WYNOOCHEE DAM AND LAKE, WYNOOCHEE RIVER, WASHINGTON
( ) Draft ( X ) Final Environmental Statement
Responsible Office: U.S. Army Engineer District, Seattle, Washington
1. Name of Action: (X) Administrative ( ) Legislative
2. Description of Action: The Wynoochee Project in Grays Harbor County of southwestern Washington involves construction of a multipurpose con crete gravity dam 663 feet long and 175 feet high* A lake A.A miles long with a surface area of 1,1A0 acres will be created.
3. a. Environmental Impacts: Wynoochee Lake will provide 35,000 acre- feet of water storage for flood control and assure a 385 c.f.s. flow dur ing the low flow period for fishery enhancement and irrigation and for diversion by the city of Aberdeen for industrial and domestic use. Rec reational opportunities will be enhanced with development of 551 acres for picnicking, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. Adult anadromous fish will be collected below the dam and transported to spawn ing areas above the lake and downstream migrants will be passed through a multilevel low flow outlet works which will also maintain downstream water quality.
b. Adverse Environmental Effects: Adverse effects include loss of 5.A miles of resident stream fish habitat and anadromous trout spawning and rearing area, inundation of 1,1A0 acres of big game habitat, loss of timber, other vegetation and habitat for wildlife other than big game and the appearance of buildings in a former wild valley. Compensatory meas ures include management of Wynoochee Lake for a kokanee fishery, hatchery facilities and acquisition of 1,000 acres for intensive big game manage- -ment.
A. Alternatives:
a. A 295-foot high dam with power generating facilities and a 50-foot high reregulating dam at river miles A2.5 and 37.5, respectively. b. Identical to alternative a, but to be constructed in two stages. c. A two dam project in two stages at river miles A2.5 and 51.8. d. A dam without power generation at river mile A2.5. e. Development of Humptulips River for water supply. f. Development of Satsop River for water supply.
5. Written Comments Received;
State of Washington Department State of Washington Department of Game of Fisheries Bureau of Sport Fisheries and State of Washington Department Wildlife of Natural Resources 5. Written Comments Received (cont'd):
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Reclamation Grays Harbor County National Oceanic and Interagency Committee on Outdoor Atmospheric Administration Recreation
A public announcement and news release was made to declare the availability of the draft statement to the Public for review and comment.
6. Draft statement submitted to CEQ on: 1 July 1971 Final statement submitted to CEQ on: 1 8 FEB 1372 15 September 1971
Environmental Statement
Wynoochee Dam and Lake Wynoochee River, Washington
Prepared By
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Seattle, Washington 1. Project Description
The Wynoochee Project i; /Vrays Harbor County of southwestern Washington is 51.8 miles upstream from the Wynoochee River*s confluence with the Chehalis River. The damsite is about 35 miles northerly by road from U.S. Highway 410 near Montesano, Washington. The project is within the boundaries of the Olympic National Forest and requires the acquisition of land owned by Simpson Timber Company. The project site is shown on plate 1.
Construction of the Wynoochee Project was originally authorized at river mile 42.5 by the Flood Control Act of 1962 (Public Law 87-874, 87th Congress, 2d Session) for the purposes of water supply, irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, recreation and fisheries enhancement. While deletion of hydroelectric power from the project plan resulted in many changes, including selection of a new site, the other basic concepts as authorized by Congress are unchanged. The current benefit-cost-ratio is 1.4 to 1.
The main portion of the project is construction of a concrete gravity structure 663 feet long at the top with gravel and rockfill embankments at both abutments, a chute—type spillway on the east bank and two outlet sluices. The dam will be 175 feet high at the center and will form a lake 4.4 miles long and 0.5 mile wide at normal full pool elevation of 800 feet. The lake will have a surface area of 1,140 acres. Additionally, relocation of approximately 6 miles of Forest Development roads and re placement of three bridges will be required.
Fish passage facilities include a barrier dam and collection and transport facilities 2 miles below the main structure for adult upstream salmon and trout migrants. A prototype multilevel low flow outlet works is being incorporated into the dam to pass downstream migrants and control the quality of water released downstream. A system of check dams will be installed to maintain adequate transportation water levels for adult up stream migrants in low flow problem areas when Aberdeen's Industrial water needs leave inadequate transportation water downstream of the diversion at mile 8.1. This is estimated to occur approximately 30 years after project completion.
Recreation and visitors facilities are included in the project. These facilities, except for the visitors center at the dam itself, will be administered by the Forest Service and will include parking, camping, picnicking and hiking areas.
Sixty-eight percent of the construction and development of the project has been completed. The main dam construction was initiated in August 1969 and is scheduled for completion in November 1972. The reservoir area is cleared of timber and prepared for inundation and upstream fish passage facilities are in operation. Roads are being relocated and one of three bridges has been replaced. Specific recreation and camping areas have been tentatively planned.
2. Environmental Setting Without the Project
The Wynoochee River originates as a precipitous stream on the southern slopes of the Olympic Mountains at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. It flows 67 miles in a southerly direction with gradually decreas ing gradient through a forested valley, a twisting canyon, gravel bars confined by steep valley slopes and finally lowland pastures and fields to its confluence with the Chehalis River near Montesano, Washington. The lower mile of the Wynoochee is within the tidal influence of the Pacific Ocean. The basin encompasses an area of 196 square miles and is bounded on the east by the Satsop, on the northwest by the Humptulips, and on the southwest by the Wishkah River Basins. The largest tributar ies of the Wynoochee are Black Creek, Schafer Creek and Big Creek which enter it at river miles 5.5, 24 and 49, respectively.
The climate of the Wynoochee watershed is typical of the midlatitude west coast with cool and relatively dry summers and mild, wet and rather cloudy winters. Rainfall is abundant throughout the watershed but varies seasonally and locally. November, December and January are the wettest months, July and August the driest. Mean annual precipitation at Aberdeen is about 80 inches but increases to 145 inches at Wynoochee Dam site.
Industry in the Wynoochee Valley above Schafer Creek is devoted solely to the production of timber. Below Schafer Creek the principal land use is production of hay and pasture for dairy and beef cattle. Montesano, near the confluence of the Wynoochee and Chehalis Rivers, is the nearest community. Aberdeen and Hoquiam are important, growing commercial and industrial centers.
Principal human use of the Wynoochee Basin water is by the city of Aberdeen for industrial purposes. The diversion of about 100 c.f.s. causes critically low flows for adult salmonid upstream migration in the lower river during the early fall months 2 out of 7 years. There is presently a diversion of 3 c.f.s. for irrigation. Rivejrflows have varied from a low of 100 c.f.s. to a high of 33,000 c.f.s. (during the maximum flood of record in 1955). Average annual flow is 1,250 c.f.s. at the indus trial water diversion. Flood damage to agricultural lands, buildings, roads and utilities in the Wynoochee Valley averages $30,000 annually. Commercial development of the Wynoochee Valley is minor. There is a commercial gravel pit at mile 3.2 and the Aberdeen's industrial water diversion is at mile 8.1. The Simpson Timber Company operates a major logging facility at Camp Grisdale, near mile 48, and timber is harvested from most of the upper basin.
The forest cover of the Wynoochee River drainage is characterized by dense stands of mature Douglas-fir interspersed with western red cedar, western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Logged over areas throughout the drainage contain second growth timber of various age classes. Understory growth is primarily vine maple, rhododendron, dogwood and willow. In the more open coniferous stands and newly logged areas salal, huckleberry, evergreen and himalaya blackberry, thimbleberry, salmonberry, swordfern, fireweed and Oregon grape form dense ground cover. There are occasional stands of deciduous trees in the bottomlands.
Important migratory runs of Chinook, coho and chum salmon, steelhead and searun cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden use the Wynoochee River and tributaries for spawning and rearing purposes from its lower reaches to Wynoochee Falls 62 miles upstream.
Offspring of parent salmon populations contribute to commercial ocean troll and Grays Harbor gillnet fisheries as well as sports fisheries in the Pacific Ocean, Grays Harbor, Chehalis River and Wynoochee River. The anadromous trout and steelhead populations contribute to the sport fishery of the Chehalis and Wynoochee Rivers. Resident fish in the Wynoochee drainage contribute to the sport fishery of the Wynoochee River and its tributaries. These fish include cutthroat and rainbow trout, whitefish and Dolly Varden. Suckers, squawfish and other non-game species are also present.
Big game hunted in the Wynoochee Basin include Columbia blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk and black bears. Both resident and migratory popula tions of elk are represented.
Large numbers of blue and ruffed grouse, a few band-tailed pigeons, small numbers of mourning doves and brush rabbits are supported within the Wynoochee River Basin. A few goldeneyes, wood ducks, hooded mergan sers and harlequin ducks are present, but are only lightly hunted. Fur bearers present, but trapped only lightly include beavers, minks, musk rat and some river otters.
There are no endangered fish or wildlife species affected by the project.
Present recreational development in the watershed is minor, but there is recreation of a rugged, primitive type such as wilderness hiking and hunting. Developed recreation areas include Lake Sylvia State Park, a 234-acre all-purpose recreational park 2 miles northwest of Montesano and Wynoochee Falls campground, a Forest Service campground, above the reser voir site. Two private camping areas are located on the lower Wynoochee River. A thorough survey by an archeological team from Washington State University determined that there are no significant archeological values in the project area.
3. The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action
The proposed action will provide 35,000 acre-feet of storage for flood control during winter seasons and will assure 300 c.f.s. at the Aberdeen diversion during the summer low flow season for industrial use, 35 c.f.s. for irrigation and 50 c.f.s. for fishery enhancement. This increased water supply would allow industrial and economic growth in the Aberdeen area and expansion of existing land and water use patterns. Summer low flows now average 100-200 c.f.s. so releases of 200 to 300 c.f.s. from the reservoir will be provided. This increase in summer flows will increase the summer rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids.
Recreational opportunities for the general public will be improved with the development of 551 acres for project visitation, camping, hiking, picnicking, photography and related activities. The nearest lake to which Wynoochee Lake will be comparable in recreation potential is Lake Cushman on the Skokomish River nearly 90 miles distant by road. On the other hand, the opportunity for more rugged forms of recreation in the project area, such as primitive camping, will be reduced.
The appearance of buildings and concrete in a previously wild valley will alter the natural setting of the area. Development of campgrounds, trails, and visitor center will be carried out with as little disruption of the environment as possible. Construction scars will be landscaped. Bor row sites are located in the reservoir and the excavations will be inundated.
About 5.4 miles of Wynoochee River channel and the lower reaches of several tributary streams will be inundated preventing future anadromous fish spawning. This area now supports an average of 1,000 steelhead, 330 searun cutthroat and a small but unknown number of spring Chinook. Another 400 steelhead and 170 searun cutthroat spawn above the lake. Ap proximately 1,500 coho salmon will be affected by the project, about 95 percent of them above the lake. Stream habitat for resident rainbow, cut throat and whitefish will be converted to a lake. This will reduce avail able stream fishing opportunities but increase lake fishing. The stream fishing opportunities afforded by this stretch of water are not unique in the Grays Harbor area. Similar waters are abundant in adjacent drainages and throughout the Olympic Peninsula. Lakes in the area, on the other hand, ara relatively scarce.
Aggradation of sediment will diminish downstream of Wynoochee Dam as a result of the flow control features of the Project.
With completion of the project, 1,140 acres of important timber and wildlife lands will be inundated. These impacts are discussed fully in the following section.
Construction of check dams below the Aberdeen municipal diversion when required will maintain improved conditions for the upstream passage of anadromous fish which will occur with completion and operation of Wynoochee Dam. These structures will be required when flows downstream of the Aberdeen intake fall below an estimated 120 c.f.s. (in an esti mated 30 years). With check dams, which maintain water depth and prevent subsurface riverflow, sustained flows of 50 c.f.s. below river mile 8.1 should be adequate. Recent surveys indicate a limited number of Chinook spawn in this lower section of river. This spawning will be lost with construction of the check dams, but these fish may spawn further upstream.
Short-term turbidities caused by construction have been associated with the project. The Resident Engineer samples water for turbidity levels twice daily above and below the project to assure^that project-caused tur bidity is minimized. The geology of the area indicates that after project completion siltation will be minimal so the lake should be clear and free of turbidity problems. Normal amounts of construction noise and dusty con ditions are associated with the project.
4. Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided Should the Proposal Be Implemented
Loss of stream fish production area and anadromous trout spawning and rearing area is unavoidable. To replace the resident fishery the Washington Game Department will manage Wynoochee Lake for a kokanee fish ery. While this will be "different" in nature from stream fishing, an improvement of game fishery resources will result if this management is successful. Lost steelhead and searun cutthroat trout spawning area will be replaced by hatchery facilities. Trout hatched and reared there will be released as downstream migrants below Wynoochee Dam.
Construction of Wynoochee Dam will block all runs of adult anadromous fish to their native spawning grounds above the lake. This is rectified by the present operation of a barrier dam and collection and transport facilities 2 miles below the lake. Adults are collected, trucked to a point just beyond the upper limits of Wynoochee Lake and released. Two miles of spawning and rearing area between the barrier dam and the lake need not be lost because steelhead spawners could be put above the barrier dam and coho fry could be planted in this area to use available rearing habitat. Downstream migrant salmon and trout, after negotiating the re servoir, will be carried through the dam by a multilevel low flow outlet works which will serve the purpose of a downstream passage system as well as to maintain acceptable water quality downstream. The effectiveness of downstream fish passage system will be evaluated after they are complete and in operation to assure that proper downstream fish passage and water quality is provided.
The loss of 1,140 acres of wildlife lands to be inundated by the project is unavoidable. These lands provide habitat used by about 250 elk, 95 blacktailed deer and an undetermined number of black bear. Elk and deer sustain an annual harvest of 45 elk and 27 deer which provides 2,300 man-days of hunting yearly. Big game animals will be forced onto adjacent lands and more harvest may be necessary to avoid damage to young trees in the sustained yield timber management program of the surrounding area. Habitat for about 114 grouse, some other upland game and fur bearers, such as beaver, mink, muskrats and river otters will be lost. Song birds, river ducks and other forest animals will be also affected.
Studies indicate that the carrying capacity of substitute lands may be increased by intensive habitat manipulation and management to replace the lost big-game lands. About 1,000 acres of land will be acquired in fee or an interest by easement will be acquired by the Corps of Engineers for management by the Washington Game Department for this purpose. These lands were selected by the Washington Game Department in close coordination with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the Corps of Engineers. Several separated parcels were selected on either side of the Wynoochee River downstream of the project in order to get the best lands available for this purpose. This separation of managed lands will also tend to disperse rather than concentrate the animals. Mitigation in this case is exclusively aimed at deer and elk. The loss of all other wildlife dis cussed above cannot be avoided.
The loss of 1,140 acres of vegetation, including timberlands is un avoidable as will be the stump-studded shoreline of the lake. During the summer recreation period Wynoochee Lake will be at normal full pool and the visual impact will not be as displeasing as in the winter when draw down for flood control will reveal a muddy, stumpy shoreline. Orderly clearing of timber from the reservoir and some grubbing of stumps will be done to partially rectify this situation. Stumps will be pulled from the lake in the vicinity of the recreational development, but complete grub bing of the reservoir and disposal of the stumps would be very costly.
Completion of the project recreation facilities will change the character of the area from a natural setting to a developed one. The wildness of the upper Wynoochee Valley is not unique to the region. Adja cent watersheds exhibit similar pristine characteristics. Developed recreation areas are comparatively scarce, however. Completion of the Wynoochee project would allow expansion of industry in the Aberdeen area. This, in turn, could contribute to water and air quality problems in the Grays Harbor area. There would also be secondary socio-economic impacts such as improved local employment and less population drift to larger cities.
5. Alternatives to the Proposed Action
The only known alternative at this time would be abandonment of the project. Construction of the project is sufficiently advanced so that the landscape has been permanently altered, but timber and undergrowth would reclaim the reservoir area over a period of time and the stream channel would remain unchanged. The Forest Development Roads and bridges already constructed could be left as they are because removal would leave permanent scars. The dam could be left in its incompleted state or re moved if a suitable disposal site could be found for the concrete already poured. The same is true of the fish passage facilities.
Alternatives considered for supplying industrial water to Aberdeen in cluded development of a diversion of the Humptulips and Satsop Rivers. The Wynoochee River, having a single, relatively narrow valley and an existing diversion structure was chosen over the Satsop which rises in two valleys. Development of the Humptulips would result in about the same impact as the Wynoochee Project and would require construction of an aquaduct.
Hatchery or rearing pond facilities are more costly alternatives for enhancement of the fishery resources provided by flow augmentation in the Wynoochee River. An alternative flood control measure would be a levee system in the lower Wynoochee Valley, but this would be costly and en vironmental impacts could be greater than the project now under construc tion. Recreation facilities equal to those under construction could be provided around a natural stream. Irrigation could not be enhanced with out a storage reservoir.
Four alternatives for multiple purpose projects were considered in stead of the project under construction. The project under construction was the most economically feasible and will result in less disruption of the environment. The other alternatives were:
a. A dam including power generation at river mile 42.5 with a regu lating dam 5 miles downstream.
b. Identical to alternative a, but to be constructed in two stages. The first stage would exclude power generation.
c. A two dam project in two stages that would provide power genera tion. Dam sites would be at river miles 42.5 and 51.8.
d. A dam without power generation at river mile 42.5.
Other alternative studies were limited to selection and design of mitigation measures.
6. The Relationship Between Short-Term Use of Man's Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity
The project will facilitate the orderly projected industrial and economic growth of Aberdeen. Increased irrigation and flood control will result in better dairy and beef cattle yields and lower economic losses for the short and long term. Fishery enhancement aspects of the project will provide a net benefit to the sport and commercial fisheries of the Wynoochee River Basin and the region. Mitigation measures would offset most project caused losses. Developed recreation will be enhanced. These effects are in accord with increasing use and projected demand for water and land in this area for recreation, agriculture and sport and commercial fishery production, and industry in Aberdeen. In these ways, long-term productivity will be enhanced. On the other hand, timber and small wild life production will incur immediate and long-term losses as a result of the project.
^* Any Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources Which Would Be Involved in the Proposed Action Should It Be Implemented
The loss of 5.4 miles of the Wynoochee River and lower reaches of several of its tributaries is irretrievable. The natural stream produc tion area inundated by the reservoir will be lost.
The change of 1,140 acres of land to lake with attendant loss of natural vegetation and small wildlife is irreversible since removal of the dam once it is completed is not probable.
The imposition into a natural area of concrete structures and develop ment of recreational facilities, no matter how compatible with the natural environment, must be considered irreversible.
Labor resources used in construction of the project are irretrievable.
8. Coordination with Others:
a • Public Participation. No public meetings have been held concerning the project, but two recent County Council meetings have been open to the public. These meetings were held in October, 1970 and February, 1971. All phases of the progress of the project were discussed. A public announcement and a news release were prepared and circulated to advise that the draft environmental statement was available to the public.
b * Government Agencies. The draft environmental statement was provided to the following governmental agencies for review and comment on 14 June 1971. The comments received are summarized below and copies of the replies are inclosed.
(1) State of Washington Department of Gamp
Comment: We compliment the Corps of Engineers for recognizing the principle of mitigating wildlife losses through acquiring lands to replace those lost and providing for carrying capacity enhancement. Response: Land acquisition is not always a feasible mitigation method and is opposed by some interests, but it is included in this project.
Comment: There is not enough emphasis on fish and wildlife resources in the section of the draft which discusses use of the existing environment.
Response: The discussion of the existing environment is altered in the revised statement to clarify that the various important uses discussed are human uses only and are separate from needs important to fish and wildlife which are discussed separately.
Comment: Aberdeen and Hoquiam appear to have lost industry and production during the last few years.
Response: Reductions in production in recent years may be the result of temporary economic conditions. Long-term economic growth in the Aberdeen- Hoquiam area is anticipated with completion of Wynoochee Dam.
Comment: Evidence that there will be an improvement of game fishery resources is not at all conclusive.
Response: Management of Wynoochee Lake for a kokanee fishery is a project requested by the Washington Game Department. Successful management should result in an improvement in game fishery resources from the stand point of fishermen-days and harvest. There is an element of risk, however, and this is indicated in the revised statement.
Comment: Two private recreational campgrounds are in operation in the Wynoochee Valley.
Response: There are two private recreational campgrounds in the lower valley and these are mentioned in the revised statement.
Comment: Reference should be made to the loss of production of two miles of river between Wynoochee Dam and the fishway barrier dam.
Response: Fish production in the two mile stretch of river between the fish trap and Wynoochee Dam need not necessarily be lost. Adult steelhead could be released upstream of the diversion dam to spawn in this area and juvenile coho salmon could be planted to use the available rearing habitat. These points are discussed in the revised statement.
Comment: Structures to improve fish passage during low flow periods are needed now.
Response: With completion of Wynoochee Dam, impounded water will be re leased so that low flows below the Aberdeen intake will be augmented. Adequate transportation water will be available until future diversions increase to about 265 c.f.s. When this occurs, a system of check dams will be constructed to allow both further diversions and fish passage. Without check dams, 1/0 c.f.s. below river mile 8.1 would be required. These points are clarified in the revised statement.
Comment: The secondary impacts of the project should be considered.
Response: There will be secondary impacts as a result of the project and they are discussed in the revised statement.
(2) State of Washington Department of Ecology: No comments received.
(3) Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife:
Comment: The word "reservoir" should be used in all cases instead of "lake".
Response: The policy of the Corps of Engineers is to refer to those bodies of water created by dams as "lakes" rather than "reservoirs" when there is water impounded at all times. The word "reservoir" is applied when water is only periodically impounded, (for example, a single-purpose flood control project). This distinguishes between two completely different types of projects.
Comment: The term "golden eyes" should be one word.
Response: This is corrected in the revised draft.
Comment: Honey should be set aside to compensate for loss to fisheries resources in the event the downstream fish passage facilities are not successful.
Response: This position seems unjustifiably conservative. There is every reason to be optimistic that downstream passage will be successful. Compensation for losses to fishery resources as a result of malfunction of project features would be considered if and when such a malfunction occurs.
Comment: The date at which the flow below Aberdeen's diversion would fall below 170 c.f.s. should be determined. Check dams should be in operation before this date.
Response: The Washington Department of Fisheries data indicate that check dams should be in place when flows below the diversion fall below 120 c.f.s. The date when this condition would occur is dependent upon Aberdeen's water needs and it is estimated that this will occur in 30 years. Check dams will maintain water depths and prevent subsurface riverflow, and the Corps of Engineers estimates that with these structures a sustained flow below river mile 8.1 of 50 c.f.s. would be adequate for fish passage. These points are clarified in the revised statement.
Comment: The two-mile length of river between the fish-barrier dam and Wynoochee Dam will no longer be suitable for spawning of anadromous salmonids.
Response: The project should not significantly affect most of the 2 mile reach above the dam. Adult steelhead could be put over the diversion dam to use available spawning gravel in this stretch of water and juvenile coho could be planted in this area to take advantage of the available rearing area. These points are discussed in the revised statement.
Comment: Secondary impacts of economic growth as a result of Wynoochee Dam should be discussed.
Response: There will be secondary impacts as a result of the project and they are recognized in the revised statement.
(4) Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Comment: The value of existing recreational activities in the project area should be discussed.
Response: Recreational activities in the area are of a primitive type and of high value to some recreationists. Recreation with the project will be more intense and developed. The nature of existing recreation is emphasized in the revised statement.
Comment: There should be more discussion of aesthetics, particularly tur bidity in the water and the stump-studded shoreline. The alternative of clearing all stumps from the shoreline should be discussed.
Response: There would be minimal turbidity associated with operation of the project, but the visual impact of the shoreline would be unappealing to most. However, the stumps would be most visible in the winter when project visitation and recreational use is minimal. Removal of all stumps would be very expensive. These points are discussed in the revised statement.
(5) Bureau of Reclamation
Comment: The Bureau of Reclamation reviewed the draft statement and de tailed aspects of the irrigation features of the project.
Response: Irrigation is discussed in the text of the environmental statement. (6) Xational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Comment: Dolly Varden should be added to the list of migratory fish dis cussed in the section on the existing environment.
Response: Limited numbers of Dolly Varden occur in the Wynoochee River and they are listed in the revised statement.
Comment: The success of kokanee spawning in Wynoochee Lake is not assured.
Response: The Washington Department of Game proposed and will be responsible for management of a kokanee fishery in Wynoochee Dam. Success of this pro posal cannot be assured and the element of risk is Indicated in the revised statement.
Comment: The word "lake" in reference to the water impounded by Wynoochee Dam should be replaced with "reservoir".
Response: The policy of the Corps of Engineers is to refer to bodies of water created by dams as reservoirs when water is only periodically im pounded (for example, a single-purpose flood control project).
(7) State of Washington Department of Fisheries
Comment: Gabions or flow control sills will be required when Aberdeen diversions leave only 120 c.f.s. below mile 8.1.
Response: When Wynoochee Dam is completed flows during low-flow periods will be substantially greater than at present. As Aberdeen diverts more and more water construction of check dams will be required to maintain fish passage levels. The Corps of Engineers estimates this to be when flow be low the diversion is 120 c.f.s. Construction of check dams which maintain water depth and prevent subsurface riverflow would both provide adequate transportation water and allow further diversion at river mile 8.1.
Comment: Two private recreation areas have opened up on the lower Wynoochee River in the past several years.
Response: This is true and the revised statement mentions these.
Comment: Releases at Wynoochee Dam must be higher to assure enough water for all uses. Fisheries flows have priority over City of Aberdeen rights.
Response: The project can only release as much water as is stored, plus inflow. The release of stored water will enhance fish production as well as supply added municipal and industrial water. The determination of water use priorities is the responsibility of the state. C o ^ t : Fisheries flow of 50 c.f.s. below the diversion dam cannot be considered enhancement because present low flows 2 out of 7 years are artificially created by the Aberdeen diversion.
£~ P onse; These low flows are an existing condition. The operation of Wynoochee Project will eliminate this condition and is therefore considered an enhancement which would not occur without the project. Further, stream- fiow records indicate that natural streamflow has, on several occasions, alien below the 120 c.f.s. which the Department of Fisheries states is essential to fish passage.
Comment: A limited number of Chinook spawn below the Aberdeen diversion at river mile 8.1. These will be lost with full diversion at the intake and construction of check dams.
Response: A limited number of chinook do spawn below the Aberdeen diversion and they may be lost or they may spawn further upstream as has occurred in other areas. This point is discussed in the revised statement.
Comment: The two-mile stretch of stream between the barrier dam for fish collection facilities and Wynoochee Dam would be lost to anadromous salmonid spawning and rearing.
Response: Most of this two-mile reach need not be lost. Steelhead adults could be put over the barrier dam into this area to use available spawning gravel. Coho fry could be planted to use available rearing area. These points are discussed in the revised statement.
Comment: Secondary impacts of the project should be discussed.
Response: There could be secondary impacts on water and air quality as a result of Wynoochee project and these are discussed in the revised statement.
Comment: The rearing area immediately downstream of the project could be under-used by coho fry for rearing. This area could be planted with fry if necessary.
Response: This two-mile section of stream would be planted with fry to assure proper utilization. This is discussed in the revised statement.
Comment: The multilevel, low-flow outlet works may not provide adequate passage to downstream migrants. If it doesn't, the Department of Fisheries w 1 insist on the installation of a floating downstream migrant collector. They may also seek compensation.
R esponse: There is every reason for optimism that the downstream passage facility will function properly. Problems related to possible malfunction ot project features would be considered if this should occur. (8) State of Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Comment; There is no justification for mitigation of selected resources such as wildlife. Timber loss should be mitigated.
Response: Federal law requires the mitigation of anticipated wildlife losses associated with Federal projects.
(9) Environmental Protection Agency
Comment; All stumps should be removed from the reservoir.
Response; Complete removal of stumps would be costly. Stumps will be removed from recreational areas. These points are discussed in the revised statement.
Comment; The statement should include more information concerning the ex tent of turbidity during drawdown.
Response: The geology of the project area indicates that turbidity during drawdown will be minimal. This is discussed in the revised statement.
Comment; Secondary impacts in Aberdeen as a result of industrial growth should be covered.
Response: There will be secondary impacts on air and water quality and these are discussed in the revised statement.
(10) Grays Harbor County
Comment; Grays Harbor County has no critical comments at this time.
(11) Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation
Comment: We generally concur with the recreational data presented in the environmental statement; however, additional data should be included to qualify and clarify the recreational aspects of the project.
Response: Recreational features are clarified in the revised statement. However, recreation is only one of the project purposes and discussion of this feature should be kept in perspective. Detailed discussions of types of recreationists, comparisons with similar recreation areas and conditions for optimal use seem inappropriate and are not included in the text of the revised statement. Comnent: With adequate development of the new fishing resource, proper upland development of recreation facilities and sufficient clearing and grubbing of shoreline stumps, the new reservoir could be developed into a desirable and popular facility.
Response; The Corps of Engineers concurs.
c* gitizens Groups. No comments on the draft statement were received from citizens groups or individuals although the following requested it and were provided copies;
Friends of the Earth Seattle Public Library Steven Crane Jack Allison Julie Hovund Crawford Jones
10 Incl 1. Dept, of Game, 29 July 71 2. BSF&W, 9 Aug 71 3. BOR, 26 Jul 71 A. Bur. of Reel., 16 Jul 71 5. NOAA, 15 Jul 71 6. Wash. Dept, of Fish., 22 Jul 71 7. Wash. Dept, of Nat. Res.,28 Jul 71 8. EPA, 4 Aug 71 9. Grays Hbr. County Comm., 1 Jul 71 10. Interagency Comm, for Outdoor Rec., 13 Aug 71
Game Commission
Arthur S. Coffin, Yakima, Chairman Harold A. Pebbles, Olympia rimer G. Cerken, Quincy James R. Agen. LaConner Glenn Galbraith, Wellpinit Claude Bekins, Seattle
DEPARTMENT OF1 GAME COO North Capitol Way / Olympia, Washington 98504
July 29, 1971
Mr. R. P. Sellevold Chief, Planning Branch Seattle District, Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
Dear Mr. Sellevold:
We have reviewed your environmental statement for the project you identify as "Wynoochee Dam and Lake Project" and have the following comments.
Damages to terrestrial habitat and wildlife are quite adequately documented under Point IV. We compliment the Corps of Engineers for recognizing the principle of mitigating wildlife losses through acquiring lands to replace those lost and providing for carrying capacity enhancement. Because losses are substantial it is very significant that compensatory measures are being taken.
We do feel, however, that greater recognition of fish and wildlife should have been given in other sections of your statement. Under Point II (page 3), you fail to recognize the importance of the Wynoochee Valfcy to fish and wildlife by stating that it is "devoted solely to the production of timber". Also, it might be argued that "principal use of the Wynoochee Basin water" is for survival of fish life , even though the principal human use may be for industrial purposes. The statement that "Aberdeen and Hoquiam are important growing commercial and industrial centers." is subject to challenge. As it appears there has been a loss of industry and production during the last few years.
Under Point IV, evidence that there w ill be an "improvement of game fishery resources" is not at all conclusive. We suggest that you consider rewording this sentence to more accurately reflect the significance of steelhead and trout fishing to the public.
On page 5, under Point II you make a judgement that "Commercial development of the Wynoochee Valley is minor". The two large recreational campground developments should be mentioned here to reflect the existing situation more completely. Mr. Sellevold July 29, 1971
Under Point I I I (page 6) reference should be made to the loss of pro duction in the two miles of river between the dam and the fish trap in addition to losses in other stretches of the Wynoochee system you do mention. Also in this section (page 7), reference is made to structures to improve fish passage "... in an estimated 30 years". This reason for this rationale should be clear spelled out as the need is now.
We feel that your environmental statement is a quite complete overview of the Wynoochee Dam and Lake Project, per se. It does not, however, include the very significant secondary effects of "...projected industrial and economic growth impact of Aberdeen." (Point IV, page 10). Without this analysis, the long range impact on the environment attributable to this project cannot be fully evaluated. We suggest that this weakness in the statement should be remedied in the final draft.
Thank you for this opportunity to review your statement and present what we feel are constructive suggestions toward compliance with the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act.
Very truly yours,
THE.DEPARTMENT OF GAME
Eugene S. Dziedzic, Asst. Chief Environmental Management Division United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
730 N. E. PACIFIC STREET Your reference: P. O. BOX 3737 PORTLAND, OREGON 97208 NPSEN-PL-ER June 15, 1971
August 9, 1971
District Engineer Seattle District, Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
Dear Sir:
This responds to your request for our review and comment on your draft environmental statement for authorized Wynoochee Dam and Lake project, Wynoochee River, Grays Harbor County, Washington.
The following items are for consideration during your completion of the statement and do not constitute this Bureau's formal analysis under provisions of Public Law 91-190. The Washington Departments of Fisheries and Game were consulted during preparation of these comments.
Throughout the text, we urge use of the word "reservoir" instead of "lake." The term "lake" is generally applicable to a natural body of water.
Page 5, paragraph 2: The term "golden eyes" in the second sentence should be one word.
Page 7, paragraph 4: Since the proposed downstream fish passage system may not function to the satisfaction of the Washington Department of Fisheries; money, in the form of a contingency fund, should be set aside to mitigate this loss of fishery resources. Should the fish facilities not function, it may also be necessary to compehsate the fishery agencies for interim annual losses pending completion of satisfactory downstream passage.
Page 7, paragraph 1: No mention is made of the time of construction of the downstream check dams, except for the completion date of 30 years. The estimated date of the initial low-flow period during which the mini mum flow of the Wynoochee River will fall below 170 second-feet should be determined. The complete system of check dams throughout the low- flow problem reaches of the Wynoochee River downstream from the Aberdeen diversion of the Chehalis River should be installed prior to this date.
Page 11, paragraph 2: It should be noted that the two-mile length of river between the fish-barrier dam and the Wynoochee Dam will no longer be suitable for spawning of anadromous salmonids.
Page 10, paragraph 4: The orderly projected industrial and economic growth of Aberdeen should be examined for its impact upon the stream environment, not only the present, but for the next 30 years.
Thank you for this opportunity to review your statement and for the consideration of these comments in preparing your final draft. We would appreciate the further opportunity to review this final draft prior to its approval.
Sincerely yours,
veS>fcegional Director UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION lOOO SECOND AVENUE SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98104
■j Ul 26 1971
Colonel Howard L. Sargent, Jr. District Engineer Seattle District, Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
Dear Colonel Sargent:
We have reviewed the preliminary draft of the environmental statement for the Wynoochee Dam and Lake Project as requested in Mr. Sellevold's letter of June 15, 1971. Our review pertaining to the outdoor rec reational resources and aesthetic aspects of the project was made in terms of the requirements covered by Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190). Our comments are based upon the information contained in the draft statement and on data in our files on this project.
From an outdoor recreation and aesthetic standpoint, the statement, in general, adequately covers the essential information required under Section 102(2)(c) of P.L. 91-190. However, it could be strengthened by expanding the discussion of the following:
1. Under "Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided Should the Proposal be Implemented," the value and magnitude of existing recreation activities which will be forgone should be discussed. Replacing these activities with similar pursuits at developed sites does not completely mitigate the loss of these types of opportunities. In addition, we believe that the proposed operation of this project and its effects on the aesthetics of the area should be mentioned. We are particularly concerned with the mudflats and turbidity which could result from reservoir drawdown. Also, although the "stump-studded" shoreline of the lake has been briefly discussed, stronger emphasis should be given to the adverse effects of these stumps on the aesthetics of the area. 2. Under "Alternatives to the Proposed Action," we understand that current guidelines prepared by the Council on Environmental Quality provide that "a rigorous explanation and objective evaluation of alternative actions that might avoid some or all of the adverse environmental effects is essential." In a previous section of the statement, you refer to the "stump-studded" shoreline and indicate that some measures are proposed which will partially rectify the situation. We wonder why an alternative project proposal which would completely rectify the problem was not discussed and, if one was developed, why it was not included in the current project plan.
With the addition of the above considerations, we believe that the statement will more clearly portray the environmental impacts of tnis project.
Sincerely yours,
Maurice H. Lundy Regional Director UN'TED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
REGIONAL OFFICE. REGION I BOX 8 0 0 8 BOISE. IDAHO 83707
Colonel Howard L. Sargent, Jr. District Engineer Corps of Engineers Department of the Array 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 9^13^
Dear Colonel Sargent:
We appreciate the opportunity to review your preliminary draft of an environmental statement for the completion of the multiple- purpose concrete dam on the Wynoochee River, Washington. We note that the plan of operation includes flows of 35 c.f.s. which are reserved for irrigation use. In this connection, these flows would provide a full irrigation service to 1,320 acres of dry irrigable lands which were identified by this office in the Wynoochee Project Report, dated November 1966.
Our report of November 1966 on the irrigation aspects of the Wynoochee Project indicated at that time that owners of about 400 acres were interested in irrigation water service. Further, the local Public Utility District expressed an interest in contracting with the United States for irrigation water service, in lieu of forming an irrigation district.
Since the preparation of this report, we have not done any further ■work in regard to the marketing of irrigation water from the project. We would appreciate being advised as to any discussions with local interests you may have had in this regard, the current estimated project construction and operation, maintenance, and replacement costs, and cost allocation.
Sincerely,
Regional Director U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service 6116 Arcade Building JUL 1 5 1971 Seattle, Washington 98101
District Engineer Seattle District, Corps of Engineers 1519 -Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
Attention: Mr. R. P. Sellevold, Chief, Planning Branch
Your reference: HPSEN-PL-ER
Gentlemen:
In response to your letter of June 15, 1971, the following are our com ments on the preliminary draft of the environmental statement on Wynoochee Dam and Lake, Washington.
Dolly Varden should be added to the migratory trout noted in the second full paragraph on page 4, although their importance may not be as great as the other trout in the basin.
In the first paragraph under Section 4, we believe it is sanewhat pre- mature to predict an improvement in the game fishery resources as a result of kokanee stocking in Wynoochee Reservoir. There are many examples where such stocking resulted in a sporadic and rather poor fishery. This is particularly true as the reservoir becomes older.
On several occasions "lake" is used for the stored water associated with Wynoochee Dam. While we recognize that the body of water could be called a lake, it would seem to be more appropriate to refer to this as a reservoir.
These comments express evaluation by the National Marine Fisheries Service scientists in this Region. Formal response to this environmental impact statement will be made by the Department of Commerce, Washington,D.C.
We appreciate this opportunity to provide review comments relating to your draft environmental statement.
Sincerely yours,
/Regional Director WASHINGTON 1 Department of FIS,HSmB£&
KCO n: 115. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING • PHONE 733-6600 THOR C. TOLLEFSON OLYMPIA. WASHINGTON 98301 DIRECTOR
July 22, 1971
Mr. R. P. Sellvold, Chief Planning Branch Seattle District, Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
Dear Mr. Sellvold:
The Washington Department of Fisheries is pleased to have the opportunity to review and comment on the preliminary draft of the environmental statement for the Wynoochee Dam and Lake project. Our comments are as follows:
Page 2, paragraph 1: "A system of check dams ... when Aberdeen's industrial water needs leave only 50 cfs below the diversion at mile 8.1." We recognize that it may be as much as 30 years before the entire appropriated flow of 300 cfs is diverted at this point. There remains, however, serious question of the success of fish passage when the sustained flow during adult migration is leas than 120 cfs. When this stage of diversion is reached, flow control sills or gabions will be necessary in the vicinity of mile 6.3 to assure passage at this low-flow migration block. Our studies have indicated a total block to adult coho and chinook in this area at flows of 80 cfs and delays at higher flows.
Page 5, paragraph 3: "Present recreational development.... " You should be informed that two private camping areas have been opened up on the lower Wynoochee River in the past several years.
Page 5, paragraph 5: The Department of Fisheries is hesitant to accept the statement that "The proposed action ... will assure 300 cfs at the Aberdeen diversion ... and 50 cfs for fisheries enhance ment." As has been pointed out a number of times, we feel that the releases at mile 51.8 must be higher than those proposed to assure fulfillment of all water needs. Flows at other than the required level will necessitate reduction in the.amount being diverted. Fisheries' flows have precedence over the water right for the City of Aberdeen. Furthermore, the fisheries' flow of 50 cfs below the diversion dam is not an "enhancement" flow in itself; but with the construction of proper gabions and check dams, it may provide assurance of fish passage during an average of 2 out of 7 years when present low flows artificially created by the diversion at Mr. R. P. Sellvold July 22, 1971 Pace 2
RM 8.1 block adult migration. Stream surveys since 1966 have revealed a limited amount of Chinook spawning below RM 8.1. This area will be lost following full diversion at the Aberdeen intake and the required installation of gabions and check dams in the lower river.
Page 6, paragraph 3 : "About 5.4 miles of Wynoochee River channel and .... " It should be noted that, in addition to the 5.4 miles of river channel inundated, 2 miles of channel between Wynoochee Dam and the barrier dam will not provide spawning and will receive limited use as rearing area for anadromous salmonids. Few juve nile salmonids are expected to move out of the reservoir prior to completion of their fresh-water rearing phase. This reach, after completion of the project, will serve primarily as transportation water only for juvenile salmonids on their egress to the ocean. This should also be added to the introductory statement under 3b. Reference should also be made to juvenile coho and spring Chinook in the fourth sentence beginning "Stream habitat for ... will be converted to a lake."
Page 7, paragraph 1: "Construction of check dams below the Aberdeen municipal diversion ... will be installed in an estimated 30 years." As noted above, it will be necessary to construct flow sills or gabions when sustained flows fall below 120 cfs. This should be added to this paragraph.
Page 7, new paragraph under Section 3: It should be noted that this project may have a secondary effect on the environment of Grays Harbor. Without more restrictive pollution control measures, additional pulp production made possible by the increased indus trial water supply may result in serious fish losses in an already critical area.
Page 7, new paragraph under Section 4: Juvenile coho produced in the Wynoochee River above the project distribute themselves down stream following emergence from the spawning nests to utilize all available rearing area. These juveniles will probably remain in the reservoir area for rearing. The rearing area below Wynoochee Dam may be under-utilized. This could be utilized fully by plant ing coho fry below the dam if deemed necessary.
Page 8, paragraph 1: The Department of Fisheries is still doubt ful that the multi-level, low-flow outlet works will "serve the purpose of a downstream (migrant salmon and trout) passage system." Mr. R. P. Sellvold July 22, 1971 Page 3
This was designed primarily to provide water temperature con trol and secondarily to permit safe passage of dovnstream migrants. At the insistence of the Corps of Engineers, this is now the only means for downstream passage. In the event that this system does not provide adequate downstream passage, this Department will insist on installation of a floating downstream migrant collector. Furthermore, if the multi-level outlet works fail to operate as presently designed for fish passage, the Department of Fisheries nay seek compensation for the loss of each year's production to the State’s commercial and sport fisheries until the passage problem is rectified.
Page 11, paragraph 2: A sentence should be added to the first paragraph in Section 7 - "The 2-mile reach between the fish- barrier dam and Wynoochee Dam will no longer provide spawning area for anadromous salmonids." It is doubtful that a signif icant number of juveniles of these species will move through the reservoir and past the dam to utilize this rearing area.
U7e trust that these comments will be incorporated into the final draft of the Environmental Statement, Wynoochee Dam and Lake Project. We will appreciate the opportunity to review this final draft prior to its approval.
Sincerely,
Thor C. Tollefson V Director cc: Dept, of Ecology Dept, of Game BSFW - Portland STATE OF WASHINGTON ‘Defiaxtmuit 'Hatunal “RetoMncet
B O X 1 6 8 OLYMPIA. WASHINGTON 9 8 5 0 1 July 28, 1971
Mr. R. P. Sellevold, Chief Planning Branch Department of the Army Seattle District, Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 9813^
Dear Mr. Sellevold:
You have asked for my comments concerning construction of the Wynoochee Dam. As you are aware, from our previous discussions and correspondence, my primary concern with development of this project is with the lands that are proposed for acquisition to offset wildlife losses projected to occur when the 1,1^0 acres behind the dam are flooded.
I see no justification for mitigation of selected resources, and a disregard for others that are of equal or greater economic importance. In this instance, not only was a minimum of 1,1 ^0 acres removed from production behind the dam, but it is proposed that another 1,000 acres of prime timber-producing acres, as well as river waterfront be obtained for the sole purpose of providing big game habitat.
I also feel that the City of Aberdeen was arbitrary in their decision to request such land condemnation, rather than exchanging lands that the City owns, with Simpson Timber Company as a means c,f satisfying the game mitigation portion of the project. The game projections indicate that the kS elk and 27 deer harvested provides 2,300 man-days of annual hunting. If we are to assume that 1,1^0 acres of land flooded, plus the thousand acres proposed for mitigation acquisition, are producing timber at a normal rate, this acreage could be producing a million board feet of timber annually under ordinary management and as much as two million board feet under intensive management. Interpreted in man-days of employ ment, we arrive at the following projections for annual employment opportunities foregone as a result of losing this forest land pro duct ivi ty: Mr. R. P. Sellevold -2- July 27, 1971
ACRES MAN-YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT
AVERAGE MANAGEMENT INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT DIRECT EMP. INDIRECT EMP. DIRECT EMP. INDIRECT EMP.
1,000 $5.00______$8.75______$10.00______$17.50
Total ______$13.75______$27.50______
(Based on 1 man-year per 100,000 bd. ft. of growth.)
In addition, annual owner income losses are $25,000 and $50,000 respec tively, based on an average value of $50,00 per thousand for the two management intensities.
If resource mitigation is to continue on projects of this type, then it is only reasonable that all of the resources affected have comparable treatment. I recommend, therefore, that on any future projects of this nature that provisions be made for financing intensive forest practices that will permit production of additional timber volumes on the lands that remain, to offset losses that occur through removal of the land from the forest resource base. Moneys obtained for this purpose could be used for precommercial thinning, forest fertilization and intensi fied forest fire, insect and disease protection, and the introduction of fast-growing species to mitigate the timber growth losses resulting from project installation.
Very tpaly yoyj's,
BERT L. COLE Commissioner of Public Lands ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION X
1206 SIXTH AVENUE
SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98101
August 4, 1971
Mr. R. P. Sellevold Chief, Planning Branch Seattle D istrict, Corps of Engineers Department of the Army 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
Dear Mr. Sellevold:
Since the Wynoochee Dam and Lake Project is about 70% complete, it is very d ifficu lt to lessen those adverse environmental effects already completed. However, we feel that there are some modifi cations which would reduce future impacts. For example:
The stump studded shoreline mentioned on page 9, paragraph 2, is not unavoidable. Those stumps above low water mark should be removed. This would improve the aesthetic character of the lake and, also, remove obstacles for lake shore recreation such as fishing, boating and swimming.
The statement should include more information concerning the extent of turbidity which could occur during drawdown.
The projected urban and industrial development in Aberdeen as a result of this project should be mentioned.
We are encouraged by the partial mitigation which was accomplished in this project and hope to see more of it in future Corps action.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this draft statement.
Sincerely yours,
Hurl on C. Ray, Acting Directon Management Division WALTER J. MEEK COUNTY AUDITOR AND EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD
OFFICE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Md n t e s a n d , Wa s h in g t o n 9 B 5 6 3 RICHARD F. ' ’DICK'* SIMMONS SECOKD DISTRICT, CHAIRMAN July 1, 1971 ORVILLE D. BOLING FIRST DISTRICT ROLLAND "OMAR" YOUMANS THIRD DISTRICT
Mr. R.P. Sellevold, Chief Planning Branch Seattle District Corps of Engineers Department of the Army 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134
SUBJECT; Wynoochee Dam Project: Environmental Statement: Comments
Dear Mr. Sellevold:
Thank you for referring the preliminary draft of the envir onmental statement for the Wynoochee project to this office for comment. The characteristics of the project and the projected environmental impacts noted in the draft were reviewed with consid erable interest.
Grays Harbor County has no critical comments relating to the text at this time. We would, however, appreciate receiving a copy of the Final Statement when it is issued.
Sincerely yours,
R.F. Simmons, Chairman Board of County Commissioners August 13, 1971
Hr. R. P. Sellevold, Chief Planning Branch Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Re: Wynoochee Dam Seattle, Washington 98108 and Lake
Dear Hr. Sellevold:
This belated response to your environmental impact state ment concerning the Wynoochee Dam project results from our not having the opportunity to review the draft until recently. As the state agency responsible for statewide recreation planning and for coordinating outdoor recreation projects and programs at the state level, we welcome the opportunity to respond to matters such as the Wynoochee environmental statement and would appreciate being on your agency review list for the Wynoochee project. (We do re ceive materials on other Corps projects.)
We generally concur with the recreational data presented in the environmental statement. However, we feel that re creation facilities in nearby drainages as well as those in the Wynoochee drainage will either be affected by or have an effect on the new development and should be discussed in the statement. Some of those developments having such an effect are as follows:
1. Lake Sylvia State Park (the only State Park discussed in the statement): Received about 14,290 camping visitors in 19 70 , 43.4% of which were from out-of-state due primarily to its proximity to the major Puget Sound - Ocean travel route. The Wynoochee reservoir being 35 miles off this route would probably receive very few out-of-state visitors.
2. Lake Cushman State Park: Although not with in the Wynoochee drainage is probably the most comparable. It received about 25,870 camping visitors in 19 70 , of which only 12% were out-of-state, giving an indication of what effect seven miles inaccessbi1ity has on camping participation. 3. Schafer State Park: Also not within the Wynoochee drainage, but eight miles off the main travel route, received about 12% out-of-state camping visitors from a total of 10,2^0.
It would be expected therefore, that Lake Wynoochee, because it will be 35 miles off the mam travel route, is not a "stop-along-the-way" for trakek?rS* bU^ should be considered a destination recreation area and will probably receive very few out-of-state visitors. Similarly, be cause of this inaccessibility factor, it must also be considered a desti nation site for Washington residents.
The proposed^ reservoir's total popularity with recreationists, becaue of its destination nature, will be entirely dependent upon the attractiveness of the resource and its setting. In addition, the following factors may affect its recreational attractiveness: Y
1. The 1,1 ^+0 acre lake will not compare in attractiveness with Lake Cushman with over U,000 acres. Lake Cushman is also more readily accessible.
2. The most prevalent users will probably be fishermen, providing a good fishing resource is developed.
3. Failure to remove stumps from the shoreline water will make the lake less attractive to many recreationists, especially swimmers and boaters.
The climate at the reservoir site is not conducive to reservoir oriented recreation except for a very short summer period - not considering fishermen who don't seem to be bothered by weather.
With adequate development of the new fishing resource, proper upland development of recreation facilities, and sufficient clearing and grub bing of shoreline stumps, the new reservoir could be developed into a desirable and popular facili ty.
We believe that considerations should be included in the environmental impact statement to more accurately estimate the affects of this project.
We appreciate this opportunity to review the statement. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call upon us at your convenience. 7
Sincerely,
STANLEY E. FRANCIS Administrator
JAMES W. SCOTT Recreation Resource Specialist
SEF:JWS:pf WYNOOCHEE DAM AND LAKE, WASHINGTON
Economic Data
The attached sheets are extracted from the General Design Memorandum Number 3, Wynoochee Reservoir, April 1966. 11 PROJECT ECONOMICS
11.01 General. - The project benefits the area by protecting downstream Wynoochee valley lands from flooding, by supplying 200 c.f.s. of water for industrial use, by supplying 35 c.f.s. for irrigation of *3,440 acres of agricultural land, by enhancement of fisheries and by increasing recreation use of the area. Project benefits, economic jus tification, cost allocation and repayments by local interests are dis cussed in this Section. A detailed construction cost estimate is given in Figure 11-1.
,11„Q2 Water supply benefits. - Average annual water supply bene fits* ottfaSlTOSO result from supplying water for expansion of industrial facilities in the Grays Harbor area. Water supply benefits are the an nual cost of the cheapest alternative source of water supply. This would be a single-purpose dam at mile 51.8 that would provide 200 c.f.s. from storage, using a municipal financing rate of 4.5 percent and an amorti zation period of 50 years. The annual cost was determined as follows:
I n v e s t m e n t
Construction cost $12,470,000
Interest during construction, 2 years at 4-l/270 560,000
-Present worth of future fish facilities ____231,000
Total $13,261,000
Annual charges
Interest and amortization for 50 years at 4-1/2%: 0.05060 x $13,261,000 = $671,000
With annual charges discounted by present-worth methods at 3-1/87., interest, average annual equivalent for 100 years: 0.03276 x $65^=630 x 25.130 = 552,000 7 6 7f, coo Operations and maintenance 90,000
Replacements 8,000
Total (alternative water supply) $650,000 11.03 Irrigation benefits. - Average annual irrigation benefits of $65,000 were estimated by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1959 for project document studies. The Bureau of Reclamation began a field study in FY 1965, to be completed in FY 1966, to determine irrigation requirements. Final benefits based on the Bureau of Reclamation study will reflect a realistic appraisal of irrigation use and probably will "be a revision of data presented herein.
11.04 Fishery benefits. - Fishery benefits of $30,000 annually were estimated from interim information furnished by the Washington Department of Fisheries and from informal discussions with the U. S. Fish and Wild life Service. These benefits result from low flow augmentation and are described in more detail in Section^"?5, Fish and Wildlife.
11.05 Flood control benefits. - The total average annual benefits of $67,000 for flood control consist of $24,000 from direct prevention of flood damages and $43,000 from increased land production. Damage from floods after construction of the project will occur on a frequency of once in every 10 years. There is no urban development on the Wynoochee River, but agricultural lands, buildings, roads and utilities are subject to flood damage. Productivity of the land is retarded because of the lower yields from pasture subject to inundation and because of the neces sity to restrict use of fields in a saturated condition. Approximately every three years significant flooding occurs as channel capacity is ex ceeded and excess flows run across old sloughs and other bottom land. In 1955, the most severe flood of recent times water covered 4,020 acres, including 2,240 acres of productive land. Farm buildings and main roads usually escape inundation, but damage occurs to stock, lands, crops and pastures. The size of dairy herds is restricted, because pastures sub ject to flooding cannot support higher quality grasses. Because of the rolling nature of the terrain, depth of flooding varies greatly through out the valley. Peak flows do not persist and, usually, within less than six hours, the stream drops to within bank levels. In 1935, a sec ond storm following closely behind the first extended the period of high- water to three days.
11.06 A detailed damage appraisal was made after the flood of 1955, and additional field studies were made in 1960 for the survey report. The damage appraisals from the 1960 studies were updated for this report to reflect changed conditions in the Wynoochee valley. Damage figures for buildings, fences, debris, bridges, and roads were updated by apply ing ENR price indices. The direct flood damages to agriculture were updated from new information gained through interviews with farmers and county agricultural agents. Using the updated damage appraisals, flood damages at 1966 prices for 7-, 26- and 77-year frequency flows are: Frequency Years 7__ 26_ 77
Flow in c.f.s. (below Black Creek) 25,000 32,500 38,500
River stage, feet m.s.l. (below Black Creek) v- 38.2 40.5 41.9
Damages
Buildings, private bridges $ 1,042 $ 11,986 $ 48,500
Fences, debris and private roads 5,413 13,444 20,370
Weed contamination 20,994 27,000 35,900
Reseeding 29,066 37,650 49,940
Loss of pasture use 20,720 26,840 35,640
County roads _ J ^ 0 _ ’___ ^ 8 8 0 , ,16,650.
Total (1966 prices) $78,900 $125,800 $207,000
These damages were related to discharge, as shown in Figure 11-2, Sheet 1. Using this relationship and the discharge frequency relationship, the damage-frequency curve shown in Figure 11-2, Sheet 2, was developed.
11.07 In addition to reducing direct flood damages, there would also be an increase in production from the 1,600 acres of dairy land now subject to flooding. In the flood plain, three acres are required to support one cow, while outside of the flood plaiiu . one ■ acne,, i s, re quired for one cow? The annual JincriiasJ2ZIn^producLip,Q_fgr_jhe _addition- al 1.067 cattle orT the_lT6Q0^acres would be $43,000, assuming a net reHlriTof $40 per cow per year. No basis was found for a change in land use, as the climate, existing marketing arrangements, and inclination of the farm operators favor continuation of dairying.
11.08 Recreation benefits. - In deriving recreation benefits, a unit value was applied to the forecast of public use, shown on Figure 9-2, and the benefits were discounted by present-worth methods using 3-1/8 percent interest rate. Equivalent annual benefits resulting from construction of recreation facilities by the U. S. Forest Service, based on $1 per visitor day, amount to $38,000 for initial and $33,000 for future construction, a total of $71,000. The equivalent annual cost of Forest Service facilities is estimated at $31,000, leaving a net bene fit of $40,000. Of this, $4,000 has been tentatively credited to the Corps of Engineers for reservoir use. This is a minimum value and may be revised by later reanalysis in the Preliminary Master Plan. Addi tional benefits credited to the Corps reservoir result from attendance at the dam and vista house, estimated at 30,000 visitor-days with a value o£ $0.50 per visitor-day, giving a total of $15,000. Adding the $4,000 for reservoir use resulting from Forest Service construction, yields a total annual recreation benefit credited to the Corps of Engineers of $19,000. Recreation benefits are summarized in the fol lowing tabulation. All benefits shown "have been discounted by present worth methods and converted into equivalent annual values over the full 100-year project life.
Corps of U. S. Engineers Forest Service Total
Initial $19,000' $36,000 $55,000
Future ______0_ 31,000 31,000
Total $19,000 $67,000 $66,000
11.09 Divergence from project document. - The changes in average annual benefits from project document are given as follows:
Project Present Document Evaluation
Water supply $ 356,000 $650,000
Flood control 17,000 67,000
-Irrigation 85,000 65,000
Recreation 22,000 19,000
Fisheries 20,000 30,000
Power 1,336,000 0
Total $1,836,000 $831,000
Power was deleted as a project purpose since reduction in power values furnished by the Federal Power Commission makes power production not feasible. The increased water supply benefits result from increased costs for construction of a single-purpose water supply dam at river mile 51.8. Flood control benefits increased as a result of new data, showing that flooding at all stages occurs more frequently than had previously been computed, and an increase in appraised flood damages. Irrigation benefits have been reduced by deleting $20,000 in secondary benefits. Recreation benefits have decreased slightly, due to control of recreation development on the reservoir being assigned to the U. S. Forest Service. Fisheries benefits have been increased following a re cent field study by the Washington Department of Fisheries which showed that the earlier estimate was too low. 11.10 Economic justification. - An economic analysis was made of the project assuming a project life of 100 years. All costs are based on July 1966 prices and on an interest rate of 3-1/8 percent. The eco nomic, cost of selective logging was estimated as 4.55 percent of the value of the timber.
Investment
Construction cost $14,397,000
Value of Federal lands removed from timber production ^reservoir, damsite, roads) - 1,131 acres x $50 = 57,000
Extra cost of harvesting standing timber on project lands (freeboard, recreation) - 40,700 MBF x $40 x 0.0455 = 74,000
Extra cost of harvesting future timber on project lands (freeboard, recreation) - 1,240 acres x $50 x 0.0455 = 3,000
Subtotal $14,531,000
-Interest during construction for 2.5 years at 3-1/07. 568,000
Present worth of future fish facilities 231,000
Total $15,330,000
Annual Charges
Interest and amortization over 100 years at 3-1/87. $502,000
Operation and maintenance 90,000
Major replacements 8,000
Total $600,000
Benefit-cost ratio. - The benefit-cost ratio is 1.4 to 1 with annual benefits of $031,000 and annual costs of $600,000. Net benefits annually amount to $231,000.
11.11 Cost allocation. - A cost allocation was made, but the com putations are not included in this design memorandum. For purposes of aiding reviewers of this design memorandum in developing a cost allocatior the following tabulation gives pertinent data. Amounts are in $l,000,s.
Capital Annual Annual Annual constr. specific separable allocated Annual costs costs costs costs benefits B/C
Water supply $10,979 ' $ 0 $57 $442 $641 1.4 Irrigation 1,498 0 22 57 65 1.1 Fisheries 587 0 0 24 30 1.2 Flood control 1,293 0 39 62 67 1.1 C.ecreation 825 31 31 44 86 2.0 Total $15,182 $31 $149 $629 $889 1.4
The annual specific cost of $31,000 for recreation is based upon a capital cost of $516,000 which includes the cost to the Forest Service for site development, the present-worth of future development by the Forest Service, and the value of public lands (National Forest) to be used for recreation. Data used in the tabulation were taken from project formulation studies. Separable costs for water supply and irrigation result from a reduction in storage if either purpose is omitted In design Memorandum No. 1, Site Selection, no separable costs were shown for water supply and irrigation because at that time, full storage was believed to be necessary to provide fishery mitigation flows. Since then, studies by fishery agencies have indicated that mitigation (and incidental benefits) could be obtained with considerably less storage. Therefore, water supply and irrigation are provided by increments of storage which are exclusive of fishery needs. Irrigation storage is entirely exclusive, but water supply storage is shared with flood control needs. Separable costs for flood control result from omitting sluice gates and enlarging the spillway. The sluice gates have not been designated as a specific cost because in addition to providing flood control, they serve to pass part of the spillway design flood. In making the cost - allocation, U, S. Forest Service recreation benefits and recreation . development costs have been added to the benefits and costs given in paragraph 11.10. Benefits are shown in paragraph 1],08. Initial Forest Service recreation costs are estimated at $325,000, and the pre sent worth of future costs at $95,000. Equivalent additional annual costs are $14,000 for interest and amortization, $12,000 for operation and maintenance, and $3,000 for major replacements. The total allo cable project investment is $15,762,000, and total allocable annual charges are $629,000. Using the separable costs-remaining benefits method, project costs have been allocated as follows:
Water supply $10,979,000
Irrigation 1,498,000
Fisheries 587,000
Flood control 1,293,000
Recreation (includes future) 825.000
Subtotal 15,182,000
Interest during construction 580.000
Total allocable investment $15,762,000
11.12 Water supply repayment. - Under provisions of the Water Supply Act of 1958, local interests must repay all construction, inter est during construction, operations, maintenance, and replacement costs allocated to water supply. The construction cost allocated to water sup ply is $10,806,000 and with interest at 3-3/8 percent during construc tion, the investment cost to be repaid by water users is $11,262,000. Operation and maintenance costs of $64,000 and major replacement costs of $4,000 are allocated to water supply. In addition, the Water Supply Act of 1958 specifies that local interests must pay interest on all un used water supply after an initial 10-year interest-free period. The construction cost allocated to future water supply cannot exceed 30 per cent of the total project cost, Interest during construction and inter est on unused storage were computed using an interest rate of 3-3/8 percent. This interest rate was predicted for 1968 on the basis of past rate increases. The actual interest rate will be established at the be ginning of project construction by the Secretary of the Treasury.
11.13 Thirty percent of the total initial project cost of $14,856,000, which includes $325,000 for U. S. Forest Service construc tion, is $4,457,000, which is 41 percent of the '$10,806,000 construction cost allocated to water supply. Therefore, of the total 200 c.f.s. pro vided for water supply, only 41 percent (82 c.f.s,) can~~be deferred for future repayment. The initial repayment contract will be for 118 c.f.s. The following preliminary repayment schedule is based on the assumption that demand will increase to 150 c.f.s. in 1990 and to 200 c.f.s. in 2000. 1970 - 1900, 118 c.f.s.
Allocated investment .cost for 118 c.f.s. $11,262,000 x 118 c.f.s. = $6,644,000 200 c.f.s.
Interest and amortization, 50 years at 3,-3/87. (0.41677) (6,644,000) - $277,000
Operation and maintenance $64,000 x U S c.f.s. - 38,000 200 c.f.s.
Major replacements $4,000 x 11S c.f.s. = 2,000 200 c.f.s.
Annual payment $317,000
1980 - 1990, 118 c.f.s.
Annual cost for 118 c.f.s. $317,000
Interest on 82 c.f.s. unused water supply $11,262,000 x 82 c.f.s. x 0.03375 = 156,000 200 c.f.s.
Annual payment $473,000
1990 - 2000, 150 c.f.s.
Allocated investment cost for 150 c.f.s. $11,262,000 x 150 c.f.s. = $8,446,000 200 c.f.s.
Interest and amortization, 50 years at 3-3/870 (.041677) ($8,446,000) = $352,000
Operation and maintenance $64,000 x 150 c.f.s. = 48,000 200 c.f.s.
Major replacements $4,000 x 150 c.f.s. - 3,000 200 c.f.s.
Interest on 50 c.f.s. unused water $11,262,000 x 50 c.f.s. x 0.03375 = 95,000 200 c.f.s.
Annual payment $499,000 2000 - 2020, 200 c.f.s.
Allocated investment'cost for 200 c.f.s. . $11,262,000 x 200 c.f.s. = $11,26.2,000 200 c.f.s.
Interest and amortization, 50 years at 3-3/87. (.041677) ($11,262,000) - $469,000
Operation and maintenance 64,000
Major replacements ^ ?0^9—
Annual payment $537,000
2020 - 2040. 200 c.f.s.
Annual repayment for 200 c.f.s. $537,000 (previous period)
Less interest and amortization for 118 c.f.s. ..277,000_ (initial contract ends in 2020)
Annual payment $260,000
2040 - 2050, 200 c.f.s.
Annual payment for 82 c.f.s. $260,000 (previous period)
Less interest and amortization for 32 c.f.s. — 75,000_ (second contract ends in 2040)
Annual payment $185,000
2050 and after, 200 c.f.s.
Annual repayment for 50 c.f.s. $185,000 (previous period)
Less interest and amortization for 50 c.f.s. 117,000_ (last contract ends in 2050)
Annual payment (O.M.&R. only) $68,000
pp.14 Irrigation repayment. - Studies on irrigation charges and repayment schedule are being made by the Bureau of Reclamation and are expected to be ready for discussion with local interests by the end of fiscal year 1966.