Potholes Supplemental Feed Route Project

Potholes Supplemental Feed Route What is the PSFR? Environmental Assessment Goal & Objectives 2015-2016 Operations Project Status and Planning Challenges Making it Happen

What is PSFR A route to feed water to the Potholes Reservoir to ensure a reliable supply of water for South Columbia Basin Irrigation District. The East Low Canal (ELC) route solved the immediate problem in 1980 Improvements in irrigation efficiency in the northern half of the CBP have led to lower return flows and an increased need for feed. New water contracts expanded the lands serviced by the CBP, increasing demand out of the ELC and Potholes Reservoir.

EARLY ACTION ITEM IDENTIFIED An alternative route to using the ELC to supply feed water to Potholes Reservoir – PSFR was Born!

EA Specifications: Crab Creek Frenchman Hills 144,000 acre-feet

Goal & Objective The purpose of the PSFR project is to increase the reliability of transporting water from Banks Lake to Potholes Reservoir in order to offset current limitations of the CBP In determining a preferred alternative, emphasis was placed on an option that is economically justified, financially feasible, and utilizes existing infrastructure and/or natural topography to convey feed water with the understanding that some additional facilities may need to be constructed.

EA – Project Status - Planning Required Major Projects: (1) Modifications to the outlet structure and energy dissipater from the Pinto Dam 4’x4’ slide gate to Brook Lake, (2) Crossing at Rd. 16 and Rd. C (3) Removal of a rock weir at the outlet of Brook Lake, (4) Installation of a concrete overflow weir, (5) Permanent bypass facility at a private hatchery located on Rocky Ford Creek, (6) Removal of several obstructions within the first 5 miles of Crab Creek below Brook Lake and at Round Lake, (7) Stratford Road Crossing, (8) Lands, and (9) Several habitat enhancement projects.

EA – Project Status - Planning Completed Major Projects: (1) Modifications to the outlet structure and energy dissipater from the Pinto Dam 4’x4’ slide gate to Brook Lake, (2) Crossing at Rd. 16 and Rd. C (4) Installation of a concrete overflow weir, and (8) most land activities, (9) Several habitat enhancement projects. Stratford Road Crossing has begun

2015 - 2016 Operations Operations (100 cfs) Operations 2015: Crab Creek Feed: Feb-September 66,250 acre-feet (92% of normal) Frenchman Hills Feed: Mar-October 44,750 acre-feet (91% of normal). Operations 2016: Crab Creek Feed: Jan- August 46,000 acre-feet (64% of normal) 2016 Frenchman Hills Feed: Mar-May 39, 400 acre-feet (87% of normal). In 2016, Reclamation turned water off in Crab Creek but continue to feed water through Frenchman Hills Wasteway

Near-Term Objectives Implement projects generally described in the 2007 that are reasonably feasible; Gain a better understanding of groundwater – surface water interactions in middle Crab Creek; Use best available science to evaluate potentially better alternatives; and Continue to provide a reliable source of water for the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District

Challenges Need for better understanding of groundwater fluctuations What we expected vs what we observed Changing Climate

What We Expected CRAB CREEK FRENCHMAN HILLS WASTEWAY (1) Increase to the flow in Rocky Ford Springs at the Troutlodge Hatchery; approximately 80% of the water lost in Crab Creek would show up in Rocky Ford and would take about 6 weeks time for the water to emerge in Rocky Ford Creek. (2) A long-term increase to shallow groundwater in areas immediately adjacent to the stream channel ; occurred in the Road 10 NE area during 2006 test flow (3) At 650 cfs, models indicated approx. 2422 acres along Crab Creek would be inundated The increase in flow would necessitate the re-routing of the Road 16 NE crossing (5) Enhanced wildlife habitat and improved recreational opportunities FRENCHMAN HILLS WASTEWAY (1) The increase in flow would necessitate the replacement of road culverts at Road C SE to allow the additional feed Approximately 2776 acres along the last 16.5 miles would be inundated (3) Enhanced wildlife habitat and improved recreational opportunities

What We Observed CRAB CREEK FRENCHMAN HILLS WASTEWAY (1) Higher than anticipated flows at Rock Ford/Troutlodge Fish Hatcher; bypass facility will be needed Increase in shallow groundwater ~Impacts to 2 residential parcels ~Ponding near Moses Lake Airport (3) Replaced road crossing at Road 16 NE (4) Enhanced wildlife habitat and improved recreational opportunities FRENCHMAN HILLS WASTEWAY (1) Replaced culverts at Road C SE to allow for the additional feed (2) Enhanced wildlife habitat and improved recreational opportunities

WHAT’S NEXT? Study groundwater flows and impacts Planning for hatchery bypass facility underway Potential Development of other water sources Solutions at the Grant County Airport – Port of Moses Lake