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City reports timeline and regulatory steps for proposed water storage dam; biological study required before summer work window
Summary
Staff updated the committee on the water storage permit process for a proposed dam, saying a biological assessment required by state agencies must be completed during dry months and that provisional approval could be possible this summer.
City staff gave an update on the proposed water storage permit and associated dam project, saying state agencies and Polk County requirements have set a timeline for biological study and related approvals.
Staff said meetings with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Water Resources Department produced a list of outstanding tasks required for permit approval. A biological assessment of inundated areas is required by the state and must be completed during dry months; staff told the committee that spring rains mean the assessment likely cannot be completed until late July or early August. Staff said an expedited review process could produce provisional approval this summer, with a public-notice period and opportunity for comment; WaterWatch of Oregon has already submitted initial comments, staff said.
The land-use conditional-use permit is being processed with Polk County; staff said the county can align the timing of its approvals to the water-storage permitting schedule and that most of the land to be inundated is city-owned, though the city will likely need to purchase two or three adjacent parcels. Staff estimated construction could proceed in 2029 if permits and challenges follow the anticipated schedule but cautioned that a legal challenge following public notice could delay a final approval.
Ending: Staff will complete the biological assessment in the dry window, continue coordinating with Polk County and state agencies, and return with updates as permitting progresses.
