Project
Overview
The US Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps), in conjunction with the Confederated Tribes
of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), are focusing on the
restoration and management of a viable ecosystem within the
Walla Walla River Basin. This Feasibility Report/Environmental
Impact Statement (FR/EIS) will evaluate and recommend those
alternatives that will contribute significantly to established
restoration objectives; most benefit biological resources and
natural ecosystem functions and processes; and be technically
feasible and cost effective.
Many factors have contributed to the decline and limited
production of salmonids and lamprey in the Basin. In order to
increase salmonid and lamprey production, several actions have
been proposed for consideration, including ways to increase
stream flows, improve water quality, and lower river water
temperatures. These actions will serve as the basis to generate
a range of alternatives that can be evaluated through the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Basic issues that will be addressed are 1) reductions in flow;
2) degraded channel geometry; 3) poor water quality; and 4)
high water temperatures.
This study will present potential alternatives in a comparative
form, defining the issues and providing a clear basis for the
choosing wisely from the many options available. In order to
compare these potential alternatives effectively, a common point
of comparison must be established as a baseline. The baseline
studies will establish current conditions in the Basin, with
respect to surface water, groundwater, and biological
communities. This information will, in turn, be used as the
basis for comparison of the alternatives.
Through the study, the Corps and CTUIR will conduct a series of meetings to inform and involve the public of proposed alternatives and
actions. A schedule on current events is contained on the Outreach page.
The FR/EIS is subject to multiple technical reviews, both internal to the Corps and external to allow for public comments and concerns to be
addressed. The milestones for these reviews are shown on the Milestones page.
Upon conclusion of the first public review, comments will be addressed, a final FR/EIS will be released, and a Record of Decision will
be prepared.
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