Commissioners Response

March 2, 1999

Dave Palmer
7475 State Route 12
Oakville, WA 98568

RE- Comments Regarding Chehalis River Flood Hazard Reduction Project

Dear Mr. Palmer:

Thank you for attending the public information meeting in Montesano on February 16, 1999, and for sharing your concerns about the Chehalis River Flood Hazard Reduction Project. I too am concerned for every individual in the basin affected by flooding. The objective of the project is to protect as many people and communities as possible while keeping the project economically justified and environmentally sound. It is economically infeasible to reduce the impact for everybody, but the project will not go forward if it increases flood levels or causes negative impacts downstream. Many of the questions you raise cannot be answered at this time due to the preliminary nature of the project. I assure you, however, that I understand your concerns and they will be addressed as the project progresses.

Both the Scatter Creek and Black River sub-basins are included in the lower basin (from Grand Mound Gage to Grays Harbor) computer model developed by Pacific International Engineering as well as in the model of the entire basin. Once all alternatives have been identified and one is closer to being selected as the preferred alternative, any river flow changes due to dam or channel modifications will be studied more thoroughly for downstream impacts. The Scatter Creek and Black River sub-basins both will be considered for inclusion in any proposed solution but the benefits to the communities will have to outweigh the costs.

Moving businesses and residents out of the flood plain is an alternative that is under consideration. The high cost of this alternative, both financial and emotional, is often overlooked because the solution seems so simple. The project will determine the most economical way to protect the greatest number of people.

If modifications to the Skookumchuck Dam continue to appear promising as an alternative, a detailed hydrological reservoir study will be conducted to develop an operational rule curve that assures that the dam can be used safely for flood control storage. An operational rule curve defines the timing of water releases and the maintenance of safe release levels, taking into account all risks and any potential downstream impacts. It is not new but a well-developed flood control operation technique used in many storage reservoirs in the country for decades.

The Chehalis River Flood Hazard Reduction Project is proposed as an alternative to the 1-5 improvement project, benefiting many more people and probably at a reduced cost. We are continuing to work with the Washington Department of Transportation to ensure careful consideration of the flood reduction project prior to raising 1-5. The impact of the 1-5 project fill on flooding in the basin was analyzed for the WSDOT by the US Army Corps of Engineers and will be included in the final Environmental Impact Statement. The plans for improvements to US Highway 12 are too tentative to include in the analysis of any project at this time, but will be thoroughly analyzed once they are more definite.

Finally, future project study and work will address many other issues, including aquifer recharge and updating of the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps. The project is in the early stages of development. In addition, many questions cannot be answered at this time due to budgetary and contractual constraints. However, all questions will be addressed before a project is implemented and that project will protect the greatest number of people economically feasible.

I appreciate your patience and continued involvement.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Richard Graham, Commissioner, District II

cc: Albert Liou, Pacific International Engineering

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