Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
reservoir fluctuation. Two additional sites (FS-05-03-55-684, FS-05-03-55-689) were
reported to be within the APE but were inundated during field inspections in 2011
(PCWA, 2011d). These two sites remain unevaluated for the National Register, and their
condition is unknown. An additional resource, FS-05-17-54-495, a historic mining ditch,
would be affected by project road construction and is currently being evaluated for the
National Register. Finally, PCWA stated that operation of the project would not affect
two unevaluated resources (PL-03 and PL-19) because its activities are restricted to trail
realignment within the sites’ boundaries. The remaining 28 resources within the project
APE had either no project-related effects or had been determined ineligible for the
National Register.
In its letter filed July 25, 2011, the Auburn Rancheria expressed concern regarding
resources located within the reservoir drawdown zones during project operation and
maintenance, wave action and deflation occurring along reservoir high water lines and
commented that sites that are eligible for listing on the National Register within reservoir
fluctuation zones are being adversely affected. The tribe stated that these properties
would require data recovery as mitigation. Only one location of traditional cultural
importance was identified by the Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe. A detailed
description of this resource was not provided, but potential project effects include the
deposition of slide materials onto the site from adjacent project roads, the removal of
hazard trees in the vicinity of the site, and recreational effects on this resource.
Additionally, although participating tribes did not identify any locations within the
project APE that are currently being used to gather plant resources for traditional use,
routine management of vegetation and pests within the project area using herbicides and
pesticides could also affect gathering areas that may be present, but have not yet been
identified.
Historic Properties Management Plan
PCWA prepared a draft HPMP to address project effects in consultation with the
Forest Service and participating tribes. Meetings to discuss the plan were held on June 2,
2010; June 25, 2010; and July 9, 2010. Comments on the draft HPMP were submitted by
the Washoe Tribe, the Auburn Rancheria, the Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe,
and the Eldorado National Forest (filed May 13, 2011). PCWA revised the draft HPMP
to reflect comments received and filed the revised draft HPMP with its license
application. A second revised version of the draft HPMP was filed on May 13, 2011
(PCWA, 2011b). On August 5, 2011, the Forest Service issued preliminary 4(e)
conditions for the project. Condition No. 41 calls for PCWA to finalize the HPMP and
submit it for Forest Service approval. Upon completion of the plan, it would be included
as part of the Forest Service final conditions. Additionally, Condition No. 42 provides
requirements for unanticipated archaeological or paleontological discoveries that could
be identified on NFS lands during project activities. On November 30, 2011, PCWA
filed a draft final Alternative 1HPMP (PCWA, 2011d) prepared in consultation with the
Forest Service. By letter filed January 17, 2012, the Tahoe National Forest and Eldorado
National Forest approved the HPMP and stated that it would be filed as a modified
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