CHEHALIS BASIN PARTNERSHIP
Chehalis Tribe “Lucky Eagle” Casino
Rochester, Washington
September 28, 2007
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Meeting Summary
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MEMBERS AND ALTERNATES PRESENT |
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Bonnie Canaday, Chair, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Centralia Commissioner Bob Beerbower, Grays Harbor County Commissioner Bob Macleod, Thurston County Kahle Jennings, City of Centralia (Alternate) Mark Swartout, Thurston County (Alternate) Lee Napier, Grays Harbor County (Alternate) Ron Mauel, Lewis County Farm Bureau
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Lyle Hojem, Citizen Lewis County Chanele Holbrook-Shaw, Citizen, Thurston County Terry Harris, City of Chehalis Paula Sandirk, City of Napavine Steve Craig, Department of Ecology (DOE) Kernen Lien, Lewis County Jim Hill, Lewis County Citizen (Alternate) Ron Schillinger, City of Montesano
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OTHERS PRESENT |
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Debbie Carneveli, Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW)Narendran Kodandapani, Grays Harbor College Ken Frasl, USGS Gary Turney, USGS Tom Culhane, Department of Ecology (DOE) Jerry Louthain, HDR, Thurston County WCB
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Guy McMinds, Quinault Indian Nation J Roach, Thurston County Citizen Nadine Romero, Thurston County, Hydrogeologist Jessica Tate, Recording Secretary, Puget Sound Meeting Services Matt Ely, USGS |
GENERAL PARTNERSHIP BUSINESS
Chair Bonnie Canaday called the meeting to order at 9:38 a.m.
Chair Canaday thanked Lee Napier for accepting the proclamation and presenting a report on the upcoming Chehalis River Watershed Festival, during the Tuesday, September 25, 2007 City of Centralia City Council meeting.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership accepted the minutes of August 24, 2007 as presented.
Identify Special Issues of Concern and Adjust Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
Kahle Jennings reported one task within Interim Milestone 1.2 is to review the results of the groundwater assessment to address hydraulic continuity issues in the Chehalis basin. One key issue discussed by the Chehalis Basin Partnership (CBP) Steering Technical Committee (STC) is understanding interaction between the Chehalis River and groundwater.
Mr. Jennings introduced Matt Ely, USGS; Ken Frasl, Project Lead for the field work; and Gary Turney, Upper Management, USGS.
Mr. Ely presented the Groundwater Assessment Progress Report and addressed questions.
Mr. Ely reported seepage measurements along the Chehalis River and selected tributaries were completed earlier in the month.
§ 1925 Wynoochee River near Aberdeen
§ 1928 Chehalis River near Grand Mound
§ 1929 Newakum River near Chehalis
§ 1929 Skookumchuck River near Centralia
§ 1929 Satsop River near Satsop
§ 2001 Scatter Creek
Mark Swartout asked about the reason for the study. Mr. Ely explained the study identifies how groundwater and surface water are connected and how they interact.
Mr. Ely reviewed a hydrograph relative to Chehalis River. On September 10, 2007, measurements showed 240 cubic feet per second (cfs). Average flows are now 200 cfs.
ADCP is suited for slow moving deeper systems such as the Chehalis River. Mr. Ely reviewed a graph showing the ADCP output velocity magnitude contour, which identifies depth and velocity. The goal is to identify the discharge measurement. He reviewed a map of the Chehalis River, from the Black River to the Satsop River, showing different cfs resulting from groundwater impacts.
Kernen Lien asked why the tributaries are included in the study. Mr. Ely indicated the tributaries are tallied and then calculated as surface water. Mr. Lien said the water in tributaries is also groundwater. He asked why the water is not included as groundwater seepage. Mr. Turney explained that during low-flow periods, almost all water in the river is essentially groundwater. Since water below ground could not be physically measured, surface water is measured and calculations are performed.
J Roach asked if springs flowing into the system could impact some measurements. Mr. Ely said it is likely the measurements could be impacted.
§ Refined seep measurements
§ Thermal profiling shows where to focus additional measurements
§ Piezometers utilized
As many measurements as possible were taken during the initial three days of data gathering. The next set will be refined and gathered in some warranted areas.
Mr. Swartout reported the model will be created by developing the scope of work for the entire project and then refining certain areas with additional specific measurements.
Mr. Ely said seepage measurement is always one of the first steps in most processes identifying water resources. The initial snapshot enables commencement of the study design.
Mr. Swartout asked whether the model might be useful to the US Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Ely indicated the Corps tends to use hydraulic channel modeling; however, there could be some interaction. The Corps has more in-house capabilities and a larger budget.
Mr. Swartout referred to the issue of water storage and asked whether the model can be used to address issues associated with having too much or insufficient water during different times of the year. Mr. Ely responded that the models are a computer simulation that can be utilized to answer some questions.
Guy McMinds emphasized the importance of understanding the ancient history of the Chehalis Basin. History shows adequate recharging of some aquifers in the Chehalis Basin. However, people who have built barriers to protect their property from flooding do not realize the serious consequences of those barriers in terms of recharge.
Steve Craig shared that he had a recent conversation with a Corps representative who is responsible for the recessed program dealing with flooding and Chehalis ecosystem restoration work. The representative indicated flood prevention and management information is narrowly defined. A more holistic consideration might resurrect the Corps ecosystem restoration work.
Nadine Romero asked when the Scatter Creek information will be ready for distribution. Mr. Ely indicated the data will be distributed when a decision about how to transmit the data is made. Mr. Turney explained the main focus is to acquire the data within the allowed window of time. The next step is developing the scope of work. Currently, USGS is simply transmitting raw data.
Chanele Holbrook-Shaw asked why Scatter Creek was chosen for real-time monitoring. She said she is excited about the inclusion of Scatter Creek. However, there is residential development underway that will impact the creek. Real-time monitoring might skew perspectives. Mr. Turney replied that Scatter Creek is the only one involved in real-time monitoring, which is an educational value for citizens.
Ms. Romero indicated the Scatter Creek well was installed in 1987 and is still, for the most part, a good distance away from development. The increased monitoring program for Thurston County will allow implementation of approximately four additional monitors.
Mr. Swartout introduced Ms. Romero, Thurston County Hydrogeologist.
Discussion followed regarding the details of real-time monitoring.
Jim Hill reported this year is the second annual Chehalis River Watershed Festival, which will be held in Aberdeen on October 13, 2007. He distributed posters for members to display at their respective jurisdictions. Approximately 10 CBP members are involving in preparing for the festival.
Mr. Hill distributed a packet of festival items for review.
Volunteers are visiting elementary schools in Aberdeen, Montesano, and Hoquiam during the course of the week, as a part of public outreach effort.
This year’s festival is focused on the foundation established by the 2006 Watershed Festival. Mr. Hill reviewed exhibits and activities scheduled for the festival.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw reviewed the list of volunteers and their specific involvement with the festival.
Mr. Hill reviewed the festival proclamation schedule for each jurisdiction. He acknowledged everyone involved with the festival and their hard work and efforts. Mr. Hill presented a DVD created about the Chehalis Watershed, which will play on a continual basis near the Chehalis booth at the festival. The DVD highlights agriculture in the watershed, watershed habitat, animals, invasive plant control, watershed studies, and video footage from a plane tour over the basin
Mr. Hill encouraged everyone’s participation at the festival.
Ms. Napier reviewed a Farm Tour schedule and how to pre-register.
Chair Canaday thanked all those involved for their work and efforts.
DIP Progress Check In – Should the CBP Continue Implementation Focus on DIP Strategies I-5?
Terry Harris invited CBP members to the Water Reclamation Facility ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 2, 2007 at 12:00 p.m.
Ms. Napier reported the CBP agreed to continue with implementation of DIP Strategies 1-5 during the facilitated worksession in January 2007. The CBP agreed to review progress and determine how to continue at the September 2007 meeting. After adopting the updated DIP last month, a new interim milestone regarding instream flows was added.
Mr. Jennings suggested the CBP should continue to concentrate on implementation. Mr. Swartout agreed. The CBP completed due process by identifying the highest priorities. Processes should continue to move forward as members continue to consider options on how to potentially establish a nonprofit organization.
Mr. Hojem asked whether the USGS contract should be extended. Mr. Swartout indicated the contract will not be extended because USGS is scheduled to present the phase 2 proposal before the end of the year.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to continue progress on DIP Strategies 1 through 5.
Ms. Napier reported the DIP states another progress check-in will occur in early 2008.
Discussion followed regarding the financial status of current contracts with USGS.
Mr. McMinds reported the Quinault Indian Nation recently won a court case regarding culverts and streams. The Quinault Indian Nation previously expressed concerns about implementation of DIP Strategies 1-5 in a written letter to the CBP. Mr. McMinds said the Quinault Indian Nation will file court action against the CBP if any implementation activities impact salmon runs.
Chair Canaday commented that the CBP wants to be part of the solution. Mr. McMinds replied that there must be a firm commitment to salmon in the Chehalis Basin. Tribal data shows good quality water above Centralia and Chehalis, and problematic water below in terms of impacts to salmon population health. Chair Canaday replied that the CBP is advocating solutions to those issues.
Mr. Swartout suggested it would be very beneficial to have a representative from the Quinault Indian Nation attend all meetings. Mr. McMinds said he will try to assign a tribal representative to the CBP Steering Technical Committee.
Ms. Napier pointed out that the CBP sent a letter of response to the Tribal Chair. She asked Mr. McMinds whether he’s suggesting the CBP should not begin implementing strategies. Mr. McMinds answered no and said the Tribe has technical concerns.
Mr. Roach recommended having the Partnership request a formal letter of response from the Tribal Chair. Ms. Napier said she understands a response is forthcoming. Mr. Roach pointed out that the Partnership and the Tribe both have the same intentions; however a process for completion is needed.
Mr. McMinds clarified that the Tribe does not plan to stop the Partnership’s progress, but wants to address concerns.
Mr. Craig indicated Ecology is in final stages for funding a storage investigation, which will begin where the 2003 study left off. He suggested the Tribe should provide support for the study in the future. Mr. McMinds indicated the Tribe is interested in working with the Corps in terms of water storage. Mr. Craig emphasized that the process requires all entities to work together to achieve appropriate solutions. Mr. McMinds agreed.
Status Report Regarding Grants and Work Plans – Request from Chehalis River Council (CRC) to Sponsor One Edition of Drops of Water
Ms. Napier reported she will be contracting with DOE to initiate the Watershed Council Grant. The grant will cover increasing administrative capacities, the second year of the GIS Clearinghouse, the Coordinated Water Quality Program, USGS, acquiring the EDT model, and will provide training and staffing for one year. This will carry the CBP on that level of work through June 2009.
Ms. Napier reported the CRC lacks funding for one edition of Drops of Water. Previously, the CBP included a line item in the budget to pay for one edition of the publication. The cost is approximately $4,500. The CBP uses the publication for outreach.
The Phase 4 Year 2 grant has been updated. The grant supports Ms. Napier’s administrative support, Puget Sound Meeting Services administrative support, and outreach. Additionally, Grays Harbor County will be working with the City of Centralia as the fiscal agent on a pilot project related to water rights mapping.
The CRC is requesting the CBP to sponsor one edition of the publication during 2008. Ms. Napier proposed allocating funding from the Watershed Council Grant Year 1.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to sponsor one edition of the 2008 “Drops of Water” for the Chehalis River Council.
Mr. Craig announced he is retiring from DOE at the end of October 2007 after 30 years. Discussions are underway to ensure DOE’s representative on the CBP occurs efficiently.
Mr. Swartout said it’s very important and legally required to retain a DOE representative on the CBP. He suggested the Chair should send a letter to DOE Director Jay Manning requesting a replacement as soon as possible. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request.
Mr. Hojem commended Mr. Craig for his assistance and participation on the CBP.
Chehalis River Flow Letter From John Mudge dated 7-25-07 to Lewis County Commissioners
Chair Canaday reported there are concerns that Mr. Mudge may have given the impression that he was representing the CBP when he provided comments. The letter states that Mr. Mudge attended the August 24, 2007 CBP meeting; however, he signed the letter as a citizen.
Commissioner Macleod suggested the CBP should send a courteous letter to each of the editors involved in the Chehalis Basin indicating that the official spokesperson for the CBP is the Chair or their designee.
Ms. Napier advised that Mr. Mudge provided a copy of his letter to the CBP for review.
Mr. Craig reported Mr. Mudge has been requesting information from DOE, formed his own conclusions, and acted on his own.
Commissioner Macleod said he will send a draft letter to the Chair for consideration at the next meeting. Ms. Napier confirmed she will e-mail the draft letter to CBP and STC members for review.
There being no further business, Chair Canaday adjourned the meeting at 12:14 p.m.
Prepared by Jessica Tate, Recording Secretary
Puget Sound Meeting Services