analysis process and assisting in determining environmental impacts of each 

 alternate operating strategy. As part of that strategy and mentioned above, 

 SOR staff are also evaluating a permanent Forum to provide for public 

 involvement and participation in decision making on operations. The 

 environmental impact statement is scheduled for completion in 1995 The 

 Draft System Operation Review Environmental Impact Statement is due 

 out for public review in early 1994, and may be an appropriate venue in 

 which to focus Northwest concerns about salmon recovery as it pertains to 

 Columbia River uses. 



National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion: Each year since 

 salmon species were listed under the Endangered Species Act, BPA has 

 prepared a Biological Assessment of the plans for hydro operations, 

 including mitigation measures. The National Marine Fisheries Service 

 responds with a Biological Opinion on the effect of planned hydro 

 operations The Fisheries Service consults extensively with other federal 

 agencies in preparation of the Biological Opinion. BPA defers to the 

 Fisheries Service in its assessment of whether any further consultation is 

 needed. 



Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement Planning: BPA, the US Army 

 Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and other parties to this 

 Agreement incorporate fish and wildlife operating requirements in 

 preparation of the annual operating plan for the river system under the 

 agreement, using input from all the processes listed here It is anticipated 

 that, after completion of the System Operation Review, the Forum will 

 contribute to annual river system planning. 



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