The April meeting of the Kittitas County Water Purveyors was called to order by Vice Chairman Kevin Eslinger at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance were Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit, Roger Satnik and Jim Schnebly, Kittitas Reclamation District; Kevin Eslinger, Steve Rosbach, Gary Diefenback, Denmark Irrigation; Jeff Brunson and Jackie Brunson, Bull Canal Co.; Tony Jantzer, Jack Clerf, Cascade Irrigation District; Jay Anderson, Vern Burghart, Westside Irrigation; Jane Tonkin, Washington State Department of Ecology; Tom Myrum, Mike Schwisow, Washington State Water Resources Association; Dave Duncan, Manastash Ditch Co.; Ben George, Taneum Canal Co.; Anna Olsen, Kittitas County Conservation District; Pat Clerf, Ellensburg Water Co.
Item 1. Call to order, introductions
The agenda for April 29, 1999 and the minutes of the March 25,1999 meeting were approved as presented by a motion from Jack Clerf.
Vice Chairman Kevin Eslinger introduced guest speakers from the Washington State Water Resources Association.
1. Tom Myrum, Executive Director, Washington State Water Resources Association, explained water quality is taking the forefront in recent years and when the Association hears of the formation of new irrigation related groups, they like to know what is being done so information can be accurately distributed throughout the state. Mr. Myrum explained federal legislation is not protecting irrigation from the ESA. The Bureau of Reclamation is saying it will take care of irrigation and encouraged everyone to ask questions and keep informed on water issues at the federal level.
2. Mike Schwisow, Washington State Water Resources Association, presented information on the function of the WSWRA and his affiliation with the Association as a hired contract lobbyist. Mr. Schwisow presented an overview of the just concluded legislative session and the upcoming special session of the legislature relating to water and salmon. Mr.Schwisow continued with an overview of the Governor’s Water Bill and Salmon Recovery Plan, Programmatic Response-Irrigated Agriculture and the status of water bills. Mr. Schwisow explained they were successful in getting legislation passed which deals with the irrigation district’s ability to make low interest loans or grants to water users for conservation or water quality projects and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Roger Satnik, Kittitas Reclamation District, presented a map of the sampling sites. Mr. Satnik presented test results received on samples submitted on March 24, 1999 to the USBR testing lab in Boise; explaining samples were also taken by and submitted to the DOE testing lab and the KCCD testing lab with a variation in test results. Mr. Satnik explained the samples submitted were baseline prior to irrigation water turn on.
Anna Olsen, Kittitas Conservation District, explained one of their test results shows the temperature in April was 2 degrees lower than March. Anna further explained KCCD has purchased a turbidity meter and it is available for use at the KCCD office. Mr. Carpenter presented information on a turbidity tube designed and used in Australia that is currently in use by lower valley districts. Mr. Carpenter explained the cost is approximately $25.00 and he will try and have one available for demonstration at the next meeting.
5. Mr. Carpenter presented an overview on the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Mr. Carpenter explained NAWQA is doing further analysis of the Yakima valley with primary focus on surface water studies with emphases on understanding changes in the water quality as it moves through the hydraulic system from one land use to the other.
6. Mr. Carpenter distributed copies of news releases with a negative tone toward irrigated agriculture and requested input in establishing a policy to assure news released to the public is accurate. Discussion followed with the consensus education is the starting point and can be distributed through newsletters to landowners. Mr. Carpenter explained the KRD prepares a yearly newsletter, addressing various topics, which is distributed to all landowners. The idea of a joint newsletter was suggested with the consensus representatives discuss it with their entity and it be placed on a future agenda.
Anna Olsen, Kittitas County Conservation District, presented an overview of the KCCD Pam program and other programs currently available through the KCCD explaining she would be available to report to the KCWP on a monthly basis.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on professional consulting firms that deal with ESA issues. Mr. Carpenter further explained consultants have expressed interest in talking with the KVWP and requested input regarding their being invited to a future meeting. Discussion followed with the recommendation Parmetrics be invited to the May meeting.
Item 2. Grants Update
1. Mr. Carpenter presented a grant update explaining he received information suggesting funding may not be approved for the 319 Grant. Jane Tonkin, Washington State Department of Ecology, said the process was not complete and decisions were not final.
Item 3. Suggested Agenda Items for Next Meeting
1. Mr. Carpenter will invite USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program as guest speaker for the May meeting.
2. Anna Olsen, Kittitas County Conservation District, will present a monthly update.
3. Mr. Carpenter will invite Parametrics as guest speaker for the May meeting.
All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.