The Chronicle editorial, 9/30/99
WILL IT EVER END? The wait for a major solution to flooding in the Twin Cities area from the Chehalis River and its tributaries seems to go on without an end in sight.
The longer the wait, the greater the risk of another major flood. In fact, at least some meteorologists in the Northwest are predicting a resumption of La Nina influence on our weather this winter, with a repeat of last winter's excessive rains (and likely colder conditions). Winter rainfall of record or near-record proportions over a couple of days on already-saturated soils is by far the leading cause of floods in our area.
Last winter, we dodged a bullet. This winter, as Y2K dawns, we may not be so fortunate.
Meanwhile, the news on flood-control initiatives is not reassuring. Now we hear that an environmental review of Twin Cities flood control plans is likely to take up to two more years. Concern for protecting our environment is important but at what cost?
This is on top of the three years a Lewis County consultant, Pacific International Engineering, has spent modelling and devising a plan that would install a rubber weir atop the Skookumchuck Dam excavate the Chehalis River in west Centralia and divert floodwaters onto agricultural fields ups of Centralia.
Among the environmental factors the Army Corps of Engineers must consider in looking at these three solutions, and any others, are effects on fish and wildlife habitat effects on wetlands and effects on riparian areas. Beyond that it must look at effects of the projects on cultural resources, transportation and hazardous materials in the area. But does all this take two years?
Many in this area are understandably weary of seemingly endless studies with no results. Not to worry, it's only our tax money.
Speaking of which, that's another indefinite factor in how long and even whether these prospective solutions will ever take place.
Even in the best-case scenario, the construction start on any of the contemplated projects, if approved, is not expected until 2002, at least three winters away. Meanwhile, keep your boots and boats at the ready.
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