Title
Briefing on the Lower Deschutes Basin Planning Process
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing from the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) staff about the Lower Deschutes Basin planning process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing from the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) staff about the Lower Deschutes Basin planning process. In 2018, DES receiving funding to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding options for the Lower Deschutes Basin. Staff from DES will be at the study session to brief the City Council on this work and to describe proposed next steps.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, (360) 753-8370
Rich Hoey, Director, Public Works, (360) 753-8495
Andy Haub, Line of Business Director, Public Works, (360) 570-3795
Presenter(s):
Carrie Martin, Facilities Division, Department of Enterprise Services
Jessi Massingale, Environmental Engineer/Oceanographer, Floyd|Snider
Background and Analysis:
More than 65 years ago, the State of Washington built a dam across the Deschutes River and created Capitol Lake as an amenity to the State Capitol campus. Over time, numerous questions and debates have arisen about the lake’s contribution to water quality concerns, fish run impediments, sedimentation, flood control and other issues.
For the past many years, State agencies, local governments, interest groups, the Squaxin Island Indian tribe, and various other individuals have discussed and debated whether the lake should continue or be restored to an estuary or some hybrid option.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Process intended to provide reliable data to help the State make that decision.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Various stakeholders and groups are being asked for input from DES during the EIS process. DES staff can provide a list of those parties and the process used to gain input.
Options:
Receive a briefing.
Financial Impact:
There are no costs associated with the briefing. Olympia residents may incur future costs depending on the State’s decision related to the lake/estuary.
Attachments:
EIS Process Map