August 7, 2002
John Redding
(208) 378-5021
Dave Kaumheimer
(509) 575-5848 x232

Scoping Summary Issued

The Bureau of Reclamation released a scoping summary document for the Kennewick and Columbia Irrigation Districts pump exchange that summarizes comments received from the public.

Two public scoping meetings and open houses were held in May 2002, in Kennewick, Washington. The document also summarizes other written comments Reclamation received during the public comment period.

Congress authorized Reclamation to conduct a feasibility study to investigate a Yakima River water exchange with the Columbia River and the electrification of the Chandler hydraulic pumps. These actions would increase lower Yakima River instream flows during the irrigation season and benefit anadromous fish. The feasibility study will be combined with an environmental impact statement that will describe and analyze potential impacts associated with the feasibility study alternatives.

The comments Reclamation received will be used to guide the feasibility study through the planning process. As the study progresses, other issues that come to light will also be used to provide guidance.

The scoping summary was distributed to interested individuals and agencies on the current mailing list. Those wishing a copy of the document or to be added to the mailing list may contact Dave Kaumheimer, Upper Columbia Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation,1917 Marsh Road, Yakima WA 98901-2058, or call (509) 575-5848 ext. 232.