Notes from Public Informational Meetings (July 12-13, 2005)

1.0 Introduction

Northern Lights Inc. (NLI), an Electric Cooperative based in Sagle, Idaho, is preparing to relicense its Lake Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2594 (Project). The Project is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); the current license expires on November 30, 2011. The Project is located on Lake Creek near Troy in Lincoln County, Montana. Electricity generated by this facility serves NLI's customers in Montana, northern Idaho, and eastern Washington.

NLI is using FERC's Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) to relicense the Project. NLI held a series of public forums to kick off the process on July 12 and 13 to explain relicensing, describe the Project, and provide an opportunity for agencies, tribes and other interested parties to provide information they may have about the Project.

Each forum was opened by NLI's Operations Manager, Mark Contor, who gave a short introduction. Jay Maher of Kleinschmidt Associates then gave a brief presentation detailing the project features and outlining the relicensing process. Elisabeth Blaug of FERC then gave a presentation explaining the ILP and FERC's role. Mark and Jay then described project operations and answered questions. Specific details from each public forum are provided below.

2.0 Libby Meeting    

During the question and answer session of the meeting Glenn Phillips noted an additional comprehensive plan that should be added to the list: a comprehensive habitat plan developed by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The group discussed possible sediment contamination from upstream mining in the impoundment. Mark noted that NLI had conducted a sediment sampling study several years ago and found no contamination in lake sediments or in the spoils piles left from dredging conducted by a previous owner. Glenn expressed MFWP's concern regarding large sediment releases from the Project in the past, and Mark said that these releases were due to the previous project owner periodically opening the deep gates to flush out sediment in the impoundment. However, Mark noted that NLI had not been following this practice since they took over ownership and did not intend to do so in the future.

Mike Hensler noted a potential concern about bull trout entrainment and impingement, and asked about the spacing of trashracks. Mark will follow-up on the specifics of spacing. Mark described the frequency of trashraking: perhaps twice a day or so during a low-debris month like August, and as much as 8–12 times a day in the spring.

Glenn and Mark also noted that while current conditions preclude upstream fish passage above the 40-ft high falls below the project, a colleague in MFWP had speculated that passage might be possible under higher flow conditions.

The group then discussed public fishing. Mark explained that currently anglers may park at the entrance to the powerhouses and walk down to a location below the Project tailrace. Signage is in place but an old railing has been removed due to safety concerns. No known creel study has been conducted on Lake Creek. Mike noted that Lake Creek is the only location in the basin with brown trout.

In closing several state agency members suggested that future meetings might be held in Kalispell, which would be a more central location for several participants. Wilfried Raab asked not to be added to the mailing list.

3.0 Site Visit

During the site visit attendees toured both power houses and then walked up the creek bed. The group then walked the top of the dam and down along the length of the penstock. Some members of the group also descended into the ravine to see the waterfalls below the dam.

4.0 Troy Meeting

Following the presentations Gary and Lana Managhan noted that the impoundment is frequently used by a small group of local fisherman who must cross the Managhan's property to access the impoundment. Fish species known to be found in the impoundment include cutthroat trout, and brown trout.

Gary also mentioned that while permitting his gravel pit (near but not immediately adjacent to the Project Boundary) the Montana Department of Environmental Quality noted that bull trout do not spawn that far downstream in the drainage.  Gary also indicated that there should be a number of documents available from the DEQ related to the permitting of his operation and any potential environmental effects on Lake Creek. NLI will follow-up with DEQ.

Gary, Lana, and Evelyn all expressed satisfaction with current Project operations and expressed concern if there were to be any changes to the existing operational regime.

5.0 Sagle Meeting

Following the presentation Betty Kinne asked to be added to the mailing list for the Lake Creek relicensing.

6.0 Meeting Materials

The following presentations and handouts were provided during the three meeting and are attached to these notes:

• Lake Creek Relicensing Project FERC No. 2594 (NLI presentation, pdf format)
• Lake Creek Project and FERC’s Integrated Licensing Process (FERC presentation, pdf format)
• Lake Creek Integrated Licensing Process Schedule
• Lake Creek Mailing List
• List of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Hydroelectric Terms
• Lake Creek Project Details
• Revised List of Comprehensive Plans (Montana only)