HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/05/2020 09E Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Plan Update 1
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 9.E.
For Meeting of: May 5, 2020
ITEM TITLE: Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
April 2020 Quarterly Project Activity Update
SUBMITTED BY: David Brown,Assistant Director of Public Works 509-575-6204
Scott Schafer, Director of Public Works
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The April 2020 Quarterly Project Activity Update provides information on technical aspects of
ongoing planning studies for the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management
Plan (Integrated Plan).
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Partnership Development
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
Information only
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
DCJ ate 4/14/2020 r Memo
Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
Project Activity Update
April 2020
Purpose: To provide updates on technical aspects of ongoing planning studies and
project implementation for the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource
Management Plan (Integrated Plan)
Fish Passage Element
Cle Elum Dam Fish Passage Facilities and Reintroduction Project
The juvenile fish passage facility will use an innovative helix design to transport juvenile fish
downstream. It will allow fish to leave the reservoir as the water surface fluctuates over the top 63 feet
in elevation. This will provide downstream passage from April 1 through the beginning of June in
most years. The upstream adult fish passage facility will be a trap-and-haul facility where fish are
trapped at the base of the spillway, loaded into a truck, and then hauled for release into Cle Elum
Reservoir or to upstream tributaries.
Construction Update: The access road and spillway bridge construction contract is complete. The
secant vault construction is complete. Construction for the downstream passage tunnel is in progress.
Excavation and installation of the outer tunnel liner is complete. Installation of the inner liner began
in March 2020. This liner will be formed with in-place concrete and will have a very smooth finish to
protect fish as they travel through the tunnel. Construction under this contract is anticipated to be
complete by the end of this year. The Intake, Gate, and Helix contractor mobilized in late April 2019.
Construction of Intake #6, the lowest elevation intake within the reservoir, was completed in
December 2019. In addition,trenching and shoring work, needed for the placement of precast
concrete conduits that will run between the intake gates and the secant, was installed in 2019. The
contractor is anticipated to re-mobilize on-site July 2020.
Sockeye Study Update: In 2018, Reclamation and the Yakama Nation worked with the U.S.
Geological Survey to conduct an adult sockeye tracking test to understand their migration between
Roza and Cle Elum dams. The study found that 20 of the 20 tagged fish migrated successfully to the
base of Cle Elum Dam. In 2019, these same partners, along with Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW), began a sockeye tracking study in the lower Yakima River. The study reach runs
from the mouth of the Yakima River up to the Roza Dam and is evaluating potential passage issues at
diversion dams, possible false attraction, microclimate use, and Columbia River Stranding. First year
results are expected to be reported by March 31, 2020. Preliminary results from the first year of the
study found very low migration success rates for tagged Sockeye primarily due to high river
temperatures. Due to the significance of migration through this reach, we plan to continue this study
for two more years.
Box Canyon Creek Fish Passage
WDFW, with input from Reclamation, Ecology and other passage restoration experts, has completed a
conceptual design for the Box Canyon Creek Fish Passage Enhancement Project. Reclamation,
Ecology, Yakama Nation and Yakima Basin Integrated Plan partners will finalize the design. An
additional field survey was needed to move the conceptual design toward final design. This survey
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work was obtained October, 2018. The final design work is expected to begin following discussions
with potential project partners.
Clear Creek Dam Fish Passage
Reclamation completed an appraisal level design for fish passage in September 2018. The design
consists of a traditional pool-and-weir-style fishway with a steel bulkhead at the upstream end that
will draw cool water from deeper in the reservoir. Situated along the left abutment of the dam, fish
would enter the fishway in the stilling basin and exit in the reservoir pool. The bulkhead will be deep
enough to maintain suitable water temperature in the fishway for Bull Trout. Reclamation is
coordinating with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Yakama Nation, WDFW, and others to
review and refine the design. Final design is planned for completion in December 2022 and
construction completed by 2026. Construction timing will depend upon final cost estimates and
funding availability. Until passage improvements are accomplished, USFWS, Reclamation, USFS,
and WDFW will continue capturing Bull Trout from below Clear Creek Dam and transporting
genetically identified North Fork Tieton River fish around the dam so they can reach spawning habitat
in the North Fork Tieton River. Fish capture and transport was conducted in 2016, 2017, 2018, and
2019. To date, 72 adult Bull Trout have been transported above the dam.
Structural and Operational Changes Element
Cle Elum Pool Raise
The purpose of the Cle Elum Pool Raise Project is to increase the reservoir's capacity for improved
aquatic resources for fish habitat, rearing, and migration in the Cle Elum and upper Yakima River,
thereby fulfilling the intent of the congressional authorization, Title XII of Public Law 103-434.
Completed: Radial Gate construction was completed in April 2017. Reclamation completed
modifications to three saddle dikes as of 2018. The USFS Cle Elum River Campground recreation
area was completed in November 2017. The USFS Speelyi Day Use Recreation Area was completed
in May 2019.
Construction Update: Reclamation and Ecology are currently implementing shoreline protection
actions for private and public lands and facilities. Construction of shoreline protection at Wish Poosh
Campground are anticipated to begin in September 2020 and be complete by the end of May 2021.
Also starting in September 2020 is the construction of shoreline protection for two embankment areas
on Salmon La Sac Road which will take approximately a month to complete. Remaining shoreline
protection will be implemented as funding is available. Landowners and the public will be updated
periodically on the project via mail and postings during project implementation.
Chandler Pumping Plant Electrification
Kennewick Irrigation District(KID) continues to evaluate an electrical pumping plant at Chandler.
As of March 2020, Reclamation continues to work with KID. KID is preparing updated design
drawings and operational diversion plans for review of Chandler Electrical Pumping Plant by
Reclamation. Reclamation has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with KID for this work.
Reclamation and KID have regular meetings to track progress on designs as well as discuss other
options to address KID water supply issues, outside of an Electrical Pumping Plant. Reclamation is
part of the Lower River Leadership team along with Department of Ecology, Yakama Nation, and
KID to discuss a multitude of options to meet lower river flow needs for KID. An electrical pumping
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plant may still be considered by KID, but it currently appears they are seeking other options which
may include a storage reservoir.
Lower Yakima River Smolt Survival Study
The lower Yakima River smolt survival study was initiated in 2018 with funding provided by Yakama
Nation, Reclamation, irrigation districts, and the US Geological Survey (USGS). During each year of
the study over 1,100 juvenile salmon and steelhead are collected, tagged, and released in the Yakima
River to monitor their behavior and survival as they migrate downstream. Additional data on predator
populations. river flow, and water temperature are being collected and related to fish survival. Data
from 2018-19 are currently being analyzed by USGS: preliminary results indicate fish survival was
highest in early spring, April through mid-May, and lowest by June when the river warmed. Survival
was lower than expected for fish that were inadvertently diverted into canals. In 2020, if field work
occurs, additional fish releases will focus on factors affecting survival at Wapato, Sunnyside, and
Prosser dams as well as continuing mainstem river releases. If the 2020 field work is conducted,
project partners will also release a limited number of tagged juvenile Pacific lamprey, a unique
species of migratory fish that have been declining in numbers in recent decades. Lamprey tagging is a
partnership with Reclamation's Science and Technology grant fund, Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory, USGS, and Yakama Nation Fisheries.
Surface Water Storage Element
Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant(KDRPP)
The KDRPP is proposed to access 200,000 acre-feet of inactive storage below the current outlet works
in the Kachess Reservoir to use in severe drought. Since the proposed KDRPP and KKC projects are
closely connected, they were analyzed together.
On April 26, 2019, Reclamation signed the Record of Dectszon (ROD), which does not approve
implementation of any alternatives but carries forward Alternative 4 - KDRPP Floating Pumping Plant
(FPP)for further analysis. Consistent with this decision, the remaining alternatives in the FEIS,
including the KKC, will not be carried forward. Reclamation and Ecology will use a phased approach
for further site-specific analysis in a Tier 2 NEPA process to narrow the range of feasible alternatives
for KDRPP.
The Project Proponent, Roza, in coordination with Reclamation and Ecology, are currently developing
a new Proposed Action and clarifying the FPP alternative for the KDRPP Tier 2 NEPA process. Roza
and possibly other prorated waters users (KRD, Wapato Irrigation Project [WIP], KID) would fund,
design, construct, and operate the KDRPP.
Wymer Reservoir
Consideration of site requirements is ongoing. In February, Reclamation, Ecology Yakama Nation
and Executive Committee met to discuss status of studies for Wymer, Bumping and proposed storage
including Upper Yakima System Storage and North Fork Cowiche Creek Reservoir.
Bumping Reservoir Enlargement Project
Consideration of site requirements is ongoing. See update for Wymer, above.
Groundwater Storage Element
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Groundwater Storage—Basinwide Analysis
The Groundwater Storage Subcommittee is in the process of reviewing and selecting potential projects
for the 2019-2021 biennium. Seven funding requests totaling approximately $1 million were received
and are being reviewed by the Subcommittee.
Four projects were previously selected for funding from the 2017-2019 biennium. These projects
include (1) Indian Creek Groundwater Dynamics Investigation, Oregon State University (2) Yakima
Basin Focused Managed Aquifer Recharge Assessment, Kittitas Reclamation District(3) Yakima
River Groundwater Infiltration Study, Selah-Moxee Irrigation District and (4) Geochemical Study of
Groundwater in Potential Storage Sites, Central Washington University. The Indian Creek
Groundwater Dynamics Investigation is complete and OSU has submitted the final report to Ecology.
The final report will be available on Ecology's website. The remaining three projects are ongoing and
will be completed over the next year.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
The City of Yakima's ASR program is fully permitted. The City recharged at the Gardner Well for 45
days in February and March. The City is planning full build-out for the program. They intend to drill
two ASR devoted wells: the first well is estimated for 2022-2023, and the second is estimated for
2025-2026.
Habitat Protection and Enhancement Element
Targeted Watershed Protection and Enhancement
The Watershed Lands Conservation Subcommittee is developing a new 10-year lands plan. The plan
will describe the Subcommittee's goals and objectives for continuing implementation of the Targeted
Watershed Protection and Enhancement component of the Habitat Element of the Integrated Plan. The
Subcommittee is working to develop a general outline of the plan's focus areas by the June 2020
YRBWEP Workgroup meeting. The Subcommittee continues to receive reports from Washington
State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and WDFW regarding stewardship activities on
properties purchased for the Integrated Plan such as the Teanaway Community Forest(TCF) and the
Van Wyk ranch.
In the TCF, DNR has been putting most of its efforts into acquiring permits for summer 2020 capital
and grant work. A lot of work has been completed on cultural resources associated with road
maintenance and fish passage barrier removals planned for the next two years. The Stay-At-Home
Order from the Governor of Washington has delayed the excavation permits needed for the renovation
of the West Fork Teanaway Camping Area. The affected Tribes needed more time to review. This will
cause an extended closure of that site during the summer months while the contract is active. DNR is
working on messaging for the public during the disruption of this popular camping area during the
peak season. Permits from Kittitas County are also delayed due to the restrictions on public
hearings. This mostly impacts the scheduled work at Indian Camp Campground. While practicing
social distancing,the camping areas in the Teanaway will be either closed or minimally serviced.
Mainstem Floodplain and Tributaries Fish Habitat Enhancement Program
The Habitat Subcommittee is developing the 2021-2023 biennial budget proposal to Ecology for the
Integrated Plan Habitat Element. The Subcommittee is also considering options for obligating
contingency funds remaining from the 2019-2021 biennial budget.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed a federal determination of interest in conducting
the Yakima River Delta Enhancement Project(Baseman Island Causeway Removal). WDFW has
been identified as the non-federal cost share partner, and the two agencies have entered into a cost
share agreement. Mid-Columbia Fisheries is also a significant cost share partner.
The Yakama Nation and WDFW are working together on the rescue and captive rearing operation of
bull trout in the Kachess River and Gold Creek,to improve Juvenile Bull Trout survival. The agencies
with other partners rescue bull trout from the river and creek and move them to a Yakama Nation
hatchery facility where the Tribe rears them. Once large enough to ensure better survival, the fish are
released back into the rivers. The long-term goal is for habitat conditions in the upper watershed to
improve to the point where populations are independently sustainable and rescue and captive rearing
is no longer necessary to sustain the population.
Enhanced Water Conservation Element
Funding of$4.25 million for water conservation projects during the 2019-2021 biennium was
appropriated by the State Legislature. The Water Use Subcommittee has allocated these funds to the
various projects the Subcommittee selected for funding in 2018. Contracting and project work are
underway. Projects funded by the Legislature include canal piping, lining, and sealing by the irrigation
districts and irrigation efficiency improvements facilitated by the Kittitas County Conservation
District.
The Water Use Subcommittee has received project proposals for funding in the 2021-2023 State
biennium. The Subcommittee will meet later in the spring to hear presentations from the project
sponsors and develop a budget proposal for the Executive Committee.
In the Municipal Subgroup, Benton Conservation District(BCD) has been conducting the Heritage
Gardens Low Water Use Program in Yakima County. In 2019, BCD gave eight presentations,
conducted 45 site visits, and certified 4 home heritage gardens. BCD has noted an overwhelmingly
positive response from program participants. BCD is planning for their 2020 program and is
requesting funding in the 2021-2023 State biennium to further develop the program, which includes
program expansion into Kittitas County. The Municipal Subgroup will support and advocate for the
program moving forward.
Market Reallocation Element
The Kittitas Reclamation District(KRD) and Trout Unlimited (TU) continued work on the Market
Reallocation element of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. The project is designed to develop a
Yakima basin-specific Smart Market and involves significant research and analysis. Recent
advancements include: continued stakeholder outreach; coordination with a water market study
underway by Washington State University; policy and GIS-mapping analyses; and development of a
transfer piles framework for use in Smart Market modeling efforts.
Proposed Projects for Consideration
During implementation of the Integrated Plan, an adaptive approach will be used periodically to assess
progress towards meeting the identified instream flow objectives, the 70 percent proratable supply
goal for irrigation, and goals for other out-of-stream needs. The need for additional water supply
enhancements would depend on the effectiveness of projects that are implemented as part of the
Integrated Plan, how the Yakima basin economy develops over time, and the timing of and manner in
which climate changes affect water supply availability. From time-to-time, new projects may be
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identified (and proposed)for consideration under the Integrated Plan. Reclamation, Ecology, Yakama
Nation and the Executive Committee have developed a formalized process to consider new projects.
Projects proposed for evaluation and those currently being evaluated are listed here.
• Tieton River Restoration, including proposed North Fork Cowiche Creek Reservoir.
• Upper Yakima System Storage
Contacts for Information on the Integrated Plan:
Wendy Christensen, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia-Cascades Area
Office, (509) 573-8050
Thomas Tebb, Washington State Department of Ecology, Office of Columbia River, (509) 574-3989
Project website: bitp: /www.usbr.govpn/programs ep/index.html
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