The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and the City of Umatilla (COU) propose to construct a new pump station and water conveyance infrastructure to improve water delivery efficiency and reliability. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Walla Walla District, as the lead agency, proposes to issue a 2-year construction license and a 50-year easement for the project on USACE property. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to replace outdated infrastructure that has been in operation for 60 years, reducing water losses and improving delivery for wildlife habitat, residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The project aims to enhance diversion capacity, upgrade fish screening, and modernize water distribution to the Wanaket Wildlife Area and the CTUIR Wanapa Industrial Site. By improving operational efficiency and incorporating environmental enhancements, such as fish-friendly intake screens, the project will support both economic development and wildlife conservation.

Public Scoping Comments:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, is soliciting public and agency comments regarding the scope of the Pump and Pipeline project. 

Scoping comments will be accepted from Mar. 21 to Apr. 20. USACE is particularly interested in input regarding alternatives and environmental effects that should be considered. Scoping comments will be used to 1) identify issues and opportunities to address, 2) develop alternatives, and 3) identify potential environmental effects (detrimental and beneficial) of possible changes to the watershed.

How can I comment?

There are several ways that you can provide input on this study.

You can submit a comment through the NEPA Online Comment Form, https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/EnvironmentalComplianceComment/ or by emailing NEPANWW@usace.army.mil, inserting “Umatilla Pump and Pipeline Project” in the subject line.

You may submit written comments via U.S. Mail to:

Comments need to be submitted or postmarked no later than April 20, 2025 for consideration.  All comments submitted will be considered and become part of the public record.

For more information on the public meetings or about this study, please contact Austen Whelan at Austen.P.Whelan@usace.army.mil.