OCRed excerpt from ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR HYDROPOWER LICENSE, Kern River No. 3 Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2290, California.

FERC RESPONSE TO AWA COMMENTS REGARDING IMPROVING WHITEWATER FLOWS. PAGE D-75.

Comments must be postmarked no later than November 22, 1996 to be considered. Comments should be directed to:

Forest Supervisor
Attn: Erik Ostly
Sequoia National Forest
900 West Grand Avenue
Porterville, CA 93257-2035

(This transcribed document may contain errors not found in the original document.)

D-75

Responses to American Whitewater Affiliation May 12, 1995,
Comments on the Kern River No. 3 Draft Environmental Assessment

5. We have evaluated flow proposals of the FS, Edison, and AWA, along with the boating test results, agency and public comments, and all other available, pertinent information relating to this issue. AWA's opinions on the appropriate supplemental flow schedules and flow levels are noted.

In the DEA, we concluded that our recommended weekend supplemental flows during spring and summer would provide the best balance of recreation enhancement and other values. Our flow schedule would substantially enhance whitewater boating opportunities with minimal impacts to other resources and power generation.

Our recommendations for enhancing whitewater boating have been modified in the final EA, particularly with respect to providing weekday flows and a portage at Fairview Dam. We recognize that further enhancement of whitewater boating is possible. However, additional enhancement of whitewater boating would have adverse effects on other uses and resources of the Kern River. CDFG, Edison, and some members of the public have expressed concerns that our recommended level of enhancement for boating would produce adverse effects on fishery resources and fishing opportunities, water quality, power production, and quality of life.

In our analysis, we have attempted to consider a broad range of resources and enhancement opportunities. We have considered both private and commercial boating uses of the river and recognize the economic importance of these uses. However, we do not agree that maximizing or optimizing the economic return to wnitewater industry or any other interest should dictate the use oz the waterway.

We also note that our recommendations in the DEA attempted to provide more early season flows for boating. However, the FS did not agree that such early season flows would be utilized by boaters.