2017-06-26-minutes-public-works-study-session

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Dept. of Public Works Page 3 dimensional flow model developed by the Flood Control Zone District of Whiskey Creek. Mark stated that the preliminary results were shared with the Board of County Commissioners and later with two (2) residents bordering the Black Horse property. Watershed Science and Engineering has since completed a final flood study that was sent to the Board of County Commissioners for review. Mark added that the final study was sent to DR Horton and Ellensburg Water Company on June 20, 2017. A follow-up meeting with DR Horton has not been scheduled at this time. In closing, Mark reported that a comprehensive approach to define the extent and quantity of groundwater on the DR Horton site has not been conducted and solutions are unlikely to succeed without knowing the impact of groundwater at the site. Mark is suggesting that to help guide the process, a scope of work defining the likely data collecting effort needed to define the water table and the underlying "aquitard" that is driving swallow water table depth. Discussion was held. Board Direction: No Direction. NANEUM CREEK— WILSON CREEK SPLIT STA UCTURE DISCUSSION: Mark stated that in early December 2016, staff briefed the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on issues surrounding a flow control structure on Naneum Creek. At that time, the City of Ellensburg expressed interest in having the streambed in that vicinity of the structure dredged in anticipation of potential flooding in the spring of 2017. Mark continued that there has been significant flooding that has occurred in the Nanuem watershed throughout this past spring. One tributary of Naneum Creek is currently completely plugged with round rock and debris blocking water delivery. Mark added that the flow control structure is now being exercised attempting to establish fifty percent (50%) flow delivery to Wilson Creek and over the past week numerous water right holders have been gathering at the spilt discussing individual actions aimed at establishing flow delivery to both stream systems. Mark mentioned that with the pending potential shut down of state government will remove the ability for local Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff to issue an emergency HPA(s). He continued that given the growing tension amongst area water right holders, unpermitted stream dredging activities are a likely potential in the next several weeks or immediately following a government shutdown. Mark stated that in December 2016, staff supported a multi -agency approach to managing streambed materials at the split, staff was not successful in putting a multi -agency team together and the issue was put aside. Now, with the flooding in the Naneum watershed and clogging of creek tributaries bring a new issue of water supply for consideration. Mark added that while the Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) mission does not include ensuring water to water right holders and some could argue maintenance is a stated objective of the FCZD. Any action to remove streambed materials could likely be seen by the community as the District's obligation. Discussion was held on the issue of the BOCC electing to take action removing streambed materials and recognizing the current dilemma faced by WDFW partners. The cost of three days of streambed dredging would likely approach $ 15,000.00 and adding mitigation costs to that total is no acceptable to the FCZD. Further discussion was held. 411 N. Ruby, Ste. #1 TEL (509) 962-7523 Ellensburg, WA 98926 FAX (509) 962-7663