Department of Energy July 17, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

BPA intends to prepare an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on funding proposed changes to the existing salmon and steelhead hatchery program in the Klickitat subbasin in Klickitat and Yakima counties, Washington. As mitigation under the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act, BPA proposes to upgrade and improve the Klickitat Hatchery, a Mitchell Act artificial production facility built and funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries), located seven miles east of Glenwood, Washington, at river mile 42 of the Klickitat River. The proposed changes would also involve construction, of a new Wahkiacus Hatchery and Acclimation Facility located at river mile 17 on the Klickitat River in Wahkiacus, Washington, and a steelhead acclimation facility at McCreedy Creek at river mile 70. With this Notice of Intent, BPA is initiating the public scoping process for the EIS. BPA is requesting comments about potential environmental impacts that it should consider as it prepares the EIS for the proposed changes to the program, as well as comments on alternatives that meet fish production objectives for the Klickitat Hatchery Program. Further details are provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.