November 20, 1998
Lake Chelan Hydro Project Relicensing
Contact: Michelle Smith
663-8121, ext. 4485

Minimum flows in the Chelan River, lake levels and whitewater rafting the Chelan River Gorge were just a few topics discussed at relicensing meetings held in Chelan Wednesday and Thursday at the Caravel Resort. During Wednesday’s meeting, PUD relicensing team members gave brief presentations on the Initial Consultation Document, describing how the Lake Chelan Hydro Project is currently operated and the environmental resources potentially affected by Project operation. That meeting was attended by 26 agency officials and community members, including 4 staff members from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington D.C.

Two additional meetings held Wednesday evening and Thursday at the Caravel Resort provided an opportunity to comment on resource issues and study plans contained in the environmental Scoping Document. Approximately 20 agency officials and community members attended the meeting. The Scoping Document, published by the PUD on October 5, 1998, summarizes major issues and concerns surrounding Chelan Hydro Project operations and identifies studies to address those issues. Areas of study presented during the meeting included water quality monitoring, shoreline erosion control, bypass reach flow releases, fisheries investigation, botanical studies, riparian zone investigation, Columbia River flow augmentation, wildlife investigation, cultural and historical survey, fish stranding investigation, a recreation plan update, Chelan River recreation flow study, lake level investigation, aesthetics and project lands management.

Several agency officials commented on information contained in the Initial Consultation and environmental Scoping Documents, primarily addressing areas that needed further evaluation or interpretation. Others that offered comment at the meeting included John Gangemi of American Whitewater Affiliation. Gangemi stated that the group encourages public input and comment on the feasibility of whitewater rafting or kayaking the Chelan River Gorge. If deemed navigable, the group would like to see the Chelan River Gorge opened for public whitewater activities when normal operating procedures by the PUD allow for flow releases down the Chelan River. City of Chelan Parks and Recreation Director Greg Moser endorsed the PUD’s continued management of the Hydro Project and asked the PUD to look at options for a higher lake level in the spring. Specifically, Moser asked the PUD to achieve a 1,091 foot lake level by May 1, and 1,094 level by June 1 annually to enhance aesthetics, tourism and marketing potential for the Chelan community. Lake Chelan Chamber Executive Director Loni Rahm added that the Chamber would be submitting a formal proposal that would include lake level issues and other recommendations to the PUD by January 19.

A final word from Vince Yearick of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concluded the comment phase of the meetings. Yearick gave a brief overview of FERC’s involvement in the process, as a resource for policy and procedures and on how resource issues have been addressed in the past. Yearick emphasized the importance of agency and community participation, especially over the next four months as issues are being summarized and final study plans are developed.

The PUD encourages community participation throughout the relicensing process. Issues or concerns should be brought to the attention of Gregg Carrington, Chelan County PUD, 327 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801. Anyone interested in obtaining more information regarding relicensing or upcoming meetings can do so by contacting Michelle Smith at Chelan County PUD, 663-8121, toll free at 888-663-8121. A full meeting schedule is also available by visiting our Web site at www.chelanpud.org.

The existing 30-year federal license to operate the Lake Chelan Hydro Project expires in 2004. The PUD is required to submit its final license application in 2002.

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