Biological Evaluation
for
Small Placer Miners in Idaho
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
General Permit
(NPDES General Permit No.: IDG-37-0000)
for the
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
and the
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
Seattle, Washington
January 2010
-------
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The EPA proposes to issue a general NPDES permit applicable for small placer miners in Idaho.
The general permit places conditions on the discharge of pollutants from each mining operation
and the best management practices (BMPs) that must be employed in order to ensure protection
of water quality and human health. The number of placer miners covered under this permit will
be determined by the number of NOIs submitted once the permit is issued; however, a list of
979 potential permittees based on previous permit applicants from the Idaho Department of
Water Resources (IDWR) database including the waterbodies that have been previously
permitted are provided in Appendix A of the Biological Evaluation.
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to consult with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) if
the federal agency's actions could beneficially or adversely affect any threatened and endangered
species or their critical habitat. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a
biological evaluation to identify potential impacts to federally-listed endangered or threatened
species that could result from the issuance of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) general permit for small placer miners in Idaho.
Water quality-based Effluent Limitations. Section 301(b)(1) of the Act requires the
establishment of limitations in permits necessary to meet water quality standards by July 1, 1977.
All discharges to state waters must comply with state and local water management plans as well
as with state water quality standards, including the state's antidegradation policy. Discharges to
state waters must also comply with limitations imposed by the state as part of its certification of
NPDES permits under section 401 of the Act.
The NPDES regulations at 40 CFR 122.44(d)(1) require that permits include water quality-based
limits that "Achieve water quality standards established under section 303 of the CWA,
including State narrative criteria for water quality." EPA has determined that turbidity is a
pollutant of concern and it is expected that the proposed BMPs, when implemented properly, will
be protective of Water Quality Standards.
Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are measures that are intended to prevent or
minimize the generation and the potential for the release of pollutants from industrial facilities to
the waters of the United States through normal operations and ancillary activities. Pursuant to
Section 402(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, development and implementation of BMP Plans may
be included as a condition in NPDES permits. Section 402(a)(1) authorizes EPA to include
miscellaneous requirements that are deemed necessary to carry out the provision of the Act in
permits on a case-by case basis. BMPs are required to control or abate the discharge of
pollutants in accordance with 40 CFR § 122.44(k). The proposed permit requires compliance
with the following BMPs:
A. Silt and Clay Areas: Dredging of concentrated silt and clay should be avoided.
The Permittee shall use reasonable care to avoid dredging silt and clay materials that
would result in a significant increase in turbidity.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
1
-------
Reasonable care includes moving the dredge to a new location or reducing the volume of
effluent discharge by limiting operation speed of the suction dredge.
This practice will decrease the amount of fine material that will be released into the
water that could cause turbidity plumes in excess of the permitted distance.
B. Mercury: If mercury is found during suction dredge operation, (i.e. mercury is collected in the
sluice box), the operator must:
1) Stop dredging immediately;
2) Contact the local regional office of IDEQ ;
3) Keep the mercury collected, do not remobilize the collected mercury; and
4) Work with the appropriate regional office of IDEQ to dispose of the mercury properly.
Mercury was used in historic placer mining operations to amalgamate goldfines.
Elemental mercury may be present in stream beds and banks and if remobilized
can result in impacts to fish and other aquatic life. Placer miners encountering
mercury should take above steps to prevent mercury from reentering the water
body.
C. Spacing between operations: Suction dredges shall not operate within 800 feet of:
1) another suction dredging operation occurring simultaneously or,
2) a location where it is apparent that another operation has taken place within the past
month
This practice should ensure that the mixing zone of a facility does not overlap
with that of another since 800feet is the distance of a 500foot mixing zone for
each operation plus a designated 300foot buffer before the next suction dredge
would impact water quality.
D. Spawning Fish and Spawning Habitat: Dredging and discharging are prohibited within
500 feet of locations where:
1) fish are spawning or
2) fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs
In addition: Suction dredge operation must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail
of pools or where operations result in fine sediments discharging onto gravel bars.
This BMP is designed to minimize impacts to fish spawning and spawning habitat.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
E. Stream Channel: Suction dredge operation must not change the stream channel in such a
way that directs the flow of water into a stream bank, which may cause bank erosion or
destruction of the natural form of the stream channel.
Under Section 101 of the Clean Water Act, EPA is required to restore and
maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters of the United
States. Protection of the physical integrity of waterbodies includes protection of
habitat.
F. Erosion: Suction dredge operation that results in undercutting, littoral channeling, stream
bank or beach erosion, is prohibited.
This practice will ensure that erosion does not occur and that the finer sediments
that may be found in these areas do not cause excessive turbidity in the receiving
waters.
In addition, per IDAPA 37.03.07.64.04, the operation of the dredge shall be done
in a manner so as to prevent the undercutting of stream banks.
G. Dams or Diversions: Damming or diversions within a stream channel are not authorized by
this GP.
EPA cannot authorize dams or diversions under Section 402 of the CWA. These
are generally authorized under Section 404 of the CWA which is administered by
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
H. Boulders and Natural Obstructions: Explosives, motorized winches or other motorized
equipment to move boulders, logs, or other natural obstructions are prohibited under this GP.
This practice should ensure that important habitat which may include large
organic debris and large boulders in these areas will not be destroyed.
I. Wheeled or Tracked Equipment: Wheeled or tracked equipment used in-stream is prohibited
while dredging is in progress.
This practice should minimize turbidity from sources other than the suction
dredge.
J. Refueling: Care shall be taken by the operator during refueling of equipment to prevent
spillage.
Any spills shall be cleaned up using materials such as sorbent pads and booms.
All spills shall be reported immediately or as soon as practical to the IDEQ and the
National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
3
-------
All chemical or petroleum products shall be stored in a safe and secure location at all
times. Fuel not stored and dispensed with an ANSO or UL approved safety container
must be maintained not less than 100 feet from the mean high water mark.
This practice will decrease the potential for contamination of surface water by petroleum
products.
EPA has determined that issuance of this permit is not likely to have an adverse effect on
essential fish habitat (EFH), federally listed threatened or endangered (T&E) species or critical
habitat. Effluent limitations have been incorporated into the draft permit based on criteria
considered to be protective of overall water quality in Idaho waters. The USFWS and the NMFS
will be provided with the draft permit, the fact sheet, and this BE during the public comment
period. Any comments received from NMFS regarding EFH, T&E species, or critical habitat
will be considered prior to final issuance of this permit.
Biological Evaluation
4
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
Section
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
SECTION 1.0 Introduction 11
SECTION 2.0 List of Species 13
2.1 Species Unlikely to Occur in Action Area 18
SECTION 3.0 Description of Action 22
3.1 Overview of Federal Regulations 22
3.2 Overview of Permit Action 22
3.3 Operations covered by the Permit 24
3.4 Receiving waters covered by the Permit 25
3.5 Receiving waters not authorized by the Permit 26
3.6 Permit Requirements 27
3.6.1 Technology-based Effluent Limitations 27
3.6.2 Water quality-based Effluent Limitations 28
3.6.3 Monitoring Requirements 28
3.6.4 Best Management Practices 28
SECTION 4 Description of Action Area 31
4.1 Biological Requirements in the Action Area 32
4.2 Environmental Baseline 32
4.3 Receiving Water Quality 32
SECTION 5 Species Descriptions 35
5.1 Banbury Springs Lanx (Lanx sp.) 35
5.1.1 Range of Species 35
5.1.2 Critical Habitat 35
5.1.3 Life History 35
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
5.1.4 Population Trends and Risks 35
5.2 Bliss Rapids Snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola) 36
5.2.1 Range of Species 36
5.2.2 Critical Habitat 36
5.2.3 Life History 36
5.2.4 Population Trends and Risks 36
5.3 Bruneau Hot Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis) 37
5.3.1 Range of Species 37
5.3.2 Critical Habitat 37
5.3.3 Life History 37
5.3.4 Population Trends and Risks 37
5.4 Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) 38
5.4.1 Range of Species 38
5.4.2 Critical Habitat 38
5.4.3 Life History 38
5.4.4 Population Trends and Risks 39
5.5 Fall Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) 39
5.5.1 Range of Species 39
5.5.2 Critical Habitat 39
5.5.3 Life History 39
5.5.4 Population Trends and Risks 39
5.6 Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) 40
5.6.1 Range of Species 40
5.6.2 Critical Habitat 40
5.6.3 Life History 40
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
6
-------
5.6.4 Population Trends and Risks 40
5.7 Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) 41
5.7.1 Range of Species 41
5.7.2 Critical Habitat 41
5.7.3 Life History 41
5.7.4 Population Trends and Risks 41
5.8 Kootenai River White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) 41
5.8.1 Range of Species 42
5.8.2 Critical Habitat 42
5.8.3 Life History 42
5.8.4 Population Trends and Risks 42
5.9 Snake River Physa Snail (Talorconcha serpenticola) 43
5.9.1 Range of Species 43
5.9.2 Critical Habitat 43
5.9.3 Life History 43
5.9.4 Population Trends and Risks 43
5.10 Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) 44
5.10.1 Range of Species 44
5.10.2Critical Habitat 44
5.10.3 Life History 44
5.10.4Population Trends and Risks 45
5.11 Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 45
5.11.1 Range of Species 45
5.11.2 Critical Habitat 45
5.11.3 Life History 45
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
5.11.4Population Trends and Risks 46
5.12 Utah Valvata Snail (Valvata utahensis) 46
5.12.1 Range of Species 46
5.12.2Critical Habitat 47
5.12.3 Life History 47
5.12.4Population Trends and Risks 47
SECTION 6.0 IMPACTS ON THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES 48
6.1 Parameters of Concern 49
6.1.1 Dredging Effects on Fish Spawning and Early Life Stages 49
6.1.1.1 Impacts on Fish Spawning Habitat 49
6.1.1.2 Impacts on Spawning Habitat Resulting in Effects on Eggs and Embryos 49
6.1.1.3 Impacts of Mercury 50
6.1.1.4 Egg and Larval Entrainment 51
6.1.2 Effects on Juvenile and Adult Fish 51
6.1.2.1 Juvenile and Adult Entrainment 51
6.1.2.2 Pool Formation/Loss 51
6.1.2.3 Sedimentation 52
6.1.2.4 Loss of Woody Debris and Large Boulders 53
6.1.2.5 Behavioral Responses 54
6.1.2.6 Suspended Sediment 54
6.1.3 Effects to Snail Species 55
6.2 Effects Determination 56
6.2.1 Banbury Springs Lanx 56
6.2.2 Bliss Rapids Snail 56
6.2.3 Bruneau Hot Springsnail 57
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
8
-------
6.2.4 Bull Trout 57
6.2.5 Fall Chinook Salmon 58
6.2.6 Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon 59
6.2.7 Grizzly Bear 60
6.2.8 Kootenai River White Sturgeon 60
6.2.9 Snake River Physa Snail 60
6.2.10 Sockeye Salmon 61
6.2.11 Steelhead 61
6.2.12Utah Valvata Snail 62
6.3 Cumulative Impacts 63
6.4 Interdependent /Interrelated Actions 63
SECTION 7 CONSERVATION MEASURES 64
7.1 Best Management Practices 64
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Corresponding Sections of this BE to NMFS and USFWS Recommended
Contents for Biological Assessments 12
Table 2. Listed and candidate federally-threatened or endangered species that are known to
occur in Idaho by County 15
Table 3. State Water Quality Monitoring Information by River Basin 34
Biological Evaluation
9
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
ACRONYMS
BE
Biological Evaluation
BLM
Bureau of Land Management
BMP
Best Management Practice
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
CWA
Clean Water Act
EFH
Essential Fish Habitat
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
ESA
Endangered Species Act
ESU
Evolutionary Significant Unit
F
Fahrenheit
ft2
Square Feet
GP
General Permit
IDEQ
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
IDWR
Idaho Department of Water Resources
in2
Square Inches
NMFS
National Marine Fisheries Service
NO A A
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
PFMC
Pacific Fish Management Council
RM
River Mile
T&E
Threatened and Endangered
TSS
Total Suspended Solids
USFWS
United Service Fish and Wildlife Service
Biological Evaluation
10
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION
The EPA proposes to issue a general NPDES permit applicable for small placer miners in Idaho.
The general permit places conditions on the discharge of pollutants from each mining operation
and the best management practices (BMPs) that must be employed in order to ensure protection
of water quality and human health.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to consult with the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) if the federal
agency's actions could beneficially or adversely affect any threatened and endangered species or
their critical habitat. In this case, the federal agency is the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and the discretionary action is the issuance of a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit (GP) for small placer miners in Idaho.
The action evaluated in this Biological Evaluation (BE) could affect species under the jurisdiction
of both the USFWS and NMFS. This BE identifies the endangered, threatened, and candidate
species and critical habitat in the project area and assesses potential effects to these species that
may result from the discharge authorized in the proposed NPDES general permit for small suction
dredge placer miners.
The following major discussions are provided in this evaluation using the best scientific and
commercial data available:
The proposed action and the action area (including the relevance of the environmental
baseline to the species' current status);
The listed species and critical habitat in the area of the proposed action and definitions of the
species' biological requirements and habitat, abundance trends, and current status;
The effects analyses of the proposed action on the listed species and critical habitat; and
References are provided at the end of the document.
In order to adhere to the recommended contents of a biological assessment for submission to
USFWS (USFWS and NMFS, 1998), the following table lists the sections of this BE that
correspond to the recommended content topics.
Biological Evaluation
11
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
Table 1. Corresponding Sections of this BE to NMFS and USFWS Recommended Contents for Biological Assessments
Recommended Content
Heading in this BE
Section(s)
Introduction
Introduction
I
List of Species
List of Species (citation)
List of Species
II
Critical Habitat (official status)
Project Description
Type and scope of Project
Description of Action
III
Project components pertinent to the species
Management actions such as proposed monitoring of species and
mitigation that may affect species
Description of Project Area
Legal description and map
Description of Action Area
IV
Define action area
Current condition of habitat parameters
Past and present activities related to species/habitat
Analysis of cumulative effects
Description of Species and Habitat
General species descriptions and habitat requirements
Species Descriptions
V
Species distribution and habitat specific to action area by life history
Habitat Characteristics of the Receiving waters
VI
phase
Species status, distribution, and abundance trends in action area
Description of Critical Habitat, if designated
Inventories and Surveys
Describe effort to obtain information on species status
Species Descriptions
V
Describe information used in Description of Species and Habitat in a
Table
Analysis of Effects
Description of parameters of concern
Analysis of Effects from the Action
VII
Analysis of potential direct and indirect effects
Analysis of interdependent and interrelated actions
Environmental baseline - track the conservation status of a species and its
environment up to the present moment (starting at time of listing or
earlier)
Effects determinations
Analysis of effects to designated critical habitat
Conclusions
Summary of determinations
Conclusions
VII
Statements of effect of the project on the species (e.g., no affect, may
affect, etc.)
References
Literature cited
References
i-vn
Copies of pertinent documents and maps
List of personal communication contacts, contributors, preparers
Supporting Information
Supporting documents that will assist the reviewer
Appendices
A-I
Biological Evaluation
12
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
SECTION 2.0
LIST OF SPECIES
Information provided by the NMFS and the USFWS on the distribution of threatened and
endangered species was consulted to identify species that may occur in the vicinity of the
discharges. In a letter dated December 30, 2009 the USFWS indicated the listed and candidate
federally-threatened or endangered species that are known to occur in Idaho, 14420-2010-SL-
0086. These are listed in Table 2. However, many of these are not found in the action areas and
would not be affected by small suction dredge placer miners. Therefore, EPA determined that
the NPDES permit for small suction dredge placer miners would have no effect on Canada Lynx,
Northern Idaho ground squirrel, Selkirk woodland caribou, spalding's catchfly, slickspot
peppergrass, Ute ladies tresses, McFarlane's four-o-clock, water howelia, yellow billed cuckoo,
southern Idaho ground squirrel, Goose Creek milkvetch, Columbia spotted frog, and Christ's
paintbrush. These species are discussed in Section 2.1 and a rationale for the no effect
determination is provided, however these species are not discussed further in this BE.
NMFS has designated the Snake River Basin DPS of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as
threatened (71 FR 833), adding 6 hatchery populations and resident rainbow trout populations in
10 counties in Idaho: Clearwater, Blaine, Adams, Custer, Idaho, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Nez
Perce, and Valley. The Snake River Basin steelhead DPS includes all naturally spawned
populations of steelhead in streams in the Snake River Basin of southeast Washington, northeast
Oregon, and Idaho (62 FR 43937; August 18, 1997). Six artificial propagation programs are
considered part of the DPS: the Tucannon River, Dworshak NFH, Lolo Creek, North Fork
Clearwater, East Fork Salmon River, and the Little Sheep Creek/Imnaha River Hatchery
steelhead hatchery programs. NMFS has determined that these artificially propagated stocks are
no more divergent relative to the local natural population(s) than what would be expected
between closely related natural populations within the DPS (NMFS, 2004b).
Critical habitat has also been designated for the Snake River Basin DPS of steelhead in the
following counties (65 FR 7764): Adams, Blaine, Boise, Clearwater, Custer, Idaho, Latah,
Lewis, Lemhi, Nez Perce and Valley. This consists of river reaches of the Columbia, Snake, and
Salmon Rivers, and all tributaries of the Snake River including Clearwater, Grande Ronde,
Selway and Tucannon Rivers (except reaches above impassable natural falls, and Dworshak and
Hells Canyon Dam).
USFWS has designated critical habitat for the bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in 8 counties in
Idaho: Adams, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone and Washington.
Approximately 294 stream/shoreline miles have been designated in Idaho as critical habitat for
the bull trout. River basins with designated critical habitat include the Clark Fork, Kootenai,
Lake Coeur d'Alene, Clearwater, Salmon, Southwest Idaho, Little Lost, Imnaha-Snake, and
Hells Canyon Complex. No critical habitat is being designated for the Jarbidge River population
of bull trout in Nevada and southern Idaho, where the Secretary of the Interior determined that
the benefits of excluding the area outweighed the benefits of including it.
Designated critical habitat for the Snake River sockeye salmon (iOncorhynchus nerka) consists of
river reaches of the Columbia, Snake, and Salmon Rivers, Alturas Lake Creek, Valley Creek,
and Stanley, Redfish, Yellow Belly, Pettit, and Alturas Lakes (Including their inlet and outlet
creeks).
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
13
-------
Designated critical habitat for fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in Idaho
consists of river reaches of the Snake River, and all tributaries of the Snake River presently or
historically accessible to Snake River fall Chinook salmon (except reaches above impassable
natural falls, and Dworshak and Hells Canyon dam).
Designated critical habitat for spring/summer Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in
Idaho consists of river reaches of the Snake River, and all tributaries of the Snake River (except
the Clearwater River) presently or historically accessible to Snake River spring/summer Chinook
salmon (except reaches above impassable natural falls and Hells Canyon Dam).
Designated critical habitat for the Kootenai River White Sturgeon includes 18.3 river miles (RM)
(29.5 river kilometers (RKM)) of the Kootenai River which are designated as critical habitat
within Boundary County, Idaho (73 FR 39505).
Designated critical habitat for Canada lynx includes terrestrial habitat within Boundary County,
Idaho.
No critical habitat has been designated or proposed for the other listed species.
Biological Evaluation
14
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
Table 2: Listed and Candidate Species and Listed Critical Habitat in Idaho1
Mammals
Fis
1
Steelhead Trout
Plants
Invertebrates
Candidate
County
Selkirk Mountains
Woodland caribou
Grizzly Bear
Northern Idaho Ground
Squirrel
Canada Lynx
Kootenai River White
Sturgeon
Bull Trout
Sockeye Salmon
bpring/bummer
Chinook Salmon
Fall Chinook Salmon
iviacharlane's l-our-
O'Clock
Slickspot Peppergrass
Water Howellia
Ute Ladies'- Tresses
Spalding's Catchfly
Utah Valvata Snail
Snake River Physa Snail
Bliss Rapids Snail
Banbury Springs Lanx
Bruneau Hot
Springsnail
Christ's Paintbrush
Columbia Spotted Frog
Goose Creek Milkvetch
Ada
X
x |
Adams
X
X
x3
x3
x3
x3
Bannock
X
Bear Lake
X
Benewah
x3
x |
X
Bingham
X
X
Blaine
X
x3
x3
x3
X
Boise
X
X
Bonner
X3
Bonneville
X
X
X
Boundary
x3
X
Butte
X
X
Camas
X
X
Canyon
X
Caribou
Cassia
X
X
X
X
Clark
Clearwater
X
X
x3
X3
Custer
X
x3
X3
X3
Biological Evaluation
15
-------
Table 2: Listed and Candidate Species and Listed Critical Habitat in Idaho1
Mammals
Fis
1
1 Fall Chinook Salmon
Steelhead Trout
Plants
Invertebrates
Candidate
County
Selkirk Mountains
Woodland caribou
Grizzly Bear
Northern Idaho Ground
Squirrel
Canada Lynx
Kootenai River White
Sturgeon
Bull Trout
Sockeye Salmon
bpring/bummer
Chinook Salmon
iviacharlane's l-our-
O'Clock
Slickspot Peppergrass
Water Howellia
Ute Ladies'- Tresses
Spalding's Catchfly
Utah Valvata Snail
Snake River Physa Snail
Bliss Rapids Snail
Banbury Springs Lanx
Bruneau Hot
Springsnail
Christ's Paintbrush
Columbia Spotted Frog
Goose Creek Milkvetch
Elmore
X
X
X
X
X
Franklin
Fremont
X
X
X
Gem
X
X
Gooding
X
X
X
X
Idaho
X
x3
x3
x3
x3
X
X
Jefferson
X
X
X
Jerome
X
X
X
Kootenai
X
x3
X
X
Latah
X3
x |
X
Lemhi
X
X
x3
X3
X3
Lewis
X
X3
X3
X3
X3
X
Lincoln
X
Madison
X
X
Minidoka
X
X
Nez Perce
x3
x3
x3
x3
x3
X
Oneida
Owyhee
X
X
X
X
Biological Evaluation
16
-------
Table 2: Listed and Candidate Species and Listed Critical Habitat in Idaho1
County
Payette
Power
Shoshone
Teton
Twin Falls
Valley
Washington
Mammf
Ł
§
fi
m
3
CL
s
3,
g
c
3
II
3*
2
o
3
zr
m
m 3
.Q _
C ŁL
=;
2 =r
i, o
7s
§
f=$
m
3
r* ŁU
o3 S
s S
00
3
c
8
n>
"S
3
o
n in
3- U
0 5.
~ V)
C
2L 3
1 3
o &
?%
in
SL
3
o
m
2=
3"
ŁU
ŁL
Plants
s*
ST
o
u
Ł
IS
a
s
S
s
m
-i
J
1
m
m
m
m
CL
Q.
3
m
w
Ś
n
_i
m
fmfr
in
h
m
m
"<
n
n
"O
CD
5
2,
u
iil
1
3
m
c
1 Please see attached Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species summary for species specific information.
2 Candidate species have no protection under the Act, but are included for your early planning consideration.
Candidate species could be proposed or listed during the project planning period. The Service advises an evaluation of potential effects
on section 7 consultation under the Act should the species become listed.
3 Designated Critical Habitat in addition to species presence.
Biological Evaluation
17
-------
2.1 Species Unlikely to Occur in the Action Area
There are a number of species that while listed as threatened or endangered for the state of Idaho,
due to their habitat requirements, known locations or limited populations, are not likely to occur
in the action area or be affected by the activities covered under the general permit. The species
are listed below along with the rationale for why they would not be located in the action area.
Since these species will have no exposure to the effluent from the placer mining covered in this
permit, EPA has determined there would be no effect on the following species. Since these
species are not likely to occur in the action area and will have no effect from the effluents
covered in this permit, they are not discussed in additional detail.
Canada Lynx
Given the isolated areas where Canada lynx are known to occur and that are targeted for
recovery, and that their diet is comprised largely of small terrestrial mammals, the exposure of
the lynx to receiving waters for small placer mines is unlikely or infrequent. Therefore, EPA has
determined that the issuance of these NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho
will have no effect on the Canada lynx.
Northern Idaho ground squirrel
The Northern Idaho ground squirrel is known to occur in shallow, dry rocky meadows or
shrub/grasslands usually associated with deeper, well-drained soils and surrounded by Ponderosa
pine and Douglas-fir forests not normally associated with shoreline or riparian habitats. Given
the diet of the Northern Idaho ground squirrel consists mainly of grass seed, stems and green,
leafy vegetation and their upland habitat, the exposure of the ground squirrel to receiving waters
for these facilities is unlikely or infrequent. Therefore, EPA has determined that the issuance of
NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on Northern Idaho
ground squirrels.
Selkirk Woodland caribou
Since the 1960s, the woodland caribou population has restricted its range to the Selkirk
Mountains of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho and southeastern British Columbia.
Woodland caribou are generally found on moderate slopes above 4,000 feet elevation in the
Selkirk Mountains in Englemann spruce/subalpine fir and western red cedar/western hemlock
forest types. The limited range of the woodland caribou is outside of the action area of the
facilities covered in this permit. Since this species is not likely to occur in the action area covered
under these permits, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for small placer miners
in Idaho will have no effect on the woodland caribou.
MacFarlane's four-o'clock
MacFarlane's four-o'clock is a terrestrial plant species that occurs only in a limited geographic
area associated with Hells Canyon in Idaho. Most individual plants of this species occur in
uplands located in river canyon grasslands on dry open slopes with well drained soils. There are
no small placer locations in such uplands. Therefore, the EPA has determined that issuance of
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
18
-------
NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on the MacFarlane's
four-o'clock.
Ute ladies'-tresses
Ute ladies' tresses is a perennial, terrestrial orchid endemic to mesic or wet meadows and
riparian/wetland habitats near springs, seeps, lakes, or perennial streams. Soils may be inundated
early in the growing season, normally becoming drier but retaining subsurface moisture through
the season. Grazing and recreational use appear to be the most likely activities affecting the
plant. Adequate data are not available; however, to determine what, if any, activities are
affecting this species along the main stem Snake River. It is generally believed that any activity
that degrades floodplain riparian or wetland habitats will also affect Ute ladies' tresses (57 FR
2053). Exposure to waterborne pollutants from point sources, such as small placer mines, is
expected to be limited in duration and infrequent during spring time high flows of the river into
the floodplain. Therefore, the EPA has determined that issuance of NPDES general permit for
small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on Ute ladies'-tresses.
Slickspot peppergrass
Slickspot peppergrass is a small annual or biennial plant in the mustard family that occurs only in
sagebrush-steppe habitats in southwestern Idaho, including the Snake River Plain, Owyhee
Plateau and adjacent foothills. Slickspot peppergrass typically grows in sagebrush areas on
microsites known as "slickspots". These microsites are often lower than the surrounding areas
and retain water longer than the surrounding soils. Slickspot peppergrass has been found in Ada,
Canyon, Gem, Elmore, Payette and Owyhee counties. Twenty-eight of the 88 known or historic
slickspot peppergrass occurrences are found either wholly or partially on private lands. The
remaining occurrences are found on Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) or the Department of Defense. Due to the fact that the slickspot habitat is in sagebrush
steppe habitat and tends to occur away from riverine areas and most of the known slickspot
peppergrass habitat occurs on private or federal land, impacts to slickspot peppergrass from
small placer miners would not be expected to occur. Therefore, EPA has determined that
issuance of the NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on
slickspot peppergrass.
Spalding's catchfly
Spalding's catchfly is a terrestrial plant species that occurs on open grasslands and deep-soiled
valley/foothill areas. These species occur in uplands that would never or very rarely be exposed
to flood waters from streams receiving discharges from small placer mines. Therefore, the EPA
has determined that issuance of the NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will
have no effect on the Spalding's catchfly.
Biological Evaluation
19
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
Water Howellia
Water howellia is an annual aquatic plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing
season. The plant roots in bottom sediments of low-elevation ponds or sloughs. Only one site of
water howellia is known in Idaho. Most sites containing water howellia are less than 1 acre in
size. The potential for one of these species occurring in close proximity to an existing small
placer mine would be small. Therefore, EPA has determined that issuance of NPDES general
permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on water howellia.
Yellow-billed cuckoo
This species is primarily found in riparian areas. In Idaho, the yellow-billed cuckoo is
considered a rare visitor to the Snake River Valley. It is unlikely that existing or future small
placer mines would occur in habitats used by the yellow-billed cuckoo. Therefore, EPA has
determined that the NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect
on the yellow-billed cuckoo.
Southern Idaho ground squirrel
This species spends much of its time underground and the few months it is above ground it feeds
on grass seed, stems and leafy vegetables. Currently, the southern Idaho ground squirrel only
occurs in Gem, Payette and Washington Counties. The southern Idaho ground squirrel resides in
lower-elevation, sagebrush/grassland habitat. Given the diet of the Southern Idaho ground
squirrel consists mainly of grass seed, stems and green, leafy vegetation and their
sagebrush/grassland habitat, the exposure of the ground squirrel to surface waters that may be
impacted by these facilities is unlikely or infrequent. Therefore, EPA has determined that the
NPDES general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on the Southern
Idaho ground squirrel.
Columbia spotted frog
The Columbia spotted frog lives in spring seeps, meadows, marshes, ponds and streams with abundant
vegetation. In Idaho the Columbia spotted frog occurs in mid-elevation of Owyhee uplands and southern
Twin Falls County. It is unlikely that existing or future small placer mines would occur in habitats used
by the Columbia Basin population of spotted frogs. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES
general permit for small placer miners in Idaho will have no effect on the Columbia spotted frog.
Goose Creek milkvetch
Goose Creek milkvetch is a low-growing, matted perennial forb in the pea or legume family.
This species of milkvetch is only found in tuffaceous or ashy soils near Goose Creek drainage in
Cassia County, Idaho. Goose Creek drainage is closed to all Idaho small placer miners for the
entire year. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for small placer
miners in Idaho will have no effect on the Goose Creek milkvetch.
Christ's paintbrush
This species grows in moist, gently sloping subalpine meadows. In Idaho, Christ's paintbrush is
only found on lands managed by Sawtooth National Forrest in high elevations of the Albion
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
20
-------
Mountains in Cassia County, Idaho. Since there are no facilities expected to be covered under
this permit in that area, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for small placer
miners in Idaho will have no effect on Christ's paintbrush.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
21
-------
SECTION 3.0
DESCRIPTION OF ACTION
The federal action that is the subject of this BE is the issuance of a general NPDES permit for
small placer miners in Idaho. This section of the BE includes a general overview of the proposed
action, a discussion on the permit status, a description of the treatment process, a description of
the outfalls, and a discussion of the proposed effluent limits in the permit.
3.1 Overview of Federal Regulations
Section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act ("ESA"), 16 U.S.C. Section 1536(a), requires that
each federal agency: in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) and
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)(Services) insure that any action it authorizes, funds,
or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or to result
in the destruction or adverse modification of any designated critical habitat of each such species
(Section 7(a)(2)); and confer with the Service on any agency action that is likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of any species that is proposed for listing or result in the destruction or
adverse modification of any critical habitat proposed to be designated for any such species
(Section 7(a)(4)).
A biological evaluation provides an analysis of the potential effects of a proposed federal agency
action on any proposed and listed species or the designated critical habitat of any such species
based on the best scientific or commercial information available. This biological evaluation has
been prepared to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA or Agency)
in carrying out their activities pursuant to ESA Sections 7(a)(2) and 7(a)(4) as they pertain to
EPA's proposed Small Placer Miners in Idaho NPDES General Permit. The ESA requires federal
agencies to review their actions as they apply to proposed and listed species. In this evaluation,
the EPA has included candidate species as well.
Section 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act [16 USC 1855(b)] requires federal agencies to
consult with NMFS when any activity proposed to be permitted, funded, or undertaken by a
federal agency may have an adverse effect on designated Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) as defined
by the Act. The EFH regulations define an adverse effect as any impact which reduces quality
and/or quantity of EFH and may include direct (e.g. contamination or physical disruption),
indirect (e.g. loss of prey, reduction in species' fecundity), site-specific, or habitat-wide impacts,
including individual, cumulative, or synergistic consequences of actions.
The EFH guidelines further interpret the EFH definition as:
Waters include aquatic areas and their associated physical, chemical, and biological
properties that are used by fish and may include aquatic areas historically used by fish
where appropriate
substrate includes sediment, hard bottom, structures underlying the waters, and associated
biological communities
necessary means the habitat required to support a sustainable fishery and the managed
species' contribution to a healthy ecosystem
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
22
-------
and "spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity" covers a species' full life cycle.
EPA is providing NMFS with copies of the draft GP and fact sheet during the public notice
period. Comments received from NMFS regarding EFH will be considered prior to reissuance of
this permit. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) designated EFH for groundfish
(PFMC 1998a), coastal pelagic species (PFMC 1998b), and Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and
Puget Sound pink salmon (PFMC 2000). The proposed action area for this consultation includes
waters of the United States occurring downstream from small placer mining facilities in Idaho
that are covered under this permit. The action area includes areas designated as EFH for various
life-history stages of Snake River Chinook salmon. The effects of the proposed action on EFH
are largely water quality related due to temporary increases in sediment and turbidity.
In streams where suction dredging occurs, the most critical life stage for salmon is the egg stage.
The GP prohibits suction dredging in locations where fish are spawning or where fish eggs or
alevins are known to exist. The GP is unlikely to be used during the critical phase. Recreational
dredge mining is regulated in Idaho by the Stream Channel Protection Act. This statute requires
dredge miners to apply for a general permit and consult with the Idaho Department of Water
Resources before any recreational dredge mining can be done. State regulations also specify the
streams where recreational dredging is prohibited. The EPA has determined that no adverse
impact to EFH would result from the issuance of this permit.
Effluent limitations and Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been incorporated into the
draft permit based on criteria considered to be protective of overall water quality in Idaho. Any
comments received from NMFS regarding EFH will be considered prior to final issuance of the
BE.
3.2 Overview of Permit Action
Section 301(a) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) provides that the discharge of pollutants to
surface waters of the United States is unlawful except in accordance with an NPDES permit.
EPA's regulations authorize the issuance of general NPDES permits to categories of discharges
when a number of point sources discharge:
The same or substantially similar types of operations;
The same type of waste/pollutants;
Within a geographic area;
Require the same effluent limitations;
Require the same or similar monitoring requirements; and
In the opinion of EPA, small suction dredge placer miner operations are more appropriately
controlled under a general permit than under individual permits [40 CFR § 122.28],
The EPA has determined that the owners and operators of small placer mining equipment
described in Part I of the draft general NPDES permit IDG-37-0000 are authorized to discharge
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
23
-------
water from small placer miner operations to the waters of the United States described in the
permit, in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set
forth in the permit. The number of small placer miners covered under this permit will be
determined by the number of NOIs submitted, however a list of 979 potential permittees based
on the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) previous recreational placer miner permit
applicants. This list includes the waterbodies that have been previously permitted and is
provided in Appendix A of the Biological Evaluation. The permit will expire five years after the
effective date of the permit.
EPA has determined that the general permit for small placer miner operations will contain the
minimum limitations and requirements for authorization to discharge pollutants from this type of
operation. These minimum requirements include water-quality based effluent limits, and
implementation of BMPs.
The Director may require any person authorized by a general permit to apply for and obtain an
individual permit, or any interested person may petition the Director to take this action. The
Director may consider the issuance of an individual permit when:
a. The single discharge or the cumulative number of discharges is/are a significant contributor of
pollution;
b. The discharger is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of the general permit;
c. A change has occurred in the availability of demonstrated technology or practices for the
control or abatement of pollutants applicable to the point source;
d. Effluent limitations guidelines are subsequently promulgated for the point sources covered by
the general permit;
e. A Water Quality Management Plan containing requirements applicable to such point sources is
approved.
f. Circumstances have changed since the time of the request to be covered so that the discharger
is no longer appropriately controlled under the general permit, or either a temporary or
permanent reduction or elimination of the authorized discharge is necessary
Individual NPDES permits for Idaho small placer miner operations will require a Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan if the facility meets the requirements for a plan.
Also, individual permits would evaluate water quality standards, monitoring requirements and
reporting requirements on a site-by-site basis.
3.3 Operations covered by the Permit
EPA is proposing to issue a general NPDES permit for the discharge from small placer mining
operations that meet the eligibility criteria in this permit.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
24
-------
Placer mining involves the mining and extraction of gold or other heavy metals and minerals
primarily from alluvial deposits. These deposits may be in existing stream beds or ancient, often
buried, stream deposits, i.e. paleo or fossil placers. Many placer deposits consist of
unconsolidated clay, sand, gravel, cobble and boulders that contain very small amounts of native
gold or other precious metals. Most are stream deposits that occur along present stream valleys
or on benches or terraces above existing streams.
Dredging systems are classified as hydraulic or mechanical (including bucket dredging),
depending on the methods of digging. Suction dredges, the most common hydraulic dredging
system, are quite popular in Idaho with the small and recreational gold placer miner. Like all
floating dredges, suction dredges consist of a supporting hull with a mining control system,
excavating and lifting mechanism, gold recovery circuits, and waste disposal system. All
floating dredges are designed to work as a unit to dig, classify, beneficiate ores and dispose of
waste. Because suction dredges work the stream bed rather than stream banks, the discharge
from suction dredges consists totally of stream water and bed material.
Suction dredges generally use water pumps driven by gasoline-powered engines. The pump
creates suction in a flexible intake pipe 2 inches in diameter or greater. The suction created in
the intake pipe vacuums the streambed sediment, gravel, smaller rocks, and any included gold
into a sluice, or header, box. The sluice box is a device that channels the water, along with the
vacuumed material, over small ridges that create numerous little pockets of slow or slack water
where the gold drops out and is captured in a grooved board, strip of carpet, or other feature
designed to hold it in place. The water, silt, gravel and other lighter material flows through the
sluice box and back into the stream. The gravel is usually deposited in a pile at the mouth of the
sluice box. The dredge engine, pump, and sluice box are all mounted on a floating platform
tethered over the work area.
Dredge operators study the river or stream looking for "dead" or "slack" water where gold is
most likely to have dropped out of the moving water column. Testing begins once a likely area
is identified. Testing consists of dredging small sample holes down to bedrock or until a hard
pack layer is reached. Gold is sought in the sediments, on the bedrock, or within cracks in the
bedrock. The size of the sample holes is kept as small as possible: usually only big enough to
reach bedrock or compact sediment layer, moving the least material necessary.
The GP authorizes placer mining by suction dredges with intake nozzles less than or equal to 5
inches and equipment rated to 15 horsepower or less, and non-powered sluice equipment moving
less than 50,000 cubic yards per year.
3.4 Receiving waters covered by the Permit
The permit authorizes discharges of specified pollutants to the waters of the United States in
Idaho except those waters excluded from coverage as protected, special, at-risk or degraded
water resources (see Appendix B of the permit). In general, the permit authorizes small suction
dredge placer mining operations to discharge stream water and bed material which are
immediately released back into the receiving waters of rivers, lakes and streams.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
25
-------
Appendix C of the permit contains a listing of "Areas of Coverage/Areas of Closure". This
listing identifies the stream reaches, and seasons, where recreational dredging and power sluicing
is permitted if the operator obtains a recreational dredging permit.
3.5 Receiving waters not authorized by the Permit
The following are the receiving waters excluded from coverage, i.e., this GP does not authorize
the discharge from placer mining in the water bodies described below.
National Protected Areas: The draft GP does not apply to facilities that are
proposed to be located in National Parks System Units (i.e., Parks and Preserves), National
Monuments, National Sanctuaries, National Wildlife Refuges, National Conservation Areas,
National Wilderness Areas, or National Critical Habitat Areas.
National Wild and Scenic Rivers: Pursuant to the authorities specified in
Section 47-1323, Idaho Code, the State Board of Land Commissioners prohibits dredge mining
in any form from water bodies making up part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
This includes the following water bodies: Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, Middle Fork of
the Salmon River, and St. Joe River.
Appendix C of the GP, Part 1 provides specific details on the prohibited
waterbodies.
Withdrawn River Segments: Pursuant to the authorities specified in
Section 58-104(a) and 47-702, Idaho Code, the State Board of Land Commissioners has
prohibited recreational dredge and placer mining in certain segments of the following rivers:
Boise River, Payette River, Priest River, Salmon River, and Snake River.
Appendix C of the GP, Part 2 provides the complete list of specific withdrawn
river segments that are closed to placer mining.
State Protected Rivers: Pursuant to the authorities specified in Section 42-
1734A, Idaho Code and adopted by the Idaho Water Resource Board, certain waterways and/or
stream segments are protected as either a State Natural River or as a State Recreational River
with recreational dredge or placer mining prohibited.
Suction dredge mining is prohibited in portions of the following water bodies:
Priest River Drainage, Payette River Drainage, Boise River Drainage, Snake River Drainage,
Henry's Fork Snake River Drainage, South Fork Snake River Drainage, North Fork Clearwater
River Drainage, and Main Salmon River Drainage.
Appendix C of the GP, Part 3 provides a complete list of the segments of State
Protected Rivers where placer mining is prohibited.
Biological Evaluation
26
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
Water Quality Limited Segments: A water quality limited segment is any
waterbody, or definable portion of a waterbody, where it is known that the water quality does not
meet applicable water quality standards, and/or is not expected to meet applicable water quality
standards. Under 303(d) of the CWA, states must identify and list water quality limited
segments.
Section 303(d) requires states to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
management plan for impaired waterbodies on the list. A TMDL is a mechanism for estimating
the assimilative capacity of a water body and allocating the capacity between point and nonpoint
sources.
There are many waterbodies identified on the State of Idaho's 303(d) list as water
quality limited for sediments. This permit does not authorize discharges from placer mining
operations in these waterbodies, unless there is a TMDL that specifies waste load allocations for
placer mining activities. Currently the only sediment TMDL that specifies allocations for
placer mining is the South Fork Clearwater TMDL.
Appendix C of the Permit, Part 4 contains a current list of segments that are water
quality limited for sediment as of December 2008 and are therefore not included in the coverage
area of this GP. IDEQ may be updating this list during the duration of this GP. Because this
general permit does not relieve a permittee of the requirements of other applicable federal, state
or local laws, it is the responsibility of the permittee to contact IDEQ for the most up-to-date list.
Pages 2 and 3 of this Fact Sheet and page 25 of the draft GP contain contact information.
Appendix B of the GP contains a listing of "Waterbodies Where Placer Mining Is
Not Authorized Under The General Permit". Operation of a recreational dredge on these river
segments is specifically not authorized under this permit.
3.6 Permit Requirements
In establishing permit limits, EPA first determines which technology-based limits apply to the
discharges in accordance with national effluent guidelines and standards. EPA then determines
which water quality-based limits apply to the discharges based upon an assessment of the
pollutants discharge and a review of state water quality standards. The effluent limit for a
particular pollutant is the more stringent of the technology-based effluent limit or the water
quality-based effluent limit.
3.6.1 Technology-based Effluent Limitations
Pursuant to Section 402(a)(2) of the Act and 40 CFR 122.44(k)(2), BMPs are being proposed in
the permit. Suction dredging's unique method of intake and displacement present unusual
permitting issues. As discussed above, a suction dredge is a mechanical device that floats on the
stream surface and pumps stream water and stream bed material through a suction intake conduit
to a sluice box from which gold or other minerals may be recovered. The discharge from suction
dredges consists totally of stream water and bed material immediately released back into the
receiving water. The BMPs in the permit are being proposed because technology-based numeric
effluent limitations are not feasible.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
27
-------
3.6.2 Water quality-based Effluent Limitations
Section 301(b)(1) of the Act requires the establishment of limitations in permits necessary to
meet water quality standards by July 1, 1977. All discharges to state waters must comply with
state and local coastal management plans as well as with state water quality standards, including
the State's anti-degradation policy. Discharges to state waters must also comply with limitations
imposed by the state as part of its certification of NPDES permits under § 401 of the Act.
The NPDES regulations at 40 CFR 122.44(d)(1) require that permits include water quality-based
limits that "Achieve water quality standards established under § 303 of the CWA, including State
narrative criteria for water quality."
EPA has determined that turbidity is a pollutant of concern. Required turbidity monitoring is
designed to ensure that the BMPs are being implemented properly. The draft GP requires a daily
visual inspection for turbidity of the area within 500 feet downstream of the suction dredge
during operation. A visual increase in turbidity (any cloudiness or mudiness) above background
turbidity 500 ft. downstream of the suction dredge during operations is considered a violation of
this permit. This also includes any turbidity that may result from any other part of the operation.
If turbidity is observed beyond 500 feet, the draft GP requires the permittee to modify the
operation to meet the permit limitation. If the operation cannot be modified to meet the limit, the
operation is not authorized. In most cases, water quality recovers rapidly. The daily inspection
during operation, combined with the BMPs will assure that the water quality standards are met.
A copy of the draft GP is included in Attachment 2 of this BE. The GP will be finalized
following completion of this consultation.
3.6.3 Monitoring Requirements
Compliance with Idaho Department of Water Resource's (IDWR's) Stream Channel Permit is
regarded as adequate monitoring for suction dredge facilities. Suction dredge operators shall
visually monitor for turbidity at least once per day of operation. Individuals who conduct visual
monitoring shall observe the turbidity plume, where visible, immediately downstream or radially
from the dredge until the turbidity plume is no longer visible and note the distance.
There is no need to conduct more extensive monitoring if the turbidity plume blends with the
background at a distance of less than 500 feet.
All turbidity monitoring results shall be recorded daily. The permittee shall maintain records of
all information resulting from any visual inspections. Visual violation occurrences will be
reported to the EPA NPDES Compliance Unit along with the measures taken to comply with the
provisions of the GP.
3.6.4 Best Management Practices
BMPs are measures that are intended to prevent or minimize the generation and the potential for
the release of pollutants from industrial facilities to the waters of the United States through
normal operations and ancillary activities. Pursuant to Section 402(a)(1) of the CWA,
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
28
-------
development and implementation of BMP Plans may be included as a condition in NPDES
permits. Section 402(a)(1) authorizes EPA to include miscellaneous requirements that are
deemed necessary to carry out the provision of the Act in permits on a case-by case basis. BMPs
are required to control or abate the discharge of pollutants in accordance with 40 CFR §
122.44(k). The proposed permit requires compliance with the following BMPs:
A. Dredging of concentrated silt and clay should be avoided.
The Permittee shall use reasonable care to avoid dredging silt and clay materials that
would result in a significant increase in turbidity. Reasonable care includes moving the
dredge to a new location or reducing the volume of effluent discharge by limiting
operation speed of the suction dredge.
This practice will decrease the amount of fine material that will be released into the
water that could cause turbidity plumes in excess of the permitted distance.
B. If mercury is found during suction dredge operation, (i.e. mercury is collected in the sluice
box), the operator must:
1) Stop dredging immediately;
2) Contact the local regional office of IDEQ (see page 3 for contact information);
3) Keep the mercury collected, do not remobilize the collected mercury; and
4) Work with the appropriate regional office of IDEQ to dispose of the mercury properly.
Mercury was used in historic placer mining operations to amalgamate gold fines.
Elemental mercury may be present in stream beds and banks and if remobilized
can result in impacts to fish and other aquatic life. Placer miners encountering
mercury should take above steps to prevent mercury from reentering the water
body.
C. Suction dredges shall not operate within 800 feet of:
1) another suction dredging operation occurring simultaneously or,
2) a location where it is apparent that another operation has taken place within the past
month
This practice should ensure that the mixing zone of a facility does not overlap
with that of another since 800 feet is the distance of a 500 foot mixing zone for
each operation plus a designated 300 foot buffer before the next suction dredge
would impact water quality.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
29
-------
A study conducted by the EPA on the Fortymile River in Alaska found turbidity and total
filterable solids were substantially elevated downstream of the dredge, although it was spatially
confined to within 525 ft of the dredge and was restricted to the portion of those days that the
dredge was operating (EPA 1999).
D. Dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of locations where:
1) fish are spawning or
2) fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs
In addition: Suction dredge operation must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail
of pools or where operations result in fine sediments discharging onto gravel bars.
This BMP is designed to minimize impacts to fish spawning and spawning habitat.
E. Suction dredge operation must not change the stream channel way that directs the flow of
water into a stream bank, which may cause bank erosion or destruction of the natural form of the
stream channel.
Under Section 101 of the Clean Water Act, EPA is required to restore and maintain the
chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters of the United States. Protection of
the physical integrity of waterbodies includes protection of habitat
F. Suction dredge operation that results in undercutting, littoral channeling, stream bank or beach
erosion, is prohibited.
This practice will ensure that erosion does not occur and that the finer sediments that
may be found in these areas do not cause excessive turbidity in the receiving waters.
G. Damming or diversions within a stream channel are prohibited under this GP.
EPA cannot authorize dams or diversions under Section 402 of the CWA. These are
generally authorized under Section 404 of the CWA which is administered by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
H. Explosives, motorized winches or other motorized equipment to move boulders, logs, or other
natural obstructions are prohibited under this GP.
This practice should ensure that important habitat which includes large organic debris
and large boulders in these areas will not be destroyed.
I. Wheeled or tracked equipment used in-stream is prohibited while dredging is in progress.
This practice should minimize turbidity from sources other than the suction dredge.
J. Care shall be taken by the operator during refueling of equipment to prevent spillage.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
30
-------
Any spills shall be cleaned up using materials such as sorbent pads and booms.
All spills shall be reported immediately or as soon as practical to IDEQ and the
All chemical or petroleum products shall be stored in a safe and secure location at all
times. Fuel not stored and dispensed with an ANSO or UL approved safety container
must be maintained not less than 100 feet from the mean high water mark.
This practice will decrease the potential for contamination of surface water by petroleum
products.
SECTION 4 DESCRIPTION OF ACTION AREA
Since the proposed action is an issuance of the NPDES permit, the direct effects are those that
would cause toxicity to a listed species from individual and combined pollutant concentrations
within the action area. The presence of parameters regulated by the permit could potentially be
present at a concentration that could cause toxicity to a listed species at different distances
downstream from the discharge, depending upon the effluent limit, available dilution from the
river, and the physical and chemical characteristics of the parameter.
The area where direct effects may occur commences at the point of discharge. Therefore, the
action area is bounded on the upper end at the outfall. The action area downstream for a specific
parameter depends on the physical and chemical properties that cause it to degrade or dilute as it
travels downstream. A parameter that is highly volatile or readily biodegradable in a river may
be present over a relatively small downstream area at a concentration that could potentially cause
toxicity, because several mechanisms effectively remove the parameter from the river. On the
other hand, a parameter that is persistent in the environment and is not readily biodegraded in a
river system might be present over a longer downstream distance at a concentration that could
potentially cause toxicity because removal mechanisms are less effective in eliminating this
parameter from the river.
Indirect effects for the proposed action are those that would cause an effect to a listed species or
habitat from individual and/or combined pollutant concentrations within the waterbody at a later
time. These effects would result from delayed exposure (e.g., uptake of deposited effluent
constituents from sediment resuspension), consumption of prey species, and habitat modification
(e.g., deposited effluent constituents on the riverbed, decrease in photosynthesis). Any of these
indirect effects could occur as long as there is influence on the receiving water column and
sediment quality from the discharge. Therefore, the indirect action area extends to the point
downstream where an indirect adverse effect could occur (e.g., where the concentration of a
parameter in the sediment resulting from the effluent discharge is high enough to cause an
adverse effect to threatened and endangered fish species).
The action area of coverage for the GP is located within all waterbodies of Idaho downstream of
the facilities covered by the GP.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
31
-------
4.1 Biological Requirements in the Action Area
The biological requirements of ESA-listed species can be considered, at a minimum, to be met if
the species have access to critical habitat. Critical habitat is defined under Section 3 of the ESA
as "the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a federally listed species on which
are found physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species, and that
may require special management considerations or protection." Of the species that are evaluated
in this BE, six species, anadromous steelhead trout, bull trout, Snake River sockeye salmon, and
fall and spring/summer run Chinook salmon, have critical habitat designated within the action
area.
4.2 Environmental Baseline
There are over 115,000 thousand miles of rivers, streams and creeks in Idaho. Idaho reports that
52% of river and stream miles support aquatic life. Based on the state's 2008 Section 303(d) list,
the major causes of impairment in Idaho's rivers and streams include siltation, nutrients, flow
alterations, thermal modifications, and bacteria. Most of Idaho's rivers and streams flow into one
of five major river basins; the Snake, the Clearwater, the Salmon, the Bear, and the St. Joe.
Since the BE covers impacts from small placer miners discharging into surface waters, only
information on surface water quality was used in describing the environmental baseline for this
BE.
Additional information on baseline environmental conditions within the State of Idaho was
obtained from Idaho's 2008 Integrated 303(d)/305(b) Report published by DEQ in 2008. Every
two years, DEQ is required by the federal Clean Water Act to conduct a comprehensive analysis
of state water bodies to determine whether they meet state water quality standards or if additional
pollution controls are needed to meet beneficial uses.
Assessed water bodies are designated in the 2008 Integrated 303(d)/305(b) Report as either
supporting or not supporting water quality standards and beneficial uses. Water bodies that do
not meet water quality standards are called "water quality limited" or "impaired," and require
development of water quality management plans known as Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) to bring them back into compliance and protect their beneficial uses. Water bodies
previously designated impaired that now meet water quality standards are removed from the
water quality limited list.
4.3 Water Quality
According to Idaho DEQ, there is approximately 115,595 miles of water in Idaho, of which more
than half (60,245 miles or 52 percent) have been monitored and assessed (DEQ 2008).
Approximately 26,000 miles of streams monitored and assessed during this cycle were found to
meet water quality standards. The proportion of streams meeting their beneficial uses is
increasing. The number of miles of water quality limited or impaired streams comprise a total of
34,175 miles compared to 21,000 in 2003, according to DEQ (IDEQ2003, 2008). Of those water
assessed in the most recent listing cycle, 43 percent met water quality standards. It is estimated
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
32
-------
that twenty percent of all waters in the state are deemed to meet water quality standards and their
beneficial uses (DEQ 2003).
Approximately 13,000 miles of TMDLs submitted to EPA have been approved (IDEQ 2008). In
2003, because flow and habitat are not considered pollutants under the Clean Water Act and do
not require a TMDL, 4,609 miles of streams were removed from those needing TMDLs because
they were listed for flow and/or habitat alternation (IDEQ 2003). During the most recent listing
cycle, 207 assessment units were added for temperature violations. However, many of these may
be due to natural background. Further study may find some of these are not water quality
limited.
According to the 2008 report, 17,060 miles of rivers and streams are threatened or impaired due
to sediment. This comprises 28% of the total miles assessed and 50% of the total impaired
miles. Approximately 5,338 miles of rivers and streams are impaired due to nutrients. This
comprises approximately 9% of the total miles assessed and 16% of the total impaired miles.
Approximately 15,293 miles are threatened or impaired due to temperature. This comprises
approximately 25% of the total assessed miles and 45% of the total impaired miles. The report
also states that 221.6 miles are threatened or impaired due to placer mining, which comprises
less than one percent of the total assessed miles.
Forty one percent of impaired waters in Idaho have complete TMDLs, while 58% are still
awaiting TMDLs and one percent of impaired waters are due to non-pollutant impairment (DEQ
2008). Of the TMDLs completed for impaired waters, more than 65 percent of the violations
were due to sediment, temperature, or nutrient exceedences, while the remainder were
attributable to violations for bacteria, biological impairment, organic enrichment/low dissolved
oxygen, metals, pathogens, unionized ammonia, oil and grease, and other unspecified violations
(DEQ 2003, 2008).
The Idaho State of the Environment Report 2001, published by the Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ), provides an overview of environmental conditions in Idaho and
discusses environmental data collected throughout the state. According to the report, the
information on the environment is to be used in subsequent investigations as "indicators" of the
health of the environment. Five indicators of environmental health are used in the report:
Air quality,
Drinking water quality,
Ground water quality,
Surface water quality, and
Areas of waste contamination
The information in the State of the Environment Report is presented for each of five river basins:
Panhandle
Clearwater
Salmon
Southwest
Upper Snake/Bear River
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
33
-------
The Upper Snake River and Bear River basins were reported as a single basin. This information
is summarized in Table 3. As can be seen from the information in the table, only about 12
percent of Idaho's streams and rivers have been assessed for water quality, and of those water
that have been assessed, about 60 percent are water quality limited (DEQ 2001). The three
primary pollutants of concern for each of the river basins are sediments, nutrients, and
temperature.
Table 3. Surface Water Quality Monitoring Information by River Basin (DEQ 2001)
Basin
Total Stream
Miles
Stream Miles
Assessed
Water Quality
Limited (Miles)
Pollutants of
Concern
Monitoring
Sites
Panhandle
8,871
1,856
904
Sediments
Nutrients
Temperature
Metals
281
Clearwater
12,674
2,064
1,078
Sediments
Nutrients
Temperature
246
Salmon
17,879
2,400
1,179
Sediments
Nutrients
Temperature
228
Southwest
22,472
4,743
2,600
Sediments
Nutrients
Temperature
Bacteria
474
Upper Snake/
Bear River
58,385
3,457
2,930
Sediments
Nutrients
Temperature
Bacteria
Selenium
759
Total
120,281
14,520
8,691
1,988
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
34
-------
SECTION 5 SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS
This section describes the threatened and endangered (T&E) species that may occur in the action
area as indicated by the USFWS and NMFS. The discussion includes the life history, habitat
use, and habitat concerns as well as specific information on the abundance and timing of
occurrence of each species within the Action Area.
5.1 Banbury Springs Lanx (Lanx sp.)
The Banbury Springs lanx was first listed as endangered on December 14, 1992. This snail is a
member of Lancidae, a small family of pulmonates (snails that possess lunglike organs) endemic
to western North America. The species was first discovered in 1988 and has not been formally
described.
5.1.1 Range of Species
This lanx was first discovered in 1988 at Banbury Springs at river mile (rm) 589, with a second
colony found in nearby Box Canyon Springs at rm 588 in 1989. During 1991, a mollusc survey
at The Nature Conservancy's Preserve revealed a third colony in the outflows of Thousand
Springs (rm 584.6). Subsequent to this discovery, a more detailed investigation at the Preserve
revealed that the single colony was sporadically distributed within an area of only 129 to 151
square feet (ft2) (Frest and Johannes 1992). Population density ranged from 4 to 20
individuals/square inch (in2). The total adult population at the Preserve was estimated at
between 600 and 1,200. All three colonies of lanx were discovered in alcove spring complexes.
These spring complexes contain large areas of adjacent, presumably identical, habitat not
occupied by the species. At present, the Banbury Springs lanx is known to occur only in the
largest, least disturbed spring habitats at Banbury Springs, Box Canyon Springs, and Thousand
Springs.
5.1.2 Critical Habitat
No critical habitat has been designated for the Banbury Springs Lanx.
5.1.3 Life History
The species has been found only in spring-run habitats with well-oxygenated, clear, cold 59 to
61° F waters on boulder or cobble-size substrate. All known locations have relatively swift
currents. They are found most often on smooth basalt and avoid surfaces with large aquatic
macrophytes or filamentous green algae. The species has been reported at depths ranging from
12 to 30 inches on boulder substrate (Beak 1989). The species has been found in water as
shallow as 2 inches, but depths up to 6 inches were more typical. All lancids are particularly
affected by dissolved oxygen fluctuations since respiration is accomplished only through the
mantle; lungs, gills, and other specialized respiratory structures are lacking (Frest and Johannes
1992).
5.1.4 Population Trends and Risks
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
35
-------
The free-flowing, cool water environments required by these species have been impacted by and
are vulnerable to continued adverse habitat modification and deteriorating water quality from one
or more of the following: hydroelectric development, peak-loading effects from existing
hydroelectric project operations, water withdrawal and diversions, water pollution, and
inadequate regulatory mechanisms.
5.2 Bliss Rapids Snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola)
The Bliss Rapids snail was listed as threatened under the ESA on December 14, 1992.
5.2.1 Range of Species
The Bliss Rapids Snail was known historically from the mainstem middle Snake River and
associated springs between Indian Cove Bridge (rm 525.4) and Twin Falls (rm 610.5) (Hershler
et al. 1994). Based on live collections, the species currently exists as discontinuous populations
within its historic range. These colonies are primarily concentrated in the Hagerman reach, in
tail waters of Bliss and Lower Salmon Dams and several unpolluted springs including Thousand
Springs, Banbury Springs, Box Canyon Springs and Niagara Springs.
5.2.2 Critical Habitat
No critical habitat has been designated for the Bliss Rapids snail.
5.2.3 Life History
This snail occurs on stable cobble-boulder size substrate in flowing waters of unimpounded
reaches of the mainstem Snake River and in a few spring habitats in the Hagerman Valley. The
species does not burrow in sediments and normally avoids surfaces with attached plants. Known
river populations of the Bliss Rapids snail occur only in areas associated with spring influences
or rapids-edge environments and tend to flank shorelines. They are found at varying depths if
dissolved oxygen and temperature requirements persist and are found in shallow (0.5 inches)
depth, permanent, cold springs (Frest and Johannes 1992). The species resides on the lateral
sides and undersides of rocks during daylight. The species can be locally quite abundant,
especially on smooth rock surfaces with common encrusting red algae.
5.2.4 Population Trends and Risks
The free-flowing, cool water environments required by these species have been impacted by and
are vulnerable to continued adverse habitat modification and deteriorating water quality from one
or more of the following: hydroelectric development, peak-loading effects from existing
hydroelectric project operations, water withdrawal and diversions, water pollution, and
inadequate regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, a primary reason for listing the Bliss Rapids
snail as threatened in the Snake River drainage was the perceived impacts of the highly invasive
New Zealand mudsnail.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
36
-------
5.3 Bruneau Hot Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis)
The Bruneau hot springsnail was listed as endangered under the ESA on February 24, 1993.
5.3.1 Range of Species
The Bruneau hot springsnail is found only in the springflows of Hot Creek and 128 small,
flowing thermal springs and seeps along an approximately 5.3 mile length of the Bruneau River
in southwestern Idaho (Mladenka 1992). A majority of occupied springsnail habitats are located
along both shorelines of the Bruneau River up to 2.8 miles above its confluence with Hot Creek
while the remaining sites occur up to 2.7 miles below the Hot Creek-Bruneau River confluence.
Most of the springs and seeps containing springsnails are small, ranging from 1.6 ft2 to 398 ft2 in
area, with a mean size of almost 10.8 ft2. These spring sites are located primarily above the
high-water mark of the Bruneau River and are separated by distances of less than 3.3 feet to
greater than 6,562 feet (Mladenka 1992). Most of the springs along the Bruneau River upstream
of Hot Creek are on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), while most
springsnail habitats downstream of the Indian Bathtub and Hot Creek are on private land.
5.3.2 Critical Habitat
No critical habitat has been designated for the Bruneau hot springsnail.
5.3.3 Life History
The species has been found in flowing thermal springs and seeps with temperatures ranging from
60.3 to 96.3 0 F (Mladenka 1992). No Bruneau hot springsnails have been collected outside
thermal plumes of hot springs entering the Bruneau River. They are found in these habitats on
the exposed surfaces of various substrates, including rocks, gravel, sand, mud and algal film.
However, during the winter period of cold ambient temperatures and icing, the springsnails are
most often located on the undersides of outflow substrates, habitats least exposed to cold
temperatures. Springsnail abundance generally fluctuates seasonally; abundance is influenced
primarily by water temperature, spring discharge and food availability.
Springsnails appear to be opportunistic grazers as food habit studies reveal algal genera are taken
in proportions similar to those found in their habitat (Mladenka 1992). However, springsnail
densities are lowest in areas of bright green algal mats, while higher snail densities occur where
periphyton communities are dominated by diatoms.
Sexual maturity can occur at two months. Reproduction occurs throughout the year except when
inhibited by high or low temperatures (Mladenka 1992). At sites affected by high ambient
temperatures during summer and early fall months, recruitment was seasonal, corresponding
with cooler periods. Likewise, sites with cooler ambient temperatures would likely exhibit
recruitment during the summer months. Springsnails use "hard" surfaces such as rock substrate
to deposit their eggs. They may deposit eggs on other snails' shells when other hard surfaces are
unavailable.
5.3.4 Population Trends and Risks
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
37
-------
The primary threat to this species continues to be agriculture-related ground-water withdrawal
and pumping. As the Bruneau Valley Aquifer is depleted, the geo-thermal springs that are
essential to the survival of this snail cease to flow and become filled with sediment. Within the
past 25 years, flows from the Indian Bathtub springs have decreased, thereby restricting the
springnail's habitat area and reducing its numbers. Ongoing drought conditions since the mid-
1980's have resulted in increased reliance on ground water for irrigated agriculture in the
Bruneau basin, causing the extent of seepage at several of the springnail's spring sources to be
greatly reduced in recent years. Considerable springsnail habitat has also been lost in recent
years due to sedimentation from flash flooding. In Hot Creek, approximately 1,000,000
Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis were estimated to occur in the "Low Indian Bathtub Hot Spring" in
1982, with as many as 60 snails/in2 observed on the wetted rockfaces surrounding Indian
Bathtub (Taylor 1982). A flood event occurred in Hot Creek in July 1992 which drastically
reduced P. bruneauensis from Hot Creek by filling much of the Indian Bathtub area with
sediment (Royer and Minshall 1993), and by 1997, the population had been totally extirpated
(Varricchione et al. 1997).
5.4 Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
The bull trout was listed as threatened under the ESA on June 10, 1998. Critical habitat for the
Bull trout was designated on September 26, 2005.
5.4.1 Range of Species
Bull trout are members of the char subgroup of the family Salmonidae and are native to waters of
western North America. Bull trout range throughout the Columbia River and Snake River
basins, extending east to headwater streams in Montana and Idaho, into Canada, and in the
Klamath River basin of south-central Oregon. The distribution of populations, however, is
scattered and patchy
5.4.2 Critical Habitat
Approximately 294 stream/shoreline miles have been designated in Idaho as critical habitat for
the bull trout. River basins with designated critical habitat include the Clark Fork, Kootenai,
Coeur d' Alene Lake, Clearwater, Salmon, Southwest Idaho, Little Lost, Imnaha-Snake, and
Hells Canyon Complex. No critical habitat has been designated for the Jarbidge River
population of bull trout in Nevada and southern Idaho, where the Secretary of the Interior
determined that the benefits of excluding the area outweighed the benefits of including it.
5.4.3 Life History
Bull trout and some other species are commonly referred to as "anadromous" (fish that can
migrate from saltwater to freshwater to reproduce). Bull trout exhibit a number of life history
strategies. Stream-resident bull trout complete their entire life cycle in the tributary streams
where they spawn and rear. Most bull trout are migratory, spawning in tributary streams where
juvenile fish usually rear from 1 to 4 years before migrating to either a larger river or lake where
they spend their adult life, returning to the tributary stream to spawn. Resident and migratory
forms may be found together, and either form can produce resident or migratory offspring. Bull
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
38
-------
trout can grow to more than 20 pounds in lake environments and live up to 12 years. Under
exceptional circumstances, they can live more than 20 years (USFWS 2005).
5.4.4 Population Trends and Risks
Bull trout have declined due to habitat degradation and fragmentation, blockage of migratory
corridors, poor water quality, past fisheries management, and the introduction of non-native
species such as brown, lake and brook trout. While bull trout occur over a large area, their
distribution and abundance has declined and several local extinctions have been documented.
Many of the remaining populations are small and isolated from each other, making them more
susceptible to local extinctions.
5.5 Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
The fall Chinook salmon was listed as threatened under the ESA on April 22, 1992. Critical
Habitat was designated on December 28, 1993.
5.5.1 Range of Species
The evolutionary significant unit of fall Chinook salmon includes all naturally spawned
populations of fall-run Chinook salmon in the mainstem Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam,
and in the Tucannon River, Grande Ronde River, Imnaha River, Salmon River, and Clearwater
River, as well as four artificial propagation programs: the Lyons Ferry Hatchery, Fall Chinook
Acclimation Ponds Program, Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery, and Oxbow Hatchery fall-run Chinook
hatchery programs.
5.5.2 Critical Habitat
Designated critical habitat for fall Chinook salmon in Idaho consists of river reaches of the
Snake River, and all tributaries of the Snake River presently or historically accessible to Snake
River spring/summer Chinook salmon (except reaches above impassable natural falls, and
Dworshak and Hells Canyon dam).
5.5.3 Life History
Snake River fall-run Chinook salmon enter the Columbia River in July and August. The Snake
River component of the Chinook salmon fall run migrates past the lower Snake River mainstem
dams from August through November. Spawning occurs from October through early December.
Juveniles emerge from the gravels in March and April of the following year. Snake River fall-
run Chinook salmon exhibit an ocean-type life history pattern, with juveniles migrating
downstream from their natal spawning and rearing areas from June through early fall (USFWS
2005)
5.5.4 Population Trends and Risks
It has been estimated that 55 to 90 percent of migrating smolts do not make it downstream due to
hydropower facilities. These facilities may create weak water currents, warm waters, blocked
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
39
-------
migratory routes and dangerous turbines that can negatively affect the species. Habitat loss and
degradation; agricultural, urban and industrial pollution; mistaken angler harvest; clearcutting,
removal of streamside vegetation and livestock use; and some hatchery practices also pose
threats to the fall Chinook salmon (USFWS 2005).
5.6 Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
The spring/summer Chinook salmon was listed as threatened under the ESA on April 22, 1992.
Critical Habitat was designated on December 28, 1993.
5.6.1 Range of Species
In general, spring-run type Chinook salmon tend to spawn in higher-elevation reaches of major
Snake River tributaries in mid- through late August, and summer-run Snake River Chinook
salmon spawn approximately one month later than spring-run fish. Summer-run Chinook
salmon tend to spawn lower in the Snake River drainages, although their spawning areas often
overlap with spring-run spawners.
5.6.2 Critical Habitat
Designated critical habitat for Spring/Summer Chinook salmon in Idaho consists of river reaches
of the Snake River, and all tributaries of the Snake River (except the Clearwater River) presently
or historically accessible to Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon (except reaches above
impassable natural falls and Hells Canyon Dam).
5.6.3 Life History
Spring/summer-run Chinook salmon from the Snake River basin exhibit stream-type life history
characteristics. Eggs are deposited in late summer and early fall, incubate over the following
winter, and hatch in late winter and early spring of the following year. Juveniles rear through the
summer, overwinter, and migrate to sea in the spring of their second year of life. Depending on
the tributary and the specific habitat conditions, juveniles may migrate extensively from natal
reaches into alternative summer-rearing or overwintering areas. Snake River spring/summer-run
Chinook salmon return to natal rivers to spawn as 4- and 5-year-old fish after 2 to 3 years in the
ocean. A small fraction of the fish return as 3-year old "jacks," heavily predominated by males
(USFWS, 2005).
5.6.4 Population Trends and Risks
Tributary habitat conditions vary widely among the various drainages of the Snake River basin.
Habitat is degraded in many areas of the basin, reflecting the impacts of forest, grazing, and
mining practices. Impacts relative to anadromous fish include lack of pools, higher water
temperatures, low water flows, poor overwintering conditions, and high sediment loads.
Substantial portions of the Salmon River drainage, particularly in the middle fork, are protected
in wilderness areas.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
40
-------
5.7 Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos)
The grizzly bear was listed as threatened under the ESA on July 28, 1975.
5.7.1 Range of Species
The historical range of the grizzly bear included a variety of habitats across most of North
America. However, grizzly bear populations today only occupy two percent of their original
range (in the lower 48 states). They are generally found in wilderness areas of Alaska, Idaho,
Montana, Washington and Wyoming. The Idaho populations of grizzly bears are estimated to
include 30 to 40 bears that are found in the Cabinet-Yaak Recovery Zone, the Selkirk Mountain
Recovery Zone with approximately 40 to 50 bears and the Yellowstone Recovery Zone with
approximately 580 bears (USFWS, 2009). On March 22, 2007, the U.S. FWS announced that the
Yellowstone Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of grizzly bears was recovered, however this
decision was remanded on September 21, 2009 and the threatened status was reinstated for this
DPS of grizzly bear.
5.7.2 Critical Habitat
The USFWS has not designated any critical habitat for the grizzly bear.
5.7.3 Life History
A grizzly bear can stand up to nine feet tall, and adult males can weigh as much as 600 pounds.
Females generally are smaller, weighing about 250 to 350 pounds. Grizzlies prefer open
meadows and avalanche chutes in the spring and timberlands with berry bushes in late summer
and fall. The bear will forage for wild fruits, nuts, bulbs and roots, and it has been known to tear
rotten logs apart and overturn heavy stones in search of insects and larvae. Using its powerful
sense of smell, the grizzly finds carcasses of elk, deer and cattle to feed upon. Huge amounts of
food are consumed by the bear to build enough fat to sustain it through a long winter hibernation
period from November through April with no water nourishment.
Bears begin searching for their ideal den in early fall. Females produce an average of two cubs
every three years, and they stay with their young cubs for about two years. In Idaho, grizzly bear
range averages 200 to 300 square miles.
5.7.4 Population Trends and Risks
Grizzlies were almost extirpated from America's wildlands after more than a century of
unregulated killing. Habitat loss and low reproductive rates continue to affect grizzly bear
numbers in Idaho.
5.8 Kootenai River White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
The Kootenai River population of white sturgeon was listed as endangered under the ESA on
September 6, 1994. Critical habitat was revised on July 9, 2008.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
41
-------
5.8.1 Range of Species
Being one of 18 land locked populations of white sturgeon found in the Pacific Northwest, the
Kootenai River population of white sturgeon has a distribution extending from Montana to
British Columbia. Specifically their distribution extends from Kootenai Falls, Montana, located
31 river-miles below Libby Dam, downstream through Kootenay Lake to Corra Linn Dam on the
lower West Arm of Kootenay Lake, British Columbia (USFWS 1999).
5.8.2 Critical Habitat
The USFWS designated approximately 18.3 river miles of the Kootenai River as critical habitat
for the Kootenai River White Sturgeon. Critical habitat is currently designated in the braided
reach from RM 159.7 below the confluence with the Moyie River, downstream to RM 152.7 at
Bonners Ferry and continues downstream into the meander reach to RM 141.4 (71 FR 6383).
5.8.3 Life History
White sturgeon in general are a long lived species with females living from 34-70 years with
some individuals approaching 100 years (PSMFC 2008). Kootenai sturgeon reach sexual
maturity at 28 and 30 years, respectively, for males and females (Paragamian 2005).
Historically, prior to construction of the Libby Dam, spawning areas for white sturgeon were not
specifically known. From 1990 to 1998 monitoring programs were conducted that discovered
white sturgeon spawning areas within a 12-mile reach of the Kootenai River, primarily from
Bonners Ferry, Idaho downstream to the lower end of Shorty's Island (USFWS 1999).
Historically, spring runoff and warming water temperatures triggered the movement of white
sturgeon upstream to the spawning areas and their preparation physiologically for spawning.
White sturgeon spawn in fast-flowing water and water velocity acts as a clue for spawning.
Water depth also appears to be an important factor in spawning site selection for the Kootenai
sturgeon. White sturgeon usually broadcast their eggs over clean cobble at depths greater than
20 feet at column velocities greater than 0.8 meters per second. Kootenai sturgeon spawn within
a fairly narrow range of water temperatures, from 47.3 to 53.6° F (Paragamian et al. 2002).
Females are reported to spawn at 4 to 6 year intervals (USFWS 2008). The last significant
sturgeon recruitment in the Kootenai River occurred in 1974, prior to the Libby Dam becoming
operational (Partridge 1983). Recruitment failure is largely attributed to the spawning of
Kootenai sturgeon over unsuitable sandy substrates (Paragamian et al. 2001). Based on data
from 1992 through 2001, it is estimated that on average a total of only about 10 juvenile sturgeon
currently may be naturally produced annually in the Kootenai River.
5.8.4 Population Trends and Risks
The number of Kootenai sturgeon has decreased from approximately 7,000 individuals in the
1970s to fewer than an estimated 500 adults in 2005. It is projected that fewer than 30 females
will be spawning annually after the year 2015 (Paragamian 2005).
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
42
-------
Successful reproduction is dependent upon Kootenai sturgeon spawning at sites where the eggs
can settle in an area that supports their viability, and where the embryos have appropriate habitat
for development and protection from predators, which includes rocky substrates for spawning
and attachment of eggs. The braided reach consists of multiple shallow channels over gravel and
cobble and the meander reach is characterized as sandy substrate with low water velocities and
deep holes which is frequented by sturgeon in spawning condition. Shallow waters have
occurred in the braided reach following construction of the Libby Dam and this suggests a
possible behavioral barrier to migration into the upstream canyon reach, where suitable spawning
and incubation habitat appears to exist.
The Kootenai River population of white sturgeon is considered to be at risk due to the following
factors:
Hydropower operations, including decreased discharges resulting in less spawning habitat
(NBS 2005).
Flood control operations;
Poor recruitment;
Loss of habitat; and
Possibly contaminants affecting the water quality of their habitat (USFWS 1999).
5.9 Snake River Physa Snail (Talorconcha serpenticola)
The Snake River physa snail was listed as endangered under the ESA on December 14, 1992.
5.9.1 Range of Species
From 1956 through 1985 collections of the Snake River physa snail have been made from
Grandview upstream through the Hagerman Reach. This is considered the 'modern' historic
range for this species. Today, two populations are believed to remain in the Hagerman and King
Hill reaches, with potentially a third colony located immediately downstream of Minidoka Dam
(USFWS 1995).
5.9.2 Critical Habitat
The USFWS has not designated any critical habitat for the Snake River physa snail.
5.9.3 Life History
The Snake River physa snails occur in swift current of mainstem rivers on the underside of
gravel to boulder size substrates. Specimens have been found living at the margin of rapids at
the deepest accessible part of the river. It is believed that these snails are restricted to moving
waters of relatively good quality. This species likely lives for up to or just over one year based
on the life histories of other physid species.
5.9.4 Population Trends and Risks
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
43
-------
The factors that are threatening the Snake River physa snail include habitat destruction as a result
of dam construction and the formation of reservoirs and habitat deterioration as a result of
reduced water quality. Both factors lead to habitat fragmentation and eventually the isolation of
smaller populations which makes them more vulnerable to environmental changes and
fluctuations in population cycles. An additional threat comes from the presence of the New
Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) that competes directly with the Snake River
physa snail for habitat in the mainstem Snake River (USFWS 1995).
5.10 Snake River Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
The Snake River sockeye salmon was listed as endangered under the ESA on November 20,
1991 and reaffirmed on June 28, 2005. A final designation for critical habitat was published on
December 28, 1993.
5.10.1 Range of Species
Numbers of Snake River sockeye salmon have declined dramatically over the years. In Idaho,
only the lakes of the upper Salmon River (Stanley Basin) remain as potential sources of
production. Historically, five Stanley Basin lakes (Redfish, Alturas, Pettit, Stanley, and Yellow
Belly lakes) supported sockeye salmon (Bjornn et al. 1968). Currently, only Redfish Lake
receives a remnant anadromous run. The Stanley Basin lakes are located within the Sawtooth
National Recreation Area. Basin lakes are glacial-carved and receive runoff from the east side of
the Sawtooth and Smoky mountains. All Basin lakes drain to the upper Salmon River which
flows into the Snake River and ultimately the Columbia River. Redfish Lake is located
approximately 1,450 river kilometers from the confluence of the Columbia River with the Pacific
Ocean.
5.10.2 Critical Habitat
The USFWS designated critical habitat for sockeye salmon on December 28, 1993. Critical
habitat for the Snake River sockeye salmon consists of river reaches of the Columbia, Snake, and
Salmon Rivers, Alturas Lake Creek, Valley Creek, and Stanley, Redfish, Yellow Belly, Pettit,
and Alturas Lakes (including their inlet and outlet creeks).
5.10.3 Life History
Sockeye salmon spawn in North America from the Columbia River in Oregon north to the
Noatak River in Alaska; and in Asia from Hokkaido, Japan north to the Anadyr River in Russia.
The vast majority of sockeye salmon spawn in inlet or outlet streams of lakes or in the lakes
themselves. The juveniles of these "lake-type" sockeye salmon rear in lake environments for 1
to 3 years, migrate to sea, and return to natal lake systems to spawn after 1 to 4 years in the
ocean. However, some sockeye salmon populations spawn in rivers without juvenile lake-
rearing habitat. Their juveniles rear in slow velocity sections of rivers for 1 or 2 years (river-
type) or migrate to sea as underyearlings, and thus rear primarily in salt water. As with lake-type
sockeye salmon, river- and sea-type sockeye salmon return to natal spawning habitat after 1 to 4
years in the ocean (NOAA 2005).
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
44
-------
5.10.4 Population Trends and Risks
After eight hydropower dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers were finished in the 1970s,
Snake River sockeye spawning runs declined dramatically. Human-caused disturbances such as
pollution, habitat loss and degradation, overfishing, and loss of spawning and rearing areas have
combined to harm the natural reproduction of the sockeye salmon (USFWS 2005).
5.11 Snake River Basin Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Snake River Basin steelhead was listed as threatened under the ESA on Jan. 5, 2006 (71 FR 834).
Critical habitat was designated by the USFWS on September 2, 2005 (70 FR 52630).
5.11.1 Range of Species
The present distribution of steelhead extends from Kamchatka in Asia, east to Alaska, and down
to southern California (NOAA 2005), although the historic range of steelhead extended at least
to the Mexico border.
The Snake River Basin steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS) is distributed throughout
the Snake River drainage system, including tributaries in southwest Washington, eastern Oregon
and north/central Idaho (NOAA 2005). Snake River steelhead migrate a substantial distance
from the ocean (up to 932 miles) and use high elevation tributaries (typically 3281-6562 feet
above sea level) for spawning and juvenile rearing. Snake River steelhead occupy habitat that is
considerably warmer and drier (on an annual basis) than other steelhead ESUs (NOAA 2005).
5.11.2 Critical Habitat
Critical habitat was designated for steelhead by the USFWS on November 2, 1999. Critical
habitat for the steelhead consists of river reaches of the Columbia, Snake, and Salmon Rivers,
and all tributaries of the Snake and Salmon River presently or historically accessible to Snake
River steelhead (except reaches above impassable natural falls, and Dworshak and Hells Canyon
Dam).
5.11.3 Life History
Steelhead exhibit a complex suite of life history traits. They can be anadromous or freshwater
resident (and under some circumstances, apparently yield offspring of the opposite form). Those
that are anadromous can spend up to seven years in freshwater prior to smoltification, then spend
up to 3 years in salt water prior to first spawning. Species of Oncorhynchus considered in this
document spawn once then die (NOAA 2005).
Two subspecies of steelhead with anadromous life history are recognized in North America.
These are: O. mykiss irideus (the coastal subspecies), which includes coastal populations from
Alaska to California (including the Sacramento River), and 0. mykiss gairdneri (the inland
subspecies), which includes populations from the interior Columbia, Snake, and Fraser rivers
(NOAA 2005).
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
45
-------
Steelhead can be divided into two basic reproductive ecotypes, based on the state of sexual
maturity at the time of river entry and duration of spawning migration. The stream-maturing
type (summer-run steelhead in the Pacific Northwest and northern California) enters freshwater
in a sexually immature condition between May and October and requires several months to
mature and spawn. The ocean-maturing type (winter-run steelhead in the Pacific Northwest and
northern California) enters freshwater between November and April, with well-developed
gonads, and spawns shortly thereafter. Coastal streams are dominated by winter-run steelhead,
whereas inland steelhead of the Columbia and Snake River basins are almost exclusively
summer-run steelhead (NOAA 2005).
Snake River Basin steelhead are summer steelhead, as are most inland steelhead, and comprise
two groups, A- and B-run, based on migration timing, ocean-age, and adult size. Snake River
Basin steelhead enter fresh water from June to October and spawn during the following spring
from March to May. Their eggs incubate in nesting gravel (redds) for up to four months before
hatching as alevins, a larval life stage dependent on food stored in a yolk sac. Snake River Basin
steelhead usually smolt as 2- or 3-year-olds (NOAA 2005).
5.11.4 Population Trends and Risks
Naturally produced fish make up only a small fraction of the total adult run of the Snake River
steelhead ESU. Although several large production hatcheries for steelhead exist throughout this
ESU, relatively few data exist regarding the numbers and relative distribution of hatchery fish
that spawn naturally, or the consequences of such spawnings when they do occur. On a more
positive note, sharp upturns in 2000 and 2001 in adult returns in some populations and evidence
for high smolt-adult survival indicate that populations in this ESU are still capable of responding
to favorable environmental conditions. In spite of the recent increases, however, abundance in
most populations for which there are adequate data are well below interim recovery targets.
Construction of dams beginning at the turn of the century eliminated vast areas of important
habitat once accessible to steelhead. Creation of eight large dams and reservoirs in their
migration corridors, and excessive harvest are the other primary factors contributing to the
salmons decline. Deterioration of their spawning and nursery habitats, predation, water
withdrawal from streams for other uses, and impacts from hatchery fish, are among the other
causes. Impacts of climate change are also considered a significant factor for decline (i.e.
prolonged drought conditions).
5.12 Utah Valvata Snail (Valvata utahensis)
The Utah valvata snail was listed as endangered under the ESA on December 14, 1992. It is
currently listed as endangered throughout its entire range. This species has recently been
proposed for delisting (74 FR 34539).
5.12.1 Range of Species
The Utah valvata snail once was found in the prehistoric lakes and rivers covering parts of
California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. The 'modern' range extended as far downstream
as Grandview (rm 487). At present this species is only found in a few springs and mainstem
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
46
-------
river sites in Middle Snake River from American Falls Reservoir to the Hagerman Valley. A
few additional sites are located immediately upstream and downstream of Minidoka Dam near
the Eagle Rock damsite (rm 709) and below American Falls Dam downstream to Burley
(USFWS 1995).
5.12.2 Critical Habitat
No critical habitat has been designated for the Utah valvata snail.
5.12.3 Life History
Utah valvata snails occur in flowing water that is cold, clean and well-oxygenated. This species
is found in areas with clean mud bottoms and submerged aquatic vegetation (USFWS 1995). A
rooted aquatic plant, chara, concentrates calcium carbonate and silicon dioxide and is a common
associate of this snail. Utah valvata snails avoid areas with pure gravel boulders or swift current.
This snail is approximately 0.2 inches in height and is about as wide as it is high. It is primarily
a detritivore grazing diatoms and small plant debris found on the mud surface (USFWS 1995).
5.12.4 Population Trends and Risks
The formation of reservoirs, diversions of rivers and other forms of habitat modification have
lead to the deterioration of the Utah valvata snail habitat. In addition, altered natural flow and
pollution has reduced water quality and deteriorated the free-flowing, cold water environments
this species requires.
Biological Evaluation
47
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
SECTION 6.0
IMPACTS ON THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
For the action considered in this BE, there are no direct impacts to listed species. Therefore,
approving the issuance of the general NPDES permit for placer miner activities in Idaho would
not change the environmental baseline or directly affect ESA-listed species. However, there may
be indirect effects of issuing the GP.
This BE evaluates the discharges and activities that would be authorized under the general
NPDES permit. The analysis of impacts assumes that the species of interest are exposed to
conditions that may exist if the NPDES permit conditions are met. Potential impacts arising
from violations of permit conditions are not evaluated.
There are three possible determinations of effects under the ESA (USFWS and NMFS 1998).
The determinations and their definitions are:
No Effect (NE) - the appropriate conclusion when the action agency determines its proposed
action will not affect listed species or critical habitat.
May affect, not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) - the appropriate conclusion when
effects on listed species are expected to be discountable, or insignificant, or completely
beneficial. Beneficial effects are contemporaneous positive effects without any adverse
effects to the species. Insignificant effects relate to the size of the impact and should never
reach the scale where take occurs. Discountable effects are those extremely unlikely to
occur. Based on best judgment, a person would not (1) be able to meaningfully measure,
detect, or evaluate insignificant effects; or (2) expect discountable effects to occur.
May affect, likely to adversely affect (LAA) - the appropriate conclusion if any adverse
effect to listed species may occur as a direct or indirect result of the proposed action or its
interrelated or interdependent actions, and the effect is not discountable, insignificant, or
beneficial (see definition of "is not likely to adversely affect"). In the event the overall effect
of the proposed action is beneficial to the listed species, but also is likely to cause any
adverse effects, then the proposed action "is likely to adversely affect" the listed species. An
"is likely to adversely affect" determination requires formal section 7 consultation.
For the purposes of Section 7 of the ESA, any action that is reasonably certain to result in "take"
is likely to adversely impact a proposed or listed species. "Take," as defined as in Section 3(18)
of the ESA, means to "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or
attempt to engage in any such conduct". The USFWS further defines "harm" as "significantly
impairing behavioral patterns such as breeding, feeding, or sheltering", and "harass" as "actions
that create the likelihood of injury of listed species to such an extent as to significantly disrupt
normal behavior patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering".
Further, the "incidental take" in Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA means "any taking otherwise
prohibited by Section 9(a)(1)(B) if such taking is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the
carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity". Finally, a "take" may occur only to individuals of
a species, not to a species' habitat or to designated critical habitat. The take prohibition does not
extend to proposed or candidate species.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
48
-------
6.1 Parameters of Concern
The potential impacts of activities and discharges that would be authorized under the general
NPDES permit on threatened and endangered species are discussed below. The only parameter
of concern under this permit is Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
6.1.1 Dredging Effects on Fish Spawning and Early Life Stages
The following information was compiled from the California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG) Suction Dredge Permitting Program Literature Review (2009).
6.1.1.1 Impacts on Fish Spawning Habitat
Fish species including Chinook salmon, steelhead and trout utilize small gravel to cobble
substrates for spawning habitat. Salmonids typically dig a redd (nest) and deposit eggs within
the stream sediment where incubation, hatching and emergence take place. Optimum substrate
for embryos is a gravel/cobble mixture with diameter of 0.5-4 inches with less than five percent
fines or particles smaller than 0.3 inch in diameter (Bjornn and Reiser 1979). While optimal
spawning habitat defined by habitat suitability models is typically found in riffles, proximity of
habitat to structural cover (pools, large woody debris, boulder clusters and overhanging
vegetation) and hydrodynamic shear zones provide equally important refuge from predation and
resting zones for energy conservation (Bilski 2008, Wheaton et al. 2004, Merz 2001).
Tailings created by dredges may offer increased availability of spawning gravel by loosening
compacted gravels, which could result in attractive material for spawning (Badali 1988; Harvey
and Lisle 1998). Tailings are often located near riffle crests, preferred locations for the
construction of redds by salmonids as they consist of loose substrate of the appropriate size).
Hassler et al. 1986 indicated that suction dredging increases availability of spawning gravel by
loosening compacted gravels. However, loose substrate found in dredge tailings is often too
unstable and embryos may experience reduced survival due to increased scouring (Thomas 1985;
Harvey and Lisle 1999). A study by Harvey and Lisle (1999) determined that Chinook salmon
redds located on dredge tailings experienced greater scouring than those on natural substrates.
Chinook salmon that spawn in the fall may be affected by constructing redds on dredge tailings,
which could be subject to higher scour than unaltered substrates and could result in compromised
reproductive success (Harvey and Lisle 1998).
Tailing piles from suction dredge mining may become suitable for spawning habitat after the
substrate has been dispersed resulting in more stable habitat (Hassler et al. 1986). Many species
of fish spawn after tailings from dredging during summer and fall have dispersed (Thomas 1985;
Harvey 1986). However, the extent to which fish populations depend on dredge tailings for
spawning habitat likely depends on the availability of suitable unaltered substrate and the quality
of the dredge tailings (Harvey and Lisle 1999).
6.1.1.2 Impacts on Spawning Habitat Resulting in Effects on Eggs and Embryos
In order to produce viable young, salmonids require spawning habitat with loose, uncompacted
gravels with high permeability consisting of unclogged interstices that allow for the removal of
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
49
-------
metabolic wastes (Hausle and Coble 1976). However, Mesick (2009) suggested that material
that is too clean may be detrimental to Chinook eggs because the eggs are not insulated from
agitation or eggs may become dislodged especially in high flow areas. As discussed in the
previous section, suction dredging has the potential to influence the availability of suitable
spawning and incubation habitat for spawning salmonids. Availability of intragravel water flow
(Vaux 1962; Cooper 1965) and dissolved oxygen is critical for the survival of developing
salmonid eggs (Cooper 1965; Daykin 1965). Higher levels of fines or increased organic matter
resulting from suction dredging can reduce flow and oxygen concentrations which can result in
negative effects on eggs and embryos including reduced size of embryos at various
developmental stages, increased development time of alevins, and higher pre- and post-hatching
mortality (Merz et al. 2006; Spence et al. 1996; Brannon 1965; Shumway et al. 1964; Silver et al.
1963). Increased fines in dredging areas can also delay emergence of fry. This may result in
smaller fry that are less able to compete for resources than their larger counterparts (Redding et
al. 1987).
The permit requires that dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of locations
where fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs.
In addition, suction dredge operations must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail of pools
where operations result in fine sediment discharging onto gravel bars. Finally the permit
requires avoidance of dredging concentrated silt and clay that would result in a significant
increase in turbidity by moving to a new location or reducing the volume and turbidity of
effluent discharge by limiting operation speed of the suction dredge. These best management
practices outlined in the general permit for Idaho small placer miners should minimize potential
adverse effects to eggs and embryos due to alteration of spawning and incubation habitat.
6.1.1.3 Impacts of Mercury
There is the potential for suction dredge mining to resuspend contaminants such as mercury.
Mercury was used in historic gold mining operations to amalgamate gold mines. Elemental
mercury may be present in stream beds and banks and could be remobilized by suction dredge
operations. Inorganic mercury tends not to be highly bioaccumulated or biomagnified in aquatic
food webs. Inorganic mercury can be methylated by microbes to form methyl mercury, a more
bioavailable form of mercury that due to its bioaccumulation by aquatic organisms is the more
toxic form of mercury. Methylation of mercury generally occurs by microbes that prefer anoxic
or low oxygen conditions.
Since suction dredge mining creates turbidity in the stream it is likely this action increases
oxygenation of the waters and methylation of inorganic mercury would be less likely to occur in
these habitats. Additionally, best management practices in the permit require that if mercury is
found during suction dredge operations, the operator must stop dredging and work with the local
regional office of IDEQ to ensure that the mercury is disposed of properly. Therefore, mercury
should not result in adverse effects to the aquatic organisms downstream of suction dredge
operations.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
50
-------
6.1.1.4 Egg and Larval Entrainment
Excavation and subsequent displacement of eggs, fry and larvae can occur when they are
suctioned into the equipment and can result in mortality (Harvey and Lisle 1998). Griffith and
Andrews (1981) investigated the effect of suction dredging entrainment on the mortality of
aquatic organisms and found 100% mortality among uneyed eggs and 30% mortality among
eyed eggs in entrained cutthroat trout and 83% mortality for rainbow trout sac-fry. His results
also suggest that once sac-fry "button-up" they are less susceptible to entrainment-related
mortality. Trout greater than four inches (e.g. fingerlings) were able to avoid entrainment for
dredge intake velocities less than 1 ft/sec. Griffith and Andrews (1981) determined that
fingerlings still survive if they are entrained by dredging. Fish have been observed feeding from
the discharge of suction dredges (Lewis 1962). Fish would likely attempt to eat any eggs, larvae
and/or fry that survived entrainment or exposed following dredging. Any eggs or sac-fry that
survive to return to the substrate for cover would likely experience increased predation from
other predators displaced during suction dredging.
The permit requires that dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of locations
where fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs.
These best management practices outlined in the general permit for Idaho small placer miners
should minimize the potential for entrainment of eggs and embryos to occur.
6.1.2 Effects on Juvenile and Adult Fish
6.1.2.1 Juvenile and Adult Entrainment
Studies show that most juvenile and adult fish are likely to avoid or survive passage through a
suction dredge (North 1993). In a study by Griffith and Andrews (1981) showed that all 36
juvenile and adult rainbow trout and brook trout intentionally entrained by suction dredges in
small Idaho streams survived. Sublethal impacts such as disorientation and infections were not
assessed. However, the permit requires that dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500
feet of location where fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time
dredging occurs. These best management practices outlined in the general permit for Idaho
small placer miners should minimize the potential for entrainment of juvenile and adult listed
fish.
6.1.2.2 Pool Formation/Loss
It is possible that excavations from dredging operations can result in temporarily form pools or
deepen existing pools which may improve fish habitat. Deep scour may intersect subsurface
flow creating pockets of cool water during summer which can provide important habitat for fish
(Nielsen 1994). During times of low flow in a river or stream, increased water depth can provide
a refuge from predation by birds and mammals (Harvey and Stewart 1991). Eight fish occupying
a riffle during late summer in Butte Creek, California, moved into a dredged excavation nearby
(Harvey 1986). In addition, pools created by abandoned dredger sites can provide holding and
resting areas for juvenile and adult salmonids (Stern 1988). On the other hand, sedimentation
from the dredging site can fill in pool habitat downstream of the excavation site. One study
found that the number of rainbow trout in a small pool in Butte Creek, California declined 50%
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
51
-------
when upstream dredging filled in 25% of the pool volume (Harvey 1986). Following one year of
dredging activity on Gold Creek in Missoula County, Montana, all of the gravel at the dredged
area had moved downstream to fill in a downstream pool. Due to the creation of a pool at the
dredged site, there was no net loss of pool habitat in the stream (Thomas 1985). Additionally,
most pools and depositional piles are removed during subsequent winter/spring seasonal flows.
6.1.2.3 Sedimentation
Sediment discharges from suction dredges are sorted based on size, with coarser sediments
settling nearer to the dredge and finer sediments transported further downstream. Turbidity and
suspended sediment levels were measured to be two to three times higher than background levels
at 164 feet downstream from dredging operations (Stern 1988). Suction dredging generally
causes turbidities of between 15 and 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) immediately
downstream of the operation, with background levels returning between 164 and 525 feet
downstream and in some cases as short as 36 feet (Harvey 1986; Somer and Hassler 1992;
Thomas 1985, Griffith and Andrews 1981, Stern 1988, Prussian et al. 1999). The extent of the
turbidity plume can be influenced by the composition of the streambed. Dredging in streams
with higher proportions of fine materials will generate a more extensive turbidity plume (Harvey
et al. 1982, Harvey 1986). Studies have shown that suction dredging can elevate suspended
sediment concentrations up to 300-340 mg/L immediately downstream of the dredge with levels
decreasing to background within 524 feet (Stern 1988, Thomas 1985).
Stern (1988) monitored turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) at transects upstream and
downstream from dredging sites. At 164 feet below the dredge, turbidity and TSS levels were 2-
3 times higher than the upstream controls while at 328 feet below the dredge, turbidity and TSS
levels approached control values. Thomas (1985) characterized the suspended sediment plume
for suction dredge operations by monitoring TSS downstream from a suction dredge operation.
The study indicated that suspended sediment returned to ambient levels 99 feet from the suction
dredge. This study also determined that the majority of the suspended sediment was re-deposited
within 20-36 feet of the dredge operation site. Prussian et al. (1999) monitored suspended solids
and turbidity resulting from operations using 8-10 inch nozzles in the Fortymile River in eastern
Alaskan River. They found that a relatively narrow turbidity plume (7% of the river width) was
generated by a 10-inch suction dredge nozzle and the suspended solids concentration was
elevated up to 524 feet downstream from the dredge. Harvey et al. (1982) and Harvey (1986)
measured settleable solids and turbidity in three California Rivers from dredging activities. The
settleable solids and turbidity levels reduced to background levels within 100 feet downstream.
The study also noted that substrate type was very influential in determining which particles were
suspended. The disturbance of clay deposits increased turbidity whereas disturbance of sand and
gravel did not increase turbidity. Harvey (1986) found turbidity peaked at 50 NTU 16 feet
downstream from a dredging operation and returned to background levels within 264 feet
downstream. These studies demonstrate that effects of suction dredging on turbidity and
suspended sediment concentrations are limited to the area immediately downstream of the
operation for the duration of the dredging activity.
Sedimentation of habitat downstream from dredging activities can adversely impact the
microhabitats of bottom-oriented stream fish such as juvenile salmon because these fish rely on
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
52
-------
cover that can become embedded during dredging operations (Havey 1986). Hassler et al.
(1986) found that high densities of deposited sediment 33-52 feet below dredging sites markedly
reduced the amount of instream cover for juvenile salmonids due to fine sediment filling gravel
interstices and stream bottom roughness. Suttle et al. (2004) found that juvenile steelhead
growth in the south fork Eel River decreased steeply and almost linearly with increasing fine-
sediment concentration. Steelhead confined to channels with higher levels of sedimentation
experienced lower food availability than those in less embedded channels. At higher levels of
embeddedmess, fine sediments can fill spaces under and between coarse obbles, producing a flat
bed. As interstitial refuges and prey declined, steelhead spent less time sheltering behind or
under cobbles and more time actively swimming.
A number of BMPs are included in the suction dredge permit to minimize these potential
impacts. The permit requires that dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of
locations where fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging
occurs. In addition, suction dredge operations must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail of
pools where operations result in fine sediment discharging onto gravel bars. Finally the permit
requires avoidance of dredging concentrated silt and clay that would result in a significant
increase in turbidity by moving to a new location or reducing the volume and turbidity of
effluent discharge by limiting operation speed of the suction dredge. These best management
practices outlined in the general permit for Idaho small placer miners should minimize potential
adverse effects to salmonids due to sedimentation and suspended sediment.
6.1.2.4 Loss of Woody Debris and Large Boulders
Coarse woody debris and large boulders increase flow complexity and water retentionin streams,
and when water flow is backed up due to coarse woody debris, pools may form, which are an
important habitat for many species of fish (Mcintosh et al. 2000). Woody debris is also an
important energy source for benthic invertebrates (Anderson et al. 1978, Bisson et al. 1987).
Benthic invertebrates are an important food source for juvenile salmonids (Mundie 1974).
Woody debris provides cover for adult salmonids (Bjornn and Reiser 1991) and low gradient
sediment deposits upstream of debris accumulation can provide suitable spawning substrate in
sediment-poor drainages (Everest and Meehan 1981). Removal of coarse woody debris or
boulders from a river can have substantial impacts on the stream environment, including
redistribution of sediment and changes in stream topography and changes in size and location of
pools to name a few. These changes in flow can alter the production of benthic invertebrates and
the survival and development of developing fish embryos (Bilski 2008, Merz et al. 2006).
The permit prohibits the use of motorized equipment to move boulders, logs or other natural
obstructions. This should ensure that important habitat for aquatic organisms, which includes
large woody debris or large boulders will not be altered. This BMP will minimize potential
adverse effects to benthic invertebrates and fish from the potential loss or change of habitat due
to movement or elimination of woody debris or boulders.
Biological Evaluation
53
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
6.1.2.5 Behavioral Responses
Observations in a number of studies have shown fish behavioral responses to noises and
vibrations generated by dredging. Feeding behavior can be affected as juvenile salmonids have
been observed feeding on entrained organisms at dredge outfalls (Thomas 1985, Hassler et al.
1986). Temporary dredge piles spanning a substantial portion of the stream width could affect
normal feeding and escapement behavior of fish. Deeper areas or pools created by dredges may
be occupied by fish as habitat once dredging is completed (Harvey and Lisle 1998). Hassler et
al. (1986) observed spring-run Chinook and summer-run steelhead adults holding within 164 feet
of active dredges, but speculated that dredging may have inhibited upstream movement by fish.
Stern (1988) observed that suction dredging did not appear to influence the behavior of adult
spring-run salmonids in their holding habitat.
While there is the potential for behavioral changes due to suction dredging operations, significant
adverse impacts have not been shown from these behavioral changes. Studies have demonstrated
that salmonids remained in their holding habitat when suction dredging occurred near their
habitat. In some instances, behavioral changes from suction dredging operations can be
beneficial to the species, as fish may be able to occupy pools created by suction dredging or may
use the entrained benthic invertebrates in the effluent of the suction dredge operation as a food
source. BMPs included within the permit to limit potential effects on behavior of fish. The
permit requires that dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of locations where
fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs. Suction
dredges shall not operate within 800 feet of another suction dredging operation occurring
simultaneously or a location where it is apparent that another operation has taken place within
the past month. Limiting the simultaneous operation of suction dredges will minimize the noise
and vibration during suction dredging.
6.1.2.6 Suspended Sediment
High concentrations of suspended sediment can alter survival, growth and behavior of aquatic
species. Indirect effects include reduction of light input and occlusion of gravel interstices for
hiding places and food. Direct effects include abrading or clogging delicate membranes, skin
irritation and abrasions, and facilitation of infections. Suspended sediments can cause direct
damage to gills, reduced growth rates due to limited vision in turbid waters altering the ability to
find prey, lowered growth rate due to reduced instream production of food organisms due to fine
sediment deposition and potentially reduced light penetration, and a reduction in carrying
capacity due to channel morphology changes (Roelofs 1983). Impacts due to suspended
sediment can increase with longer exposure time, smaller sediment particle size, temperature
extremes and higher organic content of the sediment (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991, Servizi
and Martens 1987, Servizi and Martens 1991, McLeay et al. 1987). Elevated suspended
sediment may reduce reactive distance of salmonids to drifting prey (Barrett et al. 1992) and prey
capture success (Berg and Northcote 1985). This effect may be offset by the fact that the
sediment plume may contain entrained invertebrates as a result of dredging.
Growth rates of steelhead and coho salmon in laboratory channels were higher and their
emigration rates lower in clear water than in turbid water (22-286 NTU) after 11-21 days (Sigler
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
54
-------
et al. 1984). Juvenile Chinook salmon spend more time foraging in water of moderate turbidity
(20-25 NTU) than in clearer water (Gregory 1993). Brook trout are also more active and spend
less time near cover in moderately turbid water than in clear water (Gradall and Swenson 1982).
Coho salmon do not avoid turbidities as high as 70 NTU, but move into turbid water when
frightened (Glisson and Bilby 1982). Sigler et al. (1984) analyzed the effect of chronic turbidity
on feeding of 30-65 mm long steelhead and coho salmon. Fish subjected to continuous clay
turbidities grew less well than those living in clear water, and more of them emigrated from
channels during the experiment. For salmon, suspended solids usually cause greater stress for
earlier life stages than for adults. Therefore, increased suspended sediment loads can negatively
impact eh quality and quantity of production if they coincide with the emergence and rearing of
young salmonids (Sigler et al. 1984). While extremely high levels of sediment can be very
harmful or lethal, these concentrations of suspended sediment are probably rarely produced by
small suction dredging and fish can usually avoid these higher concentrations (Harvey 1986).
Thomas (1985) and Harvey (1986) concluded that in streams where dredges operate at low
density, suspended sediment is not a significant concern because effects are highly localized and
readily avoided by mobile organisms.
Suction dredging typically produces turbidities no higher than 50 NTU immediately downstream
of the operation with suspended sediment levels returning to background within 500 feet
downstream of the operation. The State of Idaho has established a WQS for turbidity and it shall
not exceed background turbidity by more than 50 NTU instantaneously or more than 25 NTU for
more than 10 consecutive days. The general permit also requires the following effluent limit for
turbidity in that a visual increase in turbidity above background turbidity 500 feet downstream of
the suction dredge during operations is considered a violation of the permit. BMPs have been
included in the general permit to minimize the potential for turbidity. Suction dredges shall not
operate within 800 feet of another suction dredging operation occurring simultaneously or a
location where it is apparent that another operation has taken place within the past month. The
permit requires that dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of locations where
fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs. In
addition, suction dredge operations must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail of pools where
operations result in fine sediment discharging onto gravel bars. Finally the permit requires
avoidance of dredging concentrated silt and clay that would result in a significant increase in
turbidity by moving to a new location or reducing the volume and turbidity of effluent discharge
by limiting operation speed of the suction dredge. Adverse effects to fish general occur at
concentrations of suspended sediment that are higher than those seen during small suction
dredging operations. These best management practices outlined in the general permit for Idaho
small placer miners should minimize potential adverse effects to aquatic species due to
suspended sediment.
6.1.3 Effects to Snail Species
There are not many studies looking at the effects of small suction dredging operations on snail
species. One direct effect to benthic invertebrates by suction dredge operations can be
destruction of the benthic environment in which they reside. In general, benthic invertebrates
rapidly re-colonize small patches of new or disturbed substrate in streams (Mackay 1992).
Griffith and Andrews (1981) studied the effects of a small suction dredge on fishes and
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
55
-------
invertebrates in Idaho streams and found most of the recolonization of dredged plots were
completed by benthic invertebrates after 38 days. In a study of dredging effects in an Alaskan
stream, Royer et al. (1999) found that density of benthic invertebrates was reduced in the first 32
feet downstream of dredging with density returning to upstream composition within 260-520 feet
downstream of the activity. Since most of the snail species discussed in this biological
evaluation prefer habitats on rocks and cobble, they may be adversely impacted with fine
sediment covering these rocks and making grazing on algae more difficult. Snails and benthic
invertebrates may also become entrained during the suction dredge operation. Griffith and
Andrews (1981) found mortality rates of entrained benthic macroinvertebrates varied by species
but were generally low, usually less than one percent of over 3,600 individuals. Again, since the
species of listed snails in this biological evaluation prefer habitats on rocks and cobble, they will
be less likely to become entrained in the suction dredge operations.
BMPs within the permit that will limit potential adverse effects on the listed snail species.
Suction dredge operations must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail of pools where operations
result in fine sediment discharging onto gravel bars. The permit requires avoidance of dredging
concentrated silt and clay that would result in a significant increase in turbidity by moving to a
new location or reducing the volume and turbidity of effluent discharge by limiting operation
speed of the suction dredge. Suction dredges shall not operate within 800 feet of another suction
dredging operation occurring simultaneously or a location where it is apparent that another
operation has taken place within the past month. Many of the listed snail species covered by this
biological evaluation occur in locations like nature preserves and hot springs which are areas in
which small suction dredging is not allowed or areas where suction dredging is not expected to
occur based on previous permit requests. The above factors should minimize potential effects to
the listed snail species from small suction dredge operations.
6.2 Effects Determination
This section provides impact analysis for the 12 ESA-listed species considered in this BE.
6.2.1 Banbury Springs Lanx
The proposed activities associated with the corresponding permit are not likely to impact the
Banbury springs lanx. Although it may occur in other places, the three areas where it has been
found are protected (TNC Nature Preserves and State Nature Preserves), and suction dredging is
not permitted. Additionally, BMPs within the permit should minimize potential adverse effects
to listed snails. Due to the fact that listed Banbury Spring lanx do not reside in areas used for
dredging and BMPs will minimize sediment effects to the snail habitat, the small placer miner
permit should result in insignificant effects to the listed snails. Therefore, EPA has determined
that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer miners may affect, but is not likely to
adversely affect the Banbury Springs Lanx.
6.2.2 Bliss Rapids Snail
Although the Bliss Rapids snail may occur in other places, most areas where the Bliss Rapids
snail has been found are protected (TNC Nature Preserves and State Nature Preserves), and
suction dredging is not permitted. Additionally, BMPs within the permit should minimize
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
56
-------
potential adverse effects to listed snails. Due to the fact that listed Bliss Rapids snails do not
reside in areas used for dredging and BMPs will minimize sediment effects to the snail habitat,
the small placer miner permit should result in insignificant effects to the listed snails).
Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer miners
may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Bliss Rapids snail.
6.2.3 Bruneau Hot Springsnail
The Bruneau hot springsnail is found only in the warm springflows of Hot Creek and 128 small,
flowing thermal springs and seeps along an approximately 5.3 mile length of the Bruneau River
in southwestern Idaho. These spring sites are located primarily above the high-water mark of the
Bruneau River, and therefore, the Burneau hot springsnail would be unlikely to occur in areas
where impacts from suction dredging occurs. Additionally, BMPs within the permit should
minimize potential adverse effects to listed snails. Due to the fact that listed Bruneau hot
springnail do not reside in areas used for dredging and BMPs will minimize sediment effects to
the snail habitat, the small placer miner permit should result in insignificant effects to the listed
snails. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer
miners may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Bruneau hot springsnail.
6.2.4 Bull Trout
Suction dredges can result in adverse effects to bull trout populations. Bull trout spawn in gravel
areas of streams from September into December and their eggs and fry remain in the gravel
during winter. Incubation of bull trout eggs also occur over a longer period than other species
and their young have an extended period of residency in spawning gravels - 200 days as opposed
to about 60 days for other trout.
Direct effects to trout spawning occur when the spawning gravels themselves are disturbed and
the eggs and fry are either crushed or exposed to predators. Dredging may also adversely affect
fish eggs and fry by disturbing the fine sand and silt in the stream which is carried down stream
and blankets the spawning areas suffocating eggs and fry.
However, due to the potential for adverse effects to spawning as well as eggs and fry, dredging
and discharging are prohibited within 500 ft. of locations where fish are spawning or fish eggs or
alevins are known to exist at the time of dredging. Because the different species of fish spawn at
different times, some streams have fish eggs or fry in the gravel during every month of the year.
Additional BMPs are required for operating recreational suction dredges to prevent damaging
fish populations and were discussed in sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. Some of these include:
1. Do not operate in the gravel bar areas at the tails of pools. This is the area preferred by trout
and salmon for spawning.
2. Do not operate in such a way that fine sediment from the dredge discharge blankets gravel
bars.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
57
-------
3. Do not change the stream channel in such a way that the current is directed into the bank
causing erosion or destruction of the natural form of the channel.
The best areas for locating gold which are not likely to affect aquatic life are around boulders
near the upstream end of pools where the current first starts to slow, in seams and pockets in
exposed bedrock and around midstream boulders or on the inside of a river bed at or near the
head of a gravel bar where the larger materials have accumulated.
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, potential effects for the bull trout should be insignificant.
Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer miners
may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the bull trout.
6.2.5 Fall Chinook Salmon
Suction dredges can result in adverse effects to Chinook populations. Salmon spawn in gravel
and cobblestones up to 3-4 inches in diameter. The preferred site is a gravel bar at the tail or side
of pools covered by 6 to 12 inches of smoothly flowing water. Fall Chinook salmon spawn in
October and November. Their eggs and fry remain in the gravel until the following spring.
Direct effects to salmon spawning occur when the spawning gravels themselves are disturbed
and the eggs and fry are either crushed or exposed to predators. Dredging may adversely affect
fish eggs and fry is by disturbing the fine sand and silt in the stream which is carried down
stream and blankets the spawning areas suffocating eggs and fry.
However, due to the potential for adverse effects to spawning as well as eggs and fry, dredging
and discharging are prohibited within 500 ft. of locations where fish are spawning or fish eggs or
alevins are known to exist at the time of dredging. Because the different species of fish spawn at
different times, some streams have fish eggs or fry in the gravel during every month of the year.
Additional BMPs are required for operating recreational suction dredges to prevent damaging
fish populations and were discussed in sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. Some of these include:
1. Do not operate in the gravel bar areas at the tails of pools. This is the area preferred by trout
and salmon for spawning.
2. Do not operate in such a way that fine sediment from the dredge discharge blankets gravel
bars.
3. Do not change the stream channel in such a way that the current is directed into the bank
causing erosion or destruction of the natural form of the channel.
The best areas for locating gold which are not likely to effect aquatic life are around boulders
near the upstream end of pools where the current first starts to slow, in seams and pockets in
exposed bedrock and around midstream boulders or on the inside of a river bed at or near the
head of a gravel bar where the larger materials have accumulated.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
58
-------
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, this permit should result in insignificant effects for the
fall Chinook salmon. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho
small placer miners may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the fall Chinook salmon.
6.2.6 Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon
Suction dredges can result in adverse effects to spring/summer Chinook populations. Salmon
spawn in gravel areas in Idaho streams in gravel and cobblestones up to 3-4 inches in diameter.
The preferred site is a gravel bar at the tail or side of pools covered by 6 to 12 inches of smoothly
flowing water. Spring/summer Chinook salmon spawn in August and September. Their eggs
and fry remain in the gravel until the following spring.
Direct effects to salmon spawning occur when the spawning gravels themselves are disturbed
and the eggs and fry are either crushed or exposed to predators. Dredging may also adversely
affect fish eggs and fry by disturbing the fine sand and silt in the stream which is carried down
stream and blankets the spawning areas suffocating eggs and fry.
However, due to the potential for adverse effects to spawning as well as eggs and fry, dredging
and discharging are prohibited within 500 ft. of locations where fish are spawning or fish eggs or
alevins are known to exist at the time of dredging. Because the different species of fish spawn at
different times, some streams have fish eggs or fry in the gravel during every month of the year.
Additional BMPs are required for operating recreational suction dredges to prevent damaging
fish populations and were discussed in section 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. Some of these BMPs include:
1. Do not operate in the gravel bar areas at the tails of pools. This is the area preferred by trout
and salmon for spawning.
2. Do not operate in such a way that fine sediment from the dredge discharge blankets gravel
bars.
3. Do not change the stream channel in such a way that the current is directed into the bank
causing erosion or destruction of the natural form of the channel.
The best areas for locating gold which are not likely to effect aquatic life are around boulders
near the upstream end of pools where the current first starts to slow, in seams and pockets in
exposed bedrock and around midstream boulders or on the inside of a river bed at or near the
head of a gravel bar where the larger materials have accumulated.
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, this permit should result in insignificant effects for the
spring/summer Chinook salmon. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit
for Idaho small placer miners may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the
spring/summer Chinook salmon.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
59
-------
6.2.7 Grizzly Bear
The proposed activities do not include removal of any terrestrial habitat, and therefore, all
potential grizzly bear habitat would remain intact, however, human presence may cause localized
displacement of the species. Prey species such as fish and waterfowl may be disturbed and
displaced by suction dredging activities, but the impacts would be localized. Indirect impacts to
prey species may occur if a large amount of suction dredging occurs upstream of habitat areas of
the prey species. However, BMPs should minimize potential impacts to fish species that may be
prey for grizzly bears.
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, this permit should result in insignificant effects for the
grizzly bear. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small
placer miners may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the grizzly bear.
6.2.8 Kootenai River White Sturgeon
The Kootenai River White Sturgeon is restricted to approximately 168 RM of the Kootenai River
with critical habitat in Boundary County, Idaho. The proposed activities associated with the
corresponding permit are not likely to impact the Kootenai River white sturgeon. The white
sturgeon usually broadcast their eggs in the spring over clean cobble at depths greater than 20ft.
Areas with these depths would not be used by small scale suction dredge placer mining.
Additionally, the Kootenai River is only open to small placer miners from July 15 to August 15,
which is several months past spawning season. Dredging and discharge are also prohibited
within 500 ft. of where fish are spawning or fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time of
dredging.
Due to the fact that the Kootenai River is closed during the spring when sturgeon spawn and
BMP prohibit dredging within 500 ft. of alevins that are known to be present, this permit should
result in insignificant effects for the Kootenai River White Sturgeon. Therefore, EPA has
determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer miners may affect, but is not
likely to adversely affect the Kootenai River White Sturgeon.
6.2.9 Snake River Physa Snail
The proposed activities associated with the corresponding permit are not likely to impact the
Snake River physa snail, although only two populations are believed to remain in the Hagerman
and King Hill reaches of the Snake River, with potentially a third colony located immediately
downstream of Minidoka Dam. Indirect impacts may occur if a large amount of suction
dredging occurs upstream of these areas, and/or BMPs are not followed, causing excess sediment
to float and settle downstream (Harvey and Lisle 1998).
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, this permit should minimize potential adverse effects
from sedimentation and result in insignificant effects for the Snake River physa snail. Therefore,
EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer miners may affect,
but is not likely to adversely affect the Snake River physa snail.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
60
-------
6.2.10 Sockeye Salmon
Suction dredges can result in adverse effects to sockeye salmon populations. Salmon spawn in
gravel areas in Idaho streams in gravel and cobblestones up to 3-4 inches in diameter. The
preferred site is a gravel bar at the tail or side of pools covered by 6 to 12 inches of smoothly
flowing water. Sockeye salmon spawn in late summer and autumn. Their eggs and fry remain in
the gravel until the following spring.
Direct effects to salmon spawning occur when the spawning gravels themselves are disturbed
and the eggs and fry are either crushed or exposed to predators. Dredging can also adversely
affect fish eggs and fry by disturbing the fine sand and silt in the stream which is carried down
stream and blankets the spawning areas suffocating eggs and fry.
However, due to the potential for adverse effects to spawning as well as eggs and fry, dredging
and discharging are prohibited within 500 ft. of locations where fish are spawning or fish eggs or
alevins are known to exist at the time of dredging. Because the different species of fish spawn at
different times, some streams have fish eggs or fry in the gravel during every month of the year.
Additional BMPs are required for operating recreational suction dredges to prevent damaging
fish populations and were discussed in sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. Some of the BMPs include:
1. Do not operate in the gravel bar areas at the tails of pools. This is the area preferred by trout
and salmon for spawning.
2. Do not operate in such a way that fine sediment from the dredge discharge blankets gravel
bars.
3. Do not change the stream channel in such a way that the current is directed into the bank
causing erosion or destruction of the natural form of the channel.
The best areas for locating gold which are not likely to effect aquatic life are around boulders
near the upstream end of pools where the current first starts to slow, in seams and pockets in
exposed bedrock and around midstream boulders or on the inside of a river bed at or near the
head of a gravel bar where the larger materials have accumulated.
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, this permit should result in insignificant effects for the
sockeye salmon. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small
placer miners may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the sockeye salmon.
6.2.11 Steelhead
Suction dredges can result in adverse effects to steelhead populations. Salmon spawn in gravel
areas in Idaho streams in gravel and cobblestones up to 3-4 inches in diameter. The preferred
site is a gravel bar at the tail or side of pools covered by 6 to 12 inches of smoothly flowing
water. Snake River steelhead spawn in March through May. Their eggs incubate in nesting
gravel (redds) for up to four months before hatching as alevins.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
61
-------
Direct effects to steelhead spawning occur when the spawning gravels themselves are disturbed
and the eggs and fry are either crushed or exposed to predators. Dredging may also adversely
affect fish eggs and fry is by disturbing the fine sand and silt in the stream which is carried down
stream and blankets the spawning areas suffocating eggs and fry.
However, due to the potential for adverse effects to spawning as well as eggs and fry, dredging
and discharging are prohibited within 500 ft. of locations where fish are spawning or fish eggs or
alevins are known to exist at the time of dredging. Because the different species of fish spawn at
different times, some streams have fish eggs or fry in the gravel during every month of the year.
Additional BMPs are required for operating recreational suction dredges to prevent damaging
fish populations and were discussed in sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. Some of the BMPs include:
1. Do not operate in the gravel bar areas at the tails of pools. This is the area preferred by trout
and salmon for spawning.
2. Do not operate in such a way that fine sediment from the dredge discharge blankets gravel
bars.
3. Do not change the stream channel in such a way that the current is directed into the bank
causing erosion or destruction of the natural form of the channel.
The best areas for locating gold which are not likely to effect aquatic life are around boulders
near the upstream end of pools where the current first starts to slow, in seams and pockets in
exposed bedrock and around midstream boulders or on the inside of a river bed at or near the
head of a gravel bar where the larger materials have accumulated.
If the above BMPs and requirements of the permit are followed by small suction dredge mining
operators in permitted waters of Idaho, this permit should result in insignificant effects for
steelhead. Therefore, EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer
miners may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the steelhead salmon.
6.2.12 Utah Valvata Snail
Utah valvata snails are found in areas with clean mud bottoms and submerged aquatic
vegetation, and avoid areas with pure gravel boulders, and therefore, would not be found in areas
typically mined by suction dredging. Additionally, BMPs within the permit should minimize
potential adverse effects to listed snails. Due to the fact that listed Utah valvata snails do not
reside in areas used for dredging and BMPs will minimize sediment effects to the snail habitat,
the small placer miner permit should result in insignificant effects to the listed snails. Therefore,
EPA has determined that the NPDES general permit for Idaho small placer miners may affect,
but is not likely to adversely affect the Utah valvata snail.
Biological Evaluation
62
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
6.3 Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts include the effects of future state, tribal, local, or private actions on ESA
listed species or their critical habitat that are reasonably certain to occur in the action area
considered in this BE.
Sport fishing and hunting, timber harvesting and restoration, mining and reclamation,
agriculture, recreation and tourism, and public works projects, are all activities that take place
throughout Idaho. Results of these activities include channelization, excess sedimentation, and
bank instability in rivers and streams.
Along with these activities, the cumulative impacts analysis considers the small scale suction
dredge placer mining that could occur during the next 5 years.
Fine sediment and turbidity increase temporarily immediately downstream of active dredges. In
those areas where small amounts of fine sediment are being worked and stream flows are high,
only small increases in turbidity would be detectable and the effects would be small and of short
duration. If large amounts of fine sediments are encountered and stream flows are low or
moderate, detectable increases in turbidity could occur at the site and could extend a hundred feet
or more downstream. In areas of concentrated suction dredging, the amount of fine sediment
deposition would be cumulative.
Cumulative impacts could occur from fuel, oil, and grease being spilled into the creeks and
affecting aquatic resources. However, these products would be stored in areas and used in ways
that minimize the opportunity for accidental spillage into the stream. Several conditions with
which operators must comply should prevent any such impacts.
6.4 Interdependent /Interrelated Actions
Interdependent actions are defined as actions with no independent use apart from the proposed
action. Interrelated actions are those that are a part of a larger action and depend upon the larger
action for justification.
EPA is proposing to issue a general NPDES permit for small scale suction dredge placer mining
in Idaho. The draft GP sets conditions on the discharge - or release - of pollutants for these
operations. The permit places limits on the types and amount of pollutants that can be
discharged to ensure the protection of water quality and human health. The ESA regulations
require any action agency to evaluate all interdependent actions (actions having no independent
utility apart from the proposed action) and interrelated actions (actions that are part of a larger
action and depend on the larger action for their justification). The federal regulations at 50 CFR
section 402.02 define an action as all activities or programs of any kind authorized, funded, or
carried out, in whole or in part, by federal agencies in the United States or upon the high seas.
Because this is an existing activity that EPA is proposing to authorize in a general permit and
there are no other federal actions associated with this activity, EPA believes that there are no
interdependent or interrelated actions to this action.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
63
-------
SECTION 7 CONSERVATION MEASURES
7.1 Best Management Practices
BMPs are measures that are intended to prevent or minimize the generation and the potential for
the release of pollutants from industrial facilities to the waters of the United States through
normal operations and ancillary activities. Pursuant to Section 402(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act,
development and implementation of BMP Plans may be included as a condition in NPDES
permits. Section 402(a)(1) authorizes EPA to include miscellaneous requirements that are
deemed necessary to carry out the provision of the Act in permits on a case-by case basis .
BMPs are required to control or abate the discharge of pollutants in accordance with 40 CFR §
122.44(k). The draft GP requires compliance with the following BMPs:
A. Dredging of concentrated silt and clay should be avoided.
The permittee shall use reasonable care to avoid dredging silt and clay materials that
would result in a significant increase in turbidity. Reasonable care includes moving the
dredge to a new location or reducing the volume of effluent discharge by limiting
operation speed of the suction dredge.
This practice will decrease the amount of fine material that will be released into the
water that could cause turbidity plumes in excess of the permitted distance.
B. If mercury is found during suction dredge operation, (i.e. mercury is collected in the sluice
box), the operator must:
1) Stop dredging immediately;
2) Contact the local regional office of IDEQ (see page 3 for contact information);
3) Keep the mercury collected, do not remobilize the collected mercury; and
4) Work with the appropriate regional office of IDEQ to dispose of the mercury properly.
Mercury was used in historic placer mining operations to amalgamate gold fines.
Elemental mercury may be present in stream beds and banks and if remobilized
can result in impacts to fish and other aquatic life. Placer miners encountering
mercury should take above steps to prevent mercury from reentering the water
body.
C. Suction dredges shall not operate within 800 feet of:
1) another suction dredging operation occurring simultaneously or,
2) a location where it is apparent that another operation has taken place within the past
month
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
64
-------
This practice should ensure that the mixing zone of a facility does not overlap
with that of another since 800 feet is the distance of a 500 foot mixing zone for
each operation plus a designated 300 foot buffer before the next suction dredge
would impact water quality.
D. Dredging and discharging are prohibited within 500 feet of locations where:
1) fish are spawning or
2) fish eggs or alevins are known to exist at the time dredging occurs
In addition: Suction dredge operation must not occur in gravel bar areas at the tail
of pools or where operations result in fine sediments discharging onto gravel bars.
This BMP is designed to minimize impacts to fish spawning and spawning habitat.
E. Suction dredge operation must not change the stream channel way that directs the flow of
water into a stream bank, which may cause bank erosion or destruction of the natural form of the
stream channel.
Under Section 101 of the Clean Water Act, EPA is required to restore and maintain the
chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters of the United States. Protection of
the physical integrity of waterbodies includes protection of habitat
F. Suction dredge operation that results in undercutting, littoral channeling, stream bank or beach
erosion, is prohibited.
This practice will ensure that erosion does not occur and that the finer sediments that
may be found in these areas do not cause turbidity problems in the receiving waters.
G. Damming or diversions within a stream channel are not authorized by this GP.
EPA cannot authorize dams or diversions under Section 402 of the CWA. These are
generally authorized under Section 404 of the CWA which is administered by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
H. Explosives, motorized winches or other motorized equipment to move boulders, logs, or other
natural obstructions are prohibited under this GP.
This practice should ensure that important habitat which includes large organic debris
and large boulders in these areas will not be destroyed.
I. Wheeled or tracked equipment used in-stream is prohibited while dredging is in progress.
This practice should minimize turbidity from sources other than the suction dredge.
J. Care shall be taken by the operator during refueling of equipment to prevent spillage.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
65
-------
Any spills shall be cleaned up using materials such as sorbent pads and booms.
All spills shall be reported immediately or as soon as practical to IDEQ and the National
Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
All chemical or petroleum products shall be stored in a safe and secure location at all
times. Fuel not stored and dispensed with an ANSO or UL approved safety container
must be maintained not less than 100 feet from the mean high water mark.
This practice will decrease the potential for contamination of surface water by petroleum
products.
Biological Evaluation
66
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
References
Anderson, N. H., J. R. Sedell & F. J. Triska, 1978. The role of aquatic invertebrates in processing
of wood in coniferous forest streams. Am. Midi. Nat. 100: 64-82.
Artyukhin, Y.K., A.D. Sukhoparova, andL.G. Fimukhira. 1978. The gonads of sturgeon,
Acipenser giildenstadti, in the littoral zone below the dam of the Volograd water
engineering system. Journal of Ichthyology 18:912-923.
Badali, P. 1988. More Pertinent Information for Suction Dredge Mining. State of Idaho
Department of Water Resources. Memo. February 3, 1988.
Barrett, J.C., G.D. Grossman, and J. Rosenfeld. 1992. Turbidity Induced Changes in Reactive
Distance of Rainbow Trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 121:437-43.
Beak Consultants. 1989. Limpet Survey in Two Sections of Box Canyon Creek, Gooding
County, Idaho. Prepared for Box Canyon Trout Company, Boise, Idaho.
Berg, L., and T G. Northcote. 1985. Changes in territorial, gill-flaring and feeding behavior in
juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) following short-term pulses of suspended
sediment. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 42:1,410-1,417.
Bilsksi, Robyn. 2008. The Effects of Structural Enhancement on Chinnok Salmon
(iOncorhynchus tshawytschd) Spawning Habitat. Masters thesis, Department of Biological
Sciences, California State University, Sacramento.
Bisson, et al. 1987. Large woody debris in forested streams in the Pacific Northwest: past
present, and future. In: Salo, E.O, and Cundy, T.W. (eds.). Streamside management:
forestry and fisheries interactions. University of Washington, Institute of Forest Resources,
Contribution No. 57. Seattle, Washington.
Bisson, P A., and R. E. Bilby. 1982. Avoidance of suspended sediment by juvenile coho salmon. N. Am.
J. Fish. Manage. 4:371-374.
Bjornn, T.C., D.W. Reiser. 1991. Habitat requirements of salmonids in streams. Pages 83-138 in
Influence of forest and range management on salmonid fishes and their habitats. American
Fisheries Society Special. Publication 19. Bethesda, MD.
Bjornn, T.C., D.R. Craddock, and D.R. Corley. 1968. Migration and survival of Redfish Lake,
Idaho, sockeye salmon, Oncorhvnchus nerka. Transactions of the American Fisheries
Society 97:360-373.
Brannon, E.L. 1965. The influence of physical factors on the development and weight of sockeye
salmon embryos and alevins. Int. Pac. Salmon Fish Comm., Progr. Rep. 12, 26 pp.
Conte, F. C, S. I. Doroshov, P. B. Lutes, E. M. Strange. 1988. Hatchery manual for the white
sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, with application to other North American
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
67
-------
Acipenseridae. Cooperative Extension, University of California, Division of Agriculture and
Natural Resources. Publication 3322.
Cooper, A.C. 1965. The effects of transported stream sediments on survival of sockeye and pink
salmon eggs and alevins. Int. Pac. Salmon Fish. Comm. Bull. No. 18.
Daykin P. 1965. Application of mass transport theory to the problem of respiration of fish eggs.
Journal of the fisheries Research Board of Canada. 22: 159-170
Dillon, R.T. Jr. 2000. The Ecology of Freshwater Molluscs. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, UK. 509 pp.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1999. Impact of suction dredging on water quality,
benthic habitat, and biota in the Fortymile River, Resurrection Creek, and Chatanika
River, Alaska. Prepared By: Aaron M. Prussian, Todd V. Royer, and G. Wayne Minshall
Department of Biological Sciences Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho. June 1999.
Everest, F.H., and W.R. Meehan. 1981. Forest Management and Anadromous Fish Habitat
Productivity. In Transactions of the 46th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources
Conference, pp. 521-530. Wildlife Management Institute, Washington, DC.
Frest, T.J. and E.J. Johannes. 1992. Distribution and Ecology of the Endemic Relict Mollusc
Fauna of Idaho TNC's Thousand Springs Preserve. Final Report to the Idaho Nature
Conservancy, Sun Valley, Idaho. 291 pp.
Gradall, K. S., and W. A. Swenson. 1982. Responses of brook trout and creek chub to turbidity.
Trans. Am. Fish. Soc._l 11:392-395.
Green D.M., Kaiser H., Sharbel T.F.,Kearsley J. & McAllister K.R. 1997. Cryptic species of
Spotted Frogs, Ranapretiosa complex, in western North America. Copeia 1997(1): 1-8.
Gregory, R. S. 1993. Effect of turbidity on the predator avoidance behavior of juvenile chinook
salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci._50:241-246.
Griffith, J.S. and D.A. Andrews. 1981. Effects of a Small Suction Dredge on Fishes and Aquatic
Invertebrates in Idaho Streams._North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 1(1):
21-28.
Harvey, B. C. 1986. Effects of suction gold dredging on fish and invertebrates in two
California streams. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage. 6:401-409.
Harvey, B. C. and T. E. Lisle. 1998. Effects of suction dredging on streams: a review and an
evaluation strategy. Fisheries. 23(8):8-17.
Harvey, B. C. and T. E. Lisle. 1999. Scour of Chinook Salmon Redds on Suction Dredge
Tailings. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage. 19: 613-617.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
68
-------
Harvey, B. C., and A. J. Stewart. 1991. Fish size and habitat depth relationships in headwater
streams. Oecologia. 87:336-342.
Harvey, B. C., K. McCleneghan, J. D. Linn, and C. L. Langley. 1982. Some physical and
biological effects of suction dredge mining. California Department of Fish and Game,
Environmental Services Branch, Laboratory Report No. 823. 20 pp.
Hassler, T J., W. L. Somer, and G. R. Stern. 1986. Impacts of suction dredge mining on
anadromous fish, invertebrates, and habitat in Canyon Creek, California. California
Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. Humboldt State University. Areata, CA.
Hausle, D. A., and D. W. Coble. 1976. Influence of sand in redds on survival and emergence of
brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 105:57-
63.
Hershler, R. 1994. A review of the North American freshwater snail genus Pyrgulopsis
(Hydrobiidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 554: 1-119.
Lewis, R. H. 1962. Results of gold suction dredge investigation. Memorandum of September 17,
1962. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, California, 7 pp.
Lysne, S.J. 2003. The life history and ecology of two endangered Snake River gastropods: Utah
valvata (Valvata utahensis; Call) and Idaho springsnail {Pyrgulopsis idahoensis: Pilsbry).
M.S. Thesis, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. 103 pp.
Mcintosh, B.A., Sedell, J.R., Thurow, R.F., Clarke, S.E., and Chandler, G.L. 2000. Historical
changes in pool habitats in the Columbia River basin. Ecol. Appl. 10: 1478-1496.
McLeay, D. J., I. K. Birtwell, G. E Hartman, and G. L. Ennis. 1987. Responses of arctic grayling
(Thymallus arcticus) to acute and prolonged exposure to Yukon placer mining sediment.
Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 44:658-673.
Merz, J. E., G. B. Pasternack, and J. M. Wheaton. 2006. Sediment budget for salmonid spawning
habitat rehabilitation in a regulated river, Geomorphology 76(1-2), 207-228.
Merz, J.E. 2001. Association of fall run chinook salmon redds with woody debris in the lower
Mokelumne River, California. California Fish and Game. 87(2): 51-60.
Mesick, C. 2009. 2004 and 2005 Phase II Studies. Knights Ferry Gravel Replenishment Project.
Produced for the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish and WildlifeService,
Stockton Fishery Resource Office, 4001 N. Wilson Way Stockton, California 95205. 43
pp.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
69
-------
Mladenka, G.C. 1992. The ecological life history of the Bruneau Hot Springs Snail (Pyrgulopsis
bruneauensis). Stream Ecology Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State
University, Pocatello, Idaho. Final Report to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Boise Field
Office. 116 pp.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. 2005. http://www.noaa.gov/. Accessed
December 7, 2005.
Newcombe, C. P, and D. D. MacDonald. 1991. Effects of suspended sediments on aquatic
ecosystems. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage. 11:72-82.
Nielsen, J. L., T. E. Lisle, and V Ozaki. 1994. Thermally stratified pools and their use by
steelhead in northern California streams. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 123:613-626.
North, A. P. 1993. A Review of the regulations and literature regarding the environmental
impacts of suction gold dredges. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10,
Alaska Operations Office.
Paragamian, V.I., G. Kruse, and V. Wakkinen. 1997. Kootenai River White Sturgeon
Investigations. Annual Progress Report FY 1996. Prepared for U.S. Department of
Energy, Bonneville Power Administration. Contract No. DE-AI79-88BP93497; Project
No. 88-65. Portland, Oregon.
PFMC (Pacific Fishery Management Council). 1998. Groundfish Fisheries Management Plan.
Portland, OR.
Pacific Fishery Management Council. 1998. The Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management
Plan. Portland, OR.
Pacific Fishery Management Council. 1999. Salmon Fishery Management Plan, Amendment
14. Portland, OR.
Prussian, A., T. Royer, and W. Minshall. 1999. Impact of suction dredging on water quality,
benthic habitat, and biota in the Fortymile River, Resurrection Creek, and Chatanika River,
Alaska. Prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Redding, J. M., C. B. Schreck, and EH. Everest. 1987. Physiological effects on coho salmon_and
steelhead of exposure to suspended sediment. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 116: 737-744.
Robinson, C.T., G.W. Minshall, and K. Sant. 1992. Bruneau Hot Springs Snail. Annual
Monitoring Report to Bureau of Land Management. 17 pp.
Royer, T., A. Prussian, G.W. Minshall. 1999. Impact of suction dredging on water quality,
benthic habitat, and biota in the Fortymile River and Resurrection Creek, Alaska. Final.
April.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
70
-------
Servizi, J. A., and D. W. Martens. 1987. Some effects of suspended Fraser River sediments on
sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Pages 254-264 in H. D. Smith, L. Margolis and C.
C. Wood, eds. Sockeye salmon population biology and future management. Canadian
Special Publications in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 96. Ottawa, Canada.
Servizi, J. A., and D. W. Martens. 1991. Effect of temperature, season, and fish size on acute
lethality of suspended sediment to coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Can. J. Fish.
Aquat. Sci. 48:493-497.
Shumway, D.L., C.E. Warren, P. Doudoroff 1964. Influence of oxygen concentration and water
movement on the growth of steelhead trout and coho salmon embryos. Transactions of the
American Fisheries Society. 93: 342-356.
Sigler, J. W., T C. Bjornn, and E H. Everest. 1984. Effects of chronic turbidity on density and
growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc._113:142-150.
Silver, S.J., C.E. Warren, P. Doudoroff. 1963. Dissolved oxygen requirements of developing
steelhead trout and Chinook salmon embryos at different water velocities. Transactions of
the American Fisheries Society. 92(4):327-343.
Somer, W. L., and T. J. Hassler. 1992. Effects of suction dredge gold mining on benthic
invertebrates in a northern California stream. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage._12:244-252.
Spence, et al. 1996. An Ecosystem Approach to Salmonid Conservation. TR-4501-96-6057.
Stern, G. R. 1988. Effects of suction dredge mining on anadromous salmonid habitat in Canyon
Creek, Trinity County, California. M.S. Thesis, Humboldt State University, Areata,
California, 80 pp.
Suttle, K., M.E. Power, J.M. Levine, and C. McNeely. 2004. How fine sediment in river beds
impairs growth and survival of juvenile salmonids. Ecological Applications. 14(4): 969-74.
Thomas, V G. 1985. Experimentally determined impacts of a small, suction gold dredge on a
Montana stream. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage. 5:480-488.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1999. Recovery Plan for the White Sturgeon
(Acipenser transmontanus): Kootenai River Population. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Portland, Oregon. 96 pp. plus appendices.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1995. Snake River Aquatic Species Recovery Plan.
Snake River Basin Office, Ecological Services, Boise, Idaho. 92 pp.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2005a. 50 CFR Parts 223 and 224, Endangered and
Threatened Species: Final Listing Determinations for 16 ESUs of West Coast Salmon, and
Final 4(d) Protective Regulations for Threatened Salmonid ESUs. June 28, 2005.
Biological Evaluation Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
71
-------
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2005b. 50 CFRPart 17, Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Bull Trout; Final Rule. September
26, 2005.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2009. Grizzly Bear Recovery Home Page. Accessed
by J. Zodrow U.S. EPA on 9/1/09, available at: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-
prairie/species/mammals/grizzly/yellowstone.htm
USFWS and NMFS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service).
1998. Endangered Species Consultation Handbook. Procedures for conducting
consultation and conference activities under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
USFWS and NMFS.
Vaux, W.F., 1962, Interchange of stream and intragravel water in a salmon spawning riffle: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Special Scientific Report Fisheries, no. 405, lip.
Wheaton, J.M., G.B. Pasternack, and J.E. Merz. 2004. Use of habitat heterogeneity in salmonid
spawning habitat rehabilitation Design. Fifth International Symposium on Ecohydraulics.
Aquatic Habitats: Analysis & Restoration. Madrid, Spain.
Biological Evaluation
72
Small Suction Dredge Placer Mining in Idaho
General Permit
-------
Appendix A: List of Potential Permittees
WatebID
StatelDNumber
Waterbody
SpecificLocation
OperatingSeason
330
1705
All Area
All Areas that Have Clamis of GPAA When open for Mining
1/1 -12/31/08
817
2006
All Lawfull Locations
All Lawfull Locations
1MM
816
2005
All Listed
All Lawful Locations
1MM
476
1729
All Open
All Open Streams in Idaho
Open to Closed
473
1732
All Open
All Open Streams in Idaho
Open to Closed
475
1730
All Open
All Open Streams in Idaho
Open to Closed
474
1731
All Open
All Stream Open in Idaho
Open to Closed
55
1567
All Open Waters
Idaho
All Year Around
668
1883
All Open Waters
All Open Waters
71
1566
All Open Waters
All Open water in State of Idaho
All Open dates Year Round
591
1853
All Open Waters of State
All Open Waters of State
Summer 2008
470
1738
American River/ Red
River, Confluence of
PI 359 Power Site Withdrawal; Confluence of American River/
Red River South of Fork Section 33 350 ft from confl.
7/25-8/15
657
1895
Atlanta
Not Reported
Jun - Nov
814
2003
Atlanta
2 Miles West of Atlanta Middle Fork Boise River
Jul 1 - Sept 30
351
1653
Bear Cr
150' from Mouth of Bear Creek
5/08 - 9/08
990
2016
Bear Gulch Cr
Upstream on Prichard Crto Bear Gulch left 1 Mile to Claim
8/20-10/20
736
1905
Beaver Cr
Trail Cr, Potosi Arm of Cr above Delta
Jan 1 - Dec 31
33
1635
Beaver Cr
Various locations below Delta
751
1843
Beaver Cr
Above Delta on Unclaimed Area
Jul 15
569
1767
Beaver Cr
FSR #933
Ditto
563
1788
Beaver Cr
Bedrock Gulch Club Claims
Summer/Fall
73
1529
Beaver Cr & Tribs
Not Reported
Entire Year
24
1660
Bednock Gulch
NWGPA Claim, Prichard Cr & Tribs
Apr 11, 2008-Mar 31, 2009
176
1679
Bepuer Cr?
On various claims owned by Friba 5?(illegible)
May to Jul
347
1686
Black Warrior Cr
Not Reported
7/5 - 8/30
421
1771
Blackfoot River
T35 to Trail Cr Bridge
Jul to Oct
-------
1955
1796
2072
1783
1666
1666
" 2011
1847
1815
2048
2009
1846
1829
1605
1688
2008
1864
2028
1976
1815
1972
1602
1704
1886
1494
2012
1881
2027
" 2061
Blackfoot River
Graves Cr Crossroad Area
Boise Basin
Boise Basin
Boise Basin
Grimes Creek, Mores Creek, Other Idaho City, South of
Centerville, Placeville
Boise Basin
Not Reported
Boise Drainage
Grimes Creek
Boise Drainage
Middle Fork Boise River
Boise R Drainage
Not Reported
Boise River
East to GPAA Claims
Boise River
Grimes Creek
Boise River
North Fk Where Open Unknown
Boise River
Grimes Cr & Tribs
Boise River
East to GPAA Claims
Boise River
Below Highway Bridge
Boise River
Below Star
Boise River
Idaho City
Boise River
M Fk of Boise River, Mile Marker 28
Boise River
Just below Cenntenial Park or Just below Notice Bridge
Boise River
Below Star Bridge
Boise River
Near Confluence with Snake? Lower End
Boise River
Middle Fork
Boise River
Sourth of Bridge
Boise River
Stream Bed Boise River Drainage
Boise River
South Fork Boise River Pine
Boise River
Drainage - Center
Boise River
Below Star Hway Bridge
Boise River
Not Reported
Boise River
Grimes Creek
Boise River
Below Star Bridge
Boise River
Barber Park Area
-------
978
2059
Boise River
Barber Park Area
9/14/08-12/31/08
1012
2079
Boise River
Below Star Bridge
1/1 to 12/31
974
2060
Boise River
Barber Park Area
9/4/08-12/31/08
806
1996
Boise River
(illegible) Cr
Jul 24 - Oct 30
195
1521
Boise River
South Fork Boise River Pine
Jan 1 to Dec 31
531
1808
Boise River
South of Bridge
5/28-12/31/08
834
1949
Boise River
Black Warrior Creek, Mile Marker 67, 12 Miles South of Atlanta
Jul 1 - Sept 30
836
1950
Boise River
Black Warrior Creek. Mile Marker 67, 12 Miles below Atlanta, ID,
South Side of Boise River
Jul 1 - Sept 30, 2008
534
1806
Boise River
Below Star Bridge
5/2/-12/31/08
123
1588
Boise River & Trib
MP 126 & Eagle Creek
Jul 1 to Sept 30
357
1757
Boise River Basin & Tribs
Lsland Claim and Other Club Claims
Summer - Fall, 2008
356
1757
Boise River Basin & Tribs
Lsland Claim and Other Club Claims
Summer - Fall, 2008
354
1758
Boise River Basin & Tribs
Idaho Claim & Other Club Claims
Summer - Fall, 2008
353
1758
Boise River Basin & Tribs
Idaho Claim & Other Club Claims
Summer - Fall, 2008
328
1705
Boise River below Stream
At Parma Area at DOE Millerhouse; T2N R10E SEC 8
1/1 - 12/31/08
624
1831
Boise River Drainage
Mores Cr - Idaho City
Last Week July, 2008
320
1711
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Creek & Tribs
Jun 15 - Oct 15
323
1710
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Creek & Tribs
Jun 15 - Oct 15
856
1985
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Cr & Tribs
Jan 1 - Dec 31
326
1709
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Creek & Tribs
Jun 15 - Oct 15
325
1709
Boise River Drainage
Middle Fork Boise River
Jul 1 - Sept 30
155
1662
Boise River Drainage
All open area. Grimes Creek, Centervill
Jan 1 to Dec 31
874
1975
Boise River Drainage
Boise River Drainage
When Open, Mid July -
December
322
1710
Boise River Drainage
Middle Fork Boise River
Jul 1 - Sept 30
857
1985
Boise River Drainage
Granite Cr
Jul 1 - Sept 30
-------
1711
1509
1831
1831
1818
1770
1781
1661
1663
1782
1985
1791
2040
1554
1515
1866
1568
1966
1581
1513
1644
1721
1498
2009
1922
1923
Boise River Drainage
Middle Fork Boise River
Boise River Drainage
North Fork of Boise River
Boise River Drainage
Middle Fk below Mt.Lantic?
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Cr - 2 Miles off Hwy 95
Boise River Drainage
All Rivers, Creeks' Tribs Open to Recreational Dredge
Boise River Drainage
1 Mile from Pioneerville (Same Location)
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Creek, Miss Lucy, Grimes Creek MDU, Paymaster
Goldern Rule, China Wine, Idaho Gold Prospectors Association
Claims
Boise River Drainage
All open area. Grimes Creek Centervill
Boise River Drainage
All open area. Grimes Cr, Centervill
Boise River Drainage
Grimes Creek, Miss Luicy, Grimes Creek MDU, Paymaster
Goldern Rule, China Wine, Idaho Gold Prospectors Association
Claims
Boise River Drainage
Bridge up Stream to Baker Gulch
Boise River Drainage
Middle Fork Boise River/ Grimes Creek
Boise River
M Fk
Above Ko???? River below North Fk Boise
Boise River
M Fk
3 Miles South of Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
Below Queens River Campground
Boise River
M Fk
Various Claims & Own Personal Claims
Boise River
M Fk
Below Confluence of Queen River
Boise River
M Fk
6 Mi South of Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
On my claim. ANY LEGAL WATER
Boise River
M Fk
Between Dutch Creek Ranger Station and Roaming River. T5N
R9E, Don Lookn? Claim
Boise River
M Fk
Private Claims
Boise River
M Fk
Below Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
SE Corner S34 T6N R9E 5200 ft SW
Boise River
M Fk
M Fk Mouth thru T5N R8E
Boise River
M Fk
Main Stream Channel & Gravel Bars
Boise River
M Fk
Main Stream Channel & Gravel Bars
-------
1570
1574
1921
1535
1925
1726
1943
1965
1553
1947
1550
1909
1987
1984
1516
1665
1551
1552
1668
" 2062
1907
2034
2035
1908
2041
2043
1689
1833
1720
2064
Boise River, M Fk
Boise gold GPAA Claim Middle Fork Boise River
2nd Week July & 1st Week
August
Boise River
M Fk
South Side of River
7/1 - 9/30
Boise River
M Fk
J&R 1,J&R2
Jul 1 - Sep 30
Boise River
M Fk
Boise Gold Claim (Appox2 Mi Dwon River from Queens River
Camp Ground)
3 das in July & 1 Wk in Aug.
Boise River
M Fk
Arrow Rock - Atlanta ID
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Boise River
M Fk
Weatherbee Landstrip
Aug 1 -Sept 31
Boise River
M Fk
8 Miles West of Atlanta
Jul 11. 2008
Boise River
M Fk
6 Mi South of Atlanta, Idaho
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Boise River
M Fk
3 Mile South of Atlanta
7/1/08-10/1/08
Boise River
M Fk
Not Reported
Jul 4 - Sept 30, 2008
Boise River
M Fk
Below Queens River Camp Ground
Jul 1 to Sept 3
Boise River
M Fk
Private Claim below Atlanta
Aug 08
Boise River
M Fk
Not Reported
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Boise River
M Fk
Arrow Rock T6N R10E SEC 27 BM
Jul 1 - Sept 30, 2008
Boise River
M Fk
Below Queens River Campground
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Boise River
M Fk
GPS 43*49'25.1"N (West End at Road) 115*15'28.7"W
7/1 - 8/20
Boise River
M Fk
Boise Gold Claim. Just for Fun Claims
July - Sept
Boise River
M Fk
Boise Gold Claim, Just for Fun Claims
July - Sept
Boise River
M Fk
Atlanta GPAA Claim
Jul - Sept
Boise River
M Fk
Claim J & R #2 Area 8 Pinnfifirvillfi
Sept 11 - Dec 30
Boise River
M Fk
Below Confluence of Queen
July, Aug & Sept
Boise River
M Fk
Granite Cr (Atlanta)
Jul 1 - Sept 3
Boise River
M Fk
Granite Cr (Atlanta)
Jul 1 - Sept 1
Boise River
M Fk
Below Confluence of Queen
July, Aug & Sept
Boise River
M Fk
Boise Gold Claim T6N R10E SEC 27BM Boise N.F.
Unknown Jul - Sept
Boise River
M Fk
Mile below & above Phifer Cr/ MP 20 & 21
Aug 25 - Sept 10
Boise River
M Fk
Bois Gold T6N R10E SEC27 BM
7/1 - 8/31/08
Boise River
M Fk
Atlanta Airport
All Year
Boise River
M Fk
Below Atlanta
7/1 - 9/30/08
Boise River
M Fk
Claim PMGR #172880 and 29 Atlanta
Sept 11 - Dec 31
-------
1906
2063
2065
1856
" 2061
2060
2059
2058
1748
2055
1761
1813
1814
1816
2021
2022
1612
1899
1611
2019
1898
2032
2025
1565
1900
1587
1775
1614
Boise River
M Fk
Below Queens River Campground near Confluence Eagle Creek
Boise River
M Fk
Claim PMGR #172880 and 29 Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
Claim J & R #2 Area 8 Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
GPAA Claim by Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
Arrowrock Reservoir toward Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
Arrowrock Reservoir toward Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
Arrowrock Reservoir toward Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
20 Mi West of Atlanta, ID
Boise River
M Fk
Not Reported
Boise River
M Fk
Upper area of Middle Fork rear where Black Warrior Creek
comes in
Boise River
M Fk
Main Stream Channel and Gravel Bars
Boise River
M Fk
T5N R9E SEC 4 & 5
Boise River
M Fk
Atlanta Airport
Boise River
M Fk
Xxx? 186770.186782/Silver City Area. AU xxx? National Claims
Boise River
M Fk
Dutch Cr Ranger Station
Boise River
M Fk
T5N R9E
Boise River
M Fk
GPAA Claim T6N SEC 27 BM "Boise Gold"
Boise River
M Fk
Queens Placer Claims - Operating Bxxx?
Boise River
M Fk
GPAA Claim T6N R10E SEC27BM, Boise Gold
Boise River
M Fk
17M South of Atalanta
Boise River
M Fk
Queens Placer Claims Operating Bxxd? in place 5
Atlanta
10 from
Boise River
M Fk
8 miles to City of Crouch
Boise River
M Fk
Not Reported
Boise River
M Fk
Below Queens River Campground
Boise River
M Fk
Approx. 1.5 Mi Downstream from Atlanta
Boise River
M Fk
Mile Pts 126 & Eagle Creek
Boise River
M Fk
Deer Creek
Boise River, M Fk
Between Dutch Creek Ranger Station & Roaring River, T5N R9E
"Dun Lookn Claim"
-------
2033
1789
1705
1943
1603
1797
1508
1706
1881
1502
1488
1785
2041
1910
2023
1770
1897
1665
1762
" 1900
2009
1854
" 1970
" 1979
" 1970
1889
" 2007
Boise River, M Fk [typed
in Boise River instead
Pine ]
8 miles to City of Crouch
Boise River, S Fk
Not Reported
Boise River
S Fk
About 6 1/2 Mi N. Anderson R.R. When Open
Boise River
S Fk
2.5 Miles North of Pine
Boise River
S Fk
*Above line (S. Fork of Boise) also filed on seperate stream
alteration permit location closed. Dredging not allowed
Boise River
S Fk
GPAA Claim
Boise River
S Fk
Pine Bridge Area & above to 250 Yards
Boise River
S Fk
T29N R7E Sec 24 & 2
Boise River
S Fk
South Fork Boise
Boise River
S Fk
Above Pine Bridge
Boise River
S Fk
T2N R10ES5 IMC #174103
Boise River
S Fk
J&R #2 Miss Lucy
Boise River
S Fk
Thunder Dog Claim T2N R10E SEC8 BM BLM
Boise River
S Fk
Not Reported
Boise River
S Fk
Feathervile Area
Boise River
S Fk
(Run Both) 2 Miles South Queens River Campground
Boise River
S Fk
South Fork Boise River Pine
Boise River
S Fk
GPS 43* 31' 47.0"N (N-W Conner at Road) 115*18' 00"W
Boise River
S Fk
Atlanta Area
Boise River
S Fk
GPAA Claim at Dog Creek
Boise River
S Fk
Bear Cr
Boise River, S Fk
NW1/4 NW1/4 NW1/4 S8 T2N R10E (Thunder Dog Claim)
Boulder Cr
Boulder Cr (McCall Area), Idaho City
Boulder Cr
2 Miles W of Boulder Lake
Boulder Cr
Boulder Cr (McCall Area), Idaho City
Boundary River Drainage
or Boundary Creek
Drainage?
Bed of Stream
Boundry
At the Mouth
-------
1762
1804
1805
1493
1571
1486
1530
2059
" 2061
2060
1755
1529
1788
1884
1767
1868
1823
1824
1867
1763
1956
1744
1957
1750
1708
1691
1963
1660
1592
2001
1964
Bridge Cr
Owyhee River Drainage
May - Jul
Brown Cr
GPS 46* 18' 19.00" N 115* 45' 4.40" W T34N R6E SEC6.7 BM
August
Brown Cr
GPS 46* 18' 19.00" N 115* 45' 4.40" W T34N R6E SEC6.7 BM
August
Bruneau River
Below Hot Creek
7/1 -9/10
Bruneau River
1/4 Mile Upstream from Bruneau Res
Aug 10 - Sept 10
Butle Gulch
Lower End West Side Sec 36
Jun 1 thru Sept 31
Butte Cr
West 100' of B4MC Mining Claim SEC 36
Jun to Sept 31
Cascade Reservoir
West Mt Streams
9/14/08-12/31/08
Cascade Reservoir
West Mt Streams
9/8/08-12/31/08
Cascade River
West Mt Streams
9/4/08 - 12/31/08
Casper Cr Snowshoe &
Elk
Salmon River from Center of Creek to High Water Mxx?
Jan 1 - Oct 31 Weekends &
Occasion Times
CDA River & Tribs
Not Reported
7/15-8/15
Cinebar Cr
Club Claims
Summer/Fall
Cinnabar Cr
Below Water Mark in Cr
Jul 15-Aug 15, 08
Cinnadal?
FSR #620
Summer to Fall
Cleanwater River
750' at MP 23 1/2
Jul 1 thru Sept 30
Clearwater River
Six Mile Cr
Open Season
Clearwater River
Six Mile Cr
Open Season
Clearwater River
750' MP 325'
Jul 1 - Sept 15
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy ID
7/1 -9/15/08
Clearwater River
Not Reported
Jul 1 - Sept 15
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy, Hogs Island, 1/2 Mile above Cherry Lane Bridge
Clearwater River
Not Reported
Not Reported
Clearwater River
Mile #26 - 27, 3738 North Side of River
Legal Time
Clearwater River
46* 29' 59"N; 116*19' 49" W
Jul 1 - Sept 15
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy
Jul 1 - Sept 15
Clearwater River
Between M Maker 16-17
Jul 1 - Aug 15
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy
Jul 1 - Sept 15, 2008
Clearwater River
1/10 mile down streem from mile marker 34 Hwy 12 (See Map)
Jul 1 to Sept 15, 2008
Clearwater River
North & South Forks near Golden and Grangeville
Jul 26 till Sept 15
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy Area
Not Reported
-------
1807
1585
1592
1592
1681
2026
1495
1969
1572
1680
1538
1684
1889
1734
1544
1843
1676
1677
1561
1728
1699
1857
1562
1728
1858
1659
" 1670
1737
1855
Clearwater River
Town City Pardee
Clearwater River
Below Kooskia across River from Jolindas Restaurant
Clearwater River
1/10 mile down streem from mile marker 34 Hwy 12 (See Map)
Clearwater River
1/10 mile down streem from mile marker 34 Hwy 12 (See Map)
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy
Clearwater River
River Drainage North Fork
Clearwater River
Red Rock Outcropings
Clearwater River
Not Reported
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy
Clearwater River
Gibbs Eddy
Clearwater River
Orofino Cr above Orofino Cr Falls
Clearwater River
See Map #1
Clearwater River
Drainage
Bed of Stream, N Fk of Clearwater & Tribs below Kelly Cr
Clearwater River
N Fk
Upstream of Dworshak
Clearwater River
N Fk
Below Kelly Creek & Tribs
Clearwater River
N Fk
Within 2 Miles Main of Kelley Cr Confluence Downstream
Clearwater River
N Fk
masterFrench Cr or Orogrande Cr
Clearwater River
N Fk
Orogrande Cr & French Cr
Clearwater River
S Fk
MP39 & MP40
Clearwater River
S Fk
Mile Post #41 Area Around Dutch Oven Creek
Clearwater River
S Fk
Legget Creek South Fork Clearwater River
Clearwater River
S Fk
Dewey Mine Hole
Clearwater River
S Fk
MP 39 and MP40
Clearwater River
S Fk
Telephone Pie 4-57-7 Down River 0.6 of a Mile
Clearwater River
S Fk
Dewey Mine Hole
Clearwater River
S Fk
Same as last year between old sautam bridge and the Falls
Creek bridge in SEC 31 TWP 29N
Clearwater River
S Fk
Mile Maker 46 - See Pictures
Clearwater River
S Fk
PI 395 Power Site Withdrawal; Section 33, Confluence of
American and Red River South Fork Clearwater
Clearwater River
S Fk
Dewey Mine Hole
-------
1684
1676
1677
1658
1751
1604
1577
1579
1752
1580
1807
1777
1933
1823
1840
1824
1840
" 1777
1688
2066
1541
1842
1974
1799
1932
1924
1804
1805
Clearwater River
S Fk
See Map #2
Jul 25 to Aug 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Between mile marker 39 -42
Jul 25 - Sept 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Between Mile Marker 39 - 42
Jul 25 - Sept 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Same place as last year
Not Reported
Clearwater River
S Fk
Hwy 14 Mile Marker 40.5 Ol Center Star Bridge
Jul 25-Aug 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Between mile marker 39 & 42
Jul 25-Aug 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Township 29 Range 8E Section 29. Map attacehed used in past
years permits.
7/25-8/15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Dutch Oven #2 Claim (See attached description)
7/25 to 8/15/08
Clearwater River
S Fk
Hwy 14 Mile Maker 40.5 Ol Center Star Bridge
Jun 25 - Aug 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Dutch Oven #2 Claim (See attached description)
7/25 to 8/15/08
Clearwater River
S Fk
Map enclosed
7/25-8/15
Clearwater River
S Fk
#2 Near MP 38 on SH 14 Marked by 2 Red Posts
Jul 25-Aug 15
Clearwater River
S Fk
All
7/25-8/15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Miles Marker 39 to 42
Open Season
Clearwater River
S Fk
Telephone Pole 4-52-7 down River 6 of a Mile
7/25-8/15
Clearwater River
S Fk
Mile Makers 39 to 42
Open Season
Clearwater River
S Fk
Mile Post 41 Area around Dutch Oven Creeds
7/25-8/15
Clearwater River
S Fk
#1 Near MP 33 on SH 14 Marked by 2 Red Posts
Jul 25-Aug 15
Coeur d'Alene
Lewiston Area
5/1/08
Crimes Cr
Area 29 China Wine Cup Claim #172897, between Pioneerville &
Centerville
Year Around
Crimes Cr, Payette River
After turn off from Hiwy 21 - upstream?? I must go to BLM to find
out when and where I may dredge. (If it is open for dredging)
Hopefully a few times this
summer. Wish I could go
more.
Crossed Out
Crossed Out
Crossed Out
Crystal Cr
Discharging into Orogande Cr
Jul 1, 2008
Crystal Cr
Not Reported
Jul 1 - Aug 15
Danlee Cr
T35N R6E SEC 30
7/1 - 3/31
Dodge Cr
Down Rock Cr/SE 1/4 SEC 2T*N R5E Mouth of Cr
Jul 1 - Dec 1
Dunnigan Cr
GPS 43*44' 51,4"N 115*58' 7.60" W TN5 R4E SEC 27
August
Dunnigan Cr
GPS 43*44' 51,4"N 115*58' 7.60" W TN5 R4E SEC 27
August
-------
1755
1843
2066
1578
1768
1928
1894
1893
1548
1788
1635
1492
1673
1767
1504
1685
" 2057
1690
1615
2029
1981
1929
2038
1873
1960
1501
Eagle Cr
Salmon River from Center of Creek to High Water Mxx?
Jan 1 - Oct 31 Weekends &
Occasion Times
Eagle Cr
GPAA Claimed Area
Jul 15
Eagle Cr
Area 8 S Side Eagle Cr Claim J&R #2, Middle Fk, Boise River,
Atlanta
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Eagle Cr
Eagl Creek at End of Road Access (Coup Weekends at
Recreational)
Jan 1 to Dec 31
Eagle Cr
See Attachment (2) Claims Description
Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2008
Eagle Cr
Prichard/ Murray Area
Jul - Aug
Eagle Cr
Up Eagle Creek
Wk Ends Jul - Sept
Wk Ends Jul-Sept
Eagle Cr
Up Eagle Creek
Jul - Sept
Eagle Cr
Behind Rocks & in Bedrock Cracks
Mar 1 to Nov 1, 2008
Eagle Cr
East and West Fork on NWGPA Club Claims
Summer/Fall
Eagle Cr
Approx 1/2 Mi above Pritchard Creek
Jul 15 to Aug 15
Eagle Cr
E. Fork between Tobggan Creek and Oregon Creek
7/2008
Eagle Cr
Claims belong to Northwest Gold Prospectors Association
Snow melt to Snow Fall
Eagle Cr
Eagle City Park East West Fork
Diito
Eagle Cr & W. Eagle Cr
1.1 Mi up Eagle on Rd
Eagle Cr, E Fk
Not Reported
Eagle Cr, E Fk
6 Miles North of Murray
1/1/08-12/31/08
Eagle Cr, E Fk
Eagle Creek Drainage Sections 16, 17, 19, 20, 30; T50N RSE
Jun - Oct on limited basis
East Eagle Cr
Various locations within the Idaho National Forest operating
dates during open season 2008
Elk Cr
5 Miles from Idaho City
Jul 1 - Sept 30, 2008
Elk Cr
8 Miles Upstream from Idaho City
Aug 5 - Sept 3
Elk Cr
8 Miles up from Idaho City
Jul 1 to Sept 30
Elk Cr
Idaho City 4 Miles Upstream
Jul - Sept
Elk Cr
Above Eldorado Gulch
Jul 1 to Oct 1
Elk Cr
Lager Br, Rd up the Creek about 1 Mile
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Elk Cr
Above Idaho City T7N R6E S19, 1 /11 Sec SE
Jul 4-Jul 14,2008
-------
1507
1912
1506
1930
1839
2081
1935
1490
1911
1915
1493
1934
1936
1653
1653
1798
1787
1695
1543
1560
1594
1696
1963
1545
1974
1544
1499
1747
Elk Cr
Boarder Line between 7N6E SEC 19-20; 43*55.36.69" &
115*58.08.56"
Elk Cr
Above El Dorado
Elk Cr
Boarder Line between 7N6E SEC 19-20; 43*55.36.69" &
115*58.08.56"
Elk Cr
8 Miles up from Idaho City
Elk Cr
Claims "Dear 1", IMC #181254 and ECT
Elk Cr
Near Idaho City
Elk Cr
North of Eldorado Gulch
Elk Cr
Set 1 & 12
Elk Cr
Above El Dorado
Elk Cr
2 Miles from Deer Cr
Elk Cr
Above Floorwood? Gulch, T7N R6E S3.?NE..?
Elk Cr, Idaho City
Above Eldorado Gulch
Elk Cr, Idaho City
North of Eldorado Gulch
Elk Run Cr
150' from Mouth of Elk Run Creek
Emma Cr
150' from Mouth of Emma Creek
French & Oregande Cr
GPAA Claims Per Attached Maps
French & Orogande Cr
GPAA Claims Per Attached Maps
French Cr
At Twin Cabin Site Y East Fork of French Creek
French Cr
GPAA Claim - French Mt.
French Cr
Mile Marker 12-14
French Cr
250K Road to Blue Bell Gulch
French Cr
At Twin Cabin Site & East Fork of French Creek
French Cr
GPAA Claim Elk Spirit IMC 183091
French Cr
GPAA Claims
French Cr
Headwater 250 rd French Mta Saddle
French Cr
GPAA Claims
French Cr
Bank to Bank
French Cr
GPAA Claim Elk Spirit"IMC# 182091
-------
1743
1742
1740
1739
1741
1827
1575
1576
1660
1537
1816
1789
1748
1833
1897
1522
1814
1903
1835
1834
1691
1845
French Cr N Fk of
Cleanwater
Claim #194236 Twin Pine G Placer Claim E2, SE4, SE4, SW4 &
W2 SW4 SW4 SE4 of Section 7, T37N, R7E Clearwater County,
Idaho (10 Acres)
7/1/08 to 8/15/08
French Cr N Fk of
cleanwater
Claim #194236 Twin Pine G Placer Claim E2, SE4, SE4, SW4 &
W2 SW4 SW4 SE4 of Section 7, T37N, R7E Clearwater County,
Idaho (10 Acres)
7/1/08 to 8/15/08
French Cr N Fk of
Clearwater
Claim #194236 Twin Pine G Placer Claim E2, SE4, SE4, SW4 &
W2 SW4 SW4 SE4 of Section 7, T37N, R7E Clearwater County,
Idaho (10 Acres)
7/1/08-8/15/08
French Cr N Fk of
Clearwater
Claim #194236 Twin Pine G Placer Claim E2, SE4, SE4, SW4 &
W2 SW4 SW4 SE4 of Section 7, T37N, R7E Clearwater County,
Idaho (10 Acres)
7/1/08-8/15/08
French Cr N Fk of
Clearwater
Claim #194236 Twin Pine G Placer Claim E2, SE4, SE4, SW4 &
W2 SW4 SW4 SE4 of Section 7, T37N, R7E Clearwater County,
Idaho (10 Acres)
7/1/08-8/15/08
French Mt
T37N R6E SEC 23, 25, 26, 27 & 35
July 25, 2008
Ganite CrTribs
Idah Mining Claim # 192920. All areas of tributary
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Ganite CrTribs
Idaho mining Claim # 92920, All areas of tributary
Jul 1 to Sept 30
George Gulch
NWGPA Claim, Prichard Cr & Tribs
Apr 11, 2008-Mar 31, 2009
Gold Cr and Tribs
Specific location undetermind - Variable
Variable
Granit Cr
Hazel 1 IMC #194810 Granit Cr, Pilgrim Sec 9 T7N
Jun - Nov 08
Granit Cr
Not Reported
Weekends
Granite Cr
3 Mi Placerville
Jan 31 - Dec 31
Granite Cr
Placerville
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Granite Cr
Granite Creek
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Granite Cr
See attached Maps
Jul 1 - Sept 30, 2008
Granite Cr
Quartzberg
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Granite Cr
1 1/2 Miles out of Idaho City
6/29 - 7/30/2008
Granite Cr
Quatz Burg 1 Mile North of Placerville
Not Reported
Granite Cr
Qurtz Burg 1 Mi North of Placerville
6/6-9/15
Greer Gulch
Greer Gulch Placer Claim, NWGPA, Mussel Shell Mining District
May 15 - Dec 31
Grimes Cr
Moneerville Near Wuddy Creek
6/1 - 9/30
-------
2064
1833
2066
" 2051
2065
1810
2025
1793
1792
2074
" 2075
1789
" 2075
1801
2076
1801
" 2071
" 2079
2062
1862
1849
1810
1811
1759
2053
2054
1811
1854
1794
Grimes Cr
China Wine Cup #172879 Area 29 Pioneerville
Grimes Cr
6 Miles N of Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
Area 29 Paymaster Golden Rule (Miss Lucy) Claim 172880,
between Pioneerville & Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
Near Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup #172879 Area 29 Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
Miss Lucy IGPA Claim within 1 Mile of Pioneer Ville Buckskin Rd
Gr
mes Cr
Not Reported
Gr
mes Cr
3 Mi out of Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
3 Miles out of Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
From Mores Creek to Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
This Side MM4 on Grimes Creek toward Placeville
Gr
mes Cr
Township 5N Range 4E Section 27
Gr
mes Cr
1/7 Miles down Grives towards Placeville
Gr
mes Cr
Miss Lucy/ China Wine Cup
Gr
mes Cr
This Side of MM4 down Grimes toward Placeville
Gr
mes Cr
IGPA Claims 12 Mi out of xxx? Illegible
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine
Gr
mes Cr
Not Reported
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup #172879 Area 29 Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
Between Pioneer Ville and Hwy21
Gr
mes Cr
GPAA Claim Clear Creek Bridge
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup IGPA Claim
Grimes Cr
Wthin 1 Mile of Pioneer Ville Buckskin Rd. Miss Lucy Claim,
IGPA.
Grimes Cr
Tribs
Grimes Cr
Miss Lucy & China Wnecup IGPA Claims 3 Mile from
Pioneerville
Grimes Cr
Miss Lucy & China Wnecup IGPA Claims 3 Mile form
Pioneerville
Grimes Cr
China Wine Cup Claim, IGPA
Grimes Cr
NE1/4 NW1/4 S27 T5N R4E (His & His #14 #2 Claim)
Grimes Cr
Mile 5
-------
1852
1851
1814
2063
2080
1809
1925
1612
1547
1914
1527
1526
1525
1920
1953
1921
1921
1520
1523
1550
1926
1927
1939
1940
1726
1716
1954
1668
1987
1983
Gr
mes Cr
Miss Lucy & Cina Wine Cup IGPA Claims 3 Mile from Place Vile
Gr
mes Cr
Grimes Creek Centerville 4 Miles & 5 Miles xxx?
Gr
mes Cr
8 Miles North Pionerville
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup #172879 Area 29 Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
IGPA Claims, Miss Lucy and Hanna
Gr
mes Cr
1/4 Mile Down from Pilot Peak
Gr
mes Cr
3 Miles out of Centerville/Placerville to Hwy 21
Gr
mes Cr
GPAA Claim T5N R4C SEC 27 His & Hers #1 & #2
Gr
mes Cr
Below 7 Mi and Wxxx? Illegible
Gr
mes Cr
Wthin Running Stream
Gr
mes Cr
West Side of Stream
Gr
mes Cr
Between Mile Post 5 and 6 on Rusty Nail Claim, Mining Claim
IMC 18447.
Gr
mes Cr
Between Mile Post 5 and 6 on Rusty Nail Claim
Gr
mes Cr
Grimes Tribs, Summit Flats Downstream
Gr
mes Cr
"difficult to decipher"
Gr
mes Cr
Hazel, Pilgrim
Gr
mes Cr
MOU Hannahl, China Wine Cup
Gr
mes Cr
Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
Between Mile Post 5 & 6 on Rusty Nail Claim, Mining Claim IMC
184447.
Gr
mes Cr
Below New Centervill
Gr
mes Cr
Mouth of Grimes Crto Grimes Pass near Mores Cr
Gr
mes Cr
3 or 4 miles out of Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
Grives Cr Upstream of Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
Grimes Cr Upstream of Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
Grimes Pass
Gr
mes Cr
Idaho Gold Club Claim in Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
Upper Sections & Midsections above Idaho City
Gr
mes Cr
Grimes Creek
Gr
mes Cr
Not Reported
Gr
mes Cr
Pioneerville at Buckskin Rd
-------
1980
1524
1508
1490
1491
1500
1991
1574
1506
1506
1569
1507
1565
1549
1828
1664
1564
1564
1563
1559
" 2076
1937
1552
1515
1551
1516
1517
Grimes Cr
Not Reported
Summer 2008
Grimes Cr
Between Mile Posts 5 & 6 on Rusty Nail Claim, Mining claim IMC
184447.
Mar - Sept
Grimes Cr
Secton above & below Private Areas
Jan - Dec
Grimes Cr
Pioneerville Area
Jul 1 - Sept 30
Grimes Cr
Right above Grimes Cr Bridge (1/4 Mi). -Usually only dredge for
me day in weekend if I can. Maybe 4 times a year. Also 2 mi
north of Centerville on 9 claim and in the dredge pond.
Jul - Oct
Grimes Cr
Mouth to Headwater undecided this Earyl in the Senson
Year Round
Grimes Cr
Idaho City
Jan - Dec
Grimes Cr
Center of Creek
1/1 - 12/31
Grimes Cr
5N4E SEC 10 L3; 43*47' 12.42" & 115*57'52.13"
7/1 -9/30/2008
Grimes Cr
5N4E SEC 10, L3; 43*47' 02.49" & 115*58'8.56"
7/1 -9/30/2008
Grimes Cr
Idaho Gold Club Claims in Pioneer Ville
July or August 2008,
Pending time off work.
Grimes Cr
5N4E SEC 10 L3; 43*47' 12.42" & 115*57'52.13"
7/1 -9/30/2008
Grimes Cr
Below new Centerville
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Grimes Cr
MOU
All Year
Grimes Cr
Not Reported
Year Around
Grimes Cr
Machs Creek area
Open season
Grimes Cr
C&W at Max Creek
About 3 days in middle of
xxx?
Grimes Cr
Club Claims Idaho Gold Prospectors
Jan 1 to Dec 31, Weekends
Grimes Cr
All of
6/1 to 9/15/08
Grimes Cr
IGPA Claims
7/1 -9/30/08
Grimes Cr
1.7 Miles down Grimes toward Placeville
10/2/08-3/31/09
Grimes Cr
Bridge at Grimes Cr
Jun - Sept, 2008
Grimes Cr
His & His Claim, Hana 1 Claim
June
Grimes Cr
Below New Centerville
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Grimes Cr
His & His Claim, Hana 1 Claim
June
Grimes Cr
Below New Centervill
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Grimes Cr
C-W Claim
Spring, Summer & Fall
-------
1507
1772
1779
1605
1895
1611
2030
1900
1901
1613
1902
1774
1865
1904
1887
1906
" 2037
2038
1770
2041
1829
2043
1756
1830
2049
1689
1773
1644
2050
1655
Gr
mes Cr
5N4E SEC 10, L3; 43*47' 02.49" & 115*58'8.56"
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup & Other Claims
Gr
mes Cr
T5N R4E SEC 27, Boise County
Gr
mes Cr
Tribs
Gr
mes Cr
Not Reported
Gr
mes Cr
GPAA Claim, T5N R4E SEC 27 His & His #1 & #2
Gr
mes Cr
SEC 3, Pioneer Ville, West 1/2
Gr
mes Cr
Approx. 3 Mi West of Hiway to Over Pass
Gr
mes Cr
4 Miles from Mores Creek
Gr
mes Cr
Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
1.5 from Highway Dunnigan Creek Topo
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup/ ISPA Claims Centerville Area
Gr
mes Cr
Pioneerville Area near Muddy Creek
Gr
mes Cr
Above Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
T5N R4E Sect 27
Gr
mes Cr
IGPA Claims
Gr
mes Cr
His & His #1 & #2 Galo Claim T5N R4E SEC27
Gr
mes Cr
Idaho City & 6 Miles Placerville
Gr
mes Cr
Idaho Gold Prospectors Claims
Gr
mes Cr
His & His #1 & #2 Claim T5N R4E SEC 27 Boise N.F.
Gr
mes Cr
Centerville 3 Mile out of
Gr
mes Cr
Few Miles above Grimes Pass/ 3 Mi from ID21
Grimes Cr
Idaho Gold Prospectors Claim at Bridge below Centerville
Grimes Cr
Pioneerville Area Near Muddy Creek
Grimes Cr
Hwy 2a Upstream at Various Places
Grimes Cr
His & His #182, T5N R4E SEC 27 40 Acres
Grimes Cr
China Wine Cup/ IGPA Claims Centerville
Grimes Cr
GPAA Claims
Grimes Cr
Hwy 21 Upstream at Various Places
Grimes Cr
Upper Grimes Creek
-------
1705
1875
1655
1876
1877
1972
1645
1722
1879
2020
1971
1601
1581
1882
1719
1586
1587
1786
1785
1597
1599
1600
1866
1880
2052
2033
2032
2028
2027
Grimes Cr
1 1/2 Mi above Hway 21; His #1& #2 TtN R4E SEC27; & Other
Part Not under Claims upper xxx? Illegible
Grimes Cr
GPAA Claims
Grimes Cr
Pay Master - Golden Rule and China Wine Cup
Grimes Cr
GPAA Claims
Grimes Cr
3 Miles out of Centerville
Grimes Cr
GPAA Claims -1 to 2 Miles from Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
Idaho Prospector Claim - Lower 1/2 of Claim by Bridge Middle of
Stream
Gr
mes Cr
Below Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
GPAA Claim
Gr
mes Cr
Near Clear Cr Rd & Placerville Area, Mores Cr N of Res
Gr
mes Cr
GPAA Claim
Gr
mes Cr
Several GPAP Claims - Grimes Creek and Atlanta etc
Gr
mes Cr
4 mile upstream. ANY LEGAL WATER
Gr
mes Cr
Upstream of Mores Creedk
Gr
mes Cr
Below Centerville
Gr
mes Cr
Hwy 21 to Pioneer Village
Gr
mes Cr
5 Miles from SH21 at bridge up & down Stream 1000 ft
Gr
mes Cr
China Wine Cup Claim in Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
All GPAA, All IGPA Claims
Gr
mes Cr
All
Gr
mes Cr
Pioneerville
Gr
mes Cr
Several GPAP Claims - Grimes Creek and Atlanta etc
Gr
mes Cr
Various Claims
Gr
mes Cr
IGPA Hannah Claim, Miss Lucy Claim
Gr
mes Cr & Tribs
Not Reported
Gr
mes Cr & Tribs
miles to nearst town 7 miles
Gr
mes Cr & Tribs
miles nearest from within 7 miles
Gr
mes Cr & Tribs
Between Grime Pass & Mores Cr
Gr
mes Cr & Tribs
To Mores Cr
-------
2023
1818
2048
2013
1757
1575
1576
1816
1808
1683
1806
2034
1878
1588
1655
1665
1954
1674
1490
1954
1533
1989
1722
1749
1993
2003
1716
1532
1998
1882
Grimes Cr & Tribs
4.3 Miles up from Hwy 21
Grimes Cr & Tribs
Grimes Cr & Tribs
Grimes Cr, Mores Cr &
Tribs
Not Known Yet
Grimes Cr, Thompson Cr
& Lewis Cr
Tributaries of Grimes Cr
Grimes Cr/ Payette River
Lsland Claim and Other Club Claims
Gr
mes/Boise River
Idaho Mining Claim #125809 3 miles from Golden xxx?
Gr
mes/Boise River
Idaho Mining Claim #125809, 3 miles from Golden xxx?
Gr
mms Cr & Tribs
Hannan xxx? Grimes Cr & Tribs
Gr
ms Cr
GPAA Claims
Gr
ms Cr
1 Mile by Hiway 21
Gr
ms Cr
GPAA Claims
Gr
ves Cr
Grimes Cr (Centerville
Grives Cr & Tribs
Not Reported
Grmes Cr & Tribs
5 Miles from SH-21 at bridge up & down Stream 1000"
Grmes Cr Drainage
K2 #1 & Miss Lucy West of Grimes Cr Claims
His & His #1 & #2
GPS 43*44'51.4"N (End on Road) 115*58'7.60"W
Hughes Cr & Dutch Cr
(As conditions allow) N of Salmon, ID*
Idaho, N
See attached sheet of claims
Illegible
Illegible
Indian Cr & Sage Cr
(As conditions allow) N of Salmon, ID*
Jordan Cr
Barns Gulch mule head placer claim
Jordan Cr
Silver City
Jordan Cr
Above Willimas Creek
Jordan Cr
Silver City Area
Jordan Cr
Above 2 Miles North of Silver City and 1 Mile South of Siver City
Jordan Cr
4 Miles from Silver City
Jordan Cr
West of Silver City Approximately 1 Mi
Jordan Cr
Barns Gulch mule head claim
Jordan Cr
T5S R3W4SEC 6 & 7?
Jordan Cr
Upstream of Wlson Creek
-------
1686
1977
1977
1772
1997
1569
2080
1786
1919
1919
1919
" 2067
" 2051
1892
1988
1570
1780
1689
1613
1605
1719
1522
1597
1563
1603
1983
1990
1645
1841
1924
Jordan Cr
Not Reported
All Year
Jordan Cr
UGPC SiverCity Claim 18
Nov 1 - Nov 5
Jordan Cr
UGPC SiverCity Claim 18
Jul 24 - 7/28
Jordan Cr
IGPA & utah GPA Claims and Other Areas
1 Jan - 31 Dec
Jordan Cr
T5S R3W SEC 6 & 7
Jul 25-27
Jordan Cr
Idah Gold Prospectors Club Claim, Jordan Creek W. of Siver City
29-31 May & Last 2 Weeks
in July 2008
Jordan Cr
IGPA Claims
Year Round
Jordan Cr
1 Mile West of Siver City Claims
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jordan Cr
T55 R3WSE 1/4 6 NE 1/4 SEC 7
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jordan Cr
T55 R3W NW 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC 5
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jordan Cr
T45 R4WSE 1/4 SEC 25
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jordan Cr
Between Silver City and De Lamar
Sept 20 - Oct 20
Jordan Cr
Edge of Silver City 1 1/2 Mi Downctream
Aug 2008
Jordan Cr
Rear
Occasional
Jordan Cr
Siver City Area
Jul 25-27, 2008
Jordan Cr
North Star IGPA claim
Late Sept
Jordan Cr
9 Miles xxx? Jordan Valley
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jordan Cr
2 Miles NW of Silver City, T4S R4WSEC25, Boise Mxx?
6/1 -8/31/08
Jordan Cr
Delaman
May - Oct
Jordan Cr
Above Wllams Creek
Jan 1 to Dec 31
Jordan Cr
Above Willims Cr
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jordan Cr
See attached Maps
Mar 4- Dec 31, 2008
Jordan Cr
Demar Mine Bridge to Siver City
May to Sept 08
Jordan Cr
Upstream from Wlliams Creek
6/1 to 9/15/08
Jordan Cr & Tribs
Private Claim above Silver City, another claim below Silver City.
Jordan Creek above Wlliams Creek.
5/25 to 8/1/08
Jordan River
Silver City South MP5
Jan 1 - Dec 31
Jorden Cr
Above Williams Cr, Silver City
Jul - Sept
Jordon Cr
R3WT5S SEC31
Jan 1 to Dec 31
Kelly Cr
SE Clearwater Co ID
Ditto
Lambing Cr
From Mouth at Arrowrock Reservoir upstream 1000 yds
Jul 1 - Dec 1
-------
2079
1850
1841
2058
1701
1590
1946
1719
1722
2020
1697
1933
1765
1579
1580
1764
1531
1723
1724
1769
1702
1703
1826
2042
1714
1725
1826
1826
1754
1748
1713
Little Canyon Cr
Not Reported
Little Moose & Kelly Cr
About 14 Mi Upstream from Kelly Fork Ranger Station SE
Clearwater Co ID
Little Moose, Moose
About 14 Miles Upstream from Kelly Fork Ranger Station
Little Smocky CI
Couch Summit Rd - Downstream 2 Ml
Loho Cr
T34N R6E SEC6 & 7 BM GPS 46*18'19.00"N
Lower Part of Grimes Cr
Side of Stream Various Claims on Sight
M Fk Payette
Garden Valley
M Fk Payette
Upstream to Wet Ft Creek
M Fk Payette
Upstream to Wet Ft Creek
M Fk Payette River
N of Tie Cr Campgound, Silver Cr NW of Plunge
Magic River
1/4 mile above Magic Dam
Main Clearwater
All
Main Clearwater
Gibbs Eddy
Main Clearwater
1 1/2 mile upstream from Lenore, ID (See attached description)
Main Clearwater
1 1/2 miles upstream from Lenore, ID (See attached description)
Main Clearwater
Gibbs Eddy
Main Clearwater River
Mouth to Kooskia (Gibbs Eddy to Myetle Bar) (Big Eddy)
Main Salmon
200 ft from boat ramp at rest area
Main Salmon
Site # 1 & 2 (See Map)
Main Salmon
3 Miles South of Riggins
Main Salmon
Hammer Creek to Long Tom bar
Main Salmon
Long Tom Bar to Hammer Creek
Main Salmon
Lucile Boat Ramp, BLM Land
Main Salmon
T24N R2E SEC20 Tween MP PST 5&6
Main Salmon
Hammer Creek to Long Tom Bar
Main Salmon
Site # 1 & 2 (See Map)
Main Salmon
Bridge at Lucile, BLM Land
Main Salmon
Pealy Loop Road, BLM Land
Main Salmon
East side of River at Mile Marker 204 and North
Main Salmond
Hammor Creek - Long Tom Far
Main Salom
Near Lucile
-------
219
1505
Meadow Cr
200' up West Meadow Creek, just off the Main Meadow Creek
Aug 1 - Aug 10
445
1763
Meadow Cr
Micky Mouse Claim (Nampa) - Florance ID North West Gold
Prospectors Association
7/1 - 9/30/08
929
2037
Mob Foax Boise
Boise Galo Claim T6N R10E SEC27
Weekend Aug - Sept
607
1845
Mons Cr
Island Claim
7/1 - 9/30
159
1664
Moores Cr
Daggott Creek
Open season
815
2004
Moores Cr
Robie Cr Turn off Hwy 21
End of Season
863
1981
Moors Cr
Mile Marker 42 Hwy 21
Jul 21 - Aug 5
46
1593
Moose Cr
SE 1/4 of Section 4 and the SW1/4 of Sections, T30N rue
BM Idaho
Jul 1 to Aug 15, 2008
602
1846
Mores & Grimes Cr
GPAA Local Club Claims Area
Jun 1 to Nov, 2008
599
1847
Mores & Grimes Cr
GPAA & Idaho Gold Pros Club Claims
Jun 11 to Nov 1, 2008
862
1982
Mores Cr
Just down from Robie Cr Turn of from Hwy 21
July 1 - Sept 30
1002
2071
Mores Cr
1.5 Miles above Idaho City
Open Period
935
2040
Mores Cr
Mores Cr below Boulder Cr
Sept 30 - ?
932
2038
Mores Cr
Idaho City Area 7 Miles Downstream
Jul - Sept
909
2025
Mores Cr
Not Reported
Jul 1- Sept 30
109
1599
Mores Cr
MP24
7/1 to 9/30
647
1901
Mores Cr
Various Banks
Jan 1 - Dec 31
124
1587
Mores Cr
Mile Pts 24 Grimes Creek
Jul 1 to Dec 31
128
1586
Mores Cr
Upstream of Daggett Creek
May 1 to Oct 31
1019
2081
Mores Cr
Near Idaho City
Entire Year
575
1862
Mores Cr
From Grimes to Lucky Peak Reservoir
Jul 1 - Sept 30
709
1926
Mores Cr
IGPA - Island Claim near Idaho City
Jul 1 - Sep 30
638
1906
Mores Cr
Below Confluence of Grimes Creek
7/1 - 9/30/08
198
1520
Mores Cr
Idaho City
7-1-08 Open Season
824
1937
Mores Cr
Bridge at Mores Cr
Jun - Sept, 2008
801
1991
Mores Cr
Siver City
Jan - Dec
-------
626
1830
Mores Cr
Island Claim
Jul 1 - Sept 30
707
1927
Mores Cr
Tribs downstream of Boulder below high water mark - main
stream channel
7/1/- 9/30
895
2013
Mores Cr & Granit Cr
Tributaries of Mores Cr
Aug 8 thru 21
122
1588
Mores Cr & Trib
MP 24 on SH-21
Jul 1 to Sept 30
510
1818
Mores Cr & Tribs
Mores Cr & Tribs down Stream of Boulder Cr
Jul - Sept 30
663
1886
Mores/Grimes Cr
Drainage - Center
Jan 1 - Dec 31
692
1865
Mores? Cr
Island Claim
Jul 1 - Sept 30
118
1590
Moris Cr
Middle Stream Various Claims on Sight
Year around 1/1/08
731
1910
Morris Cr
Not Reported
All Open Dates
780
1945
Moyte
9 Miles North Hwy 2
7/15-8/15-08
228
1494
Mud Cr
Not Reported
Aug 1 - Mar 1
956
2065
Muddy Cr
Claim PMGR #172880 and 29 Pioneerville
Sept 11 - Dec 31
959
2064
Muddy Cr
Claim J & R #2 Area 8 Pioneerville
Sept 11 - Dec 31
964
2063
Muddy Cr
Claim J & R #2 Area 8 Pioneerville
Sept 11 - Dec 31
968
2062
Muddy Cr
Claim PMGR #172880 Area 29 Atlanta
Sept 11 - Dec 30
1004
2071
Muddy Cr
Pay Master
Open Period
537
1805
Mule Cr
GPS 45* 56' 34.0" N 115* 37' 33.1" WT30N R7E SEC Multible
BM
August
540
1804
Mule Cr
GPS 45* 56' 34.0" N 115* 37' 33.1" WT30N R7E SEC Multible
BM
August
279
1558
N Fk Boise
Near Deer Park Cabin
7/2/08 -9/30/08
278
1559
N Fk Boise
Not Reported
Not Reported
902
2020
N Fk Boise River
N of Owl Cr Rd, M Fk Boise River, Hot Spring Area
Aug - Oct
207
1514
N Fk Boise River
Between Dutch Creek Ranger and Roaming River, T5N R9E,
Dun Lookn? Claim
Aug 8 - Sept 1
37
1604
N Fk Cleanwater
Orogrande Cr - French Cr.
Jul 1 - Sept 15
60
1545
N Fk Cleanwater
Below Kelly Creek & Tribs
Jul 1 to Aug 15, 2008
-------
436
1765
N Fk Clearwater & Tribs
N Fk Larson Cr to Kelly Cr - Orogrande Crk - 250 Rd & GPAA
Claims
7/1 to 8/15/08
441
1764
N Fk Clearwater & Tribs
N Fk Larson Cr to Kelly Cr - Orogrande Cr - 250 Rd & GPAA
Claims
7/1 to 8/15/08
565
1787
N Fk Clearwater River
Below Bungalow Bridge
Jul 21 - Aug 1
548
1798
N Fk Clearwater River
Below Bungalow Bridge
Jul 21 to Aug 1
453
1753
N Fk Palouse
Above Sand Creek
1 Jun - 30 Sept
185
1539
N Fk Paluse River
J&D Placer #1 & 2, Sec 14 Township 42N Range 2W Attachment
Jul 08 to Oct 08
629
1829
N Fk Payette
Cabarton?Bridge to Big Payette
Jan 1 - Dec 31
908
2024
N Fk Payette Drainage
Pond off Warm Wagon Rd
Not Reported
838
1952
N Fk Payette Trib
East National Forest Boundary 1/2 Mile East High Valley
Cabarton Rd
Jul to Sept
698
1708
N Fk River
46* 29' 59"N; 116* 19' 49" W
Jul 1 - Aug 15
Jul 1 - Aug 15
66
1543
N. Fork Clearwater
Below Kelly Creek & Tribs
7/1/08 to 8/15/08
114
1596
Nakkohe Morning Star,
T37N R7E Sections 6 & 7
Clearwater County - Land Status Clearwater NF GPS, 46 34 42
56" MCN - E Corhee at Road 115 36' 49 51W
454
1753
Neadow Cr
In Florance District above the Old Airport Road
1 Jun - 30 Sept
67
1542
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
982
2056
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
994
1496
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
765
1822
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
239
1503
Opher Cr
Lost Cabin Mine. 1 Mile Section on Road 386A
May to Oct
119
1590
Ophra Cr
Lower Part of GSide of Stream
Year around 1/1/08
500
1838
Oragrande Cr
Owanchaya Claim: T37N R7E Sec 6
7/1 -8/15
32
1635
Oregon Gulch
Approx 1 Mi above Eagle Creek
Jul 15 to Aug 15
-------
1660
1548
1528
1495
1823
1824
1512
1701
1891
1891
1560
1874
1534
1511
1967
1536
1676
1677
2014
" 2015
1969
1963
1957
1604
1956
1691
1941
Oregon Gulch
NWGPA Claim, Prichard Cr & Tribs
Apr 11, 2008-Mar 31, 2009
Oregon Gulch
Behind Rocks & in Bedrock Cracks
Mar 1 to Nov 1, 2008
Orofino Cr
Drainage above Falls
7/1/thru 9/15
Orofino Cr
Above Falls Rock Outcroping
7/1 to 8/15 Weekends
Orofino Cr
Headwaers to Mouth
Open Season
Orofino Cr
Headwaters to Mouth
Open Season
Orofino Cr
Above Orifino Creek Falls
5/1/08 to 3/1/09
Orofino Cr
T37N R5E Hay Creek and McAauley Creeks Mouth
7/1 - 3/31
Orofino Cr
NWNWSEC 4T36N R5E
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
Px? SEC36 T37N R4E
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
Omill Area
Jul - Oct
Orofino Cr
Pirece, ID
July 1
Orofino Cr
Yours N Mine #1 Claim
Apr 30 to Oct 30, 2008
Orofino Cr
Rd 250- MP 2.5 to MP 4.5
7/1 to 10/1/08
Orofino Cr
Center of Creek
Jul 1 - Sept 15
Orofino Cr
Yours N Mine Claim #1
Apr 30 to Oct 30, 2008
Orofino Cr
Above Falls
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
Above Falls
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
Above the Falls
Entire Season
Orofino Cr
Above the Falls
Entire Season
Orofino Cr
Near Falls
Jul 1 - Oct 10
Orofino Cr
Above Orofino Cr Falls
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
Not Reported
Not Reported
Orofino Cr
Above the Falls
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
N of Fall
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
Above Orofino Creek Falls
Jul 1 - Mar 31
Orofino Cr
SW Coner of SEC 36, T37N, R4E, Thence Upstream Apprx.
500"
7/15-10/1/08
-------
772
1932
Orofino Cr
Rhodes Cr meets Orofino Cr
7/1 - 3/31
182
1684
Orofino Cr
See Attached ID-15 & ID-16
Jul 1 to Mar 31
524
1812
Orofino Cr Drainage
Orofino Creek Drainage
Jul 1 - Sept 15
492
1695
Orogrand Cr
After Pavement Ends
Not Reported
490
1696
Orogrand Cr
After Pavement Ends
Not Reported
753
1843
Orogrande
GPAA Claimed Area
Jul 1
513
1817
Orogrande
Mile Post 18 below Bridge. GPAA Claim
7/1 - 8/15
790
1963
Orogrande
GPAA Claim Nahkohe Morning Star
Jul 1 - Aug 15
773
1932
Orogrande
Where Syivan Cr meets Orogrande Cr
7/1 - 3/31
819
2010
Orogrande
11 Miles from head of the North Fork of Clearwater River on the
Orogrande
Jul 30, 2008 - Jan 31, 2009
377
1733
Orogrande
Crystal Cr
Jul - Aug
811
2001
Orogrande
Between Mile 13 and 23
Jul 20 till Closed
748
1884
Orogrande Cr
Below Water Mark in Cr T37N R7E SEC 6
Jul 15-Aug 15, 08
768
1918
Orogrande Cr
Starting 328 ft Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence to Approx.
2164 ft Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence, Total Area length is
approximately 1836 ft.
7/31 - 8/8/08
458
1747
Orogrande Cr
GPAA Claim Nahkohe IMC# 175241
7/1/08-8/15/08
767
1917
Orogrande Cr
Starting 328 ft Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence to Approx.
2164 ft Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence, Total Area length is
approximately 1836 ft.
Jul 15 - Aug 8
766
1916
Orogrande Cr
Starting 328 ft Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence to Approx.
2164 ft Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence, Total Area length is
approximately 1836 ft.
Jul 31 - Aug 8
254
1574
Orogrande Cr
Center of Creek
7/1 -8/15
459
1747
Orogrande Cr
GPAA Claim Owanchaya IMC# 175242
7/1/08-8/15/08
374
1736
Orogrande Cr
N. Fk Cleanwater, 46.5858, and 115.57775
7/1 - 8/15
481
1706
Orogrande Cr
T38 R7E Sec 33
7/1 - 8/15
546
1799
Orogrande Cr
Not Reported
Jul 1 - Aug 15
503
1837
Orogrande Cr
Owanchaya Claim: T37N R7E Sec 6
7/15-8/15
-------
77
1510
Orogrande Cr
Between Crystal Creek and Baily Gulch
7/1 to 8/15 Intermittently
671
1882
Other Creeks
to be determined
Jun to Nov
324
1709
Owhyee River Drainage
Jordan Creek above Williams Creek
May15 - Oct 15
321
1710
Owhyee River Drainage
Jordan Creek above Williams Creek
May15 - Oct 15
318
1711
Owhyee River Drainage
Jordan Creek above Williams Creek
May 15 - Oct 15
143
1654
Ownhee River
Jordon Creek Drainage
All season
674
1881
Owyhee River
Jodan Creek
Aug to Sept
349
1682
Owyhee River
Jordan Dreek above Willims Creek
1/1 - 12/31
519
1815
Owyhee River
Jordan Creek
7/10 - 8//30
150
1661
Owyhee River Drainage
All open area. Jordon River, Silver City
Jan 1 to Dec 31
153
1663
Owyhee River Drainage
All open area. Jordon River, Siver City
Jan 1 to Dec 31
156
1662
Owyhee River Drainage
All open area. Jordon River, Siver City
Jan 1 to Dec 31
745
1889
Owyhee River Drainage
Bed of Stream
Open til Close Season
165
1666
Owyhee River Drainage
Jordon Creek
5/20 - 5/30
556
1791
Owyhee River Drainage
Jordan Creek
May 20 - Sept 30
58
1545
Palouse River
Wasted Years/ Crazy Jackass & Strychnine Creek
Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2008
1014
1807
Palouse River
All Open Water
1/1 -12/31
50
1573
Palouse River
Township 42N Range 2W Sectionl
May 30 to Oct 30, 2008
51
1573
Palouse River
Township 42N Range 2W Section 14
May 30 to Oct 30, 2008
779
1944
Palouse River
Main River below Laird Park
July 1st - Sept, 3-4 times
total
64
1543
Palouse River
Wasted Years/ Crazy Jackass & Strychnine Creek
1/1/08 to 12/31/08
171
1669
Palouse River
Tribs
61
1544
Palouse River
Wasted Years/ Crazy Jackass to Strychnine Creek
1/1/08 to 12/31/08
79
1512
Palouse River
All
Summer
-------
480
1706
Palouse River
T42N R2W Sec 28
Aprox. 7/1 -11/5
557
1790
Palouse River & Tribs
Working Stream Bed and Bars
Jun 1 - Nov 1,2008
550
1795
Palouse River & Tribs
Stream Bed & Gravel Bars
6/1/08-11/1/08
482
1707
Palouse River Drainage
Palouse River and Tribs
Jan 1 - Dec 31
240
1504
Palouse River, N Fk
2 Mi N. of Land Park
Jun - Jul
19
1675
Palouse River, N Fk
Within Boundary of J&D Macer#1 1/4 S14 T42N R2W
Jul 1 to Oct 1
30
1636
Palouse River, N Fk
J&D Placer and J&D Placer #1 & 2 TWN 42N R2WSEC14. See
Attachment.
Apr 1 2008 to Sept 31, 2008
170
1669
Paouse River
Drainage 2 Mi North of Land Park
June to July
332
1704
Payette River
South Fork Payette River MF to Big Pine Creek
Jan 1 - Dec 31
987
2045
Payette River
Downstream from Lowman
8/08-10/1/08
355
1758
Payette River
Idaho Claim & Other Club Claims
Summer - Fall, 2008
873
1976
Payette River
Near Headwater
Ditto
197
1521
Payette River
South Foprk Payette River M.F. to Big Pike Cr
Jan 1 to Dec 31
389
1700
Payette River
S. Fk from Five Mile
7/5 - 7/31
988
2044
Payette River
Downstream from Lowman
8/08-10/1/08
200
1519
Payette River
South Fork of the Payette River in the vacinity of Gallier Creek
Intermittently Jul 1 to Sept
30, 2008
506
1828
Payette River
Not Reported
7/1 - 10/30
292
1549
Payette River
South Fork
All Year
277
1559
Payette River
Near Deer Park Cabin
Not Reported
645
1902
Payette River
Lowman Area Deadwood River to 5 miles
Jul 1 - Sept 30
280
1555
Payette River
Sawtooth to Banks. Really don't know
7/4 -8/2
893
2012
Payette River
Not Reported
Aug 1 - Dec 30
643
1903
Payette River
Lowman 2 Miles up from Idaho City
6/29 - 7/30/2008
572
1868
Payette River
North Banks to Big Payette Lake
Jul 1 to Oct 31
120
1589
Payette River
South fork of the Payette river in the vacinity of Gallier Creek
Intermittanly Jul 1 to Sept
30, 2008
-------
1712
1564
" 2011
1663
1661
1662
2069
2068
" 2070
1953
1800
2028
1951
1856
2018
1961
2027
2036
1962
1713
2040
1584
1979
" 2013
1869
1862
2047
1973
Payette River
Not Reported
Payette River
xxx? to 5 Mile River
Payette River Drainage
Not Reported
Payette River Drainage
All open area. Loman area
Payette River Drainage
All open area. Loman area
Payette River Drainage
All open area. Loman area
Payette River
M Fk
7.6 Miles out of Crouch
Payette River
M Fk
From Headwaters to It's Confluence w/ Little xxxxxx
Payette River
M Fk
7.6 Miels out of Crouch, Idaho
Payette River
S Fk
"difficult to decipher"
Payette River
S Fk
Inside the Reserved Area for Recreation
Payette River
S Fk
M Fk to Big Pine Cr of Deadwook River to Five Miles
Payette River
S Fk
Ado Cr Bridge
Payette River
S Fk
Below Pine Creek Danskin
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman Hwy- Garden Valley Mile Marker 15-16
Payette River
S Fk
Between Garden Valley and Gallagher Cr
Payette River
S Fk
[M Fk Payette to Big Pine Ck] Dead Wood River to Five Mile Ck
Payette River
S Fk
Between Danskin Cr and Alder Cr
Payette River
S Fk
1 Mi out of Garden Valley
Payette River
S Fk
Near Garden Valley
Payette River
S Fk
M Fkto Big Pine
Payette River
S Fk
Were permitted
Payette River
S Fk
2 Miles out of Lowman
Payette River
S Fk
Below Richie Cr
Payette River
S Fk
From Danskin to 5 Mile
Payette River
S Fk
Grandjean to Garden Valley
Payette River
S Fk
5 Miles N of Garden Valley
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman 20 Miles above
-------
1968
2046
2017
1865
1888
1830
1832
1878
1885
1508
1896
1773
1926
1774
1487
1885
1686
1864
1845
1500
1832
1775
1947
1870
1735
1772
1871
Payette River
S Fk
Waters Edge
Payette River
S Fk
Confluence with Deadwood R to 5 Mile Cr
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman Hwy - Garden Valley at Mile Maker 15-16
Payette River
S Fk
E of Crouch to Big Pine Creek
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman Area downstream around Deadwood River
Payette River
S Fk
E of Crouch to Big Pine Creek
Payette River
S Fk
3/4 Mile above Danskins Rest Area
Payette River
S Fk
Not Reported
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman Hwy - Mile Marker 16 - Upstream 200+ Yards
Payette River
S Fk
Lower Section above Garden Valley
Payette River
S Fk
Grimes Creek
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman Area MM 73. All Open Area
Payette River
S Fk
E of Crouch to Big Pine Cr
Payette River
S Fk
Sourth Fork Payette & Open Area, Lowman MM72V/1 - 9/30
Payette River
S Fk
Approx 5 to 6 miles up river from Garden Valley
Payette River
S Fk
Lowman Hwy - Mile Marker 16 - Other Side of Ridge 200 Yards
Payette River
S Fk
South Side
Payette River
S Fk
Mile Post 86
Payette River
S Fk
E of Crouch to Big Pine Creek
Payette River
S Fk
Thos Portions Open to the Public - Recreational Dredging
Payette River
S Fk
Below Ruins of Old CCC Camp
Payette River
S Fk
Pioneerville
Payette River
S Fk
S Fk Payette from M Fk to Big Pine Cr
Payette River
S Fk
MP86
Payette River
S Fk
S. Fk of Payette River (Garden Valley) to E. of Al Per Creek Rd.
Payette River
S Fk
Near Lowman & Other Areas Open on this Permit
Payette River
S Fk
MP86
-------
431
1762
Payette River, S Fk
Drainage Area
Jul - Aug
665
1885
Payette River, S Fk
Gorden Valley - Mile Marker 16 - Lowman Hwy & Upstream 100
Yards
7/4 - 7/11
829
1946
Payette River, S Fk
Garden Valley
Jul 1
427
1769
Payette River, S Fk
5 Miles up River from City of Grouch
Jul 1 - Sept 30
430
1766
Payette River, S Fk
Open Areas
Jul 15 - Sept 1
702
1942
Payette River, S Fk
N of Garden Valley
July - Sept
825
1938
Payette River, S Fk
Between Garden Valley & above Grouch
621
1832
Payette River, S Fk
1 1/2 Mile above Hot Springs Camp Ground
Jul 1 - Sept 30
846
1961
Payette, Main
Below Black Canyon Dam, above Emmett
Jul 15-Oct 31
828
1948
Peyette River
Pine Cr, Garden Valley
Jul - Sept
589
1854
Phi Fer Cr
S1/2 SE1/4 S27 T6N R10E (Boise Gold Claim)
When Stream Is Open
662
1887
Phifer Cr
T6N R1 OS Sect 27
Jun - Aug
728
1913
Pine Cr
By Pine Cr South Fk Payette River
Jul 15 - till end
54
1548
Pony Gulch
Behind Rocks & in Bedrock Cracks
Mar 1 to Nov 1, 2008
12
1678
Potoal Cr
3/4 mile from confluence with trail creek
May thru Oct
486
1698
Potosi Cr
T49 R4E Sec10 1/4SE & Sec2NE 1/4
Mar - Nov
755
1825
Potosi Cr
Protchard & Murray Area & St. Maries Area
Not Reported
750
1863
Potosi Cr
T49N R4ESEC11
Jun 15 - Oct 31
175
1679
Potosi Cr, Little Creeks
around Murry, ID
On various claims owned by Friba 5?(illegible)
May to Jul
771
1931
Potosi Gulch
Potosi Gulch
During Season
166
1667
Poud
Adjacent to Yaukee Fork near Bonaza, Idaho
May - Sept
796
1986
Prchard & Beaver Cr
Watersheds
49N & 50N - Townships; 3E, 4C, 5E & 6E - Ranges
From Current Time thru
Duration of Dreding Season
43
1594
Preacher Cr
Headwarters origin/Township 36N Range 6E/Sect 5 1/4 SEC
ME14
Jul 1 to Mar 31
45
1594
Preacher Cr
Section 32 Township 37 North Range 6
Jul 1 to Mar 31
989
2039
Prichard Cr
Murray Area
8/23/08 - 8/25/08
-------
100
1606
Prichard Cr
1/2 Mi E. of Murray, Lost Nugget Claim
May to Sept
188
1538
Priest River
Beaver Cr & tribs below Delta
Jan 1 to Dec 31
187
1538
Priest River
Pritchard Cr & Tribs below Granit Cr
Jun 1 to Dec 31
53
1546
Pritchard Cr
1/2 East of Murray/177 Lost Nugget Claim
All Year
22
1673
Pritchard Cr
including Oregon Gulch, George Gulch & Bednock Gulch
Snow melt to Snow Fall
385
1720
Quantz Cr
Atlanta
642
1903
Quart Cr
1 1/2 Miles out of Idaho City
6/29 - 7/30/2008
786
1957
Quarts Cr
Not Reported
Not Reported
81
1489
Quartz Cr
Orofino Creek Junction (I have a mineal lease with State of
Idaho)
7/1 to 9/30
783
1956
Quortz Cr
Blank
Blank
256
1571
Raft River
Just out of American Res
Jul 10 - Aug 10
227
1494
Raft River
Not Reported
Jul 1 - Sept10
741
1890
Red River
Red River Drainage (Red Horse Cr)
Jul 1 to Sept 30
Jul 1 to Sept 08
147
1656
Rhodes Cr
Center
7/1 - 10/1/2008
410
1776
Rhodes Cr
Center of Creek
7/1 -10/1/08 m
397
1785
Robie Cr
GPAA Island Claim
5/20/08-3/3109
715
1924
Rock Cr
NE and NW1/4 of SEC 20 T3N R7E 600'
Jul 1 - Dec 1
400
1784
Rose Ponds, The First of
Not Reported
Illegible
447
1759
S Jordan Cr
Upsteam train Williams Cr
Weather Conditional
507
1819
Salmon River
Same as Last Year. See Attached Map
6/1 - 9/30
313
1715
Salmon River
300 North of Johnday Creek, Sites: 3 Sections
May 31 - Sept 30
270
1562
Salmon River
Hammer Creek to Long Tom Bar
May 31 - Sept 30
920
2031
Salmon River
Twin Bridges to Black Hawk Rapids
Blank
508
1819
Salmon River
Same as Last Year. See Attached Map
6/1 - 9/30
407
1778
Salmon River
MP 212.0 to 212.2 - 215.7 to 215.8
5/30-10/1
309
1718
Salmon River
Both Sides 8 Middle (4 Mi East of Rigginsm ID at Island Bar) NE
Quarter of Section 13, T24N, R1E
6/1 - 9/1/08
-------
677
1878
Salmon River
Hammer Creek to Long Tome Bar
6/1 thru 9/30
181
1683
Salmon River
Hammer Cr to Long Tom Bar. Slat Creek ...? from Forest Sevice
Office
May 31 to Sept 30
315
1712
Salmon River
Mile Marker 708 1/2 West Side 300'
May 31 - Sept 30
438
Salmon River
Twin Bridges to Long Tom Bar
5/31 to 9/30/08
390
1803
Salmon River
North of Lucile Boat Landing
Jul 30 - Sept 30
391
1802
Salmon River
North of Lucile Boat Landing
Jul 20 - Sept 30
316
1712
Salmon River
Box Canyon West Side 300'
May 31 - Sept 30
29
1652
Salmon River
45* 44' 22.01" W & 116* 19' 05.59" W
May 31 - Sept 30
439
1765
Salmon River
Twin Bridges to Long tome Bar
5/31 to 9/30/08
372
1744
Salmon River
N of John Day Creek 500'
5/31/08
272
1561
Salmon River
Hammer Creek to Long Tom Bar
May 31 - Sept 30
5
1692
Salmon River
Island Bar
Mar 1 thru Sept 2008
805
1995
Salmon River
NE Quarter of Section 13, T 24 North Range 1 Est
Jul 24-Aug 30
360
1760
Salmon River
MP 212.2 to MP 212.0
6/1 /to 9/31
868
1978
Salmon River
R1ET24N Section 10
Jul 15 - Sept 30
579
1859
Salmon River
R1E Section 13T24N
Jul 1 - Sept 30, 2008
443
1764
Salmon River
Twin Bridges to Long Tom Bar
5/31 to 9/30/08
848
1962
Salmon River
Hammer Cr to Long Tom Bar
May 31 - Sept 30
6
1692
Salmon River
Lualle
Mar 1 thru Sept 2008
804
1994
Salmon River
NE Quarter of Sectjon 13 T24 North Range 1 East
Not Reported
174
1671
Salmon River
East of Riggins 3 to 5 Miles (South Side)
Jun - Oct
577
1861
Salmon River
Black Hawh Bar
Jul 2008
378
1727
Salmon River
Mile Marker 202 1/2 (See Map)
May 31 - Sept 30
183
1687
Salmon River
W1/2 NW1/4 NWSWAdj to Lots 2, 2 & 4 Sec 36 Township 27N
Range 1E near Slate Cr Settlment
Jun 1 to Sept 30
184
1540
Salmon River
Black Hwak Rapids
Nay 31 to Sept 30
-------
201
1518
Salmon River
See Maps T24N R2E SEC20, &18
May 31 to Sept 30
584
1856
Salmon River
Above Black Hawk Rapids & Slate Creek Area
May 31 - Sept 30
370
1744
Salmon River
S of Time Zone Bridge 500'
5/31/08
371
1744
Salmon River
Russel Bar 500'
5/31/08
172
1672
Salmon River
Up River above Riggins Idaho at Allison Creek
Jul 26 thru Aug
134
1582
Salmon River
See attached
5/31 to 9/30/08
111
1598
Salmon River
From 300' South of Slate Creek proceeding another 700' South
to Mile Marker 214 US Hwy95
Season, Jun 1 to Sept 31
115
1595
Salmon River
See Map #1 for Site #1 & #2
116
1595
Salmon River
See Map #2 for Site #3
111
1933
Salmon River
Open Area
5/31 - 9/30
343
1688
Salmon River
Near Challis Area
7/1/08
509
1819
Salmon River
Same as Last Year. See Attached Map
6/1 - 9/30
129
1585
Salmon River
400 Pt. below MM218 on Far Side of River across River from
Slate Creek Range Station
Jun to Sept
361
1760
Salmon River
MP 215.8 to MP 215.7
6/1 /to 9/31
133
1583
Salmon River
See attached
5/31 to 9/30/08
802
1992
Salmon River
Milepost 199 Lightning Cr200 ft below Boat Ramp. I don't
believe it is maintained, but I will stay 200 feet downstream.
May 31 - Sept 30
379
1727
Salmon River
At North Riggins (See Map)
May 31 - Sept 30
7
1692
Salmon River
Spring Bar
Mar 1 thru Sept 2008
130
1585
Salmon River
400 Pt. below MM218 on Far Side of River across River from
Slate Creek Range Station
Jun to Sept
399
1746
Salmon River
R1E Section 13T24N
6/1 - 9/30/08
334
1702
Salmon River, Main
T24N R2E SEC20, Between Mi Post 5 & 6
May 31 - Sept 30
36
1615
Salmon River, Main
Hammer Creek to Long Tom Bar
310
1717
Salmon River, Main
Hammer Cr to Long Tom Bar
May 31 - Sept 30
455
1753
Salmon/Clearwater River
See Maps
Not Reported
810
2000
Silver City? Not
Waterbody
Silver City, Idaho
Summer 2008
809
1999
Silver City? Not
Silver City, Idaho
Summer 2008
-------
Waterbody
609
1844
Sinker Cr
4 Miles out of Siver city on War Egle
Jan 1 - Dec 30
601
1847
Siver City
GPAA & Local Club Claims
Ditto
605
1846
Siver City Area
GPPA Local Club Claims Area
Ditto
504
1836
Snake River
American Falls Dam to Idaho Falls
Low Water ASAP
689
1866
Snake River
Below Confluence of Henry Fork
Dredge Season
682
1876
Snake River
Menan to Milner Dam
Jul/1 - Oct/31
684
1875
Snake River
From Menan to Milner Dam
Jul 1 to Oct 31
338
1694
Snake River
American Falls, Both Sides
4/23/08 - 3/31/09
842
1955
Snake River
By Menan
Open - Close
843
1955
Snake River
By Shelley
Open - Close
598
1848
Snake River
Pingree Blaackfoot Area
Regular Season
167
1668
Snake River
Snake River Blackfoot Golf Course Area
Jun - Nov
578
1860
Snake River
From Henry's Fork to Massacre Rocks State Park
When Possible
872
1976
Snake River
Murphy
Ditto
881
1971
Snake River
in River @ Mary's Mine
Jul 18 - End of Season
138
1643
Snake River
Tribitaru
4/1/08-3/31/09
137
1581
Snake River
Between Menan and Roberts. ANY LEGAL WATER
Aug 18, 2008
339
1693
Snake River
American Falls, Both Sides
4/23/08-12/31/09
257
1571
Snake River
1/2 Mile upstream from King Hill
Jul 1 - Jul 10 & Sept 10-
Oct 31
634
1820
Snake River
Snake River to Massacre Rocks, South Fork Boise River Pine
Braidge to Baker River & Tribs
Jul 1 - Oct 31
393
1797
Snake River
Tucker Ponds Area
6/15-10/30
658
1895
Snake River
from Idaho Falls to American Falls
Jun - Nov
1000
2073
Snake River
Pond by, SnakeRiver. South of Tilton Bridge SWxxx?. Hayden
Creek xxxx?
9/27/08 - 12/5/08
-------
285
1552
Snake River
Menan, American Falls
Oct
288
1551
Snake River
Menan, American Falls
Oct
733
1909
Snake River
American Falls to Lake Walcott
July - Aug 08
435
1745
Snake River
300 Feet Next of Boat Ramp in Roberts, ID (1500')
6/15-11/30
422
1771
Snake River
Black Foot Bridge to 1/4 Mile Downstream
Jun to Oct
892
2012
Snake River
Not Reported
Aug - Nov 30
555
1791
Snake River Drainage
Tetar River
Sept 1 - Nov 1
890
2011
Snake River Drainage
Not Reported
Aug 1 - Nov 30
300
1522
Snake River Drainage
See attached Maps
Mar 4- Dec 31, 2008
94
1608
Southfork
Puma Placer, IMC 186119, 1/4 Mi E, Junction Lodge, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
99
1607
Southfork
Jes 2, IMC 186132 Due South from from Junction Lodge Trailer
Court, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
97
1607
Southfork
Puma Placer, IMC 186119, 1/4 Mi E, Junction Lodge, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
98
1607
Southfork
Jes1, IMC 183969, 1 Mi East, Junction Lodge, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
95
1608
Southfork
Jes1, IMC 183969, 1 Mi E, Junction Lodge, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
93
1609
Southfork
Jes 2, IMC 186132, Due South from Junction Lodge Trailer
Court, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
92
1609
Southfork
Jes 1, IMC 183969, 1 Mi East Junction Lodge, Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
91
1609
Southfork
Puma Place, IMC 186119, 1/4 Mi E, Junction Lodge Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
96
1608
Southfork
Jes 2, IMC 186132 Due South from Junction Lodge Trailer Court,
Hwy 14
7/25 to 8/15/08
743
1889
Spokane River Drainage
Bed of Stream
Open til Close Season
68
1531
Spokane River Drainage
Prichard Creek & Tribs; Sec 17 & 30, T50, R5E E.F. Eagle
Creek.
1/1 to 12/31
484
1707
Spokane River Drainage
Where and When Open only. Pritchard Creek & Tribs
Jan 1 - Dec 31
483
1707
St Maries River
St. Maries River and Tribs
Jul 15 - Aug 15
787
1959
Tama Cr
Starting 328' Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence to approx.
2164' Upstream from Tama Cr Confluence Total Area Length
Approx. 1836'
Approx. Jul 26 - Aug 8,
2008
-------
487
1698
Thririd Cr
T49 R4E Sec 12
Mar - Nov
83
1492
Toboggon Cr
Lower 5280' of Cleek - Above Eagle Creek
Season 2008
40
1591
Trail Cr/ Beaver Cr,
Tributary of
200 ft East, Up Duncan Gulch from Switch back at Trail
Crrek/Gulch or Kings Pass Rd
Apr 1 - Oct 2008
177
1679
Treit Cr
On various claims owned by Friba 5?(illegible)
May to Jul
450
1755
Tributary
Salmon River from Center of Creek to High Water Mxx?
Jan 1 - Oct 31 Weekends &
Occasion Times
499
1838
Tributary Cr
Kevin Claim: T50N R5E Sec 19
7/15-8/15
35
1615
Tributary Cr
Various locations within the Idaho National Forest operating
dates during open season 2008
502
1837
Tributary Cr
Kevin Claim: T50N R5E Sect 19
7/15-8/15
757
1827
Tributary Cr
T50N R5E SEC 19 USGS... (illegible)
July 2, 2008
770
1928
Tributary Cr
Prichard/ Murray Area
Jul - Aug
746
1884
Tributary Cr
Below Water Mark. T50N R5E SEC 19
Jul 15-Aug 15, 08
148
1657
West Eagle Cr
Middle of Creek
6/1/08-7/15/08
595
1851
xxx? Cr
Milepost 20 downstream Mores Cr, GPAA/Nampa Birse? Claims
Jul 1 to Sept 30
734
1909
Yankee Fk
Private Claim above High Water Mark
Jul 08
880
1971
Yankee Fk
Private Claim
Jul 18-Jul 30, 2008
------- |