Minimum Streamflow Discussion August 23, 2012

1. Minimum Streamflow DiscussionAugust 23, 2012 • Introductions • Background & Current Authorities • Conversion Process • Methodology • Contract • Change of Character of use • Adopted - Coast Fork & Calapooia • Comparisons MPSF / BiOp flow / mean monthly flows • Next Steps

2. Willamette Basin Minimum Perennial Streamflow Conversions • Live stream flows without stored water components have been converted • Of the 23 Minimum Perennial Streamflows with stored water components; two have been resolved • Coast Fork Willamette River 1997 • Calapooia River 1991

3. Minimum Perennial StreamflowsORS 536.300 & 536.340

4. Information required by ORS 537.346 for Conversion of stored water MPSF • Identified method to determine the specific quantity of water released from storage to satisfy the stored water component of the in-stream water right. • Contract for the release of the stored water

5. Example options for methodology • Water management using fixed flows • MPSF • BiOp Flows • Flows identified for beneficial use according to habitat needs for life stage of target species for example: • Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) • Physical Habitat Simulation (PHABSIM)

6. Goals of Basin Review(Reservoir Study) • Authorize a full range of beneficial uses (including anadromous fishery and water quality needs, municipal and industrial water supply, recreation). • Develop an operational agreement for low-flow years. • Determine appropriate institutional arrangements. • Investigate options to improve reservoir refill and reduce downstream erosion during reservoir drawdown. • Address municipal and industrial water demands and constraints.

7. Willamette River BiOp Willamette Fish Recovery Plan • Both list conversion of MPSF • Several of the Willamette Action Team for Ecosystem Restoration technical teams have flow, fish passage and habitat as responsibilities • The North and South Santiam Rivers have had a flow assessment for fish needs

8. Conversion Process • Gather information and develop a draft Proposed Final Order as required by ORS 537.343 (needs methodology) • Review by Water Resources Commission as required by ORS 537.346 Conversion of MPSF to in-stream water rights; special provisions for Willamette Basin • Allow for a contested case under ORS 537.170 • Issue Final Order • Issue Instream Water Rights Certificate (needs transfer & contract)

9. Implications for Operations • Timing of reservoir fill • Recreation facilities • Power production • Need for greater coordination

10. Live stream flow rights junior to the MPSF 6/22/64 priority date

11. R 29397 (1954 Senior to MPSF) Cottage Grove Dorena Fern Ridge Lookout Point Detroit R 49396 (1968 Junior to MPSF) Hills Creek Cougar Blue River Fall Creek Foster Green Peter Conservation Pool Certificates

22. Other issues to address • Existing water right certificates • A change of character of use will be needed • Pending reservations of water • Agriculture • Municipal & Industrial • Analysis of potential injury to existing water rights • Would a contract for the instream water right require a NEPA process?

23. Next Steps