Shoshone-Bannock Tribes - Idaho Power

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