YBSA Monthly Report October, 2009
YBSA Monthly Report
October, 2009
Work Group Process: The Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project (YRBWEP) Work Group has listed projects to be considered. (see attachments package phase 1, phase 2, & phase 3) The list includes a timeline that exceeds 25 years for completion. The list includes enlarging Bumping Lake, a 3 foot raise in elevation of Lake Cle Elum, extracting water from the existing reservoirs below the available storage, and a Keechelus-to-Kachees pipeline. Most of the projects have been evaluated in past studies and found to be insufficient due to environmental concerns; excess costs compared to benefits, and have failed in the past. The Combined Benefits of Phase 1 Projects based upon 2005 hydrologic conditions is estimated to take at least 10 years for completion. (see attachment phase 1) The numbers represented in the Combined Benefits of Phase 1 Projects are an estimate if able to be completed. The estimated cost of the Water Supply Benefit Package was in excess of $4 billion and several billion more over 30+ years. (see attachment YHA Bumping Lake)
Columbia Pump/Storage Program: The Columbia Pump Storage Program as defined in the Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study would provide water even during consecutive drought years. Construction costs of pump/storage from the Columbia River would be $4.5 billion as illustrated in Table 2.15 project costs.
Comparison of Phase I to Pump/Storage:
Water Supply Benefit
100 Year Term
0-10 Year Completion
Comparison of Proposed Phase 1 Projects and a Columbia Pump/Storage Program
Average Water Available Annually 2005 Conditions
TWSA Estimated TWSA With Storage During Drought 2005 Carry Over Volume April-Sept. at Parker April-Sept. at Yakima Mouth July-Oct. at Umtanum Estimated
Cost
No Action 1.76 Million Acre/Feet N/A 0 12 Thousand
Acre/Feet N/A N/A N/A
Columbia Pump Storage Up To 800 Thousand Acre/Feet1 2.56 Million Acre/Feet 85% Increase 50 Thousand
Acre/Feet 500 Thousand
Acre/Feet
Increase2 500 Thousand
Acre/Feet
Increase2 More Normal Flow2 $4.56 Billion
Storage Study
Combine Benefit Phase I 300 Thousand Acre/Feet When Completed 2.07 Million Acre/Feet 25% Increase 15 Thousand
Acre/Feet 193 Thousand
Acre/Feet
Increase 131 Thousand
Acre/Feet
Increase 200 Thousand
Acre/Feet
Decrease $4+ Billion Work Group
Pump/Storage would provide 1.3 Million Acre/Feet Available Annually
1 Roza and Sunnyside Irrigation Districts would use all or some of the available water to fulfill their contracts for water.
2 Freed water would be managed for instream flow and fish.
Projects Funded with Columbia Pump/Storage
Columbia pump/storage enables us to have a more normal flow in the Yakima River.
Provides an opportunity for management of freed water by fish biologists (SOAC)
Makes water available for fish passage at existing reservoirs
Reduces flip-flop
Provides funding for fish supplementation facilities and other fish enhancement programs by the Yakama Nation
Provides water to enlarge habitat area with additional water in all 5 reaches of the Yakima River
Make Bumping Lake a fish facility with a large fish ladder to accommodate natural flow
Provides more than 70% water for proratable irrigation districts in consecutive drought years
Provides protection for fish, agriculture, and municipal growth due to climate change
Allows for a more normal flow in the Yakima and Cle Elum Rivers
Provides additional water for groundwater infiltration
Conservation Programs: Conservation programs will continue as authorized and funded under the existing Title XII Enhancement Program.
YBSA Goals: A large amount of stored water is necessary to ensure a healthy economy. Water is the lifeblood of the Yakima Basin. Ensure that climate change is considered when seeking a solution for more water. Find the lowest cost alternative.
The economy and fisheries in the Yakima Basin can not wait another 30+ years to find a solution!
See www.ybsa.org for more information.