YBSA Monthly Report June, 2012

YBSA Monthly Report

June, 2012

Integrated Plan Work Group:  Information that was provided for review and comment at the YRBWEP Work Group meeting on June 20^th included:

1. the status of funding for the projects identified as part of the early implementation program were;
1. BOR funding: approximately $2 million for Lake Cle Elum fish passage andLakeKachesswater supply study.
2. WSDOE: approximately $4 million for other early action items.
2. A detailed explanation of the account analysis of the Integrated Plan will include cost allocation, cost/risk analysis, and an economic evaluation.

Water Supply/Climate Change: In a report prepared by the Washington State Department of Ecology predicted that the effects of Climate Change and the need for growth will create a need for additional water in the Yakima Basin.  For additional information see Dave Lester’s article at http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2012/06/15/report-shows-climate-change-growth-will-strain-state-s-water-supply from theYakimaHeraldRepublic on June 15, 2012.

Meeting with Legislators:  At a meeting with legislators, YBSA discussed how the following concerns could be addressed:

1. The Integrated Plan storage element may not provide the amount of water needed for instream flow (fish and water quality) and out of stream (agriculture and future municipal growth) needs to address climate changes that were reported in the Department of Ecology climate study and consecutive drought years.
2. The plan estimates an increase of 30,000 returning salmonoids and when the sockeye return the numbers may exceed 100,000.
3. How will the sockeye be able to return to theYakima Riverin the late summer and fall when the river is at its lowest?
4. The Clean Water Act may list the lowerYakima Riveras needing improvement.

See article at http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2012/06/18/lots-of-fish-lots-of-toxins-officials-looking-to-change-that published in theYakimaHeraldRepublic on June 18, 2012

5. The Integrated Plan is a good program but only if there is enough new water to implement the plan.  YBSA supports the idea if the storage elements become a reality so there will be water to meet current and future needs.

See www.ybsa.org.