M&T Chico Ranch/Llano Seco Rancho Fish Screen Facility Short-Term Protection Project

M&T Chico Ranch/Llano Seco Rancho Fish Screen Facility Short-Term Protection Project

The Project involves dredging that will remove in-river sedimentation from the Sacramento River to allow parallel sweeping flows at the M&T Chico Ranch/Llano Seco Rancho fish screen and pumping facility (M&T/Llano Seco Pumps Facility) in order to maintain functionality while continuing to meet National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and CDFW fish screen criteria. It is anticipated that up to two dredge cycles (during separate years) could occur, potentially removing up to 100,000 cubic yards of material per cycle, in the area immediately upstream, adjacent to, and downstream of the M&T/Llano Seco Pumps Facility via suction dredge. The first dredge cycle is currently proposed for2015. The Project also includes approval for the continued presence of the revetment installed during the fall of 2007, as well as implementation of maintenance activities that may be required while the revetment remains in place until a long-term solution is completed. The Project will result in temporary direct and in-direct impacts to habitat for spring-run and winter-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytsha) which are designated as a threatened and endangered species, respectively, under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and is expected to result in take of these species, as defined in Fish and Game Code section 86. To authorize such take, CDFW issued to the Project applicant an incidental take permit pursuant to CESA (ITP No. 2081-2014-015-02). The ITP as issued by CDFW authorizes incidental take of Covered Species, subject to various terms and conditions, including the requirement that all authorized impacts are fully mitigated.

Chico

Butte, Glenn