Lower Bucks Lake Dam Outlet Valve Retrofit Project
Summary
SCH Number
2007068223
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Document Title
Lower Bucks Lake Dam Outlet Valve Retrofit Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/19/2007
Document Description
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposes to retrofit the outlet valve on Lower Bucks Lake Dam to facilitate compliance with streamflow release increases required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order issued January 11, 2006, amending the Bucks Creek Project license (FERC No. 619). The project is located on lands within the Plumas National Forest, where PG&E owns and operates the hydroelectric project under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Project retrofit work will include modifications to the outlet valve at Lower Bucks Lake Dam to increase capacity, allowing for flow release equal to or greater than 8 cubic feet per second (cfs) as seasonally required. Work consists of closing an upstream gate on the low level outlet to allow replacement of the existing downstream valve with a pressure reducing valve and hood assembly. Additionally, the existing in-line flow meter will be replaced, requiring new conduits for power and signal wiring and access improvements are proposed in the immediate area of the dam face. Streamflow improvements are proposed in the immediate area of the dam face. Streamflow releases will be maintained throughout the work phase, and the affected area will be restored after completion of construction activities.
Contact Information
Name
Sharon Stohrer
Agency Name
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Plumas
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301(b)(d)
Reasons for Exemption
1. This project will not cause significant adverse impacts on any sensitive environment and will not result in significant cumulative impacts.
2. There are no state or federal threatened or endangered species known within a two-mile radius from the project site. As a precaution, construction activity will be delayed until after all fledging has been completed at the occupied Bald Eagle nest approximately two and one-half miles from the site.
3. The project will not result in impacts that are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.
4. There are no known hazardous materials at or around the project site that may be disturbed or removed.
5. No long-term impacts to water quality or beneficial uses will result from this project.
6. There are no known cultural resource sites at or around the project site that may be disturbed or removed.
7. It appears that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.