22.03.2014 Views

Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

4.2.4 Ramp-Down Rates at Iron Gate Dam<br />

Ramping rates on the receding limb <strong>of</strong> a hydrograph limit the rate at which flow declines<br />

following a higher flow rate or large volume release. <strong>Reclamation</strong> proposes a ramp down rate<br />

schedule at IGD that varies by flow magnitude. IGD is owned and operated by PacifiCorp, and<br />

ramp down rates will be implemented by PacifiCorp as part <strong>of</strong> IGD operations. <strong>Reclamation</strong> will<br />

coordinate with PacifiCorp, as appropriate, on implementation <strong>of</strong> the ramp down rates.<br />

<strong>Reclamation</strong> proposes the following ramp down rates at IGD:<br />

<br />

<br />

Flow at IGD greater than 3,000 cfs (85.0 m 3 /sec): Ramp down rates will follow the<br />

combined 3-day moving average <strong>of</strong> net inflows into UKL and accretions between Link River<br />

Dam and IGD. The ramp down rates will be implemented to the extent practicable, based on<br />

physical constraints at PacifiCorp facilities and safety <strong>of</strong> workers and the public. The 3-day<br />

moving average allows for ramp rates to mimic natural hydrology while mitigating extreme<br />

variability that can occur with daily changes in net inflow calculations due to gage error<br />

and/or high wind events. The ramp down rate schedule also ensures UKL is not drawn down<br />

to accommodate rapid, transient declines in inflow and/or accretions lasting less than one<br />

day. <strong>Reclamation</strong> calculates inflow to UKL on a daily basis. In the event <strong>of</strong> gage failure or<br />

instability caused by weather conditions, <strong>Reclamation</strong> will use pr<strong>of</strong>essional judgment to<br />

estimate changes in net inflow.<br />

Flow at IGD between 1,751 cfs and 3,000 cfs (49.6 and 85.0 m 3 /sec): Decreases in flow <strong>of</strong><br />

300 cfs (8.5 m 3 /sec) or less per 24-hour period, and no greater than 125 cfs (88.5 m 3 /sec) per<br />

4-hour period.<br />

Flow at IGD less than or equal to 1,750 cfs (49.6 m 3 /sec): Decreases in flow <strong>of</strong> 150 cfs (4.3<br />

m 3 /sec) or less per 24-hour period, and no more than 50 cfs (1.4 m 3 /sec) per 2-hour period.<br />

PacifiCorp’s hydroelectric operations limit the ability to manage changes in releases from IGD at<br />

a fine resolution, particularly when flow is greater than 3,000 cfs (85.0 m 3 /sec). In addition,<br />

facility control emergencies may arise that warrant the exceedance <strong>of</strong> the proposed ramp down<br />

rates. Therefore, <strong>Reclamation</strong> recognizes that minor variations in ramp rates will occur. All<br />

ramping rates proposed above are targets, and are not intended to be strict maximum ramping<br />

rates. <strong>Reclamation</strong> expects substantial exceedance <strong>of</strong> the proposed ramp rates to occur<br />

infrequently as a result <strong>of</strong> facility control limitations or other emergency situations.<br />

4.2.5 Tule Lake Sump 1A Operations<br />

Tule Lake Sump 1A (Tule Lake) receives water from Project facilities. A specific volume <strong>of</strong><br />

water is not earmarked for delivery to Tule Lake because historically it has received an adequate<br />

supply from agricultural run<strong>of</strong>f and drainage. Excess water in Tule Lake is controlled by<br />

pumping to the Lower Klamath NWR through Pumping Plant D.<br />

38

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!