Steigerwald Floodplain Restoration Project
The following comments were submitted in response to the open comment period described below.
Comments are numbered consecutively as they are received. Breaks in the number sequence result when comments are deleted because they
were submitted in error or have inappropriate content (such as SPAM). If you do not see your comment two business days after
you submit it, please contact (800) 622-4519.
The Bonneville Power Administration invites you to attend an open house to discuss and comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed Steigerwald Floodplain Restoration Project. BPA is proposing to fund the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership’s proposal to restore floodplain connectivity to the Columbia River within the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Clark County, Wash. The Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The project would help improve water quality and habitat to benefit steelhead and cutthroat trout; Chinook, coho, and chum salmon; and Pacific and western brook lamprey. The project would involve reconnecting Gibbons Creek to the Columbia River by breaching a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ levee; removing a diversion structure, fish ladder, elevated channel, and water control structure; raising Washington State Highway 14; constructing a setback levee; enhancing approximately two miles of wetland channels; and re-establishing the site’s riparian forest. The draft environmental assessment discusses the environmental effects expected from project construction and site restoration.
February 12, 2018
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Port of Camas-Washougal
24 South ‘A’ Street
Washougal, WA 98671
For More Information:
https://www.bpa.gov/efw/Analysis/NEPADocuments/Pages/Steigerwald_Floodplain_Restoration.aspx
Close of comment: 2/26/2018
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sadar/sadBeryllium is a lightweight but strong metal used principally in the aerospace and defense industries. The most common use is in beryllium-copper alloy because of its electrical and thermal conductivity, high strength and hardness, good corrosion and fatigue resistance, and nonmagnetic properties. Another form is beryllium oxide which is an excellent heat conductor, with high strength and hardness, and acts as an electrical insulator in some applications. Beryllium is also found as a trace element in metal slags that are sometimes used in abrasive blasting.http://steelsbuilding.com
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ElderIt is assumed that this project could have an effect on the Purple Martin Swallows colonized at Steigerwald for the last 20 + years. It is possible that these colonies will have to be relocated? Disruption of these birds is of concerned.
Bruce Cousens,PhD Purple Martin expert offers the following on the Purple Martin colonies at Steigerwald, in reply to the question of "How do you relocate a Purple Martin colony"?:
"Relocation of a colony to a new site nearby should ideally be done over 3 years (it can often be done over 2 years in an emergency,
but that's pushing it and some pairs may abandon the site), as follows:"
"Year 1: Place new nest boxes at the new colony location, or move up to a third of the existing boxes/gourds - depends in part on the age and
condition of the old boxes or gourds and whether some will be replaced, which can be incorporated into the move. Try to avoid removing old nest boxes/gourds after the birds arrive to minimize
disturbance, and have them relocated in time for the subadults to arrive - it they are taken down for the winter, that's ideal and they are simply relocated appropriately when replaced."
"Result: The adult birds will return to their previous nest site as usual, but new subadult recruits will occupy the new site as cavities
at the original site become fully occupied, and the adults will become accustomed to the new active colony site over the nesting season."
"Initial subadult occupancy at the new site will be partly a function of subadult recruitment strength, which depends on production and post
fledging survival the previous season - 2-3 pairs is sufficient to start the transition, more is a bonus. This situation is somewhat
dynamic - if the adult return and occupancy rate at the old site is low, some of the vacant gourds can also be removed and relocated to
encourage subadult use of the new site; if subadult recruitment is strong, additional housing can be added at the new site. The objective is retaining adult birds at the original colony site and having 2-yr old adults returning to the new colony location the following spring."
"Year 2: Move (and/or replace) up to half of the remaining nest boxes or gourds to the new colony location at the start of the nesting season (again, remove old cavities before the birds arrive, etc.)."
"Result: The earliest returning (3+ yr old) adults will continue to return to the older cavities at their original colony nest site, while later-returning 2 yr old adults will return to their previous nest sites at the new colony location and subadults will join them wherever vacancies are available."
"(This is where the process can be accelerated to 2 years if necessary - all the remaining nest boxes/gourds can be moved to the new site, and with luck most/all of the older adults will relocate successfully, but since all first-arriving 3+ yr old adults will be returning to the original colony site, now gone, some may not accept the disturbance, abandon and move on.)"
"Year 3: Move (and/or replace) all the remaining nest boxes or gourds to the new colony location before the first adults return."
"Result: Some earlier-returning 3 yr old adults will return to this location, any remaining older adults from the old colony location will
usually join them, the later-returning 2 yr old adults will return to this site as well and new subadult recruits will simply join the colony where vacancies are available."
"Your usual practice of delaying spring gourd rack set-up until May to avoid starling interest should still work with this procedure, as long
as housing is provided at both sites at the usual time during the transition. Setting up the poles and racks when they arrive and
adding the gourds later may help to hold them at the sites during the confusion of the transition phase."
The procedure obviously depends on how much lead time you have before dike breaching and flooding (which won't bother the martins but will limit access for monitoring and banding during the nesting season).
This should NOT be attempted in a single season by simply relocating the entire colony unless this is unavoidable - in this case, it's
possible some adult pairs that 'anchor' the colony (like an anchor tenant at a mall) and re-establish it annually will adapt and
accommodate the change (particularly since your birds are used to having housing provided some time after they arrive to limit starling
use), but other older pairs likely will not, so the colony may have to be rebuilt over at least several years, and in a worst case scenario
(unlikely) all adult pairs will abandon the site and go elsewhere and the colony will be rebuilt over 4-5 years from new subadult recruits."
"(Much of our understanding of this situation comes from failures and horror stories with careless eastern martin colony relocation
attempts, so we're learning as we go along in the west, with little relocation experience so far.)"
Mr. Cousens may be contacted at pmartins@island.net
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Pinkernell/Columbia Gorge Refuge StewardsI and the Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards strongly support the Steigerwald Habitat Restoration and Flood Control Project. It re-establishes nearly 1000 acres of floodplain critically important for salmon recovery. In addition, it improves the refuge's trail system for the public to better enjoy and learn about nature. The project solves the problem of Gibbons creek overflowing into the Port, and reduces flood risk to our community. As a volunteer who has seen Gibbons creek overflowing it's banks and nearly damaging HWY 14's bridge over the creek, it is important action be taken soon before a major flood takes out the bridge. I encourage the BPA to move forward with their plan to make this project happen. Sincerely, Dave Pinkernell President-Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards
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“Creating wetland can result in greater amounts of methane gas being released. This is a clean air concern.”
“In addition, removing grasslands will reduce the carbon sequestration benefits that the site currently provides.”
“How will the methane gas production that would result if this project is constructed be measured.”
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BaileyPlease see attachment.
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Devney/Delta Waterfowl FoundationPlease see attachment.
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Clapp/RetiredPlease see attachment.
View Attachment
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Cady/Vancouver Audubon SocietyPlease see attachment.
View Attachment
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PaceAlthough I was initially skeptical, after some additional study I believe this will be a very good project. Connecting habitat and removing migration barriers is ALWAYS beneficial. This will occur downstream from Bonneville, i.e., below the last impediment before entering the Pacific Ocean. This is especially beneficial because it is on the upper end of the “estuary” that includes all mainstream habitat downstream from Bonneville. Too often, the focus has been on the area that is most subject to tidal influence. This project will address and mitigate for impacts of power operations as the impact of tides as far up as Steigerwald is de minimis ... of concern primarily to walleye fisherman. There is one lingering problem with this proposal but it’s common concern since 2008. This is the fact that funds to mitigate impacts in the estuary were essentially an act of extortion on the part of the Hon. James A. Redden, then-presiding judge in NWF v. NMFS, which is still with us. The problem with the approach—aside from being illegal—is that find projects such as this one are “soiled” by the fact that, no matter how good it is, it is still the fruit of the poisoned tree.
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O'Connor/Vancouver Wildlife LeaguePlease see attachment.
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Clapp/retiredPlease see attachment.
View Attachment
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HambyAs a long time Washougal area resident, refuge neighbor and supporter, and Port of Camas-Washougal watcher, I look forward to this project becoming a reality.
I would like to see every possible accommodation made for a future Gorge Trail location.
I was surprised to note that the mapping for your proposal incorrectly locates Lawton Creek.
There are so many winners in this deal. A great investment for the future.
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GordonGentlemen:
I support your Steigerwald Floodplain Restoration Project. This will provide more area for juvenile salmon and help all other species that will call this home.
I wonder about the area of Cottonwood Beach. Will the currents be changed and affect the beach? After the 1996 flood, currents changed and erosion picked up pace. Cottonwood trees' root systems have been eroded, causing them to fall down. Is it possible to stop the erosion and save the remaining part of the beach by the way the restoration project is constructed?
Thank You, Tom Gordon
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WoodI strongly support the Steigerwald Habitat Restoration and Flood Control Project, due to its benefits to fish and wildlife. As someone who visits the refuge and serves on the friends board, Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards (CGRS), I look forward to the improvements to habitat that will result from opening the refuge to the Columbia River and returning Gibbons Creek to a more natural alignment.
I attended the open house on February 12th and appreciated all of the information shared about the project. I have also skimmed through the Draft Environmental Assessment. I have two concerns about the project.
One concern is access to the refuge during construction, and the impact on volunteer retention and numerous public activities at the refuge. The CGRS has made much progress in the past couple of years increasing the number of volunteers and events at Steigerwald refuge. At the open house it was stated that there would be no access to the refuge for a year, so I’m concerned that we will lose much of the progress we have made getting people involved with the refuge. Table 2-6 indicates access could be maintained during the winter between the first and second construction season. But Table 2-8 seems to indicate there will be no parking access during the winter between the first and second construction season, so access to the refuge would require walking along the dike trail from the port area. I hope the final construction plan allows for as much ongoing access to the refuge as possible, especially for volunteers.
Another concern is the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s responsibility for maintaining the remaining natural levee and the trails along the Columbia River. I’m concerned that during a major flood event, the remaining levee and trails along the river could be damaged and USFWS would have difficulty coming up with the necessary funds for repair. The continued erosion of Lower River Road at the south end of Ridgefield refuge comes to mind as an area where access to the refuge has not been maintained.
I’m excited to see this project progressing and hope to see it come to fruition soon.
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McCoy/Friends of the Columbia GorgePlease accept the attached comments on the Steigerwald Floodplain Restoration Project.
Thank you,
Steve
View Attachment
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GordonGentlemen:
I appreciate that the Restoration Project is going to return the Steigerwald floodplain to better health and make it a better home for many fish, including salmon, animals and insects.
The DEIS reflects a great deal of work for a very worthy project. Obviously, a lot thought went into it.
Not only people will appreciate it, but so will the Columbia River, and the creatures that dwell in, on and above it in this "roadside rest."
Thank You, Tom Gordon
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GordonGentlemen:
I think this project is a great idea. I hope that the proximity to the railroad does not turn out to be a problem in the future.
Unfortunately, rail engines and cars leak oil, etc., and I hope it does not find its way into the area around Straub Lake, especially. In addition, some cargo like coal is transported in cars with weep holes in the bottom. When it rains, coal dust and its pollutants can be carried out the bottom of the car into the surrounding area.
However, this is a wonderful and exciting project and I look forward to seeing it in the future. Thanks for all your hard work in bringing it about.
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GordonGentlemen:
I like the Steigerwald Floodplain Restoration Project as described in the DEIS. When the Project is finished, the salmon and other creatures will have a greatly improved home
As described on page 3-93, the Gibbons Creek remnant channel has serious pollution that proceeds with the ground water to a utility trench where the water is treated. Some of the ground water escapes toward the Columbia River. Is it possible to extend the utility trench to include the rest of the contaminated ground water that comes in? That could be treated with the other water in the utility trench.
Thank You, Thomas Gordon
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HutchisonPlease see attachment.
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Miller/United StatesI have been volunteering at Steigerwald since 2006. My main tasks have been GPS mapping of invasive and native plants, leading volunteers in restoration projects, and leading bat walks on summer evenings. So I have spent a lot of time on the refuge and have surveyed nearly every square foot of it.
I fully support the proposed action and congratulate the authors and everyone involved for reaching this design milestone.
I do have a few comments:
- Since the refuge waters will be reconnected to the Columbia River, people will be tempted to bring their watercraft onto the refuge.
All watercraft should be disallowed on refuge lands, especially jet skis. This is a refuge for wildlife, not a watercraft recreation area. Those uses would be extremely disruptive to the refuge wildlife and to visitors on the trails.
- When checking trees to be removed, check for bat roosts as well as bird nests. If you don't know what to look for, I can help you. On several of the bat walks we have seen bats exit roosts on several trees so I have a pretty good idea of the types of trees that bats are using.
- Cultural resources - I have led hundreds of volunteers in planting native plants, digging thousands of holes in the process. Only once have we encountered any man made object, and that was a mostly decomposed spool of barbed wire.
- One of the concerns raised was an increase in mosquitoes due to the increased wetland acreage. The DEA says that the "USFWS would monitor mosquito populations and work with the local vector control district in the event of increased outbreaks". In other words, spray some kind of chemical in the event of an "outbreak", whatever an "outbreak" is. It would be far better to include in the plan habitat for mosquito predators, including swallows, purple martins, bats, dragon/damsel flies, etc.
Thanks again for all of your great work on this project.
Dave Miller
Camas
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Gatz/Forest Service Columbia River GorgeP.O. Box 14428
Portland, OR 97291-4428
Re: Steigerwald Habitat Restoration and Flood Control Project (DOE/EA-2027)
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Steigerwald Habitat Restoration and Flood Control Project (DOE/EA-2027). The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (CRGNSA) staff have reviewed the draft Environmental Assessment and appreciate the continued coordination between our agencies.
Thank you for your awareness of the visual impacts that the Gibbons Creek floodwall will have, and proposed design criteria to better meet the Management Plan for the CRGNSA. Because this area represents the gateway to the CRGNSA from SR-14, extra care with such a visible structure is warranted. We recommend a dark brown color, Federal Standard color 595C/color 14064, added to concrete mix or that the concrete be a colored a dark gray and then treated with Natina. Natina is a natural agent, safe for the environment, which naturally darkens and has the ability to give concrete, stone and metal a weathered appearance. We would also recommend that the metal portion of the wall treated with Natina to provide the weathered appearance.
Additionally, we would like to continue to work with the BPA on the form liner selection for the Gibbons Creek floodwall. Although the proposed form was taken from within the CRGNSA, there are other forms that would better serve the scenery resources while maintaining structural requirements to meet the projects purpose and need.
Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on this project. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Casey Gatz, Land Management Planner for the Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area at cgatz@fs.fed.us or 541-308-1704.
Sincerely,
Casey Gatz
Land Management Planner
Forest Service
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
p: 541-308-1704
c: 503-319-1300
f: 541-386-1916
cgatz@fs.fed.us
902 Wasco Avenue, Suite 200
Hood River, OR 97031
www.fs.fed.us
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Cortines/Washington Waterfowl AssocPlease see attachment.
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Pidgeon/Washingtonians for Wildlife ConservationPlease see attachment.
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