Shoshone-Bannock Tribes - Idaho Power

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Responses to CommentsIdaho Power CompanyRESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-48IPC acknowledged the uncertainty of predicting responses to improved inflow water quality inBrownlee Reservoir in the DLA and FLA. IPC adequately addressed the uncertainty by includingdevelopment of monitoring plans in its water quality PM&E measures.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-49IPC appreciates the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ support for its proposed oxygen injection PM&E.The aeration measures have been proposed by IPC to be implemented for the life of the license,therefore ensuring long-term implementation.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-50The measures have been proposed by IPC to be implemented for the life of the license, thereforeensuring long-term implementation.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-51The measures have been proposed by IPC to be implemented for the life of the license, thereforeensuring long-term implementation.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-52The measures have been proposed by IPC to be implemented for the life of the license, thereforeensuring long-term implementation.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-53The comment correctly identifies that inflow temperatures to Brownlee Reservoir currentlyexceed the coldwater and salmonid spawning standards. Changing operations of the HCC will donothing to remedy water temperature conditions in the inflow to Brownlee Reservoir. TableE.2-4 has been added to the FLA to more clearly show the improvement in temperatureconditions relative to appropriate bi-state targets identified in the draft Snake River–Hells Canyon TMDL.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-54IPC-proposed measures include full implementation of its oxygen load allocation identified inthe draft Snake River–Hells Canyon TMDL. IPC is assuming that all other upstream loadallocations identified in the draft Snake River–Hells Canyon TMDL will also be implemented.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-55Modeled proposed operations of the HCC will continue annual drawdowns (DLA, Exhibit B).Therefore, modeled proposed operations will continue to benefit migrant shorebirds and can beconsidered an enhancement of the habitat for these species.Page 56Hells Canyon Complex
Idaho Power CompanyResponses to CommentsRESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-56IPC does not propose to change operations for the new license period (FLA, Exhibit B). Thepresence of the reservoirs benefits wintering waterfowl (Technical Report E.3.2-12).RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-57The locations of nesting colonial waterbirds (i.e., Peep Island and the confluence of the PowderRiver and Eagle Creek) are not influenced by the modeled proposed operations of the HCC.Therefore, modeled proposed operations (or any other operational scenario, for that matter)would not affect colonial nesting waterbirds.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-58This information would most appropriately be addressed in an oral history study. IPC intends todevelop a project with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in the coming years. As to the tribes’ treaty andalleged hunting rights, see Response to Comment SBT1-2 above.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-59Oxbow and Hells Canyon reservoirs are re-regulating reservoirs and have a rapid turnover.Flows in these two reservoirs are relatively high (compared with those in Brownlee Reservoir).Therefore, ice formation does not take place in these two reservoirs, and a study of ice formationon these reservoirs is not relevant. Furthermore, the Terrestrial Resources Work Group indicatedthat issues of big game mortality from reservoir ice had never occurred on Oxbow andHells Canyon reservoirs.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-60Oxbow and Hells Canyon reservoirs are re-regulating reservoirs and have a rapid turnover.Flows in these two reservoirs are relatively high (compared with those in Brownlee Reservoir).Therefore, ice formation does not take place in these two reservoirs, and a study of ice formationon these reservoirs is not relevant. Furthermore, the Terrestrial Resources Work Group indicatedthat issues of big game mortality from reservoir ice had never occurred on Oxbow andHells Canyon reservoirs.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-61IPC does not anticipate the acquisition of federal lands. Any lands that IPC acquires would allowuse consistent with existing laws and regulations. As to the tribes’ alleged treaty rights, seeResponse to Comment SBT1-2 above.RESPONSE TO COMMENT SBT1-62IPC did not introduce the exotic species that currently live throughout the Snake River. Thesefish were introduced through a variety of means near the turn of the century.Hells Canyon Complex Page 57
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Shoshone-Bannock Tribes - Idaho Power

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