Odessa aquifer fix could start by 2014

Options include new canal, expanding East Low Canal

COLUMBIA BASIN — If all goes well, constructing a fix on the depleting Odessa Aquifer Sub-Area could start by 2014.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation intends to replace ground water with surface water on irrigated lands because the ground water is not replenishing itself.

To accomplish its goals, the bureau is studying options for projects that can get water to the farms and sources of water. Four alternatives are being considered. They include: building an East High Canal System, developing part of the East High Canal System while enlarging and partially extending the East Low Canal System, enlarging and partially extending the East Low Canal System only, and building distribution facilities to serve land located north of I-90

Norbert Reis, planning officer with the bureau, said a “guess” as to when construction could be complete developing part of the East High Canal System while enlarging and partially extending the East Low Canal System would be four to seven years after construction starts, but that is only if no hurdles are encountered.

Building a full East High Canal System could take longer because environmental impacts may require additional mitigation, slowing the process down, Reis said. Building distribution facilities to serve land located north of I-90 would probably take less time, he said.

The bureau is going through a federal process, Reis said.

Ritzville resident Rex Lyle said he didn’t think the process was moving fast enough. Lyle’s family owns a farm within the Odessa Aquifer Sub-Area. Lyle said the same process was going on 15 years ago, but it was put on hold because of environmental issues with the salmon population.

“We’re really facing the same environmental issues, maybe even more so than we were then,” Lyle said.

Adams County Commissioner Rudy Plager said he believes the process is moving fast enough. Plager said he is feeling optimistic about the project.

“I recognize the fact that its depleting, the Odessa aquifer’s depleting, but this process takes the time it takes,” he said.

Study Manager Ellen Berggren said the next step in the process is an appraisal of the options, which it hopes to complete in October 2007. When the analysis is complete, cost estimates and engineering drawings are going to be prepared. In 2008, the Bureau is making sure it follows environmental regulations.

The study should be complete by 2010, Berggren said.