Relief Reach-Kennedy Meadows Riparian Restoration and Streambank Stabilization Project

Relief Reach-Kennedy Meadows Riparian Restoration and Streambank Stabilization Project

On April 8, 2016 PG&E filed an application for water quality certification under section 401 of the Clean Water Act with the SWRCB. The Relief Reach-Kennedy Meadows Riparian Restoration and Streambank Stabilization Project is a requirement of PG&E's Spring Gap-Stanislaus Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 2130. The Project is located on the Middle Fork Stanislaus River in Tuolumne County, CA Prior to issuance of the certification, the State Water Board must comply with CEQA. The State Water Board is the lead agency under CEQA. PG& is required by the Spring Gap-Stanislaus Hydroelectric Project's FERC license, issued on April 24, 2009, to evaluate riparian and streambank conditions in upper Kennedy Meadows (Project Reach) on the Middle Fork Stanislaus River below Relief Dam and to develop and implement vegetation restoration and streambank stabilization measures. These requirements derive from Article 401 of the FERC license, which implements the US Dept. of Agriculture-Forest Service 4(e) conditions and Condition 9 of the State Water Board certification. Project proposes streambank stabilization and enhancement of riparian and aquatic habitats within the Project Reach. The streambank stabilization and riparian restoration measures are proposed along a 3,000 linear foot reach along the Middle Fork Stanislaus River. The proposed measures include a combination of various bioengineering techniques, including streambank grading, wood and rock placement, and native vegetation planting. Toe rock addition and root wad placement are proposed in areas with more recent and severe active streambank erosion, and where flow velocities are higher during high flows compared to the other treatment areas. Split rail fencing will also be installed in two segments at the downstream end of the Project Reach to protect the restored vegetation and banks. A river access area used by recreationists and cattle will remain open to allow focused access to the river. The primary purpose of the certification is to protect water quality standards of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River. The beneficial uses and water quality objectives that are contained in the water quality control plans (basin plans) together with state and federal anti-degradation requirements constitutes California's water quality standards. The basin plans designate the beneficial uses of waters within each watershed basin, and water quality objectives designed to protect those uses pursuant to Section 303 of the Clean Water Act.

Sonora

Tuolumne