KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Bureau of Reclamation yesterday announced a controversial two week public review and comment period on a draft environmental assessment for the Klamath River titled, Implementation of Klamath Project Operating Procedures 2019-2024.
“The draft evaluates the proposed action for the Biological Assessment that was transmitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dec.21, 2018, as modified on Feb. 15, 2019,” according to Reclamation. The 2018 BA can be referenced at www.usbr.gov/mp/kbao
The draft EA is being completed for the Endangered Species Action Section 7 Klamath Project Reinitiation of Consultation process that is expected to culminate in coordinated Biological Opinions from the NMFS and the USFWS by April 1.
Fish advocates criticized Reclamation for the failure to include input from Tribal scientists in the assessment and for the reduction in spring flows.
“The last BO (Biological Opinion or Water operations plan) for the Klamath killed over 90% of the juvenile salmon in the Klamath for 3 years straight during the drought and was deemed illegal,” reported Regina Chichizola of Save California’s Salmon. “The 2001 BO caused the Klamath fish kill.”
“Now the BOR is giving the public two weeks to comment on the new BA (Biological Assessment, or water plan for endangered species)'s Environmental Assessment). This BA will lead to the new BO (Biological Opinion), or water flows plan for the Klamath River, yet it ignores input from Tribal scientists and reduces needed spring flows. This document could decide the fate of the Klamath salmon for many years, yet the BOR is releasing only a limited environmental review,” said Chichizola.
The document was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=37522
Comments must be received by March 19, 2019. The comments may be sent via email to tcampbellmiranda@usbr.gov, or by hard copy to Tara Jane Campbell Miranda, Bureau of Reclamation, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603.