Contact: Mark Pfeifle, DOI, 202-208-6416
Questions and Answers on Klamath Water Release
Is it consistent with the Endangered Species Act to release water before you have a final Biological Opinion?
Yes, the Bureau of Reclamation has consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the operations of the project facilities during April and May while the final Biological Opinions (BOs) are being completed. Based on a preliminary analysis, the storage supply available in the Klamath Basin system, combined with projected inflow to the Klamath Project, is believed to be sufficient to meet both irrigation requirements and any potential endangered species needs in 2002.
Do you have a "take permit" for sucker fish entrained in the A Canal after the opening?
Reclamation has received coverage of potential incidental take from the Fish and Wildlife Service associated with the entrainment of fish into the A canal. Reclamation will mitigate the potential take of fish by stringing a temporary net (fish screen) across the mouth of the A canal. In addition, a deflection curtain will be installed to keep larval suckers away from the canal entrance.
Why don't you wait until the final Opinions are completed before opening the gates?
The normal irrigation year begins around April 1. Unfortunately, Reclamation's deliberations and modifications to the final Biological Assessment (BA) have somewhat delayed the completion of the final BOs by FWS and NMFS. To reconcile the delay, Reclamation has sought a temporary authorization to operate from the two agencies for the months of April and May while the long-term (10-year) operating opinion is completed.
How much water are you releasing now that you've opened the gates?
There is approximately 60 CFS entering the canal.
When will the farmers know what their water supply for this year will be?
Reclamation will not have a completely accurate assessment of the water year until after the
April 1, inflow forecast is received. Normally the projection for the available water supply for the irrigation season is developed April 10.
Will the refuges get a water supply this year?
It is anticipated that all water supply requirements will be met this year.
Do you plan on having security at the headgates this year?
We have no reason to believe that security will be a problem this year.
What is Reclamation doing to benefit suckers and salmon?
Reclamation's BA follows the recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council to operate the water regime as it has operated in the previous 10 years. In addition, as recommended by the council, Reclamation is moving forward to construct the fish screen in front of the A canal to prevent the entrainment of fish. Reclamation also has proposed a water bank which would be used to meet lake levels and in-stream flow needs of the fish.
When do you expect to receive the BOs?
The draft BOs are expected on April 12, and the final BOs are expected June 3.
When will construction of the A canal fish screen begin?
Construction should begin in August or September 2002 and be essentially complete by April 2003.
Do you anticipate any demonstrations this year?
We have no reason to believe that there will be concerns with the operations of the Klamath Basin project this year.
Will there be adequate water for the project this year?
The current snow pack is above 120 percent of normal. Inflows to the lake are expected to be around 70 percent of normal. This equates to a "below average" water year, but Reclamation anticipates, based on existing information, that this year's supply will meet the needs of the irrigators, Tribal Trust responsibilities and endangered species requirements.
What will the water bank program be for the coming season?
Reclamation has 25,000 acre feet of water in off-stream storage for later use this water year. Other components of the water bank are expected to be developed over the near term.
What is happening with the pilot oxygenation project (POP)?
As originally proposed, the POP required significant modification to meet the unique requirements of Upper Klamath Lake. It is hoped the POP will demonstrate the merits of large scale oxygenation of Upper Klamath Lake during periods of extremely poor water quality. The POP is only a test project that could lead to a much larger project if it proves feasible. Reclamation is now proceeding to initiate the permitting process for the POP, which could take up to several years.
Will Reclamation be using ground water for supplementation of river water?
We do not believe that ground water pumping will be necessary given the current runoff forecast.