Frequently Asked Questions

The frequently asked questions below address general information about the Phase 2 Implementation Plan project and associated NEPA process. The public comment period was from November 14, 2024, through December 20, 2024. Ongoing information and updates on the project will be available on Reclamation's P2IP website.

1. What is the P2IP Project?

The P2IP is a 20-year plan for testing the feasibility of reintroducing Chinook and Sockeye salmon in the blocked areas upstream of Chief Joseph, Grand Coulee, Little Falls, Long Lake, and Nine Mile dams. These dams were constructed without anadromous fish passage and the eradication of anadromous fish in the blocked areas affected ecosystems and restricted or eliminated tribal traditional and cultural practices related to salmon. The P2IP was developed by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Coeur d’ Alene Tribe of Indians, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Upper Columbia United Tribes, collectively referred to as the Project Proponents. The Project Proponents’ objective is to complete juvenile and adult salmon studies, test the feasibility of fish passage options, establish and enhance fish rearing capabilities, and develop a long-term salmon reintroduction plan to serve the following purposes:

• Return salmon to their historic habitats in the upper Columbia River to increase the abundance and distribution of salmon in the Columbia River Basin

• Restore access to salmon for tribal and non-tribal communities in the blocked areas

• Restore tribal traditional and cultural practices related to salmon in the region

2. Why is the proposed federal action necessary?

The co-lead Federal agencies (Reclamation, Bonneville, and USACE) need to consider and respond to the Project Proponent's (the Tribes) P2IP proposal in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and authorities.

In September 2023, the Project Proponents and the federal government reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and mediated settlement agreement and mediated settlement agreement to pursue a proactive, collaborative, and science-based approach to implementing the P2IP. This agreement outlines funding and implementation commitments through 2043, including:

• Bonneville will provide certain funding for implementation of the P2IP projects for reintroducing specific non-Federally protected salmonid stocks above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams in the Upper Columbia River Basin consistent with Bonneville’s Administrator’s settlement authority under 16 U.S.C. § 832a(f).

• Consistent with the MOU, Reclamation, USACE, USFWS, and NMFS will work with Project Proponents and Bonneville to identify additional funding needs for implementation of P2IP and seek additional funding as necessary and appropriate to ensure full funding of P2IP activities during the 20-year implementation period.

• Project Proponents may use existing facilities for activities related to P2IP implementation.

• The USFWS will provide surplus fertilized eggs and juvenile salmon of non-listed stock from federal hatchery facilities for research studies.

The co-lead agencies seek to achieve the following purposes:

• Support efforts to study and test the feasibility of reintroducing specific non-Federally protected salmonid stocks above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams in the Upper Columbia River Basin consistent with the P2IP agreement.

• Continue to provide an adequate, efficient, economical, and reliable power supply that supports the integrated Columbia River Power System.

• Continue to deliver reliable water supplies, manage flood risk, provide reliable navigation and recreation opportunities.

• Minimize environmental impacts throughout the project area.

3. What is the federal action? 

The proposed federal action entails funding and authorizations to support a long-term study to test the feasibility of reintroducing salmon in blocked areas through juvenile and adult salmon research studies, developing and operating fish rearing facilities, and designing, installing, and operating interim fish passage systems. Federal actions include the following:

• Fund P2IP activities throughout the project area

• Review, approve, and issue permits for actions—including but not limited to—data collection, installation of equipment, or facility construction on federally managed lands and facilities

• Providing eggs, juvenile, and adult salmon from existing hatcheries

4. How were scoping comments from the public be considered?

Scoping played an important role in identifying interested and affected parties, as well as identifying affected resources and issues with the Proposed Action. The scoping process helped the agencies determine the likely significance of the Proposed Action’s impacts and what level of environmental review would be required. Federal agencies evaluated scoping comments to determine if adjustments to the Proposed Action were needed and if issues identified prompted the development of alternatives to the Proposed Action.

5. How will public comments on the Draft Programmatic EA be considered?

Once the comment period closes, the Co-lead Agencies will review all submitted comments. This includes assessing the relevance, concerns, and suggestions by the public. Ways in which public comments are incorporated into the PEA may include adjustments to the Proposed Action, additional analysis of potential environmental impacts, and clarifications or additional information provided in the PEA. The Co-lead Agencies will prepare a summary of the comments received (must be considered substantive), along with a response to the issue raised. This summary will be included in the final PEA or in an appendix to the final PEA. During the final decision-making phase, the final PEA will reflect the input received during the public comment period.  

If you have more-detailed questions about the P2IP Project and associated NEPA process, please use the question form below.

For more information, please contact Melissa Yenko (myenko@usbr.gov).