EXHIBIT 5-A

Los Padres Dam Alternative Analysis

NMFS priority actions and suggested future studies (2021-2023 timeline)

March 4, 2019

GOAL 1: Expand & Refine Hydrologic Modeling

Study 1: Carmel River Basin Hydrologic Model

Fund additional calibration and validation of the Carmel River Basin Hydrologic Model to address NMFS and other agencies’ comments.

Study 2: Comprehensive water quality monitoring and modeling

Examine and model seasonal and longitudinal temperature patterns in the mainstem corridor at hourly frequencies. Temperature monitoring may include existing monitoring sites (approximately 9 sites) located on the mainstem. Expand Los Padres Reservoir water quality monitoring to include more frequent tracking of water temperature and dissolved oxygen vertical/longitudinal profiles throughout the reservoir (this may be a separate study). Incorporate this information into basin modeling.

Study 3: Additional hydrologic simulations (e.g., historical simulations).

Conduct historic (pre-development) vs. proposed Hydrological Passage Opportunity Analysis to quantify the amount of time steelhead had (and will have) access to key habitats (upper watershed, estuary, passable conditions over critical riffle, etc).

GOAL 2: Address Data Gaps

Study 1: Fisheries Monitoring & Life Cycle Model Development

Continue existing steelhead monitoring program beyond current funding (through 2021). Continue monitoring to track the population across a larger set of hydrologic conditions. Use fisheries and hydrologic data to develop a population life cycle model. Use fisheries data with other modeling and habitat assessments (historic and current) to identify limiting factors for steelhead. Assess role and impact of predators - Striped Bass (downstream of LPD) and Brown Trout (upstream of LPD) as both are potential limiting factors for steelhead. It would also be beneficial to evaluate brown trout population dynamics.

Study 2: Historical Ecology & Hydrology Assessment

Assess and quantify historical (pre-development) geomorphologic, hydrologic, and ecological conditions of steelhead habitat throughout the watershed to establish a baseline condition which can be used to identify current limiting factors, restoration opportunities, and degree to which ecological functions can be recovered. At a minimum, conduct a reconnaissance-level historical assessment of the hydrology and channel morphology in the Carmel River downstream of Cachagua Creek. SFEI should be contacted for an estimate of assessment costs.

Study 3: Upper Carmel River Habitat Assessment

Conduct a contemporary assessment of steelhead habitat conditions (e.g., pool-riffle ratios, substrate quality/quantity, LWD inventory, etc.) in the watershed upstream of Los Padres Dam. The objectives of this study would be to evaluate spawning and rearing habitat capacity. Assessment protocols should be developed with agency input. The output would inform the relative habitat carrying capacity and productivity compared with reaches downstream of the dam. This study may be conducted in partnership with MPWMD as part of their ongoing or planned monitoring.

GOAL 3: Flood Risk Analysis & Planning

Study 1: Conduct a Carmel River Flood Risk Assessment

Per the BESMO recommendations conduct a HEC-RAS assessment. Outcomes from this assessment could be used to identify areas where sediment management opportunities could provide multi-functional benefits for the riparian ecosystem (e.g., floodplain connectivity, riparian forest expansion, parks and recreation, strategic retreat opportunities).

Notes on Interim Passage Improvements at LP dam and reservoir

- Current budget allocated ~200k for ladder/plunge pool improvements.

- Downstream passage at floating weir improved due to fyke modifications

- Additional improvements at floating weir and spillway depends on monitoring (video/pit-tag) data collected this year and next. If improvements are needed they would entail: Pumps, power, modification of the spillway, and/or modification of flotation, etc.

- Improvements could range from 0.5 - 4 million

- Improvements would be a capital project which requires more detail than a study in a rate package. Aman proposed to scope out a design proposal for this rate package.

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