YAKIMA - The state Department of Ecology has released a draft supplemental environmental impact statement that analyzes options for additional allocations of water stored behind Grand Coulee Dam.
     The document evaluates numerous policy choices for determining who will receive the additional water and the timing of releases of that water from Lake Roosevelt, according to a DOE announcement.
     The additional water is being made available through the state's Columbia River Basin water management program, which was authorized by the Legislature in 2006.
     DOE officials propose releases that would increase stream flows in the Columbia River for fish, provide water to the Odessa sub-area, relief to irrigators whose waters may be interrupted during drought, and deliver water to cities and farms.
     "For the first time in many years we'll be able to issue new water rights from the Columbia River and do so in a way that balances both the environmental and economic needs of the region," said Derek Sandison, DOE’s central regional director in Yakima.
     The draft document looks at three scenarios for releasing water based on time of year, demand and to maximize fish flows. In addition, the document considers policy options for who receives the water, according to the DOE.
     Under consideration are the impacts associated with releasing up to 132,500 acre-feet of water from Lake Roosevelt based on a 1938 water storage right held by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
     According to the proposal, 82,500 acre-feet of water would be released from storage on an annual basis. Uses would include:
     - 30,000 acre-feet to replace ground water now used to irrigate agriculture in the Odessa sub-area.
     - 27,500 acre-feet to enhance flows downstream of Grand Coulee Dam.
     - 25,000 acre-feet for municipal and industrial use along the Columbia River.
     In drought years, 50,000 acre-feet of water would be release. Allocations would include 33,000 acre-feet to support existing interruptible water right holders along the Columbia River main stem and 17,000 acre-feet of storage water to enhance flows downstream of Grand Coulee Dam.
     The draft supplemental EIS for the proposed management program can be viewed at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cwp/cr_lkroos.html.
     Copies are available by calling (509) 454-7664.
     Comments on the document will be accepted through June 30 by writing Derek Sandison, Department of Ecology, 15 W. Yakima Ave., Suite 200, Yakima 98902-3452, or by e-mailing dsan461@ecy.wa.gov.
     "Lake Roosevelt Draft SEIS Comments" should be in the subject line, according to the DOE.
     Comments can be given orally or in writing at open houses from 4-7 p.m. June 16 at Coulee Dam Town Hall and June 17 at the Colville Ag and Trade Center, 317 W. Astor, Colville.