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Home My WebLink AboutHMP Revised for MEP2012-00013 - HMP Habitat Managment Plan - 5/11/2012 P1U % .�2319 23 Oooao a y C9 oOe�D d,gev Habitat Management Plan Lilliwaup Falls Power Project Lilliwaup, Washington For: Lilliwaup Falls Generating Company 1402 3rd Ave Suite 1318 Seattle,WA 98101-2116 Prepared by: BioResources, LLC Kim Schaumburg Fisheries biologist 10112 Bayview Road KPN Vaughn,WA 98394 (253)884-5776 or 225-2973 Email: kimber1y035�acenturytel.net April 17,2012 Revised May 11,2012 Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 2 Table of Contents I. Project Description A. Project Location...................................................................3 B. Project Description................................................................3 Landslide and Conveyance Pipe Repairs.............................3-4 IntakeArea...............................................................4 C. Best Management Practices..................................................... 4-5 Preserving Natural Vegetation—BMP C 10 1.........................5 Temporary and Permanent Seeding—BMP C 120.................. 5-8 Silt Fence—BMP C233................................................ 8-9 Additional BMPs.........................................................9 D. WDFW WAC Construction Requirements....................................9 WAC 220-110-130 Dredging in freshwater areas...................9-10 11. Species and Habitat Information A. Species and Habitat Information.................................................. 10-11 B. Survey Results........................................................................11-12 Existing Environmental Conditions.............................................. 12-13 III. Effects A. Direct Effects....................................................................... 13-16 B. Indirect Effects..................................................................... 16 C. Conservation Measures........................................................... 16 D. Planting Plan........................................................................ 17-18 List of Attachments 1. Vicinity Map............................................................................... 19 2. Site Photograph........................................................................... 20 3. Site Photograph........................................................................... 21 4. Site Photograph........................................................................... 22 5. Site Photograph........................................................................... 23 6. Site Photograph........................................................................... 24 7. Site Photograph............................................................................25 8. Site Photograph............................................................................26 9. Site Photograph............................................................................27 Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 3 I. Project Description A. Project Location 501 N Lilliwaup St,Lilliwaup WA(Attachment 1) Tax Parcels#32319-23-00000,32319-24-00000,32319-24-00030 Section 19,Township 23N,Range 03W,W.M. B. Project Description This Habitat Management Plan has been submitted on behalf of the Lilliwaup Falls Generating Company to facilitate repairs to an existing,privately owned hydroelectric facility that was rendered inoperable by storm damage during the winters of 2005/2006 and 2007/2008. In addition to the damaged hydroelectric facility,the property includes a single-family residence and a salmon hatchery facility that is operated by Long Live the Kings. The project site is located off SR Hwy 101 at Lilliwaup Falls, which consists of a series of fish impassable waterfalls that drop over 300 feet in elevation on Lilliwaup Creek. Below the falls, the stream's lower reach supports several ESA listed salmon species. Lilliwaup and Winter Creeks,the latter a tributary, are located in the immediate project area. Lilliwaup Creek is a Department of Natural Resources(DNR) Type S (shoreline, fish-bearing)water body. Winter Creek is a DNR Type F(potential fish-bearing)water body. The proposed project repairs consist of two elements: 1. Landslide and nv co eyance pipe repairs. 2. Intake area repairs. Lilliwaup Creek is regulated under the Mason County Shoreline Master Program and the Mason County Resource Ordinance as a Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area (FWHCA). Winter Creek is regulated under the Mason County Resource Ordinance as a FWHCA. In accordance with Mason County's FWHCA, 17.01.110, a habitat management plan is required for activities within the 150 foot buffer of Type S and Type F streams. This report addresses proposed activities within the buffers of Lilliwaup and Winter Creeks. 1. Landslide and Conveyance Pipe Repairs In the winter of 2005/2006, a landslide (Attachments 2 thru 6)destroyed a portion of an existing concrete flume(Attachments 2, 4, & 6)that conveyed water east from the intake area(on Lilliwaup Creek, above the falls)to the penstock,which conveys water to the Lilliwaup Falls hydroelectric facility's Power House, located approximately 500 feet east of the bottom of the lower falls. The proposed project includes the removal of an existing collapsed steel bridge (Attachments 5 &6) and the existing failed concrete flume, Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 4 stabilization of the slide area, and construction of a new pipe to replace the existing concrete flume(see Jacobs&Associates engineered plans). Stabilizing of the slide area will involve the construction of a 60 feet(height)by 145 feet (length)by 40 feet(depth)mechanically stabilized earth(MSE)wall, using a system of welded wire mats and facing to build an embankment across the slide area. The MSE wall will have a face slope of%2 horizontal to 1 vertical. The existing steep slopes of the upper slide scar will be re-graded to a stable 2H to IV slope, and the resulting material will be used to fill the embankment area. The size of the area to be re-sloped is approximately 96,000 square feet(2.2 acres). Approximately 34,000 square feet(0.8 acre)of existing native vegetation will be lost in the re-sloping. An existing access road will be extended across the completed upper slope area. A new 48-inch diameter high density polyethylene pipe(HDPE)will extend approximately 500 feet from an existing gate house to an existing screen house. This pipe shall be buried. The MSE wall face and all other disturbed ground areas will be hydroseeded following construction as per the Washington State Department of Ecology's BMP for temporary and permanent seeding. After the hydroseeded grasses are established the area shall be replanted with native trees. Any disturbed buffer area of Lilliwaup Creek in the vicinity of the MSE wall shall be replanted with native trees and shrubs. 2. Intake Repairs In the winter of 2007/2008, high flows in Lilliwaup Creek and Winter Creek damaged the intake area where water is directed into the hydroelectric facility. The intake area is located on the east side of Lilliwaup Creek, above the falls(Attachment 7). Winter Creek, an ephemeral (non-perennial) Type F stream, discharges into Lilliwaup Creek immediately adjacent the intake area(Attachments 9). Damage included the loss of weir boards that impounded water, loss of a leaf cleaner conveyor, and the destruction of electric components, lighting, railings, and metalwork. Since the downstream concrete flume portions of the system were destroyed in the winter of 2005/2006,the annual sediment flushing of the intake box and adjacent tunnel has not occurred. Consequently, stream sediments(consisting primarily of alluvial gravels and cobble)have accumulated within and around the concrete intake box to a depth of approximately 5 feet above normal operating levels (Attachment 8). Proposed repairs to the intake area include the repair of the concrete intake box and weir structures, and the removal of accumulated sediments (approx. 80 cubic yards). C. Best Management Practices In order to maintain the present water quality of Lilliwaup Creek and Winter Creek during project construction, Best Management Practices will be implemented. BMPs are defined as physical, structural, and/or managerial practices that prevent or reduce the Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 5 pollution of water(WDOE). The following source control BMPs,which are detailed in the WDOE s Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington(2005), shall be implemented for long-term protection of water quality at the site: 1. Preserving Natural Vegetation—BMP C101. Wherever practical native vegetative shall be preserved to reduce erosion. Limiting site disturbance is the single most effective method for reducing erosion(WDOE 2005). 2. Temporary and Permanent Seeding—BMP C120. Seeding is intended to reduce erosion by stabilizing exposed soils. *At final site stabilization,all disturbed areas not otherwise vegetated or stabilized shall be seeded and mulched. Final stabilization means the completion of all soil disturbing activities at the site and the establishment of a permanent vegetative cover,or equivalent permanent stabilization measures (such as pavement,riprap, gabions or geotextiles)which will prevent erosion. •The optimum seeding windows for western Washington are April 1 through June 30; and September I through October 1. Seeding that occurs between July 1 and August 30 will require irrigation until 75 percent grass cover is established. Seeding between October 2 and March 30 is not recommended for this project. •To prevent seed from being washed away, confirm that all required surface water control measures have been installed. •The seedbed should be firm and rough. All soil should be roughened no matter what the slope. If compaction is required for engineering purposes, slopes must be track walked before seeding. Backblading or smoothing of slopes greater than 4:1 is not allowed if they are to be seeded. •Wherever practical the subgrade should be initially ripped to improve long- term permeability, infiltration, and water inflow qualities. At a minimum, permanent areas shall use soil amendments to achieve organic matter and permeability performance defined in engineered soil/landscape systems. *Organic matter is the most appropriate form of"fertilizer"because it provides nutrients (including nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium) in the least water-soluble form. A natural system typically releases 2-10 percent of its nutrients annually. Chemical fertilizers have since been formulated to simulate what organic matter does naturally. •In general, 10-4-6 N-P-K(nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer can be used at a rate of 90 pounds per acre. Slow-release fertilizers should Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 6 always be used because they are more efficient and have fewer environmental impacts. It is recommended that areas being seeded for final landscaping conduct soil tests to determine the exact type and quantity of fertilizer needed. This will prevent over-application of fertilizer. Fertilizer should not be added to the hydromulch machine and agitated more than 20 minutes before it is to be used. If agitated too much,the slow-release coating is destroyed. *There are numerous products available on the market that take the place of chemical fertilizers. These include several with seaweed extracts that are beneficial to soil microbes and organisms. If 100 percent cottonseed meal is used as the mulch in hydroseed, chemical fertilizer may not be necessary. Cottonseed meal is a good source of long-term, slow-release, available nitrogen. •Hydroseed applications shall include a minimum of 1,500 pounds per acre of mulch with 3 percent tackifier. Mulch may be made up of 100 percent: cottonseed meal; fibers made of wood; recycled cellulose,hemp, and kenaf; compost; or blends of these. Tackifier shall be plant-based, such as guar or alpha plantago, or chemical-based such as polyacrylamide or polymers. Any mulch or tackifier product used shall be installed per manufacturer's instructions. Generally, mulches come in 40-50 pound bags. Seed and fertilizer are added at time of application. *Mulch is always required for seeding. Mulch can be applied on top of the seed or simultaneously by hydroseeding. *On steep slopes,Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM) or Mechanically Bonded Fiber Matrix (MBFM)products should be used. BFM/MBFM products are applied at a minimum rate of 3,000 pounds per acre of mulch with approximately 10 percent tackifier. Application is made so that a minimum of 95 percent soil coverage is achieved. Numerous products are available commercially and should be installed per manufacturer's instructions. Most products require 24-36 hours to cure before a rainfall and cannot be installed on wet or saturated soils. Generally,these products come in 40-50 pound bags and include all necessary ingredients except for seed and fertilizer. •When installing seed via hydroseeding operations, only about 1/3 of the seed actually ends up in contact with the soil surface. This reduces the ability to establish a good stand of grass quickly. One way to overcome this is to increase seed quantities by up to 50 percent. *Vegetation establishment can also be enhanced by dividing the hydromulch operation into two phases. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 7 1)Phase 1—Install all seed and fertilizer with 25-30 percent mulch and tackifier onto soil in the first lift; 2)Phase 2—Install the rest of the mulch and tackifier over the first lift. *An alternative is to install the mulch, seed, fertilizer, and tackifier in one lift. Then, spread or blow straw over the top of the hydromulch at a rate of about 800-1000 pounds per acre. Hold straw in place with a standard tackifier. Both of these approaches will increase cost moderately but will greatly improve and enhance vegetative establishment. The increased cost may be offset by the reduced need for: 1) Irrigation. 2) Reapplication of mulch. 3) Repair of failed slope surfaces. This technique works with standard hydromulch(1,500 pounds per acre minimum)and BFM/MBFMs(3,000 pounds per acre minimum). •Seed mixes shall be applied at a rate of 120 pounds per acre. This rate can be reduced if soil amendments or slow-release fertilizers are used. Local suppliers or the local conservation district should be consulted for their recommendations because the appropriate mix depends on a variety of factors, including location, exposure, soil type, slope and expected foot traffic. The following seed mixes may be appropriate for application at the proposed project site: Low-srowiny,Turf Seed Mix %weight %purity % germination Dwarf tall fescue(Festuca arundinacea var.) 45 98 90 Dwarf perennial rye (Lolium perenne var. barclay) 30 98 90 Red Fescue(Festuca rubra) 20 98 90 Colonial bentgrass(Agrostis tneuis) 5 98 90 Meadow Seed Mix %weight %purity %germination Redtop or Oregon bentgrass (Agrostis alba 20 92 85 or Agrostis oregonensis) Red Fescue(Festuca rubra) 70 98 90 White dutch clover(Trifolium repens) 10 98 90 Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 8 The turf seed mix is for dry situations where there is no need for much water. The advantage is that this mix requires very little maintenance. The meadow seed mix is recommended for areas that will be maintained infrequently or not at all and where colonization by native plants is desirable. •Any seeded areas that fail to establish at least 80 percent cover(100 percent cover for areas that receive sheet or concentrated flows) shall be reseeded. If reseeding is ineffective, an alternate method, such as sodding, mulching, or nets/blankets, shall be used. •After adequate cover is achieved, any areas that experience erosion shall be reseeded and protected by mulch. If the erosion problem is drainage related,the problem shall be fixed and the eroded area reseeded and protected by mulch. 3. Silt Fence—BMP C233. Use of a silt fence reduces the transport of coarse sediment from a construction site by providing a temporary physical barrier to sediment and reducing the runoff velocities of overland flow. Silt fence may be used downslope of all disturbed areas. Silt fence is not intended to treat concentrated flows,nor is it intended to treat substantial amounts of overland flow. Silt fences should not be constructed in streams. •Silt fences shall be constructed in the areas of clearing, grading, or drainage prior to starting those activities. The silt fence shall prevent soil carried by runoff water from going beneath,through, or over the top of the silt fence,but shall allow the water to pass through the fence. •Silt fences shall be located on contour as much as possible,except at the ends of the fence,where the fence shall be turned uphill such that the silt fence captures the runoff water and prevents water from flowing around the end of the fence. •lf the silt fence must cross contours, with the exception of the ends of the fence, gravel check dams placed perpendicular to the back of the fence shall be used to minimize concentrated flow and erosion along the back of the fence. •Any damage shall be repaired immediately. •lf concentrated flows are evident uphill of the fence,they must be intercepted and conveyed to a sediment pond or a temporary infiltration trench or other drainage structure. No flows shall be directed or conveyed to or into Lilliwaup Creek or other streams at the site. •Sediment deposits shall either be removed when the deposit reaches approximately one-third the height of the silt fence, or a second silt fence shall be installed. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 9 The following additional BMPs shall be used to insure that water quality is not degraded during and after construction: 1. Equipment shall be cleaned and checked for leaks, offsite and daily, before commencing work. 2. Pressure treated wood used in the project shall undergo one or more of the following BMPs to minimize leaching of contaminants: a)Aqua-Ammonia Steaming Cycle (AASC). B) Post Treatment Kiln Drying. C)Minimum Plant Holding Time. D) In-Retort Ammonia Removal Plus Plan Holding Time. E) ACZA Solution Bath/Rinse Procedure. *Pressure treated wood BMP treatment methods shall be verified by providing a signed and dated certification from a third party. 3. Large angular rock shall be clean before being placed in stream. 4. A turbidity curtain shall be used for in-water work to alleviate downstream turbidity. C. WDFW WAC Construction Requirements The following Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's(WDFW) construction requirements for dredging in freshwater areas(WAC 220-110-130) shall be strictly adhered to: WAC 220-110-130 Dredging in freshwater areas Dredging projects shall incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net- loss of productive capacity of fish habitat. The following technical provisions (applicable to an ephemeral stream) shall apply to dredging projects: *Dredging shall not be conducted in fish spawning areas unless it is designed to create or improve the access or quality of fish spawning areas. *Dredged bed materials shall be disposed of at approved in-water disposal sites or upland so as not to reenter state waters. The department may allow placement of dredged material in areas for beneficial uses. *Dredging shall be conducted with dredge types and methods that cause the least adverse impact to fish and their habitat. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 10 •Dredged material shall not be stockpiled waterward of the ordinary high water line. *Upon completion of the dredging, the bed shall not contain pits, potholes, or large depressions to avoid stranding of fish. In addition to the previously discussed BMPs, the following Spill Prevention Control measures shall also be followed: 1. The contractor will supply the site with a portable bathroom so that solid or liquid waste will not become a source of stormwater pollution. 2. The contractor shall be responsible for alerting the appropriate authorities in the event of a hazardous spill. 3. The contractor shall be able to perform basic control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personnel protective equipment available. In other words, small spills, such as paint or oil, shall be promptly and fully collected and disposed of at a suitable disposal site. In the event of a significant spill, a fish kill, and/or if fish are observed in distress the Washington State Department of Ecology(800.258.5990) and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's Area Habitat Biologist, Gloria Rogers (360.249.1293), shall be notified immediately. III. SPECIES AND HABITAT INFORMATION A. SPECIES INFORMATION In the proposed project area,there are six species listed under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as either Endangered or Threatened: the Puget Sound Chinook salmon(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha),the Puget Sound Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss),the Hood Canal summer-run chum salmon(Oncorhynchus keta), the bull trout(Salvelinus confluentus),the marbled murrelet(Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus), and the northern spotted owl (Stridex occidentalis). Additionally,the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a Priority Habitats and Species list(PHS) and a Species of Concern(SOC) list. The PHS list includes habitats, species, and species groups considered to be priorities for conservation and management. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 11 A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)Priority Habitats and Species Report from 1-17-2012 documents the presence of three species of anadromous salmonids on the State's PHS list within the immediate project area(i.e. Lilliwaup Creek above the falls): the Puget Sound/Coastal cutthroat trout(Oncorhynchus clarki clarki), the cutthroat trout(Oncorhynchus clarki), and the rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss). In addition, WDFW data revealed that one other species of anadromous salmonid on the state's SOC list may be found in the greater project area: the Puget Sound coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Conservation measures proposed in this report are expected/intended to minimize impacts to listed and/or unlisted species that may inhabit or utilize the proposed project site. B. Survey Results Field investigations were conducted on October 18, 2011 and on January 11, 2012. The project area was surveyed visually on foot, although a vehicle was used to access the upper reaches of the proposed project area. The weather was overcast and the wind calm on both days. The proposed project site is located on three adjacent parcels that comprise a total of approximately 76 acres. The majority of the site is heavily forested with upland native vegetation. A gravel road runs from the hydroelectric facility's Power House to the Screen House,the slide area, and the intake area above Lilliwaup Falls. The Screen House is a small out building located at the juncture of the flume and the penstock,which both convey water to the hydroelectric facility's Power House. The flume, an aging boxy concrete structure, was observed running west across relatively level ground, at the base of a steep slope for approximately 210 feet,to the east side edge of the slide area. The slide area encompasses an approximately 100 x 200 foot area. Native vegetation has started to revegetate the slope where the gradient is not extremely steep. The collapsed steel support bridge(for the flume) and another section of the failed flume were observed at the base of the slide area and on the west side edge of the slide,respectively. The intake area consists of a concrete intake box and associated appurtenances, a concrete wall at the top of the waterfall, an ecology block wall (approximately 25 feet in length)adjacent the north side of the intake box, and a smaller concrete wall (approximately 20 feet in length and two feet in height) located approximately 30 feet upstream of the intake area,near mid-channel of Lilliwaup Creek(on a slight diagonal relative to downstream flow). Winter Creek, an ephemeral stream, discharges into Lilliwaup Creek in the immediate vicinity of the intake facility, which has resulted in significant damage from erosion and the aggradation of alluvial sediments. During the October site visit, Winter Creek was dry. The channel bed was significantly channelized for approximately 100 feet upstream from the intake area and aggraded with cobble and both large and small gravel. It is Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 12 expected that Winter Creek flows heavily at times. In January, it was flowing lightly. No fish were observed in the stream nor is it likely than any spawn there. The failed relocated channel reach is located approximately 80 feet upstream, off the west stream bank. This channel is partially filled with coarse alluvial sediments. A culvert (Attachment 9) located approximately 25 feet from the intake area, on the east bank of Winter Creek, discharges water from a side channel that presently has no direct connectivity (to Winter Creek)and appears to function as an overflow channel. The east bank of Winter Creek is scantly vegetated in the vicinity of the intake area and consists primarily of the access road and gravel parking The following native species were observed at the proposed project site: Western red cedar(Thuja plicata), Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii),hemlock(Tsuga heterophylla), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), grand fir(Abies grandis), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Red alder(alnus rubra),willow(Salix spp.), vine maple (Acer Circinaturm), Indian plum(Oemleria cerasiformis), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), salmonberry (Rubus Spectabilis), sword fern(Polystichum munitum), licorice fern(Polypodium glycyrrhiza), salal (Gaultheria shallon), Oregon-grape (Berberis nervosa), and kinnikinnick(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). The following non-native species were also observed: Himalayan blackberry (Rubus procerus) and Scot's Broom(Cytisus scoparius). C. Existing Environmental Conditions The environmental baseline represents the existing set of conditions,to which the effects of the proposed action are then added. The proposed project site is located in the Water Resource Inventory Area(WRIA) 16, on Lilliwaup Creek in Mason County. Neighboring properties to the west, east, and north are heavily forested and undeveloped. To the south,there are several single-family residences on the east side of the stream. Farther south, adjacent SR Hwy 101, on the west side of the stream,there are a half- dozen SFR's located along the estuary at Lilliwaup. Lilliwaup Bay originally extended farther inland, but construction of the bridge (SR Hwy 101)has isolated the portion west of the highway and the river delta above the bridge appears to be filling in with sediment at a rapid rate (WDOE 2002). Presently,the main channel is severely aggraded downstream from the proposed project site, in both the upper and lower anadromous reaches. The Lilliwaup Creek watershed encompasses 11,408 acres or 17.9 square miles. The primary water sources for Lilliwaup Creek are extensive wetlands in the upper Lilliwaup Valley and Price Lake. Anadromous salmon habitat, which is confined to the lower reach (below the falls)of Lilliwaup Creek,has been degraded by a significant influx of coarse alluvial sediments over the past seven years. This aggradation has raised the bed of the creek by 5 to 8 feet through much of(the) anadromous reach(Moore, Martig, Boad Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 13 2011). The aggradation to the lower(anadromous)reach and subsequent rise in channel bed elevation has resulted in hyporheic(subsurface)flows, causing less water to be available in late summer(when flows are historically lowest) for use by ESA listed Hood Canal summer-run chum. A significant portion of the Lilliwaup Creek summer flow water is moving to subsurface flow in the upper anadromous reach(4.48 cubic feet per second or 23%)and along the western channel of the lower anadromous reach(2.90 cfs or 45%)of Lilliwaup Creek(Moore, Martig, Boad 2011). Storms during the winters of 2005/2006 and 2007/2008 caused mass wasting events that were responsible for the majority of Lilliwaup Creek's recent aggradation problems. In 2005/2006, a steep hillside to the east of the intake area was destabilized by hyporheic seepage,possible leakage from the existing concrete flume, and heavy rainfall. The resulting mass wasting event took out a steel support bridge for the concrete flume and the flume in that area. It is surmised that the initial mass wasting caused a secondary, downslope slide. Between the 2005/2006 storm and significant storms in the 2007/2008, it has been estimated that approximately 25,000 to 40,000 cubic yards of coarse alluvial sediments were transported to the lower reach of Lilliwaup Creek. In the winter of 2008, the influx of sediments raised the stream bed elevation over ten feet in places,resulting in severe erosion to the foundation of the existing access bridge and damage to the hatchery operated by Long Live the Kings, a salmon enhancement group. The upper anadromous reach was dredged and the bridge abutment was protected with large angular rock in the late summer of that same year. Presently,permitting is underway to dredge the anadromous reach of Lilliwaup Creek. Lilliwaup Creek is on the WDOE's 2008 Water Quality 303(d) List as an impaired waterbody for the following parameter: fecal coliform. Hood Canal in the vicinity of Lilliwaup Creek is listed for the following parameters: fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen (WDOE 2008). It can be assumed that the existing environmental conditions in the area have been degraded by development, shoreline hard-armoring, organic and inorganic pollutants, deforestation, fishing, and other anthropogenic changes that accompany urbanization. III. Effects of the Action A. Direct Effects Direct effects are the immediate effects of the project on the listed species and their habitats (FWS &NMFS 1998). The direct effects to the project site will be: 1. The construction of a mechanically stabilized earth wall and the resloping of the slide scar in the landslide area. 2. The construction of a new pipe to replace the existing failed concrete flume. 3. The repair of the existing concrete intake box and weir structures in the intake area. 4. The removal of accumulated sediments within the intake box. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 14 1)The construction of the mechanically stabilized earth wall and the resloping of the slide scar will result in the loss of approximately 43,000 square feet of native vegetatation. Project mitigation includes hydroseeding and the planting of native trees over the entire slope restoration area above the MSE wall and any disturbed areas between the wall and Lilliwaup Creek. All disturbed areas within the 150-foot FWHCA buffer of Lilliwaup and Winter Creeks shall be hydroseeded where appropriate and/or planted with native trees and shrubs(see Planting Plan in this report). It is expected that the MSE wall (in conjunction with the resloping) will stabilize the slide area and support the establishment of upland forested habitat. Additionally,the proposed project involves the placement of drainage on the reconstructed slope,which will further stabilize the site. Any mature trees removed (from the area to be resloped) shall be utilized in the project or future habitat restoration projects at the site. 2)The installation of a new pipe to replace the existing failed concrete flume will result in the cessation of any water leakage from the failed section of concrete flume on the west slope of the slide area. Additionally,the repair of the flume will allow the Hydroelectric plant to resume operation and produce clean energy for the area. Clean energy is a valuable commodity to reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels and lessen pollution. 3) If repair to the existing concrete intake box in the intake structure requires any new concrete, water contamination could result if fresh concrete comes into contact with the waters of Lilliwaup or Winter Creek. To prevent contamination of both streams work shall take place during summer months when Winter Creek is dry and Lilliwaup Creek is low. If any concrete repairs to the intake structure are in Lilliwaup Creek,the immediate area around the repair shall be dewatered using a cofferdam. Precautions shall be taken to ensure that no fresh concrete is spilled in either stream or streambeds. Concrete trucks shall not dump excess concrete in the buffer of any critical areas at the site. New concrete is not currently anticipated to be necessary for repairs. The repair of the weir structures could result in contamination of Lilliwaup Creek from the leaching of wood preservatives. The leaching of wood preservatives is a common contaminant-related issue with the construction of shoreline structures. ACZA pressure treated wood is more prevalent on the west coast because it effectively treats Douglas fir, contains copper, zinc, chromium, and arsenic. The main active ingredient of concern for effects to fish is copper. Environmentally realistic concentrations of free copper are noted to impact the resistance of fishes to disease, cause hyperactivity, impair respiration, disrupt osmoregulation or impair olfactory performance(NOAA 2009). The latter impact is caused by lower concentrations of dissolved copper. The majority of projects proposing to use treated wood are smaller than the 100 piling size which predicts potentially problematic water column concentrations of copper at current velocities of 1 Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 15 cm/sec or less(NOAA 2009). Also, ACZA leaching rates were very low in fresh water within ten days of installation(Brooks 1995,NMFS 1998, Hutton& Samis 2000). A boardwalk study(FPL 2000)was conducted in Oregon on a 1,800 foot long boardwalk, constructed in a wetland area from three different copper treated products,to evaluate the product's environmental effects. The environment was slow moving freshwater, with fine grained sediments and heavy rainfall (NOAA 2009). A localized pattern of distribution indicated that the majority of leached copper was bound to suspended materials that settled into the sediments(NOAA 2009). Monitoring of leaching found that the greatest amount leached during initial rainfall (NOAA 2009). Four invertebrate sampling events were conducted at the AZCA site over a one year period to detect potential adverse effects. Results did not show a significant reduction in habitat quality, and no taxa were extirpated from the study area,despite elevated concentrations of copper near the boardwalk(NOAA 2009). It is unlikely that leaching from treated wood will have a noticeable impact on aquatic life in Lilliwaup Creek at the proposed project site, given the following: a) The project is significantly smaller than the 100 piling size which predicts potentially problematic water column concentrations of copper at current velocities of 1 cm/sec or less. b) All pressure treated wood used in the proposed project shall be sufficiently cured to minimize leaching of contaminants into the water. 4) The removal of accumulated sediments adjacent to and within the intake box could result in sedimentation and turbidity in Lilliwaup Creek. Since the purpose is to remove accumulated sediments,the proposed project is not expected to contribute additional sedimentation in excess of the amount that it will eliminate. Turbidity may temporarily impact juvenile salmonids that are in the stream. Juvenile salmon are mobile, so it is possible that they will avoid the area of disturbance and not be impacted. Salmonids have been observed to move laterally and downstream to avoid turbidity plumes(Sigler et al. 1984, Lloyd 1987, Scannell 1988). Gregory and Northcote(1993) suggested that turbidity could be used by juvenile salmon as a protective cover. Considering the short duration of the proposed project(approximately 7 days),the substrate composition(primarily cobble, rock, and gravel),the stream's flow rate, and the stringent construction provisions(see Project Description), it is expected that turbidity will be minimal. A turbidity curtain will be used to alleviate downstream turbidity. Temporary direct effects caused by the construction process include: 1.Noise. 2. Water pollution from incidental release of fuel, oil, or other contaminants. 3. Turbidity. 1)The main source of construction noise will be the operation of large equipment. The project site is located in a rural area, in close proximity to SR Hwy 101, so it is expected that the noise from large equipment will not be more excessive than noise normal to the neighborhood. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 16 2) Potential water pollution from accidental release of fuel, oil, or other contaminants is another possible temporary direct effect. As previously discussed, BMPs shall be implemented during the project to maintain the existing water quality of Lilliwaup and Winter Creeks and prevent turbidity or pollution. 3)Turbidity(see above). B. Indirect Effects Indirect effects are those effects that are caused by or will result from the proposed action and are later in time, but are still reasonably certain to occur(50 CFR 402.02). Indirect effects from this proposed project include: 1. The contamination of Lilliwaup and Winter Creeks from the leaching of wood preservatives. 2. The loss of sediments to the lower, anadromous watershed due to the stabilization of the slide area. 1) See Direct Effects (#3). 2)As previously discussed,the Lilliwaup Creek watershed receives a surplus of sediments from upstream sources. The sediments contributed from the mass wasting of the slide area were primarily coarse (large cobble) and therefore unsuitable salmonid spawning habitat. C. Conservation Measures 1. No construction to take place at the intake area when Winter Creek is flowing. 2. No temporary or permanent stormwater flows to be discharged directly into Lilliwaup Creek, Winter Creek, or Beardsley Creek. 3. The WDFW's HPA provisions (specific to the proposed project) and previously discussed BMPs to be strictly adhered to. 4. All manmade debris to be removed from the site and properly disposed of or recycled. 5. Disturbed areas of the FWHCA buffers and disturbed areas associated with the slide restoration area to be replanted with native vegetation(see Planting Plan). Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 17 D. Planting Plan 1. Environmental Goals and Objectives Restoration of the disturbed FWHCA buffers of Lilliwaup and Winter Creeks shall consist of the planting of native trees and shrubs, in addition to hydroseeding of the resloped area above the MSE wall. Approximately 96,000 square feet shall be hydroseeded and replanted in the slide restoration area. Any disturbed area below the MSE wall, in the buffer of Lilliwaup Creek, shall also be replanted(approx.. 8,500 sf). The restored buffers will improve the functional attributes of the presently disturbed areas to provide additional protection for critical fish and wildlife species and their habitat, which may be affected by the proposed project or that has been previously affected by natural events that occurred at the site. 2. Planting Bare root or one gallon plants will be installed during the fall or spring of 2012/2013 in the disturbed buffer of Lilliwaup Creek(below the MSE wall in non-hydroseeded areas). The hydroseeded area shall be planted in the spring or fall of 2013. Hydroseeding shall be implemented in accordance with the WDOE's BMPs listed in this report. Planting of native trees and shrubs shall not take place in the hydroseeded areas until after hydroseeding has been completed and grass has become established (approximately three to six months). Plants shall be installed using best management practices. Qualified landscapers or foresters who are familiar with native plants will install them by hand. Organic mulch may be used as required in the buffer areas. No fertilizer to be applied on hand installed vegetation in the buffer areas. Invasive vegetation shall be removed from the buffer planting area of Lilliwaup Creek before planting commences. Recommended species are indigenous to the proposed project area. Additional species approved by Mason County or the WDFW may be used to supplement recommended species. It is estimated that the proposed project will result in the installation of over 5,500 trees and shrubs. The following native trees are proposed for installation at 5 feet on center,randomly in the slide restoration area. At least two different species shall be installed: Western red cedar(Thuja plicata),Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Grand fir(Abies Grandis), and Western Hemlock(Tsuga heterophylla). The following native trees and shrubs are proposed for installation at 5 feet on center, randomly in the disturbed buffer area of Lilliwaup. At least six different species shall be installed, including two that are deciduous: Western red cedar(Thuja plicata), Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Grand fir(Abies Grandis), Western Hemlock(Tsuga heterophylla), vine maple(Acer circinatum),Pacific willow(Salix lasiandra),Hooker willow(Salix Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 18 hookeriana), Scouler willow(Salix scouleriana), and Red-osier dogwood(Corpus stolonifera). 3. Contingency Plan The planting plan shall be monitored by a qualified biologist, forester,or landscaper for three years following installation. In the event that the planting plan is inadequate or fails,the cause of the inadequacy or failure shall be determined, and then appropriate corrective measure shall be implemented. Any dead plants shall be replaced. If mortality is due to too much or too little water or other site-specific conditions, replacement plants will be chosen that are more tolerant of the existing conditions. Invasive or non-native plants that are detrimental to the planting project shall be removed by hand until installed vegetation becomes established. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 19 Attachment 1 Vicinity Map. ml --- _ 'UNW-q 04 rmt ati 0 a � 1 c� u y�I� � t. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 20 Attachment 2 The failed concrete flume on the east side edge of the slide area. t r ,i jP s c> 40 ` 4 Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 21 Attachment 3 The top of the slide area. l y i r.. 114VU 44 VP I Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 22 Attachment 4 The slide area from the west side, looking east at the failed concrete flume. AL ,� .. R' ? A•` ' 4 } r tom' t 'Y .f �, ' Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 23 Attachment 5 The collapsed steel bridge at the base of the slide area. lot s �• i r' r ' 1 1 •' A { A. A 1 r ' 1 � 1 1 "1 • • 1" • 1' 1 • 1 "1 1 1 T v J { 9 R• i a Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 25 Attachment 7 The upper falls and intake area. ...r, �X ~- Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 26 Attachment 8 The intake area with the aggradation of coarse sediments from Winter Creek visible inside the concrete intake box and behind the existing ecology block protection. Lilliwaup Falls Hydroelectric Facility Repairs Habitat Management Plan 27 Attachment 9 Winter Creek dry, looking upstream from the intake area in both photos. Ss ems. y. 14 ` l�_♦ ,n• t; s