House Bill Analysis

HB 2818

HOUSE AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY COMMITTEE               February 3, 2000

- Requires that a preconstruction analysis be conducted of an off-stream storage project at Washout Canyon.

- Appropriates $300,000 for the analysis.

BACKGROUND:

The Roza Irrigation District has proposed an off-stream water storage project in Washout Canyon, northeast of the City of Sunnyside and adjacent to SR-241.  The hydraulic height of the proposed dam would be 270 feet; the normal water surface would be at about 1600 feet above sea level and would cover approximately 540 acres.  Under the district=s proposal, up to 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) would be pumped into the reservoir during the spring run-off, before the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation places the Yakima Project on storage control each year.  The district would release water from the reservoir only in proration years.  In these years, the Bureau prorates the shortfall in water supply among entities which, like the Roza Irrigation District, have more junior water rights.  The district estimates that the Washout Canyon reservoir could release up to 200 cfs into the district=s distribution system for 90 to 100 days after the Project is placed on storage control.  (Roza Irrigation District AOff-Stream Storage Proposal, Washout Canyon.@)

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology (DOE) must conduct a preconstruction analysis of the an off-stream storage project of the Roza Irrigation District at Washout Canyon.  The analysis is to be of: (1) the suitability of the site for the construction of a retainment dam and water storage reservoir; and (2) the reservoir site's potential to create a warm water fishery, provide recreational opportunities, and enhance agriculture.

The analysis must be conducted through contracts with the district and must include

analysis of the geology and hydrology of the site, appropriate dam design and dynamics, and its impact on water-related issues.  The DOE must consult the Yakama Indian Nation, Yakima County, and the upper Columbia area office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation regarding the scope of issues to be addressed in the analysis.  The analysis must be completed by June 30, 2001.

Appropriation: $300,000 is appropriated to DOE from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, for this purpose.