Middle Fork Project AQ 11 – Water Quality Contingency Sampling Protocol (Contingency Study) September 8, 2008

1Introduction Implemented AQ 11 – Water Quality Technical Study in Spring and Fall 2007 Implemented AQ 11 – Water Quality Technical Study in Spring and Fall 2007  Characterized water quality conditions upstream and downstream from Project facilities.  Included screening level of methylmercury concentrations in sport fish tissue muscle.  Numerous samples exceeded the OEHHA screening guidelines (0.08 ppm).

2Introduction A Contingency Study Process was Specified in the AQ 11 - TSP A Contingency Study Process was Specified in the AQ 11 - TSP  If methylmercury in fish tissue exceeds the OEHHA guidelines of 0.08 ppm (Cal EPA 2005; Klasing and Brodberg 2006) during the initial sampling, the Aquatic TWG will be consulted concerning the need for additional sampling. If additional sampling is deemed appropriate, a sampling protocol will be developed. Aquatic TWG discussed study results during TWG Meetings and determined that additional fish tissue methylmercury sampling is warranted. Aquatic TWG discussed study results during TWG Meetings and determined that additional fish tissue methylmercury sampling is warranted.

3 Collect and sample additional methylmercury concentrations in sport fish muscle tissue following OEHHA guidelines that could be used to develop safe eating guidelines for the locations within the study area. Collect and sample additional methylmercury concentrations in sport fish muscle tissue following OEHHA guidelines that could be used to develop safe eating guidelines for the locations within the study area. Study Objective

4 Characterize Project Facilities 2008 Methylmercury Fish Sampling Locations French Meadows Reservoir Hellhole Reservoir Ralston Afterbay Middle Fork Interbay Middle Fork American River at Otter Creek

5 Study Approach Collect and Sample Methylmercury From a Total of 9 to 12 Edible Sized Fish of Each Target Species Collect and Sample Methylmercury From a Total of 9 to 12 Edible Sized Fish of Each Target Species Sampling Location Species No. Analyzed in Minimum No. Needed in French Meadows Reservoir Brown Trout 27 Rainbow Trout 36 Hell Hole Reservoir Brown Trout 63 Lake Trout 18 Kokanee 09 Rainbow Trout Crayfish 09 Middle Fork Interbay Brown Trout 63 Rainbow Trout 45 Ralston Afterbay Brown Trout 45 Rainbow Trout Middle Fork American River at Otter Creek Brown Trout Rainbow Trout 90 1 See Table AQ 11-2 for legal and/or edible size limits. 2 Low abundance of this species at the sampling location may make it difficult to collect the target number of individuals; a good-faith effort will be made to collect the target number of individuals.

6 Study Approach Table AQ Legal and/or Edible Size Limits for Target Species. Table AQ Legal and/or Edible Size Limits for Target Species. Legal/edible Size Limits Minimum Size (mm) Brown Trout200 Rainbow Trout200 Lake Trout350 Kokanee200 Crayfish30

7 Study Approach Catch fish using a combination of methods. Catch fish using a combination of methods.  Gill nets, electrofishing, and hook-and-line Notify and discuss with Aquatic TWG if the target number of individuals are not collected. Notify and discuss with Aquatic TWG if the target number of individuals are not collected. Submit fish to Brooks Rand Laboratory for individual fish muscle tissue analysis (minimum of 79 fish). Submit fish to Brooks Rand Laboratory for individual fish muscle tissue analysis (minimum of 79 fish).

8 Contingency Study Schedule DateActivity September through November 2008 Collect fish samples November 2008 through March 2009 Analyses and develop report April 2009 Submit draft report to the Aquatic TWG May through June 2009 Aquatic TWG 60 day review and comment period July 2009 Resolve comments and prepare final report August 2009 Submit final report to the Aquatic TWG and Plenary