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. Western States Water Council Water Resources Committee Minutes Boise, Idaho April 21, 2005 eliminated fish runs already. Our initial estimates were costly with a pipeline to irrigators, and issues of land acquisitions, rights-of-way, etc. Weare also looking at greater efficiency and exchanges, but this option may be limited by our ability to protect streamflows. We are also looking at buying water rights with the help of nonprofit organizations. We wouldn't have the federal government buying or holding rights, but rather the tribe, or trusts. This is not a big part of the project. There might be some subbasin acquisitions, but purchases in head waters are best. We are also looking at impacts on shallow ground water. The preferred alternative likely to be a combination of actions. The State of Washington has provided some money for this study. The tribe may consider building a larger reservoir, for their own purposes and use, but would have to pay for that additional increment of storage. The tribe would also have O&M responsibilities, and all liability related to realty transactions. A habitat conservation plan is also going on in the basin, as well as a W A 2514 watershed planning process. We'll need to coordinate recommendations for streamflows. Lastly, water would flow from Oregon into Washington and back and that raises issues of protecting flows. . Phil Ward: "When is preferred alternative expected?" Chris: "A draft by the fall 2006." LOWER GRANITE DAM REMOVABLE SPILLWAY Kevin Crum, Corps Project Manager for the Lower Granite Dam removable spillway weir made a powerpoint presentation on the measure for improving out migration of juvenile fish. A diagram and details of the project were included in the briefing books under Tab L. A similar weir at Ice Habor Dam was installed less than 30 days ago. A surface bypass to facilitate passage is the objective, and measures are being implementing across the Northwest. Salmon smolts travel in upper 30 feet of a river, but spillways and intakes are deep and fish have a hard time finding them. The weir provides for better fish passage with less flow, reducing residence time in the reservoir, and providing for more power generation. It also helps reduce gas super-saturation, there is less risk from predators, and the weir can be removed for flood emergencies. . The Lower Granite weir was installed in 2001, with testing since to gather information and biological data. We have seen 10% greater passage, with a lower water need and can meet or exceed ESA biological opinion requirements. The weir is raised and lowered like a submarine with water for ballast and air. The Ice harbor was installed in March 2005, with April to August for planned biological testing. There are plans to add weirs to Lower Monumental Dam. There are other passage works at Bonneville and the Dalles Dams. By 2014, all federal Columbia River Dams will have some type of surface bypass. 9