Uintah Hydroelectric Project – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Relicensing. Technical Studies – Fish habitat, fish population, water quality, wildlife, Yellow-billed cuckoo, rare plants, and noxious weed assessments. Hydrology and hydrological modeling.

Technical Studies for FERC Environmental Assessment. RedFISH conducted a fish habitat study to assess flow-habitat relationships for resident fish in the bypassed reach of the Uintah River hydroelectric project and assessed habitat condition. RedFISH mapped mesohabitat distribution and composition at bypass reach sites where population surveys were also conducted; a physical habitat inventory was completed. A fish population study was conducted to characterize density and condition of fish in the bypass section of the Uintah River. A hydrology assessment was also completed to quantify flows diverted by the hydroelectric project from the Uintah River and other sources. Water right information was compiled, historic flows were summarized from USGS data, and flow duration curves were generated. Canal flows were determined through the installation of staff gauges and water level sensors. Discharge measurements were recorded to develop stage/discharge rating curves. A water budget was developed. RedFISH addressed the effects of project operation on minimum flow requirements. RedFISH also conducted assessments of water quality, wildlife, Yellow-billed cuckoo, rare plants, and noxious vegetation to characterize current condition and address potential project effects. RedFISH coordinated multiple tasks with client, the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Ute Indian Tribe, and other contractors. Project conducted under contract with Moon Lake Electric Association in support of the process to acquire a new FERC license (FERC Project No. 190).