VRA Summary
Ecology and the Columbia-Snake River Irrigators
Association (CSRIA) have entered into a Voluntary Regional Agreement
(VRA) as provided for in
RCW 90.90.030. The purpose of this VRA is to provide new water
for the issuance of drought permits to existing interruptible water
rights holders and new water rights on the Columbia and Snake
Rivers. This VRA provides that the issuance of these new water
rights cannot reduce or negatively impact stream flows in the months
of July and August (April through August for the Snake River). To
meet this standard of protection, Ecology and CSRIA will pursue
conservation, storage, acquisition and other opportunities to
provide new water to offset new withdrawals during the summer
months.
Final VRA
Tri-City Herald News Coverage
KNDO News Coverage
Public Participation
Before entering into a VRA, Ecology is required to conduct 2
statutory reviews under RCW 90.90.030. The first is
a consultation with affected, county legislative jurisdictions,
tribal governments and watershed planning groups, federal agencies,
and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The
second is a 30-day public comment period.
On October 16, 2006, Ecology began the governmental consultation
period. This consultation phase ran through December 15, 2006.
Ecology and CSRIA negotiated modifications to the VRA based on
consultation comments.
A public comment period on the proposed VRA was held from January
17 to February 19, 2008. On May 29, 2008, Ecology held a workshop in
Yakima to discuss public comments. At this workshop, Ecology staff
responded to the comments and explained the process for completing
and implementing the VRA. Again, as a result of public comment,
Ecology and CSRIA negotiated modifications to the VRA. |
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Comments received during the public comment
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In 2006 Ecology prepared the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the Columbia River Water Management Program, which included
the CSRIA VRA as an early action item. Because of changes to the VRA
in its draft form, Ecology has prepared a SEPA addendum to the
Final PEIS.
Another round of SEPA review will occur when Ecology issues
implementation plans determining how the water used for drought
permits and new water rights will be mitigated.
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SEPA Addendum to Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the Columbia River Water Management Program.
How to apply for a drought permit under this VRA
CSRIA members may apply for a drought permit under this VRA by
completing ALL of the following steps:
- Download a
water right application
(instructions page)
- At the top of the form, check the box marked "Permanent"
- Write "CSRIA VRA Drought Permit" in the space below the word
"Permanent" (just above "Follow the attached instructions.")
- At the bottom of page 2, where it begins "Are there any
other water rights..." please identify the interruptible water
right that the drought permit will supplement. Please remember
that the drought permit quantity cannot exceed the quantity
approved for the interruptible right.
- Below the signature lines on page 5, please check the box
next to "Central" and handwrite "Columbia River Program"
underneath it.
- Complete the rest of the form.
- Sign the form.
- Mail the completed form and fees to:
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
CASHIERING
UNIT
PO BOX 47611
OLYMPIA WA 98504-7611
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Comments
received during consultation period
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Comments received
during public comment period
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