Title
Budd Inlet and Deschutes and Tributaries TMDLs
Recommended Action/UAC Deliverable:
Briefing only.
Issue:
Receive a briefing on the water quality cleanup plans for Budd Inlet and the Deschutes River and Tributaries Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs).
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Public Works Water Resources Director, 360.753.8164
Presenters:
Same as above
Background and Analysis:
The briefing will cover the relatively recent approved clean-up plans that include waters located within Olympia. The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), or water quality improvement project development process is a science-based approach to cleaning up polluted water so that it meets state water quality standards. A TMDL is a numerical value that represents the highest amount of a pollutant a surface water body can receive and still meet the standards. The federal Clean Water Act requires states to develop a TMDL plan for each water body on the state's polluted waters list, also known as the 303(d) list. The TMDL process is just one strategy used to clean up polluted waters. These plans are developed by the Washinton State Department of Ecology (Ecology) and approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Budd Inlet TMDL was approved by EPA in October 2022. It covers actions required to improve low dissolved oxygen levels in Budd Inlet. The plan includes actions to reduce nutrients flowing to the inlet from various sources as well as improve flushing and water circulation that is impacted by the Capital Lake dam maintained by the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The Deschutes Estuary restoration project which will remove the dam was the preferred alternative identified by the 2022 Environmental Impact Statement process is a key aspect of this plan.
The Deschutes River and Tributaries TMDL was partially approved in 2018 and EPA finalized the remaining elements in 2020. The plan addressed water quality concerns of pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, fine sediment, and fecal coliform bacteria.
The City was involved with Ecology as a stakeholder in the process to develop the clean-up plans which include actions that involve the City Storm and Surface Water and Wastewater Utility’s. TMDL actions are also incorporated into the City’s Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by Ecology as an appendix.
Climate Analysis:
The cleanup plans may have carbon impacts for actions and activities needed to address the identified water quality problems.
Equity Analysis:
Clean water and healthy local waterways benefit all communities in Olympia. Ensuring safe shellfish harvest, swimming, healthy fish and wildlife populations, and other beneficial uses for our local communities’ recreation, subsistence, and jobs in the local economy that relies on these uses. Healthy waterways, fish and wildlife populations are critical for local tribal communities especially the Squaxin Island Tribe in Budd Inlet and the Deschutes Watershed for cultural, subsistence and economic vitality and treaty rights.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
The Olympia community cares about environmental health and water quality in Budd Inlet and local waterways. The restoration of Capital Lake into the Deschutes estuary is an action to implement the Budd Inlet dissolved oxygen clean up plan and has been an important issue locally for many years with the restoration project supported by the Olympia City Council.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. However, the Storm and Surface Water and Wastewater Utility have roles to play in implementing these clean up plans.
Attachments:
TMDL Process Webpage
Budd Inlet TMDL Webpage
Deschutes River and Tributaries Webpage
Deschutes Estuary Restoration Webpage