Josephine County commissioners hear Murphy Irrigation District plan to remove diversion, weigh pumping alternative

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on June 29 heard from representatives of the Murphy Irrigation District about a proposal to remove the Murphy Diversion Dam and replace the existing gravity-fed diversion with a pumping system. Chair Ron A. Smith opened the session as a fact-finding discussion and invited District representatives and other stakeholders to describe the proposal and the tradeoffs involved.

Thoren Halvorsen, representing the Murphy Irrigation District, said the District entered negotiations with WaterWatch of Oregon after being advised litigation was likely and described obligations arising from the negotiated settlement and from permitting requirements. Kristin Bryke, speaking for the District, reviewed legal and permitting considerations tied to the negotiated agreement.

Kevin Fay, a District representative, outlined the engineering alternative: replacing the gravity diversion with a pumping system. Fay described anticipated operational changes, the need for new infrastructure and maintenance, and higher long-term operating costs associated with pumps and electrical use compared with the existing diversion. District representatives said portable pumping or alternate configurations could be considered to reduce costs or simplify maintenance.

District leaders and commissioners focused heavily on the likely economic impact for irrigation patrons. Halvorsen and Fay warned that increased electrical costs, equipment replacement and ongoing maintenance could substantially raise assessments charged to patrons. Commissioner Gary L. Richardson noted that higher assessments could reduce participation in the District and shift greater financial responsibility onto remaining users, potentially threatening the long-term viability of irrigated agriculture in the Murphy area.

Environmental benefits and scientific evidence were another central point of debate. District representative Dave Combe questioned whether existing biological information shows that removing the diversion would meaningfully improve fish habitat. Commissioners referenced other diversion-removal projects in Southern Oregon and suggested that additional scientific evaluation would be prudent before committing to permanent removal.

Local landowners who are also District representatives emphasized the importance of reliable, affordable irrigation. Andrea Applegate described her family's long history along the Applegate River and the central role dependable irrigation plays for local agricultural operations and rural property owners. Herman Berchiger Sr. expressed similar concerns about the affordability and intergenerational impacts of higher operating costs.

Josephine County Public Works Director Rob Brandes provided historical context on the diversion structure and nearby infrastructure, summarizing past County maintenance, access and engineering considerations relevant to relocation or redesign of diversion works.

The Board expressed appreciation for the information and agreed to continue coordinating with state and federal agencies, Murphy Irrigation District representatives and other stakeholders to evaluate alternatives that preserve irrigation service while addressing environmental and regulatory concerns. No formal motion or vote occurred; commissioners requested additional evaluation and information before any decision to remove the diversion. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.