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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 12.B.
For Meeting of: December 8, 2020
ITEM TITLE: Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
November 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 November 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
deport 11/24/2020 weep Matenal
Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
Project Activity Update
November 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 cast in-place concrete and will have a very smooth
finish to protect fish as they travel through the tunnel. Approximately 60% of the tunnel's inside liner
has been placed to date, 870' of invert and 700' of crown. The tunnel contractor completed their work
in the secant vault in July placing half of the secant vault foundation and installing the anchor system
for the helix structure and the training wall that will connect the helix system to the tunnel.
Construction under the tunnel contract is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2021.
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 and Intake #5, #4, and
3 are currently being constructed and sealed in concrete. Trenching and shoring work, needed for the
placement of precast concrete boxes that will run between the intake gates (reservoir) and the secant
vault, was installed in 2019. The contractor re-mobilized on-site in July and prepared the trench for
precast concrete box placement. The first box, one of 194 boxes, was placed in September. These
boxes will form the conduit or tunnel that will connect the reservoir intakes to the secant vault.
Conduit levels 6, 5, and 4, the bottom 3 levels, have been placed and sealed in concrete.
The contractor has also been working in the secant shaft and has installed the drain system and has
placed the second half of the secant vault foundation. Subcontractors continue fabricating and
constructing steelwork, gates, and helical flume sections for installation beginning next spring.
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
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diversion dams, possible false attraction, microclimate use, and Columbia River Stranding. We
expect to conduct this study over three years depending on the study findings.
Results from the first year of the study (2019)found very low migration success rates for tagged
Sockeye primarily due to high river temperatures. The 2020 Summer sockeye study began at the end
of June by tagging fish captured at Prosser Dam and in the Columbia River near Bateman Island.
Reclamation completed gathering tracking data in September 2020. Preliminary findings for 2020 are
anticipated in December with a final report due in March 2021.
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 has
contracted with HDR to complete a 60%project design, anticipated to be completed in spring 2021.
The project partners have met to establish performance goals for the 60% design. A site-visit with
project partners and stakeholders was held in early October.
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), Yakarna Nation, WDFW,
USFS and others to complete the final ladder design. The partners met with basin biologists to define
the range of species targeted for passage and provide input for designers regarding ladder geometry.
Reclamation conducted geotechnical investigations in October 2020 and completed 30% designs on
November 2, 2020, which have been sent to a technical workgroup for review and comment.
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. 2019, and 2020. To-
date, 75 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 Cle Elum 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 Area 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
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Campground is anticipated to begin in April 2021 and be complete by the end of May 2022. The
Sandelin Lane shoreline protection area is expected to award a contract in early 2022. Remaining
shoreline protection will be implemented as funding is available. Landowners and the public will be
updated periodically on the project via mail and website postings during project implementation.
Reclamation continues working with landowners along the shoreline to acquire easements as
appropriate for the project.
Chandler Pumping Plant Electrification
Kennewick Irrigation District(KID) continues to evaluate an electrical pumping plant at Chandler. As
of November 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 extended an existing Memorandum of Agreement through 2022 with
KID for this work. Reclamation and KID have regular meetings to address KID water supply issues.
Reclamation is part of the Lower River Leadership team along with Ecology, Yakama Nation, and
KID to discuss a multitude of options to meet lower river flow needs for KID. An electrical pumping
plant may still be considered by KID, however, recently KID has been reviewing other options which
may include an onsite storage reservoir.
Lower Yakima River Smolt Survival Study
The survival of juvenile salmon (smolts) migrating to the ocean can influence the abundance of
returning adults and the availability of fish for harvest years later. Smolt survival is affected by
passage at dams, predators, and other factors such as river flows and water temperatures. Factors
affecting smolt survival are being identified by the Lower Yakima River Smolt Survival Study with
the goal of developing recommendations for improvement projects. The study area includes the
mainstem Yakima River from the City of Yakima to the Columbia River confluence. Project funding
comes from Yakama Nation (YN), Reclamation, irrigation districts, Ecology, and the US Geological
Survey (USGS), with YN and USGS leading the field work and data analysis. During each year of the
study (2018-2020) over 1,100 juvenile salmon and steelhead were collected,tagged, and released in
the Yakima River to monitor their behavior and survival as they migrated downstream. Additional
data on predator populations, river flows, and water temperatures are being related to fish survival.
Preliminary results indicate smolt survival was highest in early spring and lowest in June when the
Yakima River warmed, and flows declined. Survival was lower than expected for fish that were
inadvertently diverted into canals. In 2020 research was paused in late March due to statewide travel
restrictions. However, by early May, USGS and YN developed safe work practices, resumed tagging,
and released 348 Spring Chinook, 495 subyearling Chinook, and 376 steelhead. In 2020 the study
focused on evaluating survival at Wapato, Sunnyside, and Prosser dams. The study is also assisting in
the research and development of a tag for Pacific Lamprey, a unique species of migratory fish that
have been declining in numbers in recent decades. Lamprey monitoring is a partnership with
Reclamation's Technical Services Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USGS, BPA, and
YN Pacific Lamprey Program.
Sunnyside Division Board of Control Fish Boom
The first project being developed to improve lower river smolt survival is a partnership with the
Sunnyside Division Board of Control to install a fish guidance boom and improved juvenile salmon
passage at the headgate of Sunnyside Canal. The fish boom is expected to guide fish passing
downstream away from the canal and so that they stay in the mainstem Yakima River, where survival
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is higher. Fish guidance booms and dam gate modifications will be designed and constructed during
2020-2021, with the goal of reducing smolt entrainment into Sunnyside Canal, thereby decreasing
mortality and migration delays. In 2021 the smolt survival study will evaluate the effectiveness of the
structural modifications to the dam.
Surface Water Storage Element
Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant(KDRPP)
The KDRPP is proposed to access 200,000 (out of 585,000) acre-feet of inactive storage in the
Kachess Reservoir that is below the current outlet works for use in severe drought.
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 Kachess to Keechelus Conveyance , are unlikely to 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, the Roza Irrigation District, in coordination with Reclamation and Ecology, is
currently developing a new Proposed Action and clarifying the FPP alternative for the KDRPP Tier 2
NEPA process. This final and complete Proposed Action and Reclamation's subsequent Notice of
Intent(NOI)for the Tier 2 EIS are currently projected for early 2021. Roza and possibly other pro-
ratable waters users (KRD, Wapato Irrigation Project [WIP], KID) would fund, design, construct, and
operate the KDRPP.
Wymer Reservoir
Consideration of site requirements is ongoing.
Bumping Reservoir Enlargement Project
Consideration of site requirements is ongoing.
Groundwater Storage Element
Groundwater Storage—Basinwide Analysis
The Groundwater Storage Subcommittee finished selecting projects for the 2019-2021 biennium.
Seven funding requests totaling approximately $1 million were received and reviewed by the
Subcommittee. Four projects have been selected for funding:
1) Field Assessment of High-Priority Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Sites in the Upper Yakima
Basin, Kittitas Reclamation District;
2) Strategies for Groundwater Storage in Diverse Settings of the Yakima Basin: Headwater
Tributaries and Lower Basin Irrigation Districts, Central Washington University,
3) Low Head Check Structures, Yakima Nation, and;
4) KRD Taneum Creek MAR Site Infrastructure, Current Uses, and Preliminary Project Analysis.
Additionally, KRD has worked to finalize the Yakima Basin Managed Aquifer Recharge Assessment
Final Report which has identified and ranked several potential MAR sites throughout the Yakima
Basin. Top sites include Taneum Creek, Big Creek, Tieton River, Little Creek, and Naneum Creek.
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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 continues to develop a new 10-year lands plan (the
Phase 2 Plan). The plan will describe the Subcommittee's goals and objectives for continued
implementation of the Targeted Watershed Protection and Enhancement component of the Habitat
Element of the Integrated. The Subcommittee is working to finish drafting the plan by the end of
2020.
The Nature Conservancy requested a letter of support from the Watershed Lands Subcommittee
regarding a proposal for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in 2022. The grant would allow
the U.S. Forest Service to purchase a portion of the Central Cascade Forest Lands in the Taneum
Watershed. This is part of a larger effort to create a unified habitat corridor and provide water
protection/enhancement in a region that extends from the Goat Rocks Wilderness to the Alpine Lakes
Wilderness. The Subcommittee agreed to provide a letter of support for the grant proposal and has
forwarded the letter to the Executive and Implementation Committees for their review and approval.
Mainstem Floodplain and Tributaries Fish Habitat Enhancement Program
The Habitat Subcommittee has developed its 2021-2023 biennial budget proposal to Ecology for the
Habitat Element. The Subcommittee spent much of spring strategizing about shifting its emphasis to
address significant lower river mortality of juvenile salmon and steelhead during outmigration. The
Yakama Nation will hire a Lower River Project Lead who will focus on Wapato reach, groundwater
and wetlands, stargrass control and management, and lower river action plans. The person in this
position will work with agency partners on lower river thermal projects and provide quarterly reports
to the Habitat Subcommittee. This is a critical resource for ensuring the lower river emphasis is
successful. The Subcommittee also proposed funding for the South Fork Tieton Bridge Replacement
Project, which includes cost share with Reclamation.
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.
Integrated Plan partners, led by the Yakama Nation and WDFW, are working together on the rescue
of young of year Bull Trout in the dewatering reaches of upper Kachess River and Gold Creek. Each
year a percentage of Bull Trout are moved upstream of the dewatering reaches in each system. The
remainder are transported to La Salle fish hatchery to be reared by Yakama Nation staff. In 2020, 72
Gold Creek and 604 Kachess River Bull Trout were transported to La Salle. Reared Bull Trout will
be returned to their natal streams in 2021. The goal of the project is to reduce instream young of year
Bull Trout mortality.
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Enhanced Water Conservation Element
Upon passage of the Dingell Act in March 2019, the Integrated Plan has a goal to conserve 85,000
acre-feet of water by 2029. The overall conservation savings goal upon full Integrated Plan
implementation is 170,000 acre-feet. Reclamation and Ecology are conducting an inventory of water
conservation accomplishments associated with the Integrated Plan. Projects that count towards this
goal must adhere to three parameters:
• Begin in 2013 or later
• Be an agricultural or municipal improvement project resulting in conserved water
• Not be part of the Title XII, Section 1203 Basin Conservation Plan
To date, there have been 104 conservation projects implemented. Approximately $89 million invested
has resulted in approximately 50,000 acre-feet conserved ($1,800 per acre-foot). Reclamation and
Ecology have developed a draft project prioritization proposal for achieving the remaining portion of
the initial development phase goal, which is under review by the Water Use Subcommittee.
In the Municipal Subgroup, Benton Conservation District(BCD) has been conducting the Heritage
Gardens Low Water Use Program in Yakima County. In 2020, BCD conducted 36 site visits. BCD
has noted an overwhelmingly positive response from program participants. Due to the Statewide "Stay
at Home" order, BCD was unable to conduct in-person workshops and presentations. The workshops
were successfully converted to an online format, and BCD has reallocated funding planned for
presentations to develop short information videos.
BCD 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 evaluate market-
based transactions under a Yakima basin-specific Smart Market framework and involves significant
research and analysis. Over the last quarter, work continued in areas of GIS and policy/legal analysis
to advance the ongoing model development and refinement. KRD and TU provided information at the
September YRBWEP Workgroup meeting about the literature and policy research, basic transfer
framework, and next steps for refining the model.
More information about the project can be found at https:/www.yakimabasinwatermarketinti.ork
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
identified (and proposed)for consideration under the Integrated Plan. Reclamation, Ecology, Yakama
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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: http://www.usbr.govipn`programs/vrbwep`index.html
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