Lower Snake River Water Supply Replacement Study
Frequently Asked Questions
What information will this study provide and how will it be used?
The study is one of the commitments made by the U.S. government as part of a mediated agreement with plaintiffs in litigation filed to challenge the environmental impact statement, biological opinions, and record of decision on Columbia River System operations. This study will provide information on alternatives and considerations for replacement of water supplies that could be affected by a potential breach of the lower Snake River dams, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information generated through the study will be used along with other studies to inform any future Congressional decision on dam breach and related impacts.
Why is the Bureau of Reclamation leading the study? What involvement does the State of Washington have?
The Department of the Interior, through Reclamation, committed to performing the study as part of the December 2024 mediated agreement on Columbia River System operations. While Reclamation does not operate the subject dams, it has wide experience on water supply issues in the Pacific Northwest and across the west. Other federal agencies are leading studies specific to the other resource areas (transportation, energy, recreation, etc.).
The Washington Department of Ecology also received a mandate from the Washington legislature to study replacing water supplies potentially affected by dam breach. Reclamation and Ecology are teaming on a single effort that will meet both requirements.
How can the public and stakeholders have input or engage in the study?
Reclamation held virtual public information sessions on the study in June 2024. In-person public information sessions will be scheduled in late 2024 or early 2025 upon completion of the draft report when we will invite stakeholder review and comment on the draft document. However, we appreciate any information that will inform the study at any time. Relevant information can be provided to Reclamation at LSRWSRScomments@usbr.gov.
When will the results be available and when will the study be finished?
The draft report will be available in late 2024, and the final will be available in mid-2025.
What data will the study rely on to determine needs and potential options for water supply replacements?
A variety of information is available to inform the study, including studies commissioned by Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, Senator Murray and Governor Inslee of Washington, Washington Department of Ecology; information prepared by federal agencies (Corps and Reclamation); public records (e.g., water rights databases), and information collected in the field by the consultant team. The consultant team will build on these reports and other available information to inform the study.
Who will decide what constitutes acceptable water supply replacement options?
This study will explore potential technical solutions for water supply replacement, as well as associated economic issues. It will also consider water supply issues during the transition from existing water supplies to potential new supplies. While it will address challenges and opportunities associated with the alternatives, the study will not take any final positions on particular solutions. Reclamation and Ecology appreciate any input or considerations to make the study more robust.
What other studies are being performed to address dam breach impacts, and who is performing them?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for a transportation analysis to identify alternative transportation infrastructure that could provide regional benefits and replace services provided by the lower Snake River dams. They will also conduct a recreation and public access analysis to develop a blueprint for investments in replacement and enhancement of recreation to offset potential loss of recreation opportunities associated with the LSR dams. The Department of Energy, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and potentially other national laboratories, will complete the energy needs planning process, which will include identifying the best ways to meet the region’s resource adequacy needs and decarbonization goals while accounting for actions including potential breach of the lower Snake River dams.
Have you already identified potential solutions? What solutions and water sources are being considered?
Recognizing this is a technical study, we are not placing limits on potential solutions that could be considered. The Snake River and nearby groundwater comprise the current water supply and would be the primary sources considered. Other sources can also be identified as potential alternatives. The report would identify issues or positive aspects of alternatives.
How large is the study area and which areas are being included in the study?
The study area includes the pools of the four lower Snake River dams (from Washington’s Tri-Cities area to the Lewiston, ID area), as well as the McNary Dam pool, through which water supplies may also be affected. The majority of irrigated acres in the study area are served through the McNary and Ice Harbor pools.
How is this study different from studies previously conducted?
This effort will focus on providing additional, more detailed information than provided in previous studies, some of which focused on water supply replacement and some of which looked more broadly at other impacts of potential dam breach. It will include technical analysis, pre-feasibility engineering design, economic analysis, identification of issues during a transition period to new water supplies, and identification of related issues. Below are links to publicly available studies.
Contact
Michael Coffey
208-378-6231
bor-sha-lsrwsrscomments@usbr.gov
Bureau of Reclamation
Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region
1150 N Curtis Road
Boise, Idaho 83706-1234
Stephanie May
509-202-5674
smay461@ecy.wa.gov
State of Washington
Department of Ecology
