Chehalis Basin Partnership Water Quality Committee
Grays Harbor Forestry Building
Montesano, Washington
October 9, 2008
9:34 a.m.
Meeting Summary
Janel Spaulding, Grays Harbor College/Chehalis Basin Partnership
Terri Willis, Citizen, Grays Harbor County
Lee Napier, Grays Harbor County
Bob Amrine, Lewis County Conservation District
Harry Pickernell, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation
Patrick Wiltzius, City of Chehalis
Joel Green, Grays Harbor College
Brady Engvall, Citizen, Grays Harbor
Karl Braden, Quinault Indian Tribe
Danielle Gardea, Puget Sound Meeting Services
Janel Spaulding called the Chehalis Basin Partnership (CBP) Water Quality Committee (WQC) meeting to order at 9:34 a.m.
Review and Confirm July 10, 2008 and September 11, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Ms. Spaulding asked for the following changes from Don Loft to the September 11, 2008 minutes:
· On page 5, second paragraph, first sentence, insert “grab” before samples.
· On page 5, second paragraph, second sentence, delete “near the tribe.”
· On page 5, second paragraph, after the second sentence, insert “The second sample was taken near the tribe’s probe on Winter Creek.”
· On page 5, second paragraph, third sentence, delete “no GIS data are associated with Winter Creek”, and add, “we don’t have lab data from the DOE yet.”
· On page 5, second paragraph, sixth sentence, include “may reveal” after road.
· On Page 5, second paragraph, seventh sentence, delete “An individual” and insert “Paul Staments.”
The minutes of July 10, 2008 were accepted as presented. The minutes of September 11, 2008 were accepted as amended.
Discussion on Placement of Long-term Water Quality Monitoring Probes in the Basin
Ms. Spaulding distributed meeting minutes from the January 10, 2008 and March 13, 2008 meetings to reacquaint everyone on the previous discussions pertaining to long-term monitoring probes.
Seven sites were proposed for the long-term probes. She said she’s spoken to Mark White, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, who’s confirmed he is placing the probes at the seven locations as specified previously. Many of the sites are located in the proximity of current US Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring stations to gain a better understanding of overall modeling aspects.
Mr. Amrine said he’s interested in knowing the placement of the Scatter Creek probe. There will be an enormous difference whether the probe is placed above or below the fish farm. The fish farm contributes water to the creek all year. Mr. Green asked about the type of fish farmed at the fish farm. Mr. Amrine said the fish are Atlantic salmon.
Mr. Wiltzius offered that it may be wasteful to place a probe on Scatter Creek because it dries up and may not provide much data.
Ms. Willis recalled that the conversation on placement of probes in proximity to USGS gauge stations was to validate information received from both probes for the same time period. She questioned whether there may be another reason for placing a probe on Scatter Creek.
Ms. Willis asked whether anyone received an e-mail from Mr. Pickernell regarding accessibility to the Chehalis or Satsop Rivers from the properties of CBP members. Members indicated they have not received any contact from Mr. Pickernell.
Mr. Green asked whether the stream where Atlantic salmon are raised is a seasonal stream. Mr. Amrine said the fish farm is close to the stream. Water is drawn from wells and the overflow is deposited in the stream.
Mr. Green suggested it would be relevant to measure water quality in Scatter Creek because it will contribute information on what is coming down the stream.
Mr. Wiltzius commented that his point is that long-term probes are expensive and whether Scatter Creek is the best location to place a probe. Additional monitoring can be accomplished at Scatter Creek using less expensive probes.
Ms. Spaulding asked whether the list of sites were presented to the Partnership by Randy Lehr and if there was a consensus by the CBP on the sites. Ms. Willis replied that she believes the sites were suggested by Mr. Lehr in coordination with USGS. She suggested asking Mr. Pickernell about the sites and the reasons for selection of the sites.
Mr. Amrine asked whether the Quinault Indian Tribe is also monitoring the creek. Mr. Braden said the tribe has eight to ten sites, but he’s unaware of specific locations.
It was noted that Mr. Braden is now the contact for the Quinault Indian Tribe.
Mr. Green asked Mr. Braden about the person responsible for conducting most of the tribe’s fieldwork. Mr. Braden said another technician with the tribe conducts fieldwork and that he’ll follow up with Mr. Iwenofu to acquire probe site information.
Mr. Amrine reported the main intent for placement of probes near USGS stations was to capture flow data, which helps to understand water quality parameter results based on given flows at the time the monitoring was conducted.
Mr. Wiltzius suggested placing a long-term probe on Elk Creek for obtaining water quality parameters in an area of natural habitat not subject to human influence to provide a baseline. Ms. Napier inquired about the location of the Chehalis Tribe’s monitoring station on the Elk River. Mr. Engvall said he believes it’s located at Cranberry Ditch on the west near the ocean. Ms. Napier asked whether that is an area with no human activity and only influenced by wildlife. Mr. Engvall replied that there is much elk in the area.
Mr. Green asked whether there are agricultural influences in the area. Mr. Engvall said the Cranberry Ditch connects to a large portion of the cranberry bogs. The septic systems in the area are located below flood level and most of the housing doesn’t change ownership, making it difficult to check septic systems. Mr. Green offered that it may not be a good location to establish a baseline unless monitoring is conducted above the ditches.
Ms. Spaulding advised that Ms. Franklin is suggesting the placement of a probe on Wildcat Creek to monitor the new critical areas designation by Grays Harbor County. Ms. Willis suggested caution to avoid doubling of efforts already underway by the county. Ms. Napier commented that the county is only performing well sampling and no water surface sampling at this time. Another option is contacting the Department of Ecology (DOE) for placement of a gauge.
Mr. Pickernell arrived.
Ms. Spaulding asked Mr. Pickernell if he knows of the location of the monitoring probe placed at Scatter Creek. Mr. Pickernell replied that he’s not aware of the location.
Ms. Willis advised that there is a suggestion not to place a probe at Scatter Creek if the plan is to monitor the creek for more than a year. Mr. Pickernell shared that he and Mr. White have discussed the issue and are trying to keep long-term probes on the main stem of the Chehalis River to avoid catering to any particular groups that may want monitoring done in specific locations.
Discussion ensued on the aspect of catering to specific groups and where different agencies would like to see the probes located.
Mr. Green asked whether there are any concerns regarding the longevity of the probes on the Chehalis River because of recreational access. Mr. Pickernell replied that it’s a concern and that the goal is to avoid areas of human activity to the extent possible. Ms. Napier said the sites will be visited each month to check and calibrate the probes and which time the location can be reassessed as well. Ms. Willis pointed out that the depth of the water could be a concern. Mr. Pickernell reported the probes will be placed in the rivers secured to a key post with hose clamps and tethered to a wire.
Mr. Braden asked about the placement of any probes within the river during the December 2007 storm. Mr. Pickernell said the long-term probes were recently received and have not been installed.
Mr. Pickernell identified the locations of the suggested sites for long-term monitoring probe placement:
Mr. Amrine asked whether there is any anticipation of placing probes near USGS stations. Mr. Pickernell said the stations were areas suggested by Mr. Lehr before his departure.
Ms. Willis said previous information shared with CBP members included having current data available through the monitoring program to provide current data on water quality as well as establishing a good baseline for the different locations.
Mr. Green acknowledged sites in tributaries located on the Chehalis River including having data for flow rate and water quality parameters to input into a model for determining the total contribution of different parameters coming into the main stem of the Chehalis. Water quality in the main stem is a combination of all tributaries. Lower flow rates and less recreational activities on tributaries will lower the chances of probes washed out or negated in some way. Mr. Pickernell replied that is also his concern.
Ms. Spaulding asked whether the initial areas identified by Mr. Lehr were chosen based on current water quality monitoring efforts and identified as areas of concern.
Ms. Willis expressed concerns regarding the placement of probes and the potential loss that might occur.
Mr. Green inquired about whether the probes could be attached to a bridge or a fixed structure. Mr. Pickernell replied that it’s not possible based on the locations.
Mr. Wiltzius suggested placing several probes on the main stem of the Chehalis River and the remaining probes on tributaries and monitor data obtained.
Ms. Willis asked whether it makes sense to monitor larger tributaries and the upper portion of the main stem of the Chehalis River. Mr. Green replied he can see the value in that logic because the main stem is a tributary and is subjective. Mr. Pickernell said the initial thought was limiting probe locations to the main stem. He welcomed suggestions from members. The three probe locations for placement include Pe Ell, Satsop River, and mid-point at Galvin.
Ms. Willis referred to the two USGS stations located on the Satsop River. One is located under the bridge and another is located before it flows into the Chehalis River. One of the probes could be placed near the station under the bridge. Mr. Pickernell replied that he’s concerned with access to those locations on a monthly basis.
Mr. Amrine said he believes Mr. Lehr’s reason for designating the locations was because of accessibility and the proximity to USGS stations.
Mr. Wiltzius suggested locating long-term probes at the three locations suggested by Mr. Pickernell with additional probes placed at the Humptulips USGS gauge station, Lower Satsop USGS gauge station, Newakum USGS gauge station, and Skookumchuck USGS gauge station. That would involve the four large tributary streams and three locations on the main stem.
Ms. Willis asked if the location at the Satsop/Wynoochee would be placed below or above the juncture. There was consensus by members to place the probe above in the Elma or Satsop bridge area.
Ms. Spaulding asked whether the probes will be placed within the next week. Mr. Pickernell said a crew is available to begin placing the probes during the next week.
Mr. Wiltzius suggested it would be beneficial to have a map of the probe locations. Mr. Pickernell advised that after placement of the probes, the crew will take photographs and GPS all locations at that time.
Discussion ensued on current sites and the monitoring procedures of the sites.
Mr. Braden asked whether grants were obtained to assist in the project. Mr. Wiltzius replied that there were grant funds with the City of Chehalis contributing some funds as well.
Discussion for Water Quality Monitoring Sites 94 and 95 for the Chehalis Basin Water Quality Monitoring Program
Mr. Pickernell reviewed existing water quality monitoring sites located at the following locations:
Discussion ensued regarding placing a probe at Grayland Ditch.
Mr. Engvall suggested placing a probe at Beardsley Slough which drains into the lower section of Elk River near Ocosta. That area has never been sampled. Ms. Willis asked about the area. Mr. Engvall said the area includes some houses and there is access to the upper part of the area from the Elk River.
Mr. Engvall reported the Washington State Department of Health, Shellfish Division, would be the authority on where the probe should be placed at Grayland Ditch because of known impacts from fresh water into salt water.
Ms. Spaulding confirmed with the members that the two additional probes will be placed at Grayland Ditch and Beardsley Slough.
Discussion ensued regarding the mapping of the parcels for accessibility and the ability to ask owners for permission to access property.
Mr. Amrine referred to previous committee discussions about the possibility of submitting Centennial Clean Water Fund applications to DOE. He said he’s currently preparing an application, which will be a continuation of the TMDL alliance. There will be emphasis on horses and some educational aspects such as fair displays and classroom education.
Ms. Spaulding commented on the success of the Watershed Festival. Approximately 1200-1500 people attended the festival. Salmon dinners were donated by the Chehalis Tribe, which was well received. The water taste test was a success with the City of Centralia winning the contest.
Ms. Willis reported on the farm tours also conducted, as well as a political forum where less than 20 people attended.
Members discussed the time of year for planning festivals and how it coincides with other festivals in the area and with the beginning of the new school year.
With there being no further business, Ms. Spaulding adjourned the meeting at 10:53 a.m.
Prepared by: Danielle Gardea, Recording Secretary
Puget Sound Meeting Services