The irrigation diversion structures were constructed in 1916. The structures are showing their age and require large-scale rehabilitation to maintain reliable irrigation diversions and improve operator safety, flood control, and flow capacity into the future.
The project is being funded by the BIA.
The design, permitting, and construction processes for the long-term rehabilitation of the Wapato Diversion require years of planning, preparation, and construction. However, issues with the irrigation headworks require repair on a faster timeline to continue reliable delivery of irrigation water to approximately 120,000 acres within the Wapato-Satus Unit of the WIP.
The major participants of this project include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Wapato Irrigation Project, the Yakama Nation, and DOWL, the design engineer. Emails to the project team can be sent to wapatodiversion@dowl.com.
The project will maintain conditions for traditional fish harvest below the Diversion. Making improvements for public fishing access is not part of this project.
No adverse impacts to irrigation deliveries are anticipated. Major construction efforts will generally occur outside of the irrigation season.
Yes. we are considering potential opportunities and needs to modernize aspects of the facility.
Yes. The project team is working in coordination with the BIA and Yakama Nation to identify potential cultural and historic resources and will seek to avoid, minimize, or mitigate project impacts to these resources.
Yes. Safety of operations and maintenance personnel is a key focus of the project.
Boating and fishing on the Yakima River will likely be restricted in construction areas while improvements are underway. Swift currents and hydraulic rollers at the Diversion pose a hazard to recreationalists, and the Diversion structures should be avoided before and after construction as well.
Construction to address short-term operational issues is currently planned for the fall of 2022. The major construction rehabilitation effort of the Diversion may begin as early 2025. This construction effort depends on several factors such as funding and permitting. Adjustments to the schedule will be made as needed.
Yes. Because the project is federally funded, it is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The BIA will prepare the necessary documents to comply with environmental requirements, including protecting threatened and endangered fish, minimizing impacts to wetlands, and protection of water quality in the Yakima River.
Yes. Public notice will be given approximately four weeks prior to the beginning of construction with regular updates provided throughout the duration of the project. You can sign up for email updates here .