Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Programs (DOE/EA-2078)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is proposing to fund the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission to implement a Snake River Steelhead Kelt Reconditioning Program for the capture, reconditioning, and release of post-spawn Snake River steelhead. BPA is also proposing to fund construction of a reconditioning facility within the Nez Perce Tribal Fish Hatchery (NPTH) near Lewiston, Idaho.

Kelt reconditioning consists of the capture of post-spawned steelhead and the administration of disease-preventative medications and feed for the purpose of improving survival over what would be expected in the wild. Upon release, these fish are expected to return again to their spawning areas, successfully spawn, and thereby increase spawner returns and productivity. This program would expand an on-going, and successful, research program to production levels. It also includes the construction of a kelt reconditioning facility at NPTH.

BPA also proposes on-going funding to the Nez Perce Tribe for hatchery operations for the production of spring/summer and fall Chinook salmon at NPTH; and to change the release locations of some of the reared fall Chinook salmon smolts.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

To understand the potential environmental impacts of this proposal, BPA prepared an environmental assessment (EA) following the procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA analyzes the kelt reconditioning program, construction of a kelt reconditioning facility, and funding of ongoing Chinook salmon production at NPTH. It also evaluates a no-action alternative in which BPA would provide no funding for these actions, and for the purpose of analysis presumes these actions would cease or not be initiated. The EA describes anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and identifies mitigation measures to help avoid or minimize impacts. During this process, BPA worked with landowners; tribes; Federal, state, and local agencies; and interest groups.

The draft EA was released for public review and comment in October 2018; one comment was received on the draft EA which was determined to be outside of the sope of the decision being made. The Final EA and FONSI were signed on January 16, 2019.

The schedule for the environmental review was as follows:
Scoping comment period         December 29, 2017 - January 29, 2018
Draft EA comment period         October 12, 2018 - November 12, 2018
Final EA January 16, 2019
Finding of No Significant Impact (if warranted) January 16, 2019
If decision to build, construction start Spring/Summer 2020

CURRENT STATUS

BPA has released its final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI includes a Mitigation Action Plan to help avoid or lessen potential impacts.

CONTACT

For environmental information, contact:
Rob Shull         Toll Free: 800-622-4519
Environmental Protection Specialist Direct Line: 503-230-3962
CorSource Technology  Email: rwshull@bpa.gov 
Bonneville Power Administration - ECF-4
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208-3621

For project information, contact:
Tracy Hauser        Toll Free: 800-622-4519
Project Manager        Direct Line: 503-230-4296
Bonneville Power Administration- EWL-4 Email: tlhauser@bpa.gov 
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208-3621

DOCUMENTS

SUPPLEMENT ANALYSIS
SA-01 Little Goose Kelt Collection Infrastructure Additions  (04/29/2021)

FINAL EA & FONSI
Final EA  (01/16/2019)
FONSI/Mitigation Action Plan  (01/16/2019)
Public Letter  (01/30/2019)

DRAFT EA
Draft comments received
Public Letter  (10/12/2018)
Comment Form  (10/12/2018)
Draft EA  (10/12/2018)

SCOPING
Scoping comments received
Public Letter  (12/29/2017)
Project Map  (12/13/2017)