March 29, 2001

The March, 29, 2001 meeting of the Kittitas County Water Purveyors was called to order by Chairman Pat Clerf. Those in attendance were Carol Ready, Barbara Pettit, Roger Satnik, Jim Schnebly, Kittitas Reclamation District; Jeff and Jackie Brunson, Bull Canal; Steve Rosbach, Denmark Irrigators; Anna Lael, KCCD; Jane Creech, DOE; Tom Brunson, Packwood Ditch; Richard Bain, Wold Ditch; Kim Nelson, R.C. Bain; Pat Clerf, Ellensburg Water Company; Pat Taylor, Olsen Ditch; Ben George, Taneum Ditch Co.; Jay Anderson, Vern Burghart, Westside Ditch Co.; David Chain, NRCS; Jack Clerf, Cascade Irrigation District; Jim Milton, Tri County Water Resource Agency; Richard Siderius, Mid State Coop..

Item 1. Call to order

Pat Clerf, Chairman, declared the agenda for the March 29, 2001 meeting approved as presented. The minutes of the January 25, 2001 meeting were approved as presented.

Item 2. Upper Yakima Suspended Sediment and Pesticide TMDL Update

Jane Creech, DOE, explained she has been designated by DOE as lead person for the Upper Yakima TMDL. Jane presented an overview of the Upper Yakima TMDL explaining it was designed as a follow up to the Lower Valley TMDL which began in 1994 and there have been problems with suspended sediment pesticides and other things for a long time period. Jane explained this TMDL is focusing on suspended sediments and pesticides because it ties into the lower valley and it is an obvious problem and a good place to start. The pesticides that are a problem in the Upper Yakima are DDT, DDE & Dieldrin and wherever pesticides are applied and soil washes off the pesticides get into the water. A technical advisory group was formed with meetings started in January, 2001. The TMDL for the Upper Yakima was designed in 1998 with the main focus being irrigated agriculture field data was collected by DOE Environmental Assessment Staff from April through November, 1999 at various locations throughout Kittitas County. Analysis of the data collected has been ongoing since that time. Jane explained the first portion of the technical report that looks at the Main Stem should be available in May, 2001 with the second portion of the technical report that looks at the Wilson Cherry Complex in late summer of 2001 with the complete report proposed for fall of 2001. Jane presented a draft time line for the technical work group to review the data and discussed the formation of sub committee work groups. Jane presented charts, graphs and information from the 1999 water sampling, prepared by Joe Joy, DOE Environmental Assessment Program Technical Staff. Jane discussed the initial TMDL suggestions presented to the technical work group explaining the proposals are prepared with the intent of bringing the Yakima Main Stem into compliance with DOE Sediment and Pesticide TMDL Standards. Jane explained the Upper Yakima TMDL Standards have not been established and work will continue with the technical work groups and sub committee work groups.

Jane explained she notified of funding available through the Bureau of Reclamation for Hydrologic Studies explaining the funding might be available to KCWP for continued hydrologic studies of the Kittitas Valley.

Item 3. Soil Moisture Monitoring

Mike Hansen of the M. K. Hansen Company of East Wenatchee presented information on a soil moisture monitoring system that measures the soil’s moisture content, conditions and trends and helps optimize irrigation with a low cost soil moisture data logger with graphic display. Mr. Hansen explained the estimated cost of the equipment is $500.00 and is available through their company and distributed by Muffet and Sons.

Item 4. Ecology Agreement Update

Carol Ready presented information on a DOE funding agreement for a hydrologic study of Wipple Wasteway, a GIS mapping layer for hydrologic data and outreach on water quality including the purchase of a multimedia projector.

Carol presented information on a $245,123.00 KRD/KCWP grant application submitted to DOE for water quality work in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Carol presented information on a BPA grant application submitted by KRD and other entities to address fish passage, screening and habitat in the Yakima Basin.

Item 5. 2002 Grant

Carol presented a draft BPA slide show.

Item 6. Other Topics

Jack Carpenter presented information on the 9^th District ruling on Talent Irrigation District regarding algaecide application in canals labeled "waters of the United States" and permit requirements. Mr. Carpenter explained the repairs have been delayed on Keechelus Dam and suggested keeping pressure on the USBR and elected officials to begin repairs as soon as possible.

Item 7. Meeting Schedule

Chairman Pat Clerf announced the next meeting is scheduled for May, 2001 with the date to be announced.

Respectfully Submitted,

 Pat Clerf, Chairman