Coupling Aquatic Resource Models with Operations Models for Evaluating Ecosystem Based Flow Regimes Below Hydroelectric Projects: Case Study -Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project, Sultan River, Washington

摘要

The Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project (FERC 2157) is located on the Sultan River, approximately 38 km east of Everett, Washington. The Project represented an add-on to an existing municipal water supply system for the City of Everett. The Sultan River supports five species of anadromous salmonids; Chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon, and steelhead trout. Project facilities and operations influence both the distribution and amounts of habitat of these species. In 2008, a detailed 1-dimensional Physical Habitat Simulation (PHABSIM) flow study was conducted to define fish habitat-flow relationships in three reaches of the river. Spatial and temporal assessments of fish habitat were utilized to develop metrics that were then linked with a Project reservoir and river operations model that considered power generation and municipal water supply demands. This allowed for the evaluation of discrete flow release scenarios with respect to benefits to fish species/lifestages versus tradeoffs in power generation and water supply. This paper describes the flow related studies and the process of linking results with the operations model.