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Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

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9. Piping Ditches<br />

a. Project Description<br />

Piping projects consist <strong>of</strong> constructing a pipe to transport irrigation water instead <strong>of</strong> a ditch,<br />

thereby reducing evaporation and absorption. Water saved by these projects will remain in the<br />

stream for anadromous salmonid benefits. Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to<br />

dedicate water for instream beneficial use by filing a Petition for Instream Flow Dedication<br />

(California Water Code § 1707, 1991) and make progress towards instream dedication.<br />

b. Minimization Measures<br />

<br />

<br />

Only water conservation piping projects that result in a decrease in the diversion rate with<br />

a permitted instream dedication <strong>of</strong> the water saved are included in the Program.<br />

Landowners will enter an agreement with <strong>Reclamation</strong> stating that they will maintain the<br />

pipe for at least 10 years.<br />

10. Fish Screens<br />

a. Project Description<br />

This category includes the installation, operation, and maintenance <strong>of</strong> the types <strong>of</strong> fish screens<br />

described below, provided they meet the NMFS (1996, 1997) fish screening criteria. Installing a<br />

fish screen usually includes site excavation, forming and pouring a concrete foundation and<br />

walls, excavation and installation <strong>of</strong> a fish bypass pipe or channel, and installation <strong>of</strong> the fish<br />

screen structure. Heavy equipment is typically used for excavation <strong>of</strong> the screen site and bypass.<br />

If the fish screen is placed within or near flood prone areas, typically rock or other armoring is<br />

installed to protect the screen. The average area <strong>of</strong> the bed, channel, and bank disturbed by the<br />

installation <strong>of</strong> a bypass pipe or channel ranges from 40 to 100 square feet, based on past Scott<br />

and Shasta river screening projects. Fish screen types include:<br />

<br />

<br />

Self-cleaning screens, including flat plate self-cleaning screens, and other self-cleaning<br />

designs, including, but not limited to, rotary drum screens and cone screens, with a<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> cleaning mechanisms, consistent with NMFS fish screening criteria (NMFS<br />

1996, 1997).<br />

Non-self-cleaning screens, including tubular, box, and other screen designs consistent<br />

with NMFS screening criteria (NMFS 1996, 1997).<br />

b. Minimization Measures<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

All flows will be diverted around work areas as described in the Requirements for Fish<br />

Relocation and Dewatering Activities.<br />

Fish removal may be required at project sites and BMPs will be implemented as<br />

described in the Requirements for Fish Relocation and Dewatering Activities.<br />

Riparian disturbance will be minimized as described in the Measures to Minimize Loss or<br />

Disturbance <strong>of</strong> Riparian Vegetation.<br />

522

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