PUBLIC NOTICE

DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE

AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON SCOPE OF EIS

FOR COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN

WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is initiating preparation of a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) non-project (programmatic) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Columbia River Basin Water Management Program (Management Program). The programmatic EIS will help guide Ecology; federal, state, and local governments and agencies; tribal governments; and stakeholders in formal development and implementation of the Management Program.

The Washington State Legislature authorized development of the Management Program through passage of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (ESSHB) 2860, an act relating to water resource management in the Columbia River Basin. The act was signed into law by the Governor on February 16, 2006. The complete document Determination of Significance and Request for Comments on Scope of EIS for Columbia River Basin Water Management Program, ESSHB 2860, and other relevant information concerning the Management Program can be viewed on Ecology's Columbia River Water Management Program webpage at:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cwp/crwmp.html

Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the scope of the EIS. Ecology will host four public open houses during the scoping period. Information related to the program and the EIS will be provided as well as an opportunity to submit verbal or written comments on the scope of the EIS.

Comments are due by June 5, 2006.

You may submit written or oral comments at any of the four open houses listed below. You may also send written comments by email to dsan461@ecy.wa.gov (please use "Columbia River Management Program" in the subject line) or mail to:

Derek Sandison

Central Regional Director

Department of Ecology

15 West Yakima Ave. Suite 200

Yakima, WA 98902-3452

The location, dates, and times of the public open houses are:

May 17, 2006 - Wenatchee

The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel, Gala Room

201 N. Wenatchee Ave.

4:00-7:00 p.m.

May 18, 2006 - Colville

Agricultural Trade Center

317 W. Astor.

4:00-7:00 p.m.

May 22, 2006 - Moses Lake

Fire Dept. Multi-Purpose Room

701 E. Third Ave.

4:00-7:00 p.m.

May 23, 2006 - Kennewick

Three Rivers Convention Center, Meeting Room C

7016 W. Grandridge Blvd.

4:00-7:00 p.m.

For more information, please attend one of the open houses, visit our website at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cwp/crwmp.html, or call Johnie Tynan at (509) 457-7121 or email: jtyn461@ecy.wa.gov.

For special accommodation needs, please call the above number by May 12, 2006.

#05018

Pub: May 5, 2006