First, as we have re-
peated, the statute and the cases construing it require
prelicensing consideration of fishery issues. Second, Sec-
tion 15(a) of the FPA, 16 U.S.C. § 808(a), expressly
provides for the issuance of annual licenses to the prior
licensee if the license expires pending the relicensing de-
termination. See Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Su-
perior Chippewa Indians v. FPC, 510 F.2d 198, 206-207
(D.C. Cir. 1975). In fact, FERC issued annual licenses
to Chelan in 1980 and 1981. Clearly, it could have con-
tinued to do so if it wished to incorporate the results of
the Mid-Columbia Proceeding in the new license. Through
an annual license the status quo would have been main-
tained. Id. No harm would accrue to the licensee, as
annual licenses must incorporate the terms of the prior
license. 16 U.S.C. § 808(a).
13a
We also find FERC’s reliance on California v. FPC,
345 F.2d 917 (9th Cir. 1965), misplaced. That case does
not stand for the proposition that FERC may defer
fishery issues for later resolution. Unlike here, in Cali-
fornia the Commission undertook extensive studies of the
effect of the New Don Pedro Dam on the Tuolumne River
fishery prior to issuance of the license. Specific fish pro-
tection measures were incorporated into the license. Id.
at 921. The license also included a “reopener clause”
which gave the Commission the right to modify those
conditions in twenty years if further study warranted it.
This court upheld the Commission’s use of the reopener
clause. Jd. at 924-925. Simply because the new Rock
Island license contains a similar clause, reserving FERC
the right to incorporate the results of the Mid-Columbia
Proceeding, does not mean California allows FERC to
issue a license before consideration of fishery issues.
We also find unpersuasive FERC’s argument that the
procedure it used offers more protection for the fishery
than simply issuing annual licenses. This argument is
based on FERC’s incorporation of the Mid-Columbia
settlement agreement’s minimum stream flow conditions
into the new Rock Island license. The same protections
could have been added to an annual license. An annual
license must contain the same terms as the expired
license, 16 U.S.C. § 808(a), but the Rock Ysland license,
as amended in 1974, contained a “reasonable modifica-
tions” clause in Article 21. The Mid-Columbia Proceed-
ing interim settlement agreement could have been in-
corporated through that clause.
While we see no substantial benefit from the procedure
used by FERC, we do see a distinct possibility for harm
resulting from utilization of a procedure designed to im-
pose fish protection measures in a modification proceed-
ing. First, a modification proceeding is not the same as
a relicensing proceeding. Subject to the requirement that
its decision be in the public interest, the Commission has
l4a
broad discretion to impose fish protection conditions when
it issues a new license. Notwithstanding a reopener
clause, FERC may not “amend” a license in a modifica-
tion proceeding without the licensee’s consent. 16 U.S.C.
§ 799. Plainly, therefore, the Commission’s discretion is
curtailed in a modification proceeding. Also, as a prac-
tical matter, the method used by FERC here removes the
incentive for a speedy and efficient resolution of fishery
issues. If these issues must be examined and resolved
prior to licensing, the licensee has an incentive to submit
all the required data as quickly as possible. The same in-
centive is not present in the procedure used here where
fishery issues are deferred to the future. The licensee may
very well attempt to forestall the imposition of protection
measures because these might affect the project’s power
production. See Environmental Defense Fund v. Andrus,
596 F.2d at 853.
On the basis it violated the Federal Power Act, we
reverse the order granting Chelan’s license to operate
Rock Island Dam and remand to the Commission. Our
resolution of this case on the FPA question makes it un-
necessary to discuss the Pacific Northwest Electric Power
Planning & Conservation Act (PNPA) and the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA), in detail.
We note briefly that these acts place additional man-
dates on the Commission in a relicensing proceeding. The
purpose of the FWCA is to ensure that “wildlife conser-
vation shall receive equal consideration and be coordi-
nated with other features of water resource development
programs. .. .” 16 U.S.C. §661 (emphasis added).
“Equal consideration” is insured through the requirement
that FERC and other agencies responsible for manage-
ment of natural resources consult with federal and state
wildlife agencies prior to authorizing a project. 16
U.S.C. § 662; see Udall v. FPC, 387 U.S. at 443-444.
The PNPA is specifically directed to the Columbia River
system and, unlike the FWCA, it imposes substantive as
lda
well as procedural obligations on FERC. In pertinent
part, it requires federal agencies responsible for manag-
ing hydropower projects on the Columbia system to
exercise such responsibilities consistent with the
purposes of this chapter and other applicable laws,
to adequately protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and
wildlife, including related spawning grounds and
habitat, affected by such projects or facilities in a
manner that provides equitable treatment for such
fish and wildlife with the other purposes for which
such system and facilities are managed and operated.
16 U.S.C. § 839b(h) (11) (A) (i) (emphasis added). One
purpose of the PNPA is to place fish and wildlife con-
cerns on an equal footing with power production. H.R.
Rep. No. 976 (Part I), 96th Cong. 2d Sess. 49, reprinted
in 1980 U.S. Code Cong. & Ad. News 5989. In this re-
spect, the PNPA supplements the Federal Power Act.
Id. at 57. We have no doubt that if FERC failed its
Federal Power Act obligation to consider fishery issues
prior to licensing, it concoznitantly failed to meet its ob-
ligation to give fish “equal consideration” under the
FWCA and “equitable treatment” under the PNPA.
B. The Exhibit S and Consultation Reqrirements
NMFS also argues that FERC violated its own regu-
lations when it issued the license before Chelan had sub-
mitted “Exhibit 8,” a report on the projected effect of
the dam on fish and wildlife resources. NMFS, as well
as the other petitioners, makes a related claim that
FERC violated its duty to consult with fishery agencies
and Indian tribes prior to license issuance. We agree,
notwithstanding FERC’s assertion that it has the discre-
tion to modify the filing requirements in its regulations.
At the time of Chelan’s application for a new license,
1977, FERC regulations provided that “there shall be
16a
filed as part of an application for license the following
exhibits.” What follows is a list, including Exhibit S,
which is
a report on the effect, if any, of the project upon
the fish and wildlife resources in the project area
or in other areas affected by the project and pro-
posals for measures considered necessary to conserve
and, if practicable, to enhance fish and wildlife re-
sources affected by the project. The exhibit shall
include functional design drawings of any fish lad-
ders proposed to be constructed in compliance with
section 18 of the Federal Power Act, such other fa-
cilities or developments as may be necessary for the
protection, conservation, improvement and mitiga-
tion of losses of fish and wildlife resources in ac-
cordance with section 10(a) of the Act, and cost
estimates for such facilities and developments. The
Applicant shall prepare this exhibit on the basis of
studies made after consultation and in cooperation
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior, and appropriate state fish and wild-
life agencies and in the case of public lands, advise
Federal agencies having jurisdictional responsibili-
ties therefor of its proposed plans. The exhibit shall
include a statement on the nature and extent of
Applicant’s consultation and cooperation with the
above agencies. To the extent those aspects of fish
and wildlife related to recreation are covered in Ex-
hibit R, a specific reference to Exhibit R will suffice.
18 C.F.R. § 4.41 (1976).
It is a well-known maxim that agencies must comply
with their own regulations. E.g., Memorial, Inc. v.
Harris, 655 F.2d 905, 910-911 n.14 (9th Cir. 1980). We
do not agree with FERC’s claim that Exhibit S is the
type of filing requirement that an “agency may relax,
modify or waive... .” Papago Tribal Utility Authority
v. FERC, 628 F.2d 235, 242 (D.C. Cir.), cert. denied,
17a
449 U.S. 1061 (1980) (citations omitted). Exhibit S is
plainly designed to facilitate FERC’s duty to consider
fishery issues prior to licensing. This is not the same as
the situation in Papago, which involved the reviewability
of an order rejecting a motion to overturn a rate filing
for patent defects. The Papago court found the order
nonreviewable because it involved a requirement that was
an aid to the Commission’s exercise of its discretion over
the decision to accept a rate filing. Exhibit S, however,
is tied to FERC’s obligation to investigate fishery matters
prior to licensing. Also, this is not a situation where the
parties are contesting the adequacy of the report—none
was filed. No alternative method of consideration of
fishery information was utilized.
The Exhibit S report is directly related to FERC’s
duty of consultation. The FWCA and the PNPA each
require FERC to consult with fishery agencies and, in
the case of the PNPA, Indian tribes prior to licensing.
16 U.S.C. § 662(a) (FWCA); 16 U.S.C. § 839b(h) (11)
(B) (PNPA). Exhibit S aids that obligation because it
is to be prepared by the applicant “on the basis of
studies made after consultation and in cooperation with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior, and appropriate state fish and wildlife agen-
cies.” 18 C.F.R. § 4.41 (1981). The report must also
include statements on the nature and extent of the co-
operation and consultation between the applicant and the
agencies. Id.
It is not enough the FERC gave notice of Chelan’s ap-
plication to the agencies and Indian tribes. The consulta-
tion obligation js an affirmative duty. Also, it is safe to
say that the respective fishery agencies believed the con-
sultaticn precess would take place in the preparation of
Exhibit &. Instead, however, FERC issued the license
before the exhibit was submitted.
The Conimission argues that it was proper for it to
defer the Exhibit S report pending the completion of
18a
additional studies. Additional studies are necessary,
FERC states, because the full impact of the modifications
authorized at Rock Island in 1974 have not yet been
sufficiently analyzed. That may well be true. But to the
extent those studies are necessary, FERC did not have to
issue the permanent license when annual licenses could
have been used pending their completion.
The Exhibit S and consultation requirements are the
primary means by which FERC is to comply with its
duty to examine fishery issues prior to licensing. FERC’s
failure to follow those requirements further supports
reversing the license order and remanding to the Com-
mission.
C. Environmental Impact Statement
NMFS also argues that FERC was required to prepare
an environmental impact statement (EIS) prior to re
licensing Rock Island Dam. We agree.
Having been built in the 1930’s, Rock Island predated
the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and
its requirements for preparation of impact statements
for “major federal actions significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment.” 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)
(ec). An EIS was, however, prepared in 1974 when the
modifications to the dam were proposed. The question
before us is whether an EIS is required prior to the
decision to relicense the project. Surprisingly, we have
found no cases which have addressed this issue in the
context of relicensing hydropower projects by FERC.
“{Ajn agency’s determination that a particular project
does not require the preparation of an EIS is to be up-
held unless unreasonable.” Foundation for North Ameri-
can Wild Sheep v. Department of Agriculture, 681 F.2d
1172, 1177 (9th Cir. 1982) (footnote omitted) (citing
Portela v. Pierce, 650 F.2d 210, 213 (9th Cir. 1981);
City & County of San Francisco v. United States, 615
19a
F.2d 498, 500 (9th Cir. 1980) ; City of Davis v. Coleman,
521 F.2d 661, 673 (9th Cir. 1975)). We may conclude
the agency acted unreasonably if substantial questions
are raised concerning whether the project may signifi-
cantly affect the quality of the human environment. Jd.
at 1178.
There is no doubt that if this action involved the deci-
sion to license new construction of a hydropower project
such as Rock Island, an EIS would be required. See
Green County Planning Board v. FPC, 455 F.2d 412
(2d Cir.), cert. denied, 409 U.S. 849 (1972). FERC
argues that this situation is different because the dam
has been in operation for fifty years. FERC relies on
cases which hold that when there will be no change in
the status quo, such that the action is simply “a phase
in an essentially continuous activity,” no EIS is neces-
sary. City & County of San Francisco, 615 F.2d at 501;
see Burbank Anti-Noise Group v. Goldschmidt, 623 F.2d
115, 116-117 (9th Cir. 1980) ; cert. denied, 450 U.S. 965
(1981); Committee for Auto Responsibility v. Solomon,
603 F.2d 992, 1003 (D.C. Cir. 1979); cert. denied, 445
U.S. 915 (1980); Westside Property Owners v. Schles-
inger, 597 F.2d 1214, 1217-1218 (9th Cir. 1979). Rock
Island was relicensed under the same terms as the prior
license and therefore FERC argues that there has been
no change in the status quo. Viewed narrowly, relicensing
fits within the FERC’s characterization and comports
with the cases cited above: Burbank Anti-Noise Group
(no EIS is required when federal government aided the
purchase of an existing airport by private group) ; City
& County of San Francisco (no EIS required when Navy
leased, with essentially the same terms as the prior lease,
an existing shipyard to a private firm); Committee for
Auto Responsibility (lease of existing parking lot to
private firm did not change the status quo); Westside
Property Owners (formalization after enactment of
NEPA of long-existing agreement and program between
tion that FERC should have at its disposal all pertinent
information, including that provided in an EIS.
If the United States does not exercise its right of take-
over, the “(C)ommission is authorized to issue a new
Both the consideration of what conditions te attach to
a new license and the questions involved in determining
2ia
whether a non-power license is necessary necessitate the
information prepared in an environmental] impact state-
ment.
The purposes of the procedure imposed by Congress on
relicensing underscore the necessity for an EIS. As the
Commission stated when it proposed the amendments to
the relicensing procedures in 1968:
The Congress limited the maximum term of any
license issued by the Federal Power Commission wo
50 years and thereby preserved for the Nation, act-
ing through subsequent Congresses, a full opportunity
to reevaluate the best use of each project upon ex-
piration of the license. We now recommend that
Congress fix appropriate procedures for the reevalua-
tion of each project in light of contemporary and
prospective public needs.
Letter from Lee C. White, supra, at 3086. Thus, the
FERC regulations governing the preparation of an EIS
See -
Defense Fund v. Andrus, 596 F.2d 848, 852 (9th Cir.
1979); Port of Astoria v. Hodel, 595 F.2d
(9th Cir. 1979). Simply beeause the same resource had
not make
for a forty-year period. See Hodel, 595 F.2d
Nevertheless, FERC argues that it has
NEPA because the only environmental fact
i
22a
is fish protection and that question is being addressed in
the Mid-Columbia Proceeding. As noted above, however,
an EIS must be prepared before a project is approved,
and the Mid-Columbia Proceeding does not satisfy that
obligation. See Environmental Defense Fund v. Andrus,
596 F.2d at 853; Cady v. Morton, 527 F.2d at 794 & n.4.
In sum, we conclude that the FERC acted unreason-
ably when it issued the license to Chelan without first
preparing an EIS.
IV. INDIAN FISHING RIGHTS
Yakima contends that the licensing violated its treaty
fishing rights. Yakima states further that a resolution
of the statutory issues may make it unnecessary to reach
this issue. We accept Yakima’s offer to defer considera-
tion of this question until there is a subsequent appeal,
if any, after our remand to FERC. We believe it proper
for FERC to be first to address Yakima’s claims after
development of a full record. See FPC v. Transcontinen-
tal Gas Pipe Line Corp., 423 U.S. 326, 332-333 (1976).
V. CONCLUSION
The Commission failed to meet its statutory obliga-
tion to consider fishery issues prior to licensing. It also
unreasonally failed to prepare an EIS prior to licensing.
Accordingly, the
PETITION FOR REVIEW IS GRANTED and the
ORDER IS SET ASIDE.
23a
B. FERC Orders Below
14 FERC { 62,187
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Project No. 943
PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT No. 1
OF CHELAN COUNTY
ORDER ISSUING NEW LICENSE (MAJOR)
(Issued May 18, 1981)
Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County (Chelan)
filed an application for a license under Part I of the
Federal Power Act (Act) for the continued operation
and maintenance of the Rock Island Project No. 943."
The project is located on the Columbia River, a navigable
waterway of the United States, in Chelan and Douglas
Counties, Washington, and occupies lands of the United
States.
Notice of the application has been published and com-
ments have been received from interested Federal, State,
and local agencies. The Washington Department of Fish-
eries, the Washington Department of Game, and the
National Marine Fisheries Service were granted inter-
vention. The significant concerns of the intervenors and
commenting agencies are discussed below.
1 Authority to act on this matter is delegated to the Director,
Office of Electric Power Regulation under 18 C.F.R. § 375.308
(1980), as amended by 46 Fed. Reg. 14119 (1981).
24a
Project Description and History
The Federal Power Commission issued a license on Jan-
uary 21, 1930, to the Washington Electric Company for
the construction and operation of the Rock Island Project
No. 943. On June 30, 1931, the license was transferred
to the Puget Sound Power and Light Company (Puget),
and on July 31, 1952, the license was amended to include
the Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County
(Chelan) as a joint Licensee for the Rock Island Project.
Puget was eliminated as a joint licensee by order issued
July 17, 1980. In 19538, the project installed capacity
was increased to a total of 212.1 MW, and in 1974, the
authorized project installed capacity was increased to a
total of 622.5 MW.
The constructed Rock Island Project consists of: 1) a
135-foot high and 2,524-foot long concrete gravity dam;
2) an 1,800-acre and 20-mile long reservoir, providing
130,000 acre-feet of gross storage; 3) the left bank pow-
erhouse having a total installed capacity of 212.1 MW;
4) the right bank powerhouse having a total installed
capacity of 410.4 MW; 5) six 115-kV transmission lines;
and (6) appurtenant facilities. A more detailed project
description is contained in ordering paragraph (B).
Safety and Adequacy
The project structures are safe against sliding and over-
turning under normal conditions of maximum headwater
elevation 614.1 feet, normal tailwater elevation 571.6
feet (U.S.G.S. datum) plus earthquake loading of 0.1
g, and under flood conditions with headwater elevation
of 619.5 feet and tailwater elevation of 606.2 feet. The
San Francisco Regional Office reported that the project
structures were in good condition and were general_y
well maintained. The most recent Part 12 Inspection Re-
port also concluded that the project works were safe and
adequate and made no recommendation with regard to
safety of the project.
eo a ee
25a
The spillway design flood is 960,000 cfs and the Probable
Maximum Flood (PMF) at Rock Island is estimated to
be 1,425,000 cfs. At the PMF, the Rock Island Reservoir
would surcharge to about elevation 632 feet and the tail-
water would be at elevation 623 feet. The differential
between headwater and tailwater would be about 13.5
feet when discharging the spillway design flood of 960,000
cfs and about 9.0 feet when discharging the PMF of
1,425,000 cfs. In view of the comparatively small head
differential and the insignificant amount of storage that
would be released, there would be slight additional haz-
ard to downstream areas in the event of failure of the
dam during the occurrence of the PMF. The spillway
is adequate.
The Board of Consultants, formed to monitor the con-
struction of the second Rock Island powerhouse, met from
May 13 to 15, 1980, for the final review of the engineer-
ing and construction of the project. In the final report,
the Board recommended that the Licensee continue the
structural monitoring plan, which provides for monitor-
ing of dam alignment and settlement, uplift, relief drains
both for flows and pressures, post-tensioned anchors, and
for regular inspection of the “loose bolting’ attachment
of the trash racks. Article 41 requires the Licensee to
continue the structural monitoring plan.
It is concluded that the project, under the conditions of
this license, is safe and adequate.
Fish and Wildlife Resources
Anadromous fish migrating past the dam include chinook,
coho, and sockeye salmon, steelhead trout, and Pacific
lamprey. Fishways allow for the upstream migration of
anadromous salmonids to their spawning areas in the
upper reaches of the Columbia River and its tributaries.
The State of Washington Department of Fisheries (Fish-
eries), the State of Washington Department of Game
26a
(Game), and the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) are concerned with the effect of the project on
the downstream migration of juvenile anadromous sal-
monids, on the upstream migration of anadromous fish,
and on the limited fish spawning habitat within the proj-
ect boundary. These agencies contend that reduced flows
and insufficient spills from the project adversely affect
juvenile salmonids by delaying the seaward migration
through the reservoir, increasing predation, and increas-
ing turbine mortality. Anadromous salraonids must also
pass the project to reach upstream spawning and rear-
ing areas. In addition, Fisheries and Game are concerned
about the reduction in harvest of anadromous and resi-
dent fish species and the effects of the project on water
quality.” Fisheries, Game, NMFS, and the U.S. Depart-
ment of the Interior believe that mitigative measures to
lessen the impacts of the project on anadromous sal-
monids and resident fish populations should be incor-
porated into any new license issued, and should include,
among other things, iand acquisition and habitat man-
agement for the benefit of wildlife species and the im-
provement of fishing opportunities at the project.
Hearings and settlement conferences in Docket No. E-
9569 on the issues of minimum flows and of spills from
the project necessary to protect juvenile anadromus fish
resulted in the filing of a settlement agreement on De-
cember 31, 1979, which was approved by the Commission
in March 1980. Pursuant to this agreement, Chelan,
along with Douglas County PUD and Grant County
PUD, is conducting studies to investigate the effect of
the project on the downstream migration of juvenile sal-
monids, the methods ef improving protection and natural
production of salmonids, and the methods of improving
and increasing semi-natural and artificial production of
2The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a water
quality certificate for the project, in accordance with Section 401
of the Federal Water Pollutior. Control Act.
27a
salmonids from the Mid-Columbia River. Final reports
will be submitted to FERC and applicable agencies for
review.
Article 48 of the prior license required Chelan to conduct
extensive pre- and post-flooding studies to determine the
effects of the operation of the second powerhouse and of
raising the reservoir level, on Columbia and Wenatchee
River fish and wildlife. Studies will also determine the
effectiveness of the fish passage facilities, the flow re-
quirements for anadromous fish, and the extent of tur-
bine mortality. Recreational fishing will be surveyed and
water quality will be monitored. Seasonal wildlife use of
project lands, the amount of wildlife-oriented recreation,
and economic and social benefits derived from the con-
sumptive and non-consumptive use of wildlife will also
be assessed. A final report will compare pre-flooding and
post-flooding conditions for fish and wildlife resources
and recreational resource use, and will recommend any
mitigative measures determined to be necessary.
The settlement agreement and the ongoing fish and wild-
life studies adequately address the concerns of the in-
tervenors and commenting agencies regarding the effects
of the project on fish and wildlife resources. Article 38
requires the Licensee to file a revised Exhibit S within
3 years, taking into consideration the results of the pre-
and post-flooding studies. Included in the revised Exhibit
S would be any proposals for mitigative measures neces-
sary to protect or enhance the fish and wildlife resources
affected by the project.
Under Articles 12 and 15 of this license, the Commission
reserves the right to prescribe minimum flow releases
and other changes in project operation to preserve and
enhance fish and wildlife resources.
Issuance of this license does not affect the ongoing con-
solidated proceeding identified as lead Docket No. E-
9569.
28a
Recreation
The primary recreational uses of the project reservoir
are limited fishing, small boating, and water skiing. Ex-
isting recreational facilities include a controlled fishing
pond, two boat launching ramps, and a small day-use
park with a skating rink. In addition, a nine-hole golf
course operated by the Town of Rock Island exists on
lands owned by Chelan within the project boundary.
Chelan filed on September 29, 1975, and revised on
March 1, 1978, an Exhibit R for the Rock Island Project
pursuant to Article 55 of the prior License. The Ex-
hibit R was approved by the Commission on October 19,
1979, requiring initial recreational development of six
sites, and reserving two additional sites for future de-
velopment. Proposed recreational development to be com-
pleted by 1984 includes: 30 campsites, 1 group camp, 165
picnic sites, 4 boat docks, 3 boat ramps, 2 interpretative
centers, 1 swimming area, and 65 miles of shoreline
trails.
The order approving the Exhibit R required Licensee to
file for Commission approval, a plan for recreational de-
velopment of the Wenatchee River Confluence North of
Walla Walla Point sites. An amendment to the Exhibit
R proposing development of the two sites was filed on
October 20, 1980, and was approved on January 5, 1981.
The approved Exhibit R and amendment adequately ful-
fill current and foreseeable recreational needs at the proj-
ect. This order makes the approved Exhibit R a part
of the new License for Project No. 943. Article 17 of
the License reserves sufficient authority for modification
of the plan, including acquisition of lands to meet fu-
ture recreational needs in lig*+ of changing conditions.
Cultural Resources
The Rock Island Railroad Bridge, Wenatchee Flat Site,
and Pangborn-Herndon Memorial, all within the project
29a
boundary, are listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The Rock Island Dam and Sternwheeler Park
are listed on the State Register of Historic Places, and
are within the project boundary. In addition, 26 arche-
ological sites have been identified by the Washington
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) as being
within the project boundary.
The SHPO recommends that Chelan develop a mitiga-
tion plan that addresses potential effects of the project
on cultural resources. Article 52 of the prior license
required the Applicant to do an archeological survey of
the project area and perform any salvage work neces-
sary to preserve the archeological values affected by con-
struction of the second powerhouse and raising the reser-
voir level. Licensee’s studies have been completed, but
final reports have not been prepared. The final report
will contain recommendations regarding further protec-
tion of archeological resources of the project area and
will be submitted to the SHPO and the Commission for
review. Article 39 requires the Licensee to continue to
cooperate with the SHPO and Washington State Univer-
sity in order to ensure completion of any archeological
work currently under way at the project and to ensure
protection of the project’s archeological resources, pres-
ently, and in the event of any future development at the
project.
Other Environmental Considerations
On the basis of an environmental assessment, the Com-
mission’s staff found that licensing of the project would
not be a major Federal action significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment.
Issuance of this license will permit continued project
operation, which began over 50 years ago. No new con-
struction, except for recreation development, or change in
project operation is proposed. The impacts of continued
operation are discussed earlier in this order. Planned
recreational facilities would be beneficial and their con-
30a
struction would have impacts that are only minor and
short-lived. On the basis of the record, including agency
and intervenor comments and staff’s independent analy-
sis, it is found that issuance of a license for this project,
as conditioned, is not a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment.
Other Aspects of Comprehensive Development
The project, with a total installed capacity of 622.5 MW,
has a hydraulic capacity of 220,000 cfs, which is the
hydraulic capacity of the Rocky Reach plant located im-
mediately upstream on the Columbia River. The project
storage capacity is very limited, and therefore, power
generation is dependent to a great extent on discharges
from upstream powerplants.
Applicant has no plans for future expansion of the proj-
ect, and development of the project for additional power
is not economically justified at this time since the proj-
ect is currently using the total flow discharged from up-
stream projects.®
The Columbia River is a navigable river. At the present
time, there is no commercial navigation and no navige-
tional facilities in the vicinity of this reach of the Co
lumbia River. However, an investigation was conducted
by the Seattle District, Corps of Engineers, and the re-
sults demonstrated that the potential installation of navi-
gation locks is compatible with the Rock Island Project.
There are irrigation facilities utilizing waters from the
Rock Island reservoir. The operation of the project has
no adverse effect on these installations.
Continued operation of the Rock Island Project No. 943
is consistent with the comprehensive development of the
8 The project with its average annual generation of 2,780 million
kWh, will utilize a renewable resource that will save the equivalent
of approximately 4,565,000 barrels of oil or 1,287,000 tons of coal
per year.
8la
Columbia River. It is concluded that the project effec-
tively utilizes the available head and flow of the Columbia
River. Subject to the conditions of this license, Project
No. 943 is best adapted to a comprehensive plan for de-
velopment of the Columbia River basin for beneficial
public uses, and issuance of this license is in the public
interest.
License Term
Since there has been recent major construction at the
project, which significantly increased the capacity, the
license term will be 40 years from the end of the prior
license.* Accordingly, this license will expire on January
31, 2020.
Revised Exhibits
Chelan filed on October 18, 1976, revised Exhibits J and
K pursuant to Article 68 of Amendment 17 to the license
to show the project boundary around the second power-
house. Also, the Commission issued on October 19, 1979,
an order approving Exhibit R, and issued on July 17,
1980, an order amending license for the Rock Island
Project. Article 43 requires the Licensee to file revised
Exhibits J and K, to supersede the Exhibits J and K
filed October 18, 1976, and to reflect any changes in the
project as a result of the orders issued October 19, 1979,
and July 17, 1980.
It is ordered that:
(A) This license is issued to Public Utility District No.
1 of Chelan County, Washington (Licensee), of Chelan
County, Washington, under Part I of the Federal Power
Act (Act), for a period effective the first day of the
month in which this license is issued and terminating
January 31, 2020, for the continued operation and main-
tenance of the Rock Island Project No. 943, located in
*See the Montana Power Company, Mystic Lake Project No.
2301, Order Issuing New License (Major) (Issued October 5, 1976).
32a
Chelan and Douglas Counties, Washington, on the Co-
lumbia River, a navigable waterway of the United States,
and occupying lands of the United States under the ad-
ministration of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
This license is subject to the terms and conditions of the
Act, which is incorporated by reference as part of this
license, and subject to the regulations the Commission
issues under the provisions of the Act.
(B) The Rock Island Project No. 9438 consists of:
(1) All lands, to the extent of the Licensee’s interests
in those lands, constituting the project area and enclosed
by the project boundary. The project area and boundary
are shown and described by certain exhibits that form
part of the application for license and that are designated
and described as:
Exhibit FERC No. 948- Showing
J 225 General Map-Project Area
K-1 to K-25 132 through 156 Detail Map-Project Area
K-Sl1 to K-S9 157 through 165 Survey Data-Project Area
K-Tl 226 Detail Map-Transmission Line
(2) Project works consisting of:
(a) a concrete gravity dam, about 3,580 feet long, with
a gated spillway section 1,184 feet long containing 31
crest gates; (b) a reservoir extending about 20 miles
upstream having a normal maximum forebay elevation
614.1 feet U.S.G.S. and a gross storage capacity of 130,000
acre-feet and a usable storage capacity of 11,000 acre
feet at a maximum reservoir drawdown of 4 feet for
power operations; (c) a concrete powerhouse about 870
feet long, integral with the dam, af eee eae,
kW generating unit, three 20,700-kW ng units,
and six 22,500-kW generating units (10 units totaling
212.1 MW); (d) a step-up substation on the powerhouse
roof; (e) a high-tension switching station on Rock
Island; (f) four single-circvit 115-kV transmission lines
extending from the switching station for a distance of
about two miles to the McKenzie switchyard; (g) a sec-
ond project powerhouse at the right bank about 465 feet
long and 200 feet wide, containing eight 51.3-MW hori-
zontal shaft, bulb-turbine type generator units (8 units
totaling 410.4 MW); (h) step-up transformers at the
second powerhouse connected to two single-circuit 115-
kV transmission lines extending about two miles to the
McKenzie-Valhalla substantion; (i) three fishways and
related fish facilities; and (j) appurtenant facilities.
The location, nature and character of these project works
are generally shown and described by the exhibits cited
above and more specifically shown and described by cer-
tain other exhibits that also form a part of the applica-
tion for license and that are described and designated as:
Exhibit L FERC No. 943- Titled
1 185 General Plan
2 186 Left Abutment Plan
3 187 First Powerhouse Plan
4 188 First Powerhouse Sections
5 189 First Powerhouse Main
One Line Diagram
6 190 Spillway Dam
7 191 Second Powerhouse Plan
s 192 Second Powerhouse Section
9 1938 Second Powerhouse Main
One Line Diagram
10 194 Right Abutment Plan
ll 195 Left Bank Fishway
Sheet 1 of 2
12 196 Left Bank Fishway
Sheet 2 of 2
18 197 Middle Fishway
Sheet 1 of 2
14 198 Middle Fishway
Sheet 2 of 2
15 199 Right Bank Fishway
Sheet 1 of 4
16 200 Right Bank Fishway
Sheet 2 of 4
17 201 Right Bank Fishway
Sheet 8 of 4
18 202 Right Bank Fishway
Sheet 4 of 4
Exhibit M—“General Description of Equipment” con-
sisting of eleven typed pages filed on May 29, 1980, as
part of the Application for New License.
Exhibit R—“Recreation Plan for Rock Island Project”
consisting of 35 pages of text and 7 drawings (FERC
Nos. 943-216 and -217, and -219 through -223) filed
March 1, 1978, and approved October 19, 1979.
(3) All of the structures, fixtures, equipment, or facili-
ties used or useful in the operation or maintenance of the
project and located within the project boundary, all port-
able property that may be employed in connection with
the project, located within or outside the project boundary,
as approved by the Commission, and all riparian or other
rights that are necessary or approrpriate in the operation
or maintenance of the project.
(C) Exhibits J, L, M, and R designated in ordering
paragraph (B) above are approved and made a part of
the license. Exhibit K is approved to the extent that it
shows the general location and nature of the project.
(D) The application for approval of Exhibits J and K
filed on October 18, 1976, is dismissed.
(E) This license is also subject to the terms and con-
ditions set forth in Form L-5 (revised October, 1975),
entitled “Terms and Conditions of License for Con-
structed Major Project Affecting Navigable Waters and
Lands of the United States,” attached to and made a part
of this license. The license is also subject to the following
additional articles:
Article 38. The Licensee shall, within three years from
the date of issuance of this license, file for Commission
approval, a revised Exhibit S including “as-constructed”
fishway drawings, prepared in accordance with the Com-
mission’s Rules and Regulations, and including among
other things, the results of the pre- and post-flooding
studies, and any proposals for mitigative measures needed
historic work related to the project, the Commission re-
serves the right to require the Licensee to conduct, at its
own expense, any such work found necessary.
Article 40. The Licensee shall consu!t and cooperate
with the Washington Department of Social and Health
Services, and the Douglas County Planning Commission
to determine what, if any, vector control measures are
needed at the project.
Article 41. The Licensee shall carry out the recom-
mendations for testing and monitoring of the project
structures and equipment as set forth in the final report
by the Board of Consultants dated May 15, 1980.
36a
Article 42. The Licensee shall pay the United States
the following annual charges, effective the first day of
the month in which this license is issued:
(a) For the purpose of reimbursing the United
States for the cost of administration of Part I of
the Act, a reasonable amount as determined in ac-
cordance with the provisions of the Commission’s
regulations in effect from time to time. The au-
thorized installed capacity for that purpose is 830,000
horsepower. _
(b) For the purpose of recompensing the United
States for the use, occupancy, and enjoyment of its
lands other than for transmission line right-of-way,
a reasonable amount as determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Commission’s regulations
in effect from time to time. The acreage of those
lands is tentatively set at 33.53 acres. The Commis-
sion reserves the right to adjust this figure at a later
date.
(c) For the purpose of recompensing the United
States for the use, occupancy, and enjoyment of 0.07
acre of its lands for transmission line right-of-way,
a reasonable amount as determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Commission’s regulations
in effect from time to time.
Article 43. Within one year from the date of issuance
of this order, the Licensee shall file for approval, re-
vised Exhibits J and K conforming to § 4.41 of the Com-
mission’s regulations, showing the Rock Island Project
No. $48 as constructed.
Article 44. (a) In accordance with the provisions of
this article, the Licensee shall have the authority to grant
permission for certain types of use and occupancy of
project lands and waters and to convey certain interests
in project lands and waters for certain other types of
37a
use and occupancy, without prior Commission approval.
The Licensee may exercise the authority only if the pro-
posed use and occupancy is consistent with the purposes
of protecting and enhancing the scenic, recreational, and
other environmental values of the project. For those pur-
poses, the Licensee shall also have continuing responsi-
bility to supervise and control the uses and occupancies
for which it grants permission, and to monitor the use
of, and ensure comyliance with the covenants of the in-
strument of conveyance for, any interests that it has
conveyed, under this article. If a permitted use and
occupancy violates any condition of this article or any
other condition imposed by the Licensee for protection
and enhancement of the project’s scenic, recreational, or
other environmental values, or if a covenant of a con-
veyance made under the authority of this article is vio-
lated, the Licensee shall take any lawful action necessary
to correct the violation. For a permitted use or occupancy,
that action includes, if necessary, cancelling the permis-
sion to use and occupy the project lands and waters and
requiring the removal of any non-complying structures
and facilities.
(b) The types of use and occupancy of project lands
and waters for which the Licensee may grant permission
without prior Commission approval are (1) landscape
plantings; (2) non-commercial piers, landings, boat docks,
or similar structures and facilities; and (3) embank-
ments, bulkheads, retaining walls, or similar structures
for erosion control to protect the existing shoreline. To
the extent feasible and desirable to protect and enhance
the project’s scenic, recreational, and other environmental
values, the Licensee shall require multiple use and oc-
cupancy of facilities for access to project lands or waters.
The Licensee shall also ensure, to the satisfaction of the
Commission’s authorized representative, that the uses and
occupancies for which it grants permission are main-
tained in good repair and comply with applicable State
36a
Article 42. The Licensee shall pay the United States
the following annual charges, effective the first day of
the month in which this license is issued:
(a) For the purpose of reimbursing the United
States for the cost of administration of Part I of
the Act, a reasonable amount as determined in ac-
cordance with the provisions of the Commission’s
regulations in effect from time to time. The au-
thorized installed capacity for that purpose is 830,000
horsepower. ;
(b) For the purpose of recompensing the United
States for the use, occupancy, and enjoyment of its
lands other than for transmission line right-of-way,
a reasonable amount as determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Commission’s regulations
~—in effect from time to time. The acreage of those
lands is tentatively set at 33.53 acres. The Commis-
sion reserves the right to adjust this figure at a later
date.
(c) For the purpose of recompensing the United
States for the use, occupancy, and enjoyment of 0.07
acre of its lands for transmission line right-of-way,
a reasonable amount as determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Commission’s regulations
in effect from time to time.
Article 43. Within one year from the date of issuance
of this order, the Licensee shall file for approval, re-
vised Exhibits J and K conforming to § 4.41 of the Com-
mission’s regulations, showing the Rock Island Project
No. 943 as constructed.
Article 44. (a) In accordance with the provisions of
this article, the Licensee shall have the authority to grant
permission for certain types of use and occupancy of
project lands and waters and to convey certain interests
in project lands and waters for certain other types of
sah ik ll PA lt Ma tn a ela
37a
use and occupancy, without prior Commission approval.
The Licensee may exercise the authority only if the pro-
posed use and occupancy is consistent with the purposes
of protecting and enhancing the scenic, recreational, and
other environmental values of the project. For those pur-
poses, the Licensee shall also have continuing responsi-
bility to supervise and control the uses and occupancies
for which it grants permission, and to monicor the use
of, and ensure compliance with the covenants of the in-
strument of conveyance for, any interests that it has
conveyed, under this article. If a permitted use and
occupancy violates any condition of this article or any
other condition imposed by the Licensee for protection
and enhancement of the project’s scenic, recreational, or
other environmental values, or if a covenant of a con-
veyance made under the authority of this article is vio-
lated, the Licensee shall take any lawful action necessary
to correct the violation. For a permitted use or occupancy,
that action includes, if necessary, cancelling the permis-
sion to use and occupy the project lands and waters and
requiring the removal of any non-complying structures
and facilities.
(b) The types of use and occupancy of project lands
and waters for which the Licensee may grant permission
without prior Commission approval are (1) landscape
plantings; (2) non-commercial piers, landings, boat docks,
or similar structures and facilities; and (3) embank-
ments, bulkheads, retaining walls, or similar structures
for erosion control to protect the existing shoreline. To
the extent feasible and desirable to protect and enhance
the project’s scenic, recreational, and other environmental
values, the Licensee shall require multiple use and oc-
cupancy of facilities for access to project lands or waters.
The Licensee shall also ensure, to the satisfaction of the
Commission’s authcrized representative, that the uses and
occupancies for which it grants permission are main-
tained in good repair and comply with applicable State
38a
and local health and safety requirements. Before grant-
ing permission for construction of bulkheads or retain-
ing walls, the Licensee shall: (1) inspect the site of the
- proposed construction, (2) consider whether the planting
of vegetation or the use of riprap would be adequate to
control erosion at the site, and (3) determine that the
proposed construction is needed and would not change
the basic contour of the reservoir shoreline. To imple-
ment this paragraph (b), the Licensee may, among other
things, establish a program for issuing permits for the
specified types of use and occupancy of project lands and
waters, which may be subject to the payment of a reason-
able fee to cover the Licensee’s costs of administering the
permit program. The Commission reserves the right to
require the Licensee to file a description of its standards,
guidelines, and procedures for implementing this para-
graph (b) and to require modifications of those stand-
ards, guidelines, or procedures.
(c) The Licensee may convey easements or rights-of-
way across, or leases of, project lands for: (1) replace-
ment, expansion, realignment, or maintenance of bridges
and roads for which all necessary State and Federal ap-
provals have been obtained; (2) storm drains and water
mains; (3) sewers that do not discharge into project
waters; (4) minor access roads; (5) telephone, gas, and
electric utility distribution lines; (6) non-project over-
head electric transmission lines that do not require erec-
tion of support structures within the project boundary;
(7) submarine, overhead, or underground major telephone
distribution cables or major electric distribution lines
(69-kV or less) ; and (8) water intake or pumping facili-
ties that do not extract more than one million gallons
per day from a project reservoir. No later than January
3i of each year, the Licensee shall file three copies of a
report briefly describing for each conveyance made under
this paragraph (c) during the prior calendar year, the
type of interest conveyed, the location of the lands sub-
39a
ject to the conveyance, and the nature of the use for
which the interest was conveyed.
(d) The Licensee may convey fee title to, easements or
rights-of-way across, or leases of project lands for: (1)
construction of new bridges or roads for which all neces-
sary State and Federal approvals have been obtained;
(2) sewer or effluent lines that discharge into project
waters, for which all necessary Federal and State water
quality certificates or permits have been obtained; (3)
other pipelines that cross project lands or waters but do
not discharge into project waters; (4) non-project over-
head electric transmission lines that require erection of
support structures within the project boundary, for which
all necessary Federal and State approvals have been ob-
tained; (5) private or public marinas that can accom-
modate no more than 10 watercraft at a time and are
located at least one-half mile from any other private or
public marina; (6) recreational development consistent
with an approved Exhibit R or approved report on recre-
ational resources of an Exhibit E; and (7) other uses,
if: (i) the amount of land conveyed for a particular use
is five acres or less; (ii) all of the land conveyed is lo-
cated at least 75 feet, measured horizontally, from the
edge of the project reservoir at normal maximum surface
elevation; and (iii) no more than 50 total acres of project
lands for each project development are conveyed under
this clause (d)(7) in any calendar year. At least 45
days before conveying any interest in project lands under
this paragraph (d), the Licensee must file a letter to
the Director, Office of Electric Power Regulation, stating
its intent to convey the interest and briefly describing
the type of interest and location of the lands to be con-
veyed (a marked Exhibit G or K map may be used), the
nature of the proposed use, the identity of any Federal or
State agency official consulted, and any Federal or State
approvals required for the proposed use. Unless the
Director, within 45 days from the filing date, requires
42a
Project No. 948
IN TESTIMONY of its acknowledgment of acceptance of
all of the terms and conditions of this Order, Public
Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Washington this
day of , 1981, has caused its corporate
name to be signed hereto by , its Presi-
dent, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto and
attested by , its Secretary, pursuant to
a resolution of its Board of Directors duly adopted on the
day of , 19—, a certified copy of
the record of which is attached hereto.
By
President
Attest:
Secretary
(Executed in quadruplicate)
43a
Form L-5
(Revised October, 1975)
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LICENSE FOR
CONSTRUCTED MAJOR PROJECT AFFECTING
NAVIGABLE WATERS AND LANDS OF THE
UNITED STATES
Article 1. The entire project, as described in this order
of the Commission, shall be subject to all of the provi-
sions, terms, and conditions of the license.
Article 2. No substantial change shall be made in the
maps, plaas, specifications, and statements described and
designated as exhibits and approved by the Commission
in its order as a part of the license until such change
shall have been approved by the Commission: Provided,
however, That if the Licensee or the Commission deems
it necessary or desirable that said approved exhibits, or
any of them, be changed, there shall be submitted to the
Commission for approval a revised, or additional exhibit
or exhibits covering the proposed changes which, upon
approval by the Commission, shall become a part of the
license and shall supersede, in whole or in part, such
exhibit or exhibits theretofore made a part of the license
as may be specified by the Commission.
Article 3. The project area and project works shall be
in substantial conformity with the approved exhibits
referred to in Article 2 herein or as changed in accord-
ance with the provisions of said article. Except when
emergency shall require for the protection of navigation,
life, health, or property, there shall not be made without
prior approval of the Commission any substantial altera-
tion or addition not in conformity with the approved
plans to any dam or other project works under the
license or any substantial use of project lands and waters
not a.thorized herein; and any emergency alteration,
44a
addition, or use so made shall thereafter be subject to
such modification and change as the Commission may
direct. Minor changes in project works, or in uses of
project lands and waters, or divergence from such ap-
proved exhibits may be made if such changes will not
result in a decrease in efficiency, in a material increase
in cost, in an adverse environmental impact, or in im-
pairment of the general scheme of development; but any
of such minor changes made without the prior approval of
the Commission, which in its judgment have produced or
will produce any of such results, shall be subject to such
alteration as the Commission may direct.
Article 4. The project, including its eperation and
maintenance and any work incidental to additions or
alterations authorized by the Commission, whether or not
conducted upon lands of the United States, shall be sub-
ject to the inspection and supervision of the Regional
Engineer, Federal Power Commission, in the region
wherein the project is located, or of such other officer or
agent as the Commission may designate, who shall be the
authorized representative of the Commission for such
purposes. The Licensee shall cooperate fully with said
representative and shall furnish him such information as
he may require concerning the operation and maintenance
of the project, and any such alterations thereto, and shall
notify him of the date upon which work with respect to
any alteration will begin, as far in advance thereof as
said representative may reasonably specify, and shall
notify him promptly in writing of any suspension of work
for a period of more than one week, and of its resump-
tion and completion. The Li¢ensee shall submit to said
representative a detailed p m of inspection by the
Licensee that will provide for an adequate and qualified
inspection force for construction of any such alterations
to the project. Construction of said alterations or any
feature thereof shall not be initiated until the program
of inspection for the alterations or any feature thereof
45a
has been approved by said representative. The Licensee
shall allow said representative and other officers or em-
ployees of the United States, showing proper credentials,
free and unrestricted access to, through, and across the
project lands and project works in the performance of
their official duties. The Licensee shall comply with such
rules and regulations of general or special applicability as
the Commission may prescribe from time te time for the
protection of life, health, or property.
Article 5. The Licensee, within five years from the
date of issuance of the license, shall acquire title in fee
or the right to use in perpetuity all lands, other than
lands of the United States, necessary or appropriate for
the construction, maintenance, and operation of the proj-
ect. The Licensee or iis successors and assigns shall,
during the period of the license, retain the possession of
all project property covered by the license as issued or
as later amended, including the project area, the project
works, and all franchises, easements, water rights, and
rights of occupancy and use; and none of such properties
shall be voluntarily sold, leased, transferred, abandoned,
or otherwise disposed of without the prior written ap-
proval of the Commission, except that the Licensee may
lease or otherwise dispose of interests in project lands
_ or property without specific written approval of the Com-
mission pursuant to the then current regulations of the
Commission. The provisions of this article are not intended
to prevent the abandonment or the retirement from serv-
ice of structures, equipment, or other project works in
connection with replacements thereof when they become
obsolete, inadequate, or inefficient for further service due
to wear and tear; and mortgage or trust deeds or ju-
dicial sales made thereunder, or tax sales, shall not be
deemed voluntary transfers within the meaning of this
article.
Article 6. In the event the project is taken over by
the United States upon the termination of the license as
provided in Section 14 of the Federal Power Act, or is
46a
transferred to a new licensee cr to a non-power licensee
under the prowisions of Secticn 15 of the said Act, the
Licensee, its successors and assigns shall be responsible
for, and shall make good any defect of title to, or of right
of occupancy and use in, any of such project property
that is necessary or appropriate or valuable and service-
able in the maintenance and operation of the project,
and shall pay and discharge, or shall assume responsibil-
ity for payment and discharge of, all liens or encum-
brances upon the project or project property created by
the Licensee or created or incurred after the issuance of
the license: Provided, That the provisions of this article
are not intended to require the Licensee, for the purpose
of transferring the project to the United States or to a
new licensee, to acquire any different title to, or right of
occupancy and use in, any of such project property than
was necessary to acquire for its own purposes as the
Licensee.
Article 7. The actual legitimate original cost of the
project, and of any addition thereto or betterment thereof,
shall be deterrnined by the Commission in accordance
with the Federal Power Act and the Commission’s Rules
and Regulations thereunder.
Article 8. The Licensee shall install and thereafter
maintain gages and stream-gaging stations for the pur-
pose of determiining the stage and flow of the stream or
streams on which the project is located, the amount of
water held in and withdrawn from storage, and the ef-
fective head om the turbines; shall provide for the re-
quired reading of such gages and for the adequate rat-
ing of such sitations; and shall install and maintain
standard meters adequate for the determination of the
amount of elect:ric energy generated by the project works.
The number, character, and location of gages, meters,
or other measwring devices, and the method of operation
thereof, shall at all times be satisfactory to the Com-
mission or its authorized representative. The Commis-
47a
sion reserves the right, after notice and opportunity for
hearing, to require such alterations in the number, char-
acter, and location of gages, meters, or other measuring
devices, and the method of operation thereof, as are
necessary to secure adequate determinations. The in-
stallation of gages, the rating of said stream or streams,
and the determination of the flow thereof, shall be under
the supervision of, or in cooperation with, the District
Engineer of the United States Geological Survey having
charge of stream-gaging operations in the region of the
project, and the Licensee shall advance to the United
States Geological Survey the amount of funds estimated
to be necessary for such supervision, or cooperation for
such periods as may be mutually agreed upon. The Li-
censee shall keep accurate and sufficient records of the
foregoing determinations to the satisfaction of the Com-
mission, and shall make return of such records annually
at such time and in such form as the Commission may
prescribe.
Article 9. The Licensee shall, after notice and oppor-
tunity for hearing, install additional capacity or make
other changes in the project as directed by the Com-
mission, to the extent that it is economically sound and
in the public interest to do so.
Article 10. The Licensee shall, after notice and oppor-
tunity for hearing, coordinate the operation of the proj-
ect, electrically and hydraulically, with such other proj-
ects or power systems and in such manner as the Com-
mission may direct in the interest of power and other
beneficial public uses of water resources, and on such
conditions concerning the equitable sharing of benefits
by the Licensee as the Commission may order.
Article 11. Whenever the Licensee is directly bene-
fited by the construction work of another licensee, a
permittee, or the United States on a storage reservoir
or other headwater improvement, the Licensee shall re-
imburse the owner of the headwater improvement for
48a
such part of the annual charges for interest,
and depreciation thereof as the Commission
mine to be equitable, and shall pay to the U
the cost of making such determination as
Commission. For benefits provided by a
voir or other headwater improvement of
States, the Licensee shall pay to the
amounts for which it is billed from time to time f
headwater benefits and for the cost of making
terminations pursuant to the then current regula
of the Commission under the Federal Power Act.
Article 12. The United States specifically retains and
safeguards the right to use water in such amount, to be
determined by the Secretary of the Army, as may be
E
Li
iif
i
:
ielei
so far as they affect the use, storage and discharge from
storage of waters affected by the license, shall at all
times be controlled by such reasonable rules and regula-
tions as the Secretary of the Army may prescribe in the
interest of navigation, and as the Commission may pre-
scribe for the protection of life, health, and property,
and in the interest of the fullest practicable conservation
and utilization of such waters for power purposes and
for other beneficial public uses, including recreational
purposes, and the Licensee shall release water from the
project reservoir at such rate in cubic feet per second,
or such volume in acre-feet per specified period of time,
as the Secretary of the Army may prescribe in the in-
terest of navigation, or as the Commission may prescribe
for the other purposes hereinbefore mentioned.
Article 13. On the application of any person, associa-
tion, corporation, Federal agency, State or municipality,
the Licensee shall permit such reasonable use of its
reservoir or other project properties, including works,
lands and water rights, or parts thereof, as may be or-
dered by the Commission, after notice and opportunity
49a
for hearing, in the interests of comprehensive develop-
ment of the waterway or waterways involved and the
conservation and utilization of the water resources of
the region for water supply or for the purposes of steam-
electric, irrigation, industrial, municipal or similar uses.
The Licensee shall receive reasonable compensation for
use of its reservoir or other project properties or parts
thereof for such purposes, to include at least full reim-
bursement for any damages or expenses which the joint
use causes the Licensee to incur. Any such compensation
shall be fixed by the Commission either by approval of
an agreement between the Licensee and the party or
parties benefiting or after notice and opportunity for
hearing. Applications shall contain information in suf-
ficient detail to afford a full understanding of the pro-
posed use, including satisfactory evidence that the ap-
plicant possesses necessary water rights pursuant to ap-
plicable State law, or a showing of cause why such evi-
dence cannot ccncurrently be submitted, and a statement
as to the relationship of the proposed use to any State
or municipal plans or orders which may have been
adopted with respect to the use of such waters.
Article 14. In the construction or maintenance of the
project works, the Licensee shall place and maintain suit-
able structures and devices to reduce to a reasonable de-
gree the liability of contact between its transmission
lines and telegraph, telephone and other signal wires or
power transmission lines constructed prior to its trans-
mission lines and not owned by the Licensee, and shall
also place and maintain suitable structures and devices
to reduce to a reasonabi gree the liability of any
structures or wires felling =r obstructing traffic or en-
dangering life. None of the provisions of this article
are intended to relieve the Licensee from any respon-
sibility or requirement which may be imposed by any
other lawful authority for avoiding or eliminating in-
ductive interference.
50a
Article 15. The Licensee shall, for the conservation
and development of fish and wildlife resources, construct,
maintain, and operate, or arrange for the construction,
maintenance, and operation of such reasonable facilities,
and comply with such reasonable modifications of the
project structures and operation, as may be ordered by
the Commission upon its own motion or upon the recom-
mendation of the Secretary of the Interior or the fish
and wildlife agency or agencies of any State in which
the project or a part thereof is located, after notice and
opportunity for hearing.
Article 16. Whenever the United States shall desire, in
connection with the project, to construct fish and wildlife
facilities or to improve the existing fish and wildlife
facilities at its own expense, the Licensee shall permit the
United States or its designated agency to use, free of
cost, such of the Licensee’s lands and interests in lands,
reservoirs, waterways and project works as may be rea-
sonably required to complete such facilities or such im-
provements thereof. In addition, after notice and oppor-
tunity for hearing, the Licensee shall modify the project
operation as may be reasonably prescribed by the Com-
mission in order to permit the maintenance and operation
of the fish and wildlife facilities constructed or improved
by the United States under the provisions of this article.
This article shall not be interpreted to place any obliga-
tion on the United States to construct or improve fish
and wildlife facilities or to relieve the Licensee of any
obligation under this license.
Article 17. The Licensee shall construct, maintain, and
operate, or shall arrange for the construction, mainte-
nance, and operation of such reasonable recreational fa-
cilities, including modifications thereto, such as access
roads, wharves, launching ramps, beaches, picnic and
camping areas, sanitary facilities, and utilities, giving
consideration to the needs of the physically handicapped,
and shall comply with such reasonable modifications of
i
ie
;
;
5la
the project, as may be prescribed hereafter by the Com-
mission during the term of this license upon its own
motion or upon the recommendation of the Secretary of
the Interior or other interested Federal or State agen-
cies, after notice and opportunity for hearing.
Article 18. So far as is consistent with proper opera-
tion of the project, the Licensee shall allow the public
free access, to a reasonable extent, to project waters and
adjacent project lands owned by the Licensee for the pur-
pose of full public utilization of such lands and waters
for navigation and for outdoor recreational purposes, in-
cluding fishing and hunting: Provided, That the Licensee
may reserve from public access such portions of the
project waters, adjacent lands, and project facilities as
may be necessary for the protection of life, health, and
property.
Article 19. In the construction, maintenance, or opera-
tion of the project, the Licensee shall be responsible for,
and shall take reasonable measures to prevent, soil erc-
sion on lands adjacent to streams or other waters, streara
sedimentation, and any form of water or air pollution.
The Commission, upon request or upon its own motion,
may order the Licensee to take such measures as the Com-
mission finds to be necessary for these purposes, after
notice and opportunity for hearing.
Article 20. The Licensee shall clear and keep clear to
an adequate width lands along open conduits and shall
dispose of all temporary structures, unused timber,
brush, refuse, or other material unnecessary for the
purposes of the project which results from the clearing
of lands or from the maintenance or alteration of the
project works. In addition, all trees along the periphery
of project reservoirs which may die during operations of
the project shall be removed. All clearing of the lands
and disposal of the unnecessary material shall be done
with due diligence and to the satisfaction of the author-
52a
ized representative of the Commission and in accordance
with appropriate Federal, State, and local statutes and
regulations.
Article 21. Material may be dredged or excavated
from, or placed as fill in, project lands and/or waters
only in the prosecution of work specifically authorized
under the license; in the maintenance of the project; or
after obtaining Commission approval, as appropriate.
Any such material shall be removed and/or deposited in
-—such manner as to reasonably preserve the environmen-
tal values of the project and so as not to interfere with
traffic on land or water. Dredging and filling in a
navigable water of the United States shall also be done
to the satisfaction of the District Engineer, Department
of the Army, in charge of the locality.
Article 22. Whenever the United States shall desire to
construct, complete, or improve navigation facilities in
connection with the project, the Licensee shall convey to
the United States, free of cost, such of its lands and
rights-of-way and such rights of passage through its
dams or other structures, and shall rermit such control
of its pools, as may be required to complete and maintain
such navigation facilities.
Article 23. The operation of any navigation facilities
which may be constructed as a part of, or in connection
with, any dam or diversion structure constituting a part
of the project works shall at all times be controlled by
such reasonable rules and regulations in the interest of
navigation, including control of the level of the pool
caused by such dam or diversion structure, as may be
made from time to time by the Secretary of the Army.
Article 24. The Licensee shall furnish power free of
cost to the United States for the operation and mainte-
nance of navigation facilities in the vicinity of the
project at the voltage and frequency required by such
facilities and at a point adjacent thereto, whether said
53a
facilities are constructed by the Licensee or by the United
States.
Article 25. The Licensee shall construct, maintain, and
operate at its own expense such lights and other signals
for the protection of navigation as may be directed by
the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast
Guard is operating.
Article 26. Timber on lands of the United States cut,
used, or destroyed in the construction and maintenance
of the project works, or in the clearing of said lands,
shall be paid for, and the resulting slash and debris dis-
posed of, in accordanze with the requirements of the
agency of the United States having jurisdiction over said
lands. Payment for merchantable timber shall be at cur-
rent stumpage rates, and payment for young growth tim-
ber below merchantable size shall be at current damage
appraisal values. However, the agency of the United
States having jurisdiction may sell or dispose of the
merchantable timber to others than the Licensee: Pro-
vided, That timber so sold or disposed of shall be cut
and removed from the area prior to, or without undue
interference with, clearing operations of the Licensee and
in coordination with the Licensee’s project construction
schedules. Such sale or disposal to others shall not re-
lieve the Licensee of responsibility for the clearing and
disposal of all slash and debris from project lands.
Article 27. The Licensee shall do everything reason-
ably within its power, and shall require its employees,
contractors, and employees of contractors to do everything
reasonably within their power, both independently and
upon the request of officers of the agency concerned, to
prevent, to make advance preparations for suppression of,
and to suppress fires on the lands to be occupied or used
under the license. The Licensee shall be liable for and
shall pay the costs incurred by the United States in
suppressing fires caused from the construction, operation,
54a
or maintenance of the project works or of the works
appurtenant or accessory thereto under the license.
Article 28. The Licensee shall interpose no objection
to, and shall in no way prevent, the use. by the agency of
the United States heving jurisdiction over the lands of
the United States affected, or by persons or corporations
occupying lands of the United States under permit, of
water for fire suppression from any stream, conduit, or
body of water, natural or artificial, used by the Licensee
in the operation of the project works covered by the
license, or the use by said parties of water for sanitary
and domestic purposes from any stream, conduit, or body
of water, natural or artificial, used by the Licensee in the
operation of the project works covered by the license.
Article 29. The Licensee shall be liable for injury to,
or destruction of, any buildings, bridges, roads, trails,
lands, or other property of the United States, occasioned
by the construction, maintenance, or operation of the
project works or of the works appurtenant or accessory
thereto under the license. Arrangements to meet such
liability, either by compensation for such injury or de-
struction, or by reconstruction or repair of damaged
property, or otherwise, shall be made with the appropri-
ate department or agency of the United States.
Article 30. The Licensee shall allow any agency of the
United States, without charge, to construct or permit to
be constructed on, through, and across those project lands
which are lands of the United States such conduits,
chutes, ditches, railroads, roads, trails, telephone and
power lines, and other routes or means of transportation
and communication as are not inconsistent with the en-
joyment of said lands by the Licensee for the purposes
of the license. This license shall not be construed as con-
ferring upon the Licensee any right of use, occupancy, or
enjoyment of the lands of the United States other than
for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the
project as stated in the license.
55a
Article 31. In the construction and maintenance of the
project, the location and standards of reads and trails on
lands of the United States and other uses of lands of the
United States, including the location and condition of
quarries, borrow pits, and spoil disposal areas, shall be
subject to the approval of the department or agency of the
United States having supervision over the lands involved.
Article 32. The Licensee shall make provision, or shall
bear the reasonable cost, as determined by the agency of
the United States affected, of making provision for
avoiding inductive interference between any project
transmission line or other project facility constructed,
operated, or maintained under the license, and any radio
installation, telephone line, or other communication facil-
ity installed or constructed before or after construction of
such project transmission line or other project facility
and owned, operated, or used by such agency of the
United States in administering the lands under its
jurisdiction.
Article 33. The Licensee shall make use of the Com-
mission’s guidelines and other recognized guidelines for
treatment of transmission line rights-of-way, and shall
clear such portions of transmission line rights-of-way
across lands of the United States as are designated by the
officer of the United States in charge of the lands; shall
keep the areas so designated clear of new growth, all
refuse, and inflammable material to the satisfaction of
such officer; shall trim all branches of trees in contact
with or liable to contact the transmission lines; shall cut
and remove all dead or leaning trees which might fall in
contact with the transmission lines; and shall take such
other precautions against fire as may be required by such
officer. No fires for the burning of waste material shall
be set except with the pricr written consent of the officer
of the United States in charge of the lands as to time and
place.
56a
Article 34. The Licensee shall cooperate with the
United States in the disposal by the United States, under
the Act of July 31, 1947, 61 Stat. 681, as amended (30
U.S %. sec. 601, et seg.), of mineral and vegetative mate-
rials from lands of the United States occupied by the
project or any part thereof: Provided, That such disposal
has been authorized by the Commission and that it does
not unreasonably interfere with the occupancy of such
lands by the Licensee for the purposes of the license:
Provided further, That in the event of disagreement, any
question of unreasonable iaterference shall be determined
by the Commission after notice and opportunity for
hearing.
Article 35. If the Licensee shall cause or suffer essen-
tial project property to be removed or destroyed or to
become unfit for use, without adequate replacement, or
shall abandon or discontinue good faith operation of the
project or refuse or neglect to comply with the terms of
the license and the lawful orders of the Commission
mailed to the record address of the Licensee or its agent,
the Commission will deem it to be the intent of the Li-
censee to surrender the license. The Commission, after
notice and opportunity for hearing, may require the Li-
censee to remove any or all structures, equipment’ and
power lines within the project boundary and to take any
such other action necessary to restore the project waters,
lands, and facilities remaining within the project bound-
ary to a condition satisfactory to the United States
agency having jurisdiction over its lands or the Commis-
sion’s authorized representative, as appropriate, or to
provide for the continued operation and maintenance of
nonpower facilities and fulfill such other obligations un-
der the license as the Commission may prescribe. In
addition, the Commission in its discretion, after notice
and opportunity for hearing, may also agree to the sur-
render of the license when the Commission, for the rea-
sons recited herein, deems it to be the intent of the
Licensee to surrender the license.
57a
Article $3. The right of the Licensee and of its succes-
sors anu assigns to use or occupy waters over which the
United States has jurisdiction, or lands of the United
States under the license, for the purpose of maintaining
the project works or otherwise, shall absolutely cease at
the end of the license period, unless the Licensee has
obtained a new license pursuant to the then existing laws
and regulations, or an annual license under the terms and
conditions of this license.
Article 37. The terms and conditions expressly set
forth in the license shall not be construed as impairing any
terms and conditions of the Federal Power Act which are
not expressly set forth herein.
19 FERC { 61,223
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Before Commissioners: C. M. Butler, III, Chairman;
Georgiana Sheldon,
J. David Hughes
and A.G. Sousa.
Project No. 943-011
PuBLic UTILITY DISTRICT No. 1 OF
CHELAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ORDER ON APPEAL
(Issued June 4, 1982)
On May 13, 1981, the Director of the Office of Electric
Power Regulation (“Director”) issued a new license to
Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Wash-
ington (“Licensee”) for the continued operation and
maintenance of the Rock Island Project No. 943 located
on the Columbia River in Chelan and Douglas Counties,
Washington. (15 FERC { 62,187). An appeal’ of the
Director’s order was filed jointly by the National Marine
1 The National Wildlife Federation filed an untimely appeal and
is therefore rejected. [18 CFR §1.7(d) (1981).] The subsequent
request for joinder and response to the Licensee’s answer are also
rejected.
59a
Fisheries Service and the Yakima Indian Nation.*»* The
appeal addresses primarily question of the treatment of
the fisheries resource and the lack of an environmental
impact statement. The Licensee filed a response to the
petition for appeal.
Motion to Strike
The Fisheries Service filed an answer to the Licensee’s
response to the petition. In response, the Licensee filed a
motion to strike the answers. The Licensee argues that
responses to answers are not permitted and that the
pertinent issues had been presented in the earlier filings.
The Fisheries Service argues in their response to the
motion that although a response to an answer is not pro-
vided for in the regulations, it should not automatically
be rejected. The Fisheries Service states that its filing
completes the record.
There is no provision in our regulations for filing re-
sponses, or objections proffered in responses to a previ-
ously filed answer, response or objection. Except the ex-
tent that such a pleading represents a new prayer for
relief or an initial response thereto, it will not be con-
sidered.* The answer filed by the Fisheries Service
merely expand on or respond to arguments previously
2 The participants in the joint appeal will be referred to as
“Fisheries Service”. When an argument is made solely by the
Yakima Indian Nation, it will be identified as such.
8’ The Washington Department of Fisheries and Game and the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also requested that they be
allowed to join in the joint appeal. Inasmuch as this request to join
additional parties to the appeal was filed after the deadline for
filing appeals, the request was untimely and is therefore denied.
See 18 FERC §1.7(d) (1981). We do note that denial of this the
request does not alter the substance of the appeal that was timely
filed.
3 Union Electric Company, 18 FERC { 61,156 (1982); Southern
California Edison Co., et al., 15 FERC { 61,099 (1981).
60a
presented. We are, therefore, granting the Licensee’s
motion to strike the response filed by the Fisheries Serv-
ice to the Licensee’s answer.
Fisheriés Resource
The Fisheries Service states that the Director’s order
fails to adequately address its concerns with respect to
the project’s impacts on the anadromous fisheries re-
source. The Fisheries Service argues that the separate
proceeding * is not sufficient to develop solutions to the
problems. The Fisheries Service requests that a schedule
be established for the installation of downstream by-
pass systems; that the minimum flows set forth in the
settlement agreement be included in the license with re-
opener provisions; that provide [sic] compensation be
provided for fisheries losses where such losses cannot be
mitigated.
The Licensee states that the fisheries problems are
being fully investigated in the separate proceeding and
argues that severance of the fisheries question is an ap-
propriate procedure. The Licensee questions the Fish-
eries Service approach of requesting separate considera-
tion of the Rock Island Project when a system-wide ap-
proach would be more comprehensive.
*We established a separate proceeding which consolidated for
hearing and resolution the question of the effect of the operation
of Project Nos. 2114, 948, 2145, and 2149 on the fisheries resource
in the Columbia River. Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant
County, Washington, et al., Project No. 2114, et al., “Order Con-
solidating Proceeding Establishing Hearing and Requiring Prehear-
ing Conference (issued March 7, 1979). The interim results of that
proceeding have been two settlement agreements: one for a period
of four years concerning the study of flows to protect the Vernita
Bar spawning area (approveu October 15, 1979) ; and another for a
period of five years to study the impacts of the projects on the
downstream migrating fish and to develop solutions, if any, to lessen
the impacts (approved March 20, 1980). The 1980 settlement
agreement is the agreement referred to in this order.
6la
The Director’s order is correct in its statement that
separate proceeding is addressing the concerns of Fish-
eries Service. The piecemeal approach advocated by the
Fisheries Service would be costly and probably would not
obtain adequate results. The problems demand a system-
wide approach. That is why we ordered the separate
proceeding. The question of by-pass systems at any of
the dams is one to be addressed under the settlement
agreement and, therefore, is currently pending before the
presiding administrative law judge. The question of com-
pensation for unmitigated losses is also pending before
the presiding judge. The settlement agreement provides
for interim minimum flows which the Licensee is bound
to provide. Articles 12 and 15 of the license issued by
the Director allow the Commission to impose minimum
flows for the benefit of the fisheries resource and to
change those flows should the need arise. Therefore, we
believe that the inclusion of a license article on the in-
terim minimum flow is not necessary. As we stated
recently :
. . . the participants should keep in mind that the
Commission’s order of March 7, 1979, explicitly
charges the presiding judge with the responsibility,
and delegates to him the authority, with respect to
studies and interim operating measures during the
period prior to final Commission action in the pro-
ceeding initiated by that order.
Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant County, Washing-
ton et al, 18 FERC 7 61,023 (1982). The new license
contains adequate provisions to implement any changes
in project operation or structures that we deem neces-
sary for the protection and enhancement of the fisheries
resources when an adequate record has been certified to
the Commission. We believe that the Director appro-
priately issued the new license for Project No. 943.°
5 The Fisheries Service also requests that a hearing be held to
develop license conditions. We have already established a hearing
62a
Exhibit S
The Fisheries Service argues that the new license
should be “withdrawn” pending the completion of the Ex-
hibit S (fish and wildlife report). Under Article 48 of
the original license, the Licensee was ordered to file a
revised Exhibit S “within three years after initial opera-
tion of the se ind powerhouse.”* The final unit of the
second powerhouse was placed into operation in August
979. Thus, under Article 48, the revised Exhibit S
be
would be filed in August 1982. Article 38 of the new
license orders the Licensee to file a revised ku ‘bit S
“within three years from the date of issuance of this
license” which would be May 12, 1984
ing the filing of a revised Exhibit S. The options avail-
to the Commission in addressing the fisheries prob-
are not reduced by requiring a revised exhibit to be
after the issuance of the license. We are amending
Article 38 of the license, however, to reflect the original
timetable for the filing of the revised Exhibit S.
Need for Environmental Impact Statement
The Fisheries Service argues that the issuance of the
new license for Project No. 943 is a major federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the human environ-
ment and that therefore, staff was required to prepare an
environmental impact statement (“EIS”). The Licensee
on the fisheries issue. That hearing is the appropriate forum for
the development of any further license conditions that may be
appropriate for the protection and enhancement of the fisheries
resource.
*In 1974 the Commission authorized the construction of a second
County, Washington, 51 FPC 1141 (1974).
The standard for determining the need for an EIS is
whether the action is a major federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment. 42
U.S.C. § 4882(2)(c). The key, however, is whether the
issuance of the new license for the project significantly
affects the quality of the environment. The test for de-
termining if the impacts are significant is twofold:
(1) the extent to which the action will cause ad-
verse environmental effects in excess of those
created by existing uses in the area affected by
it; and,
(2) the absolute quantitative adverse environmental
effects of the action itself, including the cumu-
lative harm that results from its contribution to
existing adverse conditions or uses in the af-
fected area.
Hanly v. Kleindienst, 471 F.2d 823, 830 (2nd Cir. 1972).
The issuance of a new license for this project does not fit
either of the criteria that establishes an impact as sig-
nificant. Other than the continuing impacts on the fish-
eries resource, the Fisheries Service has failed to iden-
tify any environmental impacts caused by the issuance of
the license. We find no impacts that should be addressed
by staff in an EIS. The continuing impact of the proj-
ect on the fisheries resource is being addressed in the
separate proceeding. The license is adequately condi-
tioned to provide for the protection of the environmental
resources of the project area. We find that the issuance
of the new license for Project No. 943 does not signifi-
cantly affect the quality of the human environment and,
therefore, no EIS is required.
New Development in the Law
The Fisheries Service argues that the Pacific North-
west Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act
(“Pacific Act”), 16 U.S.C. § 839, et seg., requires that
64a
the fisheries resource receive equal treatment with power
production in the decision-making process. The Fisheries
Service asserts that the Director’s order fails to make
the appropriate finding that the fisheries resource is re-
ceiving equitable treatment.
The Pacific Act states that agencies that regulate hy-
droelectric development, such as this Commission, shall:
exercise such responsibilities . . . in a manner that
provides equitable treatment for such fish and wild-
life with other purposes for which system and facili-
ties are managed and operated. (Section 4(h) (11)
(A) (i).
As we have often repeated in this order, the separate
proceeding is providing a forum to ensure that the fish-
eries resource receives appropriate treatment.
In describing the separate proceeding the Director’s
order states:
... (the Livensee) is conducting studies to investi-
gate the eftect of the project on the downstream mi-
gration of juvenile salmonids, the methods of im-
proving protection and natural production of sal-
monids and the methods of improving and increas-
ing semi-natural and artificial production of sal-
monids from the Mid-Columbia River.
The new license is conditioned so that appropriate
changes in project operation and structures can be made,
if needed, to ensure that the fisheries resource receives
the appropriate treatment. The decision, however, can-
not be made without an adequate record. The separate
proceeding has developed interim protections for the re-
source while a record is being developed to provide for
long-term protection and enhancement of the resource.
We find that the fisheries resource is receiving the ap-
propriate treatment by this Commission.
65a
The Fisheries Service also argues that the Pacific Act
requires the Commission to consult with them. The ap-
plication for license in this proceeding was processed pur-
suant to our normal procedures. This includes specifi-
cally requesting federal, state and local agencies to com-
ment on the application. Notice was also published in
local newspapers and the Federal Register requesting
comments. These procedures ensure that the consulta-
tion requirements of various statutes are met. We believe
that these procedures are adequate for any consultation
requirements of the Pacific Act.
Pursuant to the Pacific Act, a regional fisheries plan
is being developed.7 The Fisheries Service argues that
an article should be included in the license requiring com-
pliance with the regional fisheries plan. We are not in-
cluding an article in the license requiring compliance
with the regional fisheries plan. The plan has not yet
been developed. Compliance with the plan by projects
licensed by this Commission is not mandatory.* The sep-
arate proceeding is to determine, in part, the effect of
the project on the fisheries res: urce. We believe that it
would be imprudent to adopt such an article with two
unknowns present; that is, what the regional plan is and
the extent of the projects’ impacts on the fisheries re-
source. Therefore, we are denying the request for an
article requiring compliance with the as yet undeveloped
regional fisheries plan. Of course, the regional plan
should in the future serve as an important document. in
determining the long-term solutions for protection and
enhancement of the fisheries resource in Mid-Columbia
River. We are including Article 45 in the license to re-
serve to the Commission the authority to re-examine the
project when the regional plan is adopted.
7 The plan is to be completed by November 15, 1982.
8 See Section 4(h) (11) (A) (ii) of the Pacific Act.
66a
The Yakimas argue that the Director’s order fails to
reflect the Commission’s obligations under U.S. v. Wash-
ington, Phase II, 506 F. Supp. 187 (W.D. Wash. 1980).°
The Licensee argues that the Indian Treaty rights are
being taken care of in the separate proceeding. The Li-
~~ eensee notes that Yakima Indian Reservation is outside
of the physical coverage of the Phase II decision.
The Director’s order maintains the status quo with re-
spect to any impacts that the project may have on the
fishery habitat. If, however, the project does impact the
fishery habitat in which the Yakima ciaim treaty rights,
the separate proceeding will resolve that issue. We find
no reason to amend the Director’s order to discuss this
issue.
Access to Data
The Fisheries Service requests that it have full and
complete arcess to all data and information and that it be
fully consulted on all fishery matters. The Licensee did
not respond to these requests.
The data and information being generated in the sepa-
rate proceeding is available to all of the parties. Also,
the Licensee is required to consult with the Fisheries
Service in the preparation of its revised Exhibit S and
additionally in accordance with the applicable statutes.
® U.S. v. Washington, Phase I (Washington v. Washington State
Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel Association, 443 U.S. 658
(1979) ) establishing that certain tribes whose treaties reserved
the right to fish at their usual and accustomed fishing places were
entitled under certain circumstances to one half of the fisheries
resource. Phase II found that implicit in the treaties was “the
right to have the fishery habitat protected from manmade despoli-
ation”. 506 F. Supp. at 203.
67a
The Commission orders:
A) Article $8 of the license for Project No. 943 is
amended to read as follows:
Article 38. The Licensee shall, on or before August 31,
1982, file for Commission approval a revised Exhibit S
including, among other things, “as constructed’ fishery
drawings prepared in accordance with the Commission’s
Rules and Regulations, the results of the pre-and post
flooding studies, and any proposals for mitigative meas-
ures needed to protect and enhance the fish and wildlife
resources affected by project operation.
B) The license for Project No. 943 is amended to in-
clude the following article:
Article 45. The Commission reserves the authority to
order, upon its own motion or upon the recommendation
of federal or state fish and wildlife agencies or affected
Indian Tribes, alterations of project structures and op-
erations to take into account to the fullest extent prac-
ticable the regional fish and wildlife plan developed pur-
suant to the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning
and Conservation Act.
C) All other requests on appeal of the order issuing a
new major license for Project No. 943 are denied.
D) The appeal and subsequent filings made by the Na-
tional Wildlife Federation are rejected.
By the Commission.
[SEAL]
/s/ Kenneth F. Plumb
KENNETH F.. PLUMB
Secretary
68a
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
FISH AND WILDLIFE
RESOURCES
Before Commissioners: C.M. Butler III, Chairman;
Georgiana Sheldon and
Oliver G. Richard III.
Project Nos. 943-012, 013, and 014
PuBLic UTILITY DistrRicT No. 1 oF )
CHELAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON )
ORDER ON REHEARING
(Issued November 23, 1982)
Applications for rehearing have been filed by the Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service (““NMFS”)?* and the Pub-
lic Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Washington
(“PUD”) of our order denying NMFS’s appeal of the
issuance of a new license for the Rock Island Project No.
943.2 NMFS is concerned primarily with the project’s im-
1 NMFS filed its petition for rehearing jointly with the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Yakima Indian Nation.
However, only NMFS has filed and been granted intervention in
this pror eding. In accordance with Section 313 of the Federal
Power Act, rehearing only lies for those that are parties to the pro-
ceeding (i.e., intervenors). Therefore, the petition for rehearing
as it relates to Oregon and Yakima was not accepted for filing.
For the same reasons, the petition for rehearing filed by the Na-
tional Wildlife Federation also was rejected.
219 FERC {] 61,223 (June 4, 1982).
69a
pact on the Columbia River fisheries. The PUD objects to
certain aspects of Articles 38 and 45 of the license.
Appeal by NMFS
1. Request For New Hearing
NMFS again objects to the Commission’s use of a “sep-
arate” proceeding to address the project’s impact on the
Columbia River fisheries.* NMFS argues that the license
should not have been issued without adequate conditions
to protect the fisheries, and that a record to support these
conditions could be developed at a hearing. According to
NMFS, the hearing should address technical issues such
as flows, spills, collection and by-pass, and compensation.
NMF%S’s complaint that the fishery problems related to
Project No. 943 should not be addressed in the context of
the on-going proceeding appears to stem from NMF%S’s
frustration and impatience with the pace of that proceed-
ing. This proceeding was established at the request of
federal and state fishery management agencies in order
to develop a record to determine what changes, if any,
should be made in project structures and operation in
order to preserve, protect, and enhance the Columbia
River fisheries. We do not think that the public interest
would be well served by disbanding the existing proceed-
ing and instituting a new one in order to accommodate
one of the participants. NMFS’s request for a new pro-
ceeding appears to be little more than an attempt to cir-
cumvent the Commission’s current effort to compile an
adequate and orderly record on these issues. If NMFS
perceives deficiencies in the on-going proceeding, the bet-
® The “separate” proceeding, which is currently pending before
an Administrative Law Judge, consolidates for hearing and resolu-
tion the question of the effect of Project Nos. 943, 2114, 2145, and
2149 on the Columbia River fisheries. Public Utility District No. 2
of Grant County, Washington, et al. 6 FERC {61,210 (Mar. 7,
1979).
70a
ter course would be for it to try to correct those deficien-
cies in the context of that proceeding.
2. Need For EIS
NMFS also argues that an environmental impact state-
ment should have been prepared prior to issuing the new
license. On this point, NMFS raises no new arguments
that have not been discussed in our previous orders in
this docket. We find that the environmental record al-
ready compiled is adequate to support our order issuing
a new license for the existing Rock Island Project, espe-
cially in light of our decision to include open-ended condi-
tions pertaining to fisheries that will be finalized on the
basis of the record compiled in the on-going proceeding
discussed above.
3. Equitable Treatment of Fisheries Issues
On another matter, NMFS argues that relegating the
fisheries issue to a separate proceeding, while approving
the power operations by issuing a new license, is not
equitable treatment of the fisheries as contemplated by
the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Con-
servation Act (“Pacific Act”).* Section 4(h)11(A) (i) of
the Pacific Act requires that the fisheries be given equi-
table treatment with other project purposes in the deci-
sion-making process.
We first note that the Commission, long before passage
of the Pacific Act, has sought to balance power and fish-
eries interests when issuing licenses. Secondly, in issuing
new licenses for old projects, as is the case here, we have
often found it necessary to have the applicant and in-
terested agencies conduct rather detaiied fisheries studies
of several years’ duration. When there is only one ap-
plicant for the new license, it frequently makes sense to
go ahead and issue the new license before the lengthy
#16 U.S.C. § 889 et seq.
Tla
studies are complete, sc as to put in effect sooner the new
license conditions, which relate to all aspects of the project
and in many cases strengthen the protection of other
aspects of the public interest in the project. Because this
procedure enhances our regulatory posture and enables us
to better deal with environmental issues, we cannot con-
cur in NMFS’s complaint that the fisheries are being
short-changed by our issuance of the new license.
4. Requirement to Consult
On the matter of consultation with fish and wildlife
agencies and Indian Tribes under section 4(h) (11) (B)
of the Pacific Act, NMFS asserts that the Commission
must do more than provide public notice and opportunity
for comment on the application. NMFS overlooks the
fact that our regulations require consultation between
applicants and agencies prior to filing of the application.®
The applicants meet with the agencies and seek review
and comment on the draft application. We believe that
this pre-filing consultation, coupled with the agencies’
post-filing opportunity to review and comment on the
application, satisfies the consultation requirements of the
Pacific Act.
5. NMFS’s Stricken Pleading
Finally, NMFS objects to our striking its answers to
the PUD’s response to its petition for appeal. We struck
NMF%’s filing because it “merely expands on or responds
to arguments previously presented.” 19 FERC { 61,233
at 61,438. NMFS, however, contends that the stricken
filing addresses new issues, and is not merely a further
explication of old issues. We have re-examined NMF%S’s
filing, and are unable to identify any new issues ad-
dressed therein. Accordingly, we reaffirm our decision
to strike this repetitious filing from the record.
5 See 18 C.F.R. § 4.41 (1982).
72a
PUD’s Petition for Rehearing
The PUD argues that the date specified in Article 38
for submission of a revised Exhibit S (fish and wildlife
report) is impractical, because the fishery studies have
not been completed. The PUD states that agreements on
tie studies have now been reached with the fish and wild-
life agencies. The PUD therefore requests that Article
38 be amended to extend the filing date of the revised
Exhibit S until May 1984. Under the circumstances, we
are persuaded that the PUD’s new schedule is reasonable
and should be adopted. Article 38 will be amended to
reflect the new schedule.
The PUD also argues that any re-examination of the
project pursuant to Article 45 should be tempered by a
“reasonableness” standard, and that any alterations to
the project not be ordered without notice and opportunity
for a hearing.” Our actions are always governed by a
rule of reasonableness, and where license articles are left
open-ended for a future determination, notice and oppor-
tunity for a hearing are inherent.’ The PUD’s proposed
amendment of Article 45 is rejected.
The Commission orders:
All pending motions and petitions for rehearing are
denied, except for the PUD’s request that Article 38 of
the license be amended as follows:
* The Washington Department of Game apparently does not agree
with the PUD’s new schedule, and takes the position that the re
vised Exhibit S should be filed as soon as possible. And as pre-
viously discussed, NMFS maintains that the license application
should not have been accepted nor the license issued until a revised
Exhibit S has been filed.
7 Article 45, which was added to the license by our previous
order on appeal, reserves to the Commission authority to re-examine
the project license when the regional fish and wildlife plan is
adopted for the Pacific Act.
8 See Central Maine Power Company, 40 FPC 11382 (1968), reh.
den., 40 FPC 1512 (1968); Louisville Gas and Electric Company,
18 FERC { 61,215 (Mar. 4, 1982).
73a
Article 38. The Licensee shall on or before May 31,
1984, file for Commission approval a revised Exhibit
S including, among other things, “as constructed”
fishery drawings prepared in accordance with the
Commission’s Rules and Regulations, the results of
the pre- and post-flooding studies, and any proposals
for mitigative measures needed to protect and en-
hance the fish and wildlife resources affected by
project operations.
By the Commission.
[SEAL]
/s/ Lois D. Cashell
Lots D. CASHELL,
Acting Secretary.
Pty oO Sew
74a
C. Order Denying Petition for Rehearing
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Nos. 82-7561
82-7562
83-7038
CONFEDERATED TRIBES AND BANDS OF THE
YAKIMA INDIAN NATION, et al.,
Petitioners,
and
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION,
Petitioner-Intervenor,
and
MALCOLM BALDRIGE, SECRETARY OF COMMERCE,
Petitioner,
and
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF GAME,
Intervenors,
Vv.
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION,
Respondent,
and
Pusiic Utiity District No. 1
OF CHELAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON,
Intervenor.
75a
ORDER
Before: ANDERSON and FLETCHER, Circuit Judges, and
EastT,* District Judge.
The panel as constituted in the above case has voted to
deny the petition for rehearing and to reject the sugges-
tion for a rehearing en banc.
The full court has been advised of the suggestion for
en banc rehearing, and no judge of the court has re
quested a vote on the suggestion for rehearing en banc.
Fed. R. App. P. 35(b).
The opinion filed June 7, 1984 is amended as follows:
The last full paragraph on page 2502 of the slip opinion
and the first phrase of the last paragraph are eliminated
and replaced with:
“A primary consideration in relicensing of projects
now owned by a state or municipality is whether
FERC should recommend to Congress recapture (or
takeover) by the United States. 16 U.S.C. § 807.
Although takeover is not among FERC’s options in
this case, since Chelan is a municipality as defined in
16 U.S.C. § 796(7), see 16 U.S.C. § 828(b) (take-
over not permitted of projects owned by a state or
municipality). FERC still retains several options
that it must consider in ar EIS. FERC can relicense
to Chelan, relicense to another licensee, or issue a
non-power license. See 16 U.S.C. § 808(a) & (b).
“The [C]ommission is authorized . . .”
The petition for rehearing is denied and the suggestion
for a rehearing en banc is rejected.
* The Honorable William G. East, Senior United States District
Judge, District of Oregon, sitting by designation.
a
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any project or projects covered by the original license,
and shall be issued on the condition that the new licensee
shall, before taking possession of such project or projects,
pay such amount, and assum such contracts as the
United States is required te do in the manner specified
in section 807 of this title: Provided, That in the event
the United States does not exercise the right to take over
or
hearing, whenever it finds that i
prehensive plan for improving or developi
5
2
>
w
i
:
use for power purposes, may license al!
use shall be issued to a new licensee only on the condition
that the new licensee shall, before taking possession of the
facilities encompassed thereunder, pay such amount and
assume such contracts as the United States is required
agency is authorized and willing to assume regulatory
supervision of the lands and facilities included under the
nonpower license and does so, the Commission shall there-
upon terminate the license. Consistent with the provisions
of sections 828 to 828¢ of this title, every licensee for non-
power use shall keep such accounts and file such annual
78a
and other periodic or special reports concerning the re-
moval, alteration, nonpower use, or other disposition of
any project works or parts thereof covered by the non-
power use license as the Commission may by rules and
regulations or order prescribe as necessary or appropriate.
42 U.S.C. § 4882(2) (C) (1982)
§ 4332. Cooperation of agencies; reports; availability of
information; recommendations; international and
national coordination of efforts
The Congress authorizes and directs that, to the fullest
extent possible: ... (2) all agencies of the Federal Gov-
ernment shall—
_(C) include in every recommendation or report on
proposals for legislation and other major Federal
actions significantly affecting the quality of the hu-
man environment, a detailed statement by the re-
sponsible official on—
(i) the environmental impact of the proposed
action,
(ii) any adverse environmental effects which
cannot be avoided should the proposa! be imple-
mented,
(iii) alternatives to the proposed action,
(iv) the,relationship between local short-term
uses of man’s environment and the maintenance
and enhancement of long-term productivity, and
(v) any irreversible and irretrievable com-
mitments of resources which would be involved
in the proposed action should it be implemented.
Prior to making any detailed statement, the respon-
sible Federal official shall consult with and obtain
the comments of any Federal agency which has juris-
‘
:
&
79a
diction by law or special expertise with respect to
any environmental impact involved. Copies of such
statement and the comments and views of the appro-
priate Federal, State, and local agencies, which are
authorized to develop and enforce environmental
standards, shall be made available to the President,
the Council on Environmental Quality and to the
public as provided by section 552 of Title 5, and shall
accompany the proposal through the existing agency
review processes ....
80a
Ill OTHER MATERIALS
A. Order Amending License
Before Commissioners: John N. Nassikas, Chairman;
Albert B. Brooke, Jr., Rush Moody, Jr., William L.
_Springer and Don S. Smith.
PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 OF
CHELAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON,
PROJECT NO. 943
ORDER AMENDING LICENSE (MAJOR)
(Issued March 29, 1974)
Application was filed on February 15, 1973, and re-
vised on March 23, 1978, by Public Utility District No. 1
of Chelan County, Washington (Applicant) for amend-
ment of the license for Rock Island Project No. 9438. Sup-
plemental information was filed on February 23, April 2,
April 9, April 12, and May 31, 1973. The approva! of the
proposed amendment would allow the Applicant to con-
struct a second project power plant and modify the exist-
ing dam to permit the reservoir forebay to be raised 6.1
feet vertically.
Public notice of the filing of the application was given
on April 19, 1973, with an extended date of June 15,
1973, as the last day for filing of protests or petitions to
intervene.
The project is located on the Columbia River near the
cities and towns of Chelan, Ephrata, Rock Island, Water-
ville, and Wenatchee, in Chelan and Douglas Counties,
Washington. The existing project would be modified to
include a semi-outdoor type powerhouse containing eight
8la
horizontal shaft, bulb-turbine generator units (51.8 mw
each), a new fish passage facility replacing the existing
right bank fish ladder, extension of the existing middle
and left bank fish ladders, addition of two miles of new
115-kv transmission lines, raising Rock Island reservoir
6.1 feet from 608.0 to 614.1 feet (U.S.G.S. datum), and
other alterations to existing facilities to accommodate the
raised reservoir forebay. The new 410,400-kilowatt plant
would provide additions in regional peaking capacity of
about 383 mw, and an increase in the average annual
generation of about 1,296 million kilowatt-hours. The 18-
unit project is estimated to have an average annual
energy generation of 2,780 million kwh.
The Applicant, a municipal corporation organized aid
existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of
Washington, intends to finance the proposed addition to
the project by the issuance of electric revenue bonds.
The interest and principal of these bonds, similar to those
it has issued for other projects, will be paid from reve-
nues derived from the sale of power produced by the
project. Applicant foresees that the total bond issuance
to be in the order of $140 to $150 million depending upon
the financing interest rate. Included in Exhibit G of the
app!.cation is the status and rating of bonds, as of De-
cember 31, 1971, previously issued by the Applicant.
By order of the Washington State Department of Ecol-
ogy on October 12, 1973, there was issued to the Appli-
cant in Docket No. DE-73-179 a modification of water
quality criteria. On March 5, 1974, the Commission re-
ceived the Applicant’s water quality certificate issued by
Washington State Department of Ecology.
Interested Federal, State, and local agencies have re-
ported favorably on the application. The applicant has
had the opportunity to respond to all the comments, and
did so to some of them on September 28, 1973. While no
agency objected to amending the license, there were re-
82a
quests that certain conditions be included in any license
amendment issued. The revised articles and additional
special articles included in the ordering paragraphs would
update the present license and provide further for the
protection and development of fish, wildlife, water qual-
ity, recreation, scenic and other environmental values at
the project.
The Atomie Energy Commission in a letter dated June
25, 1978, believes that the project will have no effect on
its Hanford Plant operations. They were satisfied with
the treatment of nuclear generation alternative.
The Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, in a
letter dated July 24, 1973, states that the proposal will
have no primary or secondary effects on the Wenatchee
National Forest.
The Department of Army, Corps of Engineers, by let-
ter of June 28, 1973, states that the proposed modifica-
tions will have minimal effects on flood damage reductions
downstream of the project and navigation in the vicinity
of the project. The plans for the structures affecting
navigation are satisfacwry. They suggest that the back-
water could have an effect on the outlet structures of the
authorized flood control project for Canyons 1 and 2 in
Wenatchee, Washington. Any revisions of the backwater
curves of the Exhibit H in the application should be re-
ported to the District Engineer of the Corps. Article 64
added to the license by this order provides for the Corps’
recommendation.
By letter of June 1, 1973, the Department of Com-
merce, National Marine Fisheries Service, recommended
three special conditions to be contained in any license
amendment issued for the project. These included: (a)
Applicant shall finance preflooding and _postflooding
studies to determine any project effects on fishery re-
sources and any costs for conservation and development
of fish resources which are deemed to be necessary by the
83a
studies; (b) Applicant shall provide for construction,
maintenance, and operation of facilities for the conserva-
tion and development of fish and wildlife resources and
modify any project structures as ordered by the Com-
mission; and (c) Applicant shall permit the United
States to construct or otherwise provide for fish and
wildlife facilities at the project. Commerce also com-
mented on the submitted Exhibit S stating that the study
program as indicated will probably be greater in scope,
cost, and recognition of needed facilities. Special Arti-
cles 48 and 49 and amended license Article 21 provide for
Commerce’s request.
In a letter dated August 6, 1973, the Department of
the Interior did not object to the project. However, In-
terior desired that there be some clarification of most of
the exhibits submitted. Their main concern was in the
delay allowed for the filing of an Exhibit R; however, we
believe it reasonable to allow one year for filing of the
Exhibit R. Interior’s comments on the Exhibit W gen-
erally dealt with the need for more information and a
thorough investigation of matters, such as the potential
direct relation between project implementation and land-
slide activity. The comments were considered in Staff’s
Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The amended
license articles and additional articles are consistent with
Interior’s comments on Staff’s Draft Statement.
Washington State Department of Game que‘tioned the
adequacy of certain statements in their letter of June 22,
1973. They point out that some of the conclusions in the
application cannot be proven until the contemplated
studies are completed. Game’s main contentions deal with
the effect of the bulb turbine on migrants, nitrogen satu-
ration in the tailrace, loss of game habitat, loss of nesting
sites, and the effect on wildlife.
By letter of June 6, 1973, the Washington State De-
partment of Fisheries insists that provisions be made for
84a
screening the turbines and by-passing the juveniles since
the evidence is inconclusive as to what the effect of the
bulb turbines will be on the juveniles. They were also
interested in the nitrogen super-saturation, the fish runs,
and spawning areas. The matters raised in Fisheries’
and Game’s letters were considered in detail in Staff's
Final Environmental Impact Statement and provided for
in revised Article 21 and in Article 48.
The Douglas County Citizen Advisory Committee for
the Shoreline Management Act in a letter dated May 30,
1973, expressed concern over the orchards that will be
affected by the enlarged project. The Committee requests
that more be done dealing with the golf course; they sug-
gest that it be relocated and propose alternate sites. They
stress its value to the community, and not just as a
recreational area. Other points of concern that the Com-
mittee raised were wildlife nesting areas, changes in
groundwater elevations, and the mosquito situation in the
slough areas. Article 50 calls for pre- and post-flooding
studies on the effects of raising groundwater levels.
Article 51 provides for vector control. Article 55 requires
the filing for Commission approval of an Exhibit R
(Recreational Use Plan) which would include alternatives
to, if not replacement of, the golf course.
The Board of County Commissioners of Douglas
County, Washington, in their letter of April 9, 1978,
foresee no extensive damaging environmental impact.
They stated that the applicant would be required to pay
for improving or replacing the needed road which would
be inundated. Article 54 requires the Applicant to con-
sult and cooperate with them as to the relocation of
roads.
The Department of Transportation, United States
Coast Guard, by letter of June 5, 1973, expressed con-
cern that the increase in the generating capacity may
have some effect on the problem of inductive coupling
with railroad signal and communications lines. In their
85a
letter of August 17, 1973, they would like to have more
information on the effects of river flow manipulation on
future navigation and other problems a mariner might
face particularly when there are abrupt current changes.
Amended Article 11 concerns the problem of inductive
interference. Article 63 provides for consultation with
the railroad on needed alterations.
Washington State Department of Social and Health
Services on May 24, 1978, directed its comments towards
the mosquito problem and the relocation of people. The
Department of Housing and Urban Development on May
21, 1978, was also concerned with the relocation of per-
sons. They would like to see more information on the
replacement of the approximately 50 acres of agricultural
land and the golf course. Special Article 55 deals with
the golf course, and Special Article 58 provides for a
relocation advisory service. Special Article 51 provides
for vector control.
The Washington State Highway Commission on June
13, 1973, lists three areas of concern which were: (a) the
Columbia River Bridge at Olds presently under construc-
tion; (b) the proposed alignment of SR-28 along the east
bank of the Columbia River at 19th Street of which sub-
stantial portions of the gravel bar will be inundated;
and (c) sections of existing SR-28 between Sta. 470 and
480 and Sta. 571 and 533 to be affected by the raised
backwater encroachment. The Department does not ob-
ject to the proposed action, they only desire that proper
identification of impact on the existing and proposed
highways is made and proper protective measures are
included in the proposal. These matters were considered
fully in Staff’s Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Special Article 54 provides for consultation as to the
relocation of roads.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report-
ing on June 11, 1973, offered no objection to the license
amendment. EPA said that the amendment would allow
86a
more efficient use of the waters of the Columbia River
and it should also reduce supersaturation of dissolved
gases in the flow. Article 48 provides for the monitoring
of dissolved nitrogen levels and temperature as recom-
mended by EPA.
Other agencies commenting on the proposed amend-
ment and offering no objection included the Pacific North-
west River Basins Commission by letter of August 8,
1973, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
by letter of June 13, 1973, Washington State Parks and
Recreation Commission by letter of July 26, 1973, State
of Washington Office of Program Planning and Fiscal
Management by letter of July 6, 1973, and State of
Washington Department of Natural Resources by letter
of April 12, 1973.
On June 15, 1973, a petition to intervene was filed by
the Washington Department of Fisheries and Department
of Game (Departments). The Departments felt it neces-
sary to petition because of the possible effects of the pro-
posed action upon food fish, game fish, and wildlife
resources of the State. They suggest that research studies
be done. They were at that time negotiating with the
pertinent agencies for funding for the studies. On July
27, 1973, Applicant filed an answer to the Departments’
petition. While the Applicant stated that they did not
oppose the petition, they think that the Departments’
rights and interests will be protected and preserved by
research, investigations, and studies to be funded by the
Applicant. The petition to intervene was granted by the
Commission in an order issued September 18, 1973. We
believe that the Departments’ rights and interests are be-
ing amply protected by the studies being conducted in
cooperation with the Applicant. License articles are be-
ing included to insure protection.
On June 14, 1973, Public Utility District No. 2 of
Grant County, Washington (Grant) filed with the Com-
mission a petition to intervene in the proceedings. The
’
87a
basis for Grant’s petition is the contract between Appli-
cant and Grant in which Grant pays to Applicant money
for lost energy at Rock Island due to the encroachment by
its Wanapum Reservoir of Project No. 2114. They are
fearful that by enlarging Rock Island, Applicant will ask
for increased payments to help finance the construction.
On July 27, 1973, Applicant answered Grant’s petition
contending that Grant will be liable for any power or
energy loss, damage, and expense due to encroachment
after the expansion of Rock Island is completed. Appli-
cant feels that the problem can be solved through briefing
rather than an evidentiary hearing. They are arguing
that the issue is legal not factual. Applicant also states
that if any damage arises from the construction and
operation of the new powerhouse they, the Licensee,
would be held liable under Section 10(c) of the Federal
Power Act. Intervention was granted by the Commission
on September 18, 1973.
On August 13, 1973, Grant filed a reply to Applicant’s
answer to the petition to intervene. In the reply, Grant
contends that the issues involved are a mixture of fact
and law, and, thus, would require a factual record before
any meaningful briefs could be submitted. We believe that
neither this proceeding nor this forum is the proper place
to solve a possible question of money damages * involving
a contract made in the State of Washington. Although
intervenor’s license for Project No. 2114 refers to this
contract and requires compliance with its terms, the con-
tract provisions are not made a part of the license.?
Because the problem is one of contractual right to pay-
ments between Applicant and Grant, not involving the
cost of construction, feasibility of the proposal, nor en-
1 See Idaho Power Company, 29 FPC 572.
2See P.U.D. No. 2 of Grant County, 14 FPC 1067. Although
requested to do so (14 FPC at 1070), the Commission declined to
include the applicant’s obligation under the agreement as conditions
of any license issued (14 FPC at 1074).
88a
vironmental effects; the controversy should not delay the
construction. Therefore, the issues raised in the petition
dealing with the contract and payments thereunder do
not require an evidentiary hearing before the Commis-
sion nor a determination by the Commission at this time.
It is significant to note that the question of power loss
can be best established after the powerhouse is placed in
operation. Further, no damages under the contract can
be established prior to that time.
On December 14, 19738, the Washington State Depart-
ment of Highways (Highways) petitioned the Commis-
sion to intervene in the proceedings to insure greater
protection for their interests. The proposed addition will
effect Highways in these ways: (a) possibility of alter-
ing the structure or modifying the permit for clearance
of a bridge of SR-2 currently under construction;
(b) possible modification of the frontage road grade on
the proposed alignment of SR-28 along the east bank of
the Columbia River; and (c) possibility of raising the
highway grade of existing SR-28 between Sta. 470 and
480 and Sta. 517 and 533 where the backwater will
encroach onto the right-of-way. The petition of High-
ways was granted by order of the Commission issued on
February 27, 1974. It would appear that Highway’s
rights are being sufficiently protected. Applicant appears
to realize its obligations as illustrated on page 3 of the
Exhibit F in that they intend to work with Highways to
fully protect the highway system. There is to be included
in the license Article 54 to require the Licensee to consult
and cooperate with Highways in the relocation of roads.
The Commission received several protest letters, includ-
ing one from Mayor M. A. Guerin of Rock Island, con-
cerning the inundation of the nine-hole golf course in
Rock Island, Washington. The Mayor was also concerned
about the slough areas. They were disturbed because the
golf course is being destroyed and there were no provi-
sions for its replacement. However, the Applicant stated
3va
on pages 5-4 of its environmental report (Exhibit W)
that they will consult with governmental bodies, inter-
ested persons, and organizations as to the need for and
economic feasibility of replacing the golf course. They
said that a provision for other compensating recreational
facilities, if not the golf course, is anticipated as being
included in the Recreational Use Plan (Exhibit R) to be
filed. Applicant is allowed one year to submit the Exhibit
R following approval of the application for amendment
of the license.
The Applicant has submitted an environmental report.
Based upon this report and an independent investigation
of its own, the Commission Staff compiled a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement and circulated it on
October 31, 1973, among the interested Federal, State,
and local agencies as well as to individuals and organiza-
tions for comment. After consideration and review of
these comments, a Final Environmental Impact Statement
was prepared by our Staff which was distributed on
January 28, 1974. On the basis of the information con-
tained in the Staff's final statement and other material
on file with the Commission, we are of the opinion that
the beneficial effects from construction and operation of
the additional powerhouse at Rock Island will offset any
adverse effects on the environment of the area.
We have carefully considered the environmental impact
of the proposed project. There will be an impact on land
resources of the project area resulting from the installa-
tion of a second powerhouse and raising of the reservoir
level. An additional 335 acres of land will be flooded as a
result of this action. These lands support a wide range
of activities which included natural, commercial, resi-
dential and recreational activities. Six businesses and
industries will be inundated resulting in their relocation,
abandonment, or additional construction for protection.
Flooding will also inundate sixteen residences of which
fourteen are inhabited. These persons will have to be
affected through root saturation. This represents
about $225,000 in estimated land value. The recreation
to be affected includes a nine-hole municipal golf course
near the town of Rock Island, three boat ramps on the
reservoir, and sport fishing and wildlife.
Transportation facilities to be affected are a bridge
under construction, some portions of a highway, and part
of a highway, and part of the Burlington-Northern Rail-
road tracks. All of these can be modified to allow the
continuation of their use.
Various studies, both pre-flooding and post-flooding,
are being financed by the Applicant to be undertaken by
Federal and State agencies to determine the effect of the
reservoir raising and additional powerhouse on the fish,
wildlife, and natural habitat such as the taking of nest-
ing areas. Applicant proposes to have periodic site inspec-
tions by professional archeologists to provide for protec-
tion of any archeological resources affected by the con-
struction. No historical sites will be affected by the pro-
posed action.
During the construction there will be some strain on
the socioeconomic community. Even though the Applicant
intends to recruit the majority of the construction force
from the vicinity of the project, there will be an increase
in the use of local resources and public facilities by the
influx of additional construction workers. This impact,
however, is expected to be minimal and probably only for
14 months. What impact there is, could be at least par-
tially offset by a growth in the local tax base to which
these people would contribute.
For about 14 months in the immediate vicinity of the
construction the air quality will be adversely affected by
emissions from heavy equipment and dust due to excava-
Sla
tion. Noise levels would also be higher than norma’. The
water quality during construction could be affected by
increased turbidity, sedimentation, and run-off from ex-
posed slopes. Articles 59 and 60 require measures be
taken to prevent stream siltation and to avoid or mini-
mize any disturbance caused by the construction of the
additional project works.
Once the addition to the project is completed, operation
will continue generally as it does now, except that there
will be a decrease in spillage with more water passing
through the new turbines. This change should improve
the nitrogen super-saturation content of the water due to
the decrease in the spillage. The maximum reservoir
drawdown for the proposal would be four feet to eleva-
tion 610.1 feet. Freeboard would be provided between
the normal forebay level and the top of the spillway gates
to avoid inadvertent overflows. The objective of maximiz-
ing resource utilization will be greater realized with the
proposed addition.
The unavoidable adverse affects include the removal
of 16 residences, and higher groundwater table might affect
septic tank system, water quality, and health standards.
Of the approximately 335 acres of land to be inundated,
there are three areas of biotic interest that would be
adversely affected: (a) Canada goose nesting grounds;
(b) the slough area; and (c) the flood plain. Also taken
or affected would be approximately 50 acres of orchards,
transportation facilities, a nine-hole golf course, and
three boat ramps. Unavoidable adverse effects on the
anadromous fish could come about because of increase in
mortalities to downstream migrants by passing (hrough
turbines instead of over the spillway. There would be a
loss of environmental quality during construction such as
increased solid waste, sewage, noise levels, dust and
92a
vehicle emissions, soil run-off, and consumption of local
resources.
The short term environmental uses can be offset by the
long term benefits of energy production and implementa-
tion of effective mitigative measures. For instance, the
existing shoreline vegetative habitat would be lost, but it
should gradually re-establish itself along shores of the
enlarged reservoir. Relocating the families affected
would cause them inconvience during that time. The
temporary increase in population will put a strain on the
environment and local resources.
There would be an irreversible and irretrievable com-
mitment of resources such as construction materials and
supplies. As long as the structure is in place, there would
be an irretrievable commitment of shoreline vegetation
used as wildlife habitat. Commitments such as land re-
sources could be retrievable if the structure should be
removed. Also lost would be the present land use of those
acres that will be inundated. There could be the loss of
downstream migrating salmonids because they would have
to pass through the proposed powerhouse where mortality
may be higher than if they were spilled.
Consideration has been given to alternatives to the
proposed addition to the project. Those studied were other
hydroelectric sites, combustion turbine, combined cycl
This text is long and has been trimmed here. Open the source document for the complete record.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.