Methow Valley Citizens' Council
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DRIP, DRIP, DRIP .. goes our water
by Teresa Allen
On August 4, 1998, the Okanogan County Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) for the purpose of developing and implementing an improved water resources management program for the Methow River Basin. The program must address issues related to water for growth, agriculture, instream flows, maintenance and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and the protection of existing water rights.
Funding for the process is being provided by a new watershed law, HB 2514, that established a framework for state, local and tribal govemment to collaboratively create plans that address water needs, reduce water pollution and protect fish habitat in local watersheds. The law established a three step planning process, each with a separate grant. Phase One is organizing the local planning unit. During Phase Two, the planning unit would assess the watershed's water supply. Under Phase Three, planning units develop water strategies or recommendations for increasing water supplies.
According to DOE's quarterly newsletter, "The goal is to have everyone with a stake in the outcome at the table state, local and tribal governments, businesses, environmental organizations, agricultural interests, and others." The new local water planning group, lead by Dennis Beich, shall propose provisions for the establishment of a water bank; and inventory projects that may deposit water to the water bank.
The DOE pushed home the importance of the County to participate in the watershed planning project by including a termination clause in the agreement that states, "if the County and Ecology cannot reach agreement of final rules or ordinances through the joint process within the time frame prescribed.... each party reserves the right to proceed with separate, unilateral action."
The decision by the Okanogan Board of County Commissioners to participate in this MOA was not reached easily. Spence Higby voted against it. Dave Schultz commented on the DOE's "strong arm" tactics saying, "This has happened by the placing of steelhead on the endangered list which makes them more valuable than mankind."
The DOE is very serious about developing the Methow River Basin Plan because the river contains BOTH endangered Steelhead and Bull Trout and because water shortages already exist.
The Methow Valley Irrigation District (MVID) has been targeted as one of the initial depositors into the Water Bank. In recent discussions between Ecology, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the Northwest Power Planning Council concerning the preferred alternative of changing the MVID to a pressurized pipe system, willingness to listen to alternative approaches to the current MVID water supply have been lacking.
Dave Schultz was correct when he wrote, "It is important you keep informed and participating in the process that is taking place." (emphasis added) The County is still looking for citizens to work on this project. If you are interested submit a one page resume to Dennis Beich, c/o Okanogan County Commissioners, PO Box 791, Okanogan, WA 98840.
