July 29, 1999

Kittitas County Water Purveyor Meeting

The July meeting of the Kittitas County Water Purveyors was called to order by Chairman Pat Clerf at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance were Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit, Roger Satnik, Kittitas Reclamation District; Richard Bain, Wold Ditch; Jeff Brunson, Bull Canal Co.; Vern Burghart, Westside Ditch Co.; David Chain, Natural Resource Conservation Service; Jack Clerf, Tony Jantzer, Cascade Irrigation District; Pat Clerf, Ellensburg Water Co.; Ben George, Taneum Ditch Co.; Anna Olsen, KCCD; Jane Tonkin, Department of Ecology; Bill Persich, Brown and Caldwell; Benn Burke, Adolfson Associates, Inc.; Ray Owens.

Item 1. Call to order, introductions

The Agenda for the July 29, 1999 meeting and the minutes of the May 27, 1999 meeting were declared approved as presented by Chairman Pat Clerf.

Chairman Pat Clerf introduced guest speakers beginning with Dick Bain.

Dick Bain introduced Bill Persich, Engineer with Brown and Caldwell, and Benn Burke, a Fisheries Biologist with Adolfson Associates, Inc., explaining he invited them to help with his presentation and answer questions. Mr. Bain presented an overview of a triage plan he is developing for determining the habitat status and habitat problems of 22 individual streams including a ranking system for prioritizing restoration of habitat in the individual streams. Mr. Bain further explained his plan provides information on the size, location and types of problems associated with the 22 individual streams. Mr. Bain explained he believes types and quantities of fish, habitat and costs should prioritize the focus for restoration by categorizing the restoration. Mr. Bain explained his plan has been distributed to various entities for review. Benn Burke presented information on the Endangered Species Act and impacts on the permitting process. Mr. Burke further explained the terminology of endangered, threatened, proposed and candidate as used for listing of fish under the Endangered Species Act. Mr. Bain explained the Methow Valley crisis and impact on the Skyline ditch. Mr. Bain explained the Skyline Ditch is located in the Mehtow Valley and delivery of water to landowners has not been allowed this year due to issues associated with a fish screen.

Tony Jantzer, Manager, Cascade Irrigation District, presented information on an application they submitted to the Army Corp of Engineers to place ecology blocks in the river. The Army Corp Biological Assessment was for no impact. Mr. Jantzer went on to explain the permit was sent on to National Marine Fisheries and they returned with an opinion of an adversely affecting situation with discussions continuing.

Roger Satnik, Kittitas Reclamation District, presented information on water sampling explaining KRD is now sampling KRD return waters to Cascade Irrigation District and reported fecal and turbidity levels. Cascade tail end and some return flows to Cascade show higher turbidity levels than in other areas. All tail end samples reflected increases in water temperature with increase in air temperature. Mr. Satnik explained the fecal level is found in samples from almost all samples including tributaries coming into the district.

Anna Olsen presented water-sampling results explaining similar findings with fecal levels. Anna also reported findings of DDT in water samples in the area of Cherry Creek where potato fields were grown in the Kittitas Valley.

Jane Tonkin, DOE, presented information on suspended solids explaining all of the mean numbers are below the targets for the lower Yakima TMDL.

Mr. Carpenter presented information on the USBR Lab in Boise, Idaho explaining he received notification the Boise Lab is not a Washington State certified lab. Mr. Carpenter continued explaining the Bureau of Reclamation with the assistance of DOE is in the process of becoming Washington State certified.

Anna Olsen presented an update on the Conservation District explaining there are two field tours scheduled. The first is August 10, 1999 where the enviro-scans will be demonstrated and a Legislative tour of the North, South, Kittitas and Benton Conservation Districts scheduled for August 16, 1999. Anna Olsen explained the CREP map is finished and came in within the budgeted amount and sign ups are being accepted.

Anna discussed the possibility of purchasing a mobile lab explaining support is needed from irrigation districts.

Mr. Carpenter presented update information on the grant explaining notification was received the grant made the final funding cut and has gone onto the 30 day public comment period and anticipates receiving notification of approval in August. Mr. Carpenter discussed hiring a facilitator to administer the grant.

Mr. Carpenter presented and explained the video produced by Roza-Sunnyside Board of Joint Control, Water, Food and You. Mr. Carpenter further explained he felt the video is of educational value for landowners and the general public.

Mr. Carpenter discussed the Kittitas County Water Purveyor progressing toward a joint newsletter.

Mr. Carpenter announced the Auzzie Tubes are available tonight and at the Kittitas Reclamation District Office for $25.00 each.

Item 4. Other Business

Mr. Carpenter presented update information on the Keechelus Dam repairs explaining the final decision has not been determined.

Mr. Carpenter presented information on the Trendwest MountainStar Master Planned Resort explaining he received two copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement with written comments due by September 30, 1999. Mr. Carpenter explained Trendwest has not mitigated third party impacts with Kittitas Reclamation District, Roza Irrigation District and others.

Chairman Pat Clerf announced the meeting is scheduled 7:00 p.m. September 30, 1999 at Sterling Savings.

All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

____________________

Pat Clerf, Chairman

Return to KRD Homepage