LICENSE ARTICLE 410 LOWER COWLITZ RIVER SECOND ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT COWLITZ RIVER PROJECT (FERC NO. 2016)

Transcription

1 Inc NE Union Hill Road, Suite 200 Redmond, Washington 9802 elephone: (42) Fa: (42) LICENSE ARICLE 410 LOWER COWLIZ RIVER SECON ANNUAL WAER QUALIY REPOR COWLIZ RIVER PROJEC (FERC NO. 2016) Prepared for acoma Power 3628 South 3th Street acoma, Washington Prepared by Inc N.E. Union Hill Road, Suite 200 Redmond, Washington 9802 November 10, OFFICES ACROSS AFRICA, AUSRALIA, EUROPE, NORH AMERICA AN SOUH AMERICA

2 Cowlitz License-Article 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ES EXECUIVE SUMMARY here are two objectives for the monitoring effort described in this report: 1. Supplement water quality data collected during relicensing studies for the lower Cowlitz River (i.e., downstream from Mayfield am). 2. Compare these supplemental water quality measurements with the applicable State of Washington standards. o accomplish these objectives, Cowlitz River water temperature and water quality were monitored at two stations that were previously monitored during relicensing studies. he upper monitoring station () is located at the USGS gage 1.4 miles downstream from Mayfield am and 0.8 miles upstream of the river intake for the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. he lower monitoring station () is located at the Interstate- bridge over the Cowlitz River, which is approimately 22.1 miles downstream from Mayfield am. Each of these stations was monitored for water temperature, dissolved oygen (O), total dissolved gas (G), and nutrients (total nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus, and ortho-phosphorus concentrations) in a manner similar to relicensing studies. In addition, data from other local monitoring efforts were consolidated into this report to gain a better understanding of the lower Cowlitz River s thermal regime and water quality. he primary sources of this data include WFW s monitoring of source water and effluents from the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Cowlitz rout Hatchery along with acoma Power s monitoring of Cowlitz River inflow and outflow from Riffe Lake. his report presents results of monitoring/sampling from May 2006 through July 2008, and the data are segregated into biologically meaningful quarterly periods. he results of data collected for this study indicate the following: he lower Cowlitz River is well oygenated and satisfies the applicable State of Washington standards. Effluents from the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Cowlitz rout Hatchery are well within their NPES limits. he lower Cowlitz River has nutrient concentrations that remain less than those that would result in adverse effects on fish and other beneficial uses. he lower Cowlitz River has total dissolved gas (G) levels that typically remain near saturation, although slightly higher G levels tend to occur in July. he lower Cowlitz River generally has total dissolved gas levels that satisfy the applicable State of Washington standards. In the 20.7-mile-long reach between and, solar heating causes minor to moderate increases in river temperatures. Measured water temperatures at and remain cooler than the State of Washington s 16.0 C criterion for the 7-day average of daily maimum temperatures. Cowlitz rout Hatchery south well temperatures remain stable near 10 C. Riffe Lake appears to moderate turbidity from its Cowlitz River inflows. Water quality was consistent with the water quality investigation conducted in for relicensing.

3 Cowlitz License-Article 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ES urbidity transect sampling for the Riffe Lake shoreline was not conducted prior to providing the draft License Article 410 Lower Cowlitz River Project Second Annual Water Quality Report to the Cowlitz River Project Fisheries echnical Committee (FC) because of safety constraints. Now that two boat launches on Riffe Lake (Mossyrock and aidnapam parks) provide safe boat launching down to lake levels of about 71 feet, which enables sampling when Riffe Lake is drawn down to an elevation of approimately 71 to 720 feet. In late October 2008, Inc. (Golder) and acoma Power staff conducted two in-reservoir turbidity sampling events while Riffe Lake s elevation was approimately feet. Golder and acoma Power intend to jointly conduct additional in-reservoir turbidity sampling events coinciding with Riffe Lake levels below 720 feet and major precipitation and/or wind events. In order to accomplish this, Golder and acoma Power are tracking Riffe Lake levels and local weather conditions, although scheduling and successfully conducting in-reservoir turbidity sampling events is etremely challenging due to the rarity of desired conditions for sampling events, need for quick response, and potential for adverse and unsafe conditions. Golder will prepare a supplemental report that addresses in-reservoir turbidity sampling, and acoma Power will file the report with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (he Commission). he FC was provided the draft License Article 410 Lower Cowlitz River Second Annual Water Quality Report and given a 30-day review period as required in License Article 410. No comments on this draft report were submitted to acoma Power by FC members.

4 Cowlitz License-Article 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ES ACKNOWLEGEMENS Numerous people have contributed to the preparation of this report. acoma Power om Martin, the License Implementation Coordinator, was instrumental in obtaining data from both acoma Power staff along with others including Washington epartment of Fish and Wildlife and Columbia Analytical Services. Scott Gibson conducted the field work required by the Lower Cowlitz River Monitoring Plan and supplemental water quality monitoring for the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery river intake and for Riffe Lake inflow and outflow. Mark LaRiviere provided insight into hatchery renovation and monitoring. odd Lloyd and Leah Glynn provided insight into forecasted project operations and reservoir water elevation data. Columbia Analytical Services Lynda Huckestein and Elissa Erickson provided laboratory results and information to resolve questions about laboratory data quality. iana Smith and Janice Sedlak provided laboratory data. Washington epartment of Fish and Wildlife (WFW) Mark Johnson, Cowlitz Comple Manager, provided hatchery NPES and water temperature reports. Meridian Environmental Pam Klatt, the prime consultant s Project Manager, assisted with obtaining a contract for this study and insight into license implementation efforts for the Cowlitz River Project.

5 Cowlitz License-Articla 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Prlject, FERC No i ABLE OF CONENS EXECUIVE SUMMARY... ES-1 ACKNOWLEGEMENS... ES INROUCION Project escription BACKGROUN Weather Flow and Reservoir Water Surface Elevations ARICLE 410 LOWER COWLIZ RIVER WAER QUALIY Lower River Monitoring Hourly Water emperature Lower Cowlitz River Point Measurements RIFFE LAKE URBIIY HACHERY SOURCE AN EFFLUEN WAER CONCLUSIONS LIERAURE CIE... 1 LIS OF ABLES able 2-1 Summary of weather data for Paradise SNOEL site, May 2006 through July 2008 able 2-2 Range of daily mean flows by quarterly period, May 2006 through July 2008 able 3-1 Water Quality Monitoring Locations and Station codes of the Lower Cowlitz River able 3-2 Summary of aily Water emperatures and 7- AMa emperatures, May July 2008 able -1 Range of Cowlitz Hatcher intake Water emperatures Measuerd for Each Quarterly Period, May July 2008 LIS OF FIGURES Figure 1-1 Figure 2-1 Overview Map Cowlitz River Project daily mean gaged inflow (the sum of Cowlitz River near Kosmos, USGS , and ilton River above Bear Canyon Creek, USGS ) and outflow (Cowlitz River below Mayfield am, USGS ), May 2006 July 2008

6 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ii Figure 2-2 Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake Water Elevations, May June 2008 Figure AMa temperatures for Cowlitz River monitoring stations compared to applicable criterion, May July 2008 LIS OF APPENICES Appendi A Appendi B Appendi C Appendi hermograph ata Lower Cowlitz River Periodic Monitoring Results Riffe Lake Inflow/Outflow urbidity Measurements Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Cowlitz rout Hatchery Monitoring Results

7 Cowlitz License-Articla 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No INROUCION As required by License Article 410, acoma Power filed a plan with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) on September 9, 200 to monitor lower Cowlitz River water quality. On April 17, 2006, acoma Power filed an addendum to the plan, which focused on monitoring turbidity within Riffe Lake in response to a request from the Washington epartment of Ecology. In an order dated May 3, 2006, the Article 410 plan, including the addendum, was approved by the Commission. hat order required that the licensee provide report(s) of the results of water quality monitoring activities identified in the plan, and any modifications proposed by the licensee or the resource agencies, to the Fisheries echnical Committee for 30-day comment periods, and subsequently file the updated reports with the Commission by April 1, 2007 and On March 19, 2007, acoma Power filed a request for etension of time to file the required water quality monitoring reports. For the report that was due April 1, 2007, acoma Power requested an etension of time to June 1, For the report that was due April 1, 2008, acoma Power requested an etension of time to September 14, acoma Power s request for etension was granted by he Commission in an order dated April 18, On September 3, 2008, acoma Power requested an etension to file the final Article 410 Water Quality Monitoring report on November 14, 2008 because of schedule conflicts with its completion of other license compliance reports. In an order dated October 23, 2008, the commission granted the request for this etension. 1.1 Project escription he Cowlitz Project (FERC No. 2016) is acoma Power s largest electricity generating facility and is located on the Cowlitz River, Lewis County, Washington. he Project consists of two dams, the Mayfield am at river mile (RM) 2 and Mossyrock am, upstream at RM 6 (Figure 1-1). In addition to the Project generating electricity and providing flood control, acoma Power operates three major parks, manages approimately 14,000 acres of wildlife lands, and owns and funds operation of the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery (RM 0) and the Cowlitz rout Hatchery (RM 42). he Barrier am, associated with the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery is located at RM 49.. he original 0- year license for the Cowlitz Project was issued on ecember 28, 191. A new thirty-five year license was issued by FERC and became effective on July 18, he Mayfield development completed in 1963 includes a 20-foot-high, 80-foot-long, concrete arch and gravity dam that impounds Mayfield Lake, which has a maimum surface area of 2,20 acres. In addition to the Cowlitz River, inflows from the ilton River also contribute to Mayfield Lake, which supports public and private recreational facilities. An 84-foot-long power tunnel passes through the right abutment of the dam and terminates at a concrete forebay structure. Four penstocks continue from the forebay structure to the four generating units, which have an installed capacity of 162-megawatts (MW). he Mossyrock development completed in 1968 includes a 606-foot-high double curvature concrete arch dam that creates Riffe Lake, a 23-mile long, 11,830-acre reservoir with 2 miles of shoreline. Riffe Lake supports several parks and other recreational facilities. hree penstocks, varying in length from 248 to 28 feet, etend down to the powerhouse, which is adjacent to the base of the dam. he powerhouse contains two generating units with room for a third, and has a total installed capacity of 300 MW. ransmission lines link the Mossyrock and Mayfield developments.

8 Cowlitz License-Articla 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No BACKGROUN 2.1 Weather Weather data reported for the SNOw ELemetry (SNOEL) station at Paradise (Station 21c3s), located on the south side of Mount Rainier, are summarized by quarterly periods in table 2-1. Air temperatures ranged from C to 30.1 C (10.0 to 86.2 F). Cumulative precipitation was highest during the November - January quarters, and second highest during February - April quarters. Snow melt was highest during May July. ABLE 2-1 Summary of weather data for Paradise SNOEL site, May 2006 through July (Source: NRCS, 2008, as modified) Period May-06 to Jul-06 Aug-06 to Oct-06 Nov-06 to Jan-07 Feb-07 to Apr-07 May-07 to Jul-07 Aug-07 to Oct-07 Nov-07 to Jan-08 Feb-08 to Apr-08 May-08 to Jul-08 emperature Range -3.9 to 30.1 C (2.0 to 86.2 F) -7.4 to 2.7 C (18.7 to 78.3 F) to 13.9 C (13.6 to 7.0 F) -9.4 to 18.1 C (1.1 to 64.6 F) -4.1 to 27.6 C (24.6 to 81.7 F) -4.0 to 2.3 C (24.8 to 77. F) to 14.3 C (10.0 to 7.7 F) -9.7 to 17. C (14. to 63. F) -.8 to 27.9 C (21.6 to 82.2 F) Maimum aily otal Precipitation (inches) Cumulative Precipitation (inches) Change in Snow Water Equivalent (inches) Flow and Reservoir Water Surface Elevations he daily mean flows for the Cowlitz River just upstream and downstream of the Project, along with the ilton River, which is a tributary to Mayfield Lake, are displayed in figure 2-1 and summarized by quarterly period in table 2-2. Water elevations for the two Project reservoirs are displayed in Figure 2-2. he Cowlitz and ilton river inflows to the Project tended to be low in the summer and early fall of both 2006 and As a result of intense rainfall, inflows to the Project were very high in November Following runoff from this storm event through April 2007 combined daily mean gaged inflows to the Project ranged from 3,039 to 30,610 cfs, while outflows ranged from 6,080 to

9 Cowlitz License-Articla 410 Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ,000 cfs. uring the winter and spring of , the daily mean gaged inflow reached maimums of greater than 30,000 cfs on ecember 4, 2007 and May 18, aily mean flows downstream of Mayfield am did not reach such high levels, but instead only reached a maimum of 13,700 cfs in As indicated by figure 2-1, the Project stabilizes flows and minimizes flood effects downstream of Mayfield am.

10 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No Figure 2-1 Cowlitz River Project daily mean gaged inflow (the sum of Cowlitz River near Kosmos, USGS , and ilton River above Bear Canyon Creek, USGS ) and outflow (Cowlitz River below Mayfield am, USGS ), May 2006 July (Source: USGS, 2008, as modified) Note: he Project also receives ungaged inflow from other sources including Winston Creek, smaller tributaries, and direct runoff to Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake.

11 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ABLE 2-2 Range of daily mean flows by quarterly period, May 2006 through July (Source: USGS, 2008, as modified) Period Cowlitz River near Kosmos (USGS ) ilton River above Bear Canyon Creek (USGS ) Cowlitz River below Mayfield am (USGS May-06 to Jul-06 1,680-1, ,040 3,020-6,220 Aug-06 to Oct , ,670-3,30 Nov-06 to Jan , ,200 3,10-28,600 Feb-07 to Apr-07 2,610-24, ,00 6,080-14,000 May-07 to Jul-07 1,260-8, ,460-7,40 Aug-07 to Oct , ,370 2,480-4,740 Nov-07 to Jan-08 1,010-30, ,190 4,660-13,400 Feb-08 to Apr-08 2,480-4, ,00,040-11,300 May-08 to Jul-08 2,380-29, ,270 3,00-13,700 Figure 2-2 Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake water elevations, May June (Source: acoma Power)

12 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ARICLE 410 LOWER COWLIZ RIVER WAER QUALIY 3.1 Lower River Monitoring Under License Article 410 Lower Cowlitz River Water Quality Monitoring Plan, acoma Power monitored water temperature and water quality at two stations in the lower Cowlitz River, which were also monitored during relicensing studies (table 3-1). acoma s monitoring at these stations consisted of using thermographs to continuously record hourly temperatures, taking in situ spot measurements, and collecting and analyzing water samples for nutrient concentrations. he results of hourly temperature measurements and point sampling/measurements are discussed separately below. Location ABLE 3-1 Water quality monitoring locations and station codes for the lower Cowlitz River Cowlitz River below Mayfield am at USGS gage (RM 0.6) istance downstream of Station Code Mayfield am (miles) 1.4 Cowlitz River at Interstate- bridge (RM 29.9) Hourly Water emperature Following Commission approval of the License Article 410 plan, acoma obtained Onset idbit thermographs to monitor hourly water temperatures at the two lower Cowlitz River monitoring stations. acoma Power had planned to deploy thermographs on its first site visit to monitor water quality for this study, which occurred on June 27, ue to an unanticipated delay in being able to obtain appropriate anchoring systems for the thermographs, the first deployment of the thermographs occurred on July 14, 2006, with the instruments being set to record hourly temperatures beginning on July 1, ypically, the thermographs were recovered from the field and replaced with another unit during site visits to conduct other water quality monitoring. Following recovery of the thermographs, they were sent to acoma Power s Natural Resources epartment in acoma, Washington, where they were downloaded and subsequently returned to the Cowlitz Project. he thermograph was vandalized on two occasions. On October 27, 2006, the thermograph was found on the streambank. Review of the hourly data indicates that it had been pulled out of the river on September 17, 2006, before the 14:00 hour value was recorded; hence, the hourly data for the period of September 17, 2006 at 14:00 to October 27, 2006 at 11:00 was not further evaluated. Beginning July 11, 2007, temperatures changed substantially and closely tracked daily maimum air temperatures reported for the USGS station at ilton River above Bear Canyon Creek until August 2, Although the meter was recovered from the station on August 31, it is assumed that it had been eposed to air during this period and therefore, hourly data for the period of July 11, 2007 at 11:00 through August 2, 2007 at 1:00 was not further evaluated. he hourly data were analyzed to determine the minimum, maimum, mean, and fluctuation for each day (Appendi A), and subsequently 7-day average of the daily maimum temperatures (7-AMa) were computed. he ranges of hourly temperatures and 7-AMa temperatures are summarized in table 3-2. Figure 3-1 displays the 7-AMa temperatures in comparison to the applicable

13 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No C criterion, which was set to protect core salmonid summer habitat (WAC A-200(1)(c)). uring the monitoring period, the computed 7-AMa temperatures for both stations remained cooler than the 16.0 C criterion. Hourly water temperatures ranged from.1 to 14.4 C at and 4.7 to 17.0 C at. he maimum daily fluctuation at was 3.7 C, which occurred on July 9, At, the maimum daily fluctuation of 4. C occurred on August 6, 2006, May 10, 2007, June 2, 2007, and May 17, emperatures increased little in the 20.7-mile-long river reach between and from mid-september through April as is evidenced by daily mean temperatures at generally being within ±1 C of corresponding temperatures. aily mean temperatures increased by greater than 1 C in this reach occasionally in May and frequently in June through early September with the greatest increases typically occurring in July and reaching a magnitude 3.1 C. ABLE 3-2 Summary of daily water temperatures and 7-AMa temperatures, May 2006 July (Source: hermograph ata provided by acoma Power) Period Number of days Hourly emperature Range ( C) 7-AMa Range ( C) Number of days Hourly emperature Range ( C) 7-AMa Range ( C) May-06 to Jul Aug-06 to Oct Nov-06 to Jan Feb-07 to Apr May-07 to Jul a Aug-07 to Oct Nov-07 to Jan Feb-08 to Apr May-08 to Jul-08 b a b Only 12 hourly measurements eceeded 16.0 C May and June data only.

14 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No Figure AMa temperatures for Cowlitz River monitoring stations compared to applicable criterion, May 2006 July (Source: acoma Power) Lower Cowlitz River Point Measurements Results of acoma Power s water quality monitoring conducted in the lower Cowlitz River between June 2006 and July 2008 are presented in Appendi B. his appendi includes a summary of the data collected arranged by site and date, and results of analysis of duplicate samples collected in the field. issolved oygen measurements were not made on May 1, 2007 due to a faulty membrane and April 30, 2008 due to a damaged cable. uring January through April of 2008, only one meter was available to take total dissolved gas (G) measurements since the others were receiving software upgrades. his meter would not hold a charge long enough to obtain accurate G measurements; therefore, G measurements were not made during this period. Periodic measurements of water quality at the and sites indicate that the lower Cowlitz River is well oygenated and satisfies the core summer salmonid criterion of 9. mg/l (WAC A-200(1)(d)) as is evidenced by a range of 10.9 to 12.9 mg/l with at least 98 percent of saturation. With the eception of values for July, all of the periodic G measurements remained near saturation (97 to 104 percent of saturation). In July of both 2007 and 2008, G was slightly higher ( percent of saturation). hese somewhat higher July G values are consistent with results of the relicensing periodic monitoring study, which reported the highest stream/hatchery G as 109 percent of saturation in July at (Harza, 2000). Nonetheless, all of the periodic measurements satisfied the applicable criterion of no more than 110-percent of saturation (WAC A-200(1)(f)). wo samples were collected with nutrient concentrations that were deemed non-representative of local conditions. Ortho-phosphorus was not sampled during July 2007, because the lab inadvertently omitted sending unpreserved sample bottles for that sampling event. Initial analysis of the ecember 2006 samples resulted in significantly higher concentrations of ortho-phosphorus than total phosphorus. Since this is impossible for the actual concentrations, the samples were reanalyzed for

15 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ortho-phosphorus (3 days past the recommended holding time). he laboratory believes that the results of this later analysis are a better representation of actual ortho-phosphorus concentrations than the initial lab results. For the sample collected from on April 30, 2008, the lab reported a total phosphorus concentration of 0.10 mg/l. However, this value is five times the concentration for a duplicate sample and is twice the maimum concentration reported for a total of the other 87 samples collected from and during May April 1999 and June July hese comparisons indicate that the sample was likely contaminated. herefore, we used the total phosphorus concentration for the duplicate sample (0.02 mg/l) in our analysis. he values presented in Appendi B and discussed below reflect these assessments of the quality of data. Ortho-phosphorous concentrations ranged from less than the method reporting limit of 0.01 mg/l to 0.03 mg/l, while total phosphorus concentrations ranged from less than the method reporting limit of 0.01 mg/l to 0.04 mg/l. Nitrate plus nitrite concentrations ranged from less than the method reporting limit of 0.0 to 1.73 mg/l, and ammonia concentrations remained less than the method reporting limit of 0.0 mg/l. he concentrations of total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, and nitrate plus nitrite are generally similar to the ranges measured at the two sites between May 1997 and April 1999 (Harza, 2000). In contrast, measured ammonia concentrations during remained lower than the concentrations measured in March, April, and June of 1998, all of which eceeded 0.10 mg/l. he water quality standards set qualitative, instead of quantitative, criteria for nutrients. WAC A-260(2) states that [t]oic, radioactive, or deleterious material concentrations must be below those which have the potential, either singularly or cumulatively, to adversely affect characteristic water uses, cause acute or chronic conditions to the most sensitive biota dependent upon those waters, or adversely affect public health and [a]esthetic values must not be impaired by the presence of materials or their effects, ecluding those of natural origin, which offend the senses of sight, smell, touch, or taste. Concentrations of all nutrients measured remained less than those that would result in adverse effects on fish and other beneficial uses including the senses of sight, smell, touch, or taste.

16 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No RIFFE LAKE URBIIY Monthly monitoring of turbidity conducted during the previous FERC license period (Harza, 2000) indicated that Riffe Lake reduces turbidity during much of the year. he study showed that turbidity is substantially lower downstream of Riffe Lake than in the Cowlitz River s inflow to the reservoir (Harza, 2000). uring consultation for development of the Article 410 Lower Cowlitz River Water Quality Plan, Washington epartment of Ecology (WOE) staff indicated that acoma Power should study the effects of etreme drawdown on turbidity within Riffe Lake. acoma Power developed an addendum to the Article 410 plan, which was approved by the WOE. his plan focuses on evaluating the relative potential for Riffe Lake shoreline erosion when the reservoir level is below an elevation of 720 feet. Although Riffe Lake s water level dropped below 720 feet between January 28 and May 16 of 2008, the eisting boat ramps did not allow safe launching of boats on Riffe Lake at these levels and therefore no in-reservoir turbidity sampling was done during this period. acoma Power modified the Mossyrock Park boat launch in the spring of 2008 and completed construction of a new low-level boat launch adjacent to aidnapam Park in the summer of hese projects were not finished until after Riffe Lake level rose rapidly this spring due to melting of the near record high snowpack. hese boat launches now provide access down to 71 feet at Mossyrock Park and 716 feet at aidnapam Park, which enables in-reservoir turbidity sampling. Since the draft License Article 410 Second Annual Water Quality Report was provided to the FC for their review, Golder has been mobilized to conduct Riffe Lake turbidity sampling events with the assistance of acoma Power staff. Golder and acoma Power staff conducted two in-reservoir turbidity sampling events in late October 2008 while Riffe Lake s elevation was approimately feet. he intent is to conduct additional in-reservoir turbidity sampling events coinciding with Riffe Lake levels below 720 feet and major precipitation and/or wind events. Golder and acoma Power are tracking Riffe Lake levels and local weather conditions so that sampling events can be scheduled and conducted albeit etremely challenging due to the rarity of desired conditions for sampling events, need for quick response, and potential for adverse and unsafe conditions. Golder will prepare a supplemental report that addresses in-reservoir turbidity sampling, and acoma Power will file the report with the he Commission. acoma Power documented Riffe Lake s incoming and outgoing turbidity conditions by making routine in situ measurements during January through May 2007, and continuous measurements during periods between May 2007 and February Point measurements were made with an YSI and/or Hach meter, calibrated before each site visit, to conduct in situ measurements of turbidity in the Cowlitz River at the fishing bridge at the head of Riffe Lake (FISHB) and at Onion Rock bridge (ONIONR), which is approimately 0.2 miles downstream of Mossyrock am. Results of these monitoring efforts are presented in Appendi C. his appendi includes a summary of routine in situ measurements of turbidity, temperature, and specific conductance (table C-1). able C-2 in Appendi C includes duplicate in situ turbidity measurements conducted using both meters when they were both operational. Point measurements of turbidity measured in the Cowlitz River inflow to Riffe Lake (FISHB) ranged from 1.1 to 83 NU, while the outflow from Riffe Lake (ONIONR) ranged from 8.8 to approimately 19 NU. urbidity measurements for this period averaged 9.1 and 12.6 NU for the Riffe Lake inflow and outflow, respectively.

17 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No acoma Power also continuously monitored the turbidity in Riffe Lake s inflow and outflow using YSI model 600 OMS (Optical Monitoring System) sondes 1 during periods between May 2007 and August he sonde deployed at the Onion Rock Bridge was stolen in early July In order to avoid future vandalism and/or theft of a sonde in this area, a replacement sonde was deployed behind a locked gate at the Mossyrock powerhouse (MOSPH) on July 11, Similar to the spot measurements of turbidity the continuous data indicates that Riffe Lake s inflow has much more variable turbidity than its outflow (Appendi C, table C-3) suggesting that the long retention time of Riffe Lake moderates both high and low turbidities from inflows to the reservoir. 1 he YSI model 600 OMS used for continuous monitoring has an accuracy of ±% of reading or 2 NU, whichever is greater (YSI, 2008).

18 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No HACHERY SOURCE AN EFFLUEN WAER Collectively the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Cowlitz rout Hatchery, operational since 1967, represent an outstanding check on water quality of the lower Cowlitz River, as high density rearing of salmonids requires supply of etraordinary high-quality water. he majority of water supplied to the hatcheries comes directly from the Cowlitz River. At the trout hatchery, the south well field, which is located on the opposite side of the river, also supplies water to the hatchery. Historically, the salmon hatchery effluents were discharged to the Cowlitz River just upstream from Barrier am and the trout hatchery effluents were discharged to Blue Creek, a short distance upstream from the confluence with the Cowlitz River. In February 2007, acoma Power rerouted the trout hatchery drainage facilities so that effluents are now discharged directly to the Cowlitz River instead of Blue Creek. As part of managing and operating the Cowlitz salmon and trout hatcheries, the Washington epartment of Fish and Wildlife (WFW) monitors the temperature of water supplied to the hatcheries. Currently, WFW measures temperatures daily at both hatcheries. 2 emperature data collected during May 2006 through July 2008 are presented in Appendi and summarized in table -1. River intake temperatures recorded by WFW at the hatcheries are within epected ranges based on acoma Power s thermograph data, while the Cowlitz rout Hatchery s south well field provided stable temperatures of approimately 10 C. emperatures recorded prior to mid-july 2006 provide additional insight into the river s thermal regime during the May through July 2006 period. At the salmon hatchery intake, Cowlitz River temperatures generally ranged from 6 to 9 C in May, 7 to 11 C in June, and 9 to 13 C in July. In comparison to river temperatures at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, river temperatures at the Cowlitz rout Hatchery intake were generally about 1 to 1. C warmer in May and June and 0. to 1 C warmer in July. WFW also monitors water quality at both hatcheries to ensure compliance with NPES limits on their effluents, and routinely reports its monitoring results to WOE. ables -9 and -10 in Appendi summarize the NPES reports for May 2006 through June hese results demonstrate that both hatcheries are well within their NPES requirements. In addition, spot measurements of turbidity were taken between November 28, 2007 and March, 2008 at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery river intake to provide information for design of a new water filter that was a component of remodeling the hatchery (Appendi, table -11). hese turbidity spot measurements ranged from 2. to 20 NU. 2 he Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery intake is located approimately 2 miles downstream of Mayfield am, and the Cowlitz rout Hatchery intake is located approimately 9 miles downstream of Mayfield am.

19 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No ABLE -1 Range of Cowlitz hatchery intake water temperatures measured for each quarterly period, May 2006 July (Source: WFW, 2006, 2007, 2008, as modified) Period May-06 to Jul-06 Aug-06 to Oct-06 Nov-06 to Jan-07 Feb-07 to Apr-07 May-07 to Jul-07 Aug-07 to Oct-07 Nov-07 to Jan-08 Feb-08 to Apr-08 May-08 to Jul-08 a b c d Cowlitz River at Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery 43- F C 0-6 F C 41-2 F C F C 43- F C 47- F C 41-2 F C F C c 47- F C d Cowlitz River at Cowlitz rout Hatchery F C 49-7 F C 40-2 F C F C F C 49-9 F C 41-2 F C F C 44-6 F C South Wells at Cowlitz rout Hatchery 0-1 F C 0-0 F C a 49-0 F C a F C 49-0 F C 0-0 F C a F C a, b ata were collected consistent with use of the wells for hatchery water supply resulting in data gaps of August 12 - November 28, 2006 and August 23 - November 2, he temperature of the South Well field remains nearly constant at 49 C, although the data for 2008 are not yet available since they are not logged electronically. ata only collected February 1-29, due to inoperable thermometer. ata only collected May 14- July 31, due to inoperable thermometer. --- b --- b

20 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No CONCLUSIONS his report satisfies the conditions of the 2-year monitoring period defined in the Article 410 Lower Cowlitz River Water Quality Monitoring Plan, ecept for turbidity within Riffe Lake, which was added as an addendum to the plan at Washington epartment of Ecology s request. ata collected for this study during the 2-year period indicate the following: he lower Cowlitz River is well oygenated and satisfies the applicable State of Washington standards. Effluents from the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Cowlitz rout Hatchery are well within their NPES limits. he lower Cowlitz River has nutrient concentrations that remain less than those that would result in adverse effects on fish and other beneficial uses. he lower Cowlitz River has total dissolved gas (G) levels that typically remain near saturation, although slightly higher G levels tend to occur in July. he lower Cowlitz River generally has total dissolved gas levels that satisfy the applicable State of Washington standards. In the 20.7-mile-long reach between and, solar heating causes minor to moderate increases in river temperatures. Water temperatures at and appear to remain cooler than the State of Washington s 16.0 C criterion for the 7-day average of daily maimum temperatures. Cowlitz rout Hatchery south well temperatures remain stable near 10 C. Riffe Lake appears to moderate turbidity from its Cowlitz River inflows. Water quality was consistent with the water quality investigation conducted in for relicensing. No turbidity transect sampling for the Riffe Lake shoreline was conducted prior to providing the draft License Article 410 Second Annual Water Quality Report to the FC because of safety constraints. Now that two boat launches on Riffe Lake (Mossyrock and aidnapam parks) provide safe boat launching down to lake levels of about 71 feet, which enables sampling when Riffe Lake is drawn down to an elevation of approimately 71 to 720 feet. Golder has been contracted to conduct Riffe Lake tubidity sampling events with the assistance of acoma Power staff, and two in-reservoir turbidity sampling events were conducted in late October 2008 while Riffe Lake s elevation was approimately feet. Golder and acoma Power staff are tracking Riffe Lake levels and local weather conditions with the goal of scheduling and successfully conducting additional in-reservoir turbidity sampling events when the Riffe Lake level is below 720 feet and major precipitation and/or wind occurs. Scheduling and conducting this sampling is very challenging due to the rarity of desired conditions for sampling events, need for quick response, potential for adverse and unsafe conditions. Golder will prepare a supplemental report addressing in-reservoir turbidity sampling, and acoma Power will file the report with he Commission. Literature Cited

21 Cowlitz License-Article Annual Report November 10, 2008 Cowlitz River Project, FERC No LIERAURE CIE Harza (Harza Engineering Company) Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2016, 1999 technical study reports. Prepared for acoma Power, acoma, WA. ecember NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Site information and reports for Paradise web page. accessed June 6, USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) USGS surface-water daily data for the nation web page. updated June 3, 2008, accessed June 3, WFW Yearly temperature report. WFW Yearly temperature report. WFW Yearly temperature report, preliminary draft. YSI (YSI Environmental) OMS Optical Monitoring System web page. accessed August 20, 2008.

22 APPENIX A HERMOGRAPH AA

23 November 10, 2008 ABLE A Page 1 of 30 aily Summaries of Hourly Water emperatures ( C) MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa ate 7/1/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /2/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /31/ /1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ // /6/ /7/ /8/ /9/ /10/ /11/ /12/ hermograph data provided by acoma Power

24 November 10, 2008 ABLE A Page 2 of 30 aily Summaries of Hourly Water emperatures ( C) MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa ate 8/13/ /14/ /1/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /2/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /31/ /1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ // /6/ /7/ /8/ /9/ /10/ hermograph data provided by acoma Power

25 November 10, 2008 ABLE A Page 3 of 30 aily Summaries of Hourly Water emperatures ( C) MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa ate 9/11/ /12/ /13/ /14/ /1/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /2/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ // /6/ /7/ /8/ /9/ hermograph data provided by acoma Power

26 November 10, 2008 ABLE A Page 4 of 30 aily Summaries of Hourly Water emperatures ( C) MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa ate 10/10/ /11/ /12/ /13/ /14/ /1/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /2/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /31/ /1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ // /6/ /7/ hermograph data provided by acoma Power

27 November 10, 2008 ABLE A Page of 30 aily Summaries of Hourly Water emperatures ( C) MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa ate 11/8/ /9/ /10/ /11/ /12/ /13/ /14/ /1/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /2/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ // /6/ hermograph data provided by acoma Power

28 November 10, 2008 ABLE A Page 6 of 30 aily Summaries of Hourly Water emperatures ( C) MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa MinW MaW AvgW eltaw 7- AMa ate 12/7/ /8/ /9/ /10/ /11/ /12/ /13/ /14/ /1/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /2/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /31/ /1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ hermograph data provided by acoma Power