Yakima River Basin Reservoir and River Recreation Survey Report of Findings. A Component of Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study, Washington

摘要

The Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct a feasibility study of options for additional water storage in the Yakima River basin. Section 214 of the Act of February 20, 2003 (Public Law (P.L.) 108-7), contains this authorization and includes the provision ' with emphasis on the feasibility of storage of Columbia River water in the potential Black Rock Reservoir and the benefit of additional storage to endangered and threatened fish, irrigated agriculture, and municipal water supply.' Reclamation initiated the Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study (Storage Study) in May 2003. As guided by the authorization, the purpose of the Storage Study is to identify and examine the viability and acceptability of alternate projects by: (1) diversion of Columbia River water to a potential Black Rock reservoir for further water transfer to irrigation entities in the lower Yakima River basin as an exchange supply, thereby reducing irrigation demand on Yakima River water and improving Yakima Project stored water supplies; and (2) creation of additional water storage within the Yakima River basin. In considering the benefits to be achieved, study objectives are to modify Yakima Project flow management operations to improve the flow regime of the Yakima River system for fisheries, provide a more reliable supply for existing proratable water users, and provide water supply for future municipal demands. This technical document and others explain the analyses performed to determine how well the alternatives meet the goals of the Storage Study and the impacts of the alternatives on the environment. These documents will address such issues as hydrologic modeling, sediment modeling, temperature modeling, fish habitat modeling, and designs and costs.