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Chehalis Basin Partnership - Lower Chehalis/Upper Chehalis Watershed Planning (WRIAs 22/23)
Lead agency contact:
Lee Napier, Deputy Director Community Development, Utilities and Development Division
Grays Harbor County
(360) 249-4222
Inapier@co.grays-harbor.wa.us
Ecology contact:
Chris Hempleman
Department of Ecology
(360) 407-0239
chem@ecy.wa.gov
Implementation phase: Phase 4 - Plan Implementation
Planning phase:
Plan adopted: May 2004
Optional elements: Quality, Habitat, Flows
Grants awarded: $1,632,200 through June 2007
Plan website: Chehalis Basin Partnership
Progress
The Boards of Commissioners from Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties adopted the Chehalis Watershed Plan in May 2004. The planning unit started Phase 4 implementation in October 2005, and completed and approved their Detailed Implementation Plan in October 2006. Keys of implementation plan recommendations are: Development of a water data management system; increased compliance efforts toward illegal water users; and, additional incentives for water conservation and reclamation. The Chehalis Partnership started a Geographic Information System Clearinghouse through Grays Harbor College. The system integrates water quality and other natural resource data and information for the entire watershed. An expanded water quality monitoring program was launched with funds appropriated by the Legislature.Instream Flow Status
Instream flows were set in 1976 (Chapter 173-522 WAC).
The Chehalis Partnership reviewed existing instream flows. Their findings were based on technical studies and existing data, indicated that low-flow conditions may be a concern in many streams and rivers in the Chehalis Basin. Data indicate that stream flows are not met many days from July through October. The Partnership recommended that current instream flows should be retained and regularly monitored. At this time, Ecology does not intend to propose amendments to the existing flow rule.
Publications
Studies or data relevant to planning for this area
Other resources
- Centralia Flood Damage Reduction Project
- Instream Flow Data WRIA 22 Lower Chehalis River Basin
- Instream Flow Data WRIA 23 Chehalis River Basin
- Chehalis Basin Level 1 Assessment
- Planning Unit Representatives
Washington State Department of Ecology home page
Please send additions or corrections to Chris Anderson, (360) 407-6634.