HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2877

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                    Agriculture & Ecology

Title:  An act relating to Pine Hollow reservoir.

Brief Description:  Ordering an analysis of Pine Hollow as a site of a dam and reservoir.

Sponsors:  Representatives Clements, Honeyford, Chandler, Skinner and Mulliken.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Agriculture & Ecology:  2/2/98, 2/4/98 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ECOLOGY

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Chandler, Chairman; Parlette, Vice Chairman; Schoesler, Vice Chairman; Linville,  Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cooper; Delvin; Koster; Mastin and Sump.

Staff:  Kenneth Hirst (786-7105).

Background:  The Ahtanum Reservoir Project is an off-stream water storage proposal of the Ahtanum Irrigation District.  The proposal involves the construction of an off-stream impoundment in Pine Hollow at a site located approximately 15 miles west-southwest of the city of Yakima.  Up to 24,500 acre-feet of water from Ahtanum Creek is proposed for storage in the resulting reservoir for release beginning in mid-July of each year.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Department of Ecology (DOE) must conduct a pre-construction analysis of Pine Hollow regarding its suitability as a site for the construction of a retainment dam and water storage reservoir and the site=s potential to enhance anadromous fish, other aquatic life, and agriculture.  The analysis is to include an analysis of: the geology and hydrology of the site; appropriate dam design and dynamics; and the impact on water related issues and on the water rights of the Yakama Indian Nation.  The DOE may conduct portions of its analysis through contracts with private entities and through contracts with or grants made to the Yakama Indian Nation and other public entities, including other state agencies, irrigation districts local to the area, cities, Yakima County, and federal agencies.  The following must be consulted before the analysis is conducted: the Yakama Indian Nation, the historical project proponent, Yakima county, and the area office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Provided by the substitute bill are the provisions requiring: an analysis of the site=s potential to enhance anadromous fish, aquatic life, and agriculture and of impacts on water related issues and tribal water rights; and the consultation requirement.

Appropriation:  The sum of $300,000 or as much thereof as necessary is appropriated from the general fund to the DOE for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, for the pre-construction analysis.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The bill would study the suitability of a site in a dry canyon for an off-stream water storage reservoir.  Currently, all of the water in Ahtanum Creek is diverted for irrigation for six months each year and the creek is dry.  The proposed reservoir could divert flood waters in the winter for use in the summer to provide water for fish, agriculture, and recreation.

Testimony Against:  The study should examine whether the reservoir project would protect fish and tribal water rights in a manner consistent with the requirements of the court decree that directs the use of the water from Ahtanum Creek.

Testified:  Representative Clements, prime sponsor; and Forest Marshall, Ahtanum Irrigation District (in favor).  Dawn Vyvyan, Yakama Indian Nation (commented on the bill).