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Commission approves modernization of Ridenbaugh Canal headworks with river mitigation and coordination with city projects
Summary
The commission approved a Boise River system permit for the Ridenbaugh Canal headworks modernization at 3960 S. Eckert, including mitigation planting to replace removed canopy and coordination with Ada County Highway District and Boise Parks and Recreation on staging and easements.
The Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a Boise River system permit (CFH25-26) to modernize the Ridenbaugh Canal headworks at 3960 South Eckert Road. Staff said the two-phase project will replace aging diversion infrastructure, improve safety for irrigation district crews and include riparian mitigation to achieve no net loss of river resources.
Staff described the project footprint as approximately 38.08 acres across riverbank classifications and said work would be staged to minimize in-water disturbance. Phase 1 includes clearance of vegetation where necessary, installation of temporary coffer dams and construction of the new diversion structure during low-water periods; Phase 2 includes completing remaining in-river work and restoring vegetation. Staff said the project will remove about 290 caliper inches of canopy but will replant riparian forest as required by Boise Parks and Recreation and the project’s mitigation and enhancement plan.
Applicants (Upper Meridian Irrigation District representatives) told the commission the existing headworks, built in 1930, requires modernization for operational and safety reasons. Applicant representatives said they have coordinated with Ada County Highway District (ACHD) and the city on timing and geotechnical work to avoid overlapping impacts with a planned bridge project on Eckert Road. The applicant said much of the construction in the river will occur outside the irrigation season (October onward) and that staging areas will be coordinated so some of the construction access doubles as a planned parking lot area for the city’s Alta Harris Park improvements.
Staff reported agency comment from Boise Parks and Recreation confirming an access easement to city land for construction access, and neighborhood late correspondence included both opposition and statements of no concern from Barber Valley Neighborhood Association. The planning team concluded the project meets Boise River system overlay standards with the proposed mitigation and recommended approval.
Commissioner Doan moved to approve the permit with the staff conditions; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call. The commission recorded no conditions beyond the staff-recommended mitigation and the applicant’s commitments to restore and replant riparian areas; the project will proceed subject to the city’s permit review and required mitigation work.
