BEFORE THE

FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION

PROJECT NO. 2244

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FOR

PACKWOOD LAKE HYDROELECTRIC

PROJECT

JUNE 1971

Special Contributors:

William F. Royce, PhD.
Professor and Associate Dean
College of Fisheries
University of Washington

Stanley P. Gessel, PhD. Professor and Associate Dean
College of Forestry Resources
University of Washington

WASHINGTON PUBLIC POWER

SUPPLY SYSTEM R. W. Beck & Associates

130 Vista Way Consulting Engineers

Kennewick, Washington Seattle, Washington

NO. 73

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

Packwood Lake General - Page 1

Intake Structure General - Page 2

Drop Structure General - Page 3

Concrete Pipeline General - Page 4

Power Tunnels General - Page 4

Surge Tank & Butterfly Valve General - Page 4

Penstock General - Page 5

Powerhouse General - Page 5

Tailrace General - Page 6

Roads & Trails General - Page 6

Project Access General - Page 7

Project Uses Beneficial to Man General - Page 9

Background Factors of Justification
for the Project General - Page 13

Environmental Impact of the Proposed
Action Sect. I.A. - Page 1

Fishwater Bypass Releases Sect. I.B.1a - Page 1

Packwood Lake Level Sect. I.B.1b - Page 1

May-June Rule Curve Sect. I.B.1c - Page 1

Duplicate Gauge Removal Sect. I.B.1d - Page 1

Land Habitat Wildlife & Aesthetics Sect. I.B.2 - Page 1

Adverse Environmental Effects -
Water Pollution Sect. II - Page 1

-2-

Public Safety Measures Sect. II - Page 2

Wildlife Sect. II - Page 4

Recreational Values Sect. II - Page 4

Alternatives to Proposed Action -
Operating Modes Sect. III - Page 1

Short Term Vs. Long Term Productivity -
Cumulative Effects Sect. IV.A. - Page 1

Comparative Effects Sect. IV.B. - Page 1

Irreversible & Irretrievable
Commitments Resources Sect. V. - Page 1

LIST OF PHOTOS

Aerial View of Project Features Frontispiece

Packwood Lake General - Page 2

Intake Structure General - Page 2

Drop Structure General - Page 3

Penstock General - Page 5

Powerhouse General - Page 5

Roads General - Page 6

Parking Lot General - Page 7

Trails General - Page 7

Lake Creek Sect. I.B.1a - Page 1

LIST OF FIGURES

Isometric Drawing of Project Features Frontispiece

Population Distribution - Figure 1 Sect. I.A. - Page 4

LIST OF TABLES

Survey of Registered Visitors to
Packwood Lake Sect. I.A. - Table 1

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit I - July 2, 1969 FPC Letter

Exhibit II - Packwood Lake Visitor Facility

Exhibit III - Packwood Lake Resort Letter

Exhibit IV - Memorandum of Agreement

STATEMENT

The Washington Public Power Supply System, hereinafter called the "Supply System", operates the Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project near the town of Packwood in Lewis County, Washington. The Supply System is a municipal corporation and joint operating agency of the State of Washington whose membership is composed of 20 publicly owned electric utilities located in the State of Washington.

The Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project, hereinafter called the "Project," was licensed by the Federal Power Commission on July 7, 1960 and the license amended February 28, 1962, and designated as Federal Power Commission License No. 2244. The Project is located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and consists of a diversion dam at the outlet of Packwood Lake, a 19,000 foot pipeline, and a 6,000 foot penstock to convey water to a turbine-generator rated 27,500 KVA at the base of the mountain adjacent to the town of Packwood. Packwood Lake is the source of the water for the Project. It is a natural lake at an elevation of 2857 feet approximately 1800 feet above the powerhouse.

Power from the Project is delivered to the Bonneville Power Administration for resale to certain member public utility districts throughout the State of Washington. The policy of the Supply System is to produce the optimum amount of power at the lowest cost, while protecting the forestry resources and enhancing the recreational opportunities at Packwood Lake.

The Supply System has constructed new roads and trails to provide public access to Packwood Lake. The Supply System maintains a stipulated release of lake water into Lake Creek, which is the natural outlet of Packwood Lake, to protect resident stream fish. The license further requires that the Supply System maintain the lake level at approximately its natural level during the recreation season from May 1 to September 15.

At the time the Project was completed in June of 1964, it was recognized that certain amendments to the license were needed to optimize power production from the Project as detailed in the feasibility studies. These amendments also enhance the recreational use of Packwood Lake during the recreation season. The Supply System recommended on November 12, 1970 that the Federal Power Commission consider four modifications to the license which would permit a more flexible mode of operation and enhance the recreation use of Packwood Lake.

INTRODUCTION

This report is submitted in response to the Federal Power Commission letter of April 2, 1971, requesting information concerning environmental matters as required by Section 102(2)C of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. paragraph 4332(2) (C) effective January 1, 1970. The FPC letter, signed by Kenneth F. Plumb, Acting Secretary of the Commission, contains a description of the environmental information needed to conform to the requirements of the Act.

The Commission's request for the report results from the Supply System's request for a review of certain provisions of the Federal Power Commission License for the Project (License No. 2244). A report on these License provisions dated November 12, 1970 was submitted to the Federal Power Commission in response to the FPC July 2, 1969 letter signed by Mr. F. Stewart Brown, Chief, Bureau of Power (Exhibit 1). The four items being requested for consideration by the Federal Power Commission, which constitutes the contemplated action under the National Environmental Policy Act, are summarized as follows:

(1) incorporate a Memorandum of Agreement dated November 2, 1967, signed by the Licensee and the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Washington Department of Fisheries, and Washington Game Commission in accordance with Article 39 and providing for minimum fishwater releases into Lake Creek and maintenance of stream improvements; (2) amend Article 37 to establish the minimum operating pool at elevation 2849 during the period September 16 through April 30, in lieu of minimum elevation 2850.5 now prescribed,

to allow a full 8 foot drawdown during winter critical hydro period; (3) authorize adoption of rule curve to permit pool levels ranging from elevations 2854 to 2857.0 ± 0.5 from May 1 to June 18 depending on prediction of runoff, to minimize hardships in obtaining the prescribed May 1 elevation 2857 in dry years and enhance operating pool control during peak runoff periods in years of heavy flows; (4) discontinue the requirement for duplicated U.S.G.S. gauging facilities below the drop structure.

The Supply System's position with reference to each of these proposed amendments is as follows:

1. Pursuant to the requirements of Article 39 and the studies conducted by the Supply System and others concerning the level of releases from Packwood Lake into Lake Creek, it has been determined that Lake Creek contains little, if any, resident sport fishery and, in fact, during much of its course is so steep and precipitous as to be almost inaccessible to fishermen. There does exist an area for sports fishery, as well as for propogation of trout, in the reach of Lake Creek from the confluence with the Cowlitz River up to a point approximately two miles above the confluence. All interested agencies have concurred that by releasing three cfs from Packwood Lake at the point of the headworks on Lake Creek, and with the natural addition to Lake Creek from various tributaries, that there will be available approximately 15 cfs at or near the mouth of Lake Creek. The Licensee will supplement this flow up to five cfs during months of dry weather to facilitate the desired 15 cfs flow. To improve fishery propagation in the area, the Supply System has agreed to construct and maintain certain improvements to the natural spawning area found in this reach of Lake Creek. Recognizing the benefits to be derived from this undertaking,
the Forest Service, as well as the appropriate fish and game agencies of the State of Washington, and the Department of Interior, have entered into the Memorandum of Agreement set forth in Exhibit No. 4. It is the position of the Supply System that with the completion of the improvements at the confluence of Lake Creek, and the modifications of the requirement for fishwater releases, that the original purpose of the conditional nature of Article 39 will have been met, and that the License on this point should be permanently amended to reflect the arrangements set forth in the Memorandum of Agreement.

2. It is the position of the Supply System that the amendment of Article 37 to establish a minimum operating lake level at elevation 2849 during the period September 16 through April 30, is essential to regain the economic operation of the Project on which the original license was based. According to Supply System Fishery and Forestry consultants, operation at this level during the non-recreation season will in no way adversely affect recreation use of Packwood Lake. Such operation will allow the Project to deliver the originally licensed energy during an extremely dry critical hydro period (one in thirty years). Presently the "one in thirty year" critical hydro period that limits the annual income for sale of firm power was the August 1, 1936 to April 15, 1937 water conditions.

Since August 1 always will fall in the recreation period each year, the lake level will be at 2857 feet msl (± 0.5 feet) and 2849 feet msl should therefore be the winter drawdown limit to furnish the originally licensed eight feet. Studies have
indicated that fluctuation of the lake level down to 2849 feet during this period will have no adverse effects on fish and wildlife resident in the Packwood Lake area. The License should be amended to permit this mode of operation.

3. The adoption of a rule curve to permit pool levels ranging from elevation 2854 to 2857, from May 1 to June 18, depending upon predicted runoff, will benefit the operation of the Project in several ways. Based on the operating records since initial startup of the Project it is the position of the Supply System that operation on the rule curve during this period of time would tend to avoid any potential adverse effects on the shoreline of Packwood Lake. Further, such operation would serve the best interests of recreation use at the lake from and after the beginning of the recreation season which, in high flow years, does not commence until after June 1. Such operation would minimize the effects of flooding in Lake Creek, and thereby help to protect against adverse effects on the spawning improvements constructed by the Supply System of Lake Creek near the confluence with the Cowlitz River. It is the position of the Supply System that amendment of the License to permit operation under the rule curve during this period of time would benefit the Project while contributing to the recreational uses of Packwood Lake and environs.

During the period 1965 through 1970 the lake overtopped the drop structure an average of 6.3 days per year but 26 of the total 38 days of overtopping occurred in 1969 when a large flood runoff was experienced. Prolonged periods of overtopping could cause shoreline tree damage, though none was identified due to 1969
lake levels. A rule curve allowing for May and early June 2854-2855 feet msl elevation, when flow predictions are more than 110 percent of the 50 year average, would reduce the risk of any shoreline effects.

4. The United States Geological Survey presently operates two gauging facilities on Lake Creek. One is located near the intake Structure downstream from Packwood Lake, and the other on the lower reaches of Lake Creek near the confluence with the Cowlitz River. Since the Memorandum of Agreement addresses the measurement of the flow of Lake Creek at its lower reaches, the continued use of the duplicate gauging station at the upper portion of Lake Creek near the Project Intake Structure is of no particular value and should be discontinued.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project occupies lands of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and approximately 30 acres of Supply System owned land in the Cowlitz River Valley. From the initial consideration of Project development and throughout its planning design, construction and operation, it has been the objective of the Supply System to provide maximum protection of the forest resource and enhance the recreational opportunity through public utilization of Project roads, trails, bridges and other facilities shown by the frontispiece to the extent these uses are consistent with Project purposes and operational requirements. Under terms of the FPC License 2244, design and operation of the Project has been carried out with rigid restraints to preserve the natural resources and encourage beneficial byproduct uses.

The Project consists of a diversion structure a short distance downstream from the discharge of Packwood Lake, an intake structure, and a 23,000 foot pipeline to convey water through two tunnels and around the mountain to a surge tank and penstock a short distance southeast of the town of Packwood. The underground powerhouse is located at the base of the mountain adjacent to the town of Packwood with a tailrace discharging into the Cowlitz River.

A summary description of the Project structures is as follows:

1. Packwood Lake

The natural elevation of Packwood Lake lies at an elevation of 2,857 feet approximately 1,805 feet

above the Project powerhouse. Packwood Lake and Lake Creek are bounded on the southwest by Snyder Mountain, elevation 5,030 feet, and on the north-west by mountain ridges with elevations ranging to 5,300 feet. During the recreation season, May 1 through September 15, Packwood Lake is controlled
to an optimum recreational level of 2857 feet, ± 0.5 feet. During the remainder of the year the requirements of the Project operation for critical hydro period generation originally provided for lowering the lake level not more than eight feet below the summer lake level.
2. Intake Structure
The Project intake structure is located approxi-mately 360 feet downstream from the outlet of Packwood Lake. This structure shown in the inset houses trash racks, stop logs, traveling fish screens and a fixed wheel gate to control the water entering the 72 inch pre-tensioned concrete pipeline. The intake structure rises 22 feet above the maximum lake elevation.

The intake structure also houses a 24-inch fishwater release pipeline with remote controlled butterfly valve for metering and releasing required amounts of water to maintain the fishwater release flows required by the license. The fishwater release flows are automatically indicated, totalized, recorded and controlled at the Project powerhouse.

3. Drop Structure
The drop structure located adjacent to the intake
structure extends 85 feet in width and is tied into impervious earth fill cutoff walls on each side extending to the natural embankment. The knap of the drop structure at elevation 2858.5 will allow water to spill only by overtopping the structure at times when seasonal high flood runoff flows exceed the capacity of the Project and the ability of the lake to absorb the peak discharges.

During periods of normal operation, the lake level is controlled from the powerhouse by a preplanned program of plant operation conforming to system load requirements and the Federal Power Commission license.

The drop structure is designed to accommodate flood flows 5.5 times the maximum recorded Packwood Lake runoff of 1400 cfs.
4. Concrete Pipeline

Approximately 18,000 feet of 72 inch pretensioned concrete pipe conveys the water from the lake to the surge tank and through the two power tunnels. The 72 inch pretensioned pipeline is buried under a minimum of four feet of cover on a pipeline bench varying between 20 and 150 feet in width depending upon terrain. The pretensioned pipe has a minimum wall thickness of 2-1/16 inches with standard lengths of 32 feet except in areas where 20-foot lengths were used to follow sharper contours of the mountainside.

5. Power Tunnels

Two power tunnels carry Project waters through Snyder Mountain where the steep terrain or unstable material made construction of a pipeline undesirable.

The first power tunnel, located approximately 2,000 feet downstream from the outlet of Packwood Lake, is approximately 1,730 feet long and lined in a circular configuration.

The second power tunnel located approximately 3,000 feet below the downstream outlet of Tunnel No. 1 is roughly 3,200 feet in length and is partly lined in an inverted horseshoe configuration.

6. Surge Tank and Butterfly Valve

The Project's surge tank rises approximately 191 feet above the pipeline invert and approximately 140 feet above the natural ground level. The surge tank is painted green and is barely visible from the valley floor. The valve house located at the base of the surge tank is the downstream terminus of the 23,000 foot conduit from Packwood Lake. The

valve house is located underground and is accessible by road except during winter months.
7. Penstock
The steel penstock extending from the surge tank to the powerhouse is approximately 5,600 feet long and is anchored
at 12 locations by concrete anchors located at points where the contour of the mountain requires changes in alignment or grade. The thickness of the steel in the penstock varies from 7/16 to 1-5/16 inches with an outside diameter varying from 57 inches down to 46-1/2 inches where it enters the powerhouse.
The Project penstock is buried throughout its course from the surge tank to the powerhouse.
8. Powerhouse The Project powerhouse is located underground near the town of Packwood with only the control building rising above ground surface. The powerhouse contains a two-jet (vertical-undershot) impulse turbine with a maximum potential of 31,500 kilowatts operating at 360 rpm. The

average annual energy is approximately 101 million KWH delivered to the Project participants.

9. Tailrace

The Project tailrace is approximately 8,100 feet in length carrying water from the Project powerhouse to the Cowlitz River. The tailrace is lined with asphalt with a width at the top of the asphalt lining of approximately nine feet and approximately 29 feet at the base. The average depth of the lined part of the tailrace is 5-3/4 feet. A fishscreen and trash rack is located at the point where the water is returned to the Cowlitz River.

10. Roads and Trails

During Project construction, the Licensee constructed approximately 3.5 miles of permanent graveled roads built to Forest Service standards for future public use. In addition, the Licensee constructed a new parking lot located at the end of the Project access

road to accommodate a minimum of 30 cars and five trailers.

From the parking lot to Packwood Lake, a distance of four miles, the Licensee constructed a new hiking trail to permanent Forest Service standards for public recreation access to the Lake and semi-wilderness area beyond. This trail is designed to take

maximum advantage of scenic vistas and heavily timbered scenes. The permanent Project access road and trail are maintained and administered by the U. S. Forest Service. The total Project area, approximating 600 acres of which approximately 200 acres required clearing, has been reseeded and fertilized. In
some areas where special attention was required water has been added to foster new growth. In addition, in certain areas, the Licensee has planted indigenous trees and vines to encourage return to a natural condition.
11. Project Access
The upper portions of the Project, including the facilities at Packwood Lake, are not accessible by road. The Licensee's operation and maintenance are accomplished by using foot trails and tote-gotes during periods when the access is available. Normally, the upper end of the Project is completely inaccessible, except by helicopter, for approximately 30-60 days

during the winter. Accordingly maintenance criteria require special considerations to accommodate this inaccessibility. In addition, for approximately three more months during the winter, access can be gained only through the use of snowcats and snowshoes. This period of limited accessibility depends on snow conditions, but usually extends through April and during certain years through the first half of May.
Project Uses Beneficial to Man

The Project was conceived, designed and is operated to be in harmony with the dual objectives of ample low cost electric energy and a desirable and improved resource for recreation uses. In conjunction with the Project planning, construction and operation, $572,586.00 was invested in non-power recreation and resource protective measures to assure the continuance of this harmony between the two purposes.

The use of hydroelectric energy eliminates adverse impacts of alternate thermal sources of power generation on air and water quality, enhances public access to the recreation area and incorporates all of the environmental requirements that are now, almost ten years later, becoming of primary concern to the general populace. In addition to its contribution in serving the power needs of the Pacific Northwest, the Project on a number of occasions has been called upon to serve the local Cowlitz River Valley areas when outside sources of power were unavailable due to transmission failures and other planned or unplanned outages. Since June 1964, the Project has carried all or portions of the Cowlitz River Valley electrical system load over 1100 hours. This 1100 hour total is comprised of many separate short periods varying in length down to several minutes in duration.

Electricity

An allotment of power from the intake structure is reserved for use by the U. S. Forest Service at the new Packwood Lake Guard Station and is used for heating, lighting and cooking. In addition, a small allotment has been made available to the Packwood Lake
Resort on an "as available" basis for use in the main cabin for lighting, cooking, washing and refrigeration. The sleeping cabins use wood stoves for heating and kerosene for lighting.

Radio and Television Services

The Packwood Television Broadcaster, Inc. has installed a television broadcasting repeater station at the top of the penstock and antennas are mounted atop the Licensee's surge tank. This facility furnishes television reception to the upper Cowlitz River Valley where TV was not received prior to the project construction. A small allotment of power for the television repeater station is provided by the Licensee.

The National Park Service uses the surge tank facilities and Licensee power source for a small repeater installation to bounce radio communications from the West to the East side of Mt. Rainier. This repeater station provides a reliable communication system for Mt. Rainier and the surrounding National Park area.

Emergency Communications and Assistance

The Supply System intake structure located a short distance downstream from the outlet of the Packwood Lake contains a commercial telephone available for emergency use. The concessionaire at Packwood Lake, Mrs. Virginia Hunter, has access to the telephone for emergency and non-routine use. In addition, the concessionaire and its employees provide an invaluable public service in assisting with advice, information, enforcement of Forest Service regulations, first aid and other aspects of the health and comfort of the general public visiting the area.
In addition, the United States Forest Service assigns a Forest Service employee to Packwood Lake on an intermittent basis for maintenance of campgrounds, sanitary facilities, garbage disposal and compliance with the Forest Service regulations. When on duty at the lake, the Forest Service employee has access to a Forest Service telephone line installed by the Licensee.

I. The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action

A. Population, pattern and effects upon project resources.

The population density pattern surrounding the Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project is illustrated by Fig. 1 and is based on results of the 1970 census.

The administration of the recreational use of the natural resources of the Project area is a responsibility that has been retained by the U. S. Forest Service. Accordingly, the Licensee's authority in terms of the recreational use is limited to that of reporting on recreational facilities and use, as has been done annually by submission of Federal Power Commission Form 80, as revised.

A detailed description of the Packwood Lake visitor facilities is contained in Exhibit No. 2. In general the facilities include the Project access road and parking lot, a four mile trail from parking lot to lake, a Forest Service trail connecting to the Cascade Crest trail (approximately 10 miles distant), rowboats, hot meals, fishing supplies, sleeping cabins and two campgrounds with water, sanitary facilities, and tables.

In the past, the Supply System has maintained a close and cooperative liaison with the U. S. Forest Service and will continue to cooperate on all Forest Service plans for maintenance and improvement of the recreation facilities surrounding the Project.

A September 22, 1970 letter from Mrs. Hunter, the owner-operator of the Packwood Lake Resort, is included as Exhibit 3 and was also included as Exhibit 2 in the Supply System report

on recreation submitted to the Federal Power Commission in November 1970. In addition, that report contains a compilation of photographs of the various Project features.

Mrs. Virginia Hunter operates, by special Forest Service Annual Use Permit, a small concession which provides meals, boat rentals and cabins at Packwood Lake. This resort is located on the right bank of the lake near the outlet. This concession is open May through September depending upon access limitations due to snow pack during certain years in May. In the course of Mrs. Hunter's operations, a registration of visitors to the concession as well as a large percentage of people passing by the concession are recorded by date, name and address. The record from 1962 through 1970 entitled "Survey of Registered Visitors to Packwood Lake from April 1962 to 1970" is contained in Table No. 1. This table illustrates that the number of registered visitors has more than doubled since the period of Project construction. The general status of recreation facilities available to the public using the Packwood Lake area has not changed in any substantial degree since 1962.

The year prior to the operation of the Project there were 918 registered visitors. In the first year of operation (1964) more than 1,570 people visited the Project, and the number of visitors has increased with more than 2500 visiting Packwood Lake in 1970. The steady increase of visitors over the six year period is indicative of the growing popularity of the Project with hikers, campers and fishermen. It is also a sign of the

times as growing numbers of our people seek to escape the frustrations of modern life for the freer, less demanding short-term experience of outdoor living, which permits rejuvenation of the spirit, and closer relationship to nature.

With the ever increasing tempo of life, brought about by new technologies and our growing population, the desire for a wilderness experience on the part of modern man and his family will become more popular and, because of its therapeutic value, more needed. It has also been predicted that because of technology, future generations will have more time to pursue outdoor recreation. Because of these factors, we can expect that our existing recreational areas, such as Packwood Lake, already taxed to the limits, will become even more crowded.

If unrestricted and unplanned use of the limited facilities by the public is permitted, semi-wilderness areas like Packwood Lake will suffer irreparable harm through erosion of trails, establishment of unmanaged campsites, pollution from lack of sanitary facilities, litter accumulation of the area, and greater probability of forest fires.

TABLE NO. I.A. – 1

SURVEY OF REGISTERED VISITORS TO PACKWOOD LAKE FROM APRIL 1962 TO 1970

YEAR	WEEK OF MONTH	APRIL		MAY		JUNE		JULY		AUG		SEPT		OCT		TOTAL FOR YEAR
1962	1 2 3 4		- - - -		- - 88 85		52 64 90 159		65 108 70 94		65 65 54 137		91 - - -		- - - -
1962	TOTAL		0		173		365		337		321		91		0		1,287
1963	1 2 3 4		- - - -		- 46 54 53		53 66 52 84		87 37 59 74		96 43 30 63		21 - - -		- - - -
1963	TOTAL		0		153		255		257		232		21		0		918
1964	1 2 3 4		- - - -		- - 9 76		56 96 67 135		164 160 121 200		100 79 94 109		81 23 - -		4 - - -
1964	TOTAL		0		85		354		645		382		104		4		1,574
1965	1 2 3 4		- - - 39		45 52 54 76		140 153 102 125		175 93 127 165		74 49 63 88		82 58 21 49		41 6 - -
1965	TOTAL		39		227		520		560		274		210		47		1,877
1966	1 2 3 4		- - 51 27		43 58 61 126		255 160 197 140		192 137 136 160		69 115 83 124		198 55 3 17		17 5 8 -
1966	TOTAL		78		288		752		625		391		273		30		2,437
1967	1 2 3 4		- - 63 33		25 71 79 343		177 249 167 235		150 135 172 155		126 102 132 75		- - - -		- - 3 -
1967	TOTAL		96		518		828		612		435		0		3		2,492
1968	1 2 3 4		- - 38 50		46 98 89 185		161 79 151 108		210 113 124 204		90 98 52 130		72 25 - -		- - - -
1968	TOTAL		88		418		499		651		370		97		0		2,123
1969	1 2 3 4		- - - -		- - 77 190		42 202 101 156		99 93 113 203		83 171 87 74		-N.A. -" -" -"		- - -
1969	TOTAL		0		267		501		508		415		100est		0		1,791
1970	1 2 3 4		- - - 57		62 85 97 198		134 186 129 178		147 132 167 152		163 132 170 97		90 N.A. " "		N.A. " " "
1970	TOTAL		57		442		627		598		562		250est		20est		2,556

II. Adverse Environmental Effects of Proposed Action and Measures to Avoid or Mitigate Damage.

A. Water pollution.

The only change in water quality to be anticipated is a small change in the mixture of lake outlet water and inflowing spring water in Lake Creek. The inflowing spring water is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the lake outlet water and hence reducing the proportion of lake outlet water should slightly improve the water temperature for trout and salmon.

B. Air Pollution Effects. None due to the proposed action.

C. Public Health Effects. None due to the proposed action.

D. Public Safety Measures

(1) Barriers to ungated spillways

(2) Alarms and markers below dams

(3) Reservoir clearing and debris

(4) Restrictions to use or zoning

Public safety was a key consideration during the design and planning of the drop structure located downstream from the Packwood Lake outlet. There were two primary considerations concerning public safety in the design of the existing drop structure:

1. Fencing. The vertical walls on both sides of the drop structure are fenced with cedar fencing consisting of vertical boards located sufficiently close to prevent children or larger animals from getting through. The intake structure, adjacent to the drop structure, is gated with double-locked doors to prevent access. No change in this feature is contemplated by the amendments.

2. Downstream Effect of Sudden Discharges. The wide ungated drop structure improves the protection of fishermen or others who hike into the Lake Creek Gorge. The Lake Creek Gorge is an extremely precipitous canyon falling approximately 1750 feet in five miles. Much of this drop is located within a two mile stretch of the Canyon. Certain areas of the gorge are comprised of a continuous series of falls and plunge basins with vertical walls which could prevent emergency escape in
the event of a sudden uncontrolled discharge from the lake. For this reason, the Licensee has avoided the use of discharge gates or collapsing flash boards which might cause uncontrolled discharges resulting from a planned gate or flash board opening or an accidental discharge resulting from misoperation or vandalism.

The original outlet from Packwood Lake was more or less "V" shaped and included various obstacles such as logs, debris and rocks, which caused at times, a damming effect on the lake and was altered from year-to-year by spring runoff.

The existing drop structure is 85 feet in width and rectangular in shape. This outlet is not subject to change in characteristics since the shape is not influenced by obstacles as in the case of any natural outlet.

The unregulated natural flows down the Lake Creek Canyon have been substantially reduced as a result of Project construction and diversion of the Packwood Lake discharge. Further, by operating at an elevation less than the drop structure crest during much of the year, the lake itself is better able to absorb sudden uncontrolled discharges into the Lake Creek Gorge.

The high flows in the Lake Creek Canyon are limited to periods when overtopping occurs. During the years 1965 through 1970, the history of overtopping the drop structure during the spring runoff periods has averaged 6.3 days per year or 1.7 percent on an annual basis. Adoption of the rule curve should reduce this overtopping and consequently reduce also the risk to people who might use the lower creek early in the season.

E. On Fish

No adverse effects are expected. See discussions under section IB1 above.

F. Wildlife

This Project has been planned with the goal of minimum environmental changes. The License amendments are requested with the same goal in mind. There is no evidence in the years of operation of the Project that the goal has not been achieved. Certainly there is no reason to believe that changes asked for in the amendment will have any adverse effect on wildlife and that any measures for correction have to be devised. If anything, the slight reduction in water level during the winter season may be advantageous to various forms of wildlife, especially elk.

G. Recreational Values

Packwood Lake and the surrounding environs is a prime recreation area involving a variety of users. Ultimate plans for the area must include adequate facilities for users to enjoy the area without damage to it. There should also be some attempt at interpretation and instruction with respect to geology and other natural history.

The original Project development had no adverse recreational effect on the area and there is no reason to believe the amendment request is to have any. The additional 1.5 foot lowering of the lake level will occur during the winter non-use period. It is very likely that the rule curve reduction in level during the spring runoff season will help to reduce the very short periods of

high water and could improve recreational aspects in the early part of the season.

Improved public access into the areas was provided in the original construction and this should not be changed.

H, I, J. Scenic, Historic, and Other

Specific areas fitting these categories are not involved in the Project area or in current considerations. As the amendment would not change the environment in relationship to any of these values they are not discussed further.

EXHIBIT NO. 1

FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION

WASHINGTON 20426

PWR-LP

Project No. 2244-Washington

Washington Public Power
Supply System

Mr. Owen W. Hurd, Managing Director

Washington Public Power Supply System

P. O. Box 6510

C

O

P

Y

Kennewick, Washington, 99336

Dear Mr. Hurd:

On June 13, 1969 Mr. S. K. Billingsley of your staff participated in a meeting at the FPC office in Washington attended by Mr. John Adams of the Forest Service, Mr. M. Frank Thomas and other representatives of the Commission staff. The meeting was held to discuss the present status of the Memorandum of Agreement on operating standards and other measures for the maintenance of Lake Creek flows from your Packwood Lake Project No. 2244 and other matters pertaining to that project. At that meeting the participants reviewed a letter from the U. S. Forest Service to the Commission, dated June 12, 1969, pertaining to the project. A copy of this letter is enclosed for your information.

While the Memorandum of Agreement prescribes discharges into Lake Creek, there are a number of other matters as yet not fully agreed upon. These include the minimum permissible operating level of the lake, normal maximum pool level, maximum permissible pool level and duration thereof, operating range during the recreation season, the period of the normal recreation season and the practical recreation period with snow conditions which would have the potential of precipitating a flood at Packwood Lake project, and the location, type and responsibility for discharge measurement devices. A number of factors regarding these matters were discussed at the meeting on June 13th.

While the present Article 39 of the license must be amended to authorize the lower minimum discharge contained in the Memorandum of Agreement, it is desirable that all other appropriate points should be considered and incorporated into the license at one time. Accordingly it is not proposed to recommend amendment of Article 39 of the license until other appropriate changes have been submitted for consideration.

Mr. Owen W. Hurd - 2 -

As discussed at the meeting, it is requested that the Washington Public Power Supply System prepare proposals for the resolution of remaining problems, and submit these proposals with appropriate justification to the various interested agencies. After allowing reasonable time for review of the proposals and any clarification deemed necessary, a meeting will be held in Washington, D. C. for the purpose of finalizing proposals to be submitted to the Commission for consideration. It is suggested that the submission of proposals be not later than August 1, 1969 which would permit a meeting in September. Your recommendations for a time table would be welcomed.

The Washington Public Power Supply System may wish to proceed with the construction of the stream improvements at the junction of Lake Creek and the Cowlitz River as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement. As we understand it, these improvements are outside the project boundaries.

Very truly yours,

Enclosure No. 53919
Ltr from USFS dtd 6/12/69

EXHIBIT 2

EXHIBIT II

Tabulation of Visitor Facilities
at Packwood Lake

Roads and Trails

Three miles of scenic access roads, four miles of trail to Packwood Lake were constructed by the Licensee and are maintained for free use by the general public.

Boat and Fishing Dock

One boat dock is maintained for free public use by the concessionaire.

Boat Ramps

No boat ramp is appropriate since vehicular access is unavailable to the lake.

Bathing Areas

Areas are available for swimming but use is limited due to the 40-65 degree lake water temperature.

Marinas

The Packwood Lake concessionaire rents approximately 30 boats for fishing use. No motors on Packwood Lake are allowed.

Hiking and Riding Trails

In addition to the four mile access trail to the lake, Forest Service trails continue beyond Packwood Lake; one to Fish Lake north of Packwood Lake and a trail connecting with the Cascade Crest trail. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails beyond Packwood Lake.

Picnic and Camping Areas

Two campgrounds are located on the north side of Packwood Lake comprising space for approximately 20 tent sites and approximately 20 tables. Water and sanitary facilities are provided by the U. S. Forest Service.

Cabin

The Packwood Lake Resort rents eight cabins for overnight visitors not using the campgrounds.

- 2 –

Fishing Supplies

Bait and fishing tackle is available at retail prices from the Resort operator.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be purchased at the concession through prior arrangement.

Trailer Spaces

The Licensee constructed parking lot includes sufficient space for approximately 10 camping trailers in addition to parking space for 30 cars.

Powerhouse Tours

Tours of the Project powerhouse are offered during working hours, Monday through Friday.

Fees

No fees are charged for use of Project or Forest Service facilities. User-fees are applied only to row boats, food and supplies, meals and overnight lodging.

EXHIBIT 3