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Bellevue commission holds public hearing on diversion dam floodplain variance
Summary
Commissioners heard a staff explanation and a Water District 45 presentation on a requested floodplain variance tied to rehabilitation of the Loahep diversion dam, which project partners say will stabilize the structure and add fish passage features; staff noted the countywide floodplain update informed the variance request.
The City of Bellevue Planning and Zoning Commission on May 18 held a public hearing on a floodplain variance requested for a diversion/dam rehabilitation project affecting the Loahep diversion dam.
A city staff member told the commission that the city "does not generally recommend approval of variances unless they're very, very absolutely necessary," but described the current request as narrowly tied to a planned rehabilitation and the countywide floodplain update. Staff said that normally a full hydraulics and hydrology analysis is required when baseline elevations will change, but the ongoing floodplain update — with a public open house set for June 1 at the Blaine County Courthouse — is a relevant factor in considering this specific variance.
Greg Clark, representing Water District 45, told commissioners the project was conceived as part of the 2019 Bellevue Project Area Conceptual Restoration design and was developed with partners including Triangle Irrigation District, Trout Unlimited, the City of Bellevue and others. Clark said the diversion structure currently blocks upstream fish passage and creates upstream sedimentation and downstream erosion, and that the proposed design will stabilize the dam, improve sediment transport, and restore fish passage.
"The current Loahep Dam blocks upstream fish passage...it’s in dire need of repairs," Clark said when describing the project objectives, adding the team aims to complete permitting and begin construction late this summer with an estimated 100-day construction period.
Commissioners were given details on required permits and the staff report's variance standards; staff said the project appears functionally necessary and that the requested relief is limited to the area immediately adjacent to the dam. No vote on the variance was recorded during the portion of the transcript provided.
The commission noted the variance request is being considered in the context of a countywide floodplain update and asked staff and applicants to ensure the required technical documentation accompanies any final request.
Next steps recorded in the presentation: Water District 45 will continue permit coordination and the countywide open house on the floodplain update is scheduled for June 1.
