The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration signed a joint Record of Decision (ROD) on the Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Completed September 28, 2020, the ROD documents the Selected Alternative for implementation. It is the final step in the Columbia River System Operations National Environmental Policy Act process. The partners identified mitigation actions to offset adverse impacts of the measures in the selected alternative, a key EIS element. Moreover, the EIS ensures management of the Columbia River System and related reservoir operations consistent with its congressionally authorized purposes.

WEST is delighted to have been part of this ground-breaking collaboration. About WEST’s role, company Vice President, Henry Hu, Ph.D., P.E., P.H., D.WRE, commented, “This is a milestone in the PNW! We are proud of being part of this multi-year regional effort by providing support on simulations of reservoir operations and water quality and documentation.” Similarly, in her statement about the initiative, Brenda Burman, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner, emphasized such “Regional collaboration is key to operating and maintaining the Columbia River system. [. . .] The EIS is just one part of an ongoing effort of partner agencies to manage the great Columbia River system for all of those who depend on it.”

In addition, Brig. Gen. D. Peter Helmlinger, commander of USACE, Northwestern Division, noted, “this selected alternative provides the best balanced and flexible approach to meeting the needs of the human and natural environment in the basin, both now and into the future. Our decision benefits the public interest, treaty resources and iconic fish species of the Pacific Northwest.”

Learn more

For more information on the Record of Decision and to download the document, visit the project website: www.crso.info

To learn about WEST’s reservoir operations and other local, national, and international water resource engineering services, see: www.westconsultants.com/services/