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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2010

                                                                                               
Agencies request comments on White River and Nason Creek programs
Input sought on Grant PUD applications

EPHRATA, WA.— Public comments related to spring Chinook salmon protection in the White River and Nason Creek are now being accepted by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

NMFS, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, recently announced the receipt of two permit applications from Grant PUD. The applications in the form of hatchery and genetic management plans (HGMPs) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) pertain to Grant PUD’s White River and Nason Creek programs for spring Chinook salmon. The public comment period concludes April 23. 

The White River and Nason Creek programs are required in Grant PUD’s federal Priest Rapids Project license. Both the White River and Nason Creek spring Chinook salmon populations are listed as endangered and are protected under the ESA.

A separate opportunity for public comment is available on water right applications Grant PUD submitted to Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) for an acclimation facility planned on the White River. Once constructed, juvenile spring Chinook will spend winter months in the acclimation ponds to imprint them to the White River prior to being released each spring. Surface and ground water are needed for operation of the proposed facility and Grant PUD has applied for water right permits through DOE. Members of the public may submit written comments to DOE during the 30 day comment period which ends May 11.

“One of the most important aspects of salmon recovery is public involvement,” said Tom Dresser, Grant PUD manager of fish, wildlife and water quality. “Grant PUD is committed to balancing the unique needs of both community members and endangered fish populations throughout the process of developing our White River and Nason Creek programs.”

In March, Grant PUD began a study to identify acclimation strategies that provide the best opportunity for survival of out-migrating spring Chinook released in the area. In addition, Grant PUD anticipates drilling test wells this summer at the utility’s properties on the White River and Nason Creek to ensure an adequate supply of groundwater.

For more information on Grant PUD’s White River and Nason Creek programs, please visit: http://www.gcpud.org/resources/resFish/White%20River.html  

Submit public comment to NOAA Fisheries regarding the HGMPs by April 23:

Email: WenatcheeHGMPs.nwr@noaa.gov
Include in the email subject line: Comments on Wenatchee HGMPs

Postal Mail:
Kristine Petersen
National Marine Fisheries Services
Salmon Recovery Division
1201 N.E. Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100
Portland, OR 97232
ATTN: Comments on Wenatchee HGMPs

Fax: (503) 872–2737

Submit public comment to The Washington State Department of Ecology regarding the proposed White River acclimation facility water rights by May 11:

Please note: DOE requires that all protests or objections to approval of these applications include a detailed statement regarding objections. All submissions become public record. Comments must be accompanied by a $50 recording fee (check or money order only) payable to the Department of Ecology. Mail comments and recording fee to:

Department of Ecology
ATTN: Cashiering Unit
PO Box 47611
Olympia, WA  98504-7611

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942.  Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest.  The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle.  A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dorothy Harris
(509) 793-1516 / dharris@gcpud.org