News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases EA and FONSI for the Sunnyside Division Phase 2 Conservation Plan

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
David Kaumheimer, dkaumheimer@usbr.gov

For Release: September 10, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 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.

The EA and FONSI is available on the Internet by following the link at, http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/sunnyside2/index.html or by contacting Dave Kaumheimer at UCA-1600, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia-Cascades Area Office, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima WA 98901, or fax (509) 454-5611. For information, telephone (509) 575-5848, Ext. 232.

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Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/sunnyside2/index.html