PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF NEW LICENSE FOR BOUNDARY HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT The Boundary Hydroelectric Project is owned and operated by Seattle City Light (SCL) and licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as project No. 2144. On March 20, 2013 the FERC issued a 42 year license for continued operation. The project is located at 1198 Boundary Dam Access Rd, Metaline, WA 99152. The new license describes ongoing operations, and protection, mitigation and enhancement measures for fish & aquatics, cultural, terrestrial/wildlife, and recreation resources. Reservoir Water Surface Elevations . SCL can fluctuate the forebay water surface elevations between 1,954 and 1,994 feet NAVD 88. Historically they have been operated within the top 20 feet (i.e., 1,974 - 1,994 feet NAVD 88) more than 90 percent of the time. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, SCL facilitates reservoir access and related-recreational activities by maintaining water surface fluctuations above 1,984 NAVD 88 from 6:00 am through 8:00 pm and at night the pool elevation is maintained above elevation 1,982 feet NAVD 88 from 8:00 pm through 6:00am. Minimum Water Releases. No minimum water releases are required at the Boundary Project. Recreational Enhancements. SCL will implement a Recreation Resources Management Plan that includes capital improvements, operations and maintenance, on-water recreation, public access, interpretive opportunities, and a recreational fishing program. Boundary Forebay Recreation Area. Existing amenities include a two-lane concrete boat launch and boarding float, RV and tent campsites, picnic sites with tables, restrooms with flush toilets, gravel parking area, a viewpoint of Boundary Dam, and a historic miner's log cabin. SCL will add more campsites and day-use picnic sites; improve site layout and vehicle circulation; extend the boat launch to prevent boats from getting stranded when the reservoir is low; and improve ADA access. Metaline Park Boat Launch. SCL will make improvements to the portion of the park that is adjacent to Boundary Reservoir, including replacing the existing boat launch and extending a boat ramp to facilitate launching/ retrieving boats; improving parking and circulation for boats/trailers; and providing an ADA accessible restroom. Recreation Sites on Boundary Reservoir. SCL will improve shoreline-related recreation sites on Boundary Reservoir for camping and fishing; and add sanitation systems, picnic tables, fire rings, and watercraft landing/tie up areas at six of these sites. Visitor Centers. SCL will update visitor centers at the Boundary Project with new interpretive materials and ADA improvements. The Vista House is a day use area located on the east side of Boundary Reservoir and includes an observation building with interpretive displays and restrooms, and an outdoor viewing platform that is accessed via a gravel trail. The Tailrace Recreation area is located immediately downstream of Boundary Dam on the western bank of the Pend Oreille River and provides a space for visitors to relax and enjoy views of Boundary Dam. A Visitors' Gallery , located inside Boundary Powerhouse, is open on a seasonal basis providing views of the generator floor and interpretive panels that explain how electricity is generated at the project. Trails. SCL will construct three new recreational trails on the east side of Boundary Reservoir: a trailhead and ADA-accessible trail extending from NFS road 3165315 and leading to a viewpoint of Peewee Falls; a trailhead and ADA-accessible trail in the vicinity of the Riverside Mine near Slate Creek leading to a viewpoint of the canyon; and an approximately 7-8 mile long trail connecting the Peewee Falls and Riverside Mine viewpoints. Metaline Falls Portage and Boat Access. SCL will develop a route for boaters to take their boats out of the river, walk the boats around the falls, and put them back in the river below the falls. The site will include an area for visitors to drive in and launch non-motorized craft at the site and a restroom. Interpretation and education. SCL will develop a visitor interpretation and education program that includes education on energy production, environmental conservation, and information about facilities or use areas to visit. Measures may include signs, kiosks, exhibits, displays, pamphlets, web-based information, etc. Recreational Fishing Program. SCL will stock westslope cutthroat, rainbow, rainbow triploid or tiger trout in various lakes in Pend Oreille and Stevens counties. Additional information can be obtained at the Boundary visitors' gallery. SR26636
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