Sunnyside Division Phase 2 Conservation Plan
Environmental Assessment and FONSI

The Bureau of Reclamation has released an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for implementation of the Sunnyside Division Phase 2 Conservation Plan.

The purpose of the Sunnyside Conservation Plan is to make the Sunnyside system more efficient by implementing water conservation improvements which will conserve water and also benefit fish. The project consists of making improvements to the canal system that will result in fewer water diversions, thereby leaving more water in the stream for fish.

In the early to mid 2000s, the Sunnyside Division Board of Control began to implement conservation measures that were outlined in the Sunnyside Division Water Conservation Plan and Feasibility Study. In 2004, Phase 1 was initiated and consisted of the construction of three re-regulation reservoirs on the Sunnyside Main Canal, replacement of canal check or drop structures, installation of a chute drop spillway, and installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) automation system.

One action alternative was analyzed in the EA which implements Phase 2 of the plan which will convert four open irrigation ditches, pipes, and weir boxes to enclosed laterals with in-line flow meters. This will improve on-farm control of irrigation water, reduce water losses, improve water quality, and reduce operation and maintenance costs.

The No Action Alternative assumes that the Sunnyside Division will not implement Phase 2 of the Water Conservation Plan. However, Sunnyside Division will continue with Phase 1 of the Water Conservation Plan.

Any questions concerning the EA, or requests for additional copies, may be directed to Dave Kaumheimer at (509) 575-5848 extension 232, or by email at dkaumheimer@usbr.gov.

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Dave Kaumheimer
UCA-1600
Bureau of Reclamation
Columbia-Cascades Area Office
1917 Marsh Road
Yakima WA  98901-2058

(509) 575-5848 x232
(509) 454-5611 FAX

Last Update: September 9, 2009 1:36 PM