Before the FERC Application for New License for the Annex Creek ...

United States Department of the Interior
IN REPLY REi=E:M TO:
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Sara Hunt
400 Willoughby Avenue
Suite 400
Juneau, Alaska 99801
FISH AND \VILDLIFE SERVIC=:
p.o. Box 1287
Juneau, Alaska 99802
May 22, 1985
Re: ADL 51675
Certification No. 611
Salmon Creek
Dear Ms. Hunt:
We have reviewed your request for comments on the Alaska Electric Light and
Power Company's (AEL&P) application for a chanqe of appropriation of water.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has met with Dave Hoopes of R.W. Beck
and Associates, Inc., representing AEL&P in the relicensing coordination for
the Salmon Creek hydroelectric project. Mr. Hoopes has worked closely with
the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) in establishing a minimum
acceptable flow for the creek.
On April 29, 1985, biologists from the FWS and The National Marine Fisheries
Service walked the lower portion of the creek up to the staff gauge. The
staff gauge indicated a water depth of 1.5 feet. The staff gauge was in poor
condition, but did not appear unstable. At a depth of 1.5 feet, all areas
that we exaJnined which appeared to be of potential importance to anadromous
fish were floooed. Previous field work by the Division of Commercial
Fisheri.es indicates that the recorded low flows of 1985, corresponding to 1.4
feet at the staff guage, were sufficient to protect all documented s-pawning
habitat within accessible portions of the creek. Although this figure
reflects a very low flow for this creek, we will concur with ADFG.
Because changes in channel contours and elevations of natural drainages occur
over time, we believe it is necessary to correlate the minimum acceptable
depth with a value in cubic feet per second (cfs). He understand that AEL&P
has obtained a range for this value using discharge data from the u.s.
Geological Survey. The amount of discharge at 1.4 feet depth varies between 7
and 9 cfs. Because of this variability and because of our concern that
spawning beds remain inundated throughout the winter, it is appropriate that
the higher figure serve as the standard. Should there be changes in the
course or contour of the stream, a new staging gauge value should be selected
which corresponds to a discharge of approximately 9 cfs.
Of additional concern is the national record of fish loss which results when
flow levels are not adequately monitored. Monitoring is absolutely critical
if minimum flow standar.ds are to have any value. Monitor.ing and proper
regulation must also insure that excessive water is not dumped from the Salmon
Creek Dam.