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Cowlitz County seeks geomorphic assessment as first step toward Cowlitz River dredging
Summary
County commissioners approved a request for a geomorphic assessment to document sediment buildup and channel changes in the Cowlitz River as part of a grant application that could lead to dredging work; staff said the study would include an atlas and sediment-load analysis and be administered by Emergency Management.
Cowlitz County commissioners approved a request to pursue a geomorphic assessment of the Cowlitz River and its floodplain as the first step in applying for a grant that could support future dredging.
Ron, who addressed the commissioners during the consent discussion, described the riverbed as "significantly full of sediment" and said "there is no real channel anymore," raising flood-hazard concerns for nearby roads. County staff member Susan explained that a fluvial geomorphic assessment would analyze how the river and banks have changed, identify problem areas such as lost main channels or split channels, and include an atlas and sediment-load analysis to guide project recommendations. "It'll include an atlas showing these spots and how it's changed over time," Susan said.
Staff told the board the grant opportunity was shared by the Department of Ecology and that Emergency Management would administer the grant if awarded; the cost of the assessment would be incorporated into the application. The request for qualifications for the assessment is tied to a grant application due August 19, and county staff said the assessment results would inform where dredging or other interventions might be prioritized.
