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State wildlife officials tell Sutherlin council flood repairs will trigger required fish-passage upgrades
Summary
Oregon Fish and Wildlife told the Sutherlin City Council that major repairs to the city-owned Nonparell diversion dam will require bringing the site's fish ladder up to current standards; staff estimated repairs around $2 million and said FEMA may cover up to 75% of eligible costs.
Greg Apke, manager of Oregon Fish and Wildlife's fish passage and fish screening program, told the Sutherlin City Council that recent flood damage to the city's Nonparell diversion dam triggered state law and rules requiring fish-passage upgrades if major repairs proceed. "Now is the time that you have to bring your fish ladder up to current standards," Apke said, describing the site as a high-priority barrier that gives access to roughly 70 miles of upstream habitat for species including coho, steelhead and cutthroat.
City staff described the damage and a proposed path forward. Aaron Swan (city staff) said an initial, narrower repair concept would avoid triggering the 30% repair threshold in state rules but may be weaker; he estimated the combined dike and fish-ladder work at "around 2,000,000, probably," and said an RFP is needed for a firm cost estimate. Swan urged council to authorize an RFP so the city can develop a design and accurate budget before contracting work.
Apke said Oregon Fish and Wildlife can provide technical design assistance and oversight but cannot shoulder project funding alone. He also noted that FEMA has historically provided assistance after declared flood events: "They will help provide up to 75% of the cost to replace and repair your dam as well as meet current state and federal standards in conjunction with replacing and repairing your dam, in this case, fish passage." Apke listed other potential funding partners, including the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and Business Oregon.
Councilors asked about timing, permit limits and future liability. Apke cautioned that the state's 30% rule is cumulative and that piecemeal repairs now could force more extensive, more costly compliance in later years; he also warned of litigation risk from third parties if barriers are not addressed.
The council directed staff to issue an RFP for design and cost estimates and to return the hiring decision to council before awarding a contract. Next steps were described as: issue RFP, evaluate bids, return with a recommended award and pursue available state and federal funding sources.
