Appendix G.
Affected Environment Supporting Documentation
Part 1. PNW Resources Supporting Information
Part 2. PSW Resources Supporting Information
Part 3. PNW Fish
Part 4. PNW Cultural Resources
Part 5. Study Area Social and Economic Environment
Part 6. Western States Vegetation and Wildlife
Appendix G.
Part 1. PNW Resources Supporting Information
G1
Table G-1
FEDERAL COLUMBIA RIVER POWER SYSTEM
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS OF PROJECTS EXISTING, AUTHORIZED OR LICENSED, AND POTENTIAL NAMEPLATE RATING OF INSTALLATIONS
September 24, 1985
Oper-
ating Initial Number Number Number Number
Agency Stream (if H) Date in of 2/ Nameplate of Nameplate of Nameplate of Nameplate
Project Type 1/ State City (if Fuel) Service Units Rating-kW Units Rating-kW Units Rating-kW Units Rating-kW
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minidoka H BR ID Snake 05/07/09 7 13,400 7 13,400
Boise Rvr Div H BR ID Boise 05/00/12 3 1,500 3 1,500
Black Canyon H BR ID Payette 12/00/25 2 8,000 2 8,000
Bonneville H CE OR-WA Columbia 06/06/38 18-2 1,076,600 18-2 1,076,600
Grand Coulee H BR WA Columbia 09/28/41 24-3 6,163,000 6 4,200,000 30-3 10,363,000
Anderson Rnch H BR ID S Fk Boise 12/15/50 2 40,000 1 13,500 3 53,500
Hungry Horse H BR MT S Fk Flathead 10/29/52 4 285,000 4 285,000
Detroit H CE OR N Santiam 07/01/53 2 100,000 100,000
McNary H CE OR-WA Columbia 11/06/53 14 980,000 6 747,000 3/ 20 1,727,000
Big Cliff H CE OR N Santiam 06/12/54 1 18,000 1 18,000
Lookout Point H CE OR M Fk Willamette 12/16/54 3 120,000 3 120,000
Albeni Falls H CE ID Pend Oreille 03/25/55 3 42,600 3 42,600
Dexter H CE OR M Fk Willamette 05/19/55 1 15,000 1 15,000
Chief Joseph H CE WA Columbia 08/28/55 27 2,069,000 13 1,573,000 40 3,642,000
Chandler H BR WA Yakima 02/13/56 2 12,000 2 12,000
Palisades H BR ID Snake 02/25/57 4 118,750 2 135,000 6 253,750
The Dalles H CE 0R-WA Columbia 05/l3/57 22-2 1,807,000 22-2 1,807,000
Roza H BR WA Yakima 08/31/58 1 11,250 1 11,250
Ice Harbor H CE WA Snake 12/18/61 6 602,880 6 602,880
Hills Creek H CE OR M Fk Willamette 05/02/62 2 30,000 2 30,000
Cougar H CE OR S Fk McKenzie 02/04/64 2 25,000 1 35,000 3 60,000
Green Peter H CE OR Middle Santiam 06/09/67 2 80,000 2 80,000
John Day H CE OR-WA Columbia 07/17/68 16 2,160,000 4 540,000 20 2,700,000
Foster H CE OR South Santiam 08/22/68 2 20,000 2 20,000
Lower
Monumental H CE WA Snake 05/28/69 6 810,000 6 810,000
Little Goose H CE WA Snake 05/19/70 6 8l0,000 6 810,000
Dworshak H CE ID N Fk Clearwater 09/18/74 3 400,000 3 660,000 6 1,060,000
Grand
Coulee PG PG BR WA Columbia 12/30/74 6 300,000 6 300,000
Lower Granite H CE WA Snake 04/15/75 6 810,000 6 810,000
Libby H CE MT Kootenai 08/29/75 5 525,000 3 315,000 4/ 8 840,000
Lost Creek H CE OR Rogue 12/01/77 2 49,000 2 49,000
Libby
Reregulating H CE MT Kootenai 3 76,400 3 76,400
Strube H CE OR S Fk McKenzie 1 4,500 1 4,500
Teton H BR ID Teton 3 30,000 3 30,000
Total Number of Units and Nameplate Rating 204-7 19,502,980 24 2,407,900 22 5,921,500 250-7 27,832,380
Total Number of Projects 31 3 0 33
1/ CE - Corps of Engineers, Br - Bureau of Reclamation, BPA - Branch of Generation Planning
2/ Numbers after dashes indicate auxillary units.
3/ McNary Second Powerhouse estimates includes six unites at 124,500 kW each.
4/ Libby Units 6, 7, 8 at 105,000 kW each have been deferred.
G2
Table G-2
EXHIBIT 11
TABLE 1: PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGIONAL ARea
SUMMARY OF PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGIONAL LOADS AND RESOURCES
UNDER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER PLANNING AND CONSERVATION ACT
H I G H L O A D S
1992 WHITEBOOK: 11/09/92
OPERATING YEAR RUN DATE: 11/30/92
1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999- 0 2000- 1 2001- 2 2002- 3
MEGAWATTS AVG AVG AVG AVG AVG AVG AVG AVG AVG AVG
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LOADS
1 SYSTEM FIRM LOADS 1/ 21738 22329 22901 23470 23991 24501 25042 25595 26073 26618
2 SYSTEM TOTAL LOADS 2/ 22585 23176 23749 24317 24839 25349 25890 26441 26896 27440
3 EXPORTS 3/ 1147 1148 1140 1178 1202 1317 1447 1434 1432 1508
4 FED DIVERSITY 4/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 FIRM LOADS 22884 23476 24041 24647 25193 25818 26489 27029 27505 28125
6 TOTAL LOADS 23732 24324 24889 25495 26041 26666 27336 27875 28327 28947
RESOURCES
7 MAIN HYDRO 5/ 11448 11463 11462 11496 11498 11499 11500 11501 11498 11499
8 INDEPENDENT HYDRO 5/ 973 984 984 999 1000 1001 1003 1004 1000 1001
9 SUS. PKNG. ADJUSTMENT 6/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
10 TOTAL HYDR0 12421 12447 12446 12495 12498 12500 12503 12505 12498 12500
11 SMALL THERMAL & MISC 7/ 108 105 104 119 119 120 121 122 120 120
12 COMBUSTION TURBINES 8/ 485 485 485 485 485 485 485 485 485 485
13 RENEWABLES 9/ 42 42 43 43 43 43 43 43 44 44
14 COGENERATION 10/ 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
15 IMPORTS 11/ 1901 1899 1648 1615 1615 1560 1578 1600 1536 1573
16 CENTRALIA 1185 1185 1165 1164 1187 1186 1187 1186 1165 1164
17 TROJAN 713 713 604 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 JIM BRIDGER 578 578 584 572 584 584 578 578 584 572
19 COLSTRIP 1 & 2 356 350 349 377 379 379 381 382 377 379
20 BOARDMAN 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385
21 VALMY 194 195 195 195 195 194 195 195 195 195
22 COLSTRIP 3 509 505 504 524 525 526 527 529 525 526
23 WNP 2 705 715 747 751 751 751 751 751 751 751
24 C0LSTRIP 4 620 620 621 621 620 621 621 620 621 620
25 FED RESOURCE ACQUIS 12/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
26 NON-UTILITY GENERATION 13/ 502 503 506 516 515 494 494 995 493 494
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
27 TOTAL RESOURCES 20754 20777 20436 19912 19951 19878 19899 19926 19829 19858
28 HYD,SM THRM & MISC RES 14/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 LARGE THERMAL RESERVES 15/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 BPA SPINNING RESERVES 16/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31 DSI RESERVES 17/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 HYDRO MAINTENANCE 18/ -11 -11 -11 -11 -11 -11 -11 -11 -11 -11
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
33 NET RESOURCES 20743 20766 20425 19901 19940 19867 19888 19915 19818 19847
34 FIRM SURPLUS/DEFICIT -2141 -2710 -3616 -4747 -5253 -5951 -6601 -7114 -7687 -8278
35 TOTAL SURPLUS/DEFICIT -2989 -3558 -4464 -5594 -6101 -6799 -7448 -7960 -8509 -9101
G3
Table G-3
Base Case and Status Quo Resource Stacks
STATUS QUO BASE CASE
RESOURCE STACK RESOURCE STACK
Resources with Priority O (must acquire regardless of cost):
SF MCS SF MCS
MF MCS MF MCS
New Manuf. Housing New Manuf. Housing
Water Heat Water Heat
Refrigerators Refrigerators
Freezers Freezers
Remaining Discretionary Resources:
Hydro Eff. Improvements Hydro Eff. Improvements
Trans. Eff. improvements Trans. Eff. Improvements
Irrigation Irrigation
Industrial Industrial
New Commercial New Commercial
Hydro 1W Comm. Lost Ops Existing
Hydro 1E ME Res Weatherization
Hydro 2W SF Res Weatherization
Hydro 2E Comm. Discrete. Existing
Comm. Lost Ops Existing Hydro 1W
MF Res Weatherization Hydro 1E
SF Res Weatherization Hydro 2W
Comm. Discrete. Existing Hydro 2E
Cogen 1W Cogen 1W
CTs Cogen 1E
Cogen 1E Cogen 2W
Cogen 2W Hydro 3W
Hydro 3W WNP1
WNP1 WNP3
WNP3 CTs
Hydro 3E Hydro 3E
Cogen 2E Cogen 2E
Coal 1 (E. Mont) Cogen 3W
Cogen 3W Hydro 4W
Hydro 4W Hydro 4E
Hydro 4E Geothermal 2
Cogen 3E Cogen 3E
Geothermal 2 Cogen 4W
Coal 2 (E. Wash) Cogen 4E
Cogen 4W Wind 1
Coal 3 (E. Ore) Coal 1 (E. Mont)
Cogen 4E Wind 2
Coal 4 (Nev) Coal 2 (E. Wash)
Coal 5 (W. Wash/Ore) Coal 3 (E. Ore)
Wind 1 Coal 4 (Nev)
Wind 2 Coal 5 (W. Wash/Or)
Geothermal 1 Geothermal 1
Solar 3 (Trough-CT) Solar 3 (Trough-CT)
Solar 1 (Trough) Solar 1 (Trough)
Solar 2 (Trough w/HTR) Solar 2 (Trough w/HTR)
G4
Table G-4
IOU Resource Stack
RESOURCE
Single Family MCS
Multi-Family MCS
New Manufactured Housing
Water Heat
Refrigerators
Freezers
Irrigation
Industrial Conservation
New Commercial Conservation
Hydro 1W
Hydro 1E
Hydro 2W
Hydro 2E
Commercial Lost Ops - Existing
Multi-Family Residential Weatherization
Single-Family Residential Weatherization
Existing Commercial Discretionary Conservation
Cogeneration 1W
Combined-Cycle CTs
Cogeneration 1E
Cogeneration 2W
Hydro 3W
Hydro 3E
Cogeneration 2E
Coal 1 (Eastern Montana)
Cogeneration 3W
Hydro 4E
Cogeneration 3E
Coal 2 (Eastern Washington)
Cogen 4W
Coal 3 (Eastern Oregon)
Cogen 4E
Coal 4 (Nevada)
Coal 5 (Western Washington/Oregon)
Wind 1
Wind 2
G5
Table G-5
DRAFT PROPOSED OR POTENTIAL TRANSACTIONS DRAFT
By
NEW INTERTIE CAPACITY OWNERS
March 5, 1993
Name Type Resource Capacity Location Owned By In FRE? Existing Or? Permits, Etc? Transaction? Type Exch.
------------------ ----------------- ---------- ------------- ---------------- -------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ----------
(MW)
1. Clark Cogen./CCCT 75 1/ Goldendale/ Utility No Under Const. In Pl ace Plan Sale Unknown 2/
Harvalum 3/15/93
2. Emerald Cogen./CCCT 130 1/ Goldendale/ Utility No Under Const. In Place Plan Sale Unknown 2/
Harvalum 3/15/93
* 3. Snohomish Cogen./Wood Waste 43 Everett/ Utility No Planned 3/93 Sale N/A
Scott Paper On-Line 4/95
4. Mason Co. #1 Cogen./Wood Waste 14 Mason Co./ Utility No Planned Underway Sale N/A
Shelton
#2 Cogen./CCCT 49 Mason Co./Wa. Utility No Planned Underway Sale
Corrections
5. Gray's Harbor Various Cogen. 3/ 10-80 Grays Harbor Unsure No Planned Underway Sale or Unsure
Co. Exchange
* 6. PacifiCorp System Power 75-150 N/A Utility No 4/ Existing N/A Sale N/A
* 7. Seattle System (hydro) 60 Boundary Utility Yes Existing N/A Exchange Seasonal
System (hydro) 100 SCBID Irrigation Dist. Yes Existing N/A Cap. Sale
* 8. Tacoma System (hydro) 5/ 74 6/ SCBID Irrigation Dist. No Existing N/A Sale N/A
CSPE Share Utility No Existing N/A
* 9. PNGC Coal-fired steam 51 Boardman Utility No Existing N/A 25 yr. N/A
Cap.& Energy
Sale
* 10. EWEB 2 Cogen./Wood Waste 50 7/ Springfield/ #3/Weyco No Existing In Place 5 yr. Sale N/A
1 Steam Plant Weyco #3 & 4 Steam Plant &
Eugene/ #4/Utility
Willamette Stm
* 11. Puget Undefined 300 8/ 5 yr. Seasonal
Cap. & Energy
Exchange
1/ Capacity of resource is 205 MW, ownership to be shared by Clark and Emerald as indicated.
2/ Clark and Emerald plan a joint sale. However, an exchange is possible if sale not completed.
3/ Grays Harbor is considering wood waste and natural gas, located at the ITT Rayonier, or at Morton International.
4/ PacifiCorp does not consider this question pertinent for system sale.
5/ Existing contract with WAPA based on system sale - currently using AD contract.
6/ Tacoma has requested 40-50 MW of capacity, the difference between allocation and sale will continue as AD contract.
7/ EWEB has requested a 50 MW allocation. Resources total 88.7 MW, 51.2 MW from Weyco #4, 12.5 MW from Weyco #3 and 25 MW from Willamette Steam.
8/ Puget has requested 400 MW.
MMcFarland:sc:3688:01/05/93 (VS10-PMTI-8979D)
G6
Table G-6
Federal and Pacific Northwest Air Quality Standards
National National Washington Montana Oregon Idaho
Pollutant Primary Secondary
PM10
Annual Arith Mean 50 ug/mE(3) (a) 50 ug/mE(3) 50 ug/mE(3) 50 ug/mE(3) 50 ug/mE(3) 50 ug/mE(3)
24-Hour Average 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3)
Sulfur Dioxide
Annual Average 0.03 ppm (b) 0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm 0.10 ppm 0.03 ppm (b)
24-Hour Average 0.14 ppm 0.10 ppm 0.5 ppm (e) 0.50 ppm 0.14 ppm
3-Hour Average 0.50 ppm 0.5 ppm (e)
1-Hour Average 0.40 ppm (c)
Carbon Monoxide
8-Hour Average 9 ppm 9 ppm 9 ppm 9 ppm 9 ppm 9 ppm
1-Hour Average 35 ppm 35 ppm 35 ppm 35 ppm 35 ppm
Ozone
1-Hour Average (d) 0.12 ppm 0.12 ppm 0.12 ppm 0.12 ppm 0.12 ppm 0.12 ppm
Nitrogen Dioxide
Annual Average 0.053 ppm 0.05 ppm 0.05 ppm 0.05 ppm 0.053 ppm 0.053 ppm
Lead
Quarterly Average 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3) 150 ug/mE(3)
Hydrogen Sulfide
1-Hour Average 0.05 ppm (e) 0.05 ppm (e)
(a) micrograms per cubic meter
(b) parts per million
(c) 0.25 ppm not to be exceeded more than two times in any seven consecutive days.
(d) Not to be exceeded on more than 1 calendar day per year.
(e) Not to be exceeded more than once per year.
G7
Appendix G.
Part 2. PSW Resources Supporting Information
G8
Table G-7
Dependable Capacity in 1992, 1996, 2003 and 2011 1/
(MW)
PG&E SCE SDG&E
----------------------------- ----------------------------- -----------------------------
1992 1996 2003 2011 1992 1996 2003 2011 1992 1996 2003 2011
------------------------ ----------------------------- ----------------------------- -----------------------------
UTILITY OWNED RESOURCES
Nuclear 2,160 2,160 2,160 2,160 2,541 2,541 2,541 2,541 517 430 430 430
Coal 0 0 0 0 1,615 1,615 1,615 1,615 0 0 0 0
Oil/Gas Steam-Active 6,801 6,337 5,657 5,657 7,076 6,950 6,589 6,014 1,611 1,506 1,335 1,335
Short-Term Reserve 2/ 0 0 0 0 1,334 1,334 1,334 1,334 0 0 0 0
Lg-Trm Reserves 2/ 412 876 1,342 1,342 292 292 292 292 230 230 230 230
Combustion Turbines 394 394 394 394 580 580 580 580 332 332 332 332
Combined Cycle 0 0 870 1,305 1,012 1,412 2,397 4,161 0 273 1,600 1,600
Geothermal 791 601 391 255 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hydroelectric 4,567 4,586 4,586 4,586 1,014 1,014 1,014 1,014 0 0 0 0
Pumped Storage 1,186 1,186 1,186 1,186 89 89 89 89 0 0 0 0
NON-UTILITY OWNED
RESOURCES
Fossil Cogeneration-QF 1,881 1,934 1,934 1,934 2,068 2,068 2,068 2,068 119 179 179 179
Self-Generation 704 812 842 861 0 0 0 0 70 71 76 79
Biomass-QF 604 618 618 618 298 298 298 298 8 8 17 17
Self-Generation 90 90 90 90 533 533 533 533 0 0 0 0
Geothermal-QF 146 186 186 186 634 634 634 634 0 0 0 0
Hydroelectric-QF 69 69 69 69 60 60 60 60 2 2 2 2
Wind-QF 170 170 170 170 128 128 128 128 0 0 0 0
Solar-QF 2 2 2 2 369 369 369 369 0 0 0 0
Imports
PNW 808 728 728 728 941 949 948 7 245 115 69 69
ISW and Mexio 0 0 0 0 631 714 646 563 884 100 0 0
CA 0 0 0 0 624 624 624 0 0 0 0 0
UNCOMMITTED & PENDING
RESOURCES
Demand Side Mgmt 417 1,380 3,134 4,620 1,073 1,449 3,460 5,978 108 292 420 572
PNW "Spot Capacity"
and Exchanges 3/ 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 0 600 600 600 100 100 100 100
Pending Resources 0 411 473 473 0 410 536 611 2 2 2 2
Selected Res. Additions 0 0 23 423 0 0 3 350 0 960 360 1.560
TOTAL RESOURCES 21,990 22,864 24,713 26,917 21,286 23,037 26,079 28,213 3,998 4,340 4,922 6,277
1/ Draft Final CEC 1992 Electricity Report Appendices, Appendix B. Resource Accounting Tables.
2/ Oil/Gas reserves excluded from Total Resources.
3/ "Spot Capacity" provides system operational flexibility and serves needle peak needs.
G9
Table G-8
Dependable Capacity in 1 and 2011 1/
(MW)
SMUD LADWP BGP NCPA
----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
1992 1996 2003 2011 1992 1996 2003 2011 1992 1996 2003 2011 1992 1996 2003 2011
----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
UTILITY OWNED RESOURCES
Nuclear 0 0 0 0 368 368 368 368 30 30 30 30 0 0 0 0
Coal 0 0 0 0 1,507 1,507 1,507 1,507 138 138 69 69 0 0 0 0
Oil/Gas Steam-Active 0 0 0 0 2,890 2,711 2,632 2,632 409 409 409 409 0 0 0 0
Short-Term Reserve 2/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lg-Trm Reserves 2/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Combustion Turbines 49 49 49 49 76 76 76 76 168 168 168 168 90 90 90 90
Combined Cycle 0 0 0 0 0 240 760 760 106 106 106 106 0 0 0 0
Geothermal 95 116 98 78 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 109 68 28 13
Hydroelectric 642 642 642 642 200 200 200 200 2 2 2 2 142 142 142 142
Pumped Storage 0 0 0 0 1,247 1,247 1,247 1,247 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
NON-UTILITY OWNED
RESOURCES
Fossil Cogeneration-QF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Self-Generation 0 0 0 0 214 254 254 254 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Biomass-QF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Self-Generation 0 0 0 0 35 35 35 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Geothermal - QF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hydroelectric - QF 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wind - QF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Solar - QF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Imports
PNW 96 96 96 96 105 105 105 105 181 172 171 152 0 30 30 30
ISW and Mexico 0 0 0 0 919 919 919 919 40 40 40 40 0 0 0 0
CA 1,186 1,041 360 360 0 0 0 0 15 15 15 15 317 317 317 317
UNCOMMITTED & PENDING
RESOURCES
Demand Side Mgmt 181 434 813 1,116 161 339 878 1,530 0 0 0 0 8 17 32 48
PNW "Spot Capacity"
and Exchanges 3/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pending Resources 0 558 768 768 0 95 163 163 0 0 0 0 0 77 77 77
Selected Res. Additions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL RESOURCES 2,249 2,936 2.826 3,109 7,723 8,097 9,145 9,797 1,089 1,080 1,010 991 666 741 716 717
1/ Draft Final CEC 1992 Electricity Report Appendices, Appendix B, Resource Accounting Tables.
2/ Oil/Gas reserves excluded from Total Resources.
3/ "Spot Capacity" provides system operational flexibility and serves needle peak needs.
G10
G-9. Utility Specific Needs Assessment Information
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) should have sufficient capacity to meet its reserve margin through 2009 due to
current abundant resources and its intent to aggressively pursue DSM programs. By 2003 PG&E plans to save 3,134
MW through its DSM programs, utilize 1,200 MW of Pacific Northwest summer capacity, (purchased on a short-term
basis) and acquire 385 MW of cost-effective resources currently considered "pending resources."
Southern California Edison's (SCE) planning area will have adequate capacity resources available to meet its
demand through the year 2001. Future resource planning decisions must take into account SCE's partial requirement
customers (called Resale Cities) which are pursuing some independent resource planning and the air quality
constraints imposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and Ventura Air Quality
Management District. Given current forecasts of demand, SCE intends to pursue an aggressive DSM program, use
Pacific Northwest spot capacity purchases and exchange arrangements, and add resources pursuant to directions by
the CPUC. In particular, by 2003 SCE projects purchasing 400 MW of Pacific Northwest spot capacity and arranging
up to 200 MW in Pacific Northwest seasonal exchanges.
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is unable to meet its target reserve margin of 15 percent in 1993, falling
approximately 270 MW short. By 2003 the deficit will increase to 1,600 MW. To avoid unnecessary regulatory delay,
the CPUC has directed SDG&E to pursue the repowering of 455 MW, which should be in place by 1997. Other
resource additions by the year 2003 include 420 MW in DSM savings; 100 MW in PNW "spot capacity" purchases;
and 473 MW of QFs.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has sufficient resources to meet its requirements
throughout the 20-year planning period. LADWP's projected capacity requirement in 2003 is 7,940 MW. Currently,
LADWP depends on fossil fuel for two thirds of its generating capacity, with some hydro and nuclear. Recognizing
the diversity of electricity resources is an important strategic element in its resource planning effort, LADWP is
participating in a 10 MW solar project and is constructing its first geothermal power plant, which is expected to be
operational by 1995. LADWP also will depend on DSM resources and repowering of existing units a under SCAQMD
requirements.
Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena (BGP) dispatch their systems separately from LADWP, although they have a
pool arrangement with LADWP for imports. BGP resources must meet SCAQMD emission constraints as do those of
and SCE. By 2003 the combined capacity requirement for the three cities is expected to reach 1,016 MW.
The largest sources of existing firm capacity for BGP are natural gas units and purchased power. BGP is joint owner
of a nuclear facility (30 MW) and a coal plant (138 MW in 1992).
G11
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) forecasts its capacity requirement by 2003 to be 3,257 MW. By 2003
SMUD will add 607 MW of gas-fired capacity, 120 MW from an out-of-state cogenerating facility, and an energy-only
wind project. SMUD also will need capacity resources to meet its load by 2003. SMUD will depend on short-term
purchases from the Pacific Northwest to delay building a new power plant until anticipated load growth appears more
certain. SMUD shares in ownership of the California-Oregon Transmission Project (COTP).
Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) is comprised of 14 members from Northern and Central California, ten
interconnected. Each member owns, operates and maintains an electric distribution system to serve the customers
within its own service area. By 2003 NCPA capacity requirement is expected to reach 837 MW. The largest source
of firm capacity from NCPA in 1996 is purchased power at 46 percent. NCPA is negotiating long-term contracts with
California and Pacific Northwest parties, utilizing its transmission shares of the COTP.
In the Inland Southwest, 1989 load was approximately 9,884 MW. Since total generating capacity is far greater than
load in this region, this part of the Southwest is expected to be surplus over the next 20 years.
Table G-9
CALIFORNIA - OREGON TRANSMISSION PROJECT
Allocations to California Utilities
and Use for Assumed Contracts
(MW)
Pending and
Generic Contract
COTP Share Allocation_1/
TANC MEMBERS 1237.0 618.5
Alameda 16.5 8.2
Healdsburg 3.3 1.7
Lodi 23.4 11.7
Lompoc 2.3 1.1
Modesto 261.3 130.6
Palo Alto 49.5 24.7
Plumas 2.0 1.0
Redding 102.4 51.2
Roseville 28.4 14.2
SMUD 335.6 167.8
Santa Clara 256.1 128.0
Turlock 153.7 76.8
Ukiah 2.6 1.3
FEDERAL ALLOTTEES 65.0 32.5
S. San Joaquin 33.0 16.5
Trinity 4.0 2.0
Shasta 25.0 12.5
San Juan 2.0 1.0
Carmichael 1.0 0.5
WAPA 177.0 88.5
VERNON 121.0 60.5
TOTAL COTP 1600.0 800.0
_1/ Utilities are assumed to use up to half of their COTP
entitlements for pending and generic contracts. Additional
generic contracts may be added only if the COTP would not
become the single largest contingency for reliability planning.
G13
California Utilities' Assumed Air Quality Provisions
Southern California Edison
The South Coast AQMD Rule 1135 establishes the BARCT NOx requirements for existing utility
boilers or their replacements. The rule applies to five utilities: Edison, LADWP, the cities of Burbank,
Glendale, and Pasadena. Rule 1135 establishes the maximum daily average NOx rates (i.e., 0.15 lbs.
per MWh for Edison), and daily and annual emissions caps for each of the five utilities. Rule 1135
required the affected utilities to submit compliance plans by January 1, 1992.
Ventura County APCD's adopted Rule 59 regulates NOx emissions from electricity generating
facilities. Rule 59 will affect four electricity generating units in Ventura County, all operated by Edison.
The effect of Rule 1135 on Edison's system is included in ER 92 by assuming a system average NOx
emission rate consistent with each of the specifications of the rule. The Commission assumes any
new power plant (or replacement or repowered power plant) identified in Rule 1135 compliance plans to be uncommitted.
San Diego Gas and Electric Assumptions
The San Diego County APCD is proposing Rule 69 to reduce NOx emissions from existing utility
boilers within the district. SDG&E is the only utility affected by the proposed rule. The provisions of
this rule will apply to Encina Units 1 through 5 and South Bay Units 1 through 4. Rule 69 has different
provisions and schedule requirements based on the heat rate of individual boilers.
As a simplifying assumption, ER 92 assumed for SDG&E system a NOx emission rate of 0.2 lbs. per
MWh will be applied to all the boilers in the San Diego County APCD subject to Rule 69. It was also
assumed that all boilers meet this emission factor by 1996.
Pacific Gas and Electric Assumptions
The Bay Area AQMD, Monterey Bay Unified APCD, and San Luis Obispo County APCD are currently
considering BARCT rules to control NOx from utility boilers in their jurisdiction. Twenty-nine out of
thirty-three of PG&E's steam boilers are situated in these three districts.
G14
The Bay Area AQMD is proposing a NOx emission factor of 0.25 lbs. per MWh for all 18 PG&E boilers
in the district. To achieve this standard, it was assumed 90 percent NOx reduction will be obtained on
Contra Costa 6 and 7, Pittsburg 5, 6, and 7, and Potrero 3 by 1997.
PG&E owns and operates Moss Landing 1 through 7 in the Monterey Bay Unified APCD. The 1991
Air Quality Management Plan for the Monterey Bay Region recommends a NOx limit at this facility of no
more than 0.15 lbs. per MWh. In order to achieve this goal for the collective facility, it was assumed
that 90 percent NOx reduction will be applied to Moss Landing 6 and 7 by 1997. Based upon
information contained in PG&E ER 92 supply forms and its 1993 General Rate Case, the following
boilers are assumed to be in long-term reserve status: Moss Landing 1 (remain on long term reserve),
Moss Landing 2 and 3 in 1995 and Moss Landing 4 and 5 in 2000. There are four large boilers at the
PG&E Morro Bay Power Plant. The NOx limit recommended in the San Luis Obispo County APCD
clean air plan is 0.20 lbs. per MWh. In order to achieve this goal, it was assumed that 90 percent NOx
reduction will be applied to Morro Bay 1,2,3 and 4 by 1997.
G15
Figure (Page G16 Figure G-1 ARea DESIGNATION FOR CALIFORNIA AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD OZONE)
Figure (Page G17 Figure G-2 ARea DESIGNATION FOR CALIFORNIA AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD ...)
Table G-10
Ambient Air Quality Standards
Averaging National California
Pollutant Time Standard Standard
=================================================================================================
Ozone 1 Hour 0.12 ppm 0.09 ppm
(O3) (235 ug/m^3) (180 ug/m^3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Hour 9 ppm 9 ppm
Carbon Monoxide (10 mg/m^3) (10 mg/m^3)
(CO) -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Hour 20 ppm 35 ppm
(23 mg/m^3) (40 mg/m^3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual 0.053 ppm ---
Nitrogen Dioxide Average (100 ug/m^3)
(NO2) -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Hour --- 0.25 ppm
(470 ug/m^3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual 80 ug/m^3 ---
Average (0.03 ppm)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 Hour 365 ug/m^3 0.04 ppm
Sulfur Dioxide (0.14 ppm) (105 ug/m^3)
(SO2) -------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Hour 1300 ug/m^3 ---
(0.5 ppm)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Hour --- 0.25 ppm
(655 ug/m^3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual --- 30 ug/m^3
Suspended Particulate Geometric Mean
Matter -------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PM10) 24 Hour 150 ug/m^3 50 ug/m^3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual 50 ug/m^3 ---
Arithmetic Mean
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sulfates 24 Hour --- 25 ug/m^3
(SO4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydrogen Sulfide 1 Hour --- 0.03 ppm
(H2S) (42 ug/m^3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In sufficient amount to produce an
extinction coefficient of 0.23 per
Visibility Reducing 1 Observation --- kilometer due to particulates when the
Particulates relative humidity is less than 70%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G18
Appendix G.
Part 3. PNW Fish
G19
APPENDIX G
Part 3. Pacific Northwest Fish
3.1 PNW Anadromous Fish
The Pacific Northwest supports a large number of anadromous fish (species that migrate downriver to
the ocean to mature, then return upstream to spawn). The principal anadromous fish runs in the
Columbia Basin are chinook coho, and sockeye salmon, and steelhead trout. Other Northwest river
systems contain runs that include spring and fall chinook, coho, chum, pink salmon, and steelhead
trout. As with some Columbia River anadromous fish stocks, many coastal and Puget Sound
populations are severely depleted, largely due to habitat degradation or excessive harvest. These
fish are an important resource to the Pacific Northwest, both for their economic value to the sport and
commercial fisheries, and for their cultural and religious value to the region's Indian Tribes and others.
The development of dam and reservoir projects on the Columbia and Snake River and tributaries has
reshaped the natural flows of the river. The use of storage reservoirs to capture runoff for later
release results in reduced flows during the spring and early summer, when juvenile salmon and
steelhead are migrating downstream to the ocean. Water velocities have also been reduced as a
result of the increased cross-sectional area of the river due to run-of-river projects. These changes
have slowed juvenile fish migration, exposing juvenile salmon and steelhead to predation and disease
and impairing their ability to adapt to Salt water when they reach the ocean. Additional mortality occurs
as fish attempt to pass each dam on their downstream migration to the ocean.
BPA, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are jointly
conducting a public review of the multi-purpose operation of Federal hydro facilities in the
Columbia River basin. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (eis) is planned for 1994.
The System Operation Review will determine the operating requirements necessary to
serve the multiple purposes of the Federal facilities, including power generation,
fisheries, recreation, irrigation, navigation, and flood control. The resulting decisions on
operating requirements will apply to power operations for Intertie transactions and all other
BPA power transactions. The proposals studied in this Non-Federal Participation (NFP)
eis do not prejudice SOR matters. BPA's power obligations will be served with a mix of
resources in context of the operating constraints applicable to each resource.
Endangered Species Act processes have been created to make decisions regarding the
operation of hydro plants and affected anadromous fish. The National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) is currently acting on petitions to protect certain anadromous fish species
G20
in the Columbia and Snake River systems. Operating requirements for Federal
hydroelectric facilities within these river systems will be subject to decisions made under
these processes. The proposals studied in the NFP eis do not prejudice ESA recovery
plan matters. The NFP eis analysis uses the best available information regarding
operations relevant to fisheries and other uses.
3.2 Resident Fish of the Pacific Northwest
Resident fish are freshwater fish that live and migrate within the rivers, streams, and lakes of
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana. A few species that were originally anadromous
but are now landlocked are included with the "resident" fishes. A number of Federal reservoirs
support substantial resident fish populations. Reservoirs whose resident fish would be most affected
by changes in hydro operations are Hungry Horse and Lake Koocanusa (behind Libby Dam) in
northern Montana, Grand Coulee in central Washington, and Dworshak in Idaho. Common game fish
species in Hungry Horse include westslope cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and mountain whitefish.
Common game fish species in Libby Reservoir include western cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly
Varden, and kokanee salmon. Grand Coulee supports an economically valuable recreational fishery
for walleye and rainbow trout. Sport fish caught in Dworshak include kokanee salmon, rainbow trout,
and smallmouth bass.
The Kootenai River below Libby Dam and the Flathead River below Hungry Horse Dam support
important populations of resident game fish. These include kokanee in the Flathead River system,
and westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden in the Kootenai River. The kokanee
that spawn in the Flathead River system below Hungry Horse migrate upstream from Flathead Lake.
currently, this population of kokanee is in decline. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
(MDFWP) is developing a mitigation plan for the Flathead system that may or may not include
rebuilding the kokanee population.
Some of the resident fish of the Pacific Northwest are threatened, endangered, or of special concern
to the management agencies charged with protecting these species.
3.3 Protected Areas
The Northwest Power Act directs the Council to develop a "program to protect, mitigate, and enhance
fish and wildlife, including related spawning grounds and habitat on the Columbia River and its
tributaries." Large habitat losses have occurred in the Columbia River Basin as a result of hydroelectric
and other development. The Council has estimated that 4,600 stream miles of salmon and steelhead
habitat have been lost (a 30 percent decline), not including losses of resident fish and wildlife habitat.
Significant habitat losses have also occurred in other areas in the region, and these losses have
G21
played an important role in declines of regional fish and wildlife populations. The Council is required to
consider fish, wildlife, their habitat, and other environmental factors in developing its regional power
plan.
Past mitigation efforts have not been able to compensate fully for the effects of hydropower and other
development. The loss of anadromous fish habitat beyond the Hells Canyon complex on the Snake
River is a significant example. In addition, recent listings by the NMFS of several stocks of
anadromous fish as threatened or endangered underscore the need to protect remaining habitat.
Disagreements among and between the public; fishery biologists; Federal, state, and local agencies;
and Indian tribes over the possible effects of development, and the likelihood that mitigation may be
successful, have been common. These disagreements add to developer costs and utility rates, and
leave the region less certain about its ability to develop new resources quickly when needed.
To protect the critical fish and wildlife habitat that remains, to avoid expensive and divisive disputes
over hydropower development in sensitive fish and wildlife areas in the region, and to reduce costs
and uncertainties in the region's ability to meet is power needs, the Council embarked on a process
10 years ago to study areas where development would have substantial and irreversible adverse
effects. In 1987, the Council adopted the goal of doubling salmon and steelhead runs within the
Columbia River Basin. As part of the strategy for meeting the doubling goal while protecting valuable
fish habitat from damage caused by hydropower development (thus preserving an environment for
wild and naturally spawning fish), the Council, on August 10, 1988, approved Protected Areas
amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Program and Power Plan. In brief, the final rule adopted a single
standard of protection for all Protected Areas: because Protected Areas represent the region's most
valuable fish and wildlife habitat, hydropower development should not be allowed in Protected Areas,
but should be focused in other river reaches. The final rule does not apply to projects existing or
licensed as of August 10, 1988. In addition, the rule provides for developers to seek an exemption
from the Council for a project that would have "exceptional fish and wildlife benefits."
The Council's Power Plan identifies the amount of new hydropower the region can count on to be
developed in the next 20 years. Because projects proposed in Protected Areas are less likely to be
built, the region's "supply curves" do not count on new hydro being developed in them.
During the Council's rulemaking, staff examined the impacts of designating Protected Areas on
projects for which a preliminary permit, license, or exemption was active at the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC). That analysis showed that out of 387 active projects, 241
(62 percent) would be affected by a Protected Area designation. Of the 241 affected projects,
123 were located within the Columbia River Basin and 118 were located outside the Basin. Total
potential foregone was 1,530 MW of capacity and 814 aMW of energy. On the other hand,
G22
146 projects (38 percent) Were unaffected by Protected Area designation, representing 1,780 MW of
capacity and 917 aMW of energy. The mileage now protected represents less than 15 percent (70,796 km
or 44,000 miles) of the Northwest's rivers and streams.
The primary purpose of Protected Areas is to direct developers to the least environmentally sensitive sites.
Protected Areas designations can be modified depending on future energy needs and other potential new
supplies.
The region's current hydropower supply curves, developed jointly by BPA, the Council, and the States in
1989, show an "upper bound" of regional potential at 910 aMW of new hydro available outside of Protected
Areas at a cost of less than 6.0(cents)kWh (levelized in 1988 dollars), with the amount of "likely developable"
hydro outside of Protected Areas at 410 aMW. From 1988 through 1990, 237 MW (or about 100 aMW) of
new hydro capacity was installed in the region outside of Protected Areas, well on the way to meeting
projections of available supply.
On May 17,1988, BPA adopted its Long-Term Intertie Access Policy (LTIAP) governing provisions for use of
BPA's Intertie with California. Protected Areas within the Columbia River Basin were adopted as the fish and
wildlife protection mechanism in the LTIAP. The policy provides for decreasing utilities' access to the Intertie
if they develop or acquire the output from a new hydro project located in a Protected area within the
Columbia Basin.
Since August 1988, FERC has not issued a license or exemption that conflicts with the Protected Areas
amendments. As of January 1991, FERC has had few new applications for licenses in Protected Areas,
although FERC has granted preliminary permits on sites located within Protected Areas.
As explained in Section 1.3.11, BPA is currently developing a protected areas policy to apply to BPA's future
actions, including Non-Federal Participation transactions. The policy would provide for no transmission of
energy over the Intertie from a new hydro project sited in an area with the Columbia River Basin designated
as protected in the Council's Protected Areas Program.
G23
Appendix G.
Part 4. PNW Cultural Resources
G24
APPENDIX G.
Part 4. PNW Cultural Resources
Cultural resources are the irreplaceable evidence of human occupation or activity as reflected in any
district, site, building, structure, artifact, ruin, object, work of art, architecture, or natural feature that
was important in human history at the national, state, or local level. Cultural resources that could be
affected by BPA actions are located throughout the study area. Historic properties or districts that
undergo conservation remodels or retrofits could be affected.
BPA actions that affect the operation of the existing PNW power system can also affect cultural
resources. Changes in hydro system operations can cause changes in reservoir levels at the five
Federal storage reservoirs on the Columbia and Snake Rivers: Grand Coulee (Lake Roosevelt), Libby
(Lake Koocanusa), Albeni Falls (Lake Pend Oreille), Hungry Horse, and Dworshak. Numerous
archeological and historic sites, especially Indian burials and ancient habitations, are known to exist
within the reservoir areas and many sites remain to be discovered. BPA has a programmatic
agreement with several responsible agencies that provides for consultation and mitigation on this
issue (see Chapter 5).
Further description of PNW historical development and cultural heritage is contained in BPA's
Resource Programs eis, Appendix A, Section 1.
G25
Appendix G.
Part 5. Study Area Social and Economic Environment
G26
APPENDIX G
Part 5. Study Area Social and Economic Considerations
5.1. Geography and Land Use
Pacific Northwest
The geography and land uses of the affected environment in the Pacific Northwest center on the
Columbia-Snake River system. The Columbia River Basin contains more than 668,220 square
kilometers (km) (258,000 square miles (mi)) of drainage, including most of Washington, Oregon, and
Idaho; Montana west of the Rocky Mountains; small areas of Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada; and
southeastern British Columbia. The Pacific Northwest includes all or portions of three physiographic
provinces: Northern Rocky Mountain, Columbia Plateau, and Pacific Mountain system. Major features
include the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Puget Sound and Willamette Valley plains, and the Coast
Range, Cascade, and Rocky Mountains. These features define the climate, vegetation,
transportation, and development patterns of the region.
Half the region is covered by forest (primarily Douglas fir or varieties of pine), most densely west of the
Cascade Range. Rangeland occupies substantial areas in the Snake River and Rocky Mountain
regions. Agricultural lands are located primarily on the Columbia River Plateau, along the Snake River,
and in the Willamette Valley. About two-thirds of the land in the region is publicly owned, enabling the
development of multiple use land programs and extensive recreational opportunities. Land managers
include the Federal Government (including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
Department of Energy, and Department of Defense), State and local governments, and Indian tribes.
The rest of the land is privately owned.
The Cascade Range, which runs north-south, divides Oregon and Washington into two climatic
regions. Coastal climate is mild and wet, with only occasional extremes of temperature. East of the
Cascades, most of the precipitation is in the form of snow, and summer months are hot and dry.
Elevations of the Pacific Northwest range from sea level to 4392 meters (m) (14,410 feet (ft)) at Mt.
Rainier in Washington. Idaho experiences a wide variation in climate. Pacific Ocean air brings
temperate climate to the northern third of the state, while high mountains on the eastern border tend
to block cold air from Montana and Wyoming.
Beginning in southeastern British Columbia, the Columbia River flows south and west for 1953 km
(1,214 mi) to the Pacific Ocean. From the point it passes into the State of Washington to its mouth, it
drops steadily for 1204 km (7411 mi). The Snake River, which is 1670 km (1,038 mi) long, begins in
northwestern Wyoming. It flows west and north, forming part of the borders between Oregon and
G27
Idaho and between Idaho and Washington. Part of that border is the nation's deepest canyon (Hell's
Canyon). In southern Washington, the Snake River joins the Columbia, which flows west and north,
forming the border between Oregon and Washington. The Snake and Columbia flow through
extensive wilderness, scenic, and recreation areas. The rivers pass through irrigated agricultural area
in the plateaus east of the Cascade Mountains and through the Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges
on the way to the Pacific Ocean.
California and the Inland Southwest
Most of California is part of the Pacific Mountain System physiographic region, although portions of
southeastern California are part of the Basin and Range province.
The Southern Cascade Mountains and the Sierra Nevada form California's backbone, a barrier the
length of the state. Elevations reach over 4267 m (14,000 ft) above sea level at Mt. Whitney and Mt.
Shasta. The majority of the mountain ranges trend north-south and exert major influences on the
climate of the region, with extremes in several areas. To the west of this barrier lies the Great Valley
and the California Coast Ranges. The valley contains the major population centers and is a high-value
agricultural area, heavily irrigated. The Coast Ranges, mostly lower than 1524 m (5,000 ft), support
commercial forestry, grazing, and specialty crops such as wine grapes.
To the east of the Cascades and Sierra barrier are the parts of California in the Basin and Range
province. It is a semi-desert to desert region of plateaus, basins, plains, and isolated mountain ranges.
The Inland Southwest includes some of the driest portions of the United States. Physiographically,
the region is in the Basin and Range, the Colorado Plateau, and portions of the southern Rocky
Mountains provinces. Topographically, the region encompasses the lowest and some of the highest
elevations in the continental United States. The Colorado River Basin is the major drainage for the
region, rising on the Continental Divide and ending at the Pacific Ocean. It contains major
multipurpose dams, such as Hoover Dam, which provide electric power, water supplies, and recreation
areas. The land is fairly arid, except for the Rocky Mountains, which are moderately wet. The area
tends to be water-limited, with most precipitation occurring in the mountains. Land use includes
mining and mineral processing, cattle ranching, and farming. Since much of the land is and, agriculture
is dependent upon irrigation, although dry farming is practiced in portions of New Mexico.
British Columbia
The geography and land uses of British Columbia, like the Pacific Northwest, center on river systems.
Columbia Lake, the source of the Columbia River, is situated 812 m (2,664 ft) above sea level in the
Canadian Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia. The river flows north, then turns sharply
G28
to flow south to the international border, for a total of 739 km (459 mi) and a drainage area of 102 435
square kilometers (39,550 square miles) in Canada. Near the border, the Columbia is pained by the
Kootenay River. The Kootenay begins in the Canadian Rockies, proceeds south into Montana and
Idaho (where it is the Kootenai), then returns north into Canada before joining the Columbia. The
Peace River, which also begins in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in eastern British Columbia, flows
north and east into Alberta, eventually emptying into the Arctic Ocean. Regulation of these river
systems by dams has reduced seasonal flow variations and, on the Columbia, reduced the occurrence
and severity of floods. Dams also produce power.
Land uses in British Columbia include forestry, mining, mineral processing, cattle ranching, and
tourism. Since much of the terrain is mountainous, there is little arable land. The forest industry
dominates the western portion; the eastern reaches include a broader mix of uses, such as
agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and transportation. British Columbia's waters produce a rich
harvest of fish, including salmon. Water resource uses also include recreation, transportation, and
power production.
5.2 Population
Pacific Northwest
In the Pacific Northwest, population centers around Seattle/Tacoma (WA), Portland/Vancouver
(OR/WA), Eugene/Springfield (OR), Spokane (WA), and Boise/Nampa/Caldwell (ID). Estimates
indicate that the population in Washington grew from about 4.13 million in 1980 to about 4.80 million
in 1990, a 16 percent net increase and an annual rate of growth of 1.51 percent. The population of
Oregon increased from about 2.63 million In 1980 to an estimated 2.84 million in 1990, an 8.1
percent net increase and an annual growth rate of 0.8 percent. The population in Idaho grew from
947,000 to about 1 million, a 6.6 percent net increase and an annual growth of 0.6 percent.
California and the Inland Southwest
In California, population is centered around Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and
Sacramento. The much smaller population of the Inland Southwest is clustered in the Salt Lake City,
Phoenix, Tuscon, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and Reno metropolitan areas. The population
of the region as a whole is 36,264,000, with 29,473,000 in California (California State Department of
Finance, Demographic Research Unit).
British Columbia
Population in British Columbia is centered around Vancouver, Victoria, and a few smaller centers. The
population of the province has grown from approximately 2.5 million in 1976 to about 3 million in
G29
1990 (Canadian Consulate General, Office of Tourism). British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
(BC Hydro) has projected a population growth of about 1.6 percent on an annual basis through 1999
and 1.3 percent per year for the following 10 years.
G30
5.3 Industry/Economic Base
Pacific Northwest
Over the past 10 years, the economy of the Pacific Northwest has evolved from being resource-
based to being more diverse, with growing trade and service sectors. In 1980, resource-based
industries accounted for 30.9 percent of manufacturing employment; by 1990, their share had fallen
to 27.2 percent. High technology industries (aerospace, electronics, and scientific instruments),
have grown in share over the last decade from 30.3 to 42.0 percent of total manufacturing. Overall,
the manufacturing share of the regional economy was 19.4 percent in 1980 and fell to 17.7 percent
by 1990.
The lumber and wood products industry still plays an important role in the region's economy, with
3.4 percent of the total regional employment, but this sector has declined from a decade ago, when it
accounted for 4.4 percent of total employment. Food processing has fallen from 2.5 percent of total
employment in 1980 to 2.1 percent in 1990. This loss of employment share has been due to an
increase in the relative size of the employment base and productivity gains brought on by plant
upgrades and other efficiencies. Transportation equipment, primarily Boeing, has remained at nearly
4 percent of total employment over the last decade, and the electronics and scientific instruments
industries have grown from 13.4 percent of total employment to 17.7 percent. Energy-intensive
aluminum production is economically important to the region, but the level of employment in this
sector is relatively small (0.7 percent of total employment in 1990).
The nonmanufacturing share of total employment rose during the 1980s from 80.6 to 82.3 percent.
An increase in wholesale and retail trade and services accounts for most of the gain. Employment in
trade grew from 24.1 percent of total employment in 1980 to 25.0 percent in 1990. The services
sector grew from 18.8 percent of total employment in 1980 to 22.9 percent in 1990. The region's
growing trade with California and the Far East also broadens the economic base. Twenty-five percent
of U.S. exports to Asia and 30 percent of all U.S. exported goods are shipped through Pacific
Northwest ports. In fact, the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are the fourth and sixth largest ports in the
world.
The advantage of low-cost energy relative to other areas has strengthened the region's economic
base. Due to the availability of natural gas from Canada and the region's hydro base for electricity, the
Pacific Northwest has a long-term energy advantage. On average recently, the region's electricity
prices ran 40 percent lower than the national average and natural gas prices were 16 percent less.
The region still can be hard-hit by high interest rates and their dampening effect on housing, which is
the biggest source of demand for the region's lumber and wood products. However, more diversity
G31
and efficiency in industries in the region means more resistance to severe fluctuations now than in the
past. Continued high levels of international trade should help offset the negative impact of periodic
national business cycles, and the nonmanufacturing service sector of the region's economy is
expected to continue to grow faster than total employment.
California, with over 29 million people (more than 10 percent of the nation's total population)
represents an important market for the Pacific Northwest. The tourism industry, fueled by the region's
superlative scenic beauty and interesting history, stimulates the economies of less populated regions
as well as the service and trade sectors. Agriculture also is a substantial industry in the region,
employing about 275,000 in 1990, down from about 285,000 in 1980. The decline in agriculture
employment is part of the shift toward a less resource-dependent economy, and also is due to
growing productivity in the farm sector.
California and the Inland Southwest
California has a rich endowment of natural resources, amenities, and climate. The state is a major
source of the nation's fruits and vegetables. Its agricultural sector ranks first in the nation in cash value
and produces virtually every crop grown in temperate zones. Lumber production is second only to
Oregon, and its mining production ranks among the top three states. Employment in manufacturing
industries is the leading source of personal income, followed by government, wholesale and retail
trade, and service occupations. The entertainment industry, although it has declined somewhat since
World War II, is still a significant part of the state's economy, and tourism is one of the fastest growing
sectors. The economy of the Inland Southwest is based on mining and ore processing,
manufacturing, services, agriculture, and tourism.
British Columbia
The economy of British Columbia as a whole, and especially the areas through which-the Columbia
and Peace Rivers flow, is heavily resource based. Forestry, mining, and mineral processing industries
are important sources of income and employment. In many cases, these industries rely on the river
system either for power or transportation or both. The river systems also are closely tied to another
important economic base--tourism and recreation (Envirocon 1986). Petroleum and natural gas
production also are important to the economy. There is abundant hydroelectricity, natural gas, and
coal to serve the needs of both domestic and export customers (B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines, and
Petroleum Resources). However, high unemployment (currently 8.3 percent, seasonally adjusted)
has resulted from economic dependence on natural resources (Labor Force Annual Averages, 1990,
71-220)). Nonetheless, with an ample and diverse energy supply, a carefully developed
infrastructure, and easy access to world markets, British Columbia is poised for future development.
G32
Appendix G.
Part 6
Western States Vegetation and Wildlife Information
G33
Appendix G
Part 6. Western States Vegetation and Wildlife
G34
2.23 Vegetation
The northwest United States is among the more diverse regions of North
America. This region includes wet coastal and dry interior mountain ranges,
miles of coastline, interior valley, basins, and high desert plateaus. Moisture,
temperature, and substrate vary greatly, as does the vegetation.
In the Pacific Mountain System, Douglas fir forests dominate the native
vegetation from the coast to about 5,000 feet of the moist western slopes of the
cascades. The drier east side of the Cascades supports yellow pine/lodgepole
pine forests.
The forests of the western Cascade Mountains comprise the most densely
forested region in the United States. These forests represent the maximal
development of temperate coniferous forests in the world in terms of extent and
size. The climax forests of this area are almost totally dominated by coniferous
species. Generally, conifers are pioneer species--species that first populate an
area, but which give way after many years to hardwood or mixed forest.
However, in much of this region, this pattern is reversed, with hardwood trees
such as red alder or bigleaf maple west of the Cascades playing an initial role in
the vegetative succession. A second feature of this forest is the size and
longevity of the dominant species. The climax forests found by the pioneers
were comprised of trees several feet through at the base, several hundred feet
tall, and several centuries old. Much of this forest is now second growth--forests
that have grown up where virgin forests once stood. Forestry, clearing for
agriculture and other development, and wildfires have removed much of the
original forest.
Prairies are an important feature of the landscape south of Washington's
Puget Sound. The occurrence of prairie indicates the area has been free of
forest for many years. The origin and continued occurrence of the prairies stems
from soil type and frequent burning. The soil is gravelly, derived from glacial
outwash material coupled with low summer precipitation. The frequent burning
resulted from natural causes, native human populations, and the early European
settlers. Since settlement, the extent of these prairies has been rapidly
diminishing as a result of invasion by Douglas fir trees and other native plants.
The reforestation of these areas is probably due to fire protection and changing
management of the land.
The Columbia Plateau physiographic region covers much of Washington
and Oregon east of the Cascades and most of southern Idaho. The area is arid
G35
to semi-arid, with low precipitation, warm to hot summers, and cold winters. The
region is dominated by shrubs and grasses, such as bunchgrass and sagebrush
communities. Juniper is an invading species. Forest vegetation is generally
confined to areas with sufficient precipitation, and in the higher elevations.
Much of this area has been changed by wildfire and grazing. The two dominant
native shrubs are sagebrush and rabbit brush. Both are fire-sensitive and can be
eliminated from an area for decades by fire. The major perennial grasses are
bunch grass and fescue. Neither is adapted to heavy grazing. Two alien species
that are well adapted to the steppe region and were able to invade areas that
were burned or heavily grazed are cheatgrass and poa.
In the largely semi-arid climate of the Northern Rocky Mountains province
(western Montana, northern Idaho, and northeastern Washington), native
vegetation consists of larch/white pine or yellow pine/Douglas fir forests. Since
European settlement, valleys such as the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana,
are irrigated and farmed.
The lands surrounding the headwaters of the Columbia and Peace Rivers
in British Columbia are heavily forested. Douglas fir is prominent in the Canadian
Rocky Mountains, and the valley bottoms in most areas are characterized by
stands of western hemlock. The upland, subalpine zone includes Englemann
spruce and lodgepole pine.
2.2.4 Wildlife
The wildlife of the Pacific Northwest and Montana is diverse, including
larger mammals such as bear, elk, and deer, and smaller animals such as
butterflies, snails, and birds. Although all are important to the environment, some
arouse special interests because of their economic and recreational value or
because they are listed for protection by a state (see Appendix A) or the Federal
Government.
The following discussion lists some of the important wildlife found in the Pacific
Northwest and Montana.
Some of the more recreationally important wildlife of the Pacific Northwest
include deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, sheep, goats, and wild pigs. Many of the
these animals are important game species.
Many of the mammals of the Pacific Northwest are protected or are
considered for protection because they have been over-harvested or their habitat
has been lost to other uses. The protected list of mammals includes carnivores
G36
such as the gray wolf and the grizzly bear. It also includes whales, Columbia
white-tailed deer, pygmy rabbit, shrews, squirrels, gophers, chipmunks, a mouse,
voles, and bats. Not all of these mammals would be potentially affected by
power plant development.
Besides mammals, Pacific Northwest wildlife includes a diverse bird
population. Recreationally important birds include pheasants, geese, ducks,
quail, and grouse. Many species have protected status with a state or the
Federal Government. Protected birds include pelicans, Aleutian Canada goose,
peregrine falcon, sandhill crane, eagles, and the spotted owl.
Reptiles, amphibians, molluscs, and insects are also part of the diverse
wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Many are protected or are being monitored for
protection. The protected list includes several turtles, butterflies, beetles, snails,
salamanders, and snakes.
Wildlife in the Canadian portion of the study area includes large
populations of elk and deer, as well as mountain goats in higher elevations.
Predators include the timber wolf, black and grizzly bears, and cougars. The
Peace River area supports raptors, including bald eagles, hawks, and falcons.
G37
3.3.3 WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION
3.3.3.1 Western United States
Vegetation within the Pacific Northwest, Inland Southwest, and California falls into five general
community types--forests/woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, deserts, and riparian/wetland. (See
Figure 3.9 for location of these types; Table 3.19 for plant community descriptions.) Each plant
community has characteristic associated wildlife types. Because the diversity is so considerable.
and because combinations of these communities may occur with an intermixed or "edge" effect, the
following discussions will focus on plant communities and associated wildlife. Specific types
will be mentioned only as typifying a group or where species are specially protected. More
extensive lists of characteristic wildlife species are found in Table 3.20. (Information
following is from Biosystems 1986.)
Table 3.19
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTS. VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
DOMINANT PLANT COMMUNITIES
Provinces Affected (Map Code) Upland Riparian/Wetland
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ----------------------------
American Desert (3220) Creosote bush (3221): on Mesquite grows along
This province includes the Mojave, the Sonoran Desert washes and watercourses
Colorado, and Sonoran Deserts. plains, creosote bush is
Vegetation is usually very sparse, with the most widely
bare ground between individual plants. distributed plant, and
Cacti and thorny shrubs are conspicuous, covers extensive areas
but many thornless shrubs and herbs are in nearly pure stands.
also present. On some parts of the
plains, cholla and other
cacti are also common,
as well as bursage.
shadscale, brittlebush.
Saltbush occurs on
alkaline flats, yucca is
common on sandy or
loamy soils.
Low woodland or
scrubland.
G38
Table 3.19 (continued)
Provinces Affected (Map Code) Upland Riparian/Wetland
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ----------------------------
California Chaparral (M2620) Sclerophyll forest: Riparian broadleaf forest
Montane vegetation consists of species Dominant trees include Coastal salt
with thick, hard, evergreen leaves. One live oaks, tanoak, brackish marsh
climax, dominated by trees, is called California laurel, dominated by cordgrass
sclerophyll forest; the other, called Pacific madrone, and pickleweed
chaparral, is dominated by shrubs. golden chinquapin, Estuaries (e.g.,
Forest appears on north-facing slopes Pacific bayberry. Elkhorn Slough)
and wetter sites; chaparral on south- Chaparral shrubland:
facing slopes and drier sites. The dominant shrubs
coastal plains and interior valley have include chamiso, manzanita,
shrub and grassland communities. Christmasberry, scrub
Baccharis (coyote brush) is often the oak, mountain
dominant north coastal shrub: sage mahogany, ceanothus
dominates in south coastal areas. Interior and coastal
grassland and/or
shrubland. Southcoastal
shrublands are often
dominated by sage.
California Grassland (2610) Annual grassland: Freshwater and brackish
Historically supported bunchgrasses, dominant species marshes 1/ (e.g., Tule
probably dominated by needlegrass include wild oats, brome, marshes bordering
except near the coast; today is fescue, barley. lower reaches of
dominated by introduced annual grasses. Valley grassland Sacramento - San
(historical) 1/ Joaquin Delta)
Vernal pool
communities 1/
Riparian woodland 1/
consists of cottonwood,
willow, and California
sycamore at low
elevations; white
alder, bigleaf maple,
western azalea and
California hazelnut
at medium elevations;
and willow at high
elevations
Colorado Plateau (P3130) Grama-galleta steppe and Riparian cottonwoods 1/
Lowest zone is covered by arid juniper-pinyon
grasslands and many bare areas. Xeric woodland mosaic
shrubs often grow in open stands among
the grasses. Sagebrush is dominant over
extensive areas. At low elevations in
the south, several kinds of cacti and
yucca are common.
Woodland zone is most extensive and is
dominated by open stands of pinyon pines
and junipers.
Montane vegetation varies considerably
over different parts of the Province. In
the southern part, ponderosa pine is
dominant. Douglas fir may be associated
with ponderosa pine or grow in more
sheltered areas or at higher elevations.
Great Plains - Shortgrass Prairie (3110) Grama-needlegrass- Riparian woodlands
Characterized by steppe (shortgrass wheatgrass (3111) dominated by cottonwood,
prairie), a formation class of short Wheatgrass-needlegrass willow, and ash; these
grasses usually bunched and sparsely (3112) occur in discontinuous
distributed; scattered trees and shrubs stands along perennial
occasionally appear streams or rivers
G39
Table 3.19 (continued)
Provinces Affected (Map Code) Upland Riparian/Wetland
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
Mountain Sagebrush (3130) Sagebrush-wheatgrass
Sagebrush dominates vegetation of lower (3131): in addition to
elevations. Shrubs all tolerate alkali sagebrush, shadscale,
in varying degrees; this tolerance is fourwing saltbush,
essential to their survival on the rubber rabbitbrush,
poorly drained soils that are widespread spiny hopsage, and
in the region. In areas where salt horsebrush are
concentration is very high, even these dominant shrubs.
shrubs are unable to grow; here
communities dominated by greasewood
or saltgrass appear.
Mexican Highlands Shrub Steppe (3140) Low desert woodland or
(Chihauhuan Desert). scrubland:
Four life belts are distinct in this characteristic plants
province. The lowest is the desert belt, include saguaro,
which extends from the American Desert paloverde, ironwood,
upward along the San Pedro wash for a creosote bush, cat-claw
number of miles, north of the Santa acacia
Catalina Mountains. The extensive arid Semi desert grassland: short
grassland belt covers most of the high grasses such as grama
plains of the province. The submontane are abundant, but taller
belt covers most of the hills and lower grasses are also
mountain slopes. Several species of present, as well as
oak dominate this belt, but some juniper mesquite, yucca,
also occur. A montane belt (generally juniper, other shrubs,
dominated by pines, but also occasionally and cacti (particularly
including oaks, Douglas fir, or white cholla)
fir) appears on upper slopes of higher Submontane woodland:
mountains. dominated by oak
species, but also
containing juniper
Montane forest: dominated
by pines; also
containing oak and fir
species
Pacific Forest (M2410) Redwood forest (M2412) North coast salt and
Coastal coniferous forests; primarily California mixed evergreen brackish marshes 1/
montane, but including areas from sea forest (M2414) (e.g.. Sacramento - San
level to over 1500 m (5,000 ft) Sitka spruce-cedar- Joaquin Delta, Suisun
hemlock forest (M2411) Marsh, San Francisco
Cedar-hemlock-Douglas fir Bay)
forest (M2413)
Silver fir-Douglas fir
forest (M2415)
Palouse Grassland (3120) Prairie grasses: although
Before cultivation, dominated by prairie numerous species
grasses. Possibly much of the sagebrush characteristic of other
dominance in this region results from grassland regions are
grazing present, the major
dominants are
distinctive; they
include bluebunch
wheatgrass, fescue, and
bluegrass
Sierran Forest (M2610) Coniferous and shrub
Characterized by well-marked associations (on low
vegetation zones. Coniferous and shrub slope and foothills)
associations occur on lower slopes and include digger pine and
foothills, from about 455 to 1220 m blue oak (dominant on
(1,500 to 4,000 ft). Conifer forests higher foothills) and
occur in the montane zone, from about chaparral (common on
600 to 1800 m (2,000 to 6,000 ft). The lower slopes).
subalpine zone, between 1980 and Buckbrush and
2900 m (6,500 and 9,500 ft), contains manzanita predominate
hemlock, fir, and pine species. Alpine in chaparral; several
zone consists of treeless areas above oak species are also
timberline. commonly associated.
G40
Table 3.19 (continued)
Provinces Affected (Map Code) Upland Riparian/Wetland
------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------------------
Montane conifer forests:
dominant trees include
Douglas fir, sugar pine,
white fir, incense
cedar. Dense chaparral
may sometimes persist
in this zone after fire.
Subalpine conifer forests:
dominant trees include
mountain hemlock,
California red fir,
lodgepole pine, western
white pine, and
whitebark pine.
Lodgepole pine appears
to have climax
characteristics near
upper limits of the zone
Upper Gila Mountains Forest (M3120) Foothill mosaic: includes
Well-marked vegetational zones are areas dominated by
striking. Their distribution is mixed grasses,
controlled by a combination of altitude, chaparral brush, oak-
latitude, direction of prevailing winds, juniper woodland and/or
slope exposure. The foothill zone pinyon juniper
extends to 2100 m (7,000 ft), montane woodland
zone from about 2100 to 2400 m Montane coniferous
(7,000 to 8,000 ft), subalpine zone forests: from about
replaces montane forest at about 2400 m 2100 m (7,000 ft),
(8,000 ft) on north-facing slopes and a ponderosa pine occur on
little higher on all slopes. At about north-facing slopes,
3400 m (1l,000 ft), alpine belt appears, while pinyon-juniper
dominate on south-
facing slopes
Subalpine forests: from
about 2400 m (8,000 ft).
Douglas fir is dominant
tree, aspen is also
common; and limber pine
grows on rockier and drier
sites. At about 2700 m
(9,000 ft), Engelmann spruce
and corkbark fir replace
Douglas fir, Limber and
bristlecone pines still
grow in rockier sites.
Treeline occurs at about
3400 m (11,000 ft).
Willamette-Puget Forest (24l0) Coniferous forest:
Where not cultivated, supports dense dominant trees include
coniferous forests. In interior valleys, western redcedar
the coniferous forest is less dense than Douglas fir.
along the coast and often contains Mixed coniferous deciduous
deciduous trees. Some prairies support forest: dominant trees
open stands of oak or are broken by include conifers listed
groves of Douglas fir and other trees. above plus big leaf
Poorly drained sites with swamp or bog maple, Oregon ash,
communities are abundant. black cottonwood
Wyoming Basin (A3140) Wheatgrass-needlegrass- Riparian willows, sedges
Chief vegetation is sagebrush or shad- sagebrush (A3141) and cottonwoods
scale, with a mixture of short grasses. Sagebrush-wheatgrass (A3142)
Moist alkaline flats support alkali-
tolerant greasewood. Higher elevations
may support juniper pine
1/ Communities that are ecologically unique and/or particularly sensitive to disturbance.
G41
Figure (Page G42 FIGURE 3.9 LOCATIONS OF ECOSYSTEM REGIONS AND ENERGY FACILITIES)
TABLE 3.20
CHARACTERISTIC WILDLIFE SPECIES IN FOUR PLANT COMMUNITY
TYPES FOUND IN THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Forest/Woodland Shrubland
-------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
Typical Mammals: Typical Birds: Typical Mammals: Typical Birds:
--------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Mule Deer Blue Grouse Mule Deer Grouse
Black Bear Common Flicker Coyote Flycatchers
Coyote Hairy, Downy, and Grey Fox Swallows
Bobcat Three-toed Woodpeckers Mountain Lion Scrub and Pinyon Jays
Red or Grey Fox Great Horned and Pygmy Owls Bobcat Thrashers
Mountain Lion Hammond's, Western, and Striped Skunk Black-billed Magpie
Raccoon Olive-sided Flycatchers True Rabbits Wrens
Striped Skunk Steller's Jay Chipmunks Northern Mockingbird
Long-tailed Weasel Clark's Nutcracker Ground Squirrels Common Yellow Throat
Deer Mouse Common Raven Brush Mice and Yellow-breasted
Golden Mantled Black-capped and Woodrates Chat
Ground Squirrel Mountain Chickadees Ermine Towhees
Porcupine White- and Red-breasted Sparrows
Beaver Nuthatches Oporornis Warblers
Shrews Hermit and Swainson's
Moles Thrushes Pronghorn Antelope in Intermountain
Bats Ruby- and Golden-crowned Sagebrush and Wyoming Basin
Kinglets California Pocket Mouse in California
Solitary Vireo Chaparral
Yellow-rumped, Townsend's, Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat in
In Northern Areas Black-throated gray, and Intermountain Sagebrush
Only: other Warblers Sagebrush Vole in Intermountain
----------------- Evening and Pine Grosbeaks Sagebrush and Wyoming Basin
Marten Cassin's Finch
Mink Pine Siskin
Mountain Beaver Red Crossbill
Northern Flying Dark-eyed Junco
Squirrel Fox Sparrow
Grassland Desert
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Typical Mammals: Typical Birds: Typical Carnivores: Typical Birds:
--------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Mule Deer Horned Lark Coyote Gila Woodpecker
Coyote Shrikes Spotted Skunk Elf Owl
Fox Western Meadowlark Kit fox Gambel's Quail
Bobcat Brewer's Blackbird (endangered) Cactus Wren
Badger Sparrows LeConte's Thrasher
Kangaroo Rats Typical Rodents: Typical Birds:
(cont.)
Pocket Mice Typical Raptors: Kangaroo Rats Roadrunner
Pocket Gophers Red-tailed Hawk White-tailed Black-throated
Ground Squirrels Rough-legged Hawk Antelope Squirrel Sparrow
Prairie Dogs Swainson's Hawk Botta's Pocket
Harvest Mice Ferruninous Hawk Gopher Endangered
Reptiles:
White- and Black- Northern Harrier Pocket Mice Gila Monster
tailed Jackrabbit Burrowing Owl Cactus, Northern Desert Tortoise
American Kestrel and Southern
In the Great Plains: Prairie Falcon Grasshopper Mice
Pronghorn Antelope Desert Cotton-tail
Black-footed Ferret
(endangered)
3.3.3.1.1 Forest/Woodland and Wildlife
The forest/woodland plant community provides many "layers" of habitat for wildlife, from the
ground into the upper branches of older trees. Most vulnerable to change are older stands of
trees of various ages, which may take a century or more to develop and which thus cannot easily or
quickly be replaced.
Large and small mammals, including deer, members of the weasel and skunk family, and rodents such
as squirrels and porcupine, are found in the forested areas. Any of these mammals that prefers a
narrowly defined habitat can be affected by disturbance or removal of habitat. The forest
community, with its many varieties of trees, houses a large number and variety of birds, depending
on the region and composition of the forest. (See Table 3.20 for a listing of species shared by
many of the forested areas.)
G43
3.3.3.1.2 Shrubland/ Wildlife
Shrublands are located in areas too harsh for forests and/or areas subject to repeated natural
disturbances such as floods or fires. They may therefore be more resilient to human disturbances,
but may also be replaced by grasslands species if they are disturbed. The major shrubland
communities in the area (California Chaparral, Wyoming Basin, and Intermountain Sagebrush) are
separated by mountain ranges, and so tend to contain widely differing wildlife communities. They
do share adaptable wide-ranging species such as mule deer, coyote, gray fox, mountain lion, and a
variety of birds. Each shrubland contains many small mammals and all contain the ermine, a common
hunter of these mammals. Birds common to shrublands are listed in Table 3.20.
3.3.3.1.3 Grasslands/Wildlife
With its tremendous volume of seed-bearing but nonwoody materials, grasslands typically sustain
fewer kinds of wildlife, but very large numbers of individual species such as rodents (e.g.,
ground squirrels). These small mammals attract predators, including hawks, The three
predominantly grassland provinces (California Grassland, Palouse, and Great Plains--Shortgrass
Prairie) are separated by mountain ranges. Only wide-ranging mammals such as mule deer, coyotes,
and badgers occur in all three. Pronghorn antelope and the endangered black-footed ferret
(Musteal nigripes) are also found in the Great Plains. Other animals and birds commonly found in
grassland provinces are listed in Table 3.20. Grasslands habitat supports fewer birds where
appropriate perching and nesting habitat is sparse.
3.3.3.1.4 Desert/Wildlife
Deserts are both harsh and fragile environments in which plant growth rates are slow.
Revegetation may take years or decades. The wildlife inhabiting this environment is often very
specialized for the harsh conditions, obtaining water from vegetation and avoiding daytime heat by
being active primarily at night. Dominant carnivores are small and nocturnal. They include the
coyote and spotted skunk, as well as the endangered kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) in some areas.
Varieties of rodent (such as kangaroo rats and ground squirrels) are fairly common. Areas with
cactus or brush may support a variety of birds, especially where water sources allow trees to
grow. Deserts are also home to a number of endangered reptiles, including the gila monster
(Heloderma suspectum) and the desert tortoise (Gopherus Agassazi).
3.3.3.1.5 Riparian/Wetland/Wildlife
Riparian/wetland plant communities have very high vegetation and wildlife value. This discussion
on riparian vegetation is not classified according to habitat type because of the great diversity
along the Columbia and Snake Rivers and their tributaries. These habitat types can range from
sand dunes to various types of wetlands. Deer, beaver and other aquatic and terrestrial
furbearers, small mammals, waterfowl, upland game birds, reptiles, and amphibians are among the
common year-round users of riparian/wetland areas. Wintering elk and moose may also use these
areas.
Before dams were built on the Columbia River and its tributaries, riparian vegetation zones
developed through natural succession. Many plant species dependent on a high water table or
periodic inundation were present. However, some areas subject to natural flooding eroded and
poorly supported vegetation. The flooding of the river valleys as dams were built destroyed much
of the original riparian vegetation. In some cases, new vegetation similar to previous types has
replaced them, but higher on the shoreline to correspond with the new, higher waterline.
Changes or disturbances to water areas, wetlands, and the high-yield grain crops adjacent to
wetlands, contribute to an increase or decrease in wildlife and waterfowl populations and
habitat. These changes and disturbances are associated with shoreline construction, water level
fluctuations, and shoreline erosion. Shoreline erosion in some areas has created unstable
conditions in which vegetation cannot become established. Slides and wave action continuously
remove soil and plant materials. Construction efforts to control water erosion have created miles
of shoreline covered with rock riprap in which little will grow. Water level fluctuations also
have prevented the riparian community from developing, except near the highest pool elevation.
G44