WATER SUPPLY PLANNING
COMMITTEE
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ITEM: |
ACTION ITEM |
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3. |
UPDATE ON STATUS OF LOS PADRES DAM – REVIEW AND COMMENT ON DRAFT
LOS PADRES DAM FISH PASSAGE FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT PLAN |
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Meeting Date: |
January 20, 2016 |
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From: |
Dave Stoldt, |
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General Manager |
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Prepared By: |
Larry
Hampson |
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SUMMARY: Attached as Exhibit 3-A is an extract from the California Public Utilities Commission decision on Cal-Am’s General Rate Case for 2015-2017. The decision authorizes Cal-Am to co-fund studies with the District to develop a long-term management plan for Los Padres Dam (LP Dam) and Reservoir. Studies will include evaluating upstream steelhead passage at LP Dam, whether the Carmel River is better or worse with surface storage at LP Padres Dam, and what options exist to maintain physical existing surface storage in Los Padres Reservoir (i.e., manage annual sediment inflow to the reservoir). Also included in the studies would be an analysis of the potential geomorphic effects of a resumption or increase of the natural flow of sediment.
Attached Exhibit 3-B “Draft Los Padres Dam Fish Passage Feasibility Assessment Study Plan” is the first scope of work for several studies to be completed over the next three years concerning LP Dam. Staff solicited input on the draft plan of study from Cal-Am, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). The draft incorporates recommendations made by Cal-Am and DSOD. CDFW and NMFS are expected to provide recommendations in the near future. Staff is tentatively planning to issue a Request for Proposals in February 2016.
RECOMMENDATION: The Committee should review the draft plan and may wish to provide a recommendation to the staff concerning the process or content described in the plan.
DISCUSSION: Background concerning Los Padres Dam and why a feasibility study is needed for improved upstream passage is provided in Exhibit 3-B. The plan of study is intended to build on recent improvements to downstream passage and comprehensively evaluate and recommend potential viable alternatives to improve upstream passage at Los Padres Dam.
EXHIBITS
3-A Decision D.15-04-007, p. 207-208
3-B Draft Los Padres Dam Fish Passage Feasibility Assessment Study Plan, January 2016
U:\staff\Board_Committees\WSP\2016\20160120\03\Item-3.docx