Instream Flow

Improvement Project

Increase instream flows in the Twisp River below the MVID West Canal diversion.
Prevent mortality of listed fish species and reduce habitat impacts at MVID’s Twisp River point of diversion.
Allow for future habitat improvements at the MVID point of diversion.
Provide a reliable water supply to foster continuing agriculture in the Methow Valley.

Improve instream flow in the flow–impaired lower 4.5 miles of Twisp River by adding 11 CFS.
Develop an improved, reliable, and low maintenance system for MVID water users.
Avoid increased assessment charges to the MVID and its members as a direct result of this Project.
Prevent fish injury and mortality associated with MVID’s Twisp River pushup dam, fish screen operations, and the stranding of redds and juveniles in the MVID West Canal’s intake canal and fish return channel.
Eliminate the low-flow passage barrier associated with MVID’s pushup dam.

The Project will change the MVID West Canal’s 11 cfs point of diversion from the Twisp River to the Methow River
New system MUST be operational by May 1, 2015
System performance, initial trouble shooting will be monitored and adjusted during summer of 2015
MVID assumes full ownership and responsibility for the system after a negotiated break-in period.
All alternatives will result in an economically viable system
Funding commitment is for both MVID East and West
East Canal Projects will be administered by MVID (including Survey/Design/Construction)
A Formal change process will be implemented after 30% design
MVID retains responsibility for abandoned canals and laterals.
Regardless of the selected alternative – Users/Landowners above Twisp will be converted to individual wells
All MVID West main canal and laterals as part of the Project will need to be replaced, with the exception of the portions piped by MVID in the summer of 2012
The piping construction must take place outside of irrigation season. This construction season is also constrained by winter conditions such as snow depths greater than 3’ and temperatures lower than 10 degrees F.
WDFW Screen Dept will financially support and assist with screen removal
The system will be designed for a 11 CFS Max instantaneous flow rate

Key Stakeholders:

MVID

Develop criteria for Project objectives
Provide direction for shareholder and public outreach and education
Participate in negotiations and planning meetings necessary to implement the Project
Support data collection of MVID infrastructure needs
Provide review of AER
Identify alternatives suitable to MVID
Make selection of preferred alternative
Participate in design reviews at 30%, 60%, 90% and Final Design stages
After an agreed period of time of a system trial, review results and accept full ownership and responsibility of the new system

Department of Ecology

Ensure Ecology’s Project funding meets the time lines and objectives of the Columbia River Basin Water Management Program and the MVID Flow Improvement Project.
Participate on the Project Executive Team as required
Provide technical assistance for water rights changes and water acquisition negotiations to the extent Ecology funding allows.
Identify Project alternatives suitable to Ecology
Participate in selection of the preferred alternative

BOR Columbia-Snake Salmon Recovery Office (CSRO)

Ensure CSRO’s Project funding meets the time lines and objectives of the Columbia River Basin Water Management Program and the MVID Flow Improvement Project.
Participate on the Project Executive Team as required
Provide technical assistance for water rights changes and water acquisition negotiations to the extent CSRO funding allows.
Identify Project alternatives suitable to CSRO
Participate in selection of the preferred alternative

BOR RTS Design Group

WWP-TU

Provide funding coordination and support throughout the Project.
Participate on the Project Executive Team as required
To the extent funding allows , provide legal, technical, and administrative personnel as needed to implement the Project
Identify Project alternatives suitable to WWP-TU
Participate in selection of the preferred alternative