Public Comment. Volume III - Montana Legislature

Impact Analysis Studies and Proposed Mitigation Approach Page 10
modification to the TRR, its operation, or hatchery structures. Level 2 losses will
probably sat be correctable within the same hatchery production cycle, and are a more
substantial level of impact that will require future preventative actions as well as
mitigation. Bamng the identification of a chronic, unforeseen impact, Level 2 losses
should not affect MCFH's capability to produce fish in subsequent years or to
accommodate these losses over two or more production years. Level 2 losses would be
defined as a substantiai reduction in the expected level of production success for one
species, or a Level 1 decrease for two or more species at a given critical phase.
Acceptable mitigations for a Level 2 loss may include any of the options outlined for
Level 1 losses, and, at the discretion of the mitigation committee, these additional
measures:
Detailed examination of the cause or events that led to the loss including an
inventory of preventative measures that will be implemented to avoid future
losses;
Assessment of the value of the fish stocks lost or damaged, and replacement funds
to compensate MCFH for increasing production or otherwise replacing the fish
over the next year(s);
Evaluation of impacts to destination reservoirs and possible losses to recreational
revenues due to gaps in year classes of game fish. Compensation could be
accomplished through an increase in production or purchase of fish from outside
sources to mitigate for lost year classes of fish;
Modification (repairs, replacement, or relocation) of hatchery facilities and
necessary adaptation of TRRR operations to prevent additional losses; or,
Any measure that the five member mitigation committee would deem suitable to
mitigate for the losses.
4.4 Level 3 Losses
Level 3 losses constitute significant reductions in the expected level of production
success for one species, moderate (Level 2) reductions in the expected level of production
success for two or more species, or a partial or complete failure of the hatchery facility
either for one or more species, a specific structure at the hatchery (e.g. one or more of the
earthen ponds, raceways), or for a significant portion of a production cycle. If a Level 3
loss occurs, the mitigation committee will assess whether it was due to a catastrophic
event, or to chronic conditions that are likely to impede future hatchery functions. Even a
partial hatchery failure could have devastating impacts to the state's warn-water fishery,
and it is imperative that rapid action be available to compensate the state and reestablish
production as soon as possible to avoid even larger impacts and expenses. It is unlikely
that a Level 3 loss could be completely mitigated within a single production cycle;
therefore, TRRC will need to address long-term impacts to the state's fishery as part of
this level of mitigation. Acceptable mitigations for a Level 3 loss may include any ofthe
options outlined in Level 1 or 2 losses, and:
EQC Eminent Domain Study -231 - .