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COLUMBIA RIVER 7' ESTUARY REGIONAL MANJ%%XwlT l'E,,NT PLAN ;r -T I,- 9 f @iL"@ TV 1k. Ap ell 4r f@ ;L 71 AA COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY REGIONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Adopted June 1979 by the Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce Prepared under the supervision of James W. Good, CREST Director 11976-79 Ian McColgin, Editor Property of CSC Librazy U . S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER ;@z 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413 cm Um Preparation of this document was financially aided through grants from the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission and the Washington State Department of Ecology with funds obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and appropriated for Sections 305 and 306, respectively, of the Coastal'Zone Management Act of 1972. COVER AND MAPS River Spirits, by Gayle McKennon, is based on tradi- tional Northwest Indian motifs. This graphic is projected on a map of the estuary. All maps in this Pla-n were drawn by Wait Lindstrom. Vzo-.61"T. z"- Typesetting and printing by Consolidated Printing& Stationery, Inc. Astoria, Oregon CONTENTS PART I BACKGROUND 11. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ............................................................... 1-1 12. CONTENT AND USE OF THE DOCUMENT ......................... I''..'' ......... I I ...... 1-2 13. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ........................................................ 1-3 14. PLANNING ISSUES, PROBLEMS AND NEEDS .............................................. 1-5 15. INVENTORY OF PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS .................... 1-7 PART 11 REGIONAL POLICIES 20. CREST GOALS ................................................................... 11-1 21. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES ............................................... 11-2 21.10 Fisheries ............................ 11-2 21.20 Deep Water Navigation, Ports and Industrial Development ....................... 11-2 21.30 Shallow Draft Ports and Marinas .............................................. 11-3 21.40 Recreation and Tourism ..................................................... 11-3 21.50 Forestry and Forest Products Industry .......................................... 11-3 22. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES .................................................. 11-4 22. 10 Energy Facilities ........................................................... 11-4 22.20 Significant Areas ............................................ ..... I ....... 11-4 22.30 Water Quality Maintenance ................. ; ............................... 11-4 22.40 Wildlife Habitat ............................................................ 11-5 22.50 Restoration ................................................................. 11-5 22.60 Mitigation ................................................................ 11-6 23. LAND AND WATER USE POLICIES ... 11-7 23.10 Residential,, Commercial and Industrial Development ........................... 11-7 23.20 Agriculture ................................................................ 11-7 23.30 Land Transportation Systems ................................................. 11-7 23.40 Mining and Mineral Extraction ............................................... 11-8 23.50 Public Access .............................................................. 11-8 23.60 Shoreland Hazard Areas .................................................... 11-8 24. LAND AND WATER ACTIVITY POLICIES ............................................. 11-9 24.10 Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal ...................................... 11-9 24.20 Dredged Material Disposal Site Selection ...................................... 11-9 24.30 Estuarine Construction ...................................................... 11-10 24.40 Filling Estuarine Waters and Wetlands ......................................... 11-10 24.50 Diking .................................................................... 11-10. 25. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION POLICIES .............. 11- 11 25. 10 Local Intergovernmental Coordination ........................................ 11- 11 25.20 State and Federal Consistency ................................................ 11-11 25.30 Development Evaluation, Permit Information, and Permit Review .................. Il- 11 25.40 Scientific Research and Planning ............................................. 11-12 25.50 Public Education ........................................................... 11-12 PART III MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 30. PLAN ELEMENTS., .................................. :--*-*' ... ''**** .... ** ... 111- 1 0 31. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LAND AND WATER USES .............................. 111-2 31. 10 Aquatic Area Designations .................................................. 111-2 31.20 Shoreland Designations ..................................................... 111-3 32. DEFINITIONS .................................................................... 111-4 33. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ....................................................... 111-5 Table 33-1, Aquatic Area Permitted Uses/Activities ..................................... 111-6 Table 33-2, Shorelands Permitted Uses/Activities ..................................... 111-7 33.01 Agriculture ............................................................... 111-9 33.02 Airports .................................................................. 111-9 33.03 Aquaculture ............................................................... 111-9 33.04 Commercial Uses .......................................................... 111-10. 33.05 Docks and Moorage ........................................................ 111- 11 33.06 Industrial and Port Facilities ................................................. 111- 11 33.07 Land Transportation Facilities ................................................ 111-12 33.08 Log Dump/Sort Area (i n-water) .............................................. 111-13 33.09 Log Storage (in-water) ...................................................... 111-13 33.10 Log Storage/Sorting Yard (dry land) .......................................... 111-1.3 33.11 Marinas .................................................................. 111-14 33.12 Mining/Mineral Extraction .................................................. 111-14 33.13 Navigational Structures ..................................................... 111-15 33.14 Recreation Uses ........................................................... 111-15 33.15 Residential Uses ........................................................... 111-16 33.16 Restoration/Resource Enhancement .......................................... 111-17 33.17 Solid Waste Disposal ....................................................... 111-17 33.18 Timber Propagation/Harvesting .............................................. 111-17 33.19 Utilities .................................................................. 111-18 33.20 Bankline or Stream Alteration ............................................... 111-18 33.21 Dikes .................................................................... 111-19 33.22 Dredging ............ 111-19 33.23 Dredged Material Disposal .................................................. 111-20 33.24 Excavation - Creation of New Water Surface Area ............................... 111-22 33.25 Fill ...................................................................... 111-22 33.26 Piling/Dolphin Installation .................................................. 111-23 33.27 Shoreline Stabilization ..................................................... 111-23 34. THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN LOCAL ORDINANCES ... 111-25 34. 10 Oregon .................................................................. 111-25 34.20 Washington ............................................................... 111-25 PART IV LAND AND WATER USE PLAN 40. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY .................................................... IV - 3 41. LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS ....................................................... IV - 9 41.01 Mouth of Columbia River ..................................................... IV - 11 41.02 Estuary Channels ............................................................ IV - 13 41.03 Estuary Sands ............................................................... IV - 14 41.04 RiverChannels ............................................................. IV - 15 41.05 Snag Islands ............................................................... IV - 16 41.06 Cathlamet Bay .............................................................. IV - 17 41.07 Upper Marsh Islands ......................................................... IV - 17 41.08 Tenasillahe Island ........................................................... IV - 18 41.09 Fort Stevens State Park ....................................................... IV - 19 42. YOUNGS BAY - ASTORIA .......................................................... IV - 21 42.01 Hammond ................................................................. IV - 23 42.02 Tansy Point - Alder Cove ..................................................... IV - 26 42.03 North Warrenton ............................................................ IV - 27 42.04 Upper Skiponon River ....................................................... IV - 30 42.05 Middle Skipanon River ....................................................... IV - 32 42.06 Mouth of Skipanon River ..................................................... IV - 34 42.07 YoungsBay ................................................................ IV - 38 42.08 Airport .................................................................... IV - 42 42.09 Lewis and Clark River ........................................................ IV - 44 42.10 Miles Crossing .............................................................. IV - 46 42.11 Youngs River ............................................................... IV - 48 42.12 South Astoria ............................................................... IV - 51 42.13 Port of Astoria .............................................................. IV - 52 42.14 Downtown Astoria Waterfront ................................................. IV - 54 42.15 Uppertown - Alderbrook ..................................................... IV - 56 42.16 Tongue Point ............................................................... IV - 58 42.17 Lois and Mott Islands ........................................................ IV - 62 43. EASTERN CLATSOP ................................................................. IV - 63 43.01 John Day River .............................................................. IV - 67 43.02 John Day Point - Settlers Point ................................................. IV - 69 43.03 Settlers Point East to Ivy Station ................................................ . IV - 70 43.04 Svensen Island ............................................................. 'IV - 72 43.05 Ivy Station - Big Creek ........................................................ IV - 73 43.06 Big Creek - Little Creek ....................................................... IV - 74 43.07 Fertile Valley ............................................................... IV - 76 43.08 Mouth of Blind Slough ....................................................... IV - 77 43.09 Gnat Creek ................................................................ IV - 79 43.10 Brownsmead ............................................................... IV - 80 43.11 Clifton Channel ............................................................. IV - 82 43.12 Bradwood .................................................................. IV - 83 43.13 Wauna/Westport ........................................................... IV - 84 44. WAHKIAKUM .................................................................... IV - 87 44.01 Puget Island ................................................................ IV - 90 44.02 Eastern Wahkiakurn County ................................................... IV - 92 44.03 Cathlamet and White-tailed Deer Refuge ....................................... IV - 94 44.04 Skomokawa to Three Tree Point ............................................... IV - 97 44.05 Three Tree Point to Harrington Point ............................................ IV - 99 44.06 Grays Bay and Tributaries ...................................... I .............. IV - 101 45. BAKER BAY ...................................................................... IV - 105 45.01 Knoppton/Frankfort ......................................................... IV - 107 45.02 McGowan .................................................................. IV - 109 45.03 Chinook ................................................................... IV - 110 45.04 Chinook River .............................................................. IV - 112 45.05 BakerBay .................................................................. IV - 114 45.06 Wallocut River .............................................................. IV - 117 45.07 Ilwaco .................................................................... IV - 118 45.08 Fort Canby North ............................................................ IV - 120 45.09 Cape Disappointment ........................................................ IV - 121 PART V DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 50. SUMMARY AND PLAN DEVELOPMENT ..................................... I............ V - 2 51. POLICIES AND STANDARDS .......................... ; ................................ V - 3 52. DREDGING TECHNOLOGY AND COSTS .................................................. V - 7 53. DREDGING DISPOSAL OPTIONS ........................................................ V - 9 54. IMPLEMENTATION AND SHORELAND DMD SITE MANAGEMENT .............................. V- 12 55. ESTUARY-WIDE PROJECTS ............................................................. V- 14 55. 10 Corps of Engineers Projects ...................................................... V- 14 55.11 Columbia River at the Mouth ................................................ V- 14 55.12 Lower Columbia River Estuary ............................................... V - 14 55.13 Upper Columbia River Estuary ............................................... V - 15 55.20 Private Projects ................................................................ V- 17 56. BAKER BAY PROJECTS ..... .......................................................... V - 17 56.10 Baker Bay West Channel ........................................................ V- 17 56.20 Chinook Channel ............................................................... V - 18 56.30 Future Projects ................................................................ V - 19 56.40 V - 19 56.50 Port of Chinook ............................................................... V - 20 57. YOUNGS BAY - ASTORIA PROJECTS .................................................... V - 21 57.10 Hammond Channel ............................................................ V - 21 57.20 Hammond Boat Basin .......................................................... V - 21 57.30 Tansy Point .................................................................... V - 22 0 57.40 Skipanon Channel ............................................................. V - 22 57.50 Warrenton ................................................................... V - 22 57.60 Youngs Bay and River .......................................................... V - 24 57.70 Astoria Turning Basin .......................................................... V - 24 57.80 Port of Astoria ................................................................. V - 24 57.90 Tongue Point ................................................................. V - 25 58. UPPER ESTUARY PROJECTS ............................................................ V - 26 58.10 Grays Bay ..................................................................... V - 26 58.20 Skomokawo .................................................................. V - 27 58.30 Price Island ................................................................... V - 28 58.40 Cathlomet ..................................................................... V - 28 58.50 Puget Island .................................................................. V - 28 58.60 Bradwood .................................................................... V - 29 58.70 Wauna-Westport ......... I., .................................................. I V - 29 .59. DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITES .................................................... V - 30 59.10 OceanSites ................................................................... V - 30 59.20 Estuary Sites ................................................................... V - 30 59.30 Flow-Lane Sites ............................................................... V - 31 59.40 Beach Nourishment Sites ....................................................... V - 31 59.50 Shoreland Sites ............................................................... V - 33 PART VI RESTORATION AND MITIGATION PLAN 61. BACKGROUND ...................................................................... VI -2 State and Federal Programs ....................................................... VI - 2 Relationship of Restoration and Mitigation .......................................... VI -3 62. RESTORATION POLICIES .............................................................. VI -3 63. MITIGATION POLICIES ................................................................ VI -4 64. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MITIGATION .......................................... VI - 5 The Scientific Basis for Mitigation ...................................................... VI - 5 Ecological Significance of Physical Properties ............................................ VI - 6 Salinity and Temperature Regime ................................................. VI - 6 Substrate Type .................................................................. VI - 6 Tidal Exposure .................................................................. VI - 7 Slope and Area ................................................................. VI -7 Current Velocity and Pattern ...................................................... VI -7 Orientation to Solar Radiation ..................................................... VI - 7 Annual Submergence Time ....................................................... VI -7 Biological Productivity ............................................................... VI - 8 Habitat and Species Diversity ......................................................... VI - 8 SUMMARY TABLE ................................................................... VI - 8 65. POTENTIAL RESTORATION/RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS ............................ VI - 10 Marsh Restoration - Creation Sites ...................................................... VI - 10 Shoal Area Restoration ............................................................... VI - 14 Eroded Shoreline Restoration Sites ..................................................... VI - 15 Shoreland Vegetation ............................................................... VI - 16 Pile Dike or Piling Removal ........................................................... VI - 16 Fisheries Enhancement ............................................................... VI - 16 66. MITIGATION NEEDS .................................................................. VI - 18 66.10 Hammond ..................................................................... VI - 18 66.20 Middle Skipanon .............................................................. VI - 18 66.30 Mouth of the Skipanon ......................................................... VI - 18 66.40 YoungsBay ................................................................... Vl- 19 66.50 Port of Astoria ................................................................. Vl- 19 66.60 Uppertown Alderbrook ......................................................... VI - 20 66.70 Tongue Point ................................................................. VI - 20 67. IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................... VI - 20 67. 10 The Mitigation Process ......................................................... VI - 20 67.20 Mitigation Plan Content ........................................................ VI - 21 67.30 Mitigation Bank ............................................................... VI - 22 67.40 Mitigation Site Reservation ..................................................... VI - 23 PART Vil PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 71. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS .............................................................. VII - 2 Washington ........................................................................ VII - 2 Oregon ............................................................................ Vil - 3 72. STATE AGENCIES .................................................................... VII - 4 Washington ........................................................................ VII - 4 Oregon ............................................................................ VII - 4 73. FEDERAL AGENCIES ...... I ....... I.................................................... VII - 4 Federal Consistency ................................................................. Vil - 4 Excluded Federal Lands .............................................................. VII - 5 74. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ................................................ VII - 6 Local Coordination .................................................................. VII - 6 Local-State-Federal Coordination ...................................................... VII - 7 75. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES .................................... VII - 8 Local Environmental Impact Assessments -Washington ................................... VII - 8 Local Environmental Impact Assessments -Oregon ....................................... VII - 8 State Environmental Impact Assessments - Washington .................................... VII - 8 State Environmental Impact Assessments - Oregon ....................................... Vil - 9 Federal Environmental Impact Assessments ............................................. Vil -9 76. PLAN REVIEW AND AMENDMENT PROCESS ............................................. VII - 9 Scheduled Biennial Review and Amendment ............................................ VII - 9 Scheduled Six Year Review and Update ................................................ Vil - 9 Unscheduled Reviews and Updates .................................................... Vil - 9 77. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY DATA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM .............................. VII - 10 78. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY INFORMATION CENTER ..................................... VII - 11 79. AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................ VII - 12 PART Vill APPENDICES APPENDIX A, SELECTED GLOSSARY ...................................................... Vill - 3 APPENDIX B, OREGON GOAL EXCEPTIONS .............................................. Vill - 7 APPENDIX C, CREST CHARTERS ......................................................... Vill - 21 APPENDIX D, CREST PROGRAM PARTICIPATION .......................................... Vill - 24 APPENDIX E, STATE AND FEDERAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES ..................... Vill - 25 APPENDIX F, HISTORY OF STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY INVOLVEMENT IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT ... Vill - 27 APPENDIX G, CREST CHRONOLOGY OF MAJOR EVENTS ................................... VIII - 28 PART I BACKGROUND 11. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ................................................................ I - 1 12. CONTENT AND USE OF THE DOCUMENT ................................................. 1-2 13. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ........................................................ 1-3 14. PLANNING ISSUES, PROBLEMS AND NEEDS ..... ........................................ 1-5 15. INVENTORY OF PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS ................... 1-7 IiUll"@!T@,'.1@111@@- 7,@ .. ...... ....... M @,M@',, q,- m "'lU "M iK, I*24@@ Mq' MWI, M, U, N AV, Mig el t RE .. . ........ M Q MI @11@ W IN, 21 'W Q 'J@ "T, -Ann Myers, Compleat Photographer 11. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- confusion of ports and the private sector. The re- ment Plan is the culmination of 41/2 years of plan- gional plan was also in response to state coastal ning by the Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce zone management programs and federal funding (CREST), local jurisdictions, state and federal agen- under the 1972 Coastal. Zone Management Act. The cies, and concerned citizens. Impetus for developing needs for better management data, long term pro- the plan came from growing conflicts over use and tection to critical natural resource areas, and chan- development of estuarine areas-. Responding to the nel development all contributed to-the planning need to preserve rapidly dwindling n.atural re- program. sources, particularly in coastal areas, state legisla- tures and the federal Congress passed new envi- ronmental protection laws which drastically changed the ground rules for. development, to' the 12. CONTENT AND USE OF THE DOCUMENT The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- Oncorhynchus hisuich Coho Salmon ment Plan expresses decisions of the CREST Council on estuarine management issues. The plan has no legal authority except as it is implemented by local governments in revised local comprehensive plans (Oregon) and amended local Shoreline Manage- ment Master Programs (Washington). Also, the de- cisions in the plan do not supercede or negate other management and regulatory authorities, except to the extent provided in state and federal consistency procedures. Ron Pittard". Searep Studio, courtes-N, Clatsop County PART I BACKGROUND - explains how the plan may be used, how public and private interests PART IV LAND AND WATER USE PLAN - were involved in developing the pjan, what issues contains the decisions about how aquatic and share- and problems were central in developing the plan, land areas are to be used in the future. Land and and how inventory and other information were used water use designations will be used in local plans in the planning process. and ordinances to define where various uses and ac- PART 11 REGIONAL POLICIES - developed tivities can occur. Special policies about resources early in the CREST program, served as guidelines for that need special protection or how development detailed land and water use decisions and as a should proceed are also included here. State and framework for the development standards which federal consistency procedures will be used to im- will be used in local ordinances. The regional poli- plement the plan at these governmental levels. cies will be incorporated into local plans and used as general guidelines for land and water actions. PART V DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGE- MENT PLAN - describes the location PART III MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND DE- and procedures for use of dredged material disposal VELOPMENT STANDARDS -defines sites. Dredging needs over the next 20 years were the different land and water use designations that estimated and sites located to handle disposal of the were used in the Land and Water Use Plan. Designa- material. Procedures for local jurisdictions to reserve tions range from Natural to Development and can sites for future dredged material disposal uses are be converted into "shoreline environments" for also in this part of the plan. Local governments will Washington shoreline management programs and incorporate these procedures into their plans, "zones" for Oregon local ordinances. This part of the protect sites from other uses, and state and federal plan has detailed development standards for 19 consistency procedures will apply at those levels. categories of uses (residential, commercial, etc.) PART VI RESTORATION AND MITIGATION and 8 categories of activities (dredging, filling, etc.) which will also be incorporated into local ordi- PLAN - includes potential restoration nances. State and federal agencies will apply the projects, possible development project mitigation standards through state and federal consistency needs, and a process to determine mitigation plans procedures. for specific developments. Local governments must incorporate mitigation procedures into their plans and protect potential sites from other uses. State and federal consistency procedures will apply where appropriate. PART VII IMPLEMENTATION - describes in detail how the plan will be used by local, state and federal agencies. Procedures for intergovernmental coordinati6n, the functions of the restructured CREST ,,a ask- organization, environmental impact assessment procedures, a plan review and amendment process, a description of the on-going estuary research program and the Columbia River Estuary Information Center are all covered in this part of the plan. These implementation procedures will be used at all governmental levels. 4ohn Atkinson APPENDICES - provide a glossary, LCDC Goal exceptions, details on how the plan was developed, who was involved, and how the work program was organized and funded. 1-2 13. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The development of the Columbia River Estuary on-going estuary research program, CREST was re- Regional Management Plan has been brought about structured and reestablished as a new organization through the combined efforts of local governments, effective July 1, 1979. The functions of the organiza- concerned citizens, state and federal agencies, tion are detailed in Part VII of this plan; the new industry, and environmental groups. Formal deci- Charter and Agreement is part of Appendix C. sion-making authority rested with the local CREST Citizen Involvement Council, but the real work and development of the The decentralized CREST planning process pro- plan was carried out by working committees which vided the citizens of the estuary area with the oppor- included representatives from all interests. While a tunity to play a significant role in making plan consensus was not reached on all issues, the de- decisions. The working committees appointed by the centralized organizational structure for planning CREST Council to develop plan recommendations was such that the concerns and viewpoints of all were composed primarily of public-minded private interests were thoroughly considered. A sincere citizens. effort was made to balance the sometimes conflict- In both Washington and Oregon, news media and ing needs to preserve dwindling natural resources other publicity helped solicit interested people to and provide the opportunity for economic growth serve on planning committees. and stability. In Oregon, existing city and county citizen in- Local CREST organization volvement committees were also involved in plan In 1974, a series of organizational meetings were development, as well as detailed plan review and held to discuss establishment of an organization of conflict resolution. This resulted in a high level of local Washington and Oregon governments to coordination between CREST and local jurisdictions spearhead development of a comprehensive estuary throughout the process. Numerous public meetings plan and provide local impetus for a major research were held to review draft policies, plans and irn- program to learn more about the estuary and ple.mentation measures with interested citizens, and promote wise management. copies of material were always available. in an At the beginning of 1975, the Columbia River effort to reach as many people as possible, CREST Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) was established made presentations on draft plan material to service under the authority of ORS 190 (Oregon I ntergovern- clubs, granges, environmental groups and other mental Coordination Act) and RCW` 34.39 (Washing- organizations. Radio talk shows, public attitude ton Interlocal Cooperation Act). A Charter and questionnaires and news media were used to Agreement was developed (cf. Appendix C) and 10 promote communication. The result of this active local governments joined in the effort. program of citizen involvement is that the public is Washington Oregon well informed about what CREST has done. There is City of Cathlamet City of Astoria ..a high level of plan acceptance in the local area, Port of I lwaco Port of Astoria and many are aware that CREST is not just a tooth- Town of Ilwaco Clatsop County paste or motel. Pacific County Town of Hammond State and Federal Agency Coordination Wahkiokum County City of Warrenton State and federal agencies play important man- The CREST Council, made up, of delegates and agement, regulatory and development roles in the alternates from each local member government (cf estuary, particularly for fish and wildlife manage- Appendix D), was the policy- and decision-making ment, water quality maintenance, and construction body for development of the Columbia River Estuary and maintenance of navigation channels and struc- Re i al Management Plan. The CREST staff, which tures. The two states also own and manage the .?ion i n :uded a land use planner, two oceanographers, a majority of estuarine bedlands and tidelands in the fisheries biologist and support staff (cf. Appendix D), public interest. Two National Wildlife Refuges make was responsible to the CREST Council for develop- up nearly one third of the entire estuary. These ment of the work program and coordination of the important roles made it essential to prescribe a key planning process. The CREST work program and role for state and federal agencies in development funding provided to develop the plan are outlined in of the estuary plan. Acceptance and implementation Appendix E. through state and federal consistency is a key factor Coordination of the CREST planning with local in the usefulness of the plan. When CREST was es- planning commissions and governing bodies was tablished in early 1975, state and federal technical through extensive staff level contact, staff attend- advisory committees (TAC's) were established. ance at regular local government meetings to give Persons who served on these committees are listed progre 'ss reports and solicit comments, and through in Appendix E. These committees were coordinated CREST Council meetings. This contact was particu- by the representatives from the Department of larly intense during the conflict resolution period. Ecology (for Washington State agencies), the De- To assure proper implementation of the plan, to partment of Land Conservation and Development provide technical assistance and information to local (for Oregon State agencies), and the Pacific North- governments and to provide active support for the west River Basins Commission -(for federal agenciesl 1-3 CITIZENS AND. CREST WORKING LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS COMMITTEES GOVERNMENT STATE GOVERNMENT Regional Policy CREST Committee Member Oregon Washington Governments State State Agencies Agencies Land And Water I Use Plan gon Committees Technical Youngs Bay-Astoria Advisory Planning Committee committee Citizen BakerBay (L. C. D. C. Washington t_1 Planning Committee Coordinator) Technical Advisory M Wahkiakum County CREST COUNCIL Advisory CA Groups Planning Committee (IOMembers) Committee 4 interest (D. 0. E. 0 Lower River & Islands Executive M Groups Planning Committee Committee Coordinator) 0 General > Public Eastern Clatsop Staff Z Planning Committee N 0 Z Dredged Material FEDERAL Disposal /Restoration Mitigation Technical GOVERNMENT Committee Federal Implementation Agencies Committee I Federal Technical Advisory Committee (P. N. R. B. C. Coordinator) While the development of the CREST program was These functions were carried out through regular directed at the local level, the active involvement of individual contact between CREST staff and agency state and federal agencies (particularly those man- representatives; periodic full TAC meetings to re- aging natural resources) throughout the planning view CREST work on a particular step in the planning process figured largely in the content and orienta- process;. review and comment on draft policies and tion of the plan. As outlined in the CREST Phase I planning documents; direct participation on report, major functions of these advisory committees planning committees and special opportunities for were to: agency representatives to explain agency policies � Review (and consensus on) each element of the and concerns to local citizen planning groups; and planning program; direct participation in conflict resolution meetings. � Provide consultation and assistance in the for- Agency representatives were also notified of regular mulation of plan policies; CREST meetings which would interest them. � Provide technical support; The details of agency participation in the devel- � Communicate agency concerns, needs and in- opment of regional policies, land and water use terests to CREST; plans, dredged material disposal and restoration/ � Where appropriate, provide to CREST explana- mitigation plans and implementation measures are tions of existing agency policies and proce- found in Appendix E. dures; � Identify and resolve interagency conflicts. 14. PLANNING ISSUES PROBLEMS AND NEEDS The major issue in the estuarine area reflects the obtain space for expansion. Deepwater port poten- general national concern for balancing conservation tial has not been conclusively determined. of the quality of the natural environment with con- Large industrial processing plant proposals such as tinued economic development and full economic AMAX, which could add a significant number of use of the resources available. In the Columbia Rive.r permanent jobs to the employment base, imme- estuary area, this is most often experienced as in- diately raise environmental concerns. ability to obtain adequate information for making Astoria's tax base is not large enough to support good decisions supporting preservation, develop- needed public facilities and services. In other locali- ment, or a balance between them. ties, the tax base potential is not fully utilized. At the outset of the CREST program, an attempt Differing opinions, both inside and outside the was made to define the specific issues that should be local area, on the value of economic growth to the addressed. Through a series of interviews and area need to be resolved. workshops, a list of issues, problems and needs was The Area Has Not Identified or Designated Suit- compiled. These are outlined below and have been able and Adequate Sites for Industrial and Econom- addressed in the plan through policies, land and ic Base Expansion. water use decisions, and implementation measures. Lack of suitable level land areas is a problem in Further, the estuary research program (cf. 77) is specific locations such as Astoria, east of Astoria, designed to provide new data on biological, physi- and along the Washington shore. cal, chemical, and sediment processes that will Filling tidelands is now largely discontinued be- result in more informed decision making. cause of environmental considerations, thus fore- Four major categories of issues or problems closing use of some potential sites. emerged: economy/land and water use; fish and A new master plan of Clatsop airport will be wildlife/biological/chemical; physical alterations needed to identify industrial development potential and hydraulics; political/resource management on adjacent lands there. fragmentation. The Tongue Point reserve fleet site appears to Economy - Land and Water Use Problems have potential, but no use has yet been found. Environmental problems prevent use of possible Economic Base Has Shown Little Growth Since sites on tributary streams. 1950 and Is Not Well Balanced. Major resource based industries - forestry, fish- Determination of Compatibility of a Variety of ing, agriculture - are seasonal, are unable to Land Uses and Coordination of Land Use Develop- realize growth potential. ments Does Not Occur. Tourism is highly seasonal, and tourist potential, The most appropriate uses of waterfront land such including maritime history, historic sites, etc., has as those needing water access have not been estab- not been realized. lished through zoning or other regulation. Astoria is the only major port on the estuary and, The impact of recreation homes and second although growing, finds its full foreign trade and homes is not well documented. barge traffic potential hampered by inability to Location, size and number of marina develop- ments, particularly on the Washington shore, could adversely affect other resource values. 1-5 The Area's Non-Water Transportation Network Is Adverse Effects Are Experienced from Industrial Inadequate for Economic Expansion.' and Other Effluents Discharged to the River. Highway 30 east from Astoria to Fern Hill is in- Pulp and paper mills discharge into the river. adequate, particularly for trucks, and is dangerous Heated effluent plume can be avoided by upstream under night or rainy driving conditions. migrating mature fish but not always by downstream North shore highway improvement could elimin- immature migrants. Heat plumes may also cause ate other shoreline uses. death in a fish distressed by supersaturation. Care- Only one rail line is available to the area, on the less handling of logs can result in unwanted wood- Oregon side. No passenger service is available. chips in the river. Clatsop airport use is minimal and service is in- Willamette River water quality at discharge to adequate. Columbia is questioned, particularly at low-flow Some Public Facilities Are Inadequate to Support periods. Development. The effects of airborne effluents not known. Poorly located sanitary landfills ]each into Log storage in water produces acid, reduces dis- streams. solved oxygen, and the long-term accumulation of Domestic water supplies are inadequate in some bork and organic material may lead to a sludge build-up and fouling of the sediments, all of which localities. may harm aquatic organisms. Some local sewage disposal systems are inade- Fish and Wildlife - Biological-Chemical quate and need to be corrected. Problems Wildlife Management and Enhancement Pro- For Some Species, Such as Dungeness Crab, Pro- grams Are Incomplete. duction and Harvest Does Not Equal Previous Non-native rodents, such as nutria, which are Years; For Others, Production Potential or Efficien- destroying needed gross and willow vegetation on cy Is Not Fully Realized. the river sand islands should be exterminated. Hatchery and natural spawning area problems, Important "nursery" areas for wildlife species are especially from logging practices, inhibit production not fully identified and protected. enhancement. Refuge management may favor single-use con- Crab- harvest varies greatly from one year to cepts without adequate consideration of feasible another for unknown reasons. multiple-use potentials. The potential for natural production of chum and pink salmon from small streams is not utilized. More information is needed to adequately evaluate changes in the food chain caused by Physical Effects - Alterations people and development. The Effects of Channel Dredging Are Repeatedly Total aquaculture potential has not been deter- Cited as a Major Problem. mined. The full effects of the pile dikes are not always Present sports, commercial and Indian harvesting anticipated; some are adverse, such as shoaling two methods may not be the best for maintenance and or three miles away. Commercial fishing drift rights enhancement of the salmon and steelhead runs. can be especially affected by this. The Biology and Chemistry of the Columbia River The best control of flow with channel stabilization Estuarine System Is Not Fully Enough Understood to to result in the least bottom sand movement and the Determine Whether Management of Alteration least sand bar buildup is not known. Programs Will Be Detrimental or Beneficial. Spoil disposal is a major part of the dredging Public opinion demands that estuarine alterations problem. Adverse effects should be minimized by be supported by best scientific data. use as a resource on dry land to improve develop- Good data on estuarine productivity are either ment sites or deepwater disposal which will not locking or have not been made readily available. affect the river or fish life adversely. An inventory of all estuarine resources has never Channel dredging may have contributed to been completed. Hammond Beach erosion. Biological and chemical effects of Columbia River The quality of dredged material is important. In plume on associated areas such as Willapa Bay are some industrial locations, it may contain toxic solids not well known or documented. which require careful disposal location. 1-6 Sand Movement and Shoaling Problems Are cluctivity of those beds. Numerous. Shading effect is adverse to biologic regimes in Port of Astoria slips have a continual siltation water below. problem, the actual cause of which has not been Wave Action of Ocean-Going Vessels Adversely identified. Affects Wildlife, Beaches and Other Recreational Port of Ilwaco-Baker Bay, now mostly shallow, Activity and Causes Some Shoreline Erosion. Beach used to have good, deep water. "Drift" from Logging Waste, Slash, etc., Gets into Adverse effects of Megler Bridge are not known. Tributary Streams. Slide and Slump Areas are Pro- Sand accretion-depletion takes place as a result of blem Areas to Be Avoided. north and south entrance jetties. Blowing sand con- tributes to these problems. Political - Resource Management Best Method of Responding to Flood and Other Fragmentation Flow Conditions Are Not Agreed Upon. There Is No System to Assign Management Re. Areas for river to "spread" should be left. Dikes sponsibility for Program Implementation Measures should be set back. to Appropriate Levels of Government and Agen- Existing lowland protective dikes are deterio- cies. rating, may not be well located, and may lack eco- Presently, a locality is inundated with control nomic justification. agencies operating independently- Possible effects of flood and power peaking regu- Opportunities for local control are continually lation, irrigation, and withdrawals upstream need to minimized, but should be maximized. be understood. No System Exists for Recording and Tabulating Sedimentation Problems and Effects Are Diverse. Local Citizen Attitudes Toward Estuarine Resource Youngs Bay, Baker Bay and Grays Bay portions of Management. the estuary are filling quite rapidly. Credibility of recommendations will depend on Sedimentation and other watershed management quality of scientific information base supporting problems in tributary streams with particularly ad- them. verse effects at confluence with Columbia are Adequate reporting to the public is needed during caused in part by upstream logging, road-building, any study program. etc. Log Storage Has Adverse Effects. Current Planning and Study Programs are Frag- mented. Logs on the bottom will cause shoaling. Timing of studies is important. Log rafts break up during flooding conditions and Funding for agency participation is often minimal cause damage to structures along the river and inter- or locking. fere with gillnet fish drifts. Continuing direct contact with interested local Dry storage close to tributary streams causes drain- officials and citizens in study areas was not done in age and other problems. the past, yet is essential for support and implemen- Sinker logs on bottom and logs resting on bottom tation. when tide is out reduce or eliminate biologic pro- 15. INVENTORY OF PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS The major companion document of this plan is the than 50 maps depicting physical process and biolo- Columbia River Estuary Inventory of Physical, Bio- gical resources. Inventory data was used extensively logical and Cultural Characteristics, compiled by throughout the planning process, particularly as it CREST and published in June, 1977. The purpose of relates to specific geographic locations and pro- the Inventory was to collect published and unpub- posed uses. Summaries of inventory data for each ished data about the estuary into a single docu- geographic subarea of the estuary are provided in ment, with analysis and organization that would be the Land and Water Use Plan (cf. Part IV). 'useful in the planning process and in future mana- ging of estuarine resources. The Inventory contains 400 pages of text, numerous tables of data and more 1-7 PART 11 REGIONAL POLICIES 20. CREST GOALS ................................................................... 11- 1 21. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES ................................................ 11-2 21.10 Fisheries ......................... ; ....................................... 11-2 21.20 Deep Water Navigation, Ports and Industrial Development ....................... 11-2 21.30 Shallow Draft Ports and Marinas ............................................... 11-3 21.40 Recreation and Tourism ...................................................... 11-3 21.50 Forestry and Forest Products Industry .......................................... 11-3 22. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES .................................................. 11-4 22.10 Energy Faci I ities ........................................................ ... 11-4 22.20 Significant Areas .......................................................... 11-4 22.30 Water Quality Maintenance ................................................. 11-4 22.40 Wi Id I if e Habitat ........................................................... 11-5 22.50 Restoration ............................................................... 11-5 22.60 Mitigation ................................................................. 11-6 23. LAND AND WATER USE POLICIES .................................................. 11-7 23.10 Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development ........................... 11-7 23.20 Agriculture ............................................................... 11-7 23.30 Land Transportation Systems ................................................. 11-7 23.40 Mining and Mineral Extraction ............................................... 11-8 23.50 Public Access .............................................................. 11-8 23.60 Shoreland Hazard Areas .................................................... 11-8 24. LAND AND WATER ACTIVITY POLICIES ............................................. 11-9 24.10 Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal ...................................... 11-9 24.20 Dredged Material Disposal Site Selection ...................................... 11-9 24.30 Estuarine Construction ...................................................... 11-10 24.40 Filling Estuarine Waters and Wetlands ......................................... 11-10 24.50 Diking .................................................................... 11-10 25. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION POLICIES ............. 11- 11 25. 10 Local Intergovernmental Coordination ........................................ 11-11 25.20 State and Federal Consistency ............................................... 11- 11 25.30 Development Evaluation, Permit Information, and Permit Review ................. 1[- 11 25.40 Scientific Research and Planning ............................................. 11-12 25.50 Public Education ............................................................ 11-12 20. CREST GOALS The CREST goals were used to develop regional -To improve and'diversify the economy of policies which in turn served as a guide for de- the area veloping the Columbia River Estuary Land and Water Use Plan. The Regional Policies listed below -To reconcile conflicting uses of estuarine are a refinement of CREST's earlier policies. They resources provide a framework for the Development Standards (Part 111) and are the over all policy statements for -To protect and enhance natural resource the Columbia River Estuary Land and Water Use Plan values of the estuary (Part IV). -To improve estuarine resource manage- The Regional Policies have been divided into five ment through intergovernmental com- groups: economic development, resource pro- munication and coord'ination at local, tection, uses, activities, and intergovernmental state and federal levels coordination and public education. -To increase public understandiT of the natural value of the estuary a n its use- fulness to people 21. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 21.10 FISHERIES 21.16 Tributary streams in the estuary should be Columbia River Basin anadromous fish resources evaluated to determine the potential for future arti- have played a major role in the cultural develop- ficial and natural fish production. Where feasible, ment of the estuary area. The dramatic decrease in hatchery production should be increased and natural and hatchery runs of these fish is partially damaged stream habitat should be restored. Tax the result of habitat destruction or degradation incentives or other renumeration for landowners caused by man. The advent of the 200 mile limit has who maintain or enhance salmon or steelhead allowed diversification in the fishing industry, buo streams on their own property should be encour- enhancement efforts have not maintained the aged. salmon fisheries. 21.17 Estuary fish-food production and resting areas, such as shallow submerged lands, wetlands 21 1.11 Areas should be reserved that will provide for and marshes should be preserved. The use of adja- adequate dock and moorage space for present and cent shorelands should be controlled to protect these anticipated future commercial and sports vessels vital links in anadromous fish life cycles. Migration and for fish processing, boat repair, cold storage and routes should not be obstructed. other support facilities. 21.18 Fish enhancement programs of local, state 21.12 Traditional fishing areas should be protected and federal groups are strongly supported. Special when dredging, filling, pile driving, constructing consideration should be given to restoration of the pile dikes or rock jetties, or other disruptive instream chum salmon runs. activities are permitted. 21.13 Wise management of fishery resources and 21.20 DEEP-WATER NAVIGATION, PORTS maintenance of reproductive stocks is strongly AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT supported. As the gateway to the Columbia and Snake River 21.14 Minimum tributary stream flows necessary to system of ports, the location of the Columbia River maintain aquatic life should be set. In those streams estuary favors significantly increased port develop- where private water rights preclude maintenance of ment in future years. minimum flows, and where low flows interfere with 21.21 Development and improvement of existing fish migrations, state water quality management port sites is encouraged prior to development of new programs should include provisions for both the port sites. purchase of private water rights and construction of small impoundments on tributaries to maintain 21.22 Port improvement, expansion and moderniza- minimum flows. Other impoundments on tributary tion will require some filling or dredging of present- streams are discouraged, unless provision is made ly undeveloped areas. Biological productivity and for protecting the fishery resource before construc- habitat values should be given due consideration in tion. The use of Columbia River water or ground designing and constructing port facilities. water for industrial purposes and ground water for 21.23 Shorelands with the characteristics of adja- municipal purposes is encouraged over use of cent deep-water access, adequate rail or road tributary stream waters. access and sufficient backup land should be 21.15 Maintenance of existing, favorable anadro- reserved for future deep-water port development, mous fish habitat through establishment of pro- giving due consideration to existing uses. tective stream corridors and control of potentially 21.24 Port development needs should be evaluated harmful watershed activities is strongly supported. and plans developed in light of projected long-term statewide, Pacific Northwest and national needs. T'q ..... ...... .. ........... .......... 2 2,711 io@ Port of Astoria Photo 11-2 21.30 SHALLOW-DRAFT PORTS 21.50 FORESTRY AND FOREST PRODUCTS AND MARINAS INDUSTRY Shallow-draft ports and marinas play a significant The forest lands of southwest Washington and economic role in the Columbia River estuary. Since northwest Oregon are among the more productive marina construction usually involves major altera- commercial forests in the world, and the forest tions of estuary shorelines, it is important that products industry has been. a major contributor to the marinas be sited, designed, constructed and ex- economy of the Columbia River estuary. panded with care for the estuarine environment and 21.51 Continued management of commercial forest for other shoreline uses. lands for. the production of forest products is strongly 21.31 New marinas should be constructed only encouraged. Continuation and expansion of related when existing marinas are inadequate or cannot be forest product industries are also supported, con- expanded to meet the demand. Marina sites should sistent with the maintenance of air and water be located in or adjacent to areas of extensive boat quality. usage and in areas capable of providing the neces- 21.52 Locally-grown forest products should be pro- sary services to support the marina. These services cessed in the estuary area. Appropriate shoreland include access roads or streets, adequate upland areas should be reserved for siting water dependent parking, trailer storage areas, water and sewer- and water related facilities. service, and power supplies. The feasibility of dry boat moorage should be considered in the design of 21.53 Existing state Forest Practices Acts and other new, expanded or remodeled, marina facilities. relevant state and federal regulations should be 21.32, Marina development and expansion will strictly enforced to preserve water quality, spawning require some filling and/or dredging or present y areas and riparian habitat. Appropriate measures undeveloped areas. Biological productivity and should be taken in all road building, site prepara- habitat values should be given due consideration 'in tion, timber harvest, slash burning, fertilization and designing marina facilities. pest control to minimize runoff of pollutants, solar heating of stream waters, mass soil movement, 21.33 Proliferation of individual, single-purpose surface erosion and extreme fluctuations in stream piers and mooring facilities is discouraged, in favor flow. of public or private community port facilities. 21.54 Water storage and transport of logs are sup- 21.34 Provision should be made for adequate flush- ported as energy-efficient and economically neces- ing/water circulation to ensure maintenance of sary uses of estuarine and tributary waters. New log water quality in design of marina facilities. storage sites should be situated in areas where the 21.35 Navigational access in the estuary and its adverse effects on water quality will be minimized, where navigation will not be impaired, and where tributaries should be maintained in light of expected estuarine productivity and wildlife habitat will not future demand of recreational bodting and sports be unduly disrupted. No new log storage should be and commercial fishing. Peripheral channels, allowed where logs and booms would rest on the streams and sloughs should not be closed to naviga- bottom at low water. Easy let-down facilities and tion. Provision should be made for dredging areas banding are strongly encouraged at all log dump traditionafly used for access to fishing grounds and sites. The compatibi I ity of log storage sites with other moorage. estuarine uses should be examined on a case-by- 21.40 RECREATION AND TOURISM case basis. Alternative land and water log storage sites should be found in cases where conflicts cannot Boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and nature en- be resolved. joyment are essential to the lifestyle of Lower Co- 21.55 The drift and snag material problem should be lumbia area residents and to the tourist industry. dealt with through: 21.41 The natural resources on which these octivi- 0 Efficient management of timber inventories, the ties are based should be conserved and enhanced. establishment of time limits on water storage of 21.42 Consistent with demand, natural resource log rafts and the bundling of logs to minimize the occurrence of "sinker logs", values, private property rights and the need for 0 Land disposal of sinker logs removed from the other, more intensive development: estuary, and Local, state and federal agencies are encour- 9 Location of new log storage sites away from po- aged to use their authority and resources to tential conflict areas, such as gillnet fish drifts. provide recreational facilities and maximum opportunity for public access to the estuary, and 21.56 Tax and other incentives for restoration of Expansion and new development of tourist fa- stream habitat that has been damaged should be cilities is encouraged. provided. 22. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES 22.10 ENERGY FACILITIES 22'.16 CREST supports energy conservation and the development of environmentally sound alternate The Columbia River estuary area, because of its energy sources. Possible energy sources such as deep-water access and large freshwater supply, has solar power, wind power and wood by-products potential for development of petroleum support and should be investigated. processing industries, thermal power plants and other energy facilities. There are also serious limita- tions to development and operation of energy- 22.20 SIGNIFICANT AREAS: related facilities on the estuary, due to its dynamic NATURAL, SCIENTIFIC, physical character, its valuable natural resources, SCENIC,* HISTORICAL, and the resource-based industries it supports. CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL 22.11 Petroleum product storage, transport and processing industries proposed for an estuary loca- The estuary has certain unique natural fectures tion and industries requiring the transport of hazard- which in turn have influenced archaeological, his- ous substances through the estuary will be evaluated torical and cultural development, and these by CREST and local governments. Such facilities features, once destroyed, can never be replaced: should not be constructed unless it can be demon- 22.21 Open space and significant areas for wildlife strated that: habitat and human study, interpretation and enjoy- � The plant wi I I be compatible with the area; ment should be preserved, except where develop- � Alternate locations not affecting the estuary are ment is indicated in the local Comprehensive Plan or not feasible; Shoreline Program. � Economic, fiscal and growth impacts will be favorable; and 22.22 Significant natural and scientific areas and � Safety and hazard risks (including explosion, scenic views should be set aside for preservation fire, spillage, and potential air or water pollu- and managed so as to protect the unique charac- tion), adverse effects on fish and wildlife re- teristics of the area. sources, and other land and water environ- 22.23 Known or newly discovered archaeological mental impacts will be minimized. sites in areas where construction is intended should 22.12 Local support for or opposition to the develop- be formally excavated or preserved intact in accord- ment of upriver energy facilities or other industrial ance with state and federal laws. facilities that require transport of petroleum products 22.24 Historical buildings and cultural landmarks or other hazardous substances through the estuary under threat of demolition should be examined to will be considered by CREST and local governments see if they can be moved, restored, or preserved by on the basis of the potential impacts identified public or private means. above. 22.25 The potential for restoration and re-creation 22.13 Petroleum spill containment and clean-up of historical waterfront areas should be investigated. equipment should be located in the estuary area. This equipment should be capable of controlling a 22.30 WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE large spill in hydraulically-active areas of the es- tuary. The U.S. Coast Guard tanker inspection pro- Estuarine water quality is vital to estuarine pro- gram should be vigorously pursued to keep unsafe ductivity, the fishing industry, recreation and tour- tankers out of coastal waters. ism. Estuarine water quality is a result of activities. taking place upstream, as well as in the estuary 22.14 The states of Oregon and Washington should itself. work together to develop joint policies for the Co- lumbia River concerning petroleum product supply, 22.31 Wastes from such non-point sources as forest transport and processing facilities and thermal lands, road building, agricultural lands, natural power plants. Local governments should be consult- stream bank erosion, and urban runoff should be ed in this matter. identified and a program developed for their con- trol. This is the most important, least understood and 22.15 Although licensing is controlled by state most difficult to control estuarine water quality governments, development of thermal power plants problem. in the estuary area is discouraged due to the poten- tial for direct environmental impacts, the lack of 22.32Adequate municipal waste treatment of those long-term nuclear waste storage facilities, and the domestic and industrial wastes that enter municipal indirect impacts' of industrial expansion and rapid sewer systems should be provided. urban growth. When a thermal power plant is 22.33 Treatment of industrial wastes released di- proposed in the estuary area, CREST, local govern- rectly into the river and estuary should be improved. ments and citizens should be consulted concerning Industrial wastes should be more adequately char- the advisability of construction in the area and acterized and effluent standards upgraded in ac- design of the facility. Adverse impacts should be cordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control minimized. Act. Provision should be made for cooling of thermal 11-4 effluents before they are returned to the river. Re- 22.50 RESTORATION clamation and re-use of waste water should be con- sidered in the design and construction of new in- The Columbia River estuary has been substantially dustrial facilities. altered over th6 past century to provide for naviga- tion, shoreline development and agriculture. Up- 22.34 Waste discharges to tributary streams, en- river dams and watershed activities have also con- closed bays and sloughs should be eliminated where tributed significantly to changes in the natural func- possible. tioning of the estuary. While it is not possible or 22.35 Fish processing wastes are a special category desirable to return the estuary to its pre-nineteenth of industrial wastes. The environmental and eco- century condition, restoration or creation of'certain nomic advantages and disadvantages of releasing habitat and cultural values is an important estuary these wastes to the estuary require investigation to management objective. determine if legislative changes should be sought to 22.51 Overall Restoration Policy allow such disposal. All restoration projects should serve to revitalize, 22.36 A minimum'streamflow should be established return, replace or otherwise improve the estuarine for each season for the Columbia River. Consump- ecosystem or highly-valued cultural characteristics. tive uses should not be allowed to decrease Colum- Examples include restoration of natural biological bia River flow below the set levels. The late summer productivity, fish or wildlife habitat, or aesthetic, low flow period is particularly critical for fishery cultural and historic resources which have been resources. The effects of decreasing the spring and diminished or lost by past al .terations, activities or winter flow maximums-on sedimentation processes catastrophic events. and on fishery resources require further research In selecting projects, priority should be given to and appropriate action. those projects which provide substantial public benefits and which restore the habitat types, re- 22.37 Facilities for the public dumping of oil and sources or amenities which are in shortest supply as emptying of holding tanks by all vessels should be compared to post abundance. Particular emphasis provided in convenient places so that these wastes should be given to aquatic and riparian habitat will not be dumped in the river. restoration. 22.52 Habitat Creation Through Dredged Material Disposal Disposal of dredged material in water and wet- ZE land areas for the specific purpose of creating shal- low water, intertidal, or island areas is strongly dis- couraged, because this practice contributes to the di MRI downward trend of available aquatic habitat. Habitat creation through upland plantings on NN Pore of AstoHa Photo existing dredged material islands is encouraged to provide wildlife habitat. Marsh plantings on existing interticlal areas should continue to be evaluated and considered as a 22.40 WILDLIFE HABITAT habitat creation technique. Substantial destruction of natural habitat in the 22.53 Diked Lands Restoration Columbia River estuary area has been caused by Restoration of marginal and 'unused low-lying such factors as dredging, filling, diking, urban de- diked areas to estuarine wetland is encouraged; velopment, the pressure of recreational activities, active restoration to provide potential for diverse logging and agriculture. habitat (e.g. mudflat and marsh) as.well as passive restoration are encouraged. If loss of productive 22.41 Significant areas of all types of ecosystems in farmland or significant wildlife habitat would occur, the Columbia River estuary should be protected from breaching of dikes is strongly discouraged. Except development. through public condemnation procedures, removal 22.42 The habitat of rare and endangered species of dikes protecting private lands shall not occur with- should be protected. out the expressed consent of the landowner. In- centives should be provided to private landowners 22.43 New development should be designed and who restore diked areas to aquatic production. constructed so as to: � Maintain wherever possible a natural, vegeta- 22.54 Restoration of Shoaled Areas tive buffer strip along wetlands and rivers and Estuary areas that have shoaled or filled at an un- streams, and naturally high rate, resulting in loss of a particular � Minimize the alteration of land and vegetation, type of aquatic habitat or loss of traditional-ly navi- and gable areas, should be restored to historic'Conditions � Preserve open space, including agricultural and as practical. Passive measures are preferred, but forest lands. active measures or a combination may be required. All such projects-should be carefully evaluated to 22.44 To avoid erosion problems and disrupt 'ion of ensure, potential ecological, economic and social wildlife habitat,.,the use of off-road vehicles should benefits to man and, natural resources outweigh be strictly regulated. potential losses. 22.55 Removal of Old Pilings and Structures habitats and species diversity, unique features Old piling, navigational structures and buildings and water quality. The cost of mitigation shall be which are a hazard to navigation, contribute to included as part of project cost analysis. excessive shoaling, or pose a danger to life and Actions exempted from the mitigation require- property should be removed. Prior to any such re- ment above include: moval, however, costs and benefits should be eva- -Removal or filling of less than 50 cubic yards luated, including the potential for erosion or sedi- of material or when an Oregon State Remov- mentation caused by removal, the biological habitat al and Fill Permit is not otherwise required; value and probable life of the structure, and the -Filling for repair and maintenance of existing historic and scenic value. functional dikes when there is negligible 22.56 Erosion Area Restoration physical or biological damage to tidal marsh Where feasible, areas with erosion problems or interticlal areas; should be vegetated with marsh and shoreland -Riprap to allow protection of an existing bank planting to establish a natural buffer against ero- line with clean, durable erosion resistent sion. Beach nourishment should be used to restore material provided that the need for riprap historic shoreline configurations where feasible. protection is demonstrated and that this need Structural solutions should be used as a last resort to cannot be met with natural vegetation, and protect I ife and property. no appreciable increase in existing upland .occurs; 22.57 Shoreland Revegetation -Filling for repair and maintenance of existing Shoreland and especially riparian areas where roads when there is negligible physical or vegetation has been removed for timber harvest or biological damage to tidal marsh or interticlal urban development should be revegetated as soon areas; as possible. Areas of existing shoreline development -Dredging or filling required as part of an es- should be considered for revegetation for both tuarine resource creation, restoration or en- aesthetic, biological and bank stabilization values. hancement project agreed to by local, state 22.58 Restoration of Deteriorated Urban Waterfronts and federal agencies; and Redevelopment of deteriorated urban waterfront -Other proposed projects or activities where, areas is strongly encouraged. Development should upon determination of the Oregon Division of be water oriented, public access should be pre- State Lands, the proposed alteration would served, and recreational facilities should be im- have negligible physical, biological and proved, where possible. While priority should be water quality impacts. given along the waterfront to waterclepenclent and Actions not considered as mitigation under water related uses, provision may also be needed Oregon Land Conservation and Development for other uses. Renovation and repair of historic Commission (LCDC) Goal Number 16 include the buildings is highly desirable; removal of deterio- transfer of ownership of estuarine lands, including rated structures and pilings may be appropriate. wetlands and submersible lands, to public owner- 22.60 MITIGATION ship; the dedication of estuarine lands for certain natural uses; and the provision of funds for re- Necessary new development projects in the Co- search. lumbia River estuary will have adverse environ- 22.62 Mitigation for Dredging, Filling or Otherwise mental impacts, regardless of how carefully the Degrading Biologically Productive projects are designed and constructed. The adverse Subtidal Areas effects of such development can be mitigated by the Dredging, filling or other activities or alterations restoration or enhancement of other estuarine which significantly degrade or destroy biologically areas. productive subtidal areas should be mitigated by 22.61 Mitigation for Dredging, Filling or Diking restoration, habitat creation, enhancement or other Tidal Marsh or Intertidal Areas appropriate means. The following policies fulfill the requirements of 22.63 Mitigation for Degradation or Destruction of Oregon low. While Washington state low does not Critical Wildlife Habitat specifically require mitigation for dredge and fill Mitigation for significant alterations which would activities in interticlal or tidal marsh areas, the fol- degrade or destroy critical habitat for endangered or lowing policies are strongly encouraged. Alternative threatened species, or other wildlife, shall be re- forms of mitigation in Washington, including preser- quired through restoration, resource enhancement, vation, compensation and resource enhancement, preservation, or financial compensation. Mitigation are also encouraged. for loss of other valuable wildlife habitat, such as 0 Adverse impacts to estuarine resources resulting freshwater marshes, spruce swamps and old growth from dredge, fill or dredged material disposal forest is encouraged. activities (public or private) permitted in interticlal 22.64 Mitigation Sites or tidal marsh areas shall be mitigated by While a range of actions may be taken to satisfy creation, restoration or enhancement of estu .arine mitigation requirements, mitigation sites or projects areas. Such mitigation shall improve or maintain should be preferentially evaluated asfollows: the functional characteristics and processes of the 6 Areas in close proximity to the development site estuary, such as its naf6ral biological productivity, 11-6 with physical characteristics such that when re- Because estuarine tidal marshes and flats are eco- stored, the area will develop a similar quality logically diverse, it may be impossible to create or and quantity of plant and animal life and per- restore a single site with the same mixture of eco- form similar ecological functions; system components as are present at the site to be � Areas in other parts of the estuary that meet the altered. In such cases, more than one mitigation site above physical and biological criteria; may be required. All important ecological features � Areas or resources in shortest supply as com- of the development site should be created or re- pared to past abundance, particularly tidal stored elsewhere within the estuary, whether sep- marshes and the salmon resource. arately or together. Estuarine alterations for development in one state can be mitigated through restoration or other actions in the other state. 23. LAND AND WATER USE POLICIES 23.10 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL ment in order to preserve the natural values of . AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT riparian vegetation and wildlife and -to provide Uses of the estuary are concentrated at its shore- maximum open space. line, resulting in conflicts and degradation of natural 23.20 AGRICULTURE shoreline values. While much of the undeveloped or Agriculture is the most extensive use of the marginally developed shoreland and the adjacent estuary shorelands. While some of this agricultural wetlands and waters have important natural values land is highly fertile, most of it is diked tideland that should be preserved, there are some areas subject to the 100 year flood. These diked tidelands where development is both appropriate and desir- also have other limitations on development. able. 23.21 Continued agricultural use of productive agri- 23.11 General priorities for use of these shorelands cultural lands should be encouraged, and con- and adjacent aquatic areas are: version to more intensive, non-agricultural use (1 )Uses which maintain the integrity of the es- strongly discouraged. Exceptions to this include de- tuary velopment within established urban growth bound- (2) Water dependent uses (3) Water related uses aries and non-intensive uses of general public (4) Non-water related uses that do not degrade benefit, such as public access and recreation. estuarine resources or unalterably commit 23.22 Development of new crops to increase pro- shorelands to intensive use cluctivity of agricultural shorelands is encouraged. (5) Non-water related uses that permanently alter 23.23 Damage to the estuarine ecosystem resulting shorelands, or estuarine resources, upon a from agricultural non-point source pollution should showing of public need. be prevented. Non-water related or marginal use may be pre- ferred if: 23.24 In undiked areas, the maintenance of suffi- � Further water dependent use of the shoreline ciently wide, natural, vegetative buffer strips along would overly congest sma I I waterways; streambanks is strongly encouraged to serve as bank � Water dependent or related use would result in stabilization and as a natural filter for runoff. extensive negative impacts on adjacent es- 23.25 Laws requiring adequate maintenance of tuarine wetlands and waters; or existing dikes and.ticlegates to prevent flooding and The proposed use is part of an overall plan for erosion of agricultural lands should be observed and restoration of an historic waterfront to promote enforced. tourism and community development. 23.12 Where non-water dependent residential, 23.30 LAND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS commercial or industrial development exists on Although shipping is the most important form of Water Dependent Shorelands, local governments transportation in the estuary area, road and rail should encourage gradual transition of shorelines to transport are also vital to the local economy. Steep water dependent uses through land use controls, topography has encouraged construction of most taxes, or other incentives for property ow.ners. land transportation corridors on shorelands or fill in 23.13 Residential, commercial and industrial shore- the estuary. The, impact of these alterations has been land developments should be designed and con- high. structed to minimize adverse environmental im- 23.31 Land transportation systems should be main- pacts, promote visual attractiveness and provide ap- tained and improved to support existing urban propriate visitor facilities and public access to the areas, to allow use of the major development sites water. Clustering of residential, commercial and indicated in the Land and Water Use Plan, and to industrial uses is preferred over scattered develop- support rural and recreational uses. 11-7 23.32 New land transportation systems shall not be ment of public access to water for all people, con- located so as to eliminate or render useless Water sistent with legitimate shoreland uses and the need Dependent Shorelands. New transportation systems for protection of the estuary from overuse. Public should be located and designed to direct urban purchase of lands or scenic easements may be expansion toward areas identified as suitable for necessary or desirable in some instances. development, and not toward rural areas. Existing 23.52 Special provision is needed in urban areas to systems and right of ways should be used to the preserve remaining open space and improve the degree possible. public access to the water through restoration of historic waterfronts, and construction of other public 23.33 New land transportation systems should be facilities. designed and located to take advantage of the natural topography and to cause minimum disrup- 23.53 Where major shoreline developments are tion of the shoreline area. They should be located on allowed, they should not, singly or in combination uplands whenever possible. They shall not be with other developments in the area, exclude the located in aquatic areas except where bridge cross- public from shoreline access to areas traditionally ings are needed or where no feasible shoreland or used for fishing, hunting or other shoreline activi- upland route exists. ties. 23.34 Scenic areas with public roadways should 23.54 The private use of privately owned shorelands provide for safe pedestrian and nonmotorized vehi- is legitimate and must be protected against en- cle travel. Provision shall be made for sufficient croachment. Compensation of land owners for the viewpoints, rest areas and picnic areas along public cost of preventing or repairing damages occasioned shorelines. Extensive loops or spurs of old highways by public access may be necessary in some cases. with high aesthetic qualities shall be kept in service 23.55 The establishment of foot and bicycle paths as pleasure bypass routes, especially where main along shoreline bluffs and other shorelands should highways, paralleling the old highway, must carry be investigated. Such paths should not impair fish large traffic volumes at high speeds. and wildlife habitat or interfere unduly with agri- 23.35 Maintenance of roads and railroads i and culture or other shoreland uses. Purchase of ease- maintenance or replacement of bridges shall be ments from property owners may be necessary. allowed, regardless of the designation of the area 23.56 Publicly owned shorelands with water access through which the road or railroad passes. that are declared surplus and have significant scenic 23.40 MINING AND MINERAL EXTRACTION or recreational value should in most cases remain in Sand, gravel and minerals are valuable resources. public hands. They should not be sold or traded In some instances, the only locally available source without a local public hearing to determine the of these materials is from wetlands and submerged advisability of the sale or trade. Publicly owned tide- lands. However, their removal can result in erosion lands should remain in public ownership. of adjacent land and the shifting of sediments in the 23.57 Public access to publicly owned shorelands removal areas, causing negative economic and en- (e.g. public street ends) should be maintained and vironmental effects. improved whenever possible, consistent with 23.41 On the basis of an environmental impact authorized use. assessment, adequate protection must be provided 23.58 Public access to scenic views and significant for adjacent. shoreline property and fishery and areas should be provided in a manner consistent other living resources, including protection against with the nature of the area. sIecliment and silt production. 23.59 Special consideration should be given to 23.42 Approved projects must specify and use making areas of the estuary available to the elderly, mining technology which minimizes the potential handicapped and physically disabled. damage to estuarine resources, in conformance with 23.60 SHORELAND HAZARD AREAS the Washington State Surface Mining Act or Oregon State Reclamation of Mined Lands Act. Natural hazards affecting the shorelands of the 23.43 Extraction of gravel, minerals and construc- estuary include flooding (by abnormally high tides, tion sand from estuary tributaries should be per- river discharge or combination), wind, wave action, mitted only when these resources are not otherwise erosion, storm surges, tsunamis, weak foundation locally available. The material should be taken from soils and earth and rock fall. Development in hazard the least biologically sensitive parts of the stream. areas without proper safeguards subjects people and property to needless dangers and costs tax- 23.50 PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE ESTUARY payers money in relief after damage occurs. AND ITS SHORELINE 23.61 Development in areas subject to the above Public access to the shoreline and adjacent inter- hazards is generally discouraged and, when pro- tidal areas is sanctioned by low and custom. Proba- posed, shall be protected from the hazard. ble future population growth and urban develop- 23.62 Shoreland and aquatic development should ment will increase the demand for public access, be evaluated prior to construction to ensure that they while decreasing its availability. wi I I not create or worsen hazards elsewhere. 23.51 Federal, state and local actions in the estuary 23.63 Measures will be taken to discourage re- area should provide for maintenance and improve- construction of structures in hazard areas, which have been damaged or destroyed. 24. LAND AND WATER ACTIVITY POLICIES 24.10 DREDGING AND DREDGED MATERIAL shoreland capacity for dredged material disposal DISPOSAL will be exhausted in the next twenty years. Iden- tification of dredged material disposal sites is an Dredging and dredged material disposal are ac- estuary-wide concern. tivities of estuary-wide significance that may involve several planning jurisdictions, are necessary. for the 24.21 Dredged material disposal sites should be economic health of the region, and can have major designated for their final use with a Developmmt impacts on the estuarine environment. overlay for disposal use and should be managed for the benefit of the final use, the public, and the 24.11 Dredging should be for the purpose of main- estuarine environment. taining, improving and establishing navigation channels and access to water dependent facilities. 24.22 Shoreland disposal sites should be selected Dredging and dredged material disposal should dis- for the conformity of the final use, after deposition turb the minimum area necessary for the project and of dredged materials, to the comprehensive plan or s.hould be conducted so as to protect or enhance shoreline management plan. wetlands and other estuarine resources. Emphasis should be placed on sites where: 0 Materials may be stockpiled for future use; 24.12 Loss of productive habitat and other environ- * The land use designation is already Develop- mental damage should be,minimized by the loca- ment; tion, design and construction of both facilities re- e Materials will help restore degraded habitat; quiring dredging and sites for dredged material o The final development or recreational use will disposal. Disposal of dredged materials shall be at benefit from deposition of dredged materials; an approved site where the biological productivity or and physical characteristics are appropriate to re- 9 toxic or polluted materials will present minimal ceive the material. Dredged materials shall not be health and environmental hazards. placed in productive habitat unless part of an ap- Sites with significant agricultural, habitat, scenic, proved development project. Shoreland disposal recreational, archaeological, or historical values should enhance or be compatible with the final use and sites where the present intensity or type of use is of the land. Except for flow-lane disposal and beach inconsistent with dredged material disposal should nourishment, in-water disposal inside the estuary be avoided. may be substituted for ocean disposal only when sea Engineering factors to be considered in site selec- or weather conditions pose a hazard to the dredging tion should include: size and capacity of the site; vessel. dredging method; distance from dredging opera- 24.13 Adverse hydraulic effects from dredging and tions; elevation; and the costs of site acquisition, disposal, such as over-channelization, destabiliza- preparation and revegetation. tion of fine-textured sediments, erosion, siltation, 24.23 Approved shoreland disposal sites should be increased flood hazard, and undesirable circulation given either a high, medium, or low priority on the changes, shall be avoided. basis of site suitability as specified in 24.22 ' above. 24.14 The timing of dredging and disposal opera- High priority sites should not be developed until tions shall be coordinated with state and federal re- their use for dredged material disposal is completed. source agencies, local governments, and private Development of medium priority sites may be interests to protect marine productivity, minimize delayed if use of the site for dredged material dis- interference with fishing, and insure proper posal can occur within an acceptable period and flushing. such use prior to development is in the public interest. Low priority sites may be used for dredged 24.15 The effects of both initial and subsequent material disposal, but will not be reserved for that. maintenance dredging shall be considered prior to use. approval of new dredging projects. New projects should not be approved unless adequate disposal 24.24 In-water disposal sites should be chosen on sites are available for both the initial and any future the basis of low benthic productivity and the low maintenance dredging. degree of adverse hydraulic effects from the use. Long-term use of disposal sites within the estuary 24.16* Dredging as a source of material may be per- should be permitted only when no alternative exists mitted if no alternative source is feasible and the and the bio-physical impacts are minimal. dredging site is of low biological productivity or for dike maintenance if no alternative source is avail- 24.25 Flow-lane disposal sites should be shown able able and environmental damage is minimized. to transport sediment downstream without excessive shoaling, interference with commercial or sports 24.20 DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE fishing, undesirable hydraulic effects, or adverse SELECTION effects on benthic productivity. More material is dredged from the Columbia River 24.26 Beach nourishment sit 'es should be selected to estuary than can be used constructively, shorelines offset the effects of active erosion, but should not be have been altered and new land areas have been used to create new beach or land areas. created by deposition of dredged materials, and the Oregon LCDC Coastal Shorelands Goal 17 exception required 11-9 (cf Appendix B) 24.40 FILLING OF ESTUARINE WATERS M AND WETLANDS The Columbia River estuary has lost more than 15% of its volume in the last century. The surface area, particularly the area of vegetated wetlands, has also decreased at an unnaturally rapid rate. M": 24.41 Loss of estuarine surface area and volume should be avoided in the selection of development 'ti and dredged material disposal sites, and the design of navigational structures. 2A.42 Fill and dredged material shall not be placed in productive subticlal, intertidal or tidal marsh areas or areas that support important benthic communities Pori of Astoria Photo unless part of an approved development project. Aquatic areas where fill may be placed for approved 24.30 ESTUARINE CONSTRUCTION: projects are designated in the Land and Water Use PILING/DOLPHIN INSTALLATION, Plan (Part IV). For a fill to be permitted, it must fulfill SHORELINE STABILIZATION AND a demonstrated public need and support a water dependent use for which no feasible upland site NAVIGATIONAL STRUCTURES exists. Adverse impacts on estuarine habitat, diver- Certain structures must be placed in the estuary, in sity, aesthetics, water quality and recreational re- support of water dependent uses, to influence the sources shall be minimized. movement of the water or to prevent shoreline ero- 24.43 When water dependent or related facilities sion. Adverse effects of these activities and uses must be placed in aquatic areas, construction of the should be minimized as much as possible. facility on piling is preferred over construction on fill 24.31 Piling and dolphin installation should normal- whenever feasible. ly be allowed only in support of waterdepenclent or water related uses and, in special cases, for other 24.50 DIKING OF ESTUARINE WETLANDS uses. Occupation of water surface in productive AND SHORELANDS areas should be minimized. To provide continued flood protection for urban 24.32 Proper management of existing streamside and agricultural lands in the estuary area, dikes vegetation is the preferred method of shoreline should be maintained and improved. Construction of stabilization, followed by planting of vegetation. new dikes, particularly in tideland and wetland Where vegetative protection is inappropriate (be- areas must be carefully evaluated to avoid in- cause of high erosion rate, the use of the site or creasing flood and erosion potential downstream, other factors) structural means such as riprap, pile and to avoid destructive effects on the estuarine eco- dikes, groins or bulkheading may be used. system. Therefore: 24.33 Where structural erosion control is necessary, 24.51 New diking of tidelands and wetlands will be the choice between riprap and pile dike or groin a I lowed only: placement for erosion control shall be considered on * As part of an approved fill project; or an individual basis. Factors to be considered 0 As temporary flood protection in the interest of include, but are not limited to: safety and welfare of the public. � Type of sediments in the area; 24.52* Dike maintenance by means other than � Effects on wildlife habitat; dredging is encouraged. Dredging of shallow, bio- � Uses of lands and waters adjacent to the bank; logically productive areas adjacent to dikes as a � Effects on fishing areas;- source of material for dike maintenance shall be � Effects on aquatic habitat; permitted if: � Relative effectiveness of the various structures; 0 Alternative sources of material are unavailable � Engineering feasibility; or not economically feasible; � Cost; and 0 The removal of materia*l will not leave potholes � Erosion, flooding and sedimentation of adjacent where juvenile salmon and other fishes might areas. be stranded at low water; and Bulkheading should only be used in developed 0 Other disruption of tidal flats and marshes is areas. minimized. 24.34 Navigational structures, such as breakwaters, 24.53 Breaching or removal of dikes may be allow- jetties, groins, pile dikes and fills, are major altera- ed as part of a restoration or mitigation project. tions of the estuary with long-term biological and Productive agricultural land and significant wildlife physical effects. An impact assessment should be habitat should not be lost. prepared before construction. Alteration of the estuary should be minimized, estuarine productivity maintained, and effects on fish runs and fisheries minimized. Oregon LCDC Estuarine Resources Goal 16 exception required (cf Appendix B) 11-10 25. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION POLICIES 25.10 LOCAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDIN ATION lg 9311,1w, IN. CREST provides local governments in Washington ;0 @Vu and Oregon a forum for communication and cooper- 43 ation in planning and development activities of re- gional scope and importance. Local governments recognize the mutual benefits of such coordination and the expanded role it provides to local govern- 211 Q,'@ ment in estuary decision-making. mn@ On behalf of member governments, CREST will: 26.11 Provide continued planning assistance to John Atkinson member agencies upon request to and approval by the CREST council, review local comprehensive plans and shoreline management master programs, and make recommendations which will result in 25.20 STATE AND FEDERAL CONSISTENCY coordination and conformance with the Columbia IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY River Estuary Regional Management Plan; AREA 25.12 Provide technical information and assistance The Columbia River estuary plan is part of Wash- to member and other agencies for Columbia River ington's and Oregon's Coastal Zone Management Estuary Regional Management Plan implementation; Programs. The plan is implemented through Shore- 25.13 For member agencies and other local inter- line Management Master Plans and local compre- ests, act as local liaison to the Pacific Northwest hensive plans, respectively. Direct state and federal River Basins Commission as they conduct the six- activities and state and federally funded or per- year Columbia River Estuary Data Development mitted activities in the estuary area shall be con- Program; sistent with the regional policies, development 21,14 Evaluate state and federal estuary activities, standards, and land and water use designations and programs, developments and project impact assess- policies in the plan. ments that may affect local governments and report Further details for consistency of local, state and results to concerned jurisdictions; federal agency activities in the estuary are set forth in Section VII of the plan. 25.15 Coordinate with local, state and federal agen- cies on estuary development, research, regulation, 25.30 DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION, project impact assessment and plan review and PERMIT INFORMATION update; AND PERMIT REVIEW 25.16 Establish and operate a Columbia River Development occurring in the estuary or on its Estuary Information Center and provide library in- shorelands produces impacts of varying type and formation searches, permit information, and other degree. Permits for developments are required at services to the public, planners, and state and the local level in Washington for significant devel- federal managers and researchers. opment, construction, or other activities affecting the estuarine environment. State and federal per- mits are required for in-water construction, dredg- ing, filling, waste discharge and numerous other ac- Paltichthys Stellatus Starry F1.ounder tivities. These permits are mandated by law and allow each particular government agency to carry out its responsibility to control or limit negative eco- nomic and environmental effects. However, the proliferation of permits and other requirements and the lack of knowledge about them adds substantial cost and time delays to development projects. CREST will provide information and assistance about development project permit requirements at the local, state and federal level. Information to be provided may include: environmental and legal constraints, ways to minimize or. mitigate the im- pacts of the project, ahd general policies of agencies that will review the project. The intent of this policy is to facilitate understanding and use of existing permit processes. Review by CREST is not Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesy Clatsop County mandatory. 25.40 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND 25.50 PUBLIC EDUCATION PLANNING IN ESTUARINE AREAS Public knowledge of the value of estuarine re- Much important scientific research, funded by the sources and their importance to the local economy Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission's Colum- could be dramatically improved through a program bia River Estuary Data Development Program and of education and public information. CREST and other sources, will be conducted by state and federal local governments, in cooperation with state and agencies, universities, consultants and individuals federal agencies, educational institutions and pri- during the next decade. State and federal agencies vate groups should: periodically develop special-purpose plans for the 25.51 Encourage development of practical educa- area which effect local planning and decision- tionol courses, extension education programs, making. science fairs, library and museum displays relating to the Columbia River estuary and the marine 25.41 To ensure local coordination and to provide sciences in general; useful information for local estuary management decisions, all agencies, consultants, university per- 25.52 Encourage the establishment of major ocean- sonnel and private individuals conducting research ographic research and educational facilities in the or developing plans should: area; 0 Contact CREST and the local jurisdictions con- 25.53 Maintain and expand the CREST library; cerned during the project-planning stage, to outline the research or planning objectives and schedule, 25.54 Encourage the Corps of Engineers to locate its and the means of reporting project results; and hydraulic model of the Columbia River estuary in the 0 Ensure that the results are conveyed as quickly localarea. as possible to local government agencies. Research- ers are requested to provide reports in clear and simple language. 25.42 CRESTwill: * Keep a file of com@letecl, on-going and pro- posed research or planning programs that are im- portont or useful to local governments in the estuary area. 0 Work with the Columbia River Estuary Data De- velopment Program through its Technical Advisory Committee. Wait Lindstrom 11-12 PART III MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 30. PLAN ELEMENTS .................................................................. III- I 31. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LAND AND WATER USES .............................. 111-2 31.10 Aquatic Area Designations .................................................. 111-2 31.20 Shoreland Designations ........................ ............................. 111-3 32. DEFINITIONS .................................................................... 111-4 33. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ....................................................... 111-5 Table 33-1, Aquatic Area Permitted Uses/Activities ................................... 111-6 Table 33-2, Shorelands Permitted Uses/Activities ..................................... 111-7 33.01 Agriculture ............................................................... 111-9 33.02 Airports .................................................................. 111-9 33.03 Aquaculture .............................................................. 111-9 33.04 Commercial Uses ........................................................... 111-10 33.05 Docks and Moorage ........................................................ 111- 11 33.06 Industrial and Port Facilities ................................................. 111- 11 33.07 Land Transportation Facilities ................................................ 111-12 33.08 Log Du mp/Sort Area (i n-water) .............................................. 111-13 33.09 Log Storage (in-water) ...................................................... 111-13 33.10 Log Storage/Sorting Yard (dry land) .......................................... 111-1.3 33.11 Marinas .................................................................. 111-14 33.12 Mining/Mineral Extraction .................................................. 111-14 33.13 Navigational Structures ..................................................... 111-15 33.14 Recreation Uses ........................................................... 111-15 33.15 Residential Uses ........................................................... 111-16 33.16 Restoration/Resource Enhancement .......................................... 111-17 33.17 Solid Waste Disposal ....................................................... 111-17 33.18 Timber Propagation/Harvesting .............................................. 111-17 33.19 Utilities ............. ....... ................................ 111-18 33.20 Bankline or Stream Alteration ............................................... 111-18 33.21 Dikes .................................................................... 111-19 33.22 Dredging ................................................................. 111-19. 33.23 Dredged Material Disposal .................................................. 111-20 33.24 Excavation - Creation of New Water Surface Area ............................... 111-22 33.25 Fill ...................................................................... 111-22 33.26 Piling/Dolphin Installation .................... ; ............................. 111-23 33.27 Shoreline Stabilization ..................................................... 111-23 34. THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN LOCAL ORDINANCES ... 111-25 34.10 Oregon .................................................................. 111-25 34.20 Washington ............................................................... 111-25 30. Two elements provide the framework for de- veloping and implementing the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan. The Classifica- tion System defines nine land and water use desig- nations with differing management objectives. The Development Standards provide detailed guidelines for meeting these management objectives consistent with CREST goals and regional policies (cf PART 11). 31. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LAND AND WATER USES The CREST land and water use classification sys- 31.10 AQUATIC AREA DESIGNATIONS tem was developed from two basic premises. Aquatic areas include the tidal waters and wet- First, aquatic and shoreland areas, by their very lands of the estuary and non-tidal sloughs, streams, nature, require different management approaches. lakes, and wetlands within the shoreland planning Even where the,management objectives are similar, boundary. The lands underlying the waters are also aquatic areas serve different purposes and sustain included. different development impacts than shorelands. This The upper limit of aquatic areas is the line of non- concept is fundamental to state and federal man- aquatic vegetation or, where such a line cannot be agement and regulatory programs, and has, for accurately determined, Mean Higher High Water aquatic areas, a historical basis in the public trust (MHHW) in tidal areas or Ordinary High Water doctrine. (OHW) in non-tidal areas. Second, aquatic and shoreland areas in the Co- Aquatic areas can be divided into wetlands, the lumbia River estuary exhibit a wide range of natural upper portion of the aquatic zone, and waters, the and human features which require different types of lower portion. Wetlands and waters adjoining at management. Areas with significant natural re- Extreme Low Water (ELW) in tidal areas [about three source values need protection from human disturb- feet below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), or ance, while other areas with present or potential use Columbia River Datum above Altoona on the Wash- for agriculture, timber production, recreation ' water ington shore], or at a water depth of six feet relative related industry, or port development should be to Ordinary Low Water (OLW) in non-tidal areas. reserved for such uses. The CREST land and water use classification sys- Natural Aquatic areas are managed for re- tem separates aquatic from shoreland areas and de- source protection, preservation and restoration, with fines management designations for each area. severe restrictions on the intensity and types of uses. These designations provide for uses and activities Natural Aquatic areas may include tidal marshes ranging from preservation to intensive development and mud-sand flats that, because of a combination and are generally consistent with Oregon and Wash- of factors such as size, biological productivity and ington coastal zone management programs. habitat value play a vital role in the functioning of Local jurisdictions may modify the classification the estuarin'@ ecosystem. Natural Aquatic areas system's terms as they implement the Regional Man- may also include ecologically important subticlal agement Plan through comprehensive plan or shore- areas. line management amendments. For example, Conservation Aquatic areas are managed for Washington jurisdictions may use the term urban in low to moderate intensities of use, with emphasis on place of the development designation in the CREST maintaining the flow of aquatic resource and rec- system. Such changes do not alter the intent or defi- reational benefits. Minor alterations may be per- nitions of the designations. mitted in conjunction with approved uses. Conserva- tion Aquatic areas may include open water portions of the estuary and valuable tidal marshes and mud- sand flats of lesser biological significance than those in the Natural category. Rural Aquatic areas are managed for resource conservation and uses associated with agriculture Rhacochilusvacca PilePerch and rural recreation. Rural Aquatic areas may in- clude non-tidal sloughs, lakes, and other waters associated with rural uses and activities such as farming. Development Aquatic areas are managed for navigation and other water dependent uses, con- sistent with the need to minimize damage to the estuarine ecosystem. Some water related and other uses may be permitted. Development Aquatic areas may include: areas suitable for deep or shallow draft navigation, including shipping and access channels or turning basins; dredged material dispos- al sites and mining or mineral extraction areas; and areas adjacent to developed or developable shore- lines which may need to be altered to provide navi- gational access or create new land areas for water dependent uses. Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesy Clatsop County 111-2 31.20 SHORELAND DESIGNATIONS Rural Shorelands are managed for agriculture, Shoreland areas include forest, cliffs, steep topo- timber production, recreation, and other rural uses graphy, diked form and urban lands along the es- and activities. Rural Shorelands may include areas tuary and the tidal reaches of the estuary tributaries, for exclusive farm use, areas for rural low density and shoreline areas suitable or already developed residential or other uses associated with agriculture, for water dependent uses. forest management, or rural service areas. Shorelands of the estuary extend horizontally Development Shorelands are managed for a from the upper edge of Aquatic areas (cf 31.10) wide range of water dependent, water related, and landward to the boundary between tideland soils other uses. Development Shorelands may include and upland soils, or landward 200 feet, whichever is areas presently developed or suitable for residen- greater. In areas suitable for intensive development tial, commercial, industrial, or recreational de- or already developed, however, urban features such velopment. Most such areas are within urban growth as a railroad or highway may be used to mark the boundaries of existing towns or cities, but may in- inland shoreland boundary. clude other development centers. Natural Shoreland areas are managed for re- Water Dependent Development Shorelands source protection, preser 'vation, restoration and rec- are managed for water dependent uses, with water reation, with severe restrictions on the intensity and related and other uses allowed only upon satisfac- types of uses. Natural Shoreland areas may include tion of standards which require a showing of need, unique or highly valuable vegetative or wildlife direct association with water dependent uses, and habitat and critical habitat for endangered or threat- provision of public access to the waterfront. Water ened species where a less restrictive designation Dependent Development Shorelands include areas would not provide adequate protection. of high potential for water dependent recreational, Conservation Shorelands are managed for tim- commercial, or industrial development, by virtue of ber production, control ot non-point source pollu- their proximity to deep or shallow draft navigation tion, wildlife, recreation, and other human uses of channels, existence of sufficient back-up land for low to moderate intensity. Conservation Shorelands heavy industrial or port uses, potential for aqua- may include commercial forest lands, areas subject culture, or potential for recreation and scenic en- to severe flooding or other hazards, scenic recrea- joyment of the waterfront. tion areas, and certain public shoreline areas. V@ MIX @J? RUT, 4 Port of Astoria Photo 111-3 32. DEFINITIONS Use is the end to which a land or water area is ul- Conditional (C) uses and activities are permitted timately employed. A use often involves the place- only on an individual basis if the applicant can show ment of structures or facilities for industry, com- over oll conformity with the Comprehensive Plan merce, habitation, or recreation. An accessory Use is (Oregon) or RCW 90.58.020 (Washington). a use incidental and subordinate to the main use of Uses classified as conditional may be authorized the property and located on the same lot or parcel as provided that the applicant can show that: the main use. eThe proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (Oregon) or RCW 90.58.020 Activity is any action taken either in conjunction (Washington) and the management objectives of with a use or to make a use possible. Activities do the land and water use designations; and not in and of themselves result in a specific use. eThe proposed use will not interfere with normal Several activities - dredging, piling, fill - may be public use of public shorelines; and undertaken for a single use - a port facility. Most *The proposed use of the site and design of the activities may take place in conjunction with a project will be compatible with other permitted variety of uses. uses within the area; and Water Dependent uses and activities can only be *The proposed use will cause no unreasonably ad- carried out on, in or adjacent to water. The water verse effects to aquatic or shoreland areas; and location or access must be needed for either: oThe public interest will suffer no substantial detri- *Water-borne transportation - navigation, mental effect. moorage, fueling and servicing ships or boats, Uses which are not classified or set forth in the terminal and transfer facilities, resource and ma- applicable ordinance (Oregon) or master program terial receiving and shipping; or (Washington) may be authorized as conditional uses *Recreation - swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, provided that the applicant can meet the criteria in viewing, and walking; or 32.61 above [and WAC 173-14-140 (1) in Washing- *A source of water - for energy production, cool i'ng tonl- industrial equipment or wastewater, industrial Conditional uses should be allowed in circum- processes, and aquaculture operations. stances where denial would result in thwarting poli- Water Related uses and activities are consistent cies in this document and the Comprehensive Plan with other water dependent development criteria (Oregon) or RCW 90.58.020 (Washington). but do not require direct water access. A use is water In granting conditional uses, consideration shall related.if: be given to the cumulative impact of additional re- 411t provides goods or services that are directly as- quests for like actions in the area. The total effect of sociated with water dependent uses, such as all conditional uses shall remain consistent with the supplying materials or services to, or using pro- policies of the Comprehensive Plan (Oregon) or RCW ducts of water dependent uses; and 90.58.020 (Washington). *Location other than adjacent to the water would Local governments may impose, in addition to result in a public loss of quality in the goods and those standards set forth in the applicable ordi- services offered, considering the economic, nance, additional conditions necessary to protect social, and environmental consequences of the estuarine, shoreland or upland areas. use. Not Permitted (N) uses and activities may not Permitted with Standards (PS) uses and activi- occur in the specified area. No exceptions can be ties may be undertaken subject to: made. - The general requirement that the use or activity Variance procedures are local government actions be designed and conducted in a manner that will strictly limited to relief to specific bulk, dimensional minimize, so far as practical, any resultant damage or performance standards set forth in the applicable to both the ecosystems of affected aquatic and implementing ordinance. A variance may be grant- shoreland areas and the public's use of the water; ed only where extraordinary or unique circum- and stances relating.to the property would cause strict - The standards set forth in this document; and implementation of the ordinance to impose unnec- - Applicable local, state, and federal permits and essary hardships on the applicant or would thwart regulations. the policies set forth in this document and the Com- prehensive Plan (Oregon) or RCW 90.58.020 (Wash- ington). 111-4 33. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CREST provided a detailed permitted use matrix to Estuarine aquatic and shoreland areas are closely planning committees to help them apply the classifi- related; often the use of one area directly affects the cation system to lands and waters in their regions. other. These standards reflect this close association. This matrix h 'as been translated into simplified Per- For example, most use standards for Development mitted Use Tables (Tables 33-1, 33-2 below) and the Aquatic areas also apply to Water Dependent De- Development Standards for each use and activity. velopment Shorelands. Permitted and conditional uses and development In certain instances, the Oregon Land Conserva- standards were largely based on the Washington tion and Development Commission goal standards Shoreline Management Act guidelines and the sec- do not fit local conditions and cannot be applied. tions of the Oregon Land Conservation and Develop- The need for goal exceptions is noted in the stand- ment Commission (LCDC) Estuarine Resources Goal ards and the actual exceptions are discussed in (Number 16) and Coastal Shorelands Goal (Number Appendix B. 17) dealing with uses and use priorities. W4, Jr 71 Awl 'T @4 n 221 -U@p, H W, WMV M@ I IN M_ -Judy Byrd - courtesy Compleat Photographer 111-5 USES NATURAL CONSERVATION RURAL DEVELOPMENT AIRPORJ_S-. (33.02) N N N C AQUACULTURE (33.03) C PS PS PS COMMERCIAL (33.04) N C C PS DOCKS & MOORAGE (33.05) N C(OR)/PS(WA) C(OR)/PS(WA) PS INDUSTRIAL & PORT FACILITIES (33.06) N C C PS LAND TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES (33.07) N C C C LOG DUMP/SORT AREA (inwater) (33.08) N N N(OR)/C(WA) C LOG STORAGE (inwater) (33.09) N(OR)/C(WA) PS PS(OR)/C(WA) PS > MARINAS (33.11) N N C PS AD MINING/MINERAL EXTRACTION (33.12) N C C C C NAVIGATIONAL STRUCTURES (33.13) N C C C RECREATION (33.14) C PS PS PS M RESIDENTIAL (@3.15) > N N(OR)/C(WA) N(OR)/C(WA) C ;U RESTORATION/ RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT (33.16) m C C C C > TIMBER. PROPAGATION/ HARVESTING (33.18) N C C PS m > UTILITIES (33.19) N C C C M ACTIVITIES m m BANKLINE OR STREAM ALTERATION (33.20) N C C PS a DIKES (33,21) C New Construction N C C PS m Repair, Maintenance PS PS PS PS DREDGING (33.22) > New N C C(OR)/PS(WA) PS Maintenance C C PS PS To Obtain Fill m N C C PS DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL (33.23) N C C PS FILL (33.25) N C C PS PILING/DOLPHIN INSTALLATION (33.26) N C PS PS SHORELINE STABILIZATION (33.27) Vegetative PS PS PS PS Rip-rap C PS PS PS Bulkheads N C C PS WATER DEPENDENT USES NATURAL CONSERVATION RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT AGRICULTURE (33.01) N PS PS PS C AIRPORTS (33.02) N N PS PS N AQUACULTURE (33.03) N PS PS PS PS ,COMMERCIAL (33.04) N C PS(OR)/C(WA) PS PS DOCKS AND MOORAGE (33.05) N C PS PS, PS INDUSTRIAL & PORT FACILITIES (33.06) N N(OR)/C(WA) C PS PS LAND TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES (33.07) N C PS, PS PS LOG STORAGE/SORTING YARD (land) (33.10) N C PS PS C MARINAS (33.11) N N PS PS PS x MINING/MINERAL EXTRACTION (33.12) N C C C C 0 m RECREATION (33.14) C PS PS PS PS r- RESIDENTIAL (33.15) N PS PS PS, C > z RESTORATION/ RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT (33.16) C C C C C a to SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL (33.17) N N C C C 10 m TIMBER PROPAGATION/ HARVESTING (33.18) C PS PS PS PS m > r. UTILITIES (33.19) N C C C(OR)/PS(WA) C q -4 m M ACTIVITIES a BANKLINE OR STREAM ALTERATION (33.20) N C C C PS C (A m DIKES (33.21) New Construction N C PS PS PS > Maintenance/Repair PS PS PS PS PS DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL (33.23) N C PS PS PS < m EXCAVATION to create new water surface (33.24) N C PS PS PS FILL (33.25) N C PS PS PS SHORELINE STABILIZATION (33.27) Vegetative PS PS PS PS PS Rip-rap C PS PS PS PS Bulkheads N C PS PS PS 14 heavily used habitat for resident waterfowl or other 33.01 AGRICULTURE - Raising and harvesting birds, in the interest of air safety and wildlife con- crops or livestock using acceptable forming prac- servation. tices, and structures or facilities relating to these uses. 33.0203 Airport facilities shall not be allowed on AREA STANDARDS new f i I I land. Conservation Shorelands (PS) 33.0101 - 33.0104, 33.03 AQUACULTURE - Raising, feeding, plant- 33.0106 ing, and harvesting fish and shellfish, and asso- Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.0101 -33.0104 ciated facilities necessary for the use. Development Shorelands (PS) 33.0101 -33.0105 AREA STANDARDS Water Dependent Develop- 33.0101 -33.0105 Natural Aquatic (C) 33.0301 -33.0309 ment Shorelands (C) Conservation Aquatic (PS) 33.0301 - 33.0308 33.0101 Tillage and drainage practices should mini- Rural Aquatic (PS) 33.0301 -33.0308, mize sedimentation and control surface water runoff 33.0311 of animal wastes and excess fertilizers, herbicides Development Aquatic (PS) 33.0301 - 33.0308 and pesticides. Pesticides and herbicides shall be applied so as to minimize the amount that is lost to Conservation Shorelands (PS) 33.0301 -33.0308, the aquatic environment. 33.0310 33.0102 In uncliked areas bordering bodies of Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.0301 -33.0308, water, a buffer strip of permanent vegetation shall 33.0311 be maintained between cultivated or pasture areas Development Sh.orelands (C) 33.0301 -33.0308 and the water body, so as to filter surface runoff and 33.0301 Structures and activities associated with an retard sedimentation. aquaculture operation shall not unduly interfere 33.0103 Feed lots or other confinement lots for live- with navigation. stock shall be: 33.0302 Water diversion or other shoreline struc- 0 Located at least 100 feet from streams or tures shall be located so as hot to unduly interfere other water bodies; with public shoreline access. Public access to the e Away from hillsides leading directly to facility shall be provided consistent with safety and streams; security considerations. 0 Outside the I 00-year f loodplain; and e Located so as to protect ground water 33.0303 Aquaculture facilities shall be constructed supplies. to blend in with and hot detract from the aesthetic qualities of the area. In developed areas, views 33.0104 Dikes, ticlegates and drainage systems shall from upland property shall be given consideration in be kept in good working order. faci I ity design. 33.0105 On Development and Mater Dependent De- 33.0304 Water diversion structures or manmade veloPment Shorelands, agriculture uses shall be un- spawning channels shall be constructed so as to developed and low intensity to reserve these areas maintain minimum required stream flows for aquat- for intensive residential, commercial or industrial ic life in the adjacent streams. use, as appropriate. 33.0305 The potential impacts of introducing a new 33.0106 On Conservation Shorelands, agricultural fish or shellfish species (or race within a species) uses shall be low intensity and consistent.with main- shall be carefully evaluated in light of existing tenance of the forest resource and recreational aquatic life and potential fish and shellfish pro- values of these lands. duction in the stream, estuary and ocean. 33.02 AIRPORTS - Terminal stations for aircraft 33.0306 Aquaculture facilities shall be located for passenger and cargo operations; include runways, enough from sanitary sewer outfalls to prevent any towers and associated structures. potential health hazard. AREA STANDARDS 33.0307 Water discharged from the facility shall Development Aquatic (C) All meet all federal and state water quality standards and any conditions attached to a waste discharge Rural Shorelands (PS) All permit. Development Shorelands (PS) All 33.0308 Operation of a private salmon hatchery 33.0201 Existing airport facilities shall be utilized or requires a permit from the Oregon Department of expanded to the extent possible before new facili- Fish and Wildlife or the Washington State Depart- ties may be approved. ment of Fisheries. 33.0202 Airports and associated facilities shall be 33.0309 Aquaculture operations in Natural Aquatic located away from migratory bird flyways and areas shall be low intensity, undeveloped (no struc- 111-9 tures), and consistent with protection of natural 33.0406 Commercial uses situated on floating struc- values. tures shall be located to be protected against cur- 33.0310 Aquaculture operations in Conservation rents and wave action and not to rest on the bottom Shoreland areas shall be located not to interfere at low water. with normal forest management practices or re- 33.0407 When the proposed use is situated directly creational uses. on the waterfront, significant public access shall be 33.0311 Aquaculture operations in Rural areas provided, such as waterfront seating, walkways, shall be located so as not to interfere with normal wharves, street furniture, or similar facilities. agricultural operations or recreational use. 33.0408 Uses other than water related should be set back 30 feet from the high water mark, and riparian vegetation should be protected. 33.04 COMMERCIAL USES - Privately-owned or operated facility or place of business open to the 33.0409 In Rural Shorelands, a commercial use public for sale of goods or services. Examples in- shall be permitted only upon a finding that it satis- clude: restaurants, taverns, hotels, motels, offices, fies a need that cannot be accommodated on shore- personal services, retail stores, recreational vehicle lands designated for more intensive development. It parks, and campgrounds. Outdoor advertising, signs shall be located so as not to interfere with, normal and billboards are subject to the standards set forth agricultural practices in adjacent areas. here. Public facilities offering similar goods or ser- 33.0410 1 n Conservation and Rural Aquatic areas, vices should also meet these standards. .only low intensity water dependent or temporary AREA STANDARDS commercial uses with minimal adverse environ- Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.0401 -33.0406, mental impacts may be permitted, 33.0410 33.0411 In Development Aquatic areas or Water Rural Aquatic (C) 33.0401 -33.0406, Dependent Development Shorelands, water de- 33.0410 pendent uses shall have the highest priority. Other Development Aquatic (PS) 33.0401 -33.0406, uses may be allowed if the project satisfies 33.0401 33.0411 -33.0413 and the applicant presents evidence that either: (1 ) The use is water related and is not to be situ- Conservation Shorelands (C) 33.0401 -33 . 0405, ated on new fill in an aquatic area; 33.0407, 33.0408, (2) The use shares an existing structure, such as a 33.0414 wharf or pier, with a water dependent use, and the Rural Shorelands (P .S-OR) 33.0401 - 33.0405, combination results in a multiple-use facility; (C-WA) , 1 331.0407, 33.0409 (3) The project provides significant public access Development Shorelands (PS) 33.0401 - 33.0405, or recreation uses through the provision of water- 33.0407, 33.0408 front seating, walkways, piers, street furniture, or Water Dependent Develop- 33.0401 - 33.0405, similar facilities; or (4) The use is temporary, with minimal perma- ment Shorelands (PS) 33.0411, 33.0412 nent capital investment, and, in such cases, the 33.0401 Uses that are not water dependent shall not temporary use permit will be valid only for a speci- preclude or unduly conflict with existing, proposed, f ied period, not to exceed one year. or probable future'water dependent use 'on the site 33.0412 Where a use is permitted under 33.0411 (1- ,or in the vicinity. 2) above, public access shall be provided as des- 33.0402 Uses shall be aesthetically compatible with cribed in 33.0411 (3) above. their waterfront location and architecturally related 33.0413 In Development Aquatic areas, uses that to any adjacent historic or scenic structures or areas. are not water dependent shall be located either on a 33.0403 Sign placement shall not impair visual floating structure or pilings, or shall not increase the access to the water. When feasible, signs shall be need for fill, if in association with a water-depend- constructed against existing buildings to minimize ent use located on fi I I. visual obstructions of the shoreline and water 33.0414 In Conservation Shorelands, a commercial bodies.. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs shall use.may be permitted only upon a finding that it not be-allowed in aquatic areas. satisfies a need that cannot be accommodated on 33.0404 Pr 'eservation, placement or replacement of shorelands designated for more intensive develop- riparian vegetation in shoreline areas where it ment. It shall be low intensity and not conflict with would enhance visual attractiveness or assist in bank forest management or recreational uses in the area. stabilization may be required. 33.0405 Parking facilities shall not be located over the water or on the immediate shoreline, except where parking elsewhere is rendered impractical by topography or constitutes a severeeconomic hard- ship to the commercial enterprise, in which case it shall remain as far landward as feasible. 33.05 DOCKS AND MOORAGE - A pier or se- 33.06 INDUSTRIAL AND PORT FACILITIES - cured float a, floats for boat lie-up or other water Public or private use of land or structures for manu- use, often associated with a specific land use on the facturing, processing, deep water port develop- adjacent shoreland, such as a residence, a group of ment, and energy generation facilities. (Standards residences, a commercial use or light industrial fa- for marinas, docks, and piers are provided in 33.05 cility. Small commercial moorages (less than 25 and 33.27.) berths) with minimal shoreside services and no solid AREA STANDARDS breakwater are included in this category. Float- houses, which are used for boat storage, net-drying Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.0601 - 33.0605, and similar purposes, must also meet these require- 33.0607, 33.0608, ments (cf. 33.11 MARINAS). 33.0611, 33.0615 AREA STANDARDS Rural Aquatic (C) 33.0601 - 33.0609, Conservation Aquatic All 33.0613, 33.0614 (C-OR) (PS-WA) Development Aquatic (PS) 33.0601 - 33.0611 Rural Aquatic (C-OR) (PS-WA) All Conservation Shorelands 33.0601 - 33.0609, Development Aquatic (PS) All (C-WA) 33.0612 - 33. Rural Shorelands (C) 33.0601 - 33.0609, Conservation Shoreland (C) All 33.0612- 33.0614 Rural Shorelands (PS) All Development Shorelands (PS) 33.0601 - 33.0607, Development Shorelands (PS) All 33.0609, 33.0612, Water Dependent Develop- All 33.0613 ment Shorelands (PS) Water Dependent Develop- 33.0601 - 33.0613 33.0501 Where a private individual dock or moor- ment Shorelands (PS) age is proposed, the applicant shall provide evi- 33.0601 Uses that are not water dependent shall not dence that alternative -moorage sites such as nearby preclude or unduly conflict with existing, proposed, marinas, community docks or mooring buoys are not or probable future water dependent use on the site available, are impractical, or will not satisfy the or in the vicinity. need. Only one boat dock or moorage area shall.be 33.0602 The placement of facilities shall take into permitted for each waterfront residence, subdivision account the impact on views and vistas from adja- or other use. cent roads or residential areas. Facilities which have 33.0502 The applicant shall provide evidence that a decidedly negative impact shall provide for buffer- the size of the dock or moorage is the minimum ing, screening or other design features to protect the necessary to fulfill the purpose. views or vistas. 33.0503 Open moorages are preferred over covered 33.0603 Facilities to treat and dispose of waste or enclosed moorages, except in connection with a water, and to prevent and clean-up spills and dis- commercial or industrial use where shelter is neces- pose of toxic materials or petroleum shall be pro- sary for repair and maintenance of vessels and as- vided as necessary. sociated equipment, such as fishing nets, etc. 33.0604 The applicant shall present evidence that 33.0504 Open pile piers or secured floats shall be the industrial or port facility will be designed and used for dock construction. constructed to minimize adverse effects on naviga- 33.0505 Piers and floats shall extend no further out tion, water and air quality, sedimentation rates and patterns, fish rearing or spawning areas, fish migra- into the water than necessary to provide navigation- tion routes, important vegetative habitat, land trans- al access. Conflict .s with other water surface us .es, portation routes and traffic patterns, public services such as commercial fishing, recreational boating and facilities, and existing land uses. and log rafting, shall be minimized. 33.0506 Floats in tidally influenced areas shall be 33.0605 Where the proposed industrial. use borders located such that they do not rest on the bottom at aquatic areas designated for resource protection or low water. conservation, the applicant shall show that meas- ures to be taken will reduce adverse impacts on such 33.0507 Docks and moorages shall be designed so adjacent areas to a level consistent with their re- that adverse hydraulic effects at the site and in adja- source protection or conservation use. cent areas are minimized. 33.0606 Facilities should be designed to permit public viewing of the waterfront and/or operations from viewpoints which would not interfere with in- dustrial operations. Public access to the shoreline and water, consistent with security and safety, shall be provided. 33.0607 Parking facilities shall not be located over water or on the immediate shoreline, except where parking elsewhere is rendered impractical by topo- graphy or constitutes a severe economic hardship, in 33.07 LAND TRANSPORTATION FACILI- which cases it shall remain as far landward as TIES - Highways, railroads, bridges and associated feasible. structures and signs which provide for land transpor- 33.0608 Industrial uses on floating structures shall tation of motorized and/or nonmotorized vehicles be protected against currents and waves, and be lo- (excluding logging roads). cated so as not to rest on the bottom at low water. AREA STANDARDS 33.0609 Energy facilities will be located and con- Conservation Aquatic (C) All structed according to the standards of the Oregon Rural Aquatic (C) All Energy Facility Siting Council or Washington Thermal Development Aquatic (C) All Power Plant Siting Law (RCW 80.50). The states preempt the regulation, certification and siting of Conservation Shorelands (C) All thermal power plants. Rural Shorelands (PS) All 33.0610* In Development Aquatic and Water De- Development Shorelands (PS) All pendent Development Shoreland areas water de- Water Dependent Develop- All pendent uses shall have the highest priority. Other ment Shorelands (PS) uses may be allowed if the project satisfies 33.0601 and the applicant presents evidence that either: 33.0701 Land transportation facilities shall not be (I ) The use is water related and is not to be situ- located in aquatic areas except where bridge cross- ated on new f ill in an aquatic area; or ings are needed or where no feasible alternative (2) The use shares an existing structure, such as a shoreland or upland route exists. Careful considera- wharf or pier, with a water dependent use, and the tion should be given to potential adverse hydraulic combination results in a multiple-use facility; or effects. Undesirable changes in shoaling, erosion (3) The use is temporary, with minimal perma- and f lood elevations shall be avoided. nent capital investment, in such cases, the shoreline 33.0702 The design and location of highways, rail-- permit will be valid only for a specified period, not roads and bridges should take advantage of the to exceed one year. natural topography to cause minimum disruption of 33.0611 Multipurpose and cooperative use of pro- the shoreline area. Causeways across aquatic areas posed moorage, parking, cargo handling and stor- shall not be permitted. age facilities should be undertaken where feasible. 33.0703 The applicant shall provide to the planning When new facilities are proposed, the applicant commission an evaluation of the impacts of shall show that existing facilities in the area cannot proposed rail or highway facilities on land use be utilized. New facilities should be designed to patterns, energy use, air and water quality, estuar- provide for cooperative use as feasible. ine habitat, functions and processes, existing trans- 33.0612 The design and construction of water de- portation facilities, and physical/visual access. The pendent or water related industrial and port facilities benefits of the location of new or expanded routes shall consider the need to protect or enhance ripar- shall be weighed against the costs of relocating ian vegetation for bank stabilization, wildlife habitat housing, businesses and public facilities. Routes maintenance, water quality, or a visual and noise shall be selected which preserve public access and buffer. Except where direct access to water is re- avoid separation of high inte 'nsity use areas (such as quired for wharves, piers, docks, or water intake or downstream commercial centers) from the water- discharge facilities, protection or enhancement of front. riparian vegetation may be required. 33.0704 New land transportation routes shall not 33.0613 Uses which are not water related shall be degrade the development potential of Water De- set back 30 feet from the shoreline and riparian pendent Development Shorelands. vegetation protected in this setback. 33.0705 Public roadways in scenic areas shall pro- 33.0614 In Rural Shorelands an industrial use shall vide for safe peclestriah and non-motorized vehicle be permitted only upon 'a finding that it satisfies a travel, and for sufficient viewpoints, rest areas and need that cannot be met on shorelands designated picnic areas along the public shorelines. for more intensive development. It shall be located -13.0706 Maintenance of existing roads and rail- so as not to interfere unduly with normal agricultural roads and maintenance and improvement of exist- or associated uses in adjacent areas. ing bridges shall be permitted, regardless of the de- 33.0615 In Conservation Aquatic areas, only low signation of the area they pass through. intensity water dependent or temporary industrial uses with minimal adverse environmental impacts shall be permitted. 111-12 33.08 LOG DUMP/SORT AREA (in-water) - An area to transfer logs to a, from the I nd to water, normally associated with log storage/sort yards, lo a 9 booming or processing/shipping facilities where rafts are built or dismantled. wm'@ ,,,,NE@Iv, R AREA STANDARDS % VMN- "p Rural Aquatic (C) (WA only) All Development Aquatic (C) All 33.0801 Easy-let-clown facilities sha I I' be used to transfer logs from land to water. Free-fall log dumps are not permitted. 33.0802 The best practicable bark and wood debris controls sha I I be used. 33.0803 Other pertinent standards in the Oregon En- vironmental Quality Commission's Program and Policy for "Log Handling in Oregon's Public Waters" Port of Astoria Photo (October 24, 1975) apply in Oregon. Pertinent stand- ards in the Washington Department of Natural Re- sources Special Provisions for booming and rafting leases shall apply to Washington State owned 33.10 LOG STORAGE/SORTING YARD (dry aquatic areas. land) - An area where logs are gathered from sur- rounding harvest areas, weighed, sorted for species, 33.09 LOG STORAGE (in-water) - The use Of size and quality, and stored until ready for transfer water surface area to store commercial logs in rafts to water storage areas or to market. until ready for market. AREA STANDARDS AREA STANDARDS Conservation Slhoreland (C) 33.1001 -33.1004 Natural Aquatic (C-WA) All Rural Shoreland (PS) 33.1001 -33.1003, Conservation Aquatic (PS) All 33.1005 Rural Aquatic (PS) All Development Shoreland (PS) 33.1001 -33.1003 Development Aquatic (PS) All Water Dependent Develop- 33.1001 -33.1003, 33.0901 New log storage areas will be located such ment Shorelands (C) 33.1006 that logs will not go aground on tidal flats at low 33.1001 Storage. facilities adjacent to waterways water. shall be designed, constructed and operated to con- 33.0902 New log storage areas will be located in trol leachates and prevent the loss of bark, chips, areas where conflicts with traditional and active sawdust and other wood debris into public waters. gillnet fish drifts are minimized. 33.1002 Unpaved storage yards underlain by per- 33.0903 Log storage areas shall be located where meable soils shall have at least a four foot separa- water quality degradation is minimized. Good flush- tion between the ground surface and the winter ing characteristics should exist at the site. water table. 33.0904 Other pertinent standards in the Oregon 33.1003 Other pertinent standards in the Oregon En- Environmental Quality Commission's Program and vironmental Quality Commission's Program and Policy for "Log Handling in Oregon's Public Waters" Policy for "Log Handling in Oregon's Public Waters" (October 24, 1975) shall apply in Oregon. Relevant (October 24, 1975) apply in Oregon. Washington Department of Natural Resources 33.1004 In Conservation Shoreland areas, storage Special Provisions for booming and rafting leases and sorting facilities should be located so as not to shall apply to Washington State owned aquatic interfere with non-forestry uses of these areas, such areas. as recreation. 33.1005 In Rural Shoreland areas, storage and sort- ing facilities shall be located so as not to interfere 4111 with rural residential uses, normal farming opera- tions and recreation. 33.1006 On Mater Dependent Development Shore- lands, storage and sorting facilities shall not pre- clude or unduly conflict with existing, proposed or probable future water dependent uses on the site or in the vicinity, unless the dry sort yard is itself an essential partof a water-dependent facility. Walt Lindstrom lif - 13 33.11 MARINAS - Facilities which provide moor- from wind, waves, tidal currents and surge, storms, age, launching, storage, supplies and a variety of strong prevailing winds and passing ship wakes, services for recreational, commercial fishing and Marinas should be located or designed in a manner charter fishing vessels. They are differentiated from which will not adversely affect the natural processes clocks/moorages (33.05) by a marina's larger scale, of erosion, littoral drift and/or beach accretion. the provision of significant landside services and/or 33.1109 Parking facilities shall remain outside the the use of a solid breakwater (rock, bulkheading, shoreline area, except where parking elsewhere is etc.). rendered impractical by topography or constitutes a AREA STANDARDS severe economic hardship, in which exceptional Rural Aquatic (C) 33.1101 -33.1110, cases it shall remain as for from the ordinary high 33.1111 (WA) water mark as feasible. Development Aquatic (PS) 33.1101 -33.1109, 33.1110 Marinas in Rural Aquatic and Shoreland 33.1111 (WA) areas shall be designed to minimize interference Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.1101 -33.1110, with agriculture and other rural uses. 33.1111 (WA) 33.1111 The 1971 revision of "Criteria Governing Development Shorelands (PS) 33.1101 - 33.1109, the Design of Marinas for Protection of Fish and 33.1111 (WA) Shellfish Resources" by the Washington State De- partment of Fisheries shall be used in design of the Water Dependent Develop- 33.1101 - 33 -1109, facility (adjusted to local tidal levels) in Washington. ment Shorelands (PS) 33.1111 (WA) 33.1101 The applicant shall provide evidence that 33.12 MINING/MINERAL EXTRACTION existing marina facilities are inadequate to meet the The removal for economic use of minerals, petro- demand and that existing facilities cannot feasibly leum resources, sands, gravels or other naturally be expanded. occurring materials from the shorelands and/or the 33.1102 Marina facilities shall be designed and bed beneath an aquatic area. constructed to minimize negative impacts on navi- AREA STANDARDS gation, water and air quality, sedimentation rates Conservation Aquatic (C) All and patterns, fish rearing or migration routes, Rural Aquatic (C) All important sediment-dwelling organisms, birds, other wildlife, tidal marshes and other important vegeta- Development Aquatic (C) All tive habitat. Effects on traffic patterns, parking faci- Conservation Shorelands (C) 33.1201 - 33.1206 lities, noise levels and uses in adjacent shoreland Rural Shorelands (C) 33.1201 - 33.1206 and aquatic areas shall be considered. . Development Shorelands (C) 33.1201 - 33.1206 33.1103 Flushing and water circulation adequate to Water Dependent Develop- 33.1201 - 33.1206 maintain ambient water quality shall be provided by ment Shorelands (C) design or artificial means. A calculated flushing time shall be presented as evidence that this standard has 33.1201 The operator of a surface mine shall present been met. to the local government one copy each of a state- 33.1104 The amount of water surface occupied sha I I approved surface mining plan and reclamation be the minimum required to meet the need. In this plan. regard, new facilities shall make maximum feasible 33.1202 The impacts on fish feeding, spawning and use of dry boat moorage on shoreland areas. nursery areas, fish transit and migration, bird and 33.1105 Means for preventing oil, fuels and other wildlife habitat, riparian vegetation, water quality contaminants from entering the water shall be pro- (dissolved oxygen, turbidity and other relevant vided. Equipment shall be available on-site for factors), shoaling and erosion of nearby areas, cir- clean-up of accidental spills of contaminants. culation, and other relevant factors shall be eva- Sewage and fish wastes shall not be discharged luated and minimized. directly into the water. 33.1203 Petroleum extraction and drilling opera- 33.1106 Marina facilities should provide for maxi- tions shall not be allowed in aquatic areas. Petro- mum public access and recreation use, consistent leum may, however, be extracted from beneath with safety and security considerations. Walkways, aquatic areas using equipment located on adjaceni seating, fishing areas and similar facilities should be shorelands or uplands, according to the rules set provided. forth by the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Petroleum exploration (not including ex- 33.1107 Open moorages are encouraged over ploratory drilling) is permitted in shorelonds and covered or enclosed moorages, except in connection aquatic areas, subject to state standards. with a commercial or industrial use where shelter is 33.1204 Unless part of an approved fill project, necessary for repair and maintenance of vessels and spoils and stockpiles should be placed beyond the associated equipment, such as fishing nets. reach of high water and in such a manner that sedi- 33.1108 New marina facilities shall be located in ment wi I I not enter or return to the waterway. areas where there is natural or manmade protection 33.1205 Riparian vegetation shall be retained to the degree possible. Disturbed shoreline areas shall be 111- 14 revegetated. considered before deciding whether to allow the 33.1206 Waste-water handling facilities must meet use, including the structures' capacity for changing state and federal water quality standards and be currents, sedimentation, erosion, sediment move- adequate to prevent damage to in-stream water ment by waves and currents, and flushing charac- teristics; capacity for damaging aquatic habitat and quality. fishery resources; aesthetic impact; interference 33.1207 Mining or mineral extraction should not with navigation; occupation of water surface; and occur in productive, shallow sub-tidal areas, tidal other relevant factors. Effects on long-shore sand flats, or tidal marshes, as determined by the State transport on beaches and in the river are especially Removal/Fill Permit and Corps of Engineers permit important and should be evaluated carefully. Ad- processes. Where mining or mineral extraction in verse impacts shall be minimized by both design and such aquatic areas is necessary because no feasible construction. upland sites exist, the activity should occur in areas 33.1302 Jetties, groins and rock breakwaters shall of sandy bottom sediments, where biological pro- be constructed of clean, non-eroclable land materi- ductivity is low and unwanted shoaling has als. The size of the material shall be appropriate for occurred. existing wave, tide and current conditions. In-stream 33.1208 If the project is planned for aquatic areas, gravels shall not be used. Sound engineering prac- the applicant shall present evidence to explain why. tices and state and federal agency standards shall be the project cannot be carried out on land. Mining/ followed. mineral extraction is not permitted in tidal marshes, and productive tidal flats and subticlal areas. 33.1303 Pile dikes shall be installed in accordance with the standards for piling/dolphin installation 33.13 NAVIGATIONAL STRUCTURES - Pile (33.26). dikes, groins, fills, jetties and breakwaters that are 33.11304 Fills shall be installed in accordance with installed to help maintain navigation channels, con- the standards on fills (33.25). trol erosion or protect marinas and harbors by con- 33.1305 Floating breakwaters are preferred over the trolling water flow, wave action and sand move- solid, rip-rapped, or rock type, when feasible, to ment. maintain fish habitat and sand movement. Solid Pile dikes are flow control structures that are used breakwaters should be constructed only where they primarily in river systems and are made of closely can be designed to minimize detrimental effects on spaced piling connected by timbers; usually they are sand movement and water circulation. perpendicular to the shore.'They are constructed to 33.1306 In Conservation Aquatic areas, only minor increase scour in the navigation channel and/or navigational structures that require no major estuar- control shoreline erosion by interrupting sand trans- ine alterations may be allowed. port and encouraging sedimentation in the sheltered lee of the pile dike. A single pile dike is unusual; 33.14 RECREATION USES - Uses not otherwise they are generally constructed in groups. specified in the Permitted Use/Activity Tables which Groins are analogous to pile dikes, but are con- help provide the opportunity for enjoyable active or structed from rocks and can withstand rougher wave passive leisure-time activities. Examples include condition than pile dikes. Groins are often used on public parks, waysides, fishing piers, boat launches, beaches where they exert a strong influence on sand foot paths and bike trails, swimming areas and transport and extend from the backshore seaward amusement parks. across the beach. AREA STANDARDS Jetties are the largest of all navigational structures, Natural Aquatic (C) 33-1401 - 13.1405 are made of rock or concrete, and are used to stabil- Conservation Aquatic (PS) 33.1401 -33.1404, ize the channel and improve the scour at the mouth 33-1406 of an estuary. They must be able to withstand ex- treme wave conditions and may alter longshore Rural Aquatic (PS) 33-1401 -33.1404, sand transport for many miles along the coast. 33-1407 Breakwaters may be a floating structure or-made of Development Aquatic (PS) 33-1401 -33.1404, rock, steel, concrete, or piling. They are used to pro- 33-1408 tect harbors and marinas against waves and cur- Natural Shoreland (C) 33.1401 - 33.1405 re n ts. Conservation Shoreland (PS) 33-1401 - 33.1404, Fills - Aquatic areas are sometimes f illed as a means 33-1406 of controlling flows. Fills are often placed between Rural Shoreland (PS) 33-1401 -33.1404, pile dikes. 33.1407 AREA STANDARDS Development Shoreland (PS) 33-1401 -33.1404 Conservation Aquatic (C) All Water Dependent Develop- 33.1401 -33.1404, Rural Aquatic (C) 33-1301 - 33.1305 ment Shoreland (PS) 33-1408 Development Aquatic (C) 33.1301 - 33.1305 321.114011 Recreation uses in waterfront areas shall take maximum advantage of their proiimity to the 311.113011 Impacts of navigational structures shall be water by providing for water access points, water 111-15 viewing areas and str 'ucture design compatible with 33.1501 The basic shoreline setback for residential the aesthetic qualities of the waterfront location. structures and associated parking shall be 30 feet as Parking areas shall be located as far from the shore- measured from the aquatic-shore land boundary. line as feasible. Where erosion or flood hazard exists, the required 33.1402 Recreational access to the water along setback will be determined on a case-by-case basis publicly owned shorelines shall be maintained to with appropriate hazard protection required. If the the maximum extent possible, consistent with safety applicant can demonstrate that existing structures on and resource conservation needs. adjoining lots infringe on the 30-foot setback, the 33.1403 Recreational water access points provided setback may be determined by the building line in connection with private commercial development common to the adjacent existing structures, but no shall be open to public use, except where security setback may be less than 10 feet without a variance. and safety considerations are overriding. 33.1502 Removal of existing vegetation along the 33.1404 Recreational facilities shall be designed to stream or river bank shal I not be permitted except as minimize adverse effects on surface or ground water necessary for property access or placement of resi- quality. The adverse effects of storm runoff from dential structures. Consistent with maintaining a parking lots shall be given special attention. stable shoreline, provision for limited removal or replacement of vegetation may be made to increase 33.1405 Recreation uses of Natural Aquatic and livability or provide a view of the water. Applicants, Shoreland areas shall be undeveloped and low in- particularly for subdivisions, will show how they tensity. Permanent structures, dredging, filling, plan to preserve and/or replace shoreline vegeta- piling and other alterations are not permitted; tem- tion. porary structures may be allowed, consistent with 33.1503 Storm drainage systems shall be separated maintenance of natural resource and aesthetic from sewage disposal systems. Sewage disposal values. systems shall be designed so that water quality of 33.1406 Recreation uses of Conservation Aquatic adjacent coastal waters wil I not be impaired. and Shoreland areas shall be of low to moderate 33.1504 Subdivisions, mobile home parks and plan- intensity and located so as not to interfere with ned unit developments shall be designed so as to normal forest management practices or natural re- protect and compliment the aesthetic character of source protection of aquatic areas. the shorelands and adjacent aquatic areas (as view- 33.1407 Recreation uses of Rural Aquatic and ed from the water or shorelands). Shoreland areas shall be located so as not to inter- 33.1505 Unless it can be demonstrated that ade- fere with normal agricultural practices or quate public access exists in the area, subdivisions, sul3stantially degrade natural resource production of mobile home parks and planned unit developments aquatic areas. Public access may be restricted as shall provide for public pedestrian access to the necessary to protect flood control structures and pre- shoreline within the development. vent trespass on private land. 33JA08 Recreation uses of Development Aquatic 33.1506 When only a shoreland area is being de- and Water Dependent Development Shoreland veloped, adjacent aquatic areas shall not be used to areas shall be water dependent and located so as compute lot area or density. not to interfere unduly with industrial uses of these 33.1507 Residential uses in Oregon Development areas. Aquatic areas shall be limited to accessory uses and multi-family residences with marina facilities. Multi- 33.15 RESIDENTIAL USES - Development of family residences shall not preclude or unduly con- land and structures for human occupancy as living flict with existing, proposed, or probable future quarters. This category includes single and multi- water dependent use on the site or in the vicinity. family dwellings, subdivisions, mobile homes and Residences shall not be located on new fill in mobile home parks, and planned unit develop- aquatic areas. ments. Only floating residences shall be allowed in Wash- AREA STANDARDS ington Aquatic areas; they shall be located in ac- cordance with the standards for Docks/Moorages Conservation Aquatic (C-WA) 33.1502 - 33.1507 and Piling/Dolphin Installation. They shall not be lo- Rural Aquatic (C-WA) 33.1502 - 33.1507 cated over productive fish feeding areas or in a loca- Development Aquatic (C) 33.1502 - 33.1507, tion inconsistent with the intent of the shoreline (OR) environment designation. Residential development Conservation Shorelands (PS) 33.1501 -33.1506, over water and on fill shall not be permitted. 33.1508 33.1508 On Conservation Shorelands, no subdivi- Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.1501 -33.1506, sions or major or minor partitions may be allowed. 33.1509 Single-family residences may be allowed only upon Development Shorelands (PS) 33.1501 -33.1506 a finding that the housing satisfies a need that can- not be met on shorelanjs designated for more in- Water Dependent Develop- 33.1501 -33.1506, tensive development, shall be low density, and shall ment Shorelands (C) 33.1510 be located so as not to interfere with normal forest 111-16 management practices. a development project if the restoration or resource 33,1509 On Rural Shorelands, residences, residen- enhancement is undertaken as mitigation of other tial subdivisions, and major or minor partitions may adverse effects of the project. For diked tideland be allowed only upon a finding that the housing restoration, costs should include costs associated satisfies a need that cannot be met on shorelands with the loss of agricultural land. designated for more intensive development, shall be low density, and shall be located so as not to 33.17 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL - The depo- interfere with normal agricultural use Iand practices sition of municipal or industrial solid waste on shore- on adjacent parcels of land. lands. 33.1510 Residential uses in Water.Dependent De- AREA STANDARDS velopment Shorelands shall be allowed only as an Rural Shorelands (C) accessory use. All Development Shorelands (C) All 33.16 RESTORATION -/RESOURCE EN- Water Dependent Develop- All HANCEMENT - Replacing or restoring original ment Shorelands (C) attributes or amenities such as natural biological 33.1701 Solid waste disposal on shorelands shall be productivity and aesthetic or cultural resources allowed only when an upland location is not feasi- which have been diminished or lost by past altera- ble, and as part of the preparation of the site for an tions, activities or catastrophic events. Active Res- allowed or conditionally allowed shoreland devel- toration involves the use of specific remedial ac- opment. Sites shall be consistent with the approved tions such as removing dikes or fills, installing water solid waste disposal plan. treatment facilities, or rebuilding or removing de- teriorated urban waterfront areas. Passive Restora- 33.1702 Solid waste material shall not be deposited tion is the use of natural processes, sequences or in marshes, wetlands, or other aquatic areas. Solid timing to bring about restoration after the removal or waste deposited in a shoreland disposal site shall be reduction of adverse stresses. Resource Enhance- strictly confined to the site. ment is the use of artificial or natural means to Im- 33.1703 All relevant state and federal air quality, prove the quantity or quality of a specific resource. water quality and solid waste disposal regulations AREA STANDARDS shall be adhered to. Leaching of harmful substances Natural Aquatic (C) All into ground and surface waters shall be avoided, Conservation Aquatic (C) All and public health and safety protected. Rural Aquatic (C) All 33.1704 Aesthetic impacts of the solid waste dis- Development Aquatic (C) All posal shall be minimized by screening the site with natural or planted vegetation. Natural Shorelands (C) All Conservation Shorelands (C) All 33.18 TIMBER PROPAGATION /HARVEST- Rural Shorelands (C) All ING - Planting, growing, thinning, harvesting, etc. of trees for commercial purposes. Logging road Development Shorelands (C) All construction is also covered by these standards. Water Dependent Develop- All AREA STANDARDS ment Shorelands (C) Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.1801, 33.1802 33.1601 Policies set forth in the Restoration and Mitigation Plan should be consulted in evaluation of Rural Aquatic (C) 33.1801, 33,1802 individual restoration/resource enhancement pro- Development Aquatic (PS) 33.1801 jects. Natural Shorelands (C) 33.1801, 33.1803 33.1602 Restoration/resource enhancement in De- Conservation Shorelands (PS) 33.1801 velopment Aquatic, Development Shoreland or Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.1801 Water Dependent Development Shoreland should be undertaken only if it is likely that the project will Development Shorelands (PS) 33.1801 not conflict with or be destroyed by existing or sub- Water Dependent Develop- 33.1801 sequent development. ment Shorelands (PS) 33.1603 A proposal for restoration or resource, en- 33. 1801 Forest practices and road bu i Idi ng wi I I be i n hancement shall be accompanied by an analysis of accord with the rules established under the Oregon possible adverse effects on: circulation and current State Forest Practices Act administered by the De- patterns; shoaling or erosion; water quality; existing partment of Forestry, or the Washington State Forest habitat and natural resource values; and feeding Practices Acts administered by the Department of and migration of juvenile salmon, other fishes, and Natural Resources. aquatic organisms. Such effects shall be minimized. 33.1802 In Conservation and Rural Aquatic areas 33.1604 The applicant shall establish that the bene- (primarily Sitka Spruce swamps), the Department of ficial effects of a restoration or resource enhance- Forestry and local government shall allow only se- ment project outweigh the direct and indirect project lective commercial timber cutting of no more than costs. Benefits shall include those benefits related to thirty percent of the merchantable trees in any ten year period of time: PROVIDED, that other timber 33.20 BANKLINE OR STREAM ALTERA- harvesting methods may be permitted in those lim- TION- Realignment of a stream bank or the entire ited instances where the topography, soil conditions stream, either within or without its normal high or silviculture practices necessary for regeneration water boundaries. make selective logging ecologically detrimental: and PROVIDED FURTHER, that clear cutting of timber AREA STANDARDS which is solely incidental to the preparation of- land Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.2001 -33.2004 for other uses authorized by these standards may be Rural Aquatic (C) 33.2001 -33.2004 permitted. Disruption of drainage patterns, wildlife habitat and aquatic values shall be minimized, and Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2001 -33.2004 logging roads and heavy equipment shall not be Conservation Shorelands (C) 33.2001 - 33.2003, permitted in aquatic areas. 33.2005 33.1803 In Natural Shoreland areas, timber har- Rural Shorelands (C) 33.2001 -33.2003, vesting shall only be conducted when necessary for 33.2005 low intensity, undeveloped recreation facilities such Development Shorelands (C) 33.2001 -33.2003, as trails. 33.2005 33.19 UTILITIES - Public service structures such Water Dependent Develop- 33.2001 -33.2003, as: towers, facilities and major lines for communica- ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2005 tion and power transmission; waste water treatment 33.2001 Adverse impacts on fish spawning, feeding, plants; storm water and treated waste water outfalls migration and transit, wildlife habitat, riparian (including industrial); and major water, sewer and vegetation, circulation patterns, salinity intrusion, gas I ines. water quality, sediment movement and distribution, erosion and shoaling of nearby areas and other es- AREA STANDARDS tuarine processes, habitats and functions shall be Co 'nservation Aquatic (C) All evaluated and minimized. Rural Aquatic, (C) All 33.2002 An altered water course shall meander and Development Aquatic (C) All maintain stream surface area as feasible. Alteration Conservation Shorelands (C) All of sloughs, oxbows and marshes shall be minimized. Rural Shorelands.(C) All 33.2003 Alignments should make maximum use of Development Shorelands All natural or existing deep water channels, but should (C-OR) (PS-WA) not create pockets of stagnant water or other un- Water Dependent Develop- All desirable hydraulic conditions. ment Shorelands (C) 33.2004 In-stream dredging shall be conducted 33.1901 Electrical or communication transmission according to the Dredging Standards (33.22). lines shall be located underground, unless not 33.2005 Standards 33.2402 - 33.2408 set forth under economically feasible. Overhead electrical and Excavation (creation of new water surface area) communication transmission lines shall not unduly shall apply. interfere with migratory bird flyways and significant habitat of resident waterfowl, birds of prey and other birds. 33.1902 Utilities shall not be located on new fill land Embiotoca lateralis Striped Seaperch unless part of an otherwise approved project and no other alternative exists. 33.1903 Ab ove-ground utilities shall be designed to have the least adverse effect on visual and other aesthetic characteristics of the area. Interference with public uses and public access to the estuary shall be minimized. 33.1904 Effluents from point-source discharges shall meet all applicable state and federal water and air quality standards. 33.1905 After installation or maintenance is com- pleted, disturbed stream ba'nks shall be stabilized on Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesy ClatsoP County (see Bank Stabilization Standards 33.27). 33.1906 Uti I ities for residences are not considered a conditional use and shall be permitted wherever residences are permitted. 33.21 DIKES - Structures designed and built to 33.2105 New dike alignment and configuration prevent inundation of a Parcel of land by water. A shall be' such as to cause no increase in erosion or dike is considered new when placed on an area shoaling in adjacent areas and no appreciable in- which: 1) has never previously been diked, or 2) crease in back water elevation. Channelization of has previously been diked, but all or a substantial the waterway should be avoided. part of the area is subject to daily inundation and tidal marsh has been established. Maintenance and 33.2106 Emergency repair to existing dikes is per- repair refer to: 1) existing serviceable dikes (in- mitted, consistent with other requirements of these cluding those that allow some seasonal inundation), standards, subject to the rules set forth by the and 2) those that have been damaged by flooding' Oregon Division of State Lands or the Washington erosion, tide gate failure, etc., but where reversion Departments of Fish and Gaime, and the U.S. Army to tidal marsh has not yet occurred, except in drain- Corps of Engineers. age ways. 33.22 DREDGING - The removal of sediment or AREA STANDARDS other material from a stream, river, estuary or other New Dikes: aquatic area for the purpose of deepening a naviga- Conservation Aquatic (C) All tion channel, mooring basin or other navigational Rura I Aquatic (C) All areas, or obtaining fill material. Development Aquatic (PS) All AREA STANDARDS Conservation Shorelands (C) All New Projects: Rural Shorelands (PS) All Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.2201 - 33.2210, Development Shorelands (PS) All 33.2213 Water Dependent Develop- All Rural Aquatic (C-OR) (PS-WA) 33.2201 - 33.2210, ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2213 Dike Maintenance and Repair: Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2201 -33.2210 Maintenance of Projects: Natural Aquatic (PS) All Natural Aquatic (C) 33.2201 -33.2212 Conservation Aquatic (PS) All Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.2201 -33.2212 Rural Aquatic (PS) All Rural Aquatic (PS) 33.2201 -33.2212 Development Aquatic (PS) All Natural Shorelands (PS) All Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2201 -33.2212 Conservation Shorelands (PS) All Obtaining Fill Material: Rural Shorelands (PS) All Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.2201 -33.2212 Development Shorelands (PS) All Rural Aquatic (C) 33.2201 -33.2212 Water Dependent Develop- All Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2201 -33.2212 ment Shorelonds (PS) 33.2201 Dredging in aquatic areas shall be per- 33.2101 The outside face of the dike shall be suit- mitted only: ably protected to prevent erosion, as part of any new (I ) For navigation or navigational access; or dike construction or maintenance of existing dikes. (2) In conjunction with a permitted or condition- All standods for shoreline stabilization shall be met, ally permitted water dependent use of waters or as applicable (cf 33.20). However, trees, brush, and adjacent shorelands for which there is a demon- shrubs should not be planted. strated public need and for which no feasible al- ternative exists; or 33.2102 Minor dredging as a source of material for (3) As part of an approved restoration project; or dike maintenance shall be allowed only when eco- (4) As a source of material, as per standard nomicolly feasible upland sources of material are 33.2208 below, or for mining or mineral extraction, not available (cf Dredging Standards 33.22). as provided in the Mining and Mineral Extraction 33.2103 Good engineering practices shall be follow- standards (33.12); or ed in dike maintenance, repair and construction. (5) For dike maintenance, as provided in 33.2102, State and federal agency regulations apply. 33.2211, and 33.2212. (6) In conjunction with a permitted or conditional- 33.2104 When new dikes are placed as flood pro- ly permitted bridge (@3.07), for which there is a tection, they should be placed on the shorelands and public need and no other feasible sites or routes not in aquatic areas (including marshes or other exist. wetlands). New diking of aquatic areas will be 33.2202 When dredging is permitted, the dredging subject to the standardsfor fill (cf Fill, 33.25). shall be the minimum necessary to accomplish the proposed use. 33.2203 Erosion, sedimentation, increased flood hazard and other undesirable changes in circulation shall be avoided in dredging and the disposal of dredged material. Tidal marshes, tidal flats and 111-19 other wetlands should not be adversely affected. (2) The dredging method selected will not leave The applicant may be required to demonstrate the potholeswhere juvenile salmon and other fish might absence of adverse effects by correlation of field be stranded at low water; and data and mathematical models or the Corps of Engi- (3) Other disruption of tidal flats and tidal marsh- neers' model. es is minimized. 33.2204 Bottom sediments and pore water in the 33.2213 New navigation project dredging in Conser- dredging and disposal areas shall be adequately vation and Rural Aquatic areas may be allowed characterized by the applicant before the operation only for minor navigational improvements and begins. Information that may be required includes, limited to shallow draft. Such dredging shall not as appropriate: particle size distribution, organic result in major alteration to the estuarine ecosystem. content, nutrients, sulfides, oxygen and heavy metals, benthic studies or other tests. This require- Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission ment may, be waived for clean Columbia River sands Estuarine Resources Goal 16 Exceptions required (cf Appendix B) and grovels. 33.2205 The timing of dredging and disposal shall be coordinated with state and federal resource agencies, local governments and private interests to 33.23 DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL - The ensure adequate protection of biological producti- deposition of dredged material in aquatic areas or vity (fish runs, spawning, benthic productivity, wild- shorelands. Methods include land disposal, in water life, etc.) and to minimize interference with fishing disposal, in water disposal to create land, beach activities, In general, disposal should occur during nourishment, flow-lane disposal, ocean disposal, periods of adequate river flow to aid flushing of and other in water disposal. suspended sediments and downstream transport of In-water disposal is the deposition of dredged dredged material reaching the bottom. material in a body of water. 33.2206 Adverse short-term effects of dredging and Flow-lane disposal is the in water deposition of disposal such as turbidity, release of nutrients, dredged material in or adjacent to the maintained heavy metals, sulfides, organic material or toxic navigation channel and within the natural channel substances, dissolved oxygen depletion, disruption or the slopes adjacent to the natural channel. The of the food chain, loss of benthic productivity, and purpose is to avoid permanent deposition and allow disturbance of fish runs and important localized the material to continue downstream. biological communities shall be minimized. Ocean disposal is the deposition of dredged ma- 33.2207 All relevant state and federal water quality terial in the ocean. standards shall be met by dredging and dredged Land disposal is the deposition of dredged ma- material disposal activities. terial on land. Beach nourishment is the deposition of dredged 33.2208* Dredging as a source of material forfill or material in shoreline areas where active erosion is construction should not occur in productive, shallow occurring, as a way of preventing further erosion of sub-tidal areas, tidal flats, or tidal marshes. When the bankline. It is not a way of c@eoting new land or dredging as a source of material is necessary, be- beaches where beaches have not previously cause feasible upland sources of material are ab- existed. sent, dredging should occur in areas of sandy bottom sediments, where biological productivity is low and AREA STANDARDS unwanted shoaling has occurred. Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.2301 -33.2308 33.2209 Destabilization of fine-textured sediments, Rural Aquatic (C) 33.2301 -33.2306, erosion and siltation in areas adjacent to the dred- 33.2308 ging project and other undesirable changes in cir- Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2301 -33.2306, culation patterns, such as a substantial reduction of 33.2308 flushing time, shall be avoided. Conservation Shorelands (C) 33.2301 -33.2302, 33.2210 In the evaluation of any dredging project 33.2307- 33.2312 during the permit process, the adverse effects of Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.2301 -33.2302f both the initial dredging and subsequent mainten- 33.2307- 33.2312 ance dredging must.be considered. Development Shorelands (PS) 33.2301 -33.2302, 33.2211* In all aquatic areas, minor dredging may 33.2307 - 33.2312 be permitted to the minimal extent necessary to Water Dependent Develop- 33.2301 -33.2302, open drainage channels from tide boxes out to ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2307 -33.2312 deeper water. 33.2301 Selection of dredged material disposal sites 33.2212* In all aquatic areas, dredging of shallow shall be in accord with the Dredged Material Dis- biologically productive areas adjacent to dikes as a posal Plan, Site Selection and Use Priorities, 53. source of material for dike maintenance may be allowed upon the applicant's demonstration that: (1) Alternative sources of material are not avail- 33.2302 Standards 33.2202 - 33.2207, Dredging, able or are not economically feasible; and apply. 111-20 33.2303 With regard to in-water disposal in the way through an outfall at a location that minimizes river, estuary and ocean: circulation and flushing. Underground springs and (1) Consideration shall be given to the need for aquifers must be identified and protected. the proposed disposal, the availability and desira- (2) Dikes shall be well constructed and large bifity of alternate sites and methods of disposal that enough to encourage proper "ponding" and to pre- might be less damaging to the environment. No site vent the return of solids into the waterway or es- should be used if insufficient sediment type and tuary. Ponds should be designed to maintain at least benthic population data are available to provide a one foot of standing water at all times to further general idea of the biological value of the site. encourage proper settling. Weirs should have proper (2) The size and chemical characteristics of the crest heights. dredged material should be com pared with those of 33.2310 Disposal should be compatible with the in- the disposal site, and consideration should be given tended land surface use after disposal. Disposal of to matching the dredged material to the capabilities dredged material should occur on the smallest of the site. possible land area consistent with Standard 33.2312 (3) In-water disposal requires either a water qual- below, in order to minimize the quantity of land that ity certification or a short-term exemption. Dredged is disturbed. Clearing of land should occur in stages material disposal shall not be permitted in the vicin- only as needed. Reuse of existing disposal sites is ity of a public water supply intake. preferred to the creation of new sites in order to 33.2304 Flow-lane disposal shall be conducted so minimize the total land area covered by disposal that: material. It may, however, be desirable to clear and (11) The material is not deposited upstream from fill an entire site at one time, if the site will be used the dredging site. Disposal should not occur under for development immediately afterfilling. fresh water flow and tidal conditions where the pre- 33.2311 Where appropriate, revegetation of land dominant sediment transport at a site is upriver. disposal sites should occur as soon as possible, in (2) Use of the disposal site does not interfere with order to retard wind erosion and to restore wildlife fishing activities by causing major changes in the habitat value of the site. Native species should be circulation patterns or bottom configurations of the used; the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the disposal site. SCS Inter-Agency Seeding Manual should be con- 33.2305 Ocean disposal shall be conducted so that: suited. Efforts should be made to minimize the time (1 ) The amount of material deposited at a site is necessary to achieve leaching of salts from the soils. compatible with the benthic populations and other Revegetation of areas that will be reused is strongly uses of the area. encouraged, to help prevent erosion before reuse. (2) Interference with sport and commercial fish- 33.2312 Height and Slope requirements: The final ing is minimized. height and slope after each use of a land dredged (3) Disposal is strictly confined to the designated material site should be such that: disposal sites. (1 ) The site does not enlarge itself by sluffing and 33.2306 Except for flow-lane disposal and beach erosion at the expense of adjacent aquatic areas. nourishment, deposition inside the estuary should (2) Loss of material from the site during storms be substituted for ocean disposal only when sea or and freshets is minimized. weather conditions are a hazard to safe navigation (3) Interference with the view from nearby resi- for the dredging vessel. dences, scenic viewpoints and parks is avoided. 33.2307 In Conservation Aquatic areas, only sites designated in the Dredged Material Management Plan may be used for disposal. -g R 0 33.2308 Beach nourishment shall be conducted s M that: 'H4 (1) Erosion or deposition downstream from the disposal site does not occur. Particular care must be taken that erosion of the dredged material does not P, M smother marsh or other shallow productive areas. (2) The volume and frequency of dredged mate- rial disposal is such as to maintain a stable beach profile, as nearly as possible. Dredged material shall be graded at a uniform slope and contoured to reduce cove and peninsula formation, to minimize juvenile fish stranding. 33.2309 For land disposal: Official Corps of Engineers Photo (1 ) Proper diversion of surface discharge must be provided to maintain the integrity of the natural streams, wetlands and drainageways. Leaching of disposal runoff into the waterway must be controlled and all disposal runoff water must enter the water- 111-21 33.24 EXCAVATION - Creation of New Wa- 33.25 FILL - The placement by man of sediment or ter Surface Area - Excavation of shorelands that other material (excluding solid waste) in an aquatic create new water surface directly connected to other area to create new shorelands or on shorelands to tidal or non-tidal waters. The most common exam- raise the elevation of the land. ples are creation of moorage space or fish ponds AREA STANDARDS from dry land. Normal agriculture and timber prac- tices are exempt from these standards. Drainage Conservation Aquatic (C) All ditches are subject to these standards only in those Rural Aquatic (C) All cases where tidal or stream waters enter the drain- Development Aquatic (PS) All age ditch on a routine basis. Conservation Shorelands (C) 33.2501 - 33.2503 AREA STANDARDS Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.2501 - 33.2503 Conservation Shorelands (C) All Development Shorelands (PS) 33.2501 - 33.2503 Rural Shorelands (PS) Ali Water Dependent Develop- 33.2501 - 33.2503 Development Shorelands (PS) All ment Shorelands (PS) Water Dependent Develop- All ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2501 Fills shall be permitted only after it is es- tablished that adverse impacts on navigation, es- 33.2401 Creation of new water surface area shall be tuarine habitat, processes and functions, water allowed only for navigation, other water-dependent circulation and sedimentation patterns, water qual- use, or restoration. Adverse impacts on flushing ity and recreational activities will be minimized. time, erosion of or shoaling in adjacent shores and 33.2502 A fill shall be the minimum necessary to waters, or dissolved oxygen levels, water quality or accomplish the proposed use. estuarine habitat, processes and functions shall be evaluated and minimized. 33.2503 Where existing public access is reduced, 33.2402 Interference with existing navigation shall suitable public access' as part of the development be minimized. project shall be provided. 33.2403 Existing riparian vegetation shall be pro- 33.2504 Fill in aquatic areas shall be permitted only: tected to the extent possible and the new bankline (1 ) In conjunction with a permitted or condition- ally permitted water dependent use for which there shall be stabilized against erosion in an appropriate is a demonstrated public need and for which no manner, preferably by vegetative stabilization before the new water body is connected to existing feasible upland sites exist; water bodies (see Shoreline Stabilization Standards (2) In conjunction with a permitted or conditional- (33.27). ly permitted bridge, for which there is a public need and where no feasible upland sites or routes exist; or 33.2404 Excavation of as much as is practical of the (3) As part of an approved restoration project. new water body shall be completed before it is connected to existing water bodies. 33.2505 Afill in an aquatic area shall be surrounded by dikes that are appropriately stabilized (see stand- 33.2405 The excavation shall not be permitted if ards for Shoreline Stabilization [33.27]). Fills in toxic substances or other pollutants will leach into shoreland areas shall also be con"tained by dikes; the water as a result'of the excavation. these dikes shall be stabilized appropriately if they 33.2406 Material generated by the excavation shall abut on a body of water. Disposal behind the dikes be deposited on land in an appropriate manner (see shall proceed according to Dredging Standards Dredged Material Disposal Standards 33.2301, 33.2204 - 33.2207 and Dredged Material Disposal 33.2307 - 33.2312). Standards 33.2309 and 33.2310. 33.2407 Excavation to create new water area should 33.2506 Aquatic areas shall not be used for sanitary not destroy valuable shoreland wildlife habitat, or landfills or the disposal of solid waste. result in stream channelization. 33.2408 Existing public access shall not be reduced, and increased public access to the water and recrea- tional opportunities as part of the project are en- couraged. III - 22 33.27 SHORELINE STABILIZATION - The pro- tection of the banks of tidal or non-tidal stream, river or estuarine waters by vegetative or structural means. AREA STANDARDS Vegetative (non-structural) stabilization: ...... Natural Aquatic (PS) 33.2701 - 33.2704, 33.2712 Conservation Aquatic (PS) 33.2701 -33.2704, Z,Z"" Z 33.2712 Rural Aquatic (PS) 33.2701 - 33.2704, 33.2712 Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2701 - 33.2704, 33.2712 M Natural Shorelands (PS) 33.2701 33.2704, 33.2712 Conservation Shorelands (PS) 33.2701 -33.2704, 33.2712 Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.2701 -33.2704, 33.2712 Development Shorelands (PS) 33.2701 33.2704, 33.2712 Water Dependent Develop- 33.2701 -33.2704, ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2712 Port of Astoria Photo Rip rap: Naturai t-Nquatic (C) 33.2705 - 33.2710, 33.2712 Conservation Aquatic (PS) 33.2706 - 33.2710, 33.2712 Rural Aquatic (PS) 33.2706 - 33.2710, 33.2712 Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2706 - 33.2710, 33.2712 33.26 PILING/DOLPHIN INSTALLATION - Natural Shorelands (C) 33.2705 - 33.2710, The driving of wood, concrete or steel piling into the 33,2712 bottom in aquatic areas to support piers or docks, Conservation Shorelands (PS) 33.2706 -33.2710, structures, moored floating structures, vessels or log 33.2712 rafts or for other purposes. A dolphin is a group of Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.2706 - 33.2710, pilings held together by steel cable and used for 33.2712 mooring vessels, log rafts or floating structures. Development Shorelands (PS) 33.2706 -33.2710, AREA STANDARDS 33.2712 Conservation Aquatic (C) All Water Dependent Develop- 33.2706 - 33.2710, Rural Aquatic (PS) All ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2712 Development Aquatic (PS) All Bulkheads: 33.2601 Piling/dolphin installation shall be per- Conservation Aquatic (C) 33.2707 - 33.2712, mitted only in conjunction with an allowed or condi- 33.2713 (WA) tional use for which no feasible upland sites exist. Rural Aquatic (C) 33.2707 - 33.2712, 33.2602 Piling/dolphin installation shall be the min- 33.2713 (WA) imum necessary to accomplish the proposed use. Development Aquatic (PS) 33.2707 - 33.2712, 33.2602 Piling/dolphin installation shall be per- 33.2713 (WA) mitted only after the applicant has established that Conservation Shorelands (C) 33.2707 - 33.2712, adverse impacts on navigation, estuarine habitat, 33.2713 (WA) processes and functions, water circulation and sedi- Rural Shorelands (PS) 33.2707 - 33.2712, menlalion patterns, water quality, and recreational 33.2713 (WA) activities will be minimized. Development Shorelands (PS) 33.2707 - 33.2712, 33.2604 The piling or dolphin and its placement 33.2713 (WA) shall meet all applicable state and federal engineer- Water Dependent Develop- 33.2707 - 33.r2712, ing standards. ment Shorelands (PS) 33.2713 (WA) 111-23 33.2701 Plant species shall be selected that provide suitable stabilization and value for wildlife. Trees, shrubs and grasses native to the area are preferred. AmphislichUS Thodoterus Redtail Surfperch 33.2702 The applicant shall present justification for the necessity and feasibility for use of a bank with a slope greater than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical). 33.2703 The area to be revegetated should be pro- tected from excessive livestock grazing or other activities that would hinder plant development. 33.2704 Additional requirements will have to be met for stabilization of the outer face of a dike (see sta ncla rds f or d i kes [33.21 ]). 33.2705 Rip-rap in Natural Aquatic and Shoreland areas shall be allowed only if needed to protect existing uses, unique natural resources, historical or Ron Pittard Searep Studio, courtesN, Clatsop County archaeological sites, and if other land use manage- ment measures or non-structural shoreline stabili- zation measures are inadequate. Adverse impacts on water currents, erosion and shoaling patterns occurred, fill may be used to restore the previous shall be minimized. bankline, so long as the corrective action is initiated 33.2706 Good engineering and construction prac- within one year of the date of the avulsion. Any tices shall be used in the placement of rip-rap, with extension of the bankline into traditional aquatic regard to slope, size, composition and quality of areas shall be subject to the standards for fill. Dis- material, excavation of the toe trench, placement of ruption of tidal marsh, tidal flat and productive sub- a gravel fill blanket and operation of equipment in tidal areas shall be minimized. the water. State and federal agency regulations 33.2710 Construction of shoreline protection meas- should be consulted in this regard. ures shall be coordinated with state and federal 33.2707 Shoreline protection measures shall -not agencies and local interests to minimize the effects restrict existing public access to public shorelines. on aquatic resources and habitats. Relevant state and federal water quality standards shall be met. 33.2708 Shoreline protection measures should be Stream channelization should be avoided. designed to minimize their impacts on the aesthetic qualities of the shoreline. 33.2711 Bulkheads shall be designed and construct- ed in such a manner so that they will not result in 33.2709 Bankline protection is not in itself a way to adverse effects (such as erosion, shoaling, reflection increase land surface area. Where an avulsion has of wave energy or interference with sand transport) on adjacent shoreline areas. State and federal agency regulations concerning construction in water shall be adhered to. @J 33.2712 Emergency repair to shoreline stabilization facilities is permitted, not withstanding the other regulations in these standards, subject to those standards imposed by the Oregon Division of State Lan cls and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. H 33.2713 In Washington, construction of a normal p rotective bulkhead common to a single family dwelling is exempted from the requirement for a @:A Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. The conditional use procedure is waived for these bulkheads in all environments. However, its design V. K, _k' must meet the standards enumerated above. Com- Mon to a single family dwelling residence shall mean that the residence is existing or will be built Port of Astoria Photo within six months after placement of the bulkhead. 111-24 34. THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND PEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN LOCAL ORDINANCES 34.10 OREGON Oregon jurisdictions will utilize Tables 33-1, Aquatic Areas Permitted Uses/Activities, and 33-2, Shorelands Permitted Uses/Activities, and the De- Cymatogaste7aggregata ShinerPerch velopment Standards (Section 33 above) to update ordinances which implement the comprehensive plan. Implementing ordinances.vary among juris- dictions, depending on other plan needs and ad- ministrative capabilities. Thus, the CREST Manage- a" ment System and Development Standards will be Z used in a variety of ways. The land and water use designations established by CREST can be implemented directly as zones, sub- divided into more than one zone for a given desig- nation, or combined with other zones. Certain use categories may be clisaggregated and standards expanded by individual jurisdictions to meet their needs. CREST recommends that uses be directly Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtes-v ClatsoP County controlled through traditional land use procedures (local permits) and activities controlled with special ordinance procedures that provide for focal review and consistency findings on state and federal per- mits. This minimizes duplication of local, state and federal permits. Activities listed on the Permitted Uses/Activities vation and Development, the Oregon Division of Tables 33-1 and 33-2 have corresponding state and State Lands, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal permits which must be consistent with the state permit-granting agencies will be necessary to local plan and implementing ordinances. All ac- make this system work. The proposed system is con- tivities except vegetative shoreline stabilization, sistent with the Land Conservation and Development bulkhead shore'line stabilization (where not also Commission administrative rule on State Permit filling) and piling/dolphin installation are regulated Consistency and LCDC-adopted Federal Consistency at the state level under the Oregon State Removal/ procedures. Fill Law (ORS 541.605 to 541.695). Federal permits from the Corps of Engineers (Section 10 of the Rivers 34.20 WASHINGTON and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean W 'ater Washington jurisdiction will utilize the Permitted Act) are required for all the activities listed except Use/Activity Tables (Tables 33-1 and 33-2) and the vegetative bank stabilization. Local application of Development Standards (Section 33 above) to ordinance standards for these activities should be update regulations in their Shoreline Management through the local consistency review of the appro- Master Programs. Existing regulations vary among priate state and/or federal permit. counties and cities and the CREST material will help Certain uses, such as energy facility siting, salmon standardize regulations for all areas along the hatcheries and drilling for oil, gas or geothermal Columbia River Estuary. The existing regulations are energy, also require a state permit where local plan also more complete and thorough for some uses; and ordinance consistency review would be re- appropriate detail from those regulations should be quired, in addition to the local land use permit. It retained. should also be noted that any given project may be The revised regulations will be the basis for deci- required to meet the standards for several use/ac- sions on local Substantial Shoreline Development tivity categories. A marina (use) where dredging Permits and Conditional Use Permits. Where there is (activity), filling (activity), and piling installation a corresponding federal license or permit, the local (activity) is required serves as an example; stand- permit decisions will be used as the basis of the De- ards from each category apply. partment of Ecology's federal consistency deter- General procedures for consistency review of mination. Hydraulics permits, issued by the-Depart- state and federal permits are outlined under Federal ments of Game and Fisheries, must also be obtained. Consistency in Implementation, Part VII, 73.20, for many of the activities listed in the standards. This Coordination with the Department of Land Conser- process has been operating for several years. PART IV LAND AND WATER USE PLAN 40. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY .................................................... IV - 3 41. LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS ........................................................ IV - 9 41.01 Mouth of Columbia River ..................................................... IV - 11 41.02 Estuary Channels ............................................................ IV - 13 41.03 Estuary Sands ............................................................... IV - 14 41.' 04 River Channels ............................................................. IV - 15 41.05 Snag Islands ............................................................... IV - 16 41.06 Cathlamet Bay .............................................................. IV - 17 41.07 Upper Marsh Islands ......................................................... IV - 17 41.08 Tenasillahe Island ........................................................... IV - 18 41.09 Fort Stevens State Park ....................................................... IV - 19 42. YOUNGS BAY - ASTORIA .......................................................... IV - 21 42.01 Hammond ................................................................. IV - 23 42.02 Tansy Point - Alder Cove ..................................................... IV - 26 42.03 North Warrenton ............................................................ IV - 27 42.04 Upper Skipanon River ........................................................ IV - 30 42,05 MiddleSlipanon River- ...... IV - 32 42.06 Mouth of Skipanon River ..................................................... IV - 34 42.07 YoungsBay ................................................ ................. IV - 38 42.08 Airport .................................................................... IV - 42 42.09 Lewis and Clark River ........................................................ IV - 44 42.10 Miles,Crossing .............................................................. IV - 46 42.11 Youngs River ................................................................. IV - 48 42.12 South Astoria ................................. ............................... IV - 51 42.13 Port of Astoria .............................................................. IV @ 52 42.14 Downtown Astoria Waterfront ................................................. IV - 54 42.15 Uppertown - Alderbrook ..................................................... IV - 56 42.16 Tongue Point .................................................... ........... IV - 58 42.17 Lois and Mott Islands ., ....................................................... IV - 62 43. EASTERN CLATSOP ................................................................ IV - 63 43.01 John Day River .......... **** ... -** ...... ............... IV - 67 43.02 John Day Point - Settlers Point ................................................. IV - 69 43.03 Settlers Point East to Ivy Station ................................................ IV - 70 43.04 Svensen Island ............................................................. IV - 72 43.05 Ivy Station - Big Creek ....................................................... IV - 73 43.06 Big Creek - Little Creek ....................................................... IV - 74 43.07 FertileValley ............................................................... IV - 76 43.08 Mouth of Blind Slough ........................................................ IV - 77 43.09 Gnat Creek ................................................................. IV - 79 43.10 Brownsmead ............................................................... IV - 80 43.11 Clifton Channel .............................................................. IV - 82 43.12 Bradwood ................................................................. IV - 83 43.13 Wauna/Westport ........................................................... IV - 84 IV- I 44. WAHKIAKUM .................................................................... IV - 87 44.01 Puget Island ................................................................ IV - 90 44.02 Eastern Wahkiakum County ................................................... IV - 92 44.03 Cathlarnet and White-tailed DeerRefuge ....................................... IV - 94 44.04 Skomokawa to Three Tree Point ............................................... IV - 97 44.05 Three Tree Point to Harrington Point ............................................ IV - 99 ".06 Grays Bay and Tributaries .................................................... IV - 101 45. BAKER BAY ...................................................................... IV - 105 45.01 Knappton/Frankfort ......................................................... IV - 107 45.02 McGowan ................................................................. IV - 109 45.03 Chinook ................................................................... IV - 110 45.04 Chinook River .............................................................. IV - 112 45.05 BakerBay .................................................................. IV - 114 45.06 Wallacut River .............................................................. IV - 117 45.07 Ilwaco .................................................................... IV - 118 45.08 Fort Canby North ............................................................ IV - 120 45.09 Cape Disappointment ........................................................ IV - 121 IV - 2 40. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY A plan for the use of estuary shoreland and water THE PLANNING PROCESS areas was an optional work task when the CREST program was established in early 1975. In mid-1976, CREST defined its land and water use planning the Land and Water Use Plan was made the central process and established roles for local governments, focus of the CREST work program because most citizens, state and federal agencies in December, conflicts dealt with specific land and water use 1976. With minor variations, the some basic issues and because local jurisdictions were required planning process was followed for each area. An to respond to state coastal, management program area planning committee was selected (cf. Appen- dix D for committee members), an educational requirements. phase conducted, a draft plan developed, public THE ESTUARY -PLANNING AREA and agency review conducted and conflicts resolved. The Columbia River estuary planning area in- A conTlict resolution period extending from De- cludes aquatic areas and shorelands from the 3-mile cember, 1978 to June, 1979 provided the opportunity limit offshore, upstream to the end of Clatsop County to resolve disagreements over plan policies and in Oregon (RM 45) and Wahkiakurn County in area use designations. Conflicts were defined as a Washington (RM 53). All tributary streams to the substantive disagreement with a draft plan policy oir head of tide and adjacent shorelands are part of the area use designation (type of designation or specific estuary planning area. boundaries) which was identified by a private indi- The estuary is divided into five planning areas and vidual, group of citizens, local government, state or 54 subareas. Both biophysical and jurisdictional federal agency, or business or industrial concern. information were used in establishing planning Comments on the draft plans were used to identify boundaries. A precise geographic definition is given these conf I icts. in the introductory section of each planning area or Many conflicts were resolved by CREST working subarea. Technical definitions of aquatic areas and with local jurisdictions and the dissenting party. shorelands are found in 31. 10 and 31.20 respective- Major conflicts over areas that might be subject to ly. LAND AND WATER USE PLANNING PROCESS Step 1 Step 2 Review Information Identify Issues, Conflicts Public Attitude Inventory & Needs; Survey Policies Study Alternative Solutions (Optional) Plans Local, State Inventory Federal Physical Policiev& Plans Biological Cultural Step 3 Develop Plan Alternatives Designate areas as Natural, Conservation, Rural, Develop- Step 4 ment, or Water-Dependent Select Preferred Alternatives, Publish for Development & Formulate Draft Plan with Review & Comment Area and Subarea Policies Hold Public Review Meetings local, state, federal agencies and organizations, citizens, private organiza- Step 5 Stop 6 tions and industry Revise Draft Plan Based on Comments Recommend to CREST Council & & Resolve Conflicts Member Governments for Adoption IV@3 development pressures in the future required special non (cf. 42.06), the extent of potential development meetings. Two all-day conflict resolution sessions at Tongue Point (cf. 42.16), dredged material were held to work on conflicts in Astoria and War- disposal at Westport (cf. 43.13), the potential devel- renton. One day sessions were held for Eastern opment of forested wetlands west of Cathlamet (cf.' Clatsop County, Baker Bay and Wahkiakum County. 44.03) and the potential for deep water port devel- A final conflict resolution meeting to discuss the re- opment at Price Island (cf. 44.03). Should conflicts in gional balance of development and preservation these or other areas continue to be pursued by agen- was also held. Where a consensus on a given issue cies, local governments or others, the decision on. could not be achieved, the CREST Council made 6 each issue will rest with the Oregon Land Conserva- decision, generally in favor of what the local juris- tion and Development Commission as they consider diction desired. Major conflicts where a consensus acknowledgement of local comprehensive plans or was not achieved included residential development with the Washington Department of Ecology as they at Tansy Point (cf. 42,02), the potential for estuarine consider approval of shoreline management alterations on both spits at the mouth of the Skipa- program amendments. g-, Pacific Northwest Ria,er Basins Conitnission PLAN OVERVIEW The channels are the primary upstream migrotion AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS route for adult salmon and steelhead returning to spawn and the sandy bottom is valuable habitat for The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- epibenthic fishes, shrimp and other aquatic life. ment Plan is a detailed plan for the use, protection Water areas are important for commercial gillnet and development of estuarine and adjacent share- and recreational fishing and serve a vital log land resources. The plan provides policies, devel- transport and storage function for the forest products opment standards, and land and water use designa- industry. Deep and shallow draft channels that re- tions which will give long term protection to ninety quire periodic maintenance dredging and naviga- three percent of estuarine waters and wetlands, tional structures such as jetties and pile dikes are the while providing the opportunity for' marine related major development features in water areas. expansion of the regional economy. The plan also Approximately ninety one percent, 70,700 acres, of identifies and protects important shoreland forest, the water area of the estuary is designated Conser- agriculture and recreation resources while providing vation to provide for utilization of fishery and other appropriate areas for future industrial, commercial resources and to allow other low intensity water and residential development. Areas to place oriented uses. Less than one percent is Natural and dredged material and restoration projects are in- less than one percent is Rural. Approximately nine cluded.- percent, 7,000 acres, of the water area of the estuary The aquatic portion of the planning area includes is DeveloAbment, mostly in the main ship channel, approximately 120,600 acres of deep water areas, existing side channels and turning basins. Portions of tidal marsh, mud and sand flats, sloughs and tidal these areas are periodically dredged to maintain reaches of tributary streams. This aquatic area is navigability. Water areas where new dredging and divided into 78,000 acres of waters (areas deeper limited filling might occur include the entrance to than -3' MLLW) and 42,600 acres of wetlands (areas the Skipanon River, Tongue Point and Wauna/West- trom -3' MLLW up to the line of non-aquatic vegeta- port. In-water dredged material disposal sites, tion). designated Development for that purpose only, are The water areas of the estuary are important mostly related to maintenance of the main ship habitat for phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fishes. channel. IV-4 The 42,600 acres of wetlands in the Columbia River estuary consist mostly of highly productive freshwater tidal marshes, shrub and forested wet- lands, fine sediment flats of Baker Bay, Youngs Bay, Grays Bay and Cathlamet Bay, and the mid-estuary "U, sand flats. These diverse wetlands are vital com- ponents of the estuarine ecosystem. The marshes account for a large proportion of estuary primary plant production and food for organisms higher on the food chain. The marshes, shrub and spruce swamps *are also highly valuable habitat for many varieties of fish, waterfowl, other birds, small mammals, big game and many less conspicuous 'John "I'll Atki nson animals. The marshes and mudflats play critical roles in recycling of nutrients and minerals in the estuary's ecosystem. Mud and sand flats in protected Shallow draft oriented development may occur at areas harbor dense populations, of amphipods Ilwaco (cf. 45.07), Chinook (cf. 45.08), Hammond copepods, worms, small clams and other botto@ (cf. 42.01 ), the Skipanon River (cf. 42.05, 42.06), dwelling organisms, many of which play an im- Lewis and Clark River (cf. 42.09), Youngs Bay and portant role in feeding large numbers of down- River (cf. 42.07, 42.11 ), Grays Bay (cf. 44.06), Ska- stream migrant juvenile salmon making the transi- mokawa (cf. 44.04), and the Elochoman Slough (cf. tion to marine life. Other juvenile and small fishes 44.03). Natural shallow draft channels exist through- also find food and shelter in wetland areas. out the estuary. Approximately eighty five percent of the wetland There are more than 54,000 acres of shoreland areas of the estuary are designated Natural and will area surrounding the estuary. Much of this is low- receive the highest level of resource protection. An lying diked marsh area with tideland soils, once additional twelve percent of wetland areas are Con- productive estuarine tidal marshes. Now used pri- servation, where only small scale alterations might marily as posture for beef and dairy cattle, these be permitted under certain conditions. Of the re- areas are designated Rural and include about maining wetlands, 599 acres (1.4%) are designated 24,600 acres, forty five percent of the total share- Rural (mostly associated with agriculture activities) land area. Approximately 4.2% of shorelands are and 680 acres (1.6%) are designated Development. designated Natural and over forty percent are The wetlands and waters designated Development Conservation. Natural Shorelands wi I I be preserved will be the only portions of the estuary where major for wildlife and low intensity recreation, while alterations suck as dredging and filling will be per- Conservation Shorelands will be used for timber mitted. The Development designations are provided production, recreation and wildlife management. for navigation and other water dependent uses such The remaining ten percent of shoreland areas are set as ports, marinas and recreation facilities. However, aside for intensive development. Almost 3500 acres the designations do not imply that dredging, filling (6.4%) are designated Development to provide for a or other alterations will automatically be permitted. mixture of residential, commercial and industrial Specific proposals for water dependent developm needs. 1950 acres (3.6%) are Water Dependent ment must meet all requirements of the local, state Development Shorelands and will be reserved for and federal permit processes. water-dependent uses through application of zoning Seven areas have potential for deep water port or criteria. industrial development in the estuary planning area. The most intensively developed areas in the These include Tans@y Point (cf. 42.02), the east and estuary are in the Astoria-Warrenton region. With west spits of the Skipanon (cf. 42.06), existing and rail and highway transportation access, public proposed port facilities at Smith Point in Astoria (cf. facilities, water access, and existing development, 42.13), Tongue Point (cf. 42.16), Price Island (cf. this area has the greatest potential for growth, 44.03), Bradwood (cf. 43.12), and Wauna/Westport particularly that which is oriented toward the river (cf. 43.13). and its deep and shallow draft channels. Other centers of potential development include Ilwaco, Chinook, Hammond, Cathlamet and Westport. The cumulative impacts of potential alterations provided for in the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management plan are difficult to assess because the estlumy otat- MLV, specific projects are not supported or opposed in this i0fir , plan. However, the plan restricts major alterations to Mdfgffg@, pas very limited areas and protects vital estuarine re- POU6 sources. Adequate options to mitigate the adverse impacts of dredging and filling wetlands in Oregon WALT W41-r@ftK are also available. While dredged material disposal sites appear adequate to handle foreseeable needs, disposal options will become a limiting factor of expansion of marine related development, both in the estuary and upriver to Portland. IV-5 CUMULATIVE SURFACE AREAS OF PLANNING DESIGNATIONS 1 CREST PLANNING REGION DESIGNATION WATERS WETLANDS SHORELANDS Acres % Waters Acres % Wetlands Acres % Shorelands NATURAL 88 0.1% 36,016 84.6% 2,259 4.2% CONSERVATION 70,719 90.7% 5,269 12.4% 21,790 40.3% RURAL 208 0.3% 599 1.4% 24,604 45.5% DEVELOPMENT 7,039 9.0% 680 1.6% 3,455 6.4% WATER DEPEND- END DEV. 1,950 3.6% TOTAL 78,054 42,564 54,058 % of 174,676 Acres in Region ".7% 24.4% 30.9% 41. LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS DESIGNATION WATERS WETLANDS SHORELANDS Acres % Waters Acres % Wetlands Acres % Shorelands NATURAL 23,343 100% 341 2.5% CONSERVATION 52,690 92.3% 13,078 97.5% RURAL DEVELOPMENT 4,413 7.7% WATER DEPEND- ENT DEV. TOTAL 57,103 23,343 13,419 % of 93,865 Acres in 41. 60.8% 24.9% 14.3% 42. YOUNGS SAY -ASTORIA DESIGNATION WATERS WETLANDS SHORELANDS Acres % Waters Acres % Wetlands Acres % Shorelonds NATURAL 18 0.3% 2,461 56.6% 120 1.3% CONSERVATION 3,458 64.6% 1,527 35.1% 604 6.4% RURAL 127 2.4% 6,180 65.3% DEVELOPMENT 1,754 32.7% 361 8.3% 1,677 17.7% WATER DEPEND- ENT DEV. 886 9.4% TOTAL 5,357 4,349 9.467 % of 19,168 Acres in 42. 27.9% 22.7% 49.4% IV-6 43. EASTERN CLATSOP DESIGNATION WATERS WETLANDS SHORELANDS Acres % Acres Acres % Wetlands Acres % Shorelands NATURAL 70 3.5% 518 17.9% CONSERVATION 1,813 90.6% 1,851 63.9% 1,244 23.1% RURAL 452 15.6% 3,470 64.4% DEVELOPMENT 119 5.9% 76 2.6% WATER DEPEND- ENT DEV. 672 12.5% TOTAL 2002 2,897 5,386 % of 10,285 Acres in 43. 19.5% 28.2% 52.4% 44. WAHKIAKUM DESIGNATION WATERS WETLANDS SHORELANDS Acres % Waters Acres % Wetlands Acres % Shorelands NATURAL 2,140 67.1% 1,655 9.1% CONSERVATION 9,022 94.0% 1,025 32.2% 4,363 24.0% RURAL 81 0.8% 10,574 58.6% DEVELOPMENT 493 5.2% @22 0.7% 1,180 6.5% WATER DEPEND- ENT DEV. 341 1.9% TOTAL 9,596 3,187 18,113 % of 30,896 Acres in 44. 30.8% 10.3% 58.4% 45. BAKER BAY DESIGNATION WATERS WETLANDS SHORELANDS Acres % Waters Acres % Wetlands Acres % Shorelands NATURAL 7,554 86.0% 143 1.9% CONSERVATION 3,736 93.5% 866 10.0% 2,501 32.6% RURAL 147 1.7% 4,380 57.1% DEVELOPMENT 260 6.5% 221 2.5% 598 7.8% WATER DEPEND- ENT DEV. 51 0.7% TOTAL 3,996 8,788 7,673 % of 20,457 Acres in 45. 19.5% 43.0% 37.5% IV-7 56 123*45' 40' 35, 123. 3d 25, 01 4 ............ .............. 1 '44(M) 44W . ....... 43 F) .. .. ...... 45(SA).* .. ... ..... ......... ..... ....................... ............. ............ .. ........................ ........... ............ ............ 47ftf:@-;--- 0 ---------------- 4 (SV) 46(SV .......... . ......... ............... .... ..... .. 30 ...... ...... 5z(F) M) 8(m) 30(m) 3 7.4 M) ............ ..... ..... Dim) 3 ............. .................. .....- .... ....... .... ....... 46(M) 5(m) 24( .............- ........... .......... 57(F) 8( NAUTICAL MILES ...... ...... ........... I 17( 59(F) KILOMETERS 0 1 2 5 6 ............ STATUTE MILES 1 2 3 58(f) 215' 210' 46- 10, 46 W 20, ........... ... ............. It . ........ .... .......... "00, ......... . . ....... .. .......... . . . .. ....... .......... ........ ... ..... ..................... ....... .... . ..... . ..... . . ......... ... .......... . ... .. .. . ........ . ....... .. -N ....... ... . ..... ..... .. It ........ . .......... 41. LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS PLAN THE PLANNING AREA MAJOR ISSUES AND DECISIONS The Lower River and Islands planning area ex- Major issues, identified through responses to a tends from the offshore three-mile limit to the up- widely-distributed questionnaire, included naviga- stream end of Tenosillahe Island and includes most tion-related issues such as dredging, dredged mate- of the aquatic areas of the estuary. The only shore- rial disposal, shoaling and erosion, the effects of log lands are at Fort Stevens State Park, on Tenasillahe storage on water quality and commercial fishing Island and on several dredged material disposal areas, management, public access and recreational islands. The main navigation channel of the Colum- use of the wildlife refuges, and the impacts of bia River, the lower, mid and upper estuary sand development upriver and in adjacent planning flats, the expansive tidal marshes and forested wet-m areas. These issues are addressed by a variety of lands of Cathlamet Bay, and the intricate network of regional (cf Section 11), area and subarea policies. deep and shallow channels are major parts of this The most important feature of this planning area is planning area. Much of this area is included in the the almost complete absence of developed or de- 35,000 acre Lewis and Clark -National Wildlife velopable shorelines. Waters and wetlands pre- Refuge and a portion of the Columbian White-tailed dominate and, with the exception of Youngs, Baker Deer National Wildlife Refuge. Detailed descriptions and Grays Bays, this management unit contains most of aquatic and shoreland features are given in each of the aquatic areas of the estuary. subarea plan. The Lower River and Islands Plan provides for With the exception of small areas along the east- natural resource protection, particularly in Fort Ste- ern water portion of Pacific County and along the vens State Park and the Lewis and Clark and Colum- western water portions of Wahkiakum County, the bian White-tailed Deer National Wildlife Refuges. entire planning area is within the State of Oregon. Recreation and public access to these areas and the The great majority of the area is under the local maintenance and improvement of navigational planning and regulatory authority of Clatsop County. projects in the river also have received a high prior- Small portions of Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties ity in this plan. are included in the northern fringe, and small por- Wetland areas (including tidal marshes, forested tions of Hammond, Warrenton and Astoria are in- wetlands and tidal flats) are designated Natural, cluded on the southern edge of the area between unless the post history, existing uses or designations river miles 7 and 18. State and federal agencies play of adjacent areas renders this in appropriate. This the most significant management and regulatory designation complies with the statement in the role in this planning area. Oregon Estuarine Resources Goal (Number 16) that M, NXM "FAI. q U C* N@k "Al -11111, I'll.- !a PC low & C. A, 1)(tcific Nort hacest 1?i t er Basins COM M i.%Aoll IV-9 'UTIVROT, 107TT@'11 AREA POLICIES "u, _,QVI KIM 1. Public Access, Refuge Management, and Preser- vation of Wildlife Habitat Additional shoreline access points in the areas adjacent to the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge and Tenasillahe Island portion of the Columbian White- W177-1 tailed Deer Refuge should be considered and re- viewed on the basis of their impacts on the site and the refuge. Existing access points should be main- tained and improved consistent with refuge man- agement. Except in the area noted above, additional public access points should be developed consistent with recreational and commercial demands and needs. Existing hunting and fishing shacks in the wildlife refuges may continue to be used by the present owner, but may not be sold. New shacks may not be -Art Chan Studio built. Eventually, all shacks will be removed. This is the Natural "areas shall include, at a minimum, all in accord with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge major tracts of salt marsh, ticleflats, and seagrass management policy. and algae beds." The term "salt marsh" is specifi- cally interpreted here to include the tidal marshes of 2. Off-Road Vehicles the Columbia River, even though salt water may be Off-road and all-terrain vehicles are permitted absent during part of all of the year. This designation only in those areas specifically designated for their is also consistent with the Washington State Shore- use. This policy is particularly applicable to the Clat- line Management Act requirements to preserve the sop Spit area, where damage to dune and wetland natural character of the shorelines, and to protect vegetation has been a chronic problem. the ecology and resources of the shoreline by leaving areas that contain a unique or fragile 3. Log Storage natural resource undeveloped, and by restricting or Existing log storage in wetland sites (aquatic areas prohibiting public access to areas which cannot be less than 3 feet below MLLW) may continue, unless maintained in a natural condition under human use. there is evidence that more than nominal damage to Water areas, except the navigation channels, dredged material disposal sites and sites adjacent to aquatic life or water quality is occurring, in which major shoreland developments, are classified Con- case they should be phased out. Log storage sites in servatiom The purposes of Conservation areas in wetland areas and those requiring maintenance both states are long-term use of renewable re- dredging should be the first to be phased out, if the sources, recreation, aesthetic enjoyment and eco- demand for log storage sites decreases. New log system support. The Conservation designation is storage sites in wetlands wil I not be permitted. consistent with boating, commercial and recrea- Maintenance dredging of existing log storage sites tional fishing, and navigational use not requiring and replacement of pilings and dolphins is per- major alterations. mitted. Research on the effects of log storage in the Navigation channels are designated Develop- Columbia River is strongly encouraged. ment, consistent with the Oregon Estuarine Re- 4. Dredged Material Disposal at Area D and Tansy sources Goal and the Washington Shoreline Man- Point agement Act guidelines. Designation of dredged material disposal sites is according to the long-term The Area D and Tansy Point in-water dredged ma- use of each site. In-water dredged material disposal terial disposal sites should be used only when sites were designated Conservation with a Develop- weather and sea conditions render the use of dis- ment overlay for dredged material disposal. This is posal ' sites outside the Columbia River mouth consistent with the specific requirements of the Es- hazardous. tuarine Resources Goal that "navigation channels (and) sub-tidal areas for in-water disposal of R'r 1, dredged material" be designated Development. All the land disposal sites designated in this manage- Wk. M ment unit are in the wildlife refuges and were there- W51 fore designated Conservation with a Development overlay for dredged material disposal, to indicate that major development should not occur in these areas after completion of dredged material disposal. The shorelands included in Fort Stevens State Park are designated according to present and proposed recreational use and the need for resource pro- tection. Tenasillahe island is designated Conserva- tion, consistent with refuge management activities. -Art Chan tu io IV-10 R, 41.01 MOUTH OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER R 1, "pg ,Q General Description V Z""WE 41 W, This subarea includes the North and South Jetties, v .1 14". 1 N 15 PEI lKik Iffl, the offshore waters west to the Columbia River Light- ship (see attached map) and the estuary between g,' q g", the North and South Jetties and upstream to a line connecting Jetty A and Clatsop Spit (RM 3). It does M, I not, however, include Clatsop Spit, Jetty A, the 'beaches or other land areas. The subarea -In ocean extends seaward of the three mile limit (state and county line') to the Columbia Lightship, to encompass productive areas outside the mouth of the estuary ComPleat Photographer and Corps of Engineers dredged material disposal bilized by the South Jetty, the North .Jetty and Jetty sites. Local governments have no regulatory author- A, and maintained by hopper dredge. The average ity outside the three mile limit, but-these productive amount dredged from MCR is about 5 to 6 million fishing grounds and the dredged material disposal cubic yards per year, but is widely variable. The off- sites there concern local governments. The subarea shore disposal sites (areas A, B, E and F) are in the includes parts of both Clatsop and Pacific Counties. outer portions of this area. Two in-water estuary sites Aquatic Features (area D and Tansy Point in the Estuary Channels sub- The -Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) is the area) are also used. Recreational use of the waters most physically dynamic area of the estuary. Tidal by small boats is high, and the view from the North currents, fresh water flow, wind-driven currents, es- or South Jetties or Cape Disappointment is specta- tuarine (dens ity-driven) currents, waves, and coastal cular. Commercial fishing use is intensive through- currents are all important. Currents and wave action out the year. combine to make navigation notoriously difficult. Issues and Findings The sediment is almost entirely fine sand inside the The Corps of Engineers,is currently studying the mouth and in the adjacent offshore area. Some silt is feasibility of deepening the entrance channel from found further offshore and to the south of the South 48 feet to 55 or 60 feet, repairing the existing jetties Jetty. Outside the mouth, sediment is transported by and constructing a new Jetty B parallel to and sea@ wind-driven currents and waves. Large storms ward of Jetty A. There is also the possibility of new capable of moving sand in suspension transport most or additional hopper dredge disposal sites. The of the sediment. The dominant direction of sediment desirability and cost-effectiveness of a deeper .transport is north. From the bar inward, however, charlnel, the utility of the proposed Jetty B, and the tidal, estuarine and river flow effects become much disposal of dredged material in this highly produc- more important. Upstream bottom currents. bring tive area wA its important fisheries are all at issue. sand into the estuary from the ocean during low- Peacock Spit has accreted north of the North Jetty flow periods. Sand transport is seaward during high- and is part of Fort Canby State Park. In recent years, flow periods. The overall yearly balance and the the spit has experienced erosion and Washington effect of storms are not known. The geometry of the State Parks desires maximum disposal of dredged area has been extensively altered by the installation material at Area E, since this may feed the beach at of jetties and continued dredging. Peacock Spit and retard erosion. The desirability of Important commercial crab and shrimp fisheries extensive disposal at Area E needs to be evaluated, are located outside the mouth, while the recreation- particularly as it may affect the productive crab al crab fishing is important inside the jetties. The fishery in the area. densities of other sampled benthic invertebrates are Aquatic Designations not high. Many fish species use the area for migra- tion, and important sports and troll salmon fisheries All aquatic areas are Conservation, except dred- exist. Important shore fisheries are located on Jetty ged material disposal sites A, B, E and F, which are Sands and the North and South Jetties. Primary Devekopmentfor that purpose only, and the naviga- (phytoplankton) and secondary (zooplankton) pro- tion channel, which is Development. ductivity is very high in this area and seaward of it Shoreland Designations for several miles - the highest plankton productivity The North and South Jetties* are designated in the entire estuary. Water Dependent Development. Shorelland Features Dredged Material Disposal The only shorelands are the North and South Jet- There are four dredged material disposal sites in ties, which are constructed of rock and rubble this subarea (Areas A, B, E and F), All are used for mound. disposal of material from the Columbia River en- Human Use trance channel and the lower river channel. The MCR area contains the downstream end of the authorized navigation channel (48 feet deep and Only part of the North and South Jetties ore in this subarea. The rest of the North Jetty is in the Cape Disappointment subarea 1/2 mile wide to RM 3 and 40 feet deep and 600 feet (45.09) and the South Jetty is discussed in the Fort Stevens sub- wide upstream from that point). The channel is sta- area (41.09). IV - 1-1 PEACOCK SPIT Uj ui Ic AQUATIC SHORELAN Wa rs Wet- lands,' Uj N 0 c R S orelink :D ZZY 1`@on-aquatic Veg. Planning Boundary :4, COLUMBIA RIVER LIGHTSHIP 41.02 ESTUARY CHANNELS General Description extremely important as migration routes for anadro- This subarea includes the deep water portions mous fish. (greater than 20 feet to 40 feet) of the estuary from Human Use Jetty A (RM 3) to the upper end of Rice Island (RM Navigation and associated dredging are the most 22.5). These are the channels and the adjacent prominent human activities in the ship channel, and slopes. The subarea is not restricted to the dredged material disposal at selected sites. Waste authorized navigation channel, but includes the disposal, principally from fish processing, is a lesser flow lanes of both the north and south channels. use. There are also gillnet drifts in and around the There are no wetland or shoreland areas. The juris- north and south channels and recreational fishing clictions in this subarea include Clatsop and Pacific for salmon and sturgeon are important. Recreational Counties, the Cities of Astoria and Warrenton, and crabbing occurs off Hammond and the Sand Islands. the Town of Hammond. Aquatic Features Issues and Findings The limits of this area are approximately defined . In water disposal of dredged material is a major by the normal limits of salinity intrusion on high tide issue. Approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of dredged material are removed from this reach each Salt water does not normally penetrate beyond the year. Approximately 630,000 cubic yards of material upper end of Rice Island (although it has been ob- (most originating from,the river channels upstream served as far upstream as Pillar Rock under un- from the estuary) are placed in the Harrington Point usually low flow conditions) and is usually seen Sump by hopper dredge each year, and eventually along the bottom at least to Clatsop Spit (although placed by pipeline dredge on Rice Island (in the the estuary may be entirely fresh on an ebb tide Estuary Sands subarea, 45.03). Between 700,000 and under high flow). Salt and fresh water mix (except 1 000,000 cubic yards of material is deposited in under very high flow conditions) throughout this @rea D; this total has been declining and may be subarea. much smaller in the future. Use of the Tansy Point Because of the very strong river flow, the channels site is minor and irregular. contain sand almost exclusively and some dredging The overall filling trend in the estuary was dis- is required. The fine sediments (silts and clays) ac- cussed under Aquatic Features. The fate of the cumulate in the bays, and fine coarse sand accumu- dredged material deposited in estuary disposal sites I.Ptes on the estuary sand flats. The estuary has lost is a major concern. Much of the material may stay about 15% of its volume in the last century, largely in the estuary, reentering channels or building up in the flats and not in the continually dredged chan- shoals in bays and flats marginal to the channels. nels. Material placed in Area D, for example, may end up . Under low flow conditions of less than 150,000 cfs, in Baker Bay, increasing the already severe shoaling sediment transport is upstream in the south channel and access channel maintenance problems there. below Tongue Point and in the north channel below the Astoria Bridge. Net transport is downstream in Aquatic Designations the channel above Harrington Point under almost all The classification for the main navigational chan- flow conditions. The null zone or point of zero net nel, the access channel to Tongue Point, the Port of sediment transport fluctuates from about Harrington Astoria Turning Basin, and mouth of the Skipanon Point to Clatsop Spit. Sediment transport may be in River is Development. Other areas are Conservation. the downstream direction all the way to mouth Designated dredged material disposal sites are De- under very high flow conditions, but present freshet velopment for that purpose only and otherwise levels are not sufficient to carry out to sea the sedi- Conservation. ment that enters from the ocean and the river during Subarea Policy most of the year. The continued use of the Tansy Point site and Area Benthic (bottom) productivity in these deep chan- D should occur (as per inter-agency agreement) only nels and slope areas is not high. However, the null when weather and sea conditions render the use of zone effect allows an accumulation of partic@blate disposal areas outside the mouth hazardous. New matter, and primary (algal) productivity is season- in-water sites in the estuary may be designated in ally high, though probably lower than outside th-e the future and that use of Area D and Tansy Point mouth. The important species of estuary phytoplank- may be discontinued within the next few years. ton are almost all river (fresh water) forms, whereas the species in the offshore areas are coastal plank- Dredged Material Disposal ton common in the upwelling areas along the coast. There are three existing in water dredged material There are characteristic estuarine zooplankton disposal sites in this area: Area D, opposite Little (animals) that feed on the phytoplankton and on Sand Island; 15(E), Tansy Point (RM 9); and 54(E), particulate debris in the water. The estuarine popu- Harrington Point Sump (RM 22). All are used for lations of both phyto- and zooplankton are inherent- Corps of Engineers hopper dredge disposal of ly unstable. Strong tides or a freshet can push the material from the main navigation channel. entire population of plankton out to sea and the Material from the outer reach of the Chinook Chan- populations may remain depressed for some time nel has also been placed in Area D. Several experi- afterward; physical factors predominantly deter- mental in water disposal sites are also in this sub- mine population levels. The estuary channels are area. (cf Dredged Material Management 55, 59.) IV-13 41.0 ESTUARY SANDS The sands are also important as a seal haul-out area and as feeding and resting areas for gulls and other birds. Human Use Human use includes gillnet drifts along the margins of the sands and in the minor channels be- tween the sand bars, recreational boating, and small boat and tug navigation across the river. Dredging and dredged material disposal have occur- red on and around various sands in the past and the sands were used for horse seining and fish traps when such activities were legal. The only area Compleat Photographer currently being used for dredged material disposal is General Description Rice Island, an entirely man-made island installed This subarea includes the extensive mid-estuary for the dual purposes of flow control and dredged sand flats between RM 6 and RM 24 and the adjacent material disposal. slopes. These are Desclemona and Taylor Sands, the Issues and Findings Tongue Point Bar and other unnamed sands, the A major issue in this subarea is the recent drama- largest of which extends west and north from Rice tic increase in seal populations and the impact on Island into Grays Bay. Rice Island, a dredged the gillnet fishery. Prior to enactment of the Marine material island, is also included. Some sands are Mammal Protection Act in 1972, seals were kept bare at mid-tide, while the slopes extend down to 30 under control by harrassment and occasional shoot- feet in some areas. A shallow channel is used by ing. NIow protected, they have increased in numbers fishermen and tugs to cross from the north channel to the south channel near the Astoria-Megler Bridge. and boldness. This issue is outside the scope of this There are other minor channels and two small areas plan and research is being undertaken to determine of bare sand. Rice Island is high enough to be classi- if active management is required. fied as shorelands. Vegetation is absent, or nearly Potential uses of the sand flats include dredged absent, from all shoreland areas. Rice Island and material disposal, recreation, aquaculture, restora- adjacent water areas are part of the Lewis and Clark tion, and'even urban development. Part of Rice National Wildlife Refuge. This subarea includes Island could be developed for a park, after dredged portions of Clatsop, Pacific and Wahkiakum material disposal is completed. However, the Counties. Oregon part of Rice Island is in the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and development would Aquatic Features have to be consistent with refuge management. These sands have accreted rapidly since the Aquatic Designations construction of the jetties at the mouth and the dams Water areas are Comervation; tidal flats and wet- on the river. In contrast to the fine sediments found land above -3 feet MLLW are Natural. This prevents on flats in Youngs, Grays and Baker Bay, the mid- all major alterations to the wetlands, though active estuary sands consist largely of fine to coarse sand. restoration is allowed as a conditional use. Active Much of the loss of volume of the estuary (15% in restoration might include deepening some areas, the last century) has occurred in this area. The constructing protective berms, and marsh planting. reason for this accumulation is unclear, but it is apparently related to the increased salinity intrusion Shoreland Designations and the decrease in fresh water flow during the Rice Island is Comervation. This is consistent with freshets. Sediment transport patterns in'the area are future dredged material disposal, refuge manage- unknown. Probably accretion occurs from both ment, and any future recreational use. The other upstream and downstream. The sands are exposed small sand flatsabove MHHW areNatural. to wind, waves, ship wash and river currents and, Dredged Material Disposal judging from the coarse texture of the sediments, the energy level is high. Rice Island, 55(S) (RM 22) is the only dredged ma- Phytoplankton and zooplankton productivity is terial disposal site in this subarea. Material from seasonally high (cf 41.02 - Estuary Channels), and Rice Island Sump is pipelined to the island. Stabiliza- benthic algal productivity on the sands may be sig- tion of the island with vegetative plantings is desir- nificant but has not been studied. Populations of able. benthic animals living in the sediments are low to Restoration and Resource Enhancement moderate when compared to Baker Bay or Youngs Rice Island has been created by disposal of Bay because both the sediment type and the expo- dredged material and some revegetation has occur- sure to the elements are less favorable. Use by epi- red naturally. Acceleration 'of this process by plant- benthic animals - (starry flounder, sand shrimp, ing vegetation native to the area is proposed to en-_ mysids and dungeness crabs) is high. Downstream hance bird and other wildlife values. (46[SV], cf migrant salmon may feed and rest on these sands. Restoration and Mitigation, 65.) IV - 14 41.04 RIVER CHANNELS General Description Dredging is required at 16 separate bars, with an This subarea includes the deep water (greater average (1973-77) of 1.9 million cubic yards than 20 feet to 40 feet) portions of the main river removed annually by pipeline and 1.2 million cubic channel and adjacent slopes upstream from Harring- yards by hopper dredge. In water disposal occurs at ton Point (RM 22.5) to the eastern end of Wahkiakum the Harrington Point Sump (for re-handling) and a.t County (RM 52). The authorized navigation channel several flow lane disposal sites. Numerous pile is contained within this subarea, but side channels dikes exist. Gillnet drifts exist along the edge of and are not included. There are no wetlands or shore- in the main navigation channels. Commercial stur- lands. Some water areas are part of the Lewis and geon longlining, sports fishing and pleasure boating Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Parts of Wahkiakum also occur. and Clatsop Counties are in the subarea. Issues and Findings Aquatic Features The primary isues in the area center around the While tides and tidal currents are important in this problem of dredged material disposal and naviga- reach, fresh water flow increasingly dominates the tional improvements (e.g. pile dikes). Deepening circulation patterns toward the eastern end. Salinity the channel to Portland has been discussed but pre- intrusion extends only to Pillar Rock, even under low sently does not appear feasible. Flow-lane disposal flow (less than 100,000 cfs). Flood tide currents may may either increase or decrease the passage of fish not be observable under high flow conditions, and through an area. Changes in bottom contours may the 100-year flood level rises sharply in the upstream make an area difficult to fish. Pipeline dredging direction. Sediments in the channel and slopes are operations occur during a fishing season, and may largely medium to coarse sand, with some gravel. make it impossible to fish certain areas. Any dispos- Compacted finer sediments are found in some scour al operation may affect migrating fish, and installa- holes. The transport of sand and gravel as bedload is tion of pile dikes (e.g. in the Brookfield reach) may almost entirely downstream. Some sand will also permanently close a drift. 'Dredging of the deeper move in suspension under freshet conditions. Finer channel areas has probably accelerated shoaling in material (silts and clays) moves downstream in side channels used by fishermen and recreational suspension. boaters. Benthic productivity in these channels and slopes The transport of petroleum products and hazar- .is probably not high because of the active sediment dous products is also an issue. No major transfer transport and ship wake disturbances. The phyto- facilities, pipelines or refineries have been plankton in this reach are largely an extension of the proposed for the estuary area; all proposals call for riverine plankton coming downstream. These chan- shipment of petroleum through the estuary and river nel areas have seasonally high primary (phytoplank- channels to upstream locations. ton) production in the spring. However, the nutrients Aquatic Designations .are soon exhausted by production further upstream. The main navigation channel is classified Devel- Since salt water is absent in this reach, there 'is no opment. In-water dredged material disposal sites nutrient enrichment by marine waters. The role of are Development for that purpose only, and Conser- the extensive marshes in providing nutrients to sup- vation otherwise. All other areas are Conservation. port the phytoplankton productivity in this area Dredged Material Disposal remains to be investigated. The zooplankton are also primarily fresh water forms. Peak populations There are six flow-lane disposal sites [59(F), 68(F), are related to phytoplankton populations and to 73(F), 81 (F), 95(F), 97(F)] in this subarea, in or adja- warm water temperatures that occur in the late cent to the channel. The sites are at river miles 26, summer. 34, 37, 40, 46 and 50. They are used to dispose of The river channels are important to fish species clean sand material from channel dredging. The primarily as migration routes, though sturgeon also sites are chosen because of their scour characteris- feed extensively in the channel areas. Adult salmon, tics which keep the material moving in a down- steelhead, smelt, shad and eulachon migrate up the stream direction. Other sites may be selected as river channels to spawn. Juvenile sub-yearling sal- more research on the fate of material placed in monids (fall chinook and chum) tend to concentrate flow-lane sites becomes available. (cf Dredged in beach and mudflat areas, whereas the yearling Material Management 55, 59.) salmonids (coho, spring and summer chinook, sock- eye, steelhead and cutthroat) migrate down the main channels. Human Use The primary human uses of the river channels are navigation, dredging and dred ged material dispos- al, commercial and sports fishing and (to a lesser degree) waste disposal. The main navigation chan- nel passes through this area from end to end. Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesy Clatsop County IV - 15 41.05 SNAG ISLANDS General Description This channel was closed off by the Snag Island Jetty. This subarea includes dredged material islands North Island (north of Seal Island) was formerly (Miller Sands and Jim Crow Sands), tidal marsh much larger but was eroded away as the Woody (around the Snag Island Jetty and Miller Sands), the Island Channel shifted to the south. Extensive dred- Woody Island Channel, exposed sand bars south and ging of the Tongue Point crossing and the channel west of Woody Island Channel, and various sub- reach above Harrington Point resulted in the crea- sidiary channels. The entire subarea is within the tion of the unnamed sands southeast of Woody Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and Island Channel, Miller Sands, Jim Crow Sands, and Clatsop County. Rice Island. Aquatic Features Issues and Findings Very little is known concerning the circulation in The primary issues in the area are: dredged ma- the area. Some salinity intrusion probably occurs terial disposal versus shallow water and wetland south and west of Miller Sands under low flow con- habitat; ownership disputes between county, state ditions, but data are absent. Plankton and zooplank- and federal governments; and public access. No ton have been discussed in Estuary Channels and active management is practiced except in the River Channels subareas (41.02 and 41.04). Benthic dredged material disposal areas. Active revegeta- populations on the bare sands at the west end of this tion is carried out on Miller Sands and Jim Crow area are probably similar to those at Taylor Sands Sands. Ownership of most aquatic and shoreland (Estuary Sands subarea [41.03]). Small fresh water parcels is claimed by at least two governmental clams are more abundant here than further west. It units, and there is one private ownership claim. The seems likely that the marging of some of the smaller U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns large parts of the channels have accumulated sufficient fine material refuge and manages those areas it does not own to support large benthic populations of fresh water through operating agreements with the county and species, especially adjacent to and in the marshes state governments. These agreements have not pre- on Miller Sands and the Snag Islands but only limited vented disagreements, in certain instances, as to data are available. Feeding by juvenile salmonids how the area should be managed; e.g. whether may be important and sturgeon probably feed in the dredged material disposal should be allowed. deeper channels. Use of this area by migrant water- This area is relatively distant from all boat launch- fowl, wading birds and shore birds is extensive. ing ramps, thus the hunting and sport fishing use of Nutria and muskrat are common. this area is probably less than in some other sub- The tidal marshes (sedge/bulrush) on the Snag areas. All areas except Miller Sands are open to Islands are low and have been established since the hunting and trapping. Future use of Miller Sands and installation of the Snag Island Jetty (1880's). Those Pillar Rock Island is an issue of concern. Public on Miller Sands grade from low to high marsh and access on the wildlife refuge is discussed in the are also of recent origin. Cathlamet Bay subarea (41.06). Shoreland Features Aquatic Designations Grasslands, shrub and Willow/Cottonwood habi- The wetlands surrounding Snag Island Jetty, the tats are found on the upland portions of Miller unnamed sands southeast of Woody Island Channel, Sands, and grasslands are found on Jim Crow Sands. and the wetlands north of Green Island are Natural. Marsh and grass planting is under way as part of a The waters are all designated Conservation. Corps of Engineers research project on Miller Sands Shoreland Designations and as dredged material stabilization on Jim Crow Miller Sands and Jim Crow Sands are classified Sands. Conservation. Human Use Dredged Material Disposal Human use of this area includes navigational im- There are two active dredged material disposal provements, dredged material disposal, commercial sites in this subarea, one at Miller Sands [56(B)] one and sports fishing, wildlife observation, hunting, one at Jim Crow Sands [60(B)]. Both are upland/ and trapping. beach nourishment sites used for disposal of Active disposal sites are located on Jim Crow material from the main navigation channel. (cf Sands and Miller Sands. A new in water disposal site east of Jim Crow Sands was used for the first time in Dredged Material Management 55, 59.) November, 1977. Gillnet drifts are found in Woody Restoration and Resource Enhancement Island Channel and along the margins of the naviga- Both Miller Sands [47(SV)] and Jim Crow Sands tional channel. [48(SV)] are shoreland areas where vegetation has The only intensive use is dredged material been planted to enhance wildlife values. Miller disposal. Nonetheless, it is hard to pick any feature Sands has also been an experimental marsh creation of the area (except perhaps Pillar Rock) that has not site for the Corps of Engineers. Removal of the Snag been created or radically altered by man in the last Island Jetty [50(P)] has been proposed since it no century. The main navigation channel (the Cordell longer serves its original purpose (cf Restoration and Channel) passed through what is now Snag Island. Mitigation 65). IV - 16 41.06 CATHLAMET BAY General Description marsh plant communities. Waterfowl, wading and This subarea includes Green, Grassy, Russian, shore bird use is high. There are extensive nutria Seal, McGregor and unnamed marsh islands, sand and muskrat populations. and mud flats, and North, South, Prairie and other Adult and juvenile salmonids and other anadro- subsidiary channels. It extends from near Tongue mous fish migrate through this area. Juvenile sal- Point (RM 19) to RM 25. Brush and trees are, for the monids probably feed in the sand and mudflats, but most part, absent from these islands. The entire area this has not been confirmed in this area. Sturgeon is in the Lewis and Clark Refuge and Clatsop County. feed in the deeper channels. There is some warm No shorelands are present. water resident fish usage. Aquatic Features Human Use Little specific information is available with regard Human use of this area includes sports and com- to physical circulation. Salinity intrusion is known to mercial fishing, log storage and transport, hunting occur along the bottom in North Channel as for as and fishing shacks, hunting, trapping, and wildlife McGregor Island. The marshes are probably expand- observation. None of these could be classified as ing, judging from old charts. Installation of the intensive. Green Island dike prior to 1890 and the creation of Issues and Findings Lois and Mott Islands from the dredging of the Issues in this area include log storage in wetland Tongue Point Basin (1939 to 1949) have stabilized areas the presence of hunting and fishing shacks, Green Island and generally accelerated marsh public access, and ownership questions. The log formation, though erosion has occurred in some storage in wetland areas is opposed by resource areas. k- agencies, because of adverse effects on benthic The available information concerning phytoplan organisms when the logs rest on the bottom (mf ton and zooplankton productivity has been discussed Lower River and Islands Policies, 41 ). in Estuary Channels and River channels subareas The tidal flats and marshes of Cathlamet Bay are (41.02 and 41.04). Only one benthic station is avail- highly productive, integral parts of the estuarine able, from the mudflats south of Russian Island. The ecosystem. Their inclusion in the Lewis and Clark population of fresh water forms was very high. Pre- National Wildlife Refuge provides needed protec- sumably this is true for many of the other mud and tion for fish and wildlife resources in the area. sand flats in this area. Green, Grassy and unnamed (RM 21 to 23) islands Aquatic Designations are all tidal marsh. The dominant vegetation types in All marshes and tidal flats (except existing log the lowest areas are bulrushes and rushes. Sedges storage sites) are Natural. Water areas and log predominate on the higher parts. Russian and Seal storage sites in wetlands are classified Conserva- Islands are somewhat older and contain typical high tion. 41.07 UPPER MARSH ISLANDS General Description This diverse group ot marsh islands and inter- on phytoplankton and zooplankton populations is connecting channels extends from Minaker Island presented in the Estuary Channels and River Chan- (RM 26) to Welch Island (RM 35). The subarea in- nels subareas (41.02 and 41.04). Benthic populations cludes Minaker, Karlson, Marsh, Brush, Horseshoe, of freshwater forms are high at some stations in the Woody, Tronson, Quinns, Goose, Grassy, Fitzpatrick smaller sloughs. Salmon smolts are known to be and Welch Islands. Large sections of these islands abundant north of Horseshoe Island and probably are brushy or wooded, with high lidal marsh in the congregate in other areas as well. Use by sturgeon lower areas. Sand and mudflats also occur. There and warm water fish probably occurs. There is a are no shorelands, now that the dikes on Karlson large blue heron rookery on Karlson Island and Island are breached. The entire area is in the Lewis raptors may be seen on the islands with large trees. and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and Clatsop Wading bird, shore bird and migrant waterfowl use ounty. is high. Nutria, beaver and muskrat are common. Most of Minaker Island is high marsh, with willow Aquatic Features in a-'few areas. Karlson Island is more complex. No specific information is available concerning About one-fourth of the island was diked, but the the physical circulation of the area. Salinity intrusion dikes have breached and much of this area is is rare or totally absent. The available information returning to tidal marsh. The western end of the IV - 17 island is undisturbed tidal marsh. The rest of the ing, trapping, and wildlife observation. island is willow and two, three and four species Issues and Findings. mixture of alder, Sitka spruce, western red cedar . Public access, log storage, hunting and fishing and cottonwood. Brush and Horseshoe Islands are houses, and ownership disputes are issues, just as largely high marsh with some willow. Marsh Island they are in other areas of the refuge. The main ac- is mostly willow with some high marsh, cottonwood cess point is Aldrich Point, and these islands proba- and spruce. Woody Island is covered by a four- bly receive more use than islands more distant from @pecies mixture of trees with high marsh in lower a launching ramp. Karlson Island (formerly diked areas. There is some willow on Quinns and Tronson part) is closed to all public use. Welch Island is sub- Islands and some emerging marsh on Goose, Grassy and Quinns Islands. Fitzpatrick Island is dominated ject to seasonal access regulations. Otherwise, the by high marsh and willows and has a dredged islands are open to the public, but access is difficult. material disposal site on the western end. Welch Lower River and Islands Policies deal with public Island is covered with high sedge marsh, cotton- access, log storage and hunting and fishing houses wood and willow. Dredged material has been de- (cf 41 ). posited along the northern shore to protect against Aquatic Designations erosion. The marsh and ticleflat areas and the formerly Human Use diked area on Karlson Island are Natural. The water Human use of the area includes log storage an areas are Conservation. The waters between the transport, small boat navigation, .sports and com- Knappa docks and Eddy Point and south of Karlson mercial fishing, hunting and fishing houses, hunt- Island are also classified Natural, because of the habitat and fishery value of adjacent BigCreek. 1 41.08 TENASILLAHE, ISLAND General Description muskrat are the other common mammals. Cattle This subarea extends from Multnomah Slough (RM grazing is used to aid in management of the area for 35), which separates Welch and Tenasillahe Islands, the white-tailed deer. Erosion problems exist both to the pile dike (RM 38) at the upstream end of Tena- along the Clifton Channel and the Main Channel sillahe Island, and includes waters to the south side. side of the island. Upland vegetation other than of the Main Channel and to the opposite shore of grosses is largely alder, willow, cottonwood, and Clifton Channel. Most of the perimeter of Tenasilla- he Island is forested wetland, the remainder inside spruce trees. the dike is pastureland. The ticlegate washed out in Human Use 1975 but has been repaired. The island is port of the Human use of the area includes log storage and Columbian White-tailed Deer National Wildlife transport, small boat navigation, sports and com- Refuge and the entire subarea is in Clatsop County. mercial fishing, and wildlife observation. There is a Aquatic Features log storage area along Clifton Channel and com- No specific information is available concerning mercial fishing areas along both the Clifton and the physical circulation of the*area. Salinity intrusion Main Channel sides of Tenasillahe Island. There is is absent. The available information on phytoplank- very restricted public access to the island; however, ton and zooplankton is presented in the River Chan- a private duck hunting club has access during certain nels subarea (41.04). Benthic organisms, including periods of the year to an area near Multnomah amphipods, worms and small clams, are probably Slough. abundant in shallow water areas and in Multnomah Issues and Findings Slough, although no data are available. Juvenile Log storage and public access are issues, as they salmon migrate downstream along the shoreline. are in the Cathlamet Bay and Upper Marsh Islands There is some tidal marsh along Multnomah Slough subareas (41.06 and 41.07); the some Lower River and on the small island at the upstream end of and Islands policies apply (cf 41). Development po- Tenasillahe Island. tential is low in this intensely managed part of the Shoreland Features white-tailed deer refuge. The island serves as a wintering area for birds of Aquatic Designations the Pacific flyway, such as whistling swan, Canadian The waters of the Main and Clifton Channels are geese, mallards and other waterfowl. Shorebird classified Conservation. A beach nourishment dis- use is high on the sandy upstream end of the island; posal site on the north shore and the beach nourish- hawks and bald eagles are often seen. The island is ment site behind the pile' dikes at the upstream end managed to protect the Columbian White-tailed are Developntent for purposes of dredged material deer, an endangered species. Nutria, beaver, and disposal only, and otherwise Conservation. The wa- IV - 18. ters of Multnomah Slough and other wetlands are Dredged Material Disposal Natural, except along Clifton Channel, where log Three sites are present. One site on the north storage sites are Conservation, and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service boat dock, which is Conserva- shore is designated for dike maintenance [71 (D)]. A tion. second site just upstream is a beach nourishment Shoreland Designations (erosion control) site outside the dike [72(B)I. The third site is also a beach nourishment site, behind The adopted classification of the dikes and diked the pile dikes at the upstream end of the island area of Tenasillahe Island is Conservation. The rest [77(B)I. (cf Dredged Material Management 55, 59.) .of the island is Natural. 41.09 FORT STEVENS STATE PARK General Description varies from high to low. Most use centers or ound the community of Fort Stevens and the three parking lot This subarea consists of the northern part of Fort areas on Clatsop Spit and includes sightseeing, bi- Stevens State Park and includes Clatsop Spit, the em- cycling, hiking, beachcombing, nature observation, bayment behind the spit known as Trestle Bay, and and jetty and beach angling. Drift logs are used for the adjacent shorelands southeast to the Hammond firewood. There is also some illegal off-road use of town limits. This subarea contains aquatic areas and the area by four-wheel drive vehicles, even in the shorelands and is entirely within Clatsop County. salt marsh adjacent to the observation tower. Aquatic Features Issues and Findings The northwest face of Clatsop Spit is a sandy Development and potential of the area is restrict- beach area, with significant wave energy impinging ed to recreation and historic preservation. The Clat- upon it. The northeast face of the spit, also a beach sop Spit area is already developed as for as it is area, is an area of high erosion and strong currents. intended to be. The old gun batteries of Point Adams The wetlands of Trestle Bay are tidal marsh (domin- area between Swash Lake and Hammond are sug- ated by Lyngby's sedge, common reed, creeping gested for "major development" in the Oregon State bentgrass and Pacific Silverweed) and sand/mud- Parks Fort Stevens Master Plan, including parking flats. The marshes are cut by deep tidal channels, and battery restoration. one of which, on the southeast margin, leads inland Erosion problems along Jetty Sands and on Clat- to Swash Lake, another area is dominated by tidal sop Spit, just south of the South Jetty, use of the area marsh. Trestle Bay is cut by a trestle and a jetty, the by four-wheel drive vehicles, removal of beach latter of which is overtopped regularly by tidal logs, and the possibility of ocean waves breaching waters. While there are no data, benthic productivity the spit south of the jetty are issues of concern. in- the inner flats is expected to be quite high be- While some structural control over erosion south of cause of the sheltered nature of the area and adja- the jetty may eventually be required, non-structural cent marsh productivity. Benthic productivity on the means of erosion control are more suitable in a state outer flats is moderate. The benthic productivity may park. make Trestle Bay an important nursery area for downstream migrant salmon, but no data are avail- Aquatic Designations able. There is also a small tidal salt marsh on Clatsop Trestle Bay and its wetlands.are designated Natu- Spit adjacent to the observation tower. It is covered ral, as is the wetland-salt marsh area on Clatsop by high salinity tidal waters coming directly in under Spit. Other aquatic areas are Conservation. the jetty from the ocean. Shoreland Designations Shoreland Features Parts of Clatsop Spit are designated Natural, with The shorelands of Clatsop Spit are rolling fare- the remainder as Conservation. The three develop- dunes, running transversely from southwest to north- ed parking areas are considered to be consistent east, and stabilized by European beachgross. Coast- with the Conservation designation. The south jetty is al strawberry, early hairgrass, scotch broom and classified as Water Dependent Development from coast pine are also present. These species also Point Adams to its outer end. The shoreland area characterize the shoreland vegetation along Trestle from Hammond northwest to Swash Lake is Conser- Bay; other shrubs, some willow, and alder are also vation. present. The shorelands up to Hammond are river Subarea Policy beach, rock rip-rap (original starting point of south Off-road vehicles should not be permitted on dune jetty) and some shrub begetation. The subarea has or wetland areas in the park and shall not traverse significant bird and wildlife values, including the Natural wetland-salt marsh on Clatsop Spit. nesting sites for the snowy plover. Trestle Bay Is important for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds Restoration and Resource Enhancement and raptors, as well as deer, nutria, mink, beaver, There is one marsh creation project in this subarea raccoon and opossum. adjacent to Swash Lake [6(M)]. Lowering the dune Human Use area adjacent to the wetlands and plantings to de- Intensity of human use in the Fort Stevens subarea velop a marsh is proposed (cf Restoration and Miti- gation 65). IV - 19 AQUATIC S Wa rs Wet- .2 landso' LAJ 0< 3' Depth Canto Shore n Non-aquatic Veg Planning Bo M CL ;cp spi NO 00 1 rl- A 11Y Cf) cf) z N 6(M) ol. SWASH L. LL 05' 124* 55' 56 123'45@ 101 01 .. ............ ... ......... . ......... . ............... .............. ....... ... .............. . ... ........... ...... . ....... .......... ......... .. ... . ................. ... ............ . ...... BAX BAY 14 .07 4 ............ r ........... ... .......... N4,5.05 10 45.01 45.09 3 % 40 RIVER 41.01 41.05 N LOWE :v% . ....... . . , 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - la@ 42. .16 .......... ............. 4 . ...... - 42.13 4 42. 4 i67 260 YOUNGS SAY - A S TPR-f 101 ................. ........... .......... ....... ............ 40i. ............ .... . ....... . ................... .... .. .. ...... ............... Po 0 ........... .... .... ....... ............... 0 m m 0A rnm z 0 r a Z 0 . .......... M r CA ... . .. .... X m a) z z; OD rn rnX X CD z z 0 M z -n G) rn M Z Z M z M G) cn r -< X -n -< 0 wz M rn M e-, > z co x Z! 'i a a z rn rrl m z M m r, m > > 0 cn cn m rn z T o m ,= 20 Z rn co= 0 cn Z 0 c F c X U) rn m CD m > 0 COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY STUDY TASK FORCE z :0 co 42. YOUNGS BAY-ASTORIA PLAN THE PLANNING AREA MAJOR ISSUES AND DECISIONS The Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area includes Resource protection versus maximizing develop- the most intensively developed aquatic and shore- ment potential is the overriding issue throughout the land areas in the estuary region. Potential for new Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area. This was con- development is high. The area also has important firmed in the public attitude survey conducted as aquatic resources; Youngs Bay and the basin around part of the planning process, How much shoreland Tongue Point are both highly productive aquatic area should be set aside for water dependent de- environments. Shorelands in Hammond, Warrenton velopment and how much aquatic area might need and Astoria are included in this planning area, as to be altered to support that development? The need are the diked tidelands up the tributaries of Youngs for flat land to expand its industrial base was a major issue for the City of Astoria. Residential de- Bay. velopment from Tansy Point to Hammond was a The establishment of the boundari-es for the major issue, because of the conflict with potential Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area was' based on evaluation of potential shoreland hazards, import- deep draft shipping development. Development ant shoreland habitat areas, areas needed for urban along the Skipanon River was also a major point of water oriented development, and scenic resources. contention. Log storage, transportation facilities, The planning area extends from Tongue Point (in- dike maintenance, public access, and the shoaling cluding Lois and Mott Islands) west to Point Adams of Youngs Bay and its tributary streams were also and includes the waters of Youngs Bay and tributary issu.es of importance. These issues are addressed by streams to the head of tide. The water boundary on regional (cf Section 11), area and subarea policies, as the river side extends from John Day Point around well as other decisions in the plan. Lois and Mott Islands, around Tongue Point to join From Youngs Bay to Astoria is the major popula- with the in-water Astoria city limits. It follows the 40 tion center and most intensively developed area in foot depth contour to Point Adams. The shorelands the estuary. This is due in part to historical patterns boundary is 200 feet inland from MHHW or the edge of rail, highway and deep water channel develop- of tideland soils in areas where they occur. This ment. Plan designations reflect this. In urban areas, criterion applies around Youngs Bay and up all tribu- shorelands are mostly Development or Water De- tary streams including the Youngs, Walluski, Lewis pendent Development, to provide for existing or nque Point, the proposed residential, commercial or industrial uses. and Clark, and Skipanon Rivers. At To Major portions of shoreland and adjacent aquatic shoreland includes all flat lands and the Point itself. areas have been set aside for water dependent use. From the eastern city limits of Astoria, the shoreland Areas with potential for port or industrial develop- boundary extends westward along sewage lagoons, ment requiring deep draft ship access include Tansy includes floodplain area in Alclerbrook, connects Point, both the east and west spits at the mouth of with Leif Erickson and Marine Drive, and runs along the Skipanon River, the existing port facilities at the railroad at some points west to Hamburg Street. Smith Point (Port of Astoria), and Tongue Point. it then turns southeast along old U.S. 101 (West Areas for shallow draft marinas and other develop- Marine Drive) to its junction with Oregon Highway ment include the Hammond Mooring Basin, the 202. The bounclarythen follows this highway to its areas north and south of the new Skipanon River junctur Ie with tideland soils, which extend up the Bridge in Warrenton, areas along the Lewis and aforementioned tributary streams and around Clark River and Youngs River and Bay, the west and Youngs Bay. From Tansy Point west, tideland soils east mooring basins in Astoria, and other waterfront give way to sand -dune soil types. The shoreland areas of Astoria. Numerous dredged material dis- boundary in this area is the main highway connect- posal and potential mitigation sites have been iden- ing Warrenton and Hammond to Fort Stevens. Plan- lified. ning, management and regulatory jurisdictions in- Despite the overall development orientation of clude Clatsop County, the Cities of Astoria and War- the Youngs Bay-Astoria area as compared to other renton, the Town of Hammond, the Port of Astoria, estuary areas, most of the biologically important and Oregon state and federal agencies. tidal marshes and flats, and subticlal areas have been given protective Natural or Conservation des- ig.nations. Shorelands in areas outside urban growth boundaries are Rural or Conservation, to provide for agricultural or forestry uses. y 4 t OmM,"t'ja@'RRN UR' Offi "K a i'@ WINN--- 4 Compleat Photographer IV - 21 AREA POLICIES M", 1. Log Storage Log Storage in the Lewis and Clark and Youngs Rivers should continue to be allowed at all existing sites, even in those instances where it is a non-con forming use in a Natural area. However, no new log storage sites should be allowed in Natural areas or in wetlands, where the logs would rest on the bottom at low tide. 4 2. Transportation Routes All existing railroads and highways are consider- ed Development for the purpose of maintenance, repair and possible expansion, regardless of the adjacent aquatic or shoreland designation. Further- more, new transportation routes which may be re- quired through Natural or Conservation areas are allowed, but only on the condition that the most en- vironmentally sound construction methods are used and impacts of construction are minimized. 3. Recreation and Public Access Public waterfront access for recreation should be improved throughout the Youngs Bay-Astoria area. 4L." Kv Particular emphasis should be given to small water- front parks in urbanized areas to serve local resi- dents and day-use needs. The Astoria People Place 'system concept of small parks, fishing piers and viewpoints, connected by a waterfront walkway is strongly supported. Improvement of waterfront ac- cess and/or park construction is recommended: at wit Tongue Point; in Astoria at the new Maritime Mu- seum, at 14th Street, between 9th-and 10th Streets, EUX a at the foot of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and at the Port docks; at small boat launches in the Youngs and Lewis and Clark Rivers; and on the west bank of the Skipanon, just south of the new Skipanon River Bridge, at Tansy Point, and adjacent to the Ham- mond Mooring Basin. "J Z@ Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission IV - 22 42.01 HAMMOND General Description This subarea includes aquatic area and shorela t@ n A @r'4?3, F@'@ ds within the Town of Hammond and its urban growth boundary. The boundaries are the town limits on the Ron Pitfard - Searep Studio, cottric.". Chasop Count-, east, the 40 foot depth contour on the north, the Fort Stevens Highway on the south, and the urban cessible by car. The main commercial area is located growth boundary on the west. The subarea is entire- several blocks south of the mooring basin. The moor- ly within the Town of Hammond. A small portion of ing basin and adjacent shorelands are not yet fully the Town of Hammond in the Columbia River, be- utilized. Because of the view and close access to the tween the 40 foot depth contour and the northern river, the recreational and aesthetic value of these town limits, is included in Estuary Channels - 41.02. shorelands is high. Land ownership is a mixture of Aquatic Features private, corporate and federal. Aquatic areas include the Hammond Mooring Issues and Findings Basin, the beach, and adjacent waters of the The major conflict in this area is between the very Columbia River out to the 40 foot contour. Deep high water dependent development potential along water of highly variable salinity is close to shore in the river front and continued residential and recrea- this reach. River bottom material is primarily sand; tional uses of the area. The privately owned lands finer materials are kept suspended by strong cur- between Alaska Packers and the National Marine rents, waves and ship wakes. With such coarse sedi- Fisheries Service Field Station might be used for ments, benthic productivity is not particularly high either purpose. The other major issue is how to capi- but there is substantial fish usage, particularly as a talize on the potential of the mooring basin to stimu- migration route for salmonids. late the economy of the town. Associated with this is The south jetty begins just west of the Hammond the need for adequate dredged material disposal Mooring Basin, but is much deteriorated and erosion sites. Finally, recreational and aquatic research is actively occurring inside the jetty. Erosion is also a areas should be protected. severe problem from just east of the boat basin to In the Lower Columbia River Ports Region Study the railroad. From this point east to the town limits (Oregon Department of Transportation, 1975), the the bank is rip-rapped and there is one pile dike Columbia River shoreline between Tansy Point and perpendicular to the shoreline to help control ero- the Hammond Mooring Basin has been identified as sion. Review of navigation charts published over the one of the few areas between Portland and the river lost 40 years indicates that naturally occurring deep mouth with excellent potential for the development water in this reach (up to 60 feet) is moving closer to of water dependent industry. Other studies have shore. Both boat docks extending into the river pro- come to this same conclusion. Factors contributing to vide evidence of this; they have had increa;ing this potential include: problems with erosion and loss of piling. In contrast, *Proximity to the main ship channel and river there is a severe shoaling problem in the mooring mouth (River Mile 7-9); basin. This problem has increased since protective OlDeep water close to shore, minimizing the need to breakwaters have been constructed. Sediments in dredge for navigational access; the basin range from sand at the entrance to fine @Railroad access; and sand, silt and clays inside. *Relatively low density of present use and substan- Shoreland Features vacant areas. Development potential is somewhat diminished The Hammond shorelands are relatively high by: areas of sandy soils (Westport fine sand) influenced 0 -Strong river currents which are presently causing both by the river and the ocean. Some areas of substantial shoreline erosion problems and which sandy dredged material and Clatsop silty clay loam make the construction of docks and piers more are also found. Wildlife and bird use is low, except difficult; and along the shoreline and the spruce/alder vegetated oExisting residential use of the area. area west of Lake Drive, adjacent to Fort Stevens This development potential justifies the designa- State Park. tion of the area east of Alaska Packers as Water Human Use Dependent Development (this designation also con- Residential, commercial, industrial and recrea- tinues eastward into Warrenton providing a large tional uses coexist along the Hammond waterfront. length of shoreline for water oriented develop- The railroad runs along the shore from Tansy Point ment). The designation prevents new residential de- past Bioproducts, Inc. and ends at the Alaska Pack- velopment in the area and provides for future in- ers, Inc. plant. Residences and the National Marine dustrial tax base expansion. Fisheries Service- Research Station are the other de- The CREST marina study (1978) showed a demand veloped features of the waterfront east of the moor- for 800-900 new moorages in the estuary area with a ing basin. The sand beach between the mooring 6-7% increase in demand each year. The Hammond basin and Alaska Packers is undeveloped and used Boat Basin, with only 178 berths and less than half for beachcombing. The shoreline west of the moor- the basin developed, has excellent potential to ing basin is a popular viewpoint and is readily ac- absorb part of this demand for qrowth. Its proximity IV - 23 7(E) ee 14(S) HAMMOND U. G. 0. 4. "k 7 TH.. 6 TH S, N1. ._HA.1k!M011D Z5 C%i Uj _WA @RCMTON AQUATIC SHORELAND c Waters Wet .0 lands Natural 0 Comsermtion cn Rural Development I'll ater Dependmt 3' Depth Contour I Ih.reline k D@elopment Non-oquaticVeg. 1000 Planning Boundary z NOR WAVARMTON CITY LIMIT$ to the river mouth fishing grounds, its location adja- ment. In order to minimize the impacts on existing cent to a large state park, the extensive area of un- residences and preserve the unique potential of the developed land around the basin, and the minimal area, the following policies apply: estuarine alterations (dredge and fill) necessary to *Notwithstanding the fact that these residences are, accomplish such expansion, combine to make this a a nonconforming use, in the event of complete very high priority area for marina expansion. destruction by fire or other disaster, the residences A dredged material disposal site for boat basin may be rebuilt. expansion and subsequent maintenance dredging is *As feasible, new industrial development should needed. The large area west of the present town be located so as to efficiently utilize the area and limits is proposed for recreational facilities to sup- minimize conflicts with existing residences. port boat basin and town development, back-up OFills in the aquatic portions of this subarea shall be parking facilities and other marina-related facilities. allowed only in conjunction with bulkheading or These uses would be facilitated by dredged material quay construction along the present shoreline; no disposal and thus justifies a Development designa- substantial parcels of new land shall be created. tion for the area. 2. The Water Dependent Development area around The need for the central commercial and residen- the boat basin leased from the Corps of Engineers tial core of the town to remain in those uses justifies (north of 3rd Street) shall be carefully controlled for a Development designation. Undeveloped areas to water dependent uses which support boat basin the south have relatively poor development poten- operation. The Water Dependent Development tial because of soils, high water table, etc. Lots area south of 3rd Street (to 4th or 5th Street, as fronting Pacific Drive between the eastern city limits indicated on the map) is also needed for water- and Fleet Street will have sewer access in the future oriented uses, but zoning in this area may also allow and are suitable for residential use without filling or for other commercial uses such as motels, hotels, other substantial site preparation. restaurants, etc., if they can demonstrate they The National Marine Fisheries Service Research provide a needed service for users of the boat basin. Station shorelands adjacent to the beach, the beach Existing residences may be maintained or rebuilt, as itself east to Alaska Packers and the adjacent waters in Policy 1. above. are important town recreational or aquatic research areas. These values are preserved by the Conserva Dredged Material Disposal Sites tion designation. - Three shoreland dredged material disposal sites Aquatic Designations are located in this subarea. All relate to dredging From the town limits on the east to and including associated with the Hammond Mooring Basin. Two the Alaska Packers facility, the aquatic area from the of the sites are currently used by the Corps for chan- shoreline out to the 40 foot depth contour is desig- nel maintenance [13(S)] and the Town for basin nated Development. From Alaska Packers west to maintenance [14(S)]. The third site is for projected the urban growth boundary, the aquatic area from basin expansion [12(S)]. (cf Dredged Material Man- the high water mark out to the 40 foot depth contour agement 57.30, 59.) is designated Conservation, except on the west side Restoration and Resource Enhancement of the mooring basin, which is Development from Two eroded shoreline restoration sites are in this the shoreline out to the 20 foot contour. The mooring subarea. The first [7(E)] is located just west of the basin is designated Development. The aquatic area boat basin. The shoreline has eroded in this area outside the 40 foot depth contour is Conservation more than 50 feet landward from the jetty, which out. to the channel,. which is designated Develop- was the original shoreline. Restoration would in- ment (see Estuary Channels [41.02] for details.. volve use of dredged material from the boat basin Shoreland Designations entrance to restore the original shoreline, more ef- From the town line on the east to and including fective rip-rap and development of a small water- the property of Alaska Packers, Inc., the shoreland is front park. This scenic viewpoint already gets signi- designated Water Dependent Development, except f icant use, but continues to erode away. fora 100foot deep strip north of Pacific Drive, which The second site [8(E)] is located between Alaska is Development. From Alaska Packers west to the Packers and the boat basin, where up to 50 feet has east edge of the National Marine Fisheries Service eroded away. Restoration of the original shoreline is research facility, the shorelands are Development, proposed using coarse, sandy dredged material except for the northern, undeveloped portion of the from basin entrance maintenance or by pipeline research station, which is Conservation. The shore- dredging from the adjacent channel. (cf Restoration land area surrounding the mooring basin is Water and Mitigation 65.) Dependent Development, bounded on the west by Mitigation Needs Lake Drive and the urban growth boundray, on the Expansion of the Hammond Mooring Basin could south by 4th Street (Kindred Park Addition), or 5th involve dredging of 10-15 acres of productive inter- Street. (New Astoria Addition). The remainder of the tidal flats on the east side of the basin. Some restor- shorelands to the south and west are designated ation, habitat creation or resource enhancement Development. actions to mitigate the impacts of this dredging may Subarea Policies be required. Since there are no sites in the imme- diate area for restoration of equivalent habitat, the 1. The shoreland area between the eastern town site at Swash Lake (Fort Stevens) or sites in Youngs line and the westernmost property line of Alaska Bay should be utilized. (cf Restoration and Mitiga- Packers is designated Water Dependent Develop- tion, 66. 10.) IV-25 42.02 TANSY POINT/ALDER COVE and the area gets extensive use by downstream General Description migrant juvenile salmon and other fishes. The area This subarea lies entirely within the City of War- also supports many waterfowl, shorebirds, and other renton. It includes aquatic areas in Alder Cove, wildlife [cf aquatic features for Youngs Bay (42.07)]. Tansy Creek, and the Columbia River out to the 40 Shoreland Features foot depth contour, and shorelands adjacent to the Columbia River and south to Tansy Creek. The west- Along the Columbia River, shorelands are rela- ern boundary is the Warrenton city limits. The south- tively high in elevation and soils are Westport fine ern boundary is Fort Stevens Highway, Tansy Creek sand and fill. South and west of the Fort Stevens and the dike around Alder Cove. Highway and adjacent to Tansy Creek, the shore- lands are low and poorly drained silty clay looms. Aquatic Features The shoreline from Tansy Point west is rip-rapped to The aquatic features of this area include the Co- retard erosion. lumbia River beach front, the river out to the 40 foot Because of the scenic view and the immediate depth contour, and the wetlands of Alder Cove and access to the river, the aesthetic and recreational Tansy Creek. Deep water of highly variable salinity value of the Tansy Point area is very high. Portions of is close to shore along the Tansy Point reach. River the area are undeveloped and support wildlife. bottom material is primarily coarse sand; finer materials are kept suspended by strong currents, Human Use waves and ship wakes. With such coarse sediments, Low density residential, recreational and indus- benthic productivity is not particularly high from trial uses all occur on the shoreland and aquatic Tansy Point west, but there is substantial fish usage, areas of Tansy Point. The major industries are Bio- particularly as a migration route for juvenile products, Inc. and the Pacific Shrimp Packing Plant. salmonids. There are residences and vacant land between Erosion is occurring on the west spit of the Skipa- Tansy Point and the western city limits. Ownership is non peninsula adjacent to this subarea and just largely private, corporate or City of Warrenton. The south of Tansy Point in Alder Cove. From Tansy Point railroad'runs along the shoreline through this sub- west to the city limits, two pile dikes and riprop help area. retard shoreline erosion. The marshes of Alder Cove receive some scientific The Alder Cove wetlands become more protected research and hunting use, and the Warrenton toward the south; sediments are progressively finer sewage lagoon effluent drains into the Cove. Other- and extensive marshes fringe the cove outside the wise, human use of Alder Cove is minimal. The Port dike. The marsh area on the east side of the cove, a of Astoria owns tidelands outside the dike on the small portion of which is in the Mouth of the Skipa- south and west sides. Warrenton Lumber Company non subarea (42.06), has developed since the con- owns tidelands adjacent to the peninsula on the struction of the Skipanon peninsulas in the 1930's. west bank of the Skipanon River. The biology of Alder Cove is similar to Youngs Bay, Issues and Findings of which it was once part. Salinities are somewhat Alder Cove tidal marshes and flats are widely higher in Alder Cove, however, since it is closer to recognized as a unique area. The Nature Conser- the ocean and has no major tributaries. Benthic vancy has identified it as a potential natural area, populations are very high, particularly amphipods, because of its value to fish and wildlife and its historical use as a scientific research area. The exist- ing and potential development adjacent to the Cove, and the secondary sewage treatment effluent discharged into the Cove degrade its natural values somewhat. Tansy Point has several unique features which make it especially suited for water dependent de- velopment. The Lower Columbia River Ports Region Study, prepared by the Oregon Department of Trans- portation in 1975, and the 1977 Port of Astoria Master Plan identify the Tansy Point area as important to -A reserve for port development. It is adjacent to the main ship channel. Water depths very close to shore are 50 feet or more, and the area is naturally scoured. However, the strong tidal currents which produce this scour effect represent a possible dis advantage for mooring ships. According to Colum- bia River bar pilots, however, this is not a serious roblem. Historically, the area (Town of Flavel) was p 0 used for passenger steamship docking. Because of the natural scour and deep water, initial and main- IV - 26 tenance dredging would be significantly le-ss than number two is to be specifically set aside for park most other potential deep draft ship development purposes. The third parcel is allowed to have these sites, particularly if the moorage were not directly uses or certain marine and tourist oriented business- adjacent to the shoreline. The proximity of this site to es. Parcels two and three may not be sold by the city. the ocean and the excellent condition of the 40 foot If the city uses the land-for purposes other than stip- channel downstream mean that the site is one of ulated in the deed restrictions, the land will revert to few locations where, by judicious use of tides for bar the former owners. Designation of parcel number crossing, vessels drawing in excess of 40 feet could one as Development Shoreland to allow for resi- be accommodated. As such, the site could provide dential development, however, requires an excep- the required mooring capability for economically tion to the Land Conservation and Development shipping or receiving liquid or dry bulks in vessel Commission Coastal Shorelands (number 17) Goal sizes significantly greater than those using other port (cf Appendix B). sites on the Columbia River or the State of Oregon. The Tansy Point area has rail and highway access, Aquatic Designations but these apparent advantages may actually be dis- The aquatic area along the Columbia River from advantages from a regional perspective. Significant the western city limits to Tansy Point is designated development at Tansy Point, combined with other Development, out to the pierhead line. East of Tansy potential industrial development in Warrenton, may Point the water area is Conservation. The wetlands require rail or highway improvements across Youngs south of the Conservation waters are designated Bay. For example, if construction of a second rail Natural, except for a 50 foot Conservation buffer line across Youngs Bay to support development 'in area extending outward from the line of non-aquatic Warrenton is needed, it could have a significant vegetation and a wider Conservation area at the impact on the Youngs Bay ecosystem. southern end of Alder Cove where effluent from the The Tansy Point area also has potential for resi- sewage ponds is discharged. dential development. The area will soon be sewer- ed, there is already low density housing west toward Shoreland Designations the city limits, and the park-like waterfront setting is All of the shorelands in this subarea are desig- aesthetically very desirable. Use of at least a portion nated Water Dependent Development, except for of the area for residences would not preclude parcel number one of the area deeded to the City of marine industrial development at Tansy Point and Warrenton by the Carruthers, which is designated south to Tansy Creek, although it would limit its Development to allow residential use. extent. There is also a significant portion of the City's Subarea Policies shorelines set aside for marine industrial develop- ment along the Skipanon Waterway; the need for 1. Notwithstanding the fact that residences within additional marine industrial area at Tansy Point is the Water Dependent Development shorelands of debatable. this subarea are a nonconforming use, in the event Complicating the issue of marine inclustrial de- of their destruction by fire or other disaster recon- velopment versus a mixture of residential and struction may be allowed. marine industrial use of Tansy Point are deed re- 2. A water-oriented park site at least 3.5 acres in strictions on three parcels of land (16 acres total) size shall be set aside in the city-owned shoreland deeded to the City of Warrenton by Eben and Nancy area between N.W. 17th and N.W. 15th Streets. Carruthers. According to the deed restrictions, parcel number one may only be used for single family 3. The Natural ticleflats and marshes of Alder Cove dwellings and necessary outbuildings, Parcel shall be protected from alterations. Such protection, however, should not preclude intensive develop- ment of the adjacent Water Dependent Develop- ment or Development Shorelands nor necessary dike maintenance. The vegetative Conservation buffer shall be preserved between Alder Cove and adja- CO'L"fS14 1_t@: cent developed areas. R1 Veq 4. Large-scale fills are not appropriate in the Devel. opmentAquatic portions of this subarea; filling shall be allowed only for bulkheading or quay construc- tion along the present shoreline; no substantial par- cels of new land shall be created, TANSY PT aft/ Dredged Material Disposal w U There are three dredged material disposal sites in U AN? 7, this subarea, 16(S) located on the point itself, 18(S) \A south of Tansy Point to Tansy Creek, and 17(S) south- 'A west of Tansy Point across Fort Stevens Highway. All three sites are associated with potential dredging at Tansy Point, but their capacity significantly exceeds the amount of material to be generated (cf Dredged material Management, 57.40, 59). IV - 27 TANSY POINT ALDER COVE SUBAREA 42.02 \\ co geo I-A ALDER CREEK 6 PC 71 SKIPANON RIvER IV - 28 42.03 NORTH WARRENTON General Description Aquatic Designations This subarea is entirely shorelands, except for Alder Creek is designated Conservation. Alder Creek and the Warrenton sewage lagoons. It is bounded by Tansy Creek on the north, the dike adja- Shoreland Designations cent to Alder Cove on the northeast, N.E. Skipanon All of the shorelands in this subarea are desig- Drive on the east, and the Fort Stevens Highway on nated Development. the south and west. It includes rural, residential and Subarea Policy commercial areas. Widening and strengthening of the dike shall be Aquatic Features allowed as necessary to provide for its use by heavy Alder Creek has a ticlegate near its mouth. Little is vehicles. known of its aquatic productivity. The Warrenton sewage lagoons empty into Alder Cove. They re- ceive considerable bird usage and populations of aquatic organisms are probably high. Shoreland Features ... .. The area is low, marshy, diked land with the ex- ception of low hills south of the sewage lagoons. Much of the area is either forested (alder, spruce) or agricultural land of moderate value. Wildlife use of forested and pasture areas is probably considerable, particularly in the areas adjacent to Alder Cove. The primary development hazard is flooding; however, only the lowest areas between Alder and Tansy Creeks are in the floodplain. The dike is maintained by the City of Warrenton. Hum-an Use Residential and rural uses predominate except immediately adjacent to downtown Warrenton, where there is some commercial development. The Warren House on Skipanon Drive is a State Historical Landmark. There is a recreational vehicle park adia- cent to Tansy Creek. Immediately adjacent to this subarea on the east is the Warrenton Lumber Com- pany plant. The railroad runs north-south through .the subarea and road access is provided by the Fort looo, Stevens Highway. Land ownership is private and corporate. Utilities are provided by the city, but not all of the subarea is sewered. Issues and Findings The subarea does not have navigational access to the Columbia River or the Skipanon. The parcel Dredged Material Disposal between the dike and the railroad and to the north Three dredged material disposal sites [19(S), and west of the sewage' lagoons has recently been 20(S), 22(S)] are located in this subarea and a fourth acquired by the Warrenton Lumber Company for [21(S)] to the west of the subarea boundary (not in possible expansion of their facilities. Other areas the shorelands area). All four sites are proposed for have considerable potential for residential develop- use in coniuficti:on with maintenance of Skipanon ment, except perhaps the low-lying lands between River dredging projects. A primary concern for Alder and Tansy Creeks that are in the floodplain. disposal will be the nature of the sediments and their potential to support structures for residential, commercial or industrial use. (cf Dredged Material Management Plan 57.50, 59.) IV - 29 42.04 UPPER SKIPANON RIVER General Description This subarea includes portions of Warrenton and Clatsop County. It is bounded on the north by U.S. Highway 101, and follows the Skipanon River and several small tributaries southward to the extent of tideland soils. Although it is predominantly rural "01 with parcels of agricultural and timber lands, a par- tion of the old AMAX industrial site is included. Portions of the area east of the Skipanon River out- side the present Warrenton city limits are inside the Warrenton Urban Growth Boundary. Aquatic Features The characteristics of the Skipanon River above the 8th Street dam are discussed in 42.05 (Middle Skipanon River). Shoreland Features This is a rural area with some agricultural land and t M's moderate timber values. Wildlife habitat is excellent along the river with thick strands of riparian-wetland vegetation. The area is low and poorly drained. Flow control dams have reduced but not eliminated the flood hazard. There is some residential use of the area. Warrenton High School and several com- mercial establishments are located on higher ground west of the river in the northern portion of the sub- area. Human Use The major uses are agricultural, timber harvest- ing, rural housing and hunting. Cranberry bogs are present in some low-lying areas. The area is not sewered and city water is available only along Dol- phin Road, east of the river. U.S. Highway 101 and several county roads and bridges provide access to the lands west of the river. Issues and Findings Development potential is generally low except along the right-of-way of the proposed U.S. High- N way 101 realignment and in the small portion of the subarea which is part of the AMAX industrial site. Shoreland Designations Within the present Warrenton city limits there are West of the Skipanon River, shorelands within the residential and commercial uses and the High Warrenton city limits are designated Development; School. East of the Skipanon River, the proposed the remaining shorelands are designated Rural. Urban Growth Boundary includes the AMAX indus- East of the Skipanon River, shorelands within' the trial property. Water quality is a problem in the Skip- industrial site are designated Development; the re- anon River; industrial development in the area maining shorelands are designated Rural except for should be designed so as not to contribute to this the area south of the industrial site, which is desig- problem. The remainder of the subarea has low de- nated Conservation for forestry use. velopment potential. Low-intensity uses which do not -degrade the freshwater wetland values along Subarea Policy the river are appropriate. Notwithstanding the Development designation for Aquatic Designations aquatic areas within the industrial site and the Con- The Skipanon River and its tributaries within this servation designation for forested shorelands to the subarea are designated Conservation, except for south, development in and adjacent to those creeks those aquatic areas which fall within the boundaries and logging shall be carried out so as to minimize of the industrial site, which are designated Develop- stream sedimentation and preserve riparian vegeta- ment. tion and water quality. IV - 30 UPPER SKIPANON SUBAREA 42 SKIPANON RIVER lot AQUATIC SHORHAND Natural RUM, DWndc-t Develkme-f Pjonnmg boundary WARRENTON U.G.9. lot 1000, 42.05 MIDDLE SKIPANON RIVER General Description This subarea contains shorelands of the City of Much of the shoreland east of the Skipanon River Warrenton on both sides of the Skipanon River, is seasonally wetland, covered by shrubs, spruce diked marshes east of the Skipanon, and the aquatic and other trees. Wildlife and bird habitat values are areas of the river itself between the Harbor Street high in some portions. Some lands close to Harbor Bridge and Highway 101. Although parts of Drive and U.S. Highway 101 are agricultural. Lands downtown Warrenton and a major shopping center outside the dike are heavily vegetated and marshy are included, the subarea is largely vacant land, in some locations. residential or low density commercial and light Human Use industrial. The entire subarea lies within the present Lands west of the Skipanon are in residential and Warrenton city limits. commercial uses. The wetlands east of the river are Aquatic Features largely vacant and without road access or utilities. The average fresh water flow of the Skipanon Residential, commercial, agricultural and light in- River is only about 50 cfs. The circulation in the dustrial uses are scattered along Harbor Drive and reach below the 8th Street dam (River Mile 2.6) is U.S. Highway 101, which provide highway access. therefore dominated by tidal currents, and the flush- The railroad runs along Harbor Drive, just outside ing is poor (flushing time: 10 to 38 days). this subarea. Water and sewer are available only Flows in the river above the 8th Street dam are along the major roads. Timber value is low, but influenced by natural variations and the two dams there is some prime farmland. Zoning is Residential, further upstream. Flushing time is estimated at 12 to Commercial and light Industrial. Land ownership is 40 days. Water quality in the Skipanon River below mostly private, much in large holdings, with some the dam ranges from poor to moderate. During late public and corporate. summer, low flow periods, severe depletion of dis- Issues and Findings solved oxygen has been observed. Water quality is East of the Skipanon River the development po- degraded by industrial wastes, boat traffic, fish tential is limited by the flood hazard, poor soils and wastes and non-point sources. Water quality above the lack of a sewer system. Any portion of the area the dam is somewhat better, but peat soils in some that could be filled with dredged or other material tributary sloughs deplete dissolved oxygen. could be developed, however, In addition to the dams, the river channel itself The Skipanon River south of the Harbor Street has been considerably altered. The channel has Bridge has significant potential for the development been straightened just above the Harbor Street of marinas for recreational boats if the facilities can Bridge, creating a second island. The old Skipanon be designed to minimize further degradation of Slough has been entirely severed from the river by water quality. The CREST Marina Study (1978) construction of the boat basin. The connection to showed an unfilled demand of 800 to 900 moorages Cullaby Lake is an artificial channel. in the estuary. Dem'and is increasing at a rate of 6% Because of its small drainage area, water-quality to 7% per year. This shortage of moorages affects limitations and the dams, the Skipanon River is not a both recreational boaters and commercial fishing major fisheries resource, though small wild runs of vessels. Construction of marina facilities above the coho and sea-run cutthroat trout have been ob- Harbor Street Bridge would provide badly needed served. Despite large amounts of bark chips and moorages for recreational boating and enable some anoxic sediments in some areas, benthic and water of the moorage facilities north of the bridge to column productivities are fair to moderate in some convert from recreational to larger commercial fish- locations. Sediments below the dam are almost ing vessel use. The 8th Street dam prevents the entirely contributed by the Columbia River and possibility of water oriented development upstream timber operations. Sediments above the dam are at this time. derived from the Skipanon River drainage basin. Resource agencies have noted both the water Extensive diked wetlands are found to the east of quality problems in the Skipanon River and some the Skipanon River. There are also wetlands along habitat values of the islands and marsh areas. If the river itself, including the two major islands. water quality can be protected, the development Shoreland Features potential of this area in the middle of the City of Virtually this entire subarea consists of low, Warrenton, however, could be pursued. poorly-drained silty clay looms protected by dikes Aquatic Designations along both sides of the Skipanon River and along The Skipanon River is designated Development Youngs Bay and Alder Cove. The subarea is almost from the Harbor Street Bridge to the 8th Street dam. entirely within the floodplain. Dikes are maintained The remaining aquatic portions of this subarea are by the City of Warrenton. designated Conservation. The CREST planning area to the west of the Skipa- non River takes in only a 200-foot strip inland along Shoreland Designations the shoreline. This is a residential and commercial All of the shorelands of this subarea are desig- nren. nated Development. IV - 32 Subarea Policies Dredged Material Disposal 1. Development along the shoreline of the Skipa- Two large dredged material disposal sites are in non River between Harbor Drive and 8th Street shall this subarea; one just east of the Skipanon [23(S)], include a Tourist/Commercial mixture of water north and south of the dam, and one further to the dependent, water related and other uses. east across a slough [24(S)I. Both sites have potential use for dredging projects in the Skipanon, both 2. Freshwater wetland areas of particular natural above and below the Harbor Street Bridge. Addi- resource and habitat value should be protected to tionally, there is a small site associated with possible the extent possible during the development of fhe projects on the Skipanon [26(S)I. (cf Dredged Mate- Skipanon River below the dam and the entire area rial Management Plan 57.10, 57.50, 59.) east of the Skipanon. Mitigation Needs 3. The water quality impacts of development in the The Development designation of the aquatic areas Middle Skipanon will be evaluated prior to approval between the Harbor Street Bridge and the 8th Street of projects, particulairly in the area between the 8th dam provides for uses which may require dredging Street dam and the Harbor Street Bridge. Alterations of interticla*I areas and posiibly limited filling. De- which have a decidedly negative water quality im- tailed proposals are not available, but mitigation pact or result in a decrease in the flushing rate will will be required for dredging and filling of intertidal not normally be permitted. and tidal marsh areas. (cf Restoration and Mitiga- t i a n, 66.20. 0 S.E. 9 T ST. AOUATIC SHORELAND W.1- W , NW.-I C--tion R.-( M f@ DP@dmf 3'D,Plh C,ntour.. D@IP-t Sh-lo No-q-ticVeg. P1 ... i@g B-d-Y 101 1000, .. . . . . . . . . SKIPANON IVER IV - 33 42.06 MOUTH OF THE SKIPANON RIVER General Description not presently use the Skipanon River, the channel is This subarea contains the filled and diked share- maintained at a depth of between 14 and 20 feet by lands north of Harbor Drive and east of S0panon hopper dredge (disposal in-water at Tansy Point). Drive, the Skipanon River from the Harbor Street Small amounts of material were removed in 1975 Bridge to its mouth, and adjacent Columbia River and 1979. Because the sediments near the bridges waters out to the navigation channel. Parts of down- are highly organic and may contain toxic sub- town Warrenton are also included. The subarea lies stances, dredging in this reach requires land or entirely within the present Warrenton city limits. ocean disposal. Included in this subarea are portions of the Aquatic Features marshes and tide flats west and north of the west spit The mouth of the Skipanon River was originally and east and north of the east spit. These marshes low and marshy. The river channel has been and tide flats are similar to other nearby flats and widened and deepened and several tributary marshes in Youngs Bay and Alder Cove. Their sloughs closed off. The Skipanon Peninsulas were characteristics are described under 42.07. created by fill during the late 1920's-1930's. These large fills have severed Alder Cove from Youngs Bay Shoreland Features and caused the Skipanon River to empty into the Most land in this subarea is agricultural (grazing) main channel of the Columbia River, rather than into or developed (commercial and industrial). Soils are Youngs Bay. The Warrenton Mooring Basin was sandy fill or Coquille-Ticlal Marsh (fresh) - Clatsop created from land by dredging. The aquatic features Association. All of this subarea east of the Skipanon of Youngs Bay and Alder Cove have been described River is in the floodplain, except for an area of fill under 42.07 and 42.02, respectively. part of the way out the east spit. Wildlife values are The 8th Street dam effectively divides the Skipa- low to moderate. non River into two bodies of water. Except during the Human Use winter months, fresh water flow in the Skipanon Commercial and industrial uses are dominant in River is low (average flow 50 cfs), and Columbia this subarea. There is some grazing and a few River water and ocean water are the main water houses along Harbor Drive. In addition to the War- masses observed below the 8th Street dam. Salinity renton Mooring Basin, there are several other intrusion occurs here whenever salinity is present in marinas, a charter boat operation, two fish pro- the adjacent Columbia River waters. Despite the low cessors that release wastes into the river, and one fresh water flow, strong vertical differences in salin- condominium complex with another under con- ity occur during the fall, and bottom waters may struction. Warrenton Lumber Company, the largest become stagnant. Dissolved oxygen levels well industry in the city, sorts logs in-water and stores below state and federal standards have been ob- them on both sides of the navigation channel. The served, but are probably infrequent and moderately only industry presently using the east spit is a cement high numbers of benthic organisms have been found plant. As befits the industrial nature of the area, in some areas. lporganic sediments are largely of ownership is largely Port, County or corporate. The Columbia River origin. Near the mouth of the riv .er, agricultural value of the area is low and there is no the sediments are largely clean sand. The proportion commercial timber. of fine material, organic matter and wood debris in- Highway access is provided by Harbor Drive and creases in the upriver direction. Anoxic bottom sedi- Sk'ipanon Drive. The railroad runs along the southern ments occur in the developed area below the border of this subarea. Access to both the Skipanon bridge. Flushing times and fish runs in the Skipanon and Columbia Rivers is available from the spits. River have been discussed under 42.05. Access to the Columbia River has not been devel- The shallow areas of sandy substrate north of the oped, however, and would require dredging, filling Skipanon River spits are similar to adjacent areas in or piering out to deep water. Youngs Bay and Alder Cove. Such areas have low to The marshes on Alder Cove and Youngs Bay adja- moderate numbers of benthic organisms, but re- cent to this parcel receive recreational use for ceive considerable usage by fish and large inverte- hunting, brates, such as shrimp and crab. Deeper areas adja- cent to the main navigation channel are less pro- ductive for bethos. These areas are described under Issues and Findings 41.02. Land use planning for the mouth of the Skipanon The authorized navigation project in the Skipanon River must come to terms with the direct and sub- River is 30 feet deep and 200 feet wide from the stantial conflicts between resource protection and Columbia River Channel to the railroad bridge and 6 industrial development. The area contains both in- feet deep and 40 feet wide for 4500 feet upstream dustrial sites of great value and significant natural from the railroad bridge. Also included is the 12 foot resource values. Both peninsulas of the Skipanon deep mooring basin and a 30 foot deep turning River are especially suitable for water dependent basin just north of the mooring basin. The-channel industry. There are sizeable parcels of vacant land in above the bridge has never been dredged and the both public and corporate ownership. The adjacent 8th Street dam precludes access to the lost 0.3 miles Skipanon River has an authorized deep draft chan- of authorized channel. Since ocean going ships do nel. The main navicIation channel of the Columbia IV - 34 River is immediately accessible. There is railroad The construction of a shipping facility and back-up access. area on the west peninsula would have some impact The three adjacent aquatic areas here contain im- upon the valuable wetlands of Alder Cove. Locating portant natural resource values (see Aquatic Fea- the 580 x 1500' area immediately north of the pre- tures of 42.02, 42.06, and 42.07). Scientific studies sent facilities would impact approximately 7.8 acres have shown that both Alder Cove and Youngs Bay of marsh area. 4.2 acres would be below Mean High make significant contributions to the fisheries re- Water (MHW) and 3.6 acres would be above MHW. source, particularly salmon. The total of 7.8 acres of 10.4% of the approximately The east peninsula of the Skipanon River has been 75 acres of marsh in Alder Cove. By locating the intensively studied for its development potential and facility directly on the Harbor Line and as far south as the impacts of development on natural resource possible, these figures represent the minimum poss- values. In connection with a proposed-oil rig fabri- ible impacts on Alder Cove. cation facility on this, an environmental impact Practical alternatives to construction of the log and statement and a mitigation study have been com- lumber loading facility do not exist. The natural re- pleted. source values of adjacent Alder Cove require that The west peninsula of the Skipanon River is the facility be designed to minimize impacts on the presently occupied by Warrenton Lumber Company. Cove. Economics require that the facility be con- This largest employer in the City of Warrenton has structed immediately adjacent to the existing Com- continued to make substantial investments in its pany operations. The long-term economic viability facilities. The Company has expansion plans which of Warrenton's largest employer requires that the would involve the development of a two-berth log Company find an alternative to the costly transporta- and lumber shipping facility on the Skipanon River. tion and double handling which result from the At the present time the Company's products are present practice of transporting products to Astoria moved by truck through downtown Warrenton to the for shipment. A log and lumber loading facility on Port of Astoria for shipment. Development of a ship the Skipanon adjacent to present operations with an loading facility on the Skipanon would result in sub- adequate back-up area designed to minimize harm- stantial cost savings to the Company and would also ful effects on Alder Cove is the only feasible choice. bring about a reduction in truck traffic through The west peninsula of the Skipanon River also has downtown Warrenton. significant potential for extra deep draft access di- A log and lumber loading facility requires ap- rectly on the Columbia River. Natural 40' water proximately twenty acres of "back-up" area next to depths occur about 1500' from the end of the penin- the ship berths. This area must be directly adjacent sula. There is ample space for manuevering and to the loading dock in order to avoid double docking large ships. The proximity of this site to the handling of logs and lumber. Such double handling ocean and the excellent condition of the 40' channel would not be economically feasible. A wide back-up downstream mean that the site is one of few loca- area of shallow depth would be the most desirable tions where, by judicious use of tides, vessels draw- since a larger number of logs can be stored closer to ing in excess of 40' could be accommodated. As the vessels, thus reducing haul distances, equipment such, the site could provide the required mooring requirements and, consequently, costs. As a length capability for economically shipping or receiving of approximately 1500 feet would be required for liquid or dry bulks in vessel sizes significantly berthing two ships, the twenty acre requirement greater than those using other port sites on the Co- would result in a depth of 580 feet for the back-up lumbia River or in Oregon. Very few alternatives area. sites for extra deep draft shipping in bulk cargoes are available. The east bank of the Skipanon, a possible alternative, may be committed to other -7 WU Port (if Astoria Photo IV - 35 SHIP CHANNEL MOUTH OF THE SKIPANON 42.06 L4000k AQUATIC SHORELAND Waters Wet- landsl : Naturai 0 UonservaflOn D@etopm@t Water Dependmi DmeloPmml @,horelme i Non-aqu tic Veg. Planning Boundary A JIF HARBOR DRIVE -7- 1000, NORTH 101 N@, IV - 36 uses. The Tansy Point area is an additional alterna- Subarea Policies tive but is subject to controversy over deed restric- 1. Development of shorelands and adjacent aquatic tions on important portions of the area. areas on the east and west peninsulas of the Skipa- An extra deep draft bulk shipping facility could be non River shall be carried out so as to minimize od- built on the west peninsula of the Skipanon without verse environmental impacts on productive tidal requiring any dredging or filling of shallow pro- marshes, mud-sand flats, wildlife, fisheries and ductive areas. Vacant back-up land is available west other important natural values of Youngs Bay and and north of the Warrenton sewer lagoons (see Alder Cove. Site planning shall include provision for 42.03). An elevated conveyor-belt operation could vegetative buffers and other means for shielding the be constructed on piling without making additional developed areas from adjacent marshes and flats. encroachments on Alder Cove. The City of Warrenton has proposed a second 2. In the Water Dependent Development area on mooring basin, just north of the present mooring the west peninsula of the Skipanon River, existing basin, to be excavated from shorelands. and new uses which are associated with wood pro- Further development in this subarea raises ques- cessing and handling shall be allowed. tions of water quality in the Skipanon River. Water 3. The Development designations for aquatic areas quality in the Skipanon River is marginal during along both sides of the Skipa Inon are provided to summer months. Would increased dredging, river accommodate future water-dependent uses. How- traffic, storm runoff and boat moorage coupled with ever, the designations do not create the presumption decreased flushing caused by enlarging the channel that dredging, filling or other alterations will be per- result in significantly poorer water quality? mitted automatically. Specific proposals for water- There are also land and water traffic problems. dependent development must: be justified in terms The surface area of the Skipanon River is quite of available alternatives, public need and economic limited. How much can the small boat traffic be in- benefits; minimize adverse impacts on water quality creased without causing congestion problems and and natural habitat; and meet other requirements of interfering with industrial operations? Highway the permit processes. traffic congestion is already a problem in downtown Warrenton; more industrial development at the Dredged Material Disposal mouth of the Skipanon River may increase traffic In this subarea there is one dredged material congestion there and on U.S. Highway 101. In- disposal site located on the east bank of the Skipa- creased small boat moorage would also increase non [25(S)]. This large site could be used for disposal congestion and result in a need for additional park- of material associated with Skipanon River projects, ing spaces. Industrial and commercial development construction of a second Warrenton Boat Basin or of these areas will also have a significant impact on development on the Columbia River side of the truck and rail traffic through the City of Astoria . ula. (cf Dredged Material M nagement Plan oj penins a where congestion is already severe during much 57.50,59.) the year, Restoration and Resource Enhancement Exceptions to the LCDC Estuarine Resources Goal, Number 16, are required for designation of aquatic Two potential marsh mitigation sites are located in areas west of the west Skipanon peninsula, at the this subarea; one to the east of Holbrook Slough Warrenton Lumber Company site, and east and north [10(M)I; and one to the west [9(M)]. Restoration to of the east Skipanon peninsula at the Brown and aquatic productivity would require construction of a Root site. (cf Appendix B.) new dike north of the railroad, breaching of the existing dikes and dredging necessary draininq Aquatic Designations channels. (cf Restoration and Mitigation 65.) Below the Harbor Street Bridge, the Skipanon River out to the main Columbia River channel 'is Mitigation Needs designated Development. Holbrook Slough and the The proposed Pacific Fabricators, Inc. oil rig fabri- west fork of Holbrook Slough are designated Con- cation facility on the east peninsula of the Skiparion servation. East of the east peninsula, the aquatic will impact about 118 acres of marshes and mud- area which lies within 1500 feet of MHHW on t he sand flats for which the Division of State Lands will east shoreline of the Skipanon River and out to the require mitigation. Other projects which might be main navigation channel is designated Develop- ment. West of the west peninsula the aquatic area proposed for this area would require mitigation for which lies within 580 feet of the Harbor Line on the dredging or filling interticlal or tidal marsh areas. west shoreline of the Skipanon River is designated Restoration sites adjacent to the property east and Development north to MHW and Conservation from west of Holbrook Slough should be considered for MHW out to the channel. mitigation use, as well as sites up the Youngs or Lewis and Clark Rivers. Shoreland Designations On the west bank of the Skipanon, the plan The small peninsula directly to the west of the describes a potential project of Warrenton Lumber Warrenton Boat Basin which extends northward into Company which may involve filling a small area of the Skipanon River from the railroad track is des- tidal marsh in Alder Cove. Such filling, if permitted, ignated Development. To the east of this spit up to would require mitigation by restoring or creating N.E. Heron, the land between the railroad tracks and another tidal marsh to compensate for the loss. Sites Harbor Drive is Development. The shoreland east of at Swash Lake (near the Columbia River mouth), on the west fork of Holbrook Slough is also designated Youngs Bay, or up the Youngs or Lewis and Clark Development. The remaining shoreland in this sub- Rivers, should be considered as possible mitigation area is designated Water Dependent Development. sites. (cf Restoration and Mitigation 66.30.) IV - 37 42.07 YOUNGS BAY General Description it is much harder to evaluate biological changes in Youngs Bay is one of the more biologically pro- Youngs Bay. There has been a very large loss of tidal ductive parts of the estuary. This subarea extends marsh and open water habitats and perhaps a gain from the old U.S. Highway 101 Bridges over the in mud/sand flats. There has been a very large loss Youngs River and the Lewis and Clark River to the of spawning habitat in tributary streams, runs of fall 30-foot contour in the Columbia River. It includes chinook and steelhead are greatly reduced, and the large fringing marshes and tideflats. The boundary chum runs are virtually extinct. It is not possible to of the subarea follows the MHHW mark along the determine changes in the nutrient supply to the bay Astoria waterfront and the dike line elsewhere, or changes in benthic populations or planktonic except adjacent to the Port of Astoria and the pro- productivity. posed Brown and Root site. No shorelands are in- Tides in Youngs Bay and tributary streams are of cluded. Warrenton, Astoria and Clatsop County all the standing wave type. Thus, the tidal range in- have jurisdiction in the Bay. creases somewhat from the port docks (8.0 feet) to Aquatic Features the tidal reaches of the tributary streams (8.6 or 8.7 Because of numerous development proposals, feet). High water is nearly simultaneous throughout Youngs Bay is the most intensively studied bay of the the system and occurs at slack water. This type of estuary. Like the rest of the Astoria waterfront, the tide is typical of shallow boys but atypical of the area has been considerably altered by human Columbia River estuary. activity. The most important physical alterations Three basic water masses contribute to the circula- have been timber cutting in tributary watersheds tion in Youngs Bay: Columbia River fresh water, with resulting sedimentation, the diking of tidal tributary fresh water and marine water. Fresh water marshes and spruce swamps, the filling of shallow flow in the Columbia River is greatest during the spring freshet in June; winter freshes also occur. areas, and the alteration of the hydraulics of the bay Youngs Bay tributary flow is strongest in December by channels, fills and causeways. Youngs Bay and January, when local rainfall is at a maximum. originally extended from Tansy Point to Smith Point, Intrusion of saline marine water is governed primar- but the peninsulas at the mouth of the Skipanon ily by Columbia River flow and secondarily by River have completely separated Alder Cove from tributary flow. Salinites in Youngs Bay rarely exceed Youngs Bay, though the systems remain similar in 10 to 15 0/00, even in the fall. Under these condi- their biology. The strongest effects on the bay's hy- tions, the vertical salinity differences are pro- draulics have been exerted by the Skipanon penin- nounced and salinity may intrude upriver along the sulas, the fills at Smith Point (Port of Astoria piers) bottom as for as the upstream end of Haven Island in and the two causeways. The new Highway 101 the Youngs River and river mile 5 in the Lewis and causeway in particular has caused a marked re- Clark River. During high flow periods for either the duction in currents and wave action in the interior of Columbia River or Youngs Bay tributaries, salinity is Younqs Bay. There has been extensive shoaling. absent or nearly absent from Youngs Bay. IV - 38 Current patterns in Youngs Bay are too compli- in the bottom sediments or just above the sediments. cated to be easily described. Eddies and stagnant The .variety, productivity and number of such or- areas prevail in the shallow, wetland areas. ganisms depend on such factors as sediment type, Stronger currents are found in the deep areas. Cur- salinity, exposure to waves and currents, biological rents are highly variable, depending on winds, interactions and disturbance by man. Salinity and tides, freshwater flow and salinity intrusion. sediment type are the most important factors. Shal- Water quality is generally excellent in Youngs low, protected areas, such as Alder Cove, Cathlamet Bay; no serious pollutant sources are present and the Bay and Youngs Bay, that have intermediate salinity flushing is excellent. Flushing times for the bay itself and mixed sand and mud sediments are the most have been estimated to vary from I to 2 days, de- productive. pending on tide and freshwater flow conditions. The The organism of greatest interest has been the flushing time of the tributaries below the head of amphipod Corophium salmonis, because it is an tide is considerably slower; 3.3 to 16 days for the important food for downstream migrant salmon (for Lewis and Clark River and 2.3 to 7.8 days for the fall chinook in particular), and because it plays an Youngs River. Water quality in some smaller tribu- important role in the estuarine food chain. Popula- taries and sloughs such as the Little Walluski River is tions of this small shrimp-like organism are used as definitely less favorable because of the poor flush- an indicator to judge the value of tidal flats, though ing. no quantitative relationship between population Close to and above tidewater, coarse sediments and productivity has been established. Corophium are carried as bedload by tributary streams. Below salmo7iis is the dominant benthic organism (in num- tidewater, bedload sand transport probably occurs bers and biomass) found in most areas of Youngs only under flood conditions. Suspended fine secli- Bay. While this organism is found in many parts of ment settles out in the lower reaches of the tributary the estuary, Youngs Bay is one of the richer areas streams and on the tidal flats. The sediments in the and is known to be an important feeding'area for channel and the deeper parts of the bay are coarser juvenile salmon, starry flounder, Iongfin smelt, than those in the lower reaches of the tributaries, sculpin and other fish species. reflecting the influence of Columbia River sedi- Salmon and trout are the most important commer- ments. Sediments outside the causeway are almost cial species found in Youngs Bay. Adult fall chinook entirely Columbia River sediments, except on the enter the estuary during late August, are most tidal flats between the Skipanon River and the abundant in early September, and spawn by late causeway, where some Youngs Bay tributary September or October. The Klaskanine Hatchery, the material is found. South Fork of the Klaskanine River and the Lewis and Youngs Bay appears to experience alternating Clark River support the most important runs in the periods of sedimentation and erosion, with Youngs Bay watersheds. Most juvenile fall chinook variations occurring on time scales from storm migrate to sea from March to November as sub- events and seasons to years and decades. Sedimen- yearlings. During migration, they frequent shallow tation predominates (average rate throughout bay 1 areas and river margins rather than deep channels. cm/yr) and most strongly so in the shallow areas (up Corophium is their most important food in the to 6 cm/yr). These observations are confirmed by the estuary during spring and summer. historical changes over the last century. Adult coho salmon run during late summer and The authorized channel in Youngs Bay is 10 feet fall and are fished in Youngs Bay. The Klaskanine deep and 150 feet wide from deep water in the Hatchery, the Klaskanine River , the Youngs River Columbia River to the upstream end of Haven Island and the Lewis and Clark River all support runs. Most (river mile 8). The authorized channel in the Lewis juvenile coho go to sea as yearlings in May. Their and Clark River was never dredged and the authori- diet in the estuary is thought to consist of Coro- zation has expired. The Youngs River Channel was phium, small fish and insects. They tend to migrate lost dredged in 1967. more quickly and in deeper water than the fall The most ubiquitous marsh plants in Youngs Bay chinook. are cattails, bulrush and sedge. Most of the tidal Chum salmon were formerly very abundant in marshes of Youngs Bay have, however, been filled Youngs Bay, but are now nearly extinct. The adults or diked. Valuable fringing marshes remain at return late in the season and spawn closer to tide- Dagget Point, along the entire south and west sides water than is the case with other salmon. The juve- of the bay and at the entrance to the Lewis and Clark niles migrate earlier than other salmon (March to River. Because of the shoaling occurring in Youngs May) and eat Corophium and other benthic or- Bay, it is likely that the fringing marshes will con- ganisms. tinue to grow. High primary production by plankton Cutthroat trout are in Youngs Bay and tributary' (single-celled algae living in the water column) is streams in all seasons, but are most numerous also likely. Fresh water diatoms are the most during the spawning season (December to January). common forms. Although there are no dominant, There are runs in the Lewis and Clark River and characteristically-estuarine types of phytoplankton possibly other streams, but no hatchery program. in this estuary, there are characteristic types of es- Winter steelhead return between November and tuarine zooplankton that are extremely abundant March. Runs are supported by the Klaskanine Hatch- seasonally. ery, the Klaskanine River, the Youngs River and the The mud and sand flats of Youngs Bay are among Lewis and Clark.River. Juveniles of both cutthroat the more productive areas of the estuary for benthic and steelhead may spend several years in* the river (bottom dwelling) animals. These animals mav live before migrating to sea. IV - 39 0 0 AQUATIC SHCRELAND c Waters Wet- cllli 2 lands e -al Natu, Comse-atiou Rural D-elopmeut I at,, DePendc,,t 3' Depth Contour Det,elopulefit Shoreline k Non-oquotic Veg. loe Plan 3 A S T 0 R I A planning Boundary wgsr #V 0I loe lo, Ile .1e Ile 4 0011 NO AIRPORT c') z D Shad spawn in Youngs Bay tributaries, starry The old PP&L power.plant facility has the potential flounder and longfin smelt use the bay as a nursery for development of either water dependent or other and numerous other fishes use the bay as a feeding uses of moderate size. Water access to the site could area. be development with minimal impacts on aquatic Because of the loss of upriver salmon habitat, the productivity. estuary tributaries and Youngs Bay in particular will The Port of Astoria is developing a Master Plan for probably play an increasinly important role in the airport, which is adjacent to Youngs Bay. The salmon propagation in future years. In addition to dike adjacent to the runway designated for an in- thestate hatchery program, Astoria fishermen have strument landing system intrudes into the clear zone started their own fishrearing program, with ponds on of that runway (cf 55.08) and may need to be moved Tucker Creek. waterward. This would involve removal of spruce While the lower estuary is not as heavily used by and other vegetation from approximately one acre waterfowl as the upper estuary, the marshes and outside the present dike. This activity would be a fill flats support significant populations of both resident for .an other than water dependent use and will re- and migratory waterfowl. Wading birds such as blue quire an exception to the Estuarine Resources Goal, herons, shorebirds, gulls, colonial nesting birds, Number 16 (cf Appendix B). gamebirds and other varieties are found along the Aquatic Designations shoreline. The navigation channels are designated Develop- ment. A small wetland spruce swamp outside the 1/2 CM. dike adjacent to the airport is designated Develop- ment to permit realignment of the dike, which presently intrudes into the clear zone of the runway designated for an instrument landing system. The mud flats, tidal flats, and fringing marshes are des- ignated Natural, except for an 80 foot Conservation buffer adjacent to the shoreland and a Conservation area adjacent to the old PP&L facility. The remaining aquatic areas are designated Conservation. Subarea Policies -C SIP 1. Dredging of shallow biologically productive kec2iah -i. areas adjacent to dikes as a source of material for dike maintenance shall be allowed upon a demon- Shoreland Features stration that: There are no shorelands in this subarea. 0Alternative sources of material are not avail- Human Use. able or are not economically feasible; The primary uses are boating, sports fishing, com- 0The dredging method selected will not leave mercial fishing, log transport and channel main- potholes where juvenile salmon and other tenance. fishes might be stranded at low water; and *Other disruption of tidal flats and tidal marshes Issues and Findings is minimized. Youngs Bay is surrounded by Warrenton and As- 2. Minor dredging shall be permitted in all areas toria. Several recent land use disputes have cen- where necessary to open drainage channels from tered around fills in Youngs Bay or uses of nearby tide boxes to deeper water to assure efficient opera- shorelands that might have polluted the bay. Prime tion of the drainage system. industrial sites on Youngs Bay shorelands include the area west of Pier 3, the east peninsula of the Skipa- 3. Subject to conditional use procedures, shallow- non River (the Brown and Root site), and the Astoria draft water access may be developed at the old PP&L Airport. These sites could be made larger by filling facility. productive shallow areas. Dredging an entrance Restoration and Resource Enhancement channel into the Lewis and Clark River was author- The shoal area south of the Youngs Bay Bridge ized, but was not economically feasible. This project causeway [11 (SA)] has been proposed as a restora- and maintenance dredging of the authorized chan- nel in Youngs River will probably be suggested in tion site (cf Restoration and Mitigation 65). the future. The use of the bay and tributaries for fish Restoration would consist of drainage culverts propagation will probably also increase. through the causeway to promote better tidal circu- Major limitations on development surrounding the lation and thus decrease the sedimentation rate in bay include the impacts of each development, the that part of Youngs Bay. cumulative effects of all developments, and limited Mitigation Needs land transportation west of Youngs Bay. Navigation- If the relocation of the dike adjacent to the airport al access to the Youngs Bay shorelines is limited by is approved, it is likely that mitigation of adverse fringing tidal marshes, shallow water and the high effects from that project will be required. The miti- shoaling rate. Commercial use of the bay in the near gation could involve restoration or creation of simi- future will probably be limited to log transport and lar habitat elsewhere in the estuary; sites in Youngs fishing. Recreational boating and fishing will proba- Bay, the Youngs River, or Lewis and Clark River bly increase. should be considered. (cf Restoration and Mitiga- tion, 66.40.) IV - 41 42.08 AIRPORT AND VICINITY General Description Issues and Findings 40 This subarea consists of diked shorelands that are The Clatsop County Airport is a valuable asset to part of or adjacent to the Port of Astoria Airport. The the area. The Oregon Department of Transportation subarea is bounded by the clikeline on the north and has strongly recommended that regulatory measures east, U.S. Highway 101 on the northwest, old U.S. be taken to protect present and future air operations. Highway 101 on the east and the planning area These measures should provide for airport related boundary (tideland soils) on the south. The subarea uses and should prevent encroachment by residen- lies within the present Warrenton city limits, except tial and other people- i ntensi ve uses. The City of for an area south of the Airport under Clatsop Warrenton is developing an airport overlay zone to County's jurisdiction. reserve the airport for appropriate uses and protect it Aquatic Features from urban encroachment. The Airport Master Plan is being developed by the The only aquatic areas in this subarea are diked Port of Astoria. The Port is planning to develop a sloughs and marshes. Because of peat soils, the portion of the airport property as a light industrial oxygen levels in some of these sloughs may be low park, despite constraints such as location in the during the summer months. Fish and benthic popula- f loodplain and soils with low load-bearing capacity. tions have not been sampled, but presumably there The Port would like to fill much of the area with are low to moderate benthic populations and some dredged material, but the distance from the sources warm-water fish. These sloughs and marshes are is too great, used by waterfowl, shore, marsh and songbirds for The Port of Astoria is also studying the possibility nesting, resting and feeding. Vegetation in low of installing an Instrument Landing System to allow areas includes sedge, cattail, bulrush, and grasses. use by U.S. Coast Guard Falcon jets. Regulations and Shoreland Features standards of the Federal Aviation Administration The entire subarea is protected by dikes. With the may require moving one section of dike to create a exception of filled areas at the airport, the entire sufficient clear zone. Dike relocation could impact a subarea is in the 1 00-year f loodplain. Portions of the small wetland habitat in Youngs Bay (cf 42.07) and airport fill are within the 500-year floodplain. The require an exception to the LCDC Estuarine Re- soils are fill material, Coquille-Ticlal Marsh (fresh) - sources Goal, Number 16. Clatsop Association, and Walluski-Knappa Associa- Aquatic Designations tion. The creeks and sloughs are designated Conserva- Vegetation in the higher areas includes alder, tion. willow and Sitka spruce with a dense understory of blackberry. Cleared areas are used for grazing. The Shoreland Designations area has a high wildlife value, because of the The shoreland north of the railroad is designated mixture of habitats and limited human access. Rural. East of Vera Creek, the shoreland within the Warrenton city limits is designated Development. Human Use Agricultural areas outside the Warrenton city limits The major human uses are agriculture, rural are designated Rural and a small forested area is housing (adjacent to highways), recreation, light Conservation. West of Vera Creek to S.E. Pacific industry, and the airport. Agricultural suitability is Avenue and Holbrook Slough is designated Rural. poor to moderate; the major agricultural use is All clear zones at the ends of the airport runways are grazing. Timber values are very low except for small designated Rural *' The remainder of the subarea isolated areas. west to U.S. Highway 101 is designated Develop- Transportation access is provided by new and old ment. U.S. Highway 101. Although the railroad runs through this subarea, it is effectively cut off from the Dredged'Material Disposal airport by the runways and the sloughs. Only the There is one site [27(S)] associated with projects land along the new highway can be said to have rail on the Skipanon. access. Because of the dike access problem and There are five dredged material disposal sites in shallow water, there is no navigationally useful this subarea (28(S)-32(S)] which are located on air- water access to the airport. Water and sewer are port property. The Port of Astoria desires to fi I I these provided by the City of Warrenton. The primary rec- areas to make them more suitable for industrial reational use is for hunting. development. Except for the Youngs Bay Channel, active or proposed dredging projects are too for from these sites to make their use economically feasible. (cf Dredged Material Management Plan 57.10, 57.50, 59.) IV - 42 co 0 AOUATIC Sv4ORELANID BAY Waters Wet- lands! Natural w (:auser,latjov LJL Rural < D,,el,pl,,ert w@ ,deal ;i ater Depe at Cf) I)n-elop eat 3. D p1h onil e Sb., line .n-aquoli@ Veg. Boundary All .1 27( S) YL\ toot% 101 1000, 0- WARRE*NT N U.G.B- 42.09 LEWIS AND CLARK RIVER General Description This subarea includes the aquatic and shoreland areas above U.S. Highway 101 (alternate) bridge to the extent of tideland soils. The shoreland north of Jeffers Slough is excluded (see 42.10, Miles Cross- ing). On the west bank the shoreland west of old Highway 101 is excluded (see 42.08, Airport). The entire subarea is under Clatsop County's jurisdiction. Aquatic Features The tides, circulation, sedimentation patterns and aquatic life of the Lewis and Clark River system have been discussed under subarea 42.07, Youngs Bay. Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesv Ciatsop County The average freshwater flow of the Lewis and Clark River is about 250 cfs; some water is diverted from this river basin to the water system of the City of dredging of shallow productive areas for fill mate- Warrenton. Tidal influence extends under low flow rial to maintain dikes. Dredging of the Lewis and conditions to about RM 11. Clark River Connecting Channel (10 feet deep and Important tidal marshes remain along the west 150 feet wide) was at one time authorized, but has bank near the mouth (RM 1.8 to 3.5) and adjacent to since been de-authorized. However, private Fort Clatsop National Memorial (RM 4). Numerous dredging regularly occurs in the river. small and fringing marshes remain. Diked, fresh- Maintenance of fresh water flow and water quali- water marshes have not been fully inventoried. Bird ty during summer minimum flow periods is im- use of the river and marshes for feeding and nesting ortant for continuation and enhancement of fish is moderate, though not as high as in Cathlamet Bay p and other areas further upriver. runs. There is potentially a conflict between public water supply and the need to maintain minimum Shoreland Features stream flows. Most shorelands in this reach are low, diked lands This subarea includes hundreds of acres of farm- in the 100-year f loodplain. Soils are of the Coquille- land and many residences which are dependent Tidal Marsh (fresh) - Clatsop and Walluski-Knoppa upon an extensive diking and drainage system for Associations. The soils are fair to good for protection from flooding. The maintenance of this agricultural use. Most of the land is or has been in system is the responsibility of local diking districts agricultural production. There is little commercially which have limited funds. In some instances the only valuable timber, but adjacent uplands are highly economically feasible source of material for dike productive timberland. Wildlife values are high; maintenance is the river bottom sediments outside deer, elk, and small mammals are found. the dike. Human Use Lands behind the dikes are drained by a system of The important land uses are agriculture (largely tide boxes. For the tide boxes to function effectively, grazing), rural housing, and the Crown Zellerbach the area outside the dike in front of the tide boxes log dump. Highway access is provided by U.S. High- must remain low enough so that water will move way 101 (alternate) and county roads. Water i's pri- through the tide boxes and drain into the river at low vate or provided by the Lewis and Clark Water Dis- tide. Because of substantial shoaling in some areas, trict. There is no sewer system. The scenic value of limited dredging of tide box drainage channels is the river is high. The Fort Clatsop National Memorial necessary. commemorates the winter headquarters of the Lewis Aquatic Designations and Clark Expedition. There are several public The river channel is designated Development access points for fishermen. The major human uses from the bridge to the upstream end of the Crown of the waters are fishing, log sorting, storage and Zellerbach log booming area. Adjacent to the Water transport, and recreational boating. There are two Dependent Development Shoreland (42.10, Miles active diking districts in the subarea; most dikes are Crossing) south of the U.S. Highway 101 (alternate) maintained by barge-mounted dragline. bridge and including the mouth of Jeffers Slough, the aquatic area from the shoreline out to the chan- Issues and Findings nel is designated Development. Diked sloughs are There is very little development potential because designated Rural. The remaining water areas are of the flood hazard, poor transportation network and designated Conservation. distance from developed areas. Some hou sing de- velopment may occur on adjacent upland ore@as. Shoreland Designations Significant issues in this subarea include the The Crown Zellerbach log dump is designated De- location of Exclusive Farm Use Zones and water velopment. The Fort Clatsop National Memorial and related issues such as the preservation of diked a small forested shoreland area are designated Con- freshwater wetlands, log storage in wetland areas servation. The remaining shoreland is designated where logs may go aground at low water, and the Rural. IV - 44 Subarea Policies Dredged Material Disposal 1. Existing log storage areas should be inventoried There is a site [33(S)) associated with Crown Zel- to determine where logs rest on the bottom at low lerbach's log sorting operation, and possible dike water. Use of these areas should be minimized and sites are considered under 34(D). phased-out as new sites adequate to meet industry Restoration and Resource Enhancement needs are provided. Enhancement of depleted fish runs through con- 2. Dredging of shallow biologically productive struction of fish rearing ponds has been proposed for areas adjacent to dikes as a source of material for unspecified locations along the Lewis and Clark dike maintenance shall be allowed upon a demon- River. Fish runs, particularly chum salmon, could be stration that: expanded significantly. � Alternative sources of material are not avail- Five potential marsh mitigation sites are located in able or are not economically feasible; this subarea along the river [12(M), 14(M), 15(M), � The dredging method selected will not leave 16(M), 17(M)]. All areas are presently diked. Res- potholes where juvenile salmon and other toration would consist of dike breaching or removing fishes might be stranded at low water; and ticlegates. A careful evaluation of agricultural vs. � Other disruption of tidal flats and tidal marshes aquatic resource values should be made prior to is minimized. considering these areas for restoration. (cf Restor- 3. Minor dredging shall be permitted in all areas ation and Mitigation, 65.) where necessary to open drainage channels from tide boxes out to deeper water to assure efficient operation of the drainage system. 201 0,6 @X*Is r1r) 5 'Z. N. 'kV/' ' 4@) IV-45 42.10 MILES CROSSING General Description connection to the Warrenton or Astoria sewer sys- tems. Water is provided by two water districts. This shoreland area covers the northern tip of the Water and marsh areas adjacent to this subarea peninsula between the Youngs River and Lewis and are used for hunting, fishing, boating and trapping. Clark River. It consists of low, diked land in agricul- Some shoreline views are scenic. tural, residential, commercial and light industrial uses. Present jurisdiction is by Clatsop Cou,nty. The Issues and Findings area is not included in Astoria's Urban Growth The planning process has included extensive dis- Boundary although future inclusion is a possibility cussion as to whether major portions of this subarea (see subarea policy below). should be included in Astoria's Urban Growth Aquatic Features Boundary. The City and some commercial interests The only aquatic areas in this subarea are diked favored inclusion. A large majority of area residents sloughs. Some of these sloughs have moderate who voiced their opinion were opposed. A decision waterfowl habitat value, and some may harbor was made not to include the area. Future inclusion is warm-water game fish. The sloughs are the major possible (see subarea policy below). collections for drainage of the low-lying diked lands The area has significant development potential in this area. due to its proximity to Astoria and the availability of significant portions of flat land. This potential is Shoreland Features constrained, however, by the lack of sewers, flood These shorelands, except for the causeway fill for hazard, and poor soil suitability. Water oriented the U.S. Highway 101 (alternate) Bridge over the development is feasible only along the Lewis and Youngs River, are diked. The area is entirely within Clark River. the 100-year floodplain, with the exception of the This subarea includes hundreds of acres of Ex- highway and some lands north and west of the high- clusive Form Use land and many residences which way that are in the 500-year floodplain. Dike main- are dependent upon an extensive diking and drain- tenance by the diking districts is described by the age system for protection from flooding. The main- Corps of Engineers as generally adequate. Areas on tenance of this system is the responsibility of local both rivers have been rip-rapped by the Corps of diking districts which have limited funds. In some Engineers in the lost decade to protect against ero- instances the only economically feasible source of sion. material for dike maintenance is the river bottom Soils are of the Coquille-Ticlal Marsh (fresh) - Clat- sediments outside the dike. sop Association and topography is flat. Because the Lands behind the dikes are drained by a system of land is very low, the agricultural suitability is fair to tide boxes. For the tide boxes to function effectively, moderate, and there is no timber of commercial the area outside the dike in front of the tide boxes value. must remain low enough so that water will move Human Use through the tide boxes and drain into the river at low The major agricultural use is grazing. Other land tide. Because of substantial shoaling in some areas, uses include rural and low-density residential limited dredging of tide box drainage channels is housing, commercial uses and light-industry. The necessary. only water-related uses are the AMCO Shipyard on Aquatic Designations the Lewis and Clark River and boat construction at Dike sloughs, the only aquatic portions of this the mouth of Cook Slough on the Hess property. subarea, are all designated Rural. Commercial and industrial uses are concentrated Shoreland Designations along U.S. Highway 101 (alternate), which has ac- All of the shorelands of this subarea are desig- cess to Warrenton and Astoria. County roads provide nated Rural, except for the existing industrial zone access to nearby rural areas. on the east bank of the Lewis and Clark River which There is no sewer system, and septic tank suit- is designated Water Dependent Development, and ability is very poor. It is unlikely that permission the existing industrial zone between U.S. Highway could be obtained to discharge sewage into Youngs 101 (alternate) and Nowlens Slough, which is des- Bay. Therefore, sewering the area would require ignated Development. IV - 46 Subarea Policies able or are not economically feasible; e The dredging method selected will not leave I - The Rural designation in the Miles Crossing area potholes where juvenile salmon and other recognizes that there are no plans to include this fishes might be stranded at low water; and area in the Astoria Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) at e Other disruption of tidal flats and tidal marshes this time. However, there are commitments between is minimized. the County and City to reconsider the UGB issue 3. Minor dredging shall be permitted in all areas during future review and update of plans. in the where necessary to open drainage channels from meantime, the nature and intensity of new uses tide boxes out to deeper water to assure efficient should be consistent with the Rural designation and operation of the drainage system. availability of public services. 2. Dredging of shallow biologically productive Dredged Material Dispo .sal areas adjacent to dikes as a source of material for The dike on the Youngs River side of this subarea dike maintenance shall be allowed upon a demon- is designated as a dredged material disposal site stration that: [35(D)]. Material would have to be barged in and Alternative sources of material are not avail- placed on the dike with a clornshell. DA*4"T YOUNGS SAY A n. e@ W`,c c- i- D-1.p-, ".I,, Dp- -t J o pi ... mg B ... d,,y CON 1000, V 0 J IV - 47 42.11 YOUNGS RIVER General Description Issues and Findings This subarea includes the aquatic and shoreland There is little development potential, because of areas of Youngs River above the U.S. Highway 101 the flood hazard, poor transportation network and (alternate) bridge to the extent of tideland soils. On distance from developed areas. Housing develop- the west side of the river, the shoreland north of ments may occur on adjacent upland areas. The old MillersSlough is not included. (cf 42.10, Miles Cross- naval hospital site (the Drucker Property) is on high ing.) The boundary of this subarea with South As- ground near the intersection of the Youngs and toria, 42.12, is the pierhead line from the bridge to Walluski Rivers, has water and sewer systems, and the point where the Astoria city limits intersect with could be developed. Increased residential use in the the Youngs River shoreline. The subarea is entirely Youngs River area is likely. under Clatsop County's jurisdiction. A very small Significant issues in this subarea include the loca- aquatic portion of the subarea between the pier- tion of Exclusive Farm Use Zones and the possible head line and the center of the authorized channel Is extension of the Astoria Urban Growth Boundary. within the City of Astoria's proposed Urban Growth Water related issues include the preservation of Boundary. diked, freshwater wetlands, log storage in wetland Aquatic Features areas where logs may go aground at low water, and The tides, circulation, sedimentation patterns, the dredging of shallow productive areas for fill navigational channel and aquatic life of the Youngs material to maintain dikes. River system have been discussed under 42 07 This subarea includes hundreds of acres of farm- land and many residences which are dependent Youngs Bay. The average fresh water flow of the upon an extensive diking and drainage system for Youngs River is about 600 cfs at the mouth. Tidal in- protection from flooding. The maintenance of this fluence extends under low flow conditions to Youngs River Falls (RM 13), which is a significant system is the responsibility of local diking districts scenic attraction. The falls cut off any possibility of which have limited funds. In some instances the only anadromous fish spawning in a large part of the economically feasible source of material for dike Youngs River watershed. The largest remaining tidal maintenance is the river bottom sediments outside marshes are Fry and Grant Islands, between RM 7 the dike. and 8, and Cooperage Slough, at RM 9. Most areas Lands behind the dikes are drained by a system of that were historically marsh have been diked tide boxes. For the tide boxes to function effectively, the area outside the dike in front of the tide boxes Numerous small and fringing marshes remain. must remain low enough so that water will move Diked, freshwater marshes have not been fully in- ventoried. Bird use of the river and marshes for through the tide boxes and drain into the river at low feeding and nesting is moderate, though not as high tide. Because of substantial shoaling in some areas, as in Cathlamet Bay and other areas upriver. limited dredging of tide box drainage channels is necessary. Shoreland Features A boat construction facility is located immediately Most shorelands in this reach are low, diked lands adjacent to the tide box at the mouth of Cook in the 100-year floodplain. Soils are of the Coquille- Slough. This facility was built and utilized for the Tidal Marsh (fresh) - Clatsop, Walluski-Knappa, and construction of wooden fishing vessels in the 1930's the Neholem Associations. The soils are fair to good and 1940's. Following a period of inactivity, steel- for agricultural use. Most of the land is or has been hulled fishing vessels are presently being built at this in agricultural production. There is some commer- location. Extensive shoaling in this area has sub- cially valuable timber and adjacent uplands are stantially reduced water depths in the area, how- highly productive timberland. Wildlife values are ever, and launching the vessels is extremely diffi- high; deer, elk,. coyote and small mammals are cult. Vessels can be only partially completed (bare found. hull and house) before launching in order that their Human Use draft is minimized. Even under these circumstances, The important land uses are agriculture (both all launching activities must occur at high tide. grazing and crops) and rural housing. Highway ac- The dredging of a "pothole" in the area would cess is provided by State Highway 202 and county allow vessels to be launched in a safe manner and would permit the vessels to be moored at this loca- roads. Water is private or provided by three water tion while the final outfitting takes place. Movement districts; there is no sewer system, except at the old out to the main river channel could then occur at naval hospital. The scenic value of the river is high. high tide. Continued shoaling of this area, however, There is a County Park at Youngs River Falls and could result in shallow water depths which would there are several undeveloped access points for f ishermen. not allow the movement of these vessels (drafts of The major human uses of water areas are fishing approximately 9 feet) out to the river channel even on the highest tides. Under those circumstances a log storage and transport, and recreational boating. plan amendment to permit limited dredging for in- There is one active diking district and one defunct gress and egress to the area would be appropriate. diking district on the Youngs and Klaskanine Rivers; The Youngs River subarea contains significant most dikes throughout the area are maintained by natural values which should be protected. Except for barge-mounted dragline. extensive diking, people have changed this environ- IV - 48 ment to a lesser extent than other portions of the 0 The dredging method selected will not leave estuary. There is a substantial local and state invest- potholes where juvenile salmon and other ment in fisheries enhancement. The state operated a fishes might be stranded at low water; and fish hatchery on the Klaskanine River and the Clat- 9 Other disruption of tidal flats and tidal marshes sop Economic Development Committee operated is minimized. fish rearing ponds near Tucker Creek. Expansion of 3. Minor dredging shall be permitted in all areas these fish-rearing efforts is being planned. The con- where necessary to open drainage channels from struction of a fish ladder at Youngs River Falls and tide boxes out to deeper water to assure efficient the use of the area for mitigation sites could result in operation of the drainage system. development of the river as an extremely valuable fisheries resource. 4. To protect present investments and the future po- tential of the fisheries resource of the Youngs River, Aquatic Designations new development in the area shall be carried out so The authorized navigation channel in Youngs as to preserve water quality,'biological productivity, River is designated Development to the foot of I I th and other factors which contribute to fisheries pro- Street. Aquatic areas inside the diked sloughs are cluction. designated Rural. The following aquatic areas are Dredged .Material Disposal designated Natural: Cooperage Slough, Grant Is- land, Fry Island, and the tidal flats downstream of There are two areas at the mouth of the Walluski the Walluski River on both sides of the river in- River where dredged material disposal is suggested cluding Dagget Point. An 80 foot Conservation for dike maintenance [35(D)]. Material would be aquatic buffer is provided between the Natural tide borgecl@to the sites and offloaded by clamshell. This flats and the Rural shoreland. Cooks Slough is des- type of disposal may also be useful for other areas ignated Natural outside the ticlegate except for a where.clikes protect low,lying agricultural lands. Conservation designation for the area adjacent to Restoration and Resource Enhancement the Hess boat construction facility. The remaining A fish ladder has been proposed for the Youngs aquatic areas of this subarea are designated Con- servation. River Falls. Such a facility would open up the upper Youngs River Basin to onadromous fishes. The costs Shoreland Designations versus benefits, particularly the impacts on the Shorelands in this subarea used for agriculture notivefishery, need to be carefully evaluated. and associated uses are designated Rural. Areas Construction of additional fish-rearing ponds to along the upper tidal reaches of the Walluski, Klas- supplement existing, natural and hatchery kanine, and Youngs River, and shorelands used production has been proposed to enhance fishery primarily for timber production are designated Con- resources. The chum salmon populations have been servation. severely depleted; chum, coho and chinook salmon runs could all be expanded. Subarea Policies An earth-filled dam on the North Fork of the Klas- 1. Existing log storage areas should be inven- kanine River would provide water storage to supple- toried to determine where logs rest on the botto M at ment river flow during low discharge periods. This low water. Use of these areas should be minimized would benefit the state hatchery on the river and and phased-out as new sites adequate to meet in- provide more waterfor natural runsas well. clustry needs are provided. Eleven potential marsh mitigation sites have been identified in this subarea. These areas are presently 2. Dredging of shal.low biologically productive diked and restoration would involve removing dikes areas adjacent to dikes as a source of material for or opening ticlegates, to allow the areas to revert to dike maintenance shall be allowed upon a demon- stration that: tidal marshes. Prior to considering an area for Alternative sources of material are not avail- restoration, a careful evaluation of agricultural vs. able or are not economically feasible; aquatic resource values should be made. (cf Restor- ation and Mitigation, 65.) IV - 49 YOUNGS RIVER SUBAREA 42.11 ............. arm) 19(M) ALT. WALLUSKIE z 35( 20(M) .. ........... 21 M W.,AQUATIC SHMUMD 25M W., 26(M) 22( NI-q-, Vg. 0 . IV - 50 42.12 SOUTH ASTORIA General Description Shoreland Features This subarea covers the north shore of Youngs Bay The shorelands of this subarea are a narrow band between the new Youngs Bay bridge and the junc- of developed land between the water and Marine tion of the Astoria city limits with the shoreline. West Drive/Highway 202. Soils are fill material and Co- of the old Youngs Bay bridge only the shorelands are quille-Ticlal Marsh (fresh) - Clatsop Association. a part of the subarea. East of the old Youngs Bay Wildlife values are minimal, because most of the bridge the shorelands and the aquatic area out to surface is paved and the shoreline is rip-rapped. the Pierhead Line are included. The shoreline Human Use bounclaryfollows alternate U.S. Highway 101 east to Residenti .al, commercial and industrial uses are its junction with 5th Street, then east parallel to found on these shorelands. The water oriented uses Olney Avenue to 7th Street, then north to Olney include the Bumblebee Shipyard, Astoria Yacht Avenue, then east on Olney Avenue (or the I 00-year Club, boat moorage, and sand and gravel off- floodplain, whichever is further inland). loading. Most of the subarea lies within the present city limits and the proposed Urban Growth Boundary of Issues and Findings the City of Astoria. Some aquatic areas in the east- Most suitable sites in this subarea are already de- ern portion of the subarea are under Clatsop veloped. The only industrial sites contain the Bum- County's jurisdiction. blebee Shipyard and the old unused PP&L plant. Aquatic Features Some dredging would be required adjacent to the The physical and biological properties of the PP&L site to provide access to the Youngs Bay Chan- Youngs River/Youngs Bay system are described nel. Though there is deep water close to shore be- tween the old highway bridge and the Ticlepoint under Youngs Bay (42.07) and Youngs River (42.1 Dock, little backup land is available. Since fills in the The reach between the old highway bridge and the Youngs River/Youngs Bay system would conflict Tidepoint Dock is the only part-of the South Astoria with the high natural values of the area, develop- waterfront with access to deep water. Depths in the ment potential is low. Youngs River Channel adjacent to this reach range from 20 to 50 feet. Water oriented facilities include Aquatic Designations the Bumblebee Shipyard, the Astoria Yacht Club last of the old Youngs Bay bridge, the water area piers, the Tidepoint Dock and several smaller piers out to the pierhead line is designated Development and docks. to 1 1th Street and Conservation east to the subarea Most of the shoreline of this subarea is rip-rapped. boundary. Fringing marshes are generally found outside the Shoreland Designations rip-rap. The shoreland of this subarea 'is designated De- velopment, except for the area between the old Youngs Bay bridge and 11 th Street, which is des- ignated Water Dependent Development. s1A A lw'w -" 1K Jk \A 1000, 40 IV - 51 42.13 PORT OF ASTORIA General Description Shoreland Features 0 This subarea includes shorelands and aquatic This subarea includes a narrow strip of shorelands areas along the Astoria waterfront between the As- between the. Burlington Northern Railroad and the toria-Megler Bridge and the Youngs Bay Causeway. water. West of Hamburg Street, the shorelands The Port of Astoria piers, the West End Mooring extend to West Marine Drive. Virtually all the shore- Basin, the Thunderbird Motel complex and the Bar- lands in this area have been created by filling bey Cannery Buildings are included in this subarea. aquatic areas. The area is entirely urban and largely The area west of the Port of Astoria Pier 3 has been paved. There are 26 acres of vacant land west of Pier proposed for major port development. 3. Part of this site has recently been paved to provide Aquatic Features a container yard. The aquatic areas of this subarea extend from the Human Use shore out to the pierhead line east of the Port of The Port of Astoria, the West End Mooring Basin, Astoria piers. North of the Port piers and area desig- the Barbey Packing Plant and the Thunderbird Motel nated for development, the subarea extends out to are the major facilities located in this subarea. There the south side of the navigation channel. The west- are also several warehouses and a tank farm located ern boundary extends northwest from the western on Port-owned property. The railroad and U.S. High- end of Youngs Bay causeway fill. way 101 are adjacent to this subarea. There are several distinct aquatic environments. Issues and Findings The deep water (greater than 30 feet) areas between the navigation channel and the piers are scoured by The Port of Astoria has experienced difficulty in currents and contain coarse sediments. Benthic pro- assembling a property of marketable size near its ductivity is relatively low, though fish migrate along existing facilities. There are 26 acres west of Pier 3, the piers. The shallower waters in the pier slips, in 11 of which were recently paved as a cargo storage the West End Mooring Basin and between the bridge yard, using state economic development funds. A and mooring basin generally contain finer sedi- permit has been obtained to build a 600 foot Pier 4 ments which may be polluted, depending on the extending along the pierhead line west of Pier 3. type and intensity of use. Benthic productivity is There are 37 acres of Port property in this subarea probably low in the most disturbed areas, but may that are not presently in use. be moderate elsewhere. West of Pier 3, there is a Additional lands might be obtained by filling be- large tract of mud and sand flats. This area has been tween one or both of the pier slips, by removing studied in some detail because of the proposed port warehouses or the tank form, or by filling west of fill. Because of the two projections of fill (the cause- Pier 3. Extensive filling has been strongly opposed way and the exist ing filled area west of the Port), by resource agencies. A permit for an 80 acre fill currents in this area are slight and the main energy west of Pier 3 was refused in 1976 after a long and sources are the winds and waves. Populations of costly fight. benthic amphipods are very high, and use by juve- The tidal flats west of Pier 3 are a valuable natural nile salmon is believed to be intense. Resource resource. Benthic animals are abundant and the agencies have consistently opposed development of area gets substantial use for feeding by salmon mi- this site, because of the aquatic productivity. grating downstream and by other fishes. This is dis- Salinity in this area is highly variable. Under the cussed more extensively in the Youngs Bay subarea highest flow conditions, salinity is absent at all (cf 42.07). These tidal flats are also an attractive de- stages of the tide. Under most flow conditions, salin- velopment site, being adjacent to both the main ship ity is present along the bottom during most of the channel and existing Port facilities. tidal cycle and at the surface during part of the tidal The adopted designation west of Pier 3 represents cycle. Variations of up to 20 to 25 0/00 during tidal a compromise which protects the bulk of the cycle are possible. valuable interticlal habitat while providing the po- One of the results of the frequent salinity in- tential for construction of a Pier 4 and back-up area. trusions, vertical salinity differences, and the mixing The Development designation wi I I require an excep- between fresh and salt water that occurs during the tion to the Land Conservation and Development tidal cycle is the deposition of silts and clays in quiet Commission Estuarine Resources Goal, Number 16 areas such as port slips and marinas. Sedimentation (cf Appendix B). rates of up to 4-6 feet per year occur in the port slips. Several sites in this subarea have been proposed Some of this material is bark and other debris from as People Places for the City of Astoria, including one log rafting, beneath the Astoria-Megler Bridge and one west of Facilities constructed on piling in this subarea in- Pier 3. The site west of Pier 3 conflicts with the Port's clude Port of Astoria Piers 1 and 2 (including a grain development plans. Issues related to public access elevator, offices, fish processing facilities and are discussed under Downtown Astoria Waterfront storage space), part of the Thunderbird Motel com- (cf 42.14). plex and the Barbey Packing Plant. Pier 3 is part of piling and part on fill. The West End Mooring Basin has facilities for412 boats. IV - 52 Aquatic Designations Subarea Policy A 15 acre area west of Pier 3 is designated Devel- The Development designation for aquatic areas opment. This area extends along the pierhead line west and northwest of Pier 3 is provided to accom- 1500 feet west of the east tip of Pier 3. The re- modate a future pier, turning basin, and back-up mainder of the aquatic area west of Pier 3 is desig- area for water dependent uses, However, the des- nated Natural with the exception of a 50 foot wide ignation does not create the presumption that Conservation buffer between the Development and dredging, filling or other alterations will be per- Natural areas. mitted automatically. Specific proposals for water The aquatic area to the north of the existing slips dependent development must be justified in terms from Pier 1 west, including the proposed Pier 4 out to of available alternatives, demonstrated public the main ship channel, is designated Development needs and economic benefits; minimize adverse to provide for a turning basin. East of Pier 1, the impacts on water quality and natural habitat; and aquatic area from the shoreline to the pierhead line meet other requirements of the pe Irmit processes. is designated Development. Mitigation Needs Shoreland Designations Mitigation of the adverse effects of dredging or All shorelands in this subarea are designated filling the intertidal area west of Pier 3 may be re- Water Dependent Development. quired. Because there are no potential restoration or habitat creation sites in the immediate vicinity, sites in other portions of Youngs Bay or up the Youngs River should be considered first. (cf Restoration and Mitigation, 66.50.) A I SHORELAND W_@UA !C W. - C-6- w Depmd-l 3" D-1-p-t Pto-ing Bounciary Lin T: 100d IV - 53 42.14 DOWNTOWN ASTORIA WATERFRONT General Description Issues and Findings This subarea includes shorelands and aquatic The marine development potential of this area is areas within the City of Astoria between the Astoria- limited, despite the adjacent shipping channel and Megler Bridge and 29th Street. The waterward deep water, because there is little undeveloped boundary is the 30 foot depth contour, or the pier- backup land. An increasing number of stores, offices head line, whichever is farther waterward. The and light industrial concerns that are not water- upland boundary is Industry Street east from the As- oriented have located in this subarea in recent toria-Megler Bridge to Columbia Street, south on years. Although there are some waterfront areas Columbia Street to Marine Drive, east on Marine which presently contain strictly water-dependent Drive until it joins with Astor Street, east on Astor uses, there is a general desire by the City to permit a Street to 1 Oth Street, north on I Oth Street to the top of mixture of uses. Tourist facilities, redevelopment of the rip-rap, east along the top of the rip-rap or the old canneries and fish processing facilities are the railroad (whichever is farther inland) to lAth Street, most likely new water-oriented uses. Light industry where the boundary rejoins and follows Marine such as boat building might also locate in this sub- Drive east to 29th Street. area. Other large-scale water-dependent and in- Aquatic Features dustrial uses, it is felt, may conflict with tourist oriented businesses because of public safety, secu- The Astoria waterfront is adjacent to the main ship rity, road and rail traffic, and oesthetic concerns. channel in this reach. Water depths at the pierhead Public access to the waterfront is presently avail- line are generally in excess of 30 feet and range to able via numerous publicly-owned street ends and 80 feet. Currents are strong and sediments coarse, so except in protected areas. The circulation and sedi- me vacant waterfront lands. However, develop- mentation patterns, biological productivity, and ment of publicly-owned sites to provide good public access to the waterfront will require a considerable navigational use of the adjacent main channel are investment. A number of Astoria's proposed People discussed under Estuary Channels (41.02). The Places are also in this reach, and the People Places benthic productivity of this subarea is probably low concept suggests a pedestrian pathway along the in most locations because of the strong currents and entire waterfront. intensive development. There are numerous piers, some abandoned structures and old pilings. Aquatic Designations Shoreland Features Along the entire length of this subarea the aquatic area is designated Development out to the pierhead Virtually all of the shorelands in this subarea are line, then Conservation on out to the main ship former aquatic areas filled with sandy dredged channel which is designated Development. material. There is little vegetation and no wildlife habitat. The shorelands are not in the floodplain. Shoreland Designations Human Use The shoreland designations from west to east are: from Astoria-Megler Bridge to Columbia Street is This is an industrial and commercial area, with Water Dependent Development; from Columbia few residences. Many uses are water depenclen .t or Street to 2nd Street is Development; from 2nd Street related, including fish unloading and processing, to 10th Street is Water Dependent Development; boat and tug moorage, the bar pilot office, the As- from 10th Street to the western boundary of the As- toria Plywood Mill, petroleum off-loading, marine toria Plywood Corporation is Development (the equipment suppliers, and the Astoria Maritime eastern boundary of this Development area extends Museum. There is also a proposed marina-condo- from the shoreline at 22nd Street north to Commer- minium complex for which permits have been ob- cial Street, thence east 1/2 block, thence north be- tained. The Pier I I complex of shops and a restau- tween the Plywood Corp. offices and the Nehalem rant is focused on the water. There is also a large Valley Motor Freight facilities to Marine Drive); and American Can Company plant. Several former fish from the above described boundary east to the sub- processing plants are now abandoned. In some area boundary is designated Water Dependent De- cases, new structures could be built on the old pilings. In other instances, the pilings are a barrier to velopment (includes Astoria Plywood Corporation). development. Subarea Policy Rail and water access is excellent. However, U.S. Public access to this area of the Astoria waterfront Highway 30 runs down Marine Drive and traffic is strongly encouraged at street ends, at areas des- congestion is a serious problem. All utilities are ignated in the Astoria People Places conceptual plan provided by the City of Astoria. The foot of 9th Street and at private commercial developments. The foot and several other street ends are popular public of I 4th Street, the area between 9th and I Oth Streets water access points. The view of the Columbia River and the Maritime Museum area should be given and the waterfront from the higher areas of Astoria highest priority in implementing waterfront park is very scenic. plans. IV - 54 C@ w Cl) AQUATIC SHORELAND c Waters Wet- 0 landst' Natuml conse@tion Ruml mv- Development Water Depmdmt 0 3'De pthCo ntow DeveloPmerit cr Shoreline I LL Non-aquatic Veg. cr Planning Boundary "o, 101 le SHIP 50' CONTOUR BOND COMMERCIAL 1000, 42.15 UPPERTOWN/ALDERBROOK General Description This subarea has city water, sewer, and road ac- This subarea contains shorelands and aquatic cess from Highway 30. The railroad runs along the areas in eastern Astoria. The waterward boundary is shoreline. the 30 foot depth contour. The western boundary is Alderbrook is the only residential area of Astoria 29th Street. The upland boundary extends eastward that has immediate frontage on the water. It con- from 29th Street on Marine Drive/Leif Erickson Drive tains a number of nineteenth century houses and has to 44th Street, north to the 200 foot boundary or the a quiet attractiveness not found elsewhere along the 100 year floodplain, whichever is farther inland, waterfront. east to 53rd Street, north to Alder Street, then east Issues and Findings along Alder Street and continuing straight east to the The shorelands in this subarea do not have direct city limits. The eastern boundary follows the city access to deep water. The ship channel is 2000 to limits. 4000 feet from the shoreline, though several ship Aquatic Features anchorages are south of the channel. Shallow draft There are three different aquatic environments in boat access is available throughout the area but low this subarea: open water less than 30 feet deep, tides uncover substantial flats. Rock piles from old protected shallow areas in the mooring basin and ship ballast and rock ledges further limit access. behind the railroad causeway fills, and the Astoria Most boat traffic is concentrated around the East End Sewage Lagoons. Mooring Basin, which is underutilized at present. Currents are less severe in this reach than further The Port of Astorid has requested the Corps of west because the main channel is further from Engineers to study possible improvements to the East shore. The East End Mooring Basin, however, has a End Mooring Basin breakwaters that would correct severe surge problem under storm conditions. the surge problem now experienced. Eliminating the Definite information concerning sediment types surge would open the basin to a large number of and benthic populations is not available. It is likely vessels and increase the need for dredging and for that the area has some fine sediments mixed with back-up land to support basin operations. Vacant sand in the shallow areas outside the causeway and shorelands should be reserved for support uses. that benthic populations are at least moderately Most of the subarea shorelands are already de- high. The ticleflats and shallow waters of Alderbrook veloped and there are no large vacant parcels. Cove behind the railroad causeway are quite shel- Between 35th and 41st Streets, however, is mostly tered and appear to contain predominantly fine vacant and has the potential to support water de- sediments. A small marsh area is on the western pendent and water related uses associated with the edge of'this cove. Benthic productivity is not known boat basin. but is likely to be moderate to high. Because of the There was a disagreement over the most appro- nutrient supply, the aquatic productivity of the priate use of Alderbrook Cove and its immediate sewage lagoons is probably high. Birds use these shoreland. The Draft Plan included a Water De- aquatic areas and also the sewage lagoons. pendent Development designation for the aquatic Shoreland Features and shoreland areas east of the East End Mooring Basin all the way to 46th Street. The western portion Most of the shorelands in this subarea are the of Alderbrook Cove was identified as a potential site result of filling former aquatic areas with sandy for filling and dredged material disposal. Objections dredged material. Only a small part of Alderbrook to these provisions were raised by several resource and the Astoria sewage lagoons (and surrounding agencies and a petition strongly opposing further fill areas) are within the 100-year floodplain. Since development of the area was signed by most of the subarea is industrial, commercial or approximately 50 neighborhood residents. residential, vegetation and wildlife values are minimal. There are no forest or agricultural lands. Aquatic Designations Human Use From 29th Street to 41 st Street the aquatic area is Considerable construction occurred in this subarea designated Development to the pierhead line, between the plywood mill and the East End Mooring except at the East End Mooring Basin where the designation corresponds to the outer boundary of Basin in the lost decade. The new building includes the pier. East of 41st Street, the aquatic area is des- city shops and light industries. Water oriented uses ignated Conservation. In the event of future need, a include fish receiving and processing facilities , net navigation channel of appropriate depth and width racks and the East End Mooring Basin. Most of the from the main ship channel in to the Coast Guard former canneries are abandoned and no new water- facilities on the west side of Tongue Point may be oriented facilities have been constructed in the last constructed (cf 42.16). decade. There is a trailer court adjacent to the East End Mooring Basin. The East End Mooring Basin and Shoreland Designations its small area of backup land remain largely un- All of the shorelands in this subarea are desig- developed. Surge prevents use of the East End nated Development, except for the area from 35th Mooring Basin by all but the largest vessels, and Street to 41st Street which is designated Water De- even they are not secure during a storm. pendent Development. IV - 56 Dredged Material Disposal Mitigation Needs There are two dredged material disposal sites in Expansion of the East End Mooring Basin may in- this subarea, one east [38(S)] and one west [37(S)] of clude dredging of intertidal sand-mud flats close to Alderbrook Cove. Both sites are proposed for use in shore. Such dredging could involve up to five acres conjunction with potential dredging for an expand- and require mitigation, Because there are no restor- ed, improved East End Mooring Basin. These sites ation or resource enhancement sites in this area, could also be used for sediments from the West End sites in the Youngs River system or John Day River Mooring Basin expansion, but that would require should be considered first. (cf Restoration and Miti- costly barge transport and off-loading. (cf Dredged gation, 66.60.) Material Disposal Plan 57.60, 59.) AQUATIC SHORELAND 42.16 TONGUE POINT AND VICINITY General Description This large and diverse subarea covers both share- lands and aquatic areas between the tip of Tongue Point on the north, the mouth of the John Day River on the south, the Coast Guard Basin on the west, and the MARAD Basin on the east. It includes the former Tongue Point Naval Station and the Tongue Point Job Corps Center. Present jurisdiction is by Clatsop County, although the area is included in the Astoria A4, Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The Port of Astoria has great interest in the area. Aquatic Features The aquatic areas include the access channel to Tongue Point from the Columbia River, the naval station piers, the MARAD Basin, the tidal flats and marshes adjacent to the Corps of Engineers Field A 11!7@ Office, and water areas west and north of Tongue Point and the Coast Guard piers. This subarea does not include wetlands adjacent to Mott and Lois Islands. This is one of the more highly altered areas of the estuary, though time has disguised the scope of the alterations. Prior to 1939, the area between the mouth of the John Day River and Tongue Point was an area of shallow waters, tidal flats and marshes. F?" The railroad track marked the approximate shoreline east of the "neck" of Tongue Point, except on the west side of the mouth of the John Day River, where r-, the railroad track cut off a shallow embayment. The present Mott and Lois Islands were tidelands or waters up to 15 feet deep. The entrance channel required dredging, and the MARAD Basin was dredged in 1950 from tidal flats and shallow waters. Wd Even the neck of Tongue Point was narrower. Vir- tually all of the low-lying, flat lands of the present Xv Tongue Point and Corps of Engineers facilities have been created by f i 11. The waters off the tip of Tongue Point have very mentation rate in the MARAD Basin is 4-6 cm/yr strong currents; the tidal currents that fill and empty (about 2 in/yr) at the present depth of 20-26 feet. the MARAD Basin and Cathlamet Bay rejoin the main Because salinity intrusion is less frequent, the ship channel just north of Tongue Point, where there Tongue Point area should experience slower shoal- is a scour hole in excess of 160 feet deep. The depths ing rates than similarly protected areas along the in the entrance channel shoal from 40 feet at the Astoria waterfront. mouth to about 25 feet east of the finger piers. The Results from benthic studies of the Tongue Point MARAD Basin is generally between 20 and 26 feet area by the National Marine Fisheries Service have deep. Depths between the finger piers are generally not been published, but preliminary indications are less than 20 feet. that the benthic populations (are presumably the Salinity intrusion into the Tongue Point basin is benthic productivity) are very high, except in the less frequent than along the Astoria waterfront. The more dynamic areas off the tip of Tongue Point. The surface waters are fresh, except under very low river more abundant organisms include copepods (up to flow conditions. Some salinity intrusion along the 80,000/square meter), oligochaetes (up to 40,0001 bottom probably occurs at high tide under low to square meter), and amphipods (up to 18,500/square moderate river flow levels. meter). The MARAD Basin and other parts of this sub- Sediments at the outer end of the entrance chan- area are popular for sturgeon sport fishing. The use nel are primarily sands, gravels or hard clay. Finer of the area by downstream migrant juvenile salmon sediments prevail in the MARAD Basin and adjacent is significant, based on recent beach seining by the to the finger piers. Organic content is fairly high in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The aquatic habitat some areas, and the layer of navy grey point in the value of the area should be considered very high. MARAD Basin may cause the sediments to be pol- Migratory bird use of the MARAD Basin and the ad- luted, according to EPA standards. Basin on bathy- jacent islands of the Lewis and Clark National Wild- metric surveys and core studies, the average sedi- life Refuge is high. IV - 58 Shoreland Features Issues and Findings The shorelands of this subarea are along the The Tongue Point subarea contains one of the western margin. From north to south, they include most important and difficult conflicts between the steep, forested slopes of Tongue Point itself, the natural resource values and development potential relatively flat developed area occupied by the Coast in the Columbia River Estuary. Upland portions Guard station and the former naval base, and the contain old growth timber. Nearby residents report parcel containing the Corps of Engineers field sitings of bold eagles and the location of at least one station. nest. The area has exceptional value for water Almost all of Ithe flat lands of this subarea are the oriented recreation. The point also contains basalt result of filling of former aquatic areas with dredged rock of excellent quality located close to the water. material. Tongue Point proper, though honey- This rock could be quarried at relatively low cost and combed with munitions storage bunkers, still con- easily barged up or down river. tains old growth timber. There is at least one bald The marsh, wetland and shallow water areas east eagle nest located there. The basalt rock of the point of Tongue Point and south to the mouth of the John must also be considered a resource. The rock is of Day River have significant natural resources, al- high quality and its location directly adjacent to the though the biological data base is incomplete at this water enhances its attractiveness, because of low time. Unpublished research results indicate that transportation costs. counts of amphipods, copepods, and other organ- Deer and many small mammals are found in the isms important as food sources for juvenile salmon, wooded parts of Tongue Point and on Mott and Lois are equal or greater than those in the most pro- Islands. ductive portions of Youngs Bay, Grays Bay and Alder Human Use Cove. Resource agencies are strongly opposed to development south of the existing finger piers at The Navy obtained over 400 acres in the vicinity of Tongue Point. Tongue Point in 1921. It was not until 1940 that con- The development potential of the area around the struction was actually started on the naval base. The finger piers and south to the mouth of the John Day base was operated until the early 1960's. Since 1965, River is exceptionally high. There is excellent access a part of the former naval base has housed the Job to the main navigation channel at River Mile 18. Corps Training Center. The Coast Guard Base has There are eight existing finger piers and approxi- been in operation continuously since prior to 1890. mately 400 acres of sheltered water area with depths The MARAD Basin was dredged in 1950 and used to of at least 20 feet. Shoaling rates appear to be sig- .store the reserve fleet. Five of the finger piers are nificantly lower than of other estuarine locations. presently used for log storage and sorting. Another The area contains large amounts of vacant land. pier is used by the Corps of Engineers. With some filling, up to 400 acres of land could be The rocky uplands contain old growth timber, and made available for development. There is excellent its aesthetic and recreational value as a river access access to rail and highway transportation. The site's point is very high. Its profile, as seen from other location east of Astoria means that major develop- locations, is also very striking. A road has been built ment could take place without aggravating the al- around the periphery and some quarrying has been ready severe traffic congestion in downtown As- done on the west side of the point. toria. The topographical features Of the area provide The facilities included in the former naval base excellent protection from winds and waves. include eight finger piers constructed on concrete International political and economic trends con- piles, several hangars, and about 35 acres of pave- tribute substantially to the development potential of ment. The area is served by the Burlington Northern Tongue Point. The shift in control over the Panama Railroad, which runs through the site, and by U.S. Canal and increasing size of ocean-going ships (too Highway 30. There is also a sewage plant on the large for the Canal) have led international shipping site, but it is antiquated. interests to pursue the concept of a "land bridge" The parcel of land north and east of the railroad across the United States. Very large container tracks and south of the finger piers is presently used vessels cab economically load and off-load cargoes only by the Corps of Engineers. at coastal ports which are connected by a rail link. Ownership of parts of the former naval base, in- Tongue Point appears to be a' desirable west coast cluding the developed area, is disputed between the terminal for such an operation. Since the large state and federal governments. The U.S. Fish and capacity container handling cranes are sensitive to Wildlife Service claims ownership of Lois Island and high winds, the sheltered east side of Tongue Point is adjacent tidelands. The state claims ownership of highly attractive. Container operations, in order to those submerged lands and tidelands that were be economically feasible, require large amounts of filled and for which deeds were not obtained. Thus, land area. Since land areas at other west coast ports ownership of part of Lois Island and the adjacent are largely committed to other uses, the potential tidelands is in part disputed by the state. The state availability of up to 400 acres for development at owns Mott Island '. The General Services Administra- Tongue Point is a highly valuable asset. tion is in the process of declaring surplus five of the The City of Astoria suffers from a severe shortage finger piers and 55 acres of the land area. of undeveloped industrial sites. The city's steep IV-59 TONGUE POINT SUBAREA 42.16 -7 .*ASTORIA U.6.DS N' COLUMBIA RI VER '0 AQUATIC SHORELAND Wafers W.j- Natural Conset,atio. Rural ::T- D@elqp.,-t linte,Deperulent 3' Depth Contour D@-eloptuerlf Shoreline Nor-ocuatic Veg. Planning Boundary MOTT ISLAND 41(S) 42(S) 30 LOIS ISLAND NORTH 1000, IV 60 topography and peninsular location place severe Corps Center from the Natural portions of the point. limits on industrial expansion. There are no avail- The remaining shorelands are designated Water able industrial sites of more than 10 acres. The major Dependent Development. motivation and justification for inclusion of the Subarea Policies Tongue Point area in Astoria's Urban Growth Bound- 1. The area around the finger piers is the prefer- ary (UGB) was this shortage of industrial land within the existing city limits. red area for development at Tongue Point. Due to The General Services Administration (GSA) has high resource values in the southern portion, de- declared five finger piers and 55 acres of adjacent velopment at Tongue Point shall occur first in the shoreland to be surplus federal land. The Port of northern portion, Development of the southern Astoria has long expressed interest in obtaining this portion shall take place only after full utilization of land and the state, which also claims ownership to a the northern portion and upon a demonstration that large portion of the surplus land, is assisting the Fort the unique development potential of the area will by negotiating with the federal government. More be fully utilized. recently, the Port has expressed interest in the land 2..The exact location, width and depth of the south of the finger piers. A 36 acre parcel imme- navigational access channel from the main ship diately to the south was declared excess by the De- channel of the Columbia River into the MARAD Basin partment of Labor, and the GSA transferred the shall be determined through engineering studies as parcel to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for in- a part of the permit application process. clusion in the adjacent Lewis and Clark National 3. The Development designation for aquatic areas Wildlife Refuge. Such action would seriously hinder east and south of Tongue Point are provided to ac- the development potential of the Tongue Point area commodate future water dependent uses. However, and would be inconsistent with its Development the designations do not create the presumption that Aquatic designation. Protests of this action by dredging, filling or other alterations will automati- numerous public officials led to a U.S. Fish and cally be permitted. Specific proposals for water de- Wildlife Service decision to give up title to the land pendent development must: be justified in terms of and return it to the GSA. When the land is declared available alternatives, public need and economic excess, the State of Oregon, on behalf of the Port of benefits; minimize adverse impacts on water quality Astoria, may be able to obtain title to the.land. and natural habitat; and meet other requirements of The Corps of Engineers owns the old MARAD base the permit processes. and shorelands further to the south where they Dredged Material Disposal maintain a small field office and dock, The U.S, Fish Two shoreland disposal sites are in this subarea and Wildlife Service has also given up its intention to [41 (S), 42(S)], as well as potential development sites acquire this area, should the Corps ever declare the which could use dredged material as fill. There are property surplus. Inclusion of this area in the wildlife also two sites in the John Day subarea (cf 43.01 ) and refuge would also be inconsistent with the Develop- one disposal site in the Lois and Mott Islands subarea ment Aquatic and Water Dependent Development (cf 42.17) that relate to dredging activities at Tongue Shoreland designations for the area. Point. (cf Dredged Material Management Plan, The Coast Guard facility located on the west side 57.70,59.) of Tongue Point has been in continuous use since prior to 1890. Water depths are such that dredging Mitigation Needs has been needed only in the immediate vicinity of Development of the area north of the southern- the piers. In the event larger, deeper draft vessels most finger pier will not involve dredging or filling are assigned to the facility, however, dredging an of intertidal or tidal marsh area and therefore not access channel (see Uppertown/Alderbrook - 42.15) require mitigation under the LCDC Estuarine Re- may become necessary. sources Goal, Number 16. However, the subticlal Designation of the interticlal and tidal marsh areas area between the pier slips has good benthic pro- south of the finger piers to the John Day River re- ductivity and gets substantial fish usage. Because of quires an exception to the Estuarine Resources Goal this, the Division of State Lands may require mitiga- (cf Appendix B). tion, should a permit be granted to fill this subtidal Aquatic Designations area. The aquatic area included in the Coast Guard base The Development area from the south of the is designated Development. East of Tongue Point all finger piers to the John Day River includes 135 acres of the aquatic area is designated Development, of shoreland and 80 acres of aquatic area, of which except the area north of the northernmost finger pier about 65 acres are intertidal or tidal marsh. Dredging where only the access channel is Development (see or .filling a portion or all of these 65 acres will re- Subarea Policies below). The remaining aquatic quire mitigation. Additional mitigation may be re- areas are Conservation. quired for subticlal areas or shorelands involved in any development proposal. Shoreland Designations Restoration sites up the John Day River and east at The tip of Tongue Point is designated Natural, Svensen Island should be considered for mitigation except for the Coast Guard base, which is desig- of Tongue Point development. (cf Restoration and nated Water Dependent Development, and the Job Mitigation 66.70.) is Corps Center which is designated Development. A fifty foot wide Conservation buffer separates the Job IV - 61 42.17 LOIS AND MOTT ISLANDS General Description This subarea includes the two dredged material recreational facilities might also be provided on the islands created by dredged material during the upland portion of these islands. construction of Tongue Point Naval Base and the Both Mott and Lois Islands are within the wildlife MARAD Basin (1939-49), the adjacent wetlands, and refuge and the habitat value of the upland areas for the channel between. The subarea is in the Lewis birds and wildlife is high. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Clark Wildlife Refuge and Clatsop County. Service has indicated that they will oppose use of the area for dredged material disposal. Recreational Aquatic and Shoreland Features fishing and boating may conflict with port develop- Lois and Mott Islands are surrounded by tidal ment in the Tongue Point area. Public access may marsh, are wooded (willow, alder) around the also be an issue. fringes and gross-covered in the interior. Bird and wildlife values are high. The water and wetland Aquatic Designations portions of this subarea are protected and very The wetland and water areas east of both islands productive; the populations of benthic invertebrates and south of Lois Island are designated Natural. are very high. The remaining aquatic areas are designated Con- Human Use servation. Human use includes recreation boating, beach- Shoreland Designations combing, sports fishing, hunting, trapping and wild- All shoreland in this subarea is designated Con- life observation. None of these uses is intensive. servation. Issues and Findings Dredged Material Disposal There is some potential for port related develop- The shoreland portion of Mott Island is designated ment on Lois and Mott Islands; however, since the as a dredged material disposal site [40(S)] in con- two islands have no utilities or land transportation junction with possible future dredging at Tongue and are in the wildlife refuge, the only likely use is Point. The amount of dredging for initial construction dredged material disposal. Mott Island and the of a deep draft channel into Tongue Point and the northern lobe of Lois Island are within one mile of availability of other sites for disposal will determine the Tongue Point entrance channel. The rest of Lois whether this site would be used for initial or main- Island is adjacent to the MARAD Basin and within tenance disposal. The site may not be needed for reach of dredging that might occur at the Corps of many years. (cf Dredged Material Management Plan Engineers site south of Tongue Point. Low intensity 57.70,59.) qSY IV-62 43. EASTERN CLATSOP PLAN THE PLANNING AREA AREA POLICIES The establishment of the planning area boundary 1. Recreational Access to the Estuary for the Eastern Clatsop area was based on evalua- Clatsop County has emphasized its great recrea- tion of potential shoreland hazards, important shore- tional resources by developing parks and picnic land habitat areas, areas needed for water oriented areas, boat launch sites, and beach access points development and scenic resources. The Eastern Clat- throughout the Columbia River estuary. To meet the sop planning area extends from the eastern border needs of hunters, fishermen, and boaters in the of Clatsop County west to the mouth of the John Day Eastern Clatsop County area, boat launch sites are River. The shorelands boundary is 200 feet inland presently located at the John Day River, Aldrich from MHHW, or the edge of tideland soils in areas Point and Westport. Other access points providing where they occur. The water boundary is the state recreation for the public are at Bradley Wayside and line or the wildlife refuge boundary as appropriate. at Tongue Point. Generally, public access to the river The upstream limit of estuarine waters is defined as is adequate with some potential for improvement, tidewater. Streams included are the John Day River, although limited. Foot and/or bicycle paths along Mary's Creek, Bear Creek, Big and Little Creeks, shoreline bluffs would be appropriate if they would Gnat Creek, Plympton Creek, and all other streams not impair fish and wildlife habitat or interfere with eastward to the border of Clatsop County. Planning, agricultural use. Boat landings, docks and scenic management and regulatory jurisdictions include viewpoints would also be appropriate if privately Clatsop County, the Port of Astoria, State of Oregon, owned shorelands are protected from encroach- and federal agencies, ment. Additional locations for public recreational access or expansion of existing facilities should be MAJOR ISSUES AND DECISIONS jointly considered by interested state agencies and Major issues included fish and wildlife protection, the County to assess local needs and to protect the the need for development areas along the river, environment. The Aldrich Point boat launch facility, maintenance of agricultural lands, recreational however, except for general maintenance require- water-access to the river, and the use of navigable ments, should be adequate for many ge.nerations. waters for houseboats, float houses and private The current facility consists of one boat lone on one docking facilities. During the conflict resolution pro- acre of land at the terminus of a long, narrow cess, the designation of undeveloped wetlands as winding country road that posses through some of Conservation rather than Natural become an issue, the best.dairy land in the County. Typical of a except at Big Creek, where the Natural designation country road are the numerous cattle crossings,. of the privately owned spruce swamp has resulted in playing children and slow vehicles. Additio nal use serious disagreements. Restoration of dikes long in of the facility could destroy the rural lifestyle of the, disrepair has also emerged as a significant. issue. area. In addition, to the east, along the railroad These issues are addressed either through regional tracks, an eagle's nest has been cited. The Nature policies (cf Section 11), area or subarea policies, and Conservancy has suggested protecting this area in other plan provisions. order to attract as many eagles to the point as The western portion of the Eastern Clatsop plan- possible. ning area is rural, with little intensive development. The Eastern Clatsop Planning Committee recog- The plan designations reflect this. Low-lying farm- nizes the importance of providing public access to lands are designated Rural, aquatic areas are Con- the Columbia River and its tributaries and sloughs. servation or Natural, and forested shorelands are But, because of the area's natural environment for Conservation to provide for forest management. wildlife and the desire to protect areas from over- This western area has no deep water access and use and potential damage and in consideration of commercial fishing, fish production at hatcheries, the rural nature of the area, these access points and recreational use of sloughs and adjacent wild- should be limited. life refuge areas are important. In consideration of expansion of existing or new The eastern end of this planning area is adjacent potential locations, a public hearing should be held to the main Columbia River ship channel and has rail to assess the needs of the area and the following standards should be met: and highway access. A small potential waterfront development site exists at Brodwood. Ma .jor devel- 0 Access from the U.S. Highway 30 must be ap- opment, existing and planned, is provided for in the propriately located and designed to provide for Wouna/Westport area. Along the waterfront, share- safe exitfrom and entry tothe highway by large motor homes and vehicles pulling trailers. lands are designated for Water Dependent Develop- 0 State or County roads connecting U S. Highway ment and river access is provided for. Controversy 30 with access points must be *capable of exists over how much area should be developed, handling the types and vol,umes of traffic that versus protected. Dredged material disposal on wet- such a facility would create. land areas is a major issue near Westport. This area 0 The impacts of site development and the result- is one of six estuary development sites along the Co- ing traffic upon local residential areas shall be lumbia River which offer significant potential f 'or use carefully considered. The County will reject by vessels requiring deep draft access to the shore- proposals which will have undue impacts on line. local citizens. IV-63 Before any overnight facilities are established 4. Fishing Industry at any public or private parks, consideration Fishing is a traditional industry and lifestyle in the should be given to their impact on the area (i.e. Columbia River estuary area and has been an im- streams, tributaries, sewage disposal, garbage, portant part of the history and development of Clat- roads). These facilities, if they are developed, sop County. It remains a major factor in the econo- should be self-supporting and aesthetically my. Columbia River salmon are internationally ac- pleasing. claimed and the loss of the fishing industry would 2. Eagles mean a loss of identity for this area. Eagles should be given full protection because the 9 Boat houses, net floats and associated fisheries- eagle is the national symbol of freedom, is an en- related facilities should be allowed in waters dangered species with only 708 breeding pairs in designated Conservation. the lower 48 United States and only a few known 0 Logging practices in the Columbia River drain- pairs in Clatsop County, and is part of the eco-system age area should be strictly enforced as outlined of the Columbia River estuary with migrating eagles in the Forest Practices Act to maintain a high from Alaska wintering in Clatsop County. A five acre degree, of water quality. buffer area around trees containing nests should be 9 Industrial development permitted along the Co- protected from logging operations, so that the nest is lumbia River and its tributaries should be com- not subject to blowdown as it might be under exist- patible with the fishing industry. In particular, ing regulations. any waste water returned to the river or its trib- utaries should meet or exceed the quality of the 3. Filling of Shallow Waters and Wetlands surrounding river water. The contribution of shallow water areas, fresh * Recognizing the possible harmful effects of log water marshes, and wetlands to the biological pro- storage to the fisheries, the timber industry is ductivity of the Columbia River estuary is significant. encouraged tofind alternatives to water storage The indiscriminate filling of such areas is dis- of logs. couraged. However, to develop the areas desig- 0 Dredging and filling of wetlands and water nated for Development, dredging and filling may be areas should be minimized. necessary. Potential development areas on both 0 Additional oil tanker traffic on the Columbia sides of the Columbia River should be surveyed. River is discouraged. New oil port facilities pre- Those requiring the least amount of fill in shallow sent a hazard to the fishing industry. estuarine waters, fresh water marshes or wetlands, a Because of the importance of the Gnat Creek should be ranked first and those requiring the most and Big Creek Hatcheries, activities or develop- fill be ranked last. Using additional requirements ment that could be detrimental to their water such as economic factors and the needs and goals of quality are discouraged in these creeks or the a given area, those areas ranked first on the list waters into whic'h they drain. should be developed first. Steps to increase native or hatchery runs on Plympton Creek, Little Creek, Mary's Creek, Ferris Creek, Bear Creek or the John Day River are encouraged. rZ, 6@ V%t_ %tow, J, L Mihe Karna IV - 64 5. Houseboats and Floathouses man; preserve areas of unique or valuable vegeta- Residential use of protected waterways is a way of tion; and preserve areas of historical significance for life in the Columbia River estuary area. In eastern future generations. Clatsop County, the John Day River and the Svensen Natural areas are necessary to maintain a healthy Island area are historical moorage areas for resi- balance with development and to maintain the dential f loothouses. existing quality of life in this area, and should be Existing houseboats and floothouses should be given full protection to ensure their preservation. allowed to continue. However, expansion of this activity should not occur. Current regulations of the 8. Nuclear Power Plant Siting Oregon department of Environmental Quality con- Although the Oregon Nuclear and Thermal Energy cerning sewage disposal indicate that additional Council designated eastern Clatsop County as being houseboats and floothouses are unlikely. In addi- unsuitable for the siting of a nuclear power plant, tion, these residences block navigable waters which the Washington Public Power Supply System listed a could otherwise be used by the public. site adjacent to the Brownsmead area as one of the 6. Industrial Development twelve sites they are considering. Continued economic development in Northeast Construction of nuclear power plant and the stor- Clatsop County is essential for the well-being and age of radioactive waste should not occur in north- livelihood of the people who have lived here and east Clatsop County because: who wish to live here. -Potential adverse impacts in the fishing industry To promote environmentally sound development due to changes in the water temperature when consistent with maintaining the unique character of cooling water is returned to the river and from the area, the following are encouraged: construction impacts on the streams; � Timber production, which is highly suited be- -Effect of low level radiation on adjacent agri- cause of rainfall and soils; cultural practices, particularly the dairy in- � Forest products industries, to locally process clustry; local timber; -Lack of facilities in the United States for long- � Waterways and ports, for energy efficient trans- term storage of radioactive waste; portation of goods and minimization of the -Safety factors which include the possibility of need for overland transfer of products; accidents and natural catastrophies as well as � Production of fish by both hatchery and natural the long term risk of continued radioactivity at a means, to more fully utilize ocean resources site after a plant is shut down. and provide for their local commercial and 9. Agriculture sports harvest. The low-lying areas adjacent to the Columbia 7. Natural Areas River estuary (in particular the Brownsmead area) Natural areas in the Columbia River estuary pro have the most potential for agricultural develop- - ment in Clatsop County. They produce excellent vide habitat for wildlife including eagles, great blue forage to support the dairy industry and are noted heron, waterfowl, deer, and elk; maintain an aes- for quality peas and corn. These agricultural lands thetically beautiful area, basically unaltered by should be protected for their agricultural value. These same areas are also important feeding, .......... ;1 resting, and nesting areas for migrant waterfowl. At .......... @01' least three herds of elk graze in the area. Many fur- .. . ......... bearers are trapped each winter from the sloughs. To preserve this important agricultural and wildlife A, p@W area: The diked lands of Brownsmead should be des- ignated for exclusive agricultural use (EFU zone. This would discourage housing develop- ments, subdivision of forms into small uneco- W" nomical units, and would keep property taxes low thus encouraging farmers to make long term plans and investments. 0 The Forest Practices Act should be strictly en- forced in all watersheds that drain into agri @qq cultural lands. Poor drainage is a major 77-77, -lying farm areas. Strict imple- problem in low mentation of the Forest Practices Act would help o' @o keep siltation of sloughs and drainage ditches to a minimum. Cleaning of sloughs and ditches and dike main- tenance should be allowed under the super- M Sion of the local diking districts and in cooper- oion with the Clatsop Soil and Water Conserva- ft tion District. Compleat Photographer Trapping of furbearers should be encouraged to minimize crop and dike damage. IV - 65 43.01 JOHN DAY RIVER General Description Issues and Findings This area includes the John Day River from its There is little potential for new development on mouth to the head of tide, and the adjacent shore- the John Day River and its low-lying shorelands. The lands for a distance of 200 feet from mean higher river itself is relatively narrow and shallow. In- high water (MHHW) or the extent of tideland soils, creased river traffic would conflict with existing whichever is greatest. houseboat uses and worsen the stream-bank erosion problem. The shorelands, being either low and Aquatic Features flood-prone or steep and unsuitable for intensive While the types of fish present in the John Day are development, also offer little potential for expanded varied, the numbers are not large. During the fall, use. Factors which could improve development po- there are cutthroat trout, some coho salmon, and tential in the future would be the use of low areas maybe a small number of Chum salmon. During May for disposal of dredged material and possible relo- and June, there is a substantial run of American cation of U.S. Highway 30. Shad which spawn around the head of tide. Other Water quality and navigational access concerns species which occur throughout the year are carp, related to existing houseboats may become a more largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and significant issue in the future. State policies on tide- other rough fish. land leasing, water quality standards and the area A large tidal marsh area has developed at the policy in this plan will prevent expansion of this mouth of the river on the west side, south of the residential use. railroad fill. Other wetland marsh areas exist up- Another issue is dike maintenance and erosion stream along the river bank. control using materials dredged from the river. State Water depths are a relatively shallow 4 to 12 feet. and federal resource agencies discourage this prac- While the river is considered navigable for a dis- tice. tonce of three miles, there is no authorized channel The tidal marsh-mudflat areas just inside the river project. River flow from the small drainage'basin is mouth are very shallow, are flooded on every tide, low, particularly in the summer. There is minimal have significant fish and wildlife values, are pub- sediment transport, and flushing is slow. There is icly owned, and have little potential for any de- little salt water intrusion, except during very low velopment activities. It is in the public interest to Columbia River flow periods. The aquatic ecosystem protect these natural resource values. of the John Day River is thus freshwater is nature. The low intensity recreational uses of the river, the Shoreland Features fishery resources and wildlife values should be The shorelands are predominantly diked tidelands protected while providing for limited developed used for low intensity agriculture. There are also uses. small forested shoreland areas. The shorelands have Aquatic Designations moderate wildlife value. Deer and elk, along with The large freshwater tidal marsh and mudflat just smaller wildlife, frequent the area and several bald inside the mouth of the John Day River, to the west eagle nests have been located in adjacent upland of the river channel, is designated Natural. The re- areas. maining water and wetland areas to the head of tide Shoreland soils are the Coquille-Ticlal Marsh are designated Conservation. (fresh)-Tolovana Association. These lowlands have high flooding potential (most of the area is within Shoreland Designations the 100 year floodplain), relatively @igh ground All shorelands in this subarea are designated water level, and moderate agricultural stability. Rural. Some dikes along the river are low or in poor Dredged Material Disposal condition and erosion and undercutting of the dikes There are two shoreland disposal sites [43(5), is a significant problem. 44(S)l on the west banks of the John Day River, both Human Use associated with possible future development at Existing land and water use includes agriculture, Tongue Point. Both sites are low priority because of forestry, shoreland residences, houseboats, and re- existing us@es and distance from Tongue Point (cf creation. To protect low-lying shoreland areas, there Dredged Material Management, 57.70, 59). are dikes and fourteen ticlegates located along the Restoration and Resource Enhancement river. Adjacent land uses are mostly related to for- The diked tideland areas (shorelands) along the estry. John Day River were once productive parts of the Ownership is mostly private with some county, aquatic ecosystem, providing valuable habitat for state and corporate owners, There is a newl y- waterfowl and other wildlife. These wetlands also improved public boat 'launching ramp on county produced large quantities of plant growth, much of .land near the mouth of the river. There are also which helped support the base of the aquatic food numerous private docks along the river. Access to chain. It may be appropriate at some time in the the area is by water from the Tongue Point Basin and future to breach existing dikes in one or more of by road from Highway 30. these areas, to help' restore some aquatic produc- IV - 67 tivity. Such "restoration" would require the owner's areas would be limited to undeveloped or low in- approval, and the advisability of such action would tensity uses such as agriculture, so as not to preclude be evaluated against the lost agricultural or other the potential for restoration use. The John Day River values. Nine areas, [29(M) 37(M)] are suggested as is also singled out, for potential fishery enhance- potential restoration areas. Future land uses in these ment [32(F)]. (cf Restoration and Mitigation 65.) ASTORIA I.I.G.S. .7. LOIS ISLAND o0 4'x (Q% ... cpCP vz::) V 29(m) 31 (M) 34(M) 33(M) 30 (M) JOHN DAY RIVER 37 (M) 35 (M) 32 (F) AQUATIC SHORELAND Waters Wet- 1000, 0 lands? 2 Natu-1 C-Sematio. Rural 7,@ Devetopm@t Hater Depend@ 3' Depth Contour Devetopmevt Shoreline Non-aquatic Veg. Planning Boundary IV - 68 43.02 JOHN DAY POINT - SETTLERS POINT LOIS ISLAND I, 'n' JDHN DAY POINT ca5 ETTLERS IW SOUTH AQUAT :C SHORELAND I W.ters We Natuml C-n-tion Ruml > X IX,,elp.,-( Hater Dependent TDO D-einp,nent Shorell N.-q-11c VD9 Nonni ng Bou ndary 1000" General Description This area includes shorelands 200 feet back from mammals. Furbearers such as nutria and bear may Mean Higher High Water (MMHW) and the waters be present. and wetlands out to the refuge boundary, except in the marsh area where Twilight Creek drains'into th e Human Use Columbia River. The western boundary is John Day Existing uses in the area are forestry and scattered Point and the eastern boundary is Settlers Point. The residential uses. The railroad runs along the shore- area is predominantly forested and rural in nature. line. There is also in-water log storage east of Twi- light Creek. There is a mixture of state and private Aquatic Features ownership, with minor holdings by the county. Phys- There are fringing tidal marshes adjacent to the ical access to the water is limited to private shoreline railroad along much of the shoreline. Dominant structures. vegetation includes sedge, bulrush, marsh horsetail, Issues and Findings common cattail, Pacific water parsley, and many There is limited development potential in the other species. Tidal flats adjacent to marshes are area. Some expansion of residential uses at Settlers productive for benthic algae, bacteria, microscopic Point may occur in the future. invertebrates and larger invertebrates such as small The tidal marshes at the mouth of Twilight Creek clams, worms, and amphipods which characterize have been intensively studied and are a valuable freshwater areas of the estuary. The tidal range at natural resource. The marshes are primarily in pri- Settlers Point is 6.3 feet (as compared to 6.5 feet at vate ownership and are managed for waterfowl Tongue Point) and the diurnal range is 8.0 feet (8.2 hunting by a local club. There are several small feet at Tongue Point). Salinity intrusion may occur in docks and walkways giving access to tidal-channels this area but has not been documented. The area is cut in the marshes. Low intensity recreation is the well-flushed. dominant use of these marshes. Continued need for Shoreland Features maintenance and possible improvement of ' docks Soils in this area include the Tolovana and the and duck shacks is expected. Demand for recreation Walluski-Knappa Associations. Flood potential is low facilities requiring major alterations, however, is not and there is a seasonally high water table. The soils expected. have a very low suitabi.lity for agriculture. Soil Aquatic Designations movement hazards are present to the west of Tw.l'- All aquatic areas, including waters, tidal flats and light Creek. While the movement is not rapid, it is marshes are designated Conservation. present almost every winter, intruding on U.S. High- way 30. Shoreland Designations Shoreland vegetation is characterized by shrub Shoreland areas in private ownership are desig- willow, older, Sitka spruce, and Douglas fir. Wildlife nated Rural to provide for potential residential use. in the area includes blacktail deer, elk, and small Other shorelands are Conservation. IV - 69 43.03 SETTLERS POINT EAST TO IVY STATION General Description This area, entirely south of Svensen Island, in- cludes the lowland areas of Mary's, Bear, and Ferris Creeks, the waters of the creeks to the the approxi- mate head of tide, and a 200 foot strip of shoreland east of Ferris Creek to the Ivy Station area. It also includes the water and wetland area to the middle of the channel between Svensen Island and the shoreland. Aquatic Features The wetland areas at the mouths of Mary's, Bear and Ferris Creeks were at one time diked and in agricultural use. Dikes and ticlegates have fallen into disrepair or have been purposely breached. At 's and Bear Creeks, the wetland area in- Mary fluenced by tidal waters (6.5 foot diurnal tidal range) has completely reverted to tidal marsh vege- tation, including sedges, bulrush and cattail. At Ferris Creek, there has been some establishment of wetland vegetation, but the area seems slightly higher and drier. The upper tidal reaches of all three streams and fringes along the marshes are forested ; e@OKS and shrub wetlands, with Sitka spruce, willow and some alder. Mary's, Bear and Ferris Creeks have small wild runs of cutthroat trout, steelhead, and coho and chum salmon; coho from state hatcheries have been placed in Bear Creek. Wildlife values of the wetland Tim Harrison, Compleal Photographer areas and adjacent flats north of the railroad are high. Deer, elk, bear, aquatic and terrestrial fur- boxes is considered new diking. New dikes are per- bearers, waterfowl, raptors, including bald eagles, mitted if the purpose is to provide for water de- and other wildlife use the area. pendent uses. New diking of wetlands for agri- Shoreland Features cultural use would not be permitted. Proposals for The soils in the area are primarily of the Coquille- restoring abandoned dikes on Mary's Creek and Tidal Marsh (fresh)-Clatsop Association. These soils Ferris Creek have been made. are characterized by a potential for flooding, a rela- Aquatic Designations tively high seasonal water table, and a low slope. All aquatic areas are Conservation, except for Agricultural suitability is moderate, a class IV soil. Rural designations for: the wetland south of the East of Ferris Creek, the area adjacent to the plan- railroad on the east and west banks of Mary's Creek; ning area is much steeper (Walluski-Knappa Soil the lake adjacent to Bear Creek south of U.S. High- Association). Wildlife values of the shoreland area way 30; and the wetlands along the entire east bank are similar to the other wetland areas, with deer, of Ferris Creek and a portion along the west bank. elk, bear, and small furbearers frequenting the Shoreland Designations area. Rural shorelands include those north of U.S. Human Use Highway 30 along Mary's and Bear Creeks, shore- Intensity of human use is low in all wetland areas. lands in agriculture use south of U.S. Highway 30 Adjacent shorelands are used for rural residences, along Bear Creek, and shorelands from Bear Creek agriculture and some forestry. The shoreland and east to and including Ferris Creek shorelands. All formerly diked wetlands are privately owned, other shoreland areas are Conservation. except for a county-owned parcel on the west bank Restoration and Resource Enhancement of Mary's Creek. Crown Zellerbach owns land south The wetland areas at Mary's Creek, and east and of U.S. Highway 30 on Mary's Creek. The watersheds west of Ferris Creek are identified as possible resto- have been logged and some areas replanted. ration sites [38(M), 39(M)]. These areas are in differ- Issues and Findings ent stages of reverting to tidal marsh or forested The major issue in this area is whether or not the wetland. Removal of dikes to improve tidal formerly diked wetlands can be re-cliked and placed exchange is proposed to enhance wetland values into agricultural or other use. According to state and and provide for more export of plant material to the local policy, once areas have substantially reverted estuary (cf Restoration amd Mitigation Plan, to wetland vegetation, repairing dikes and tide 65). IV - 70 z w cr SETTLERS PT. SVENSEN ISLAND 3 m 40(M) q 39 M 30 k HUNT ROAO AQUATIC SHORELAND 04 Wo a ters Wet- 4 :2 0 0 lands,' Natural Consemation 0 Fro?,,. CR. \\\:Rural 1000, T- D-O.P ent a 0 Water Depmdent 0 3'Depth Contou D@@loptn@f a Shoreline k Nori-aquatic Veg. Planning Boundary ...... 43.04 SVENSEN ISLAND AQUATIC SHORELAND C Waters Wet- landst' Natural Conservation Rural MINA ISLAND Development Water Dependent 3' Depth Contour Develop-e.1 , shoreline 1 47 (D) Non-actuatic Veg. Planning Boundary CHANNEL 1000, General Description Issues and Findings This subarea includes the diked Svensen Island and aquatic areas adjacent to the island. The island Svensen Island dikes on the north side of the is connected to the mainland by a small bridge. island have e xperienced problems with erosion. A series of pile dikes to retard erosion have been Aquatic Features placed near the center of the island. Material to Svensen Island is surrounded by tidal marshes maintain the dikes is difficult to obtain. which are dominated by sedge, bulrush and cattails. Portions of the diked land used for agriculture are The uncliked area is good habitat for aquatic and poorly drained and common rush is a dominant semi-aquatic animals including beaver, nutria, vegetation on much of the island. The wetlands muskrat, and waterfowl. The productivity of adja- inside the dike are protected from tidal flooding by a cent tidal flats is likely to be moderate to high. series of tidegates. Fish found in the area include worm water species Aquatic Designations such as bass, crappie,. suckers and carp. Sturgeon The ticleflat area and marsh island west of Sven- may also be present, particularly in the deep water areas north of the island, Juvenile salmon use of the sen Island are Natural. Other aquatic areas, in- area has not been studied, but this area, close to Big cluding wetlands inside the dikes, are Conservation. Creek (hatchery site), probably gets extensive use by Shoreland Designations feeding smolts. All shorelands are designated Rural, including Shoreland Features dikes and the land area they protect. The soils on Svensen Island are of the Coquille- Dredged Material Disposal Tidal Marsh (fresh)-Clatsop Association. These soils The dikes on the west and north sides of Svensen have a low slope, are subject to flooding, and have Island are designated as dike maintenance disposal a seasonally high water table. These class III or IV sites [47(D)] and the Port of Astoria is conducting soils are also moderately suitable for agriculture. some disposal on farmland [46(S)]. Much of the island is diked farmland used as posture. The island is divided in half on the west by a Restoration and Resource Enhancement shrubby wetland area with a small pond. The island The entire Svensen Island is designated as a marsh is good wildlife habitat and is frequented by deer restoration site [41 (M)]. It is quite low and would be and small terrestrial mammals. expected to revert to tidal marsh if the dikes were The diked portion of the island is in two large breached. All or a portion could be restored to 10 private ownerships. Aquatic area ownerships are a aquatic productivity (cf Restoration and Mitigation, mixture of state, county and private. 65). IV - 72 43.05 IVY STATION - BIG CREEK General Description the mouth at the creek. This subarea includes tideland soils in the Ivy Sta- Shoreland vegetation in this stretch includes cot- tonwood, Sitka spruce, and shrub willow. Wildlife in tion area and a 200 foot strip of shoreland extending the area includes deer, elk, waterfowl, and many to the Big Creek area. Also included are extensive small mammals and furbearers. The Nature Con- wetlands to the east of Svensen Island, on Calendar servancy has identified a bold eagle nest in the Ivy Island and south of Calendar Slough. This latter area Station area. also includes a small portion of shorelands in the Ivy Station area. Human Use Aquatic Features Agriculture arid forestry are predominant uses, Tidal marshes surround Calendar Island and fringe along with rural residences. North of Calendar Is- the shoreline along the mainland north of the rail- land, there are log storage areas. road. These marshes are similar in composition to Issues and Findings others in the area; sedges, bulrushes and cattails There is little development potential in this sub- predominate. Use by wildlife is significant. Fishery area; existing uses are likely to continue. No major values-in the area are high. Thousands of juvenile issues have been identified. Diked shorelands at Ivy salmon smolt are released from the hatchery at Big Station are in private ownership. Other shorelands Creek and no doubt use the tidal flats for feeding are either in state or corporate (boise Cascade) and to avoid predators. Warm water fishes are also ownership. Aquatic areas 'are primarily in state common in the area. ownership, with some private. Shoreland Features Aquatic Designations The soils in this portion of the planning area are All aquatic areas are Conservation, except the primarily the Coquille-Tidal Marsh (fresh)-Clcitsop water area east of Eddy Point, which is designated Association. These soils are typical of the lowlands Natural. adjacent to the estuary and are characterized by a Shoreland Designations low slope, high flood potential, and a high seasonal The shorelands at Ivy Station are Rural, as is a water table. There are no hazards except for tidal small privately-owned portion of Calendar Island. flooding in low-lying areas. The shoreland area at The remainder of island shorelands are Conserva- Ivy Station is diked postureland and has a ticlegate at tion. KARLSON ISLAND MINAKER IS. -%141 1000, EDDY POINT AQUATIC SHORELAND C Waters Wet- lands/ SITATIO. :Natural Conservation V) Rural _L@, Development Water Dependent -3'De 'Con our Development Shcl)re'line Non-aquatic Veg. Planning Boundary IV - 73 43.06 BIG CREEK - LITTLE CREEK General Description Issues and Findings This subarea extends east from Eddy Point to just The major issue in this area is the need for pro- short of Knappa dock and includes adjacent waters tection of the old growth spruce swamp at the mouth and shorelands of Knappa Slough, and the spruce of Big and Little Creeks versus private land use. The swamp and tideland soil shorelands at the mouths of area has been inventoried by the Nature Conser- Big and Little Creeks. vancy and, based on the natural values described Aquatic Features above, recommended for protection. Most of the Big and Little Creeks, a large tidal spruce swamp spruce swamp is in a single corporate ownership at the mouth of the creeks, and Knappa Slough are (Boise Cascade), with a small portion in private form all prominent aquatic features of this subarea. Nat- ownership near the upper tidal reaches between the ural resource values are high, particularly for fisher- two streams. Both landowners vigorously object to a ies. protective land use designation which would pre- A state salmon hatchery on Big Creek released six vent their use of the area for forestry or agriculture. million fall Chinook salmon, 800,000 coho, 40,000 The waters of Knappa Slough adjacent to Big and chum and 50,000 steeihead in 1978. The stream Little Creeks are imporJant holding areas for adult occasionally has a run of lamprey and has a wild anadromous fishes prior to ascending the streams to population of cutthroat trout. Little Creek fish runs spawning grounds and the hatchery. This area are primarily strays from Big Creek. Angler pressure should be protected from competing uses. is heavy on Big Creek. The drainage basin of Big The Knappa Slough area also has significant his- Creek is 39 square miles. Creek discharges range torical and archaeological value. The shoreline of from 21 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 538 cfs. the slough was the site of an Indian village. The The approximately 125 acre tidal spruce swamp at present Knappa Dock is also the first landing site of the mouth of the creeks is undisturbed Sitka spruce the Lewis and Clark expedition in Clatsop County. forest, dominated by large, open-growth form of The Knappa dock area, midway between public Sitka spruce and some red alder, vine maple, Sol- water access points on the John Day River and at Al- monberry, skunk cabbage, sedges and water- drich Point, has been proposed by the Oregon De- parsley. A variety of other wetland plants are also partment of Fish and Wildlife as a possible public present. The daily tidal range in the swamp is ap- boat launch site. Because of the inability of local proximately 6 feet in lower reaches. There is no roads to handle increased traffic and impacts on intrusion of saltwater into this portion of the estuary, area residents and lifestyle, this has been opposed even on lowest river flows. Wildlife is diverse and by local residents. This public access issue is address- rich, including owls, ducks, other waterfowl, blue ed in an overall Eastern-Clatsop policy (cf 43). heron, bold eagles, deer, raccoon, beaver, squir- Aquatic Designations rels, muskrat, and nutria. The entire spruce swamp, portions of Big and Little Shoreland Features Creeks running through the swamp, and adjacent The primary soil in this area is the Coquille-Ticlal waters of Knappa Slough are designated Natural. Marsh (fresh)-Clatsop Association. Portions of Little The wetland area north of the railroad at Eddy Point Creek flow through a group of soils known as the on the west is designated Conservation. Nehalem Association. Many of the characteristics Shoreland Designations are similar, but the primary difference is the agri- Shorelands from Eddy Point east to the spruce cultural suitability: the Neholem Association is most- swamp and shorelands along the western and east- ly Class 11 soils, while the other is Class III and IV. The ern edges of the swamp in forestry use are desig- primary hazard in the area is the potential of flood- nated Conservation. Areas in agricultural use south ing of the creeks, which also occurs upstream of tidal of the spruce swamp are Rural. areas. Subarea Policy Wildlife values of the shorelands are similar to the The Natural designation of the Big Creek spruce wetlands with deer, elk, and furbearers frequenting swamp recognizes the unique natural fish and wild- the area. life values of this area. However, such a designation Human Use should not limit logging of adjacent shoreland and Agriculture on shorelands in the upper portion of upland areas in accordance with the Oregon Forest the subarea is the most intensive human use. There Practices Act, and should not impede construction of is forestry on adjacent shorelands and recreational a log sorting yard or similar support facilities on the use of Big Creek is important further upstream. Little uplands adjacent to the swamp. Creek is the source of water for the Wickiup Water District and one of several sources of water for the Restoration and Resource Enhancement City of Astoria. Big and Little Creeks are recommended for pro- jects that will enhance their already significant value for fisheries (cf Restoration and Mitigation Plan, 65). IV - 74 BIG CREEK- LITTLE CREEK SUBAREA 43.06 KARLSON ISLAND KNAPPA DOCK EDDY 10 AQUATIC SNORELAND Waters Wet- 2 landsi Natural Consetvation Rural Flater Dependent 3'Dep.., I Dmelopment Shoreline k 1000, Non-aquatic Veg. 'ooooo@@ Planning Boundary tu I (F) IV - 75 43.07 FERTILE VALLEY General Description for agricultural practices (Class 11 and III soils). Shoreland vegetation consists of grasses and forest. This small subarea includes diked lands along Wildlife of the preserve is significant. Fertile Valley Creek, a portion of Knappa Slough and Human Use Knappa dock. Governmental jurisdiction is by Clat- sop County. Agriculture and rural residential uses occur within the diked area. There are private water access points Aquatic Features in both sloughs. Ownership is mostly private, with The natural resource characteristics of Knappo some corporate. Slough are discussed in the Big Creek-Little Creek Issues and Findings subarea (cf 43.06). Fertile Valley Creek is diked with a ticlegate near its mouth where it joins Warren Development potential in the area is limited by Slough. The area is a private waterfowl reserve and land and soil characteristics. The area also has poor receives significant wildlife use. Ducks and geese transportation access and no public facilities. There are common and nesting areas have been provided. are no major land use issues, except for public No fishery information is available on Fertile Valley access in the Knappa Dock area. This access issue Creek, but warm water fish are probably common. was discussed in the Big Creek subarea (cf 43.06) and addressed by an overall Eastern Clatsop policy Shoreland Features (cf 43. Policy 1). Soils in the Fertile Valley area include the Coquil- leTidal Marsh (fresh)-Clatsop Association on the Aquatic Designations lower portion of the waterway and the Walluski- Knappa Slough, Fertile Valley Creek, and asso- Knappa Association, on the remainder. The two as- ciated wetlands are Conservation. sociations have similar characteristics except the Shoreland Designations latter has less flooding potential and is better suited All shorelands are designated Rural. AQUATIC SHORELAND a c Wafers Wef- 2 landst' + Natural Comervation Rural %-Of :::T-- Development Water Dependent -3' Depth Contour %t Development Shorelin tion-aquaficVeg- Planning Boundary ?0' 1000, 016 CREEK % Ld FERTILE VALLEY CR. 0 BAGLEY 9L 49 z X ROA 30 IV - 76 43.08 MOUTH OF BLIND SLOUGH 'General Description enough so that grounding at low water is not a pro- This subarea includes the mouth of Blind Slough to blem, and there are no gillnet fish drifts in the area. the railroad bridge, extensive marsh, shrub and Aquatic Designations forested wetlands north and south of Blind Slough, The privately-owned portion of the wetland south Warren Slough, and portions of Knappa Slough and of Blind Slough, and the flats and small marsh Prairie Channel. Governmental jurisdiction is by islands trailing south of the tip of the wetland north Clatsop County. of Blind Slough are designated Natural. The re- Aquatic Features mainder of the wetlands and waters are Conserva- The freshwater wetland areas north and south of tion. Blind Slough are some of the largest, undisturbed Shoreland Designations tidal spruce and shrub swamps along the shoreline The only shoreland area, along Ziak-Gnat Creek of the estuary. Natural resource values are high. The Road is designated Conservation. areas have not been extensively studied but the vegetation and wildlife use is probably similar to the Subarea Policies Big Creek area (cf 43.05). Sitka spruce, willow and 1. The Natural designation on the privately. owned older make up the overstory with low wetland vege- portion of wetland south of Blind Slough expressly tation as an understory. The area is prime habitat for provides for construction of a single residence at waterfowl, great blue heron, bald eagles, beaver, some future time on a piece of higher ground near muskrat, nutria, and raccoon. the railroad. The residence would provide for a care- Fisheries are important in the area. There are taker of the area, which is intended as a wildlife large populations of warm water fishes including preserve. yellow perch and bass. Blind Slough is the naviga- tion route for juvenile steelhead released upstream 2. Maintenance and possible expansion of log at Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery. The small sloughs are storage activities in Blind Slough are provided for in probably used for feeding by downstream migrant this plan. This area is well protected from winds and juvenile salmon from Big Creek and areas up the river currents, has relatively deep water and is one Columbia River. of the most important log storage areas in the es- Knoppa Slough has been inventoried by the tuary. The Conservation designation of the adjacent Nature Conservancy, and its tidelands, fringing spruce swamps at the mouth of Blind Slough are marshes and riparian vegetation are described as, intended to provide for protection of the natural ve- valuable fish and wildlife habitat. getation and wildlife values, while not limiting adja- Shoreland Features cent log storage and transport activities. Logging in the swamp area shall not be permitted. The only shorelands in this area are the strip along Ziak-Gnat Creek Road. Southeast of the road, the Dredged Material Disposal hill land is forested with Douglas fir and hemlock. All dredging operations associated with dikes in The area is managed for forestry use. Blind Slough are included in site 64(D). Human Use Blind Slough and Knappa Slough are used exten- T"', sively for storage and transport of logs. Warren @,w Slough has numerous houseboats, used mainly for recreation. Fishing and boating are popular in the area, with a boating access point just upstream at Aldrich Point. There is little human use of the vege- tated wetlands, which increases their value to wild- I ife. Issues and Findings The bulk of the wetlands north and south of Blind Slough are owned by Western Transportation Com- 'A pany, with the remainder in a small private owner- 0 ship. The soils are regularly inundated by fresh tidal waters, resulting in low value, small timber. There are no plans to log the area. Drainage is complex, with many small sloughs and channels. The tidal range is approximately 7.0 feet and there is no salt water intrusion this for upriver. These undisturbed wetlands have high natural values and need pro- tection. Blind Slough, Prairie Channel and Knappa Slough 71, are among the more important log storage areas in the estuary. Water quality is qood, the water is deep Mike Karna IV - 77 MOUTH OF BLIND SLOUGH SUBAREA 43.08 AQUATIC SHORELAND Waters Wei- 2 lands,' Natural MARSH ISLAND Rural D@elop-mf Hater Depmdent Dmelopment !@O"rel'ine k Non-ocuatic Veg. Planning Boundary r N KARLSON ISLAND Y. 1000, IV - 78 43.09 GNAT CREEK General Description - there are some rural residences. This subarea includes Gnat Creek, wetlands along Issues and Findings the creek, and diked form land to the east of the Gnat Creek, with its wetlands, riparian vegetation creek. Governmental jurisdiction is by, Clatsop and important fishery, needs protection from major County. alterations. Some of the wetlands are formerly diked Aquatic Features areas, but no dike restoration has been suggested. The fisheries value of the Gnat Creek area is very Some pressure exists for installation of private high. The Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery supports steel- docks. The recreation value of the stream for sport head sport fishing in the creek. Most of the fish fishing is high. raised at the hatchery are transported and released Shoreland and wetland ownership is mostly pri- at other streams in Oregon. Gnat Creek also supports vate, with a state-owned area near the upper reach a good run of fall Chinook, and some coho, cut- of tidal influence. throat, and chum. The stream has good angler ac- Aquatic Designations cess. Gnat Creek and adjacent wetlands are classified The lands adjacent to Gnat Creek are wetlands Conservation. The wetlands within the diked farm- subject to tidal inundation, though there is no salt land east of Gnat Creek are Rural. water intrusion* While there are some forested areas Shoreland Designations with willow and spruce, most vegetation is shrub and marsh plants. Wildlife value of this area is high Shorelands adjacent to Gnat Creek wetlands are particularly for small mammals, waterfowl, mars@ Conservation, except for the diked farmland east of birds and great blue herons. Gnat Creek, which is Rural. Shoreland Features Subarea Policy The soil association in this portion of the manage- The Conservation designation along Gnat Creek ment unit is the Coquille-Ticlal Marsh (fresh)-Clatsop provides for low intensity uses. However, each pro- Association. The shorelands are leased farmland or ject for docks, moorages or other alteration must be forested, and wildlife in this area includes deer, elk, carefully evaluated. Projects which along or in and small mammals. Some of the areas behind combination with past alterations have a detrimen- dikes are low and could be classified as freshwater tal impact on fishery values shall not be permitted. wetlands. Restoration and Resource Enhancement Human Use Gnat Creek is recommended for projects that will The primary use of Gnat Creek is for recreational enhance its already high value for fisheries (cf Res- fishing. Shorelands are used for agriculture and toration and Mitigation, 65). > *7 Non0le 8; S' W IV - 79 43.10 BROWNSMEAD General Description A major issue in this area is the potential develop- The Brownsmead subarea includes all of the lands ment-of a nuclear power plant in the area to the behind the Brownsmead dikes, all sloughs and wet- south of Blind Slough. While most of the site is out- lands behind the dikes, Blind Slough from the rail- side the CREST planning area, extensive impacts road bridge to Gnat Creek, and Prairie Channel would occur in the Brownsmead area. The site is one waters and wetlands fronting the subarea. Govern- of twelve potential sites in the Pacific Northwest. mental jurisdiction is by Clatsop County. Washington Public Power Supply System is currently evaluating these sites to reduce the number to four, Aquatic Features from which the final site selection will be made. The Blind Slough is the main migration route for steel- Brownsmead-site is currently ranked 9th. This is head produced at the Gnat Creek Hatchery. There is addressed in the overall Eastern Clatsop policies. a population of warm water game fish such as bass, crappie, and perch in Brownsmead Slough. Other Aquatic Designations sloughs also have good populations of warm water All sloughs, and waters and wetlands outside f ishes. dikes are designated Conservation, except for the Several fresh water wetlands have been identi- tidal flats adjacent to the eastward bend in Prairie fied in the Brownsmead area. Most have been clear- Channel, which are Natural. Wetlands within the ed, have little wetland vegetation, and are now used for grazing. At one time, all of the shorelands dikes are designated Rural. in this subarea were tidal marsh or swamp. The tidal Shoreland Designations marshes and flats along Prairie Channel have not All shorelands are designated Rural. been studied, but are probably similar to those on the adjacent islands. These areas are very produc- Dredged Material Disposal tive and valuable for fish and wildlife. The outer dikes adjacent to water areas are good sites for disposal of material suitable for dike main- Shoreland Features tenance, [64(D)]. The Class III and IV soil types in this area are of the Coquille-Tidal Marsh (fresh)-Clatsop Association. There are large areas of peat and organic soils, and MUITMfnn@ freshwater wetland. The lowlands are protecied by dikes and five ticlegates. The diked lowlands and small forested areas both w have moderate wildlife value. Deer and elk use the P", area along with waterfowl and small mammals. _0" -"M . . . . . . . . . . Human Use Existing uses include farming and rural residences. .......... A portion of Blind Slough is used for log storage. Ownership is entirely private except for srnall par- cels in state and county ownership, and a portion IU- owned by Western Transportation Compally uu cent to their other holdings outside the dike. Recrea- tional use of the water area is moderate. N@ There are several water access points. Private T. ind docks are located mainly on Blind Slough. There is a public boat launching facility at Aldrich Point, which gets extensive use, particularly in the summer. Issues and Findings The Brownsmead area, according to the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, is the best agricultural land in Clatsop County. Most of the area is used as posture @v land, but corn, peas, beans and other crops are also grown. The area is in the exclusive farm use zone (EFU) adopted by Clatsop County. As such, i t will be protected for this use. The public boat launching facility at Aldrich Point 0'@ is a source of conflict in the area. Local residents do not want the facility expanded because the traffic 4, generated by the facility already causes problems during peak use periods. The County government operates the facility and has plans for improving the -Karen Dam-ron boat launch. This issue is addressed in the overall Eastern Clatsop policies. IV - 80 BROWNSMEAD SUBAREA 43.10 Restorat;bn Site C' DMD Site JD 0 > 0 m 2 > z iL ell -7 //TN Ae. -"v X 0.///'/@ z 0 01 ell, 0 CL IV - 81 43.11 CLIFTON CHANNEL General Description Human Use 0 This subarea consists of a strip 200 feet inland Forestry and some residential use occur in this measured horizontally from Mean. Higher High area. The old fishing community of Clifton is still Water (MHHW), but does not include a small area of occupied by several families and is used as a staging tideland soils which begins just south of Quinns area for fishing the Clifton Channel gillnet fish drifts. island where the shoreline turns south and an area Extensive log storage sites are located across the of geological instability adjacent to Clifton Channel. channel adjacent to Tenasillahe Island and are a The area does include the Columbia River to the source of conflict. refuge boundary. Governmental jurisdiction is by Issues and Findings Clatsop County. Potential for increased development is limited by Aquatic Features topography, transportation access and available Freshwater flow becomes increasingly dominant land. Existing low intensity uses are likely to con- over tidal circulation in this reach of the river. Salt tinue or be abandoned. water intrusion is absent, flood currents are weak, The fish drifts in this area are very productive, but and ebb current is strong. Clifton Channel is rela- are hampered by drifts and snag material. Most of tively shallow in some areas, deep in others. Sedi- these obstructions are sinker logs from log rafts ments range from sand to silt and clay in shallow stored across the channel. Occasional broken log areas. bundles also cause serious problems, resulting in Juvenile salmon migrate along the shorelines of lost fishing time and expensive snag removal from this subarea and it is a migration route for adult drifts. This issue is dealt with in the Regional Policies salmon returning to upstream spawning areas. Small (cf 43. Policy 4) and local fishermen are working fringing tidal marshes serve as habitat for small with Crown Zellerbach to alleviate the problem. mammals and waterfowl. Aquatic Designations Shoreland Features All aquatic areas along Clifton Channel are de- Most of the shorelands in this subarea are steep, signated Conservation. heavily forested and subject to landslide hazards, Shoreland Designations particularly adjacent to Clifton Channel. Vegetation on these shorelands and adjacent uplands is mostly Shoreland areas in forestry use or hazard areas Douglas fir and hemlock. Small pockets of tideland are designated Conservation. The developed area soils occur along Clifton Channel, vegetated with at Clifton, southeast to Bradwood, is designated conifers, alder and willow. Wildlife using shore and Rural. uplands include deer, elk, bear and smaller ani- mals. A bald eagle nest is located near Aldrich Point. I TO,' N all el IV-82 43.12 BRADWOOD 41, t General Description This area includes a former industrial area at Brad- reach. River use includes sport fishing, commercial wood, a stretch of steep forested shoreline to the fish drifts, and commercial ship and barge traffic. east, where the planning area goes either 200 feet Issues and Findings inland or to the extent of geological instability, and The Bradwood industrial site offers excellent po- portions of the Columbia River. Crown Zellerbach's tential for small to medium sized water dependent Wauna Mill is not included (cf 43.13 - Westport). industrial development. There is deep water close to Governmental jurisdiction is by Clatsop County. shore, some available vacant land, and railroad Aquatic Features access. There are constraints to development, how- The fishing in this area is good with good angler ever, including poor highway access and the proxi- access. This is on a major migration route for salmon mity of the wildlife refuge. Large scale development (both adult and juvenile) and steelhead. Also involving extensive dredging or filling would not be present are shad, smelt, and starry flounder. Bugby appropriate. 'Hole is very deep and good for sturgeon. Major Aquatic Designations gillnet drifts are maintained in this area. At Bradwood the embayment and a channel out to There are.only minor wetlands in this stretch of the the main ship channel are designated Development. river, the largest being a tidal marsh adjacent to the The remainin Ig aquatic portions of this subarea are Bradwood industrial site. This marsh is habitat for designated Conservation, except where the Devel- marsh birds, small mammals, and a resting area for opment ship channel cuts into the subarea. migrating waterfowl. Shoreland Designations Shoreland Features At Bradwood the entire fill area and the shoreland The soils in this subarea include the Hembre-Kiick- back to the railroad is designated Water Dependent itai Association (30%-60% slope) in the Bradwood Development. The remaining shorelands of this sub- area, and the Astoria-Hembre-Klickitat Association area are designated Conservation. (3%-30% slope). The industrial area at Bradwoo has been filled. Subarea Policy The vegetation on the Bradwood Cliffs is mostly Development activities at Bradwood shall be of Douglas fir and hemlock. This serves as habitat for small or moderate scale, not involving extensive deer, elk, bear, small mammals and furbearers, and filling to create new land areas. birds. Dredged Material Disposal The Nature Conservancy has identified the Brad- wood Cliffs old growth (150-180 years) Douglas fir There is a dredged material disposal site [78(S)] at stand as a unique area. Bradwood which has been used in the past for dis- posal of material dredged from the ship channel. Human Use With proper site preparation, this site has additional The Bradwood industrial 'site is not currently used. capacity for material dredged from the Puget Island The shoreline area between Bradwood and Wouno bar. Such disposal will also enhance development is forested. Brodwood is privately owned. potential of the site (cf Dredged Material Manage- There are private access points to the river in this ment, 58.60, 59). IV - 83 43.13 WAUNA/WESTPORT General Description Issues and Findings This subarea includes the major development sites This subarea contains both a high degree of de- owned by Crown Zellerbach and Warrenton Lumber velopment potential and substantial wetland habi- Company: Crown's existing Wouna Mill, Driscoll tat. With excellent accessibility to the main naviga- Slough, Westport Slough, the unincorporated town tion channel of the Columbia River, the large vacant of Westport, and a private recreational home de- areas owned by Crown Zellerbach and Warrenton velopment east of Westport Slough. Jurisdiction is by Lumber Company have excellent potential for water Clatsop County. dependent industrial development. Crown Zeller- Aquatic Features bach owns app roximately 500,000 acres of surround- The Columbia River portion of this subarea is a ing timber land. Warrenton Lumber Company is in a major migration route for salmon (both adult and position to purchase, process and ship the large juvenile) and steelhead. Also present are shad, amounts of second growth timber which will be har- smelt and starry flounder. Westport Slough supports vested from the area of the Tillamook Burn in the several warm water species. Plympton Creek has an next ten to fifteen years. Both firms contemplate the excellent run of fall chinook (mostly strays from Big development of extensive wood processing facilities Creek), some steelhead, coho, cutthroat, and chum. in this subarea. The mean tidal range at Wouna (RM 42) is 5.2 feet Significant portions of this subarea are low-lying and the diurnal range is 6.4 feet. The 100-year flood with considerable wetland habitat value. This is level (relative to MSL) is 10.5 feet at Wauna and 11.0 especially true of the area between the railroad and feet at Westport. There is deep water close to shore the highway. North of the railroad there are some throughout most of the subarea. areas of wetland and a strip of mature riparian Wetlands in this area include those around the vegetation along the west bank of Westport Slough. peninsula and the area behind the Crown Zeller- The area east and north of the town of Westport, bach and Warrenton Lumber Company properties. however, has been designated by the U.S. Fish and The north edge of the peninsula is sand. The remain- Wildlife Service as critical habitat for the endanger- der is cottonwood and willow. The area behind the ed Columbia White-tailed deer. corporate property is mostly shrub willow, Sitka The planning process involved extensive discus- spruce, and cottonwood. This entire area serves as sion of the conflict between the habitat values and habitat for deer, elk, small mammals and birds. economic development potential of the area. Re- There is a small population of the endangered Co- source agencies have agreed that the area has lumbian White-tailed Deer. unique development potential but note that the good natural resource values can and should be pro- Shoreland Features tected, consistent with development of the area. The soils in this area are of the Souvie-Peat As- Development interests have responded that within sociation. These soils have a low slope, a high flood the very limited areas which are suitable for in- potential, and a high seasonal water table. They are tensive development, undue restrictions should be moderately suitable for agricultural activities (Class avoided. IV). Parts of the property just east of Driscoll Slough The portion of Driscoll Slough between the rail- and the northern portion of the peninsula have been road and the river is a water and wetland area filled. which has received considerable attention. Resource Shoreland vegetation includes shrubs, spruce, agency representatives have noted the habitat cottonwood, and grosses for pasture. Wildlife is values, the need to preserve water quality, and the similar to the wetlands with deer, elk, possibly an fact that riparian vegetation can be protected with- occasional bear, small mammals, and birds. out unduly restricting development of adjacent land. Hazards include landslide topography adjacent to A Conservation designation would provide such pro- the Wauna Mill site and across U.S. Highway 30. tection while allowing the construction on pilings There are four Corps of Engineers designated and minor dredging, and filling, which may be dredged material disposal sites in this subarea. Two necessary for development. Crown Zellerbach, in overlap the Crown Zellerbach and Dant and Russell response, has noted that extensive portions of Dris- property (0-42.0, 0-43.0); one is in front of the River coll Slough south of the railroad which they own are Ranch development area (0-44.0), and there is one protected by the Conservation designation. Within at Wa u no (0-40.8). the boundaries of the recognized development Human Use area, they argue, it is reasonable to ask for a De- The Wauna Mill site is heavily developed. There velopment designation in order to allow for flexibil- are vacant lands east of Driscoll Slough, a ferry ity and full utilization of the potential of the area. If landing and access point on Westport Slough, water quality and riparian vegetation are of grazing on the diked land and the southern part of concern, they contend appropriate policy language the peninsula, and residential use on the northern can be included. portion of the peninsula. Ownership on the Additional wetland area is found north of the rail- road on property which is designated Development, mainland portions of this subarea is almost entirely and owned by Warrenton Lumber Company. Con- corporate. sideration of the degree of protection for these areas IV - 84 Shoreland Designations The shoreland area owned by Crown Zellerbach and Warrenton Lumber Company from the shoreline to the railroad tracks and east to the diked lands is designated Water Dependent Development. The forested shorelands between U.S. Highway 30 and the railroad tracks on the east of Driscoll Slough, or U.S. Highway 30 and the Wauna Mill site west of Driscoll Slough, are designated Conservation. East of Driscoll Slough, shorelands between the railroad and U.S. Highway 30 are Development. The diked lands to the east of the town of Westport are de- will be most appropriate during the permit process. signated Rural, as is residential development on The riparian vegetation along the west bank of the peninsula. Westport Slough has been an issue. Resource agen- Subarea Policies cies have requested protection of this valuable habi- tat. Residential property owners across Westport 1. Development on lands adjacent to Driscoll Slough Slough have requested that protection be provided shall be carried out in a way that will minimize from noise and other impacts of development on the alteration of existing wetlands and riparian vegeta- Warrenton Lumber Company property. tion, degradation of water quality and stream sedi- Dredged material disposal on the Warrenton Lum- mentation. Filling or other removal of vegetation for ber Company property has also been an issue. This construction of a bridge or other transportation area includes the Westport Bar shoal in the main access across the slough shall be the minimum ship channel. Large quantities of sand must be re- necessary to accomplish the project. moved from this shoal each year in order to main- 2. Except where direct access to water is required tain required depths. The availability of this excel- lent fill material coincides with the needs of War- for wharves, docks or piers, riparian vegetation renton Lumber Company to prepare their land for along Westport Slough shall be protected for bank development and substantial amounts of material stabilization, wildlife habitat, water quality, and a have already been deposited. Disagreement, how- visual and noise buffer. ever, has arisen over continued filling that may 3. The Aquatic Development designations in this impact wetiand habitat and the riparian vegetation subarea do not create the presumption that dred- along Westport Slough. ging, filling, or other alterations will automatically The northern shoreland portion of the peninsula be permitted. Specific development proposals must: was designated Development in the draft plan. be justified in terms of available alternatives, public However, Rural is a more appropriate designation, needs and economic benefits; minimize adverse given the lack of sewers in the area and the moder- impacts on water quality and natural habitat; and ate housing density. Portions of the shorelands and meet other requirements of the permit processes. wetlands on the peninsula are considered critical Dredged Material Disposal habitat for the Columbian White-tail6d deer and are There are two large land disposal sites in this sub- to remain undeveloped as part of the zone change area, one northwest of the Wauna Mill site [83(S)] agreement with the River Ranch developers. The shorelands east of Westport are diked lands and one east of Driscoll Slough [90(S)]. The latter site owned by Crown Zellerbach. There are no imme- is subject to controversy. The Crown Zellerbach por- diate development plans and the property will pro- tion of the site, including wetlands, has recently bably remain leased for grazing. Future develop- (1979) been covered with dredged material, The ment might include a sorting yard that would use eastern portion of this site is owned by Warrenton part of the property. Should this development occur, Lumber Company, and a portion of this site is also consideration should be given to the area's use by wetland. A phased fill proposal suggested by War- the Columbian White-tailed deer and also the prox- renton Lumber Company is provided for in this plan. imity of the property to the community of Westport. However, wetland values and its use by Columbia An additional issue concerns the development of White-tailed deer should be determined. a sewage treatment facility for the Westport area, as Two beach nourishment sites are also in this sub- required by the Oregon Department of Environmen- area. Both have been in use by the Corps of Engi- tal Quality. All of the alternative sites are within this neers and have additional capacity. This first [84(B)] planning subarea and are not now in public owner- is just west of the Wauna Mill site and trie second ship. [92(B)] is north of the peninsula separated from the mainland by Westport Slough. Aquatic Designations Site 93(D) covers dike maintenance in Westport All aquatic portions of this subarea are designated Slough. Development, except as follows: that portion of Dris- Restoration and Resource Enhancement coil Slough which lies south of the railroad is de- Plympton Creek has excellent fishery values and signated Conservation; portions of the Columbia increased potential. There has been a periodic water River which lie east of the western tip of the penin- quality problem due to raw sewage and sewage ef- sula are designated Conservation, except for the main ship channel; Westport Slough, where adja- fluent draining into the creek. Plympton Creek is cent to diked lands, is designated Conservation; the recommended for fisheries enhancement projects to Columbia River, west of the Wouna Mill site, is Con- improve water quality and stream habitat values (cf servation, except for the ship channel. Restoration and Mitigation, 65). IV - 85 WESTPORT SUBAREA 43.13 AQUATIC SHORELAND Waters Wet- 0 lands" Natural Rurat D-elop.,ertt H ater Dependent 3 D,-elopiaetit S ore ne Non.oquatic Veg Planning Bovnclary % 'X x PUGET ISLAND % *48mlive rom 1000, 54(F PLYMPTON CR1!FK a IV - 86 44. WAHKIAKUM PLAN THE PLANNING AREA used for agriculture. Most of the county's population of 3600, and its industrial development, is located The Wahkiakurn planning area boundary is based. close to the Columbia River. With the exception of on a combination of the county and state border portions of Cathlamet and Skamokawa, and the lines, shoreland and wetland habitat areas, and soil towns of Rosburg and Grays River, most population type. The planning area includes all the Columbia centers fall within the planning boundaries of this River shoreline in Wahkiakum County. The shore- plan. The number of county residents is increasing land boundary is the upland extent of tideland soils slowly, although the population of the Grays River- (Ocosta Soils for Wahkiakum County) where they Deep River area is decreasing. Most county residents exist or 200 feet inland from the line of non-aquatic enjoy their rural lifestyle, and this plan is an expres- vegetation or Mean Higher Higher Water (MHHW), Sion of their wishes as interpreted by the Wahkia- where such soils do not exist. It should be noted, kurn County Estuary Advisory Committee. This plan is however, that only the shoreland area 200 feet from an attempt to set aside adequate areas for future the shoreline is' under local permit jurisdiction as development while preserving the agricultural and provided by the Shoreline Management Act. Shore- natural resource base in Wahkiakum County. land areas outside this 200 foot boundary, but still The following general principles have guided within the tideland soil planning areas could be designation of the waters, wetlands, and share- regulated by some other means such as zoning, if lands; details are provided under each subarea. Wahkiakum County chose to do so. Wetland areas (including tidal marsh, forested The water boundary is the 40 foot depth contour wetlands and tidal flats) are designated Natural, west of Puget Island and the state line to the east. unless the past history, existing uses or designation Major tributary streams in this area include the of adjacent areas renders this inappropriate. This Elochoman River, Skamokawa Creek, Jim Crow designation is also consistent with the Washington Creek, Crooked Creek, Grays River, and Deep River. State Shoreline Management Act requirements to Islands in this area include Puget and Little Islands preserve the natural character of the shorelines, and and neighboring smaller islands, Hunting Islands, to protect the ecology and resources of the shoreline Price Island, Pillar Rock, and a small 'portion of the by leaving undeveloped areas that contain a u'nique upstream end of Rice Island. Large portions *of Eden or fragile natural resource, and restricting or pro- Valley, Grays River valley and Deep River valley are hibiting public access to areas which cannot be also included in this area. Planning, management, maintained in a natural condition under human use. and regulatory jurisdictions include Wahkiakum Water areas except the navigation channels and County, the City of Cathlamet, Port Districts I and 2, those adjacent to major shoreland developments are Washington State, and federal agencies. designated Conservation. This designation provides MAJOR ISSUES AND DECISIONS for long-term use of renewable resources, recrea- tion, is consistent with boating, commercial and Planning issues were determined by solicitation of recreational fishing, and navigational use not re- ideas and viewpoints of individuals and organiza- quiring major physical alterations. tions representing farmers, diking districts, forest Agricultural lands and rural residential areas are products, commercial fishing, shoreland and c lassif i ed Rural. tideland owners, parks, other industrial interests, Authorized navigation channels and those areas and state and federal agencies. Seven major issues proposed for major alteration are designated De- were -identified and addressed by a variety of re- velopment. gional (cf Section 11), area and subarea policies: Those current industrial and urban development -Navigation related problems (dredging, sites and areas for their possible future expansion dredged material disposal, channel mainten- are designated as Development. ance); For Wahkiakum County to develop economically, -Shoaling, erosion, and other physical changes the transportation systems and facilities should be and alterations; upgraded. All roads are designated the same as the -Impacts of major developments (nuclear power surrounding areas, recognizing the need to main- plant, oil terminal, oil and gas exploration); tain, repair, and possibly expand the roads, regard- -Ownership disputes between the State and pri- less of the designation. vate landowners over beachfront, tidal and subticlal areas; --Dike maintenance and bulkheading; -The impact of commercial timber harvesting on fisheries production; Commercial fishing, salmon enhancement pro- jects, and private aquaculture. Wahkiakum County is a rural, sparsely populated county which has not experienced intense industrial or urban development. Most of the low-lying diked lands are former tidelands or forested wetlands now Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesy Clatsop County IV - 87 AREA POLICIES 2. Dredged Material Disposal 1. Navigational Improvements A large part of the county shoreline lies adjacent Navigational access for shallow draft commercial to the main navigation channel. As a result, there is and recreational vessels is very important to the a continuing need to find dredged material disposal county's economy. Shallow draft channels are es- sites. This is especially true of the area around Puget sential for the continued operation of these vessels. Island. A long range plan for disposal of dredged There are at the present time numerous shoaling material is needed. problems in Wahkiakum County which need to be As a means of finding additional upland disposal solved. sites, the possibility of transferring the ownership of 0 The Corps of Engineers should study the feasi- the material to the upland party receiving it should bility and effects of removing the pile dikes at be investigated. the upstream end of Puget Island. The goal of Dredged material disposal in shoreland areas this removal would be improved circulation and should be carried out so as not to impair the scenic depth in Cathlamet Channel. view of the local residents. Prior to disposal of 0 The U.S. Coast Guard should improve the chan- dredged material at in-water sites, coordination be- nel markers in the navigation channel in Grays tween the county and local fishermen should occur Bay and into Deep River and Grays River. At the to avoid conflicts. Material should not be placed in present time, this channel is poorly marked and maintained gillnet fish drift areas. difficult to follow in many places. 3. Ma 0 The following congressionally authorized pro- rsh and Tidef lot Conservation jects should be maintained to a depth adequate Ticleflats and tidal marshes provide food and for traditional shallow draft vessels: shelter for waterfowl, invertebrates, and fish. These -the Cathlamet Channel from the Puget Island areas provide nutrients to the estuarine ecosystem Bridge to its junction with the main channel; and produce large amounts of feed for fish and -the channel from Cathlamet up Elochoman other willdlife. Juvenile salmon, in particular, are Slough; very dependent upon the food produced in these -the channels at the entrance to Skamokawa marsh and ticleflat areas. Because of this relation- and into Steamboat Slough; ship between these shallow areas and salmon, and -the channel into Deep River. the importance of fishing to Wahkiakum County's 0 Serious consideration should be given to new economy, ticleflats and tidal marshes should be con- dredging: served. -for the continuation of a small boat naviga- 4. Fisheries tion channel at the entrance to Netrack Fishing is a traditionall important industry in Wah- Slough at Puget Island; kiakum County. There is substantial local concern -at the entrance to Jackson Slough at Puget both about recent drastic decreases in salmon pro- Island; duction and about the ways in which governmental -at Hunters Point near Cathlamet; agencies are seeking to increase the production. -in Brooks Slough by Skamokawa; 0 An environmental impact statement should be -in the area from Brookfield east to Three Tree required prior to any action taken by any local, Point north of the Brookfield pile dikes; state or federal agency attempting to replace -in the north channel running from Grays Point any native fish stock or species with other than toward Harrington Point; and native stock or species. Any such actions should -at the entrance to Welcome Slough. be closely coordinated with Wahkiakum County 0 The Corps of Engineers and Wahkiakum Coun- and at least one public hearing regarding the ty's Flood Control District are encouraged to de- proposed action should be held in the County. velop an appropriate location and dimensions The impact statement should at a minimum ad- for the Grays River Chann 'el. dress how the timing of the run will affect com- e Consideration should be'given to dredging the mercial and sport harvest and hatchery sche- mouth of Grove Slough as needed to maintain dules; what the ocean migration pattern will be proper drainage and flood protection of diked and how this will affect other races, species or land on Puget Island. stock of salmonids; and whether hatchery prac- 9 Ship speeds should be reduced in the following tices regarding size and weight of juveniles reaches in order to prevent damage to shoreline upon release will affect the commercial and structures and reduce shoreline erosion at Ska- sport harvest. mokawa Bar, Puget Island Bar, Wauna and Dris- To promote economic diversity, multiple use of coll, and Westport Bar. County watersheds should be encouraged. To this end, forested watersheds which drain into the Columbia River estuary should be managed to allow maximum fish production. This can be achieved in part by following the Forest Prac- tices Act. Stream improvement projects such as gravel cleaning and obstruction removal which aid fish production are also strongly encour- aged. National Fisherman IV - 88 �Non-commercial, non-prof it projects such as the 8. Shoreline Development chum salmon enhancement program being Intensive industrial development should occur carried out by local commercial fishermen and only in Development designated areas. To preserve the Washington Department of Fisheries are the natural character of undeveloped shorelines, strongly encouraged. areas where development currently exists should be �Dredging activities should not occur in commer- fully utilized before allowing intensive development cial fish driftareas during a fishing season. to extend into other areas. �The County should prepare ci map of commer- cial fishing areas in the County and a register of 9. Oil and Gas Exploration county fishermen using each of these areas. Large areas of private and state-owned uplands and tidelands, and state-owned bedlands in Woh- 5. Wildlife kiakurn County have been leased for oil and gas Wahkiakurn County provides good habitat for exploration. Oil and gas exploration should be many species of game animals and waterfowl, and allowed if it can be accomplished without harm to provides critically important areas in the lowlands human health, and fish and wildlife habitat. Explor- around Cathlamet for the endangered Columbian ation should be closely coordinated with County White-tailed deer. Areas of undisturbed vedetation off icials. are important to wildlife; such strips of vegetation should be left along waterways and roads where 10. Petroleum Products Transport practical. State health and Department of Agricul- There are already large columes of petroleum ture regulations concerning the application of herbi- products being shipped on the Columbia River, and cides and pesticides should be carefully followed. there have been large accidental releases of these The permit process should include consideration of materials into the river. There is a major new crude fish and wildlife needs such as nesting, feeding and oil shipping terminal proposed for Port Westward, resting areas. Oregon, immediately upriver from Wahkiakurn County. Wahkiakum County could suffer damage 6. Dike Maintenance from a major spill, or from chronic spills. A petro- Dike maintenance is a very important activity in leurn spill risk analysis for the Columbia River should Wahkiakum County protecting lives, property and be completed by the U.S. Coast Guard as soon as most of the valuable farmland. Any activity, struc- possible. Modern petroleum spill clean-up equip- ture or vegetation which decreases the integrity of a ment sufficient to contain a large spill should be Io- dike is strongly discouraged. Tide boxes, drainage cated in the estuary as wel I as upriver. channels, and dikes should be maintained to allow for continued drainage and flood protection of diked 11. Hazardous Materials lands. The transportation and handling of materials which are potentially hazardous to human health 7. Bulkheading should be closely coordinated with the state and While rip-rapping may be an environmentally local officials responsible for the protection of the preferable bank protection method, bulkheading health and safety of local area residents. should be allowed in certain areas. In particular, bulkheads should be allowed in Bernie and Wel- come Sloughs around Puget Island. Bulkheads, if constructed, should be allowed waterward of the mean higher high water mark, and should follow a uniform line. IV - 89 44.01 PUGET ISLAND General Description suspension. This reach of river requires extensive This area includes Puget and Little Islands, Coffee dredging and has been extensively altered by pile Pot Island, Ryan Island, and associated small islands dikes and other flow control structures. and marshy areas adjacent to the larger islands. The At one time, nearly all of the land areas of this area also includes water out to the state line and to subarea were marsh. The only marsh areas left are the mid-line of the Cathlamet Channel. Puget and at the upstream end of Puget Island, the downstream Little Islands are former marsh areas which have end of Little Island, most of Ryan Island, and small been diked and drained for agricultural use. The adjacent islands. These marshes and the inverte- small adjacent islands are uncliked, uninhabited, brate organisms living on the beaches and the bot- and are used mostly for recreational hunting and tom of sloughs and channels in this subarea have not fishing. This subarea is under the jurisdiction of been well studied. It is likely that both the marshes Wahkiakum County. and farmland make a significant contribution to Aquatic Features aquatic productivity by providing nutrients which Freshwater flow becomes increasingly dominant wash into the river. Juvenile salmon migrate along over tidal circulation in this reach of the river. Salt- the shorelines of this subarea, and are especially water intrusion is absent. Flood tide currents are abundant along the sandy beaches at the upstream weak; ebb currents are considerably stronger. The end of Puget Island and are also found in Bernie river carries sand and gravel along the bottom of the Slough and the lower end of Welcome Slough. Adult channel, generally downstream, with silt and clay in salmon migrate along both sides of Puget Island. In the warmer water slough areas, there are popula- tions of rough fish and spiny rayed game fish. 79(S) AQUATIC SHCRELAND W. o 1- W'j CATHLAMCT Natural Rural 80(B) 11W-Dependeut P, P, t D C-four D-,I.p Shoreli"k Non-aquaijc Veg. PI-irg 13-rd.,y C_ \17 NORTH 1000, V NASSA POINT 96(B) r 9 -1(B) --------------- IV - 90 Shoreland Features The soils in this subarea have been deposited by flood hazard, Lands in private ownership, for the the river, and are of the Ocosto type. The vegetation most part, have not been designated Natural be- in agricultural areas is mostly grass and row crops, cause this designation might be interpreted as and in other areas is a mixture of willow, alder, and "taking" away the use options of the owner. A Con- cottonwood. The area provides habitat for the en- servation designation with Development overlay for dangered Columbian White-tailed deer, muskrat, activ.ely used dredged spoil areas allows for their nutria, opossums, and other, Migratory birds are continued use and at the same time represents the common in the area, and many, including the whis- appropriate level of use when the site has reached tling swan, winter here. Brown Island has a small total capacity. heron rookery, The shallows adjacent to the marshes Puget Island, Little Island and the bordering aquatic area are heavily affected by agricultural and provide good habitat for shore and wading birds. residential activit ies. There is a need to accommo- The entire area lies within the floodplain of the Co- date such activities as dredging to allow continued lumbia River. Most private residences are located on use of these areas for single family residential de- or adjacent to the main dike on Puget or Little velopment. Islands. There are no comprehensive plan or zoning desig- Human Use nations. The entire shoreline of the area is consider- The existing uses of Puget and Little Islands are ed a "Shoreline of Statewide Significance" under agricultural, mostly dairy, in the interior and rural Washington's Shoreline Management Act. residential along and waterward of the main ring Aquatic Designations dike. Housing is particularly concentrated along Wetland portions of Ryan Island that are publicly Bernie, Welcome and Jackson Sloughs, and the owned are designated Natural. East of the Puget Sunny Sands area along the south side of Puget Island Bridge, a 50 foot Rural aquatic designation is Island. There are a number of small businesses lo- applied along the perimeter of Little and Puget Is- cated on the islands' interiors, as well as a number lands around the eastern end of Puget island ending of small boat building and repair yards. Ownership at the clownriver end of White Island. Welcome is primarily private, although there is a large section Slough and Bernie Slough are designated Rural. of state ownership (Department of Natural Re- The main Columbia River navigation channel is des- sources) on Puget Island, and state ownership (De- ignated Development. All remaining aquatic por- partment of Game) on White Island. There are public tions of this subarea are designated Conservation. shoreline fishing areas on the west and south sides Dredged material disposal sites in aquatic areas are of Puget Island. In water log storage areas are Development for purposes of disposal only, and present on the north side of Little and Ryan Islands Conservation otherwise. and the south side of Puget Island. There are also a number of commercial fishing areas in Cathlamet Shoreland Designations Channel, in the main navigation channel, and in the The publicly owned shorelands of Ryan Island are area between Coffee Pot and Puget Islands. designated Natural. The shorelands of Puget and Issues and Findings Little islands are designated Rural. All remaining Dairy farming is traditional on these islands, and shorelands of this subarea are designated Conser- there is also potential for other types of agriculture. vation. Residential development is occurring, but its expan- Dredged Material Disposal sion is hindered by road access, utility constraints There are seven beach nourishment sites [80(B), and floodplain hazard. Industrial development is 82(B), 87(B), 88(B), 9](B), 94(B), 96(B),], four shore- hindered by similar constraints. Sand from main- land disposal sites [79(S), 85(S), 86(S), 89(S)], and tenance dredging of the main navigation channel two f low-lane disposal sites [81 (F), 95(F)] in this sub- could be used as fill to enhance development sites. area. All are connected with maintenance dredging If dredging were to occur at the entrances of sloughs of the main navigation channel. Hydraulic pipeline around the islands, shoreline residential develop- is used for placement of dredged material on shore- ment would become more attractive to people land and beach nourishment sites. Hopper dredged owning boats. material is placed at flow-lane sites. The site at the Some areas of conflict are the bulkhead permit upriver end of Puget Island [96(B)] is subject to con- problems in Bernie and Welcome Sloughs, Diking troversy because erosion and flow diversion is be- District-Corps of Engineers policies on dike main- lieved to cause shoaling in Cathlamet Channel (cf tenance, public access to public beaches and White Dredged Material Management, 55.10, 59). Island, ownership disputes between Department of Restoration and Resource Enhancement Natural Resources and private owners over tideland and former shoreland, and dredged material dispos- Cathlamet Channel has shoaled considerably over al practices on and adjacent to Puget Island. the past several decades, owing in part to flow Most of the subarea and the small low islands control pile dikes placed at the upper end of Puget provide fish and wildlife habitat and recreational Island. To restore the shoaled area, removal of one .opportunities. The small islands, with the possible or more of the pile dikes to increase flow through exception of Coffee Pot Island, are unsuitable for Cathlamet Channel has been suggested [56(SA)]. (cf development because of their low elevation and Restoration and Mitigation, 65.) IV - 91 44.02 EASTERN WAHKIAKUM COUNTY General Description of State Highway 4 east to Longview. industrial This area includes aquatic areas and shoreland activity will probably continue to be limited to minor from the eastern boundary of Wahkiakum County to timber harvest and the commercial rock pit. In-water the Puget Island Bridge. The area has generally development will probably continue to be associ- steep topography; there are no tideland soils. Con- ated with the maintenance of the main navigation sequently, the planning boundary extends from 200 channel and limited log storage. feet landward of the Mean Higher High Water line, The few conflicts in this subarea are related to waterward out into the Columbia River to the"State navigation. There is a former dredge spoil site at line, or to the center of Cathlamet Channel. This Flandersville which is thought to contribute to the area is within Wahkiakum County's jurisdiction ' shoaling of Cathlamet Channel. For this reason, the except for a small portion of the City of Cathlamet County Commission will no longer grant a permit for just east of the Puget Island Bridge. the continued use of this site fo r dredged material disposal. Aquatic Features The Development Shoreland classifications for the This area is upriver of the zone of saltwater in- Eagle Cliff-County Line Park, Cape Horn-Flanders- trusion but is still subject to tidal action. The fresh- ville and the Nasso Point to Puget Island Bridge water flow becomes more and more dominant up- areas will provide for the increasing use of these stream and results in a decreased tidal range and areas for intense recreation or housing develop- weak flood tide currents. As a result of sediment ments. build-up, dredging is necessary at three different The shoreland from the Nassa Point area to the areas in the main navigation channel adjacent to Puget Island Bridge is mostly steep cliffs with a this subarea. The reach needing the most dredging is moderately flat bench on top. The area within Cath- Upper Westport Bar. lamet is currently used for housing, and housing Aquatic productivity in the area from the county should be the continued use of this area as well as line to Cathlamet is supported mainly by microscopic the rest of the Development Shoreland area. It is zooplankton (animal) and phytoplankton (plant). scenic and has road access. The exception to this is The plankton populations are very unstable because the currently used commercial rock pit with river and a large part of the population can be pushed out to road access. sea by strong f reshets. There are no significant areas This area has no comprehensive plan or zoning of mudflat or marsh in this subarea. Populations of designations. All of the shoreline is a "Shoreline of bottom dwelling animals other than fish are poorly Statewide Sign if icance". known, but are probably low. Aquatic Designations All the commercially important onadromous fishes The main navigation channel of the Columbia can be found passing through this area, both adults River is designated Development. All remainin'g and juveniles. Near shore areas are especially im- aquatic portions of this subarea are designated Con- portant to juvenile fall chinook and chum salmon, servation. and starry flounder. Shoreland Designations Shoreland Features The shoreline is designated Conservation from This section of the Wahkiakum County shoreline is Eagle Cliff to Waterford, and from approximately characterized by a steep topography of rocky bluffs one-half mile west of Cape Horn to approximately vegetated by forest. The uplands provide habitat for one mile east of Nasso Point. The remainder of the deer and other upland game. shoreline in this subarea is designated Develop- Human Use ment. Human use in much of this area is limited by the Dredged Material Disposal steep and often unstable topography and poor shoreline access. The heaviest human activity is Shoreline dredge disposal sites from the county concentrated at County Line Park, two small resi- line to Cathlamet include Cape Horn, the old Water- dential areas near Cape Horn, and along State High- ford Cannery site, Eagle Cliff, and County Line Park. way 4, which sometimes follows the shoreline. There are two beach nourishment dredged material Shoreline ownership is mostly private, with some disposal sites in this subarea. The first, 97(B), is corporate ownership. County Line Park is a day-use located just east of Eagle Cliff and the second, 98(B), facility for picnicking, swimming, and fishing. There is less than a mile further to the east at County Line are commercial salmon and smelt fishing areas in Park. Both sites are associated with maintenance of the river through this area, limited in water log stor- the 40 foot navigation channel (cf Dredged Material Management, 55.10, 59). age at Nasso Point, and a rock pit with water access close to Cathlamet. Issues and Findings Development potential in most of the area is severely limited by the steep and unstable topogra- phy, utility constraints, and the occasional closures IV - 92 AQUATIC SHORELAND CATHLAMET ic Waters We, iondsj' 0 @71 Natural comervation Ru"41 DeVC14DPMent 8 Water Drpendent Depl nt ur Developme"t S or ne Non-oquaficVeq. Planning Boundary .q,v +10P4 98 97(0) CAGLE CLIFF PVOET ISLAND NASSA POINT NORTH COOPER POIN CAPE HOR 1000, 198, U 6JA 44.03 CATHLAMET AND WHITE-TAILED DEER REFUGE General Description This is an uncliked area, subject to tidal influence, that was previously forested with spruce. It is pri- This subarea extends from the Puget Island Bridge vately owned. to the downstream end of Price Island. The Cathlo- met vicinity has the largest concentration of industry, Shoreland Features commerce, and housing in the County. The Crown The shoreland in this section goes from a steep Zellerbach log sorting yard and log storage areas rock bluff at the Puget Island Bridge, to low wet are the largest in the County. Most of the Hunting areas of diked tideland. Hunting Islands are uncliked Island, Price Island, and the agricultural land north and have wet areas of willow and alder, and forests of Cathlamet and west of State Highway 4 are in the of upland trees. These islands and Price Island are Columbian White-tailed Dee@ National Wildlife Ref- critical habitat for the Columbian White-tailed deer, uge. Water areas to the mid-line of Cathlamet Chan- an endangered species. They also support popula- nel and to the State line are also included. Both tions of beaver, muskrat, nutria, hawks and eagles, Wahkiakum County and the City of Cothlamet have shore and wading birds, and migrating waterfowl. jurisdiction in this subarea. The islands are largely unaltered except for dredged Aquatic Features material disposal sites. The Elochoman Slough/Marina and protecting Much of the mainland is part of the Wildlife Ref- uge and is former agricultural land. The area east of breakwater are part of an authorized project in Highway 4 and north of the Elochoman River, and Elochoman Slough which includesa 100feetwide by north and east of Brooks Slough is still in agricultural 10 feet deep channel for 1.5 miles above the production. The land east of Highway 4, north of sewage lagoon, and a turning basin. The mooring Elochoman Road, and south of the Slochoman River basin is maintained at a 6 foot depth with a 50 foot is a large, wet, previously forested area not yet in wide entrance. commercial use. Another undeveloped tract is be- There are extensive log storage and handling ac- tween the Crown Zellerbach sorting yard and the tivities, and maintenance dredging in Elochoman Elochoman River, west of Highway 4. This uncliked Slough in conjunction with the Crown Zellerbach area is heavily wooded with spruce and alder. sorting yard. Water quality and benthic habitat in There are former dredged material disposal sites Elochoman Slough are markedly affected by log on Hunting Islands and the mainland along Elocho- storage and handling. Decomposing bark creates man Slough through the Crown Zellerbach facility, low oxygen conditions near the bottom and sludge at the clownriver mouth of Elochoman Slough on the worms are the major bottom dweller. mainland, and on the riverward side of Price Island A Corps of Engineers authorized channel in Cath- shorelands. The Columbia River is shifting northward lamet Channel is 300 feet wide by 10 feet deep and and eroding this part of Price Island. roughly follows the mid-line of the channel from its origin at the 40 foot channel to the Puget Island Human Use Bridge. Intensive human use occurs almost entirely in the Steamboat Slough behind Price Island also has log Cathlomet-Elochoman Slough area. Cathlamet is the storage areas but there are no low oxygen reports. county's main developed water access point. The Bottom dwellers here as well as most other areas of Elochoman Slough Marina offers waterborne visitors this subarea include sludge worms, clams and insect a safe harbor and pleasant place to visit, and may larvae. help to attract people to Cathlamet. Most of the city There are significant marsh areas on the Hunting is built on a hill and is not included in this planning Islands, an island at the mouth of the Elochoman area. River, and at the clownriver end of Elochoman The Crown Zellerbach sorting yard is the major Slough. Although these marshes have not been water related industry in this part of the county. The studied, it is likely that they contain high populations current site and Elochomon Slough have been used of food organisms important to juvenile fishes, by the company for decades and the shoreland has wading shorebirds, and migrating waterfowl. The been highly modified by this use. The forested area plants form an important base for further estuarine north of the sorting yard is a possible expansion area productivity. These marshes may play an important for the sorting yard. role in the early life of salmon and trout produced in There is an area of tideland soil east across the the Elochomon River and other tributaries. road from the sorting yard which is used for machine The Elochoman River is a major producer of hatch- and truck shops. The previously forested wetland to ery salmon and trout, and receives substantial sport the east of the sorting yard . complex is privately fishing pressure. All the commercially important owned and is seasonally grazed by cattle. The lands anadromous fishes can be found passing through east of State Highway 4 and north of the Elochoman this subarea from Cathlamet to Price Island. Near River are currently in private farmlands as is a parcel shore areas are particularly important to juvenile fall outside the Refuge boundary north and east of chinook and chum salmon, and juvenile starry Brooks Slough. f lounder. The land west of Highway 4 and north of the There is an extensive area of willow and alder Elochoman River was formerly mostly in agricultural wetland east of the mouth of the Elochoman River. use but is now owned and managed by the U.S. Fish IV - 94 CATHLAMET & WHITE TAILED DEER REFUGE SUBAREA 44.03 NOTE SEE LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS PLAN SUBAREA 41.04 SKAMOKAWA C, x 70( 0 c NOTE: SEE LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS PLAN, SUBAREA 41 04 AQUATIC SHCRELAND Waters We?- 73 (F) '6 0 landst Natural 0 Consenation Rural DmeloprNew WterDependent Dmelop.,ent Shorelin 1 Non-aquatic Veg. C55 M) Planning Boundary gjlf A, a CATHLAMET RYAN IS. 1000, 1, PUGET ISLAND it IV - 95 and Wildlife Service as the Columbian White-tailed Aquatic Designations Deer National Wildlife Refuge. This land generally is The aquatic portions of the Hunting Islands are kept in pasture. The Refuge also owns most of Hunt- designated Natural, except for the wetland along ing Islands which are maintained in a natural state. Elochoman Slough adjacent to the Crown Zellerbach Price Island has three-way ownership between the sorting yard. Nelson Creek is designated Rural. County, the Refuge, and the State of Washington, The following aquatic areas are designated De- and is in a natural state except for a dredged velopment: the main Columbia River Navigation material disposal site. channel; the navigation channel in Cathlamet Chan- There are a number of very valuable commercial nel; a 200 foot wide aquatic area along the shore- salmon fishing locations in this subarea, line in front of Cathlamet extending from the Puget Issues and Findings Island bridge to the tip of Hunting Island; the Elocho- Development potential is quite high along the man Slough from Cathlamet to the Elochoman River; Cathlamet waterfront and up the landward side of and the aquatic area around the upriver half of Price Elochoman Slough to the small slough at the north Island to the 40 foot contour on the Columbia River end of the Crown Zellerbach sorting yard. These side and to the middle of Steamboat Slough. areas are served by maintained navigation channels The remai'ning aquatic areas are designated Con- and an existing network of roads. The lands north servation. and east across Highway 4 would require extensive Shoreland Designations modification prior to use as development sites. The Hunting Islands and the unnamed island at the county-owned half of Price Island has the potential junction of Elochoman Slough and Elochoman River for a deep water port facility. However, extensive are designated Natural. The shorelands east of site modification would be necessary. Poor road and State Highway 4 and north of the Elochoman River, bridge access would hinder development. Flood and the shorelonds north and east of the Refuge be- control measures may also be necessary. tween Brooks Slough and State Highway 4 are des- Lands currently in agricultural use have the po- ignated Rural. The shoreland from the Puget Island tential for residential or industrial development. bridge north along Elochory@an Slough and on the Because of the population density, there are more south side of the Elochoman River to the planning conflicts in this subarea than others in the Wahkia- boundary and the upriver half of Price Island owned kum unit. One conflict of use involves Price Island. by Wahkiakum County are designated Develop- The island has been identified as critical habitat for ment. The remaining shorelonds are designated the endangered Columbian White-tailed deer by the Conservation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and for that use should be managed in a near natural state. The U.S. Subarea Policy Fish and Wildlife Service owns the clownriver end of Notwithstanding the Development designation for the island; the County owns the upriver end; the the shoreland south of the Elochoman River, uses State of Washington owns a very tiny parcel along and activities along the immediate southern shore- Steamboat Slough. The county would like to develop line of the river shall be required to recognize and their half into a port facility, which is potentially protect the fisheries values of the River. incompatible with the Refuge concept of habitat Dredged Material Disposal preservation. There are six dredged material disposal sites in Another conflict concerns the nuclear power plant this subarea. Site 76(S)' on the south tip of Hunting proposed by the Washington Public Power Supply Islands is associated with maintenance dredging of System (WPPSS). According to those plans, the the Elochoman Slough Marina and the Elochoman operation would affect this planning area in at least Slough channel. Site 74(S), upstream of the log sort- three ways. First, agriculture will be allowed to con- ing yard on Elochoman Slough, is a potential site for tinue in the vicinity of the plant (the exact location is disposal of material from the channel in the slough. unknown), however, occupied housing will be dis- Site 75(D) is a general dike maintenance site for continued within the "exclusion radius" of approxi- areas along the lower Elochoman River. Site 73(F) is mately 4000 feet. Secondly, cooling water lines will a ship channel flow lane disposal site adjacent to run to the Columbia River. The location of these lines Hunting Islands. Site 69(S) is a potential shoreland and the effects of the heated water plumes on fish disposal site, should Price Island be developed for production and migration are presently unknown. port or other purposes. Site 70(B) is a beach nourish- Finally, a large unloading facility would be ment disposal site on the channel side of Price Island constructed by WPPSS at the mouth of the Elochoman (cf Dredged Material Management, 55.10, 58.40, River in order to accommodate large elements of the 59). nuclear plant which must be barged in. Most shoreland designations should remain as Restoration and Resource Enhancement they appear in the Shoreline Management Master Two potential sites are in this subarea. The low- Program. The Wildlife Refuge, former agricultural lying abandoned diked area on the Elochoman River land, was classified Conservation at the request of is suggested as a possible wetland restoration site, the Refuge Manager (federal lands technically are 55(M). The Elochoman River, with two state- not included in the Washington Coastal Zone Pro- operated fish hatcheries, is suggested for projects gram). The agricultural lands in this subarea should [13fl] which would enhance its already high value be designated Rural because of their present and forfisheries (cf Restoration andMitigation, 65). predicted future farm use. IV - 96 44.04 SKAMOKAWA TO THREE TREE POINT General Description water flow of Skamokawa Creek, or of the benthic This subarea extends from the northern boundary organisms in the creek or main river. Dead Slough is of the Columbian White-tailed Deer National Wild- the former channel of Skamokawa Creek, and has poor wa life Refuge to Three Tree Point and includes the town ter quality. Skamokawa Creek is, periodi- cally, a major producer of salmon, particularly fall of Skamokawa and some agricultural lands behind chinook. Its potential for increased production is Skamokawa. The town of Skamokawa is a water quite good if there are some controls on water qual- oriented community, and provides essential services ity. Brooks Slough has a population of warm water to many fishermen. The lands west of Skamokawa rough fish and game fish. The Columbia River is are mostly inaccessible by road and unpopulated. quite deep through this area as it attempts to migrate Jurisdiction is by Wahkiakum County. northward; consequently there are few' shallow Aquatic Features water feeding areas for juvenile salmon. The water quality of the area is not reported, al- The Corps of Engineers has three authorized though it is probably not as good in the sloughs as in projects in this subarea; one is the 40 foot navigation the main river. There is no information on the fresh- channel. Another was authorized in 1919 for a chan- 7_- A UATIC SHORELAND W.1@@ Ww- R.-I D-1.p.-t A t,, DIP-d-1 3' DO 1h Cn S ne Non-oq- Pj_n@lc Veg -7- ng Boundory 01*55-L ro ro OREGON 0 FjIVER rO LLJPA 131 A All IV - 97 nel 6.5 feet deep, and 75 feet wide from the mouth ship. In the past, local people bought land along the of Skamokawa Creek to the town of Skamokawa. right-of-way of a proposed railroad that was never This project extends up Skamokawa Creek approxi- constructed. This is a very steep, scenic, but unin- mately to the State Highway 4 bridge, and up Brooks habited area with poor public access. Parts of it are Slough approximately to the Brooks Slough Bridge. in commercial timber production. The tip of Three Until 1974, the common method of maintaining this Tree Point is owned by the Federal Government. channel was by pipeline dredge with disposal along Commercial gillnet drifts occur all along the Co- both banks of the creek. The current and probable lumbia River in this subarea. future method of maintenance dredging is by prop- Issues and Findings wash agitation by the Sandwick. The third project Future development may be mostly the tourist use was authorized in 1930 but has never been carried of the proposed Skamokawa Park. Visitors will need out. This project provided for a channel 24 feet increased public services and lodging. The tip of the deep, 150 feet wide, and 2,640 feet long in Skamo- peninsula formed by Brooks and Steamboat Sloughs kowa (Steamboat) Slough. A 250 foot square by 24 and west of the county road has potential for shal- foot deep turning basin was the upstream limit of the low water port development. There is currently some project at mile 0.5, Winters Wharf. private housing in the area. Skamokawa is a small Shoreland Features village and will probably experience only slight The shoreland in this subarea is low and bounded growth. The rural area behind Skamokawa is low by steep topography around Skamokawa. It is very and diked and, in its present form, is unsuitable for scenic from Skamokawa to Three Tree Point. This more intense development. western portion is very scenic. The eastern portion of Skamokawa Creek and Brooks Slough have been this subarea provides critical habitat for the Colum- classified Development because there is extensive bian White-tailed deer. Bear, black-tail deer, and navigational use, and some housing and small busi- other upland species occur as well as muskrat, nesses along these water bodies. State and Federal nutria, and migratory waterfowl. Hazards from flood resource agencies have expressed concern over this waters exist in low areas, and landslide topography designation for the mouths and lower reaches of occurs in the area west of Skamokawa. The land salmon spawning streams. behind Skamokawo is used for farming and is mostly The West Fork of Skamokawa Creek and Skamo- diked tideland. kawa Creek from Dead Slough north are classified The Skamokawa Park, now being developed, has Conservation to help protect the valuable salmon re- received large amounts of dredge spoil from the source returning to this area. With proper watershed maintenance of the 40 foot navigation channel. The practices and good water quality, there is good beach commonly erodes and is used as a beach salmon production potential in this stream. nourishment disposal site. The banks of Skamokawa Aquatic Designations Creek at its entrance are former disposal sites. Dead Slough is designated Rural. Human Use The following aquatic areas are designated De- Human use is concentrated most heavily around velopment: Brooks Slough west of the Washington the small town of Skamokawa. The town starts at Department of Game boat launch; Skamokawa approximately the Washington Department of Game Creek south of its junction with Dead Slough; and the boat launch on the north bank of.Brooks Slough and authorized navigation channels in Skamokawa continues west. Creek, Steamboat Slough and the Columbia River. There are a number of houses along the Slough, The remaining aquatic portions of this subarea are along the north side of State Highway 4, and on the designated Conservation. tip of the peninsula formed by Brooks and Steam- Shoreland Designations boat Sloughs. There are a few small businesses and The shorelands north of Dead.Slough and Sleepy some waterfront net drying racks at the Wriction of Hollow to the planning boundary are designated Brooks Slough and Skamokawa Creek. On the west Rural. The shorelands along the north bank of bank of Skamokawa Creek are a few houses and a Brooks Slough to the western boundary of Skamo- rock pit. Many of the houses along Brooks Slough kawa Park are designated Development as are the and Skamokawa Creek have floats or boat houses shorelands west of the refuge boundary on the attached to support fishing activities. Both water peninsula formed by Brooks and Steamboat Sloughs. bodies allow the passage of very shallow draft ves- The remaining shorelands of this subarea are des- sels. Low bridges and shallow depths limit the access ignated Conservation. of larger vessels. The parcel of land between Ska- mokawa Creek Bridge and Dead Slough is used for Dredged Material Disposal housing. There are three dredged material disposal sites in On the west bank of the mouth of Skamokawa this subarea. Site 65(S) is on the west bank of the Creek, Port District #2 is developing Skamokawa mouth of Skamokawa Creek that has long been used Park on the old school property. The park beach is for disposal of sand from the ship channel. Plans used for recreational fishing. There is also an Indian exist to develop a portion of the site as a park. Site archaeological site adjacent to the old school 66(B) is a beach nourishment site adjacent to the grounds and Park. shoreland disposal area. Site 67(D) is a general dike The lands between the Park and Three Tree Point maintenance site along Skamokawa Creek (cf have a mixture of individual and corporate owner- Dredged Material Management, 55.10, 58.20, 59.40, 59.50). IV - 98 44.05 THREE TREE POINT TO HARRINGTON POINT General Description mostly corporate owned and are in timber pro- This area includes the Brookfield log handling duction. Within the planning area, ownership is facility, the small communities of Pillar Rock and mostly corporate and individual. The shoreline from Altoona, and the lands between. Much of this land Three Tree Point to Brookfield, and Jim Crow Point to has a steep scenic topography, is remote and sparse- Pillar Rock is inaccessible by road. Brookfield is only ly populated, and is used for commercial timber accessible via corporation road. Public road access production. There are numerous old cannery build- ends at Pi I lar Rock. ings at Pillar Rock and Altoona now used by com- Few industrial sites in this subarea are actively .mercial fishermen for storage. Jurisdiction is by used. Crown Zellerbach has a log handling facility Wahkiakum County. just west of the mouth of Jim Crow Creek. A pier Aquatic Features mounted crane is used to load logs into the water for transportation. Just upstream from Jim Crow Creek is During low, flow conditions, saltwater is found on a rock pit which is no longer in use. There used to be the bottom of the Columbia River up to Pillar Rock. major salmon canneries at Pillar Rock and Altoona, The water quality in this area is usually quite good. but they have been closed for many years. The Jim Crow Creek enters the Columbia River at Brook- cannery sites now are used for boat moorage, net field, but there is no information on its flow. It drains drying racks, and equipment storage. In the river, a large area of commercial timberland, and may there are a number of commercial gillnet fishing provide limited spawning habitat for coho and chum drifts, and some sturgeon fishing. salmon. An extensive shallow area at the mouth of Jim Crow Creek is the result of heavy stream silta- issues and Findings tion. The potential for development in this area is lim- The Columbia River is quite deep through this area ited by poor transportation access, limited public with few shallow water feeding areas for juvenile facilities, and landslide topography. Brookfield, sclmon. The available food for juvenile salmon in with deep water access, logging road access, and this reach consist primarily of the large zooplankton. some backup land, has some potential for increased There is only one area of marsh in this subarea, and diversified industrial development. The aban- just clownriver from Three Tree Point. It has not been doned rock pit at Brookfield could be reopened. The studied, and is practically inaccessible except by fish producing capacity of Jim Crow Creek could be boat. It is probable that the vegetation is largely improved. Altoona has been discussed as a possible sedge and bulrush, with a landward border of port site because of its access to deep water, but the willow. There is an old dredge spoil site just down- road system connecting Altoona with markets to the stream from Jim Crow Point that has the potential for north and east is poor. Some consider that a new marsh creation. road connecting Grays River with Pe Ell is necessary There are in water log storage areas by Brook- before this port development could occur. The tourist field. potential in this area is untapped. This area has no The 40 foot navigation channel runs along the comprehensive plan or zoning designations. The state line, and is maintained by dredging and by pile shoreline is a "Shoreline of Statewide Significance". dikes at Brookfield and Altoona. There are two main areas where the designations Shoreland Features differ from those found in the County Shoreline The shoreline topography is generally steep and Management Master Program. The Brookfield area unsuitable for most activities other than timber pro- is changed from Rural to Development, and the cluction and private residences. Tideland soils occur area from Pillar Rock to just east of Elliott Point is only in the Brookfield area around the mouth of Ji m changed from Conservation to Rural. Crow Creek. This area is largely in timber pro- Aquatic Designations duction. The aquatic area adjacent to the Development There are a number of dredge spoil sites along this shoreland around the mouth of Jim Crow Creek is reach, some still in use. There is continuing dis- designated Development out to the 20 foot contour. cussion whether or not the Brookfield dikes cause The main Columbia River navigation channel is also downstream shoreline erosion, such as at Elliott designated Development. The remaining aquatic Point. Between Jim Crow Point and Elliott Point, portions of this subarea are designated Conserva- there are three small beach nourishment areas oc- tion. cosionally requiring dredge spoil. Shoreland Designations Wildlife in this area is largely upland species such The shoreland from the eastern boundary of the as deer, bear and upland birds. Pillar Rock community to Harrington Point is desig- Human Use noted Rural. The shoreland from the eastern Most of the area is used for w 'aterborne com- boundary of the abandoned rock pit upriver from merce, timber production or rural residences. This Brookfield to the western boundary of Brookfield is area is sparsely populated; most people live at Pillar designated Development. The remaining shoreland Rock, Altoona or between Pillar Rock and Elliott in this subarea is designated Conservation. Point. Lands adjacent to the planning orea are IV - 99 CROOKED C"- EDEN VALLEY HircmCOCK CR. PIGEON BLUFF HARRINGTON POINT 57(B) LTOONA WY. 10 1 8 (B) 62(B) 63 (B) a 0 F61 (B) c 0 a) 6 0) 0 'A 0 0 -1- caa 0-0 - c CO ,0 NOTE@ SEE LOWER RIVER ANDISLANDSPLAN SUBAREA 41.04. - - - - - - - - - - - c" C 0 L U M 8 1 A RIVER E =) '0 - NORTH rll@ AQUATIC SHORELAND 0 -0 - @c Waters Wet- D- S 0 in londsi' - CF) : Natural 6 T) :z C) Conservation Rural Development C'0) 4.. > Water Depeudent 0 LO 3'De th k..onTOurI Dmelopment a) Shoreline k Non-oquatic Veg. Planning Boundary M c 4) _c 0 c 6. -2 a) v) a -c _c C3 @O U 44.06 GRAYS BAY AND TRIBUTARIES General Description Grays Bay is an area rich in this type of animal life, This subarea extends from the state line through and is one of the more valuable areas in the estuary. Grays Bay and up Grays and Deep Rivers and Eden These small animals are used for food by 'juvenile Valley to the extent of tideland soil, including the salmon and other fishes. The mixing of fresh and salt town of Deep River and port of the Campbell Creek water provides a highly productive environment. valley. In the Grays River valley, the area goes to Shoreland Features about halfway between the towns of Rosburg and The shoreland vegetation is largely agricultural, Grays River, not including either town, and partially but there are forested areas. The agricultural lands up the Seal River valley north of State Highway 4. are generally diked tidelands. These lands provide The low lying lands in Eden Valley are also included wildlife habitat for migrating waterfowl, black-tail to a point approximately one and one-half miles deer, elk, bear, and smaller furbearers such as upstream from the mouth of Crooked Creek. The muskrat and nutria. Pigeon Bluff, on the east shore river valleys are used primarily for agriculture on of Grays Bay, is very important habitat for wild diked tidelands, and are sparsely populated. There band-tailed pigeons because of mineral-rich water are extensive freshwater marshes and ticleflats 'in there. Grays Bay. Jurisdiction is by Wahkiakum County, All the lands in this subarea are within the 100- Aquatic Features year floodplain. Flooding occurs nearly every winter The Corps of Engineers has two authorized pro- which is particularly serious in the lower valleys, jects in this area. Deep River has an authorized Deep River and Grays River. Heavy rains coinciding channel eight feet deep and 60 feet wide, extending with storm tides and high winds cause dike breach- from the mouth to the town of Deep River. The pro- ing, road washouts, and flooding of farms and build- ject was completed in 1928, and if maintenance ings, presenting a considerable hazard to lowland dredging becomes necessary the spoils will be residents. The flooding is thought to be worsened placed along the river banks. This channel is used and made more frequent by the shallow, debris mainly for log raft transportation. A project for Grays filled channel of Grays River. At the mouth, a bar River was authorized in 1907 and provided for re- develops which acts as a dam behind which flood moval of obstructions from the river channel and waters deepen and overtop the dikes. banks lot a distance of eight miles upstream from Human Use the mouth. The project was completed in 1909 and This area is mostly agricultural (hay and dairying), no further maintenance is anticipated. with the wetlands used for recreational hunting. The water quality of Deep River and Grays Bay is Parts of Grays River and Grays Bay are used for not reported. Because of extensive log storage and commercial and sport salmon fishing and some sorting in Deep River, its water quality may not be as sturgeon fishing. The adjacent uplands on the east good as Grays River, which is Class A from the and west side of Grays Bay and up Deep River are mouth to the falls and Class AA from the falls to the mostly in timber production. Road access is from the headwaters. Ocean Beach Highway (State Highway 4). Public There is some indication that the sediment load in services are available at the small towns of Grays Grays River is much higher now than in pre-logging River, Rosburg, and Deep River. days, and that this is contributing to the shoaling of Industry is limited to small logging companies, Grays Bay. Another cause of shoaling may be the custom sawmills, and the large Weyerhaeuser sort- slower Columbia River flows through Grays Bay due to the dams and the pile dikes at Altoona and Rice ing yard and associated log handling equipment Island. The sediment in Grays Bay is largely sand along Deep River. There is extensive in water log and sandy si It. storage in Deep River. Log rafting and sorting areas, The fisheries production potential for this area Is a truck repair yard, and main line log haul road lie quite good, including Deep River. Historically, the immediately adjacent to the town of Deep River; Grays River system supported very large runs of b.oth the river and the town are historically asso- chum salmon and some coho, fall chinook and ciated with the timber industry. steelhead. Now, much of the former spawning There is a Department of Game boat access at the habitat is -unusable and most salmon are spawned at Rosburg bridge on Grays River. There are two struc- the Grays River Hatchery. Local commercial fisher- tures on the National Register of Historic Landmarks: men operate a small scale chum enhancement pro- the Grays River Covered Bridge, and the Deep River ject on a Grays River tributary. There may be limited Pioneer Lutheran Church. chum and coho spawning in Crooked Creek. Issues and Findings The Grays Bay area has the second largest con- The development of land areas will be based centration of tidal marsh in the estuary, approxi- largely on transportation, marketing agricultural mately 1,449 acres. Vegetation grows from the products, and flood protection. Agricultural and low- shoreline to far out in the bay, and provides critical lying forest areas probably will remain so, perhaps habitat and nutrients. Migrating waterfowl and with some increasing residential use, because they shorebirds extensively use Grays Bay. are unsuitable for more intensive use in their present Bottom dwelling invertebrates in this area are condition. Industrial development will most likely be poorly studied. The available data indicate that related to wood products in the Deep River area. The IV - 101 Weyerhaeuser sorting yard may expand north and channel; the waters of Deep River between the town east; small operations may expand further down- and the triangular shoreland parcel across from the stream along Deep River; log handling and storage town; and the water between the channel and the operations may expand along the town of Deep Development shoreland. River. The remaining aquatic portion of this subarea is There is a proposed dredging project for Grays designated Conservation. River which would provide a channel 50 feet wide Shoreland Designations by 8 feet deep from the Rosburg bridge downstream through Grays Bay to a junction with the Deep River The following areas are classified Rural: the channel. If this channel project were completed, the shorelands of Hitchcock Creek; the shorelands of agricultural lands in Grays River could be used more Eden Valley; the shorelands of Grays River Valley profitably, and light industry and tourist trade might except on the west bank at the mouth; the share- develop. lands on the west bank of Grays Bay and Deep River There is an unresolved conflict between timber up to the log handling facility on the downstream production and salmon enhancement. If this conflict edge of Deep River; the shorelands from Miller Point could be solved, the county and its citizens would be up the east bank of Deep River approximately 3/4 of in a better economic situation, having two major a mile; the shorelands between the Weyerhaeuser industries instead of just one. sorting yard and the State Hi ghway 4-Deep River A small "black sands" mining lease in Grays Bay Bridge, except as otherwise noted; the shorelands is due to expire in 1981. This would be surface north of the State Highway 4-Deep River Bridge to mining to remove certain minerals. The Washington the town at Deep River, except as otherwise noted; Department of Natural Resources recently has and the shorelands from the town of Deep River up leased large state owned portions of Grays Bay for both forks of Deep River to the planning boundary, oil and gas exploration. There are similar leases for except as otherwise noted. the rest of the county shoreline east to Puget Island, The following areas are classified Development: and west to the mouth of the Columbia River. the town of Deep River and adjoining log handling For most of the shorelands in this subarea, the facility, a triangular shoreland parcel across from current (and logical future) use is agriculture. How- the town of Deep River; the shoreland north of the ever, the forested area on the west side of the mouth town of Deep River along the Crown Zellerbach of Grays River is very low and uncliked and would be main line log road and west to the planning bound- suitable for agricultural use only after extensive ary; and the shoreland along the east bank of Deep modification. River from a point approximately 3/4 of a mile from Those areas along Deep River designated as De- Millers Point upstream to where the unnamed slough velopment include existing industrial sites, areas turns east on the Weyerhaeuser property between where new foci I ities are currently being constructed, the sorting yard and the State Highway 4-Deep River areas for expansion of existing industrial facilities, Bridge. and a few homes. Other land parcels in this area are The remaining shorelands of this subarea are leased for farming, but represent industrial expan- designated Conservation. sion areas. The town of Deep River and the adjoin- Subarea Policies ing log handling facility have a history of intensive 1. Notwithstanding the Natural and Conservation use, as does the main line log road and shops to the designations in Grays Bay, the construction of a north of town. Some of the land west of the main channel or channels for flood control and naviga- line road is leased for agriculture but represents a tional access in the bay shall be permitted as agreed possible industrial expansion site. The triangular to by Wahkiakum County and the U.S. Army Corps of shaped piece of land across from the town of Deep Engineers. River also has the potential for industrial expansion. A significant aspect of the plan in this subarea is 2. In areas where either the bottom contour or water the recognition of the natural resource value of the fluctuationsare such thata dock of more than 50 feet ticleflats and tidal marshes in Grays Bay and the in length is required to obtain sufficient water depth protection provided. for moorage purposes, docks may extend beyond Aquatic Designations the 50 foot buffer strip. The wetlands of Grays Bay are designated Dredged Material Disposal Natural, except for a 50 foot buffer strip along the There are six dredged material disposal sites. Sites shoreline which is designated Conservation. 48(S) and 49(S) are potential shoreland sites to be Hitchcock Creek is designated Rural as is Camp- used in conjunction with maintenance of the bell Creek downstream to its junction with Lassila channel in Deep River. Site 50(D) is for general dike Creek. maintenance along Deep River. Sites 51'(S) and 52(S) The following aquatic areas are designated De- are potential shoreland sites to be used in conjunc- velopment: the authorized Deep River channel from tion with possible new dredging in Grays Bay or Rocky Point to the town of Deep River; the proposed River. Site 53(D) is a general dike maintenance site channel for Grays River from the Rosburg Bridge associated with the same potential dredging (cf downstream to its junction with the Deep River Dredged Material Management, 58.10, 59.50.) IV - 102 Restoration and Resource Enhancement moval of the shoal area at the mouth of Grays River Both Deep River [42(F)] and Grays River [43(F)] are [45(SA)] would improve both navigation and fish recommended for fisheries enhancement projects access. Site (M) is a poten-tial marsh restoration site which would increase their resource value. Dredg- on the west bank of Deep River. This low-lying diked ing of Grays River would remove the accumulation land could be returned to aquatic productivity by of silt which may impede upriver migration, Stream breaching the dike (cf Restoration and Mitigation, habitat improvement upstream is also needed. Re- 65.). -ROSBERG V" 42 (F) 43(F) X 49(S) 5. 5 53(D) 48(S) 51(S) CROOKED CR. ROCKY PT. btN\AL0* 0 HITCHCOCK CR, PIGEON BLUFF 1000, FOR HARRINGTON POIN %LTOONA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - L NOTE: SEE LOWER RIVER z AN D ISLANDS PLAN 0 SUBAREAS 41.02 and 41.03 AQUATIC SHORELAND RICE 15. C Waters Wet- 0 landst Natural Conservation R.ral 1.:::S- DeveloP.,ew liaterDependent 3' Depth ContoUr I [email protected] Sh-eline X Non-aquOfiC Veg. .Planning Boundwy IV - 103 45. BAKER BAY PLAN is THE PLANNING AREA geographic disadvantages for heavy industrial de- The Baker Bay planning area encompasses the velopment. It lacks rail access, direct access to the entire bay, shorelands around the bay, Big and Little deep-draft shipping channel, and suitable air and Sand Islands, and shoreland and water areas ex- highway access. It also has a small, undiversified workforce and only a small local market area for tending eastward to the Pacific County line. The goods. However, areas are needed to provide for planning area includes the low-lying shorelands up modest expansion of both the Ports of Ilwaco and the Chinook and Wallacut Rivers, which have tide- Chinook. The channels through Baker Bay to both land soils. Along steep or other shorelines where no ports and aquatic areas adjacent to the ports are thus tideland soils are present, the shoreland boundary designated Development; adjacent shorelands are extends 200 feet inland from MHHW, or is based on designated Water Dependent Development. .some human feature, such as a road. The water Dredged material disposal sites to provide for main- boundary extends from the tip of the North Jetty to tenance and possible expansion or relocation of the tip of Jetty "A", along the 30 foot contour east- channels are identified in the plan. Adequate shore- ward to the county line. Planning, management and land area for residential and other development is regulatory jurisdictions include the Town and Port of also provided in the plan, while agricultural and Ilwaco, Port of Chinook, Pacific County, Clatsop hazard areas are protected with Rural or Conserva- County, Washington and Oregon state agencies, and tion designations. federal aciencies. Baker Bay is biologically a very important part of the Columbia River estuary. The bay is fringed by MAJOR ISSUES AND DECISIONS several hundred acres of tidal marsh, whose plant The shoaling problem in Baker Bay and its impacts production helps provide the base of the aquatic on navigation and the viability of the Ports of Ilwaco food chain. Great numbers of bottom-dwelling in- and Chinook is the overriding issue in this planning vertebrate animals are found in the fine sandy sedi- area. Public access to the shoreline, location of ments of the bay. Sand shrimp and juvenile Dunge- dredged material disposal sites, the protection of ness crab are very numerous at certain times of the natural habitat, both in aquatic areas and on shore- year. Many finfish also use the shallow bay area, in- lands, and the potential impacts of mining and min- cluding juvenile starry flounder and juvenile eral extraction were also key issues. These issues are salmon. Waterfowl also make extensive use of addressed by regional (cf Section 11), area and sub- Baker Bay, particularly the Sand Island area, where area policies, as well as other plan provisions. there are gull and Caspian tern rookeries. Other The Baker Bay plan attempts to provide adequate wildlife also make extensive use of shoreline areas area for future development needs while conserving around the bay. Protection of-these natural resource and protecting the natural resource base so import- values is provided for in the plan by designation of ant to the local economy. tidal marshes and shallow wetland areas as Natu- Historically, the Baker Bay area has not been a ral. Shallow subtidal areas and other aquatic areas center for development in the estuary region. Fish- (excluding authorized navigation channels) are des- ing, fish processing and tourism are the most im- ignated Conservation. Many shoreland areas are portant economic activities. The area has several also given protective designations. 'E A, '.4 A. SOL vk N 0' 'Ak(4@ "'VA % 0@' -Judi Byrd, Compleat Photographer IV - 105 AREA POLICIES 1. Regional Economy Chinook and Ilwacc, are the two centers of eco- nomic and social activity on Baker Bay. The econom- ic and social viability of both communities should be enhanced by maintaining and improving the Ports of Ilwaco and Chinook and by supporting the tourist and fishing industries. 2. Port Development in Baker Bay The Ports of Ilwaco and Chinook are traditional centers of the sports and commercial fisheries. Be- National Fisherman cause of this tradition, the proximity to the mouth of the main navigation channel. Specifically, the the river, the existing port and fish processing facil- Chinook Jetty should re removed, and other ities, and the absence of any other port facilities on structures in the area should be evaluated for the Washington side near the mouth of the river, the their effectiveness. two ports are favorably situated to take advantage Channels and navigation structures should not of the increased off-shore fisheries brought about by interfere with the sand transport system from the 200-mile limit. To take advantage of these off- Chinook Point to the western end of Big Sand shore fisheries, both ports will require improved Island. Presently there are two openings in this. facilities. These may include deeper and wider barrier: the breach between the two Sand Is- channels, berths for larger boats, improved shore lands and the Chinook Channel. Probably one facilities, sewage treatment, and approved dredged of these gaps should be closed and navigational material disposal sites. Realignment of either or access provided through the remaining gap. both channels may be necessary. Because of the Dredged material disposal in area D should be scarcity of land disposal sites, hopper dredging is the minimized. Other in-water areas, that do not preferred means of channel maintenance for the have adverse effects on Baker Bay, should be clean sands at the outer ends of the two channels. found. In addition to the commercial off-shore fishing boats, both ports should continue to cater to charter 4. Public Access to the Shoreline boats and recreational fishermen and should pursue The Columbia River shoreline of Pacific County is off-loading facilities for barged aggregate. How- a shoreline of statewide significance, with a major ever, when new barge off-loading facilities are pro- state highway and county roads along most of its posed, consideration should be given to the possi- length. Improved public access to the Baker Bay bility of centralizing these facilities at one location. shoreline should be provided for the use of local 3. Baker Bay as a Hydraulic System residents as well as tourists. One or more new day- The evidence indicates that Baker Bay is shoaling use facilities would be appropriate along the part of more rapidly than is normal in the life of an estuary. the shoreline with road access; foot trails are en- This process should be reversed. Baker Bay will be couraged elsewhere. most productive to the community if it remains open 5. Protection of Natural Habitat water rather than an area of ever-increasing tidal Baker Bay is fringed by several hundred acres of flats and tidal marshes. To deal with this urgent tidal marsh. Great numbers of bottom-dwelling in- problem and maintain Baker Bay as a biologically vertegrate animals,are found in the fine sandy and and economically productive system: silty sediments of the bay. Many finfish use the shal- � All agencies with responsibility for Baker Bay low bay area. Waterfowl also make extensive use of should cooperate to investigate how the bio- Baker Bay, particularly the Sand island area. How- logical and hydraulic systems of the bay func- ever, research to date about the role of Baker Bay in tion. Without this understanding, the shoaling the aquatic ecosystem is relatively sparse. More problem cannot be corrected. complete biological surveys and an understanding � The navigational structures in the bay and in the of inter-relationships between groups of organisms river adjacent to the bay should be designed to are needed. reduce shoaling in the bay and help maintain Due to the limited scientific information concern- the Ilwaco and Chinook Channels, as well as ing Baker Bay, it is prudent to restrict activity in po- tentially productive areas at this time. Should further investigation show that an area is not productive, it would then be appropriate to consider more intensive activities. 6. Mining and Mineral Extraction Although the possibilities exist of finding valuable minerals in Baker Bay wetlands and submerged lands, that future demand could make such a project economically feasible, and that additional advances in technology may significantly reduce adverse en- National Fisherman vironmental impact, mining and mineral extraction should not be encouraged at this time. IV - 106 45.01 KNAPPTON /FRANKFORT General Description This subarea includes shoreland and aquatic areas east from the Astoria-Megler bridge to the Pacific- Wahkiakum County line. Jurisdiction is by Pacific county. Aquatic Features Fish in the area include salmon and sturgeon and other species. The north channel adjacent to this subarea is a migration route for salmon. Primary and secondary plankton production in the water column P", is seasonally high. There are a few marshes and tideflats in the em- bayments between Knappton and Rocky Point and several shallow areas have been cut off by the high- way causeways. Circulation is vigorous and flushing' excellent, except in the shallow areas cut off by the highway, where it is poor. The shoreline is exposed to wind and wave erosion and has been rip-rapped extensively. Shoreland Features Sh6relands are mostly forested down to the shore- line. Elk, deer, bear, and bald eagles are relatively common in this area. The soils in this subarea are mostly bunker soils with high slope. There are limited Nuby soils and filled lands that are subject to flooding. Human Use Existing land and water uses include rural resi- dential, commercial and sport fishing, pleasure boating, and forest management. Adjacent upland land use is forest management with small rural areas. Ownership of the shorelands is mostly by timber companies with some private and state (Frankfort) holdings. Tidelands are in private hands, except near Portugese Point where the Washington State Department of Natural Resources manages those owned by the state. areas are Conservation. From Knappton to Grays Issues and Findings Point and from Portugese Point to the northeastern There is no development pressure at this time. In boundary of the vacated plat of Grays-Frankfort, a the future, there could be increased demand for 50 foot Conservation Aquatic buffer is applied to the shoreline access from both the shorelands and immediate shoreline. water. Conflicts in this area relate to timber man- Shoreland Designations agement. Logging to the shoreline may increase The shorelands are designated Conservation, sedimentation to the estuary and displace wildlife, except for a Rural designation for the area of resi- including bald eagle nests. dential development at Knappton and a Natural Two areas that have potential for recreational designation for the state-owned lands from Portu- access are identified in this subarea. The first is an gese Point west to, but not including, the old quarry outcropping on the west end of Hungry Harbor. The near Frankfort. second is the boat ramp at the old saw mill site at Knappton. Subarea Policy A shoreline trail from Knappton to the old town of This subarea has excellent potential for public re- Frankfort would provide low-intensity access to a creational access. The boat launching ramp at the long stretch of shoreline. Easements or outright pur- old saw mill site at Knappton should be improved chase of private property would be needed for this and maintained with adequate parking for cars and project. trailers. Also, the feasibility of developing a shore- Aquatic Designations line trail from Knappton to the old town of Frankfort Except as otherwise noted, the wetland portions of should be investigated. This would provide low- this subarea are designated Natural and the water intensity access to a long stretch of shoreline. IV - 107 r,NAPPTON -FRANKFURT SUBAREA 450 site DO) Site tv -4 < CD A M K I A IV - 108 45.02 MCGOWAN General Description Human Use This subarea includes shoreland and aquatic areas U.S. Highway 101, running along the shoreline, is from the Astoria-Megler bridge west to include the most predominant developed feature in this sub- Chinook Point. Most of Fort Columbia State Park is area. Land and water uses include commercial and included. The area is under the jurisdiction of Pacific sport fishing, recreational boating, forest manage- County. ment, and Fort Columbia State Park. Adjacent uses Aquatic Features are the developed area at Chinook and additional Aquatic areas include shorefront beaches and timber production and fishing. water areas along the north channel of the Colum- Tidelands are nearly all in private ownership, bia River. Water depths range to 50 feet along the except for state owned areas around Chinook Point. channel and the slope to the beach is relatively Shoreland ownership is private around McGowan and corporate in the forested portions. The beach in steep. The beach is composed of coarse, sandy sed- this area gets some recreational use at low tide for iments with gravel and larger rock. Tidal currents are beachcombing and walking. Parking is very limited, strong along this reach of the river and flushing however, with off-road spaces for only two or three action rapid. vehicles. These aquatic areas support varieties of fish, shellfish plankton and other aquatic animals, in- Issues and Findings cluding salmon, sturgeon, starry flounder and ju- There is little development pressure or potential in venile crab. Benthic populations are probably low to this area. Very little buildable land exists, except moderate, owing to the swift currents and coarse around McGowan. Development constraints such as sediments. There are small fringes of marsh vegeta- a high water table limit development there. tion along the more protected portions of the beach. Fort Columbia State Park is a historical and recrea- Shoreland Features tional resource of value to the area. Improvement of Shorelands include a narrow fringe of steep for- its facilities, consistent with maintaining the natural, ested land and some flat land around McGowan. scenic character, will enhance these values. Bunker and Stasop soils predominate in the steep Aquatic Designations area, with Ocosta soils on the flat areas. Wildlife All aquatic portions of this subarea are designated values of the shorelands are moderate but the high- Conservation. way running along the shoreline creates a barrier Shoreland Designations between aquatic and upland areas. Deer, elk, bear, The flat tideland (Ocosta) soil areas at McGowan bald eagle, hawks, waterfowl, small mammals and and to the east of McGowan are designated Rural. other wildlife are relatively common in the area. The remaining shorelands are designated Conserva- Shoreland hazards include possible slides in steep areas and erosion of the river shoreline, which is rip- tZon. rapped to retard erosion. 1000, J L 10C. co ,e' e ""0 OP 014 IV - 109 45.03 CHINOOK General Description the navigation channel. The authorized channel into This subarea includes the unincorporated town of the basin is 10 feet deep and 150 feet wide. Water Chinook and adjacent aquatic areas of Baker Bay. A circulation is dependent on winds and tides, and special district, the Port of Chinook, is included. patterns are poorly known. Flushing is also depend- Jurisdiction is by Pacific County. ent on winds and tides and is fairly good, except in the basin. Water quality in the basin area fluctuates Aquatic Features seasonally depending on the amount of fish wastes Fish support value is moderate to high in this area. and boat traffic. Wetland vegetation to the west of the mooring basin shoreland Features provides primary production and marsh habitat. Soils in this subarea include Westport and Yaquina Tidal flats and subticlal areas have high benthic pro- as duction. Oligochaetes (worms) and clams are parti- sociations, and filled land with low slope. The cularly abundant. A sandy beach exists east of the filled area is to the east of the basin and much of it is basin to the eastern boundary of this subarea. A a stockpile site for dredged material disposal. These large tract of freshwater wetlands north of the town Soils have a high potential for flooding and erosion of Chinook has developed as a result of beaver and a seasonally high water table. dams, siltation of the Chinook River and installation Wildlife value of the shorelands is moderate of the ficlegate near the river mouth. behind Chinook. Deer, beaver, and other small Aquatic areas are extremely shallow except for mammals inhabit the area. 0 101 BAKER BAY AQUATIC SHORELAND Waters Wet- '6 lands,' 8 :Natural ul 7 Consernation M Development liaterDependeut Det@elopvlent Shoreline I S Non-oquatic Veg. Planning Boundary h@ SAND IS, 1000, C04 IV - 110 Human Use cilities and future expansion plans of the Port of Chinook are accommodated by a Development des- The unincorporated town of Chinook and the Port ignation for the area between Olsen Street and of Chinook dominate this area. Residential, com- Cherry Street. West -of the existing basin, the south- mercial, and industrial uses predominate, with boat ern boundary of this designation is the channel moorage, navigation, and dredged material dispos- (authorized and natural). In front of and east of the al associated with port operations. Tideland owner- existing basin, the southern boundary of the devel- ship is a mixture of private and state. Shoreland opment designation is a line 600 feet south of the ownership is mostly private and the Port of Chinook. existing breakwater. The Port of Chinook moorage facility is the third I The remaining aquatic portions of the subarea are largest in the estuary, with a capacity of 323 vessels. designated Natural where there are wetlands, and Issues and Findings Conservation for water areas. Where Natural wet- The Port of Chinook has significant potential for lands abut Development aquatic areas, a 50 foot expansion. The CREST Marina Study (1978) found Conservation buffer is applied. substantial unfilled demand for both recreational Shoreland Designations and commercial fishing vessel moorage. The new East of Chinook Park the shorelands are desig- 200 mile economic zone has stimulated additional nated Conservation. West of Chinook Park the demand for moorage for larger commerdal fishing shorelands are designated Development, except for vessels. The Port's short-range plans call for addi- the area of Port owned property south of Water tional moorage facilities within the existing basin. Street, which is designated Water Dependent De- Long-range plans include an expanded basin, add velopment. tional services and facilities, and a potential barge unloading area. Subarea Policies Although the nature and extent of the naviga- 1. Expansion of the Port of Chinook and its entrance tional access problems in Baker Bay have received channel should be done in such a way as to mini- careful attention during the CREST planning process, mize damage to the aquatic productivity, maintain the scientific research and engineering studies nec- waterqualityand flushing, and to avoid aggravating essary to solve these problems are beyond the scope the shoaling problems of the bay. of this plan. Accordingly, this plan provides for the 2. 'The Development Aquatic area east of the future resolution of these problems without deter- present Port facilities should be designated and uti- mining the exact measures which may be necessary. lized as a dredged material disposal site. The relevant maps which are a part of this plan in- clude dashed lines which indicate possible future 3. The Development designations, which are pro- channel realignments. The exact locations and sizes vided to accommodate potential future expansion of of those channels should be determined as a result the Port, do not automatically create the presump- of the necessary studies and cooperation among the tion that dredging, filling or other alterations will various interested parties. automatically result. Specific proposals for Port ex- The planning process has included extensive dis- pansion will have to be justified in terms of avail- cussion of the appropriate areas for Port expansion. able alternatives, water quality impacts, economic The draft plan provided for expansion only to the benefits, and other requirements of the permit pro- west of the existing facilities. After consideration of cess. the natural resource values and other factors, the 4. Day-use-only facilities should be developed at expansion area was reduced on the west and some Chinook Park so that both tourists and residents may area was added to the east. enjoy the park. This may require some reduction in Severe shoaling problems throughout Baker Bay the size of existing camping facilities. (see 45.05, Baker Bay) are threatening the naviga- tion channel into the Port of Chinook. Dredging to 5. This plan recognizes and provides remedies for maintain the channel has become increasingly ex- the navigational access problems in Baker Bay. The pensive and more frequently necessary. The dispos- local governmental bodies, relevant agencies and al of dredged material is a growing problem. The interested parties shall continue to pursue the reso- viability of the third largest mooring basin in the es- lution of those problems. Approved channel realign- tuary is threatened. ments and/or improvements shall be permitted not- The conversion of Chinook Park to overnight use withstanding the environmental designations of this has resulted in heavy use by tourists and complaints plan. from local residents that they can no longer enjoy Dredged Material Disposal the park. There is a need for day-use facilities at the There is a single dredged material disposal site in park. this subarea [10(S)], related to dredging projects at Aquatic Designations the Port of Chinook. The site, adjacent to and east of The existing navigation channel is designated the Port of Chinook is primarily a stockpile for basin Development. In the event that a realignment of the maintenance. This site should be expanded into the channel is agreed to, the new channel is also des- Development aquatic area as needed. (cf Dredged ignated Development by this plan. The present fa- Material Management 56.20, 59.50.) IV - I I I 45.04 CHINOOK RIVER General Description Aquatic Designations This subarea covers the drainage basin of the Chi- The nonticlal freshwater wetlands behind Chinook nook River and includes the tideland soils, fringing that are not state owned are designated Rural. The marshes along Baker Bay, and the waters and wet- state owned wetlands and the remaining aquatic lands of the river. Jurisdiction is by Pacific County. areas of the Chinook River are designated Conser- Aquatic Features vation. The fringing marshes along Baker Bay are The fisheries resource consists mostly of warm Natural, except for a 50 foot Conservation buffer water fish in the Chinook River and its tributaries and strip along the shoreline. salmon raised at the Sea Resources hatchery. A sig- Shoreland Designations nificant fringing tidal marsh borders this area along The privately owned areas of tideland soils used Baker Bay. Other wetlands exist up the Chinook for agriculture to the east of Highway 101 are des- River along the river bank. Water depths are shallow ignated Rural. The state-owned land east of High- in the Chinook River. The river is navigable by small way 101 is designated Conservation. West of High- boats for most of its length. River discharge is con- way 101, the shorelands are Rural, except for the trolled by a ticlegate at U.S. Highway 101. existing industrial site which is designated Develop- Shoreland,Features ment. Shorelands in this subarea consist of tideland soils Dredged Material Disposal with a low slope. These soils are of the Ocosta, There are two dredged material disposal sites in Westport, Yaquina, and Rennie associations. High this subarea, both related to dredging at the Port of erosion and flood potentials exist. The shorelands Chinook. The first site [9(S)] is located in a low area are mostly cleared of timber for agricultural use with behind (northeast) Chinook and would be used for limited forest acreage. The Ocosta and Rennie soils disposal of material from channel or boat basin are excellent agricultural soils (Classes III and IV). expansion and subsequent maintenance dredging. Deer and elk, along with smaller animals, frequent The second site [8(S)] is an alternate site for the the area. The ticlegate at Highway 101 was installed some purpose, but is environmentally and econom- to help prevent f loods, but the area still has potential ically less acceptable. (cf Dredged Material Man- problems with flooding. agement, 56.20, 59.50.) Human Use Restoration and Resource Enhancement Existing uses include agriculture, rural housing, Siltation of the Chinook River has reduced histori- recreation, and an industrial site at the mouth of the cal runs of anadromous fish that use this river. A Chinook River. The facilities on this industrial site, 1963 study by the Soil Conservation Service recom- which are connected with the proposed mining of mended dredging the river to improve drainage. "black sands", are presently unused, although the Such dredging would also enhance fisheries in the equipment is maintained. This area receives recrea- river, particularly for salmon returning to the Sea tional usage by hunters and those who enjoy watch- Resources Hatchery [2(F)]. (cf Restoration and Miti- ing wildlife. gation, 65.) Ownership is mostly private in this subarea with 1---`47,0@,@! @re some small corporate and state holdings in the east- 7"' W4` A ern portion. The fringing marsh is either privately or state owned. The present zoning ordinznces desig- 'M nate portions of this subarea for agriculture, general development, residential, and industrial. Issues and Findings WI "M There is little pressure for additional development ";,Z 'X1 N" in this area. The potential does exist, however, for 5 industrial and residential development. Mineral leases exist below mean high tide (MHT) on both public and private tidelands. The existing industrial area, although not currently used, is somewhat in- compatible with adjacent trailer parks and rural housing. The peninsula at the mouth of the Chinook River between Highway 101 and Baker Bay has potential as a possible park or waterfront access point. This location would offer both visual and physical access to Baker Bay and the large wetland area directly R adjacent. ComPleat Photographer IV - 112 CHINOOK RIVER SUBAREA 45.04 9A KJR09KMV41111k BAKER SAY -N Z \. Nz CHINQ J @AND ISLAND D CHINOOK PARK AQUATIC SHORELAND 410 X-16 c Waters Wet- 1000, %* landsl Nt..1 CHIMOON POINT v Conserwition \\:Ruml Dmelopm"t Wate@Depmdent -3- L)epth (.ontour I De@elopmmt Shoreline I ll.n_.,ua,ic Veg. Planning Boundary IV 113 45.05 BAKER BAY General Description from sands in the channels to mixed sands, silts and This subarea includes the aquatic areas of Baker clays on the flats in the northern part of the bay. The Bay and the Sand Islands. It is bounded by the west bar extending west from Chinook Point is hard sand. side of the Baker Bay west channel to the west, by Much of the sedimentation of fine material probably the fringing marshes and the in-water limits of des- results from the flocculation of the silts and clays ignated Developnwnt areas at Chinook and Ilwaco carried by the fresh river water as this water is dilut- to the north, by Chinook Point on the east, and by ed by saline sea water. This shoaling mechanism the 30 foot depth contour to the south. The Sand probably was not operative before the increase in Islands are the only shorelands in this subarea. Por- salinity caused by the maintenance of the Columbia tions of the subarea are in the State of Oregon. River entrance channel at a depth of 48 feet (as Jurisdiction is by Pacific County (Washington) and opposed to the natural depth of 20 to 30). Clatsop County (Oregon). Baker Bay has changed from an exposed, fresh Aquatic Features water environment with (presumably) sandy sedi- ments to a more protected, more saline one with The Baker Bay hydraulic system is complex and mixed sandy and muddy sediments. Almost nothing poorly understood. Prior to construction of the south is known of the earlier biology of Baker Bay, except jetty in the 1890's, Baker Bay was an open water that it was filled with upstream migrant salmon - environment, very exposed to winds and waves. the fish traps were very profitable. Probably the Sheltered anchorage and deep water were provided benthic populations were very different 50 or 100 only at and behind Cape Disappointment; most of years ago. the bay was navigable. Construction of the south Presently, fish support values in this subarea are and north jetties caused Middle Sands to move high. Primary production is very high in the water northward to form Sand Island, which reached very column and in the low, immature marshes around nearly its present shape by 1910; it continued to Sand Island and the adjacent fringing marshes. A move northward for another 30 years. The area Salicornia (pickleweed) marsh has formed on the between Chinook Point and Chinook has always northern side of the small portion of Sand Island. been shallow, but, like the rest of the bay, this area Other large marshes have formed around the large has shoaled considerably. Sand Island, and the marshes throughout the bay Following the construction of the Chinook Jetty appear to be expanding as the bay shoals. Second- (pile dike) and the Sand Island dikes in the 1930's, ary production is probably also very high with clams, Sand Island began to erode and breached several polychaetes, oligocheotes, crab, and sand shrimp. times. The present gap between the islands appear- Fish found in this area include juvenile salmon, ed in the early 1940's and has gradually become the juvenile starry flounder, juvenile Dungeness crab dominant entrance, through which most of the tidal and others. exchange occurs. This process may have been ac- There are three authorized navigation channels celerated by the construction of Jetty A in 1939. info Baker Bay. These channels are discussed in There is a sand transport system that extends from detail in the Dredged Material Management section Chinook Point to the seaward end of Big Sand Island. (cf 56). Expansion plans are discussed under Chinook There are two gaps, the Chinook Channel and the (45.03) and Ilwaco (45.07) subareas. The Chinook breach between the islands. Sand transport east of Channel extends 1.3 miles from the Columbia River Chinook Channel is toward the mouth of the river, to the Chinook Basin. It is authorized at 10 feet deep judging from shoaling on the east side of the and 150 feet wide. Shoaling problems are severe; Chinook Channel and erosion along Little Sand the worst shoal encroaches from Chinook Point to Island to the west. The transport along Big and Little the east, opposite Little Sand Island. Sand Islands is not unidirectional. During storms, it is The Baker Bay West Channel follows a circuitous upstream, while river currents cause downstream course from Jetty A to the Port of Ilwoco. The first transport. This pattern is complicated by the pile half mile of the authorized channel is 10 feet deep dikes. Some sand may also be transported into the and 200 feet wide; the remaining 2.7 miles to the bay through the gaps. port is 10 feet deep and 150 feet wide. The channel The existence'of the three entrances makes the has a moderate shoaling problem, with the worst circulation of the bay very complex and the main- shoals at the outer end and at the final turn into tenance of navigation channels difficult. Because Ilwaco. The Baker Bay East Channel, from Little Sand the breach in the islands is the major entrance, the Island to Ilwaco, is not presently maintained. scouring action in the navigation channels is com- paratively weak. As the understanding of the bay Shoreland Features improves, realignment of the channels through the The Sand Islands have a moderate wildlife value gap may occur. as a nesting and resting area for gulls and Caspian The interior of the bay has also changed greatly. terns. The most important area is the eastern end of Sediments were probably sandy prior to 1900, but as Little Sand Island. The central, brushy part of Big the bay has become more protected, widespread Sand Island is more important than the rest of the shoaling occurred; the material in the bay ranges island. IV - 114 AIRPORT L ... .. .. .. ... . iLWACO ... .. . .... .. . .. ... ... .. .. ... ... .. r ..... ... ... . . .. ... ... ... ... .. . .. .. ... .. . ... .. .. .. .. CHINOOK RIVIR 0 k C .. . .. . ... ... ... . .. ... . .. .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... .... . ... .. ... ... . .. ... ... .. Is CHI CA OISA POINTUR lot? 0 COLUMBIA RIVER AQUATIC SHORELAND c Waters Wet- .,a lonclsf Natural Consemation 1000, Rural '00,0, D@elop-urvf 14 ate, Dependent XD Pth Contour I D@eloPru-f Shoreline k Non-aqucltic Veg- Planning Boundary Human Use along the old Baker Bay East Channel to the 11- The shorelands of the large Sand Island have lim- waco Basin; ited pasture value. There is a grazing lease with the eRelocating the Chinook Channel through the Corps of Engineers. There are three active dredged gap between the Sand Islands and thence east material sites: the northern portion of the large along the old Baker Bay East Channel to the island, the eastern portion of the small island (which existing channel; is filled nearly to capacity), and beach nourishment 0Modification of the pile dikes or channel re- along the south shore of the small island. Aquatic alignment may also be required at the outer end uses include crabbing, fishing, and boating. of the Ilwaco Channel because of the large Alterations are extensive in Baker Bay. �everal shoal encroaching on the channel from Jetty A; thousand pilings from the old fish traps remain. The no specific alteration is shown on the plan map. Chinook Jetty and the pile dikes along the southern Shoreland Designations shore of the islands were built to direct the flow of the river to the main navigation channel and prevent The shorelands of the Sand Islands are designated erosion of the islands. Also, the southern shore of Conservation. Little Sand Island was rip-rapped. The remains of the Subarea Policies pier and the railroad bed used to unload the 1. Channel realignments must be justified in terms material remain on Little Sand Island. of hydraulics, sand transport and impacts on main- Tidelands are owned by the States of Oregon and tenance dredging. Washington. Sand Island is owned by the federal government. Many of the Washington tidelands 2. No more dredged material disposal should occur have had mineral, and oil and gas rights leased. on the uplands of Little Sand Island. Beach nourish- Issues and Findings ment is also discouraged, because the material may Use conflicts in this subarea include the impacts contribute to shoaling in Baker Bay. on aquatic and terrestrial habitat of dredging, 3. Upland disposal on Big Sand Island should be dredged material disposal, and proposed block confined to the smallest possible area; disposal sites sands mining. The eastern portion of the small Sand should be revegetated; upland habitat values should Island has been inventoried as a nesting area for be preserved; and grazing should not be permitted. Caspian terns. This area has also been used as a 4. The marshes north of the Sand Islands should be disposal site for maintenance dredging of the Chi- protected. nook Channel; it is now filled to capacity. The north- west corner of Big Sand Island has been used for 5. The local governmental bodies, relevant agen- disposal and other parts of the island are designated cies and interested parties shall continue to pursue for disposal. the resolution of the navigational access problems in Although the nature and extent of the naviga- Baker Bay. Approved channel realignments and/or tional access problems in Baker Bay have received improvements shall be permitted notwithstanding careful attention during the CREST planning process, the environmental designations of this plan. the scientific research and engineering studies nec- Dredged Material Disposal essary to solve these problems are beyond the scope There are three dredged material disposal sites in of this plan. Accordingly, this plan provides for the this area, all an Big Sand Island. The first site [3(S)] future resolution of these problems without deter- on the northwest corner of the island has been used mining the exact measures. The relevant maps for disposal in the past. The second site [4(S)] is just which are a part of this plan include dashed lines south of 3(S) and should be used when the capacity which indicate possible future channel realign- of 3(S) is exhausted. The third site [5(S)] is on the ments. The actual locations and sizes of those chan- southeast side of the island. All three sites are as- nels should be determined as a result of the neces- sociated with maintenance, expansion or realign- sary studies and cooperation among the various in- ment of the Baker Bay West Channel into the Port of terested parties. Ilwaco. (cf Dredged Material Disposal 55.10, 56, The mineral rights to most of Baker Bay have been 59.50.) leased for black sands mining. This mining would have unknown impacts on the hydraulics and the Restoration and Resource Enhancement biological productivity of the bay. There are three identified restoration projects in Baker Bay. The first [4(P)] is removal of the many old Aquatic Designations pilings that are relics of fish traps. The second [5(P)] The tidal flat areas of the bay are designated is removal of the Chinook Jetty (pile dike). Both Natural. The water areas are designated Conser- structures are thought to contribute to shoaling prob- vation, except for the two navigation channels lems in Baker Bay, but careful consideration of the which are designated Development. (cf 45.03 and hydraulic effects of removal will be needed prior to 45.07 for a detailed discussion of plan provisions for action. The third project [11(SA)] is restoration of the navigation channels.) Four possible channel re- former depths through active or passive removal of alignments are provided for: shoal areas. Closing the gap between the two Sand � Shortening the Baker Bay West Channel into If- Islands is one possibility. The history of the shoaling waco by eliminating the westward meander; problems these three restoration projects address is � Relocating the Baker Bay West Channel to the outlined in Aquatic Features above and in the Res- gap between the Sand Islands and thence west toration and Mitigation Plan, 65). IV- 116 45.06 WALLACUT RIVER General Description tideland soils are used extensively for agriculture. This subarea covers the drainage basin of the Remnants of dikes remain along the Wallacut River, Wallacut River between the Ilwaco and Chinook but are no longer maintained. River subareas (45.07 and 45.04). It includes the tide- Ownership is private and corporate. Existing land soils around the Wallacut River, the aquatic zoning is for agriculture, general development, and areas of the river, and the frir@ging marsh adjacent -to residential. Mineral leases exist below mean high these shorelands along Baker Bay. Jurisdiction is by tide (MHT) in the tidelands. Pacif ic County. Issues and Findings Aquatic Features This subarea has significant development poten- The fisheries resource consists mostly of worm tial and growth pressure from the adjacent Town of water fish in the Wallocut River and its tributaries. Ilwaco. Development plans for the Vandolia sub- An extensive fringing marsh borders this area of division call for moderately high density housing on Baker Bay. Other wetland areas exist up the Walla- the peninsula area to the west of the airport. Areas cut River along the river bank. Water depths in the immediately east of Ilwaco have a moderate to river are relatively shallow. River flow is controlled steep slope; development should proceed cautiously by a ticlegate about a mile from the mouth and is in order to avoid erosion and slides. significantly affected by the amount of vegetation in the water. Aquatic Designations The Wallacut River is designated Conservation as Shoreland Features is a 50 foot buffer strip along the immediate Baker Most shorelands in this subarea consist of tideland Bay shoreline. The remaining aquatic areas cire des- soils with a low slope. These soils are the Ocosta, ignated Natural. Westport, Yaquina, and Rennie associations. Addi- Shoreland Designations tional soil characteristics are high erosion and flood potentials. The area of high slope to the west of the The area between Yellow Bluff in Ilwaco and the river is made up of Lytell soils. beginning of the tideland soils is designated Devel- The shorelands are mostly cleared of timber for opment, as is the area encompassing the Port Van- agricultural use with limited acreage left in forest. dalia subdivision. The remaining shorelands are The Ocosta and Rennie soils are excellent agri- Rural. cultural soils (Classes III and IV). Deer and elk, along Restoration and Resource Enhancement with smaller animals, frequent the area. Hazards in The Wallacut River has silted in and historical fish this area are limited to potential flooding. runs have been virtually eliminated. Dredging the Human Use river mouth and upstream areas is proposed as a Existing uses include agriculture, suburban and fisheries enhancement project [I(F)]. The stream rural housing and trailer parks. The primary residen- could support chum salmon and possibly other spe- tial area is the Vandalia development, which is cies if restored to former conditions. (cf Restoration being built to the north and west of the airfield. The and Mitigation 65.) 101 of ................ IV - 117 45.07 ILWACO General Description The existing channel into the Port of Ilwaco is 10 This subarea includes that portion of the Town of feet deep and 150 feet wide and follows a meander- llwaco which is subject to the Shoreline Manage- ing course. Under certain conditions it is navigation- ment Act, including the Port of llwaco. The town ally difficult, especially for larger vessels. Ground- exercises jurisdiction over the area. ings are common. The Port of Ilwaco has applied to Aquatic Features the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study channel The port moorage area has little value for fisher- improvements under Section 107 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. ies. However, the areas outside the breakwater Although the nature and extent of the navigation- could be moderate to high in productivity, however, al access problems in Baker Bay have received care- not as high as in undisturbed areas. Tidal marshes ful attention during the CREST planning process, the have developed on each side of the port's break- scientific research and engineering studies neces- waters, in part because of the deposition of dredged sary to solve these problems are beyond the scope of material. The one on the east extends from the this plan. Accordingly, this plan provides for the breakwater to Yellow Bluff. On the west, the marsh future resolution of these problems without deter- merges with the remainder of the fringing marsh to mining the exact measures which may be necessary. the south and west. The relevant maps which are a part of this plan Water depths are extremely shallow except for the include dashed lines which indicate possible future boat basin and authorized channel, which is main- channel realignments. The exact locations and sizes tained to a depth of 10 feet and a width of 150 feet. of those channels should be determined as a result Water circulation is limited inside the basin with of the necessary studies and cooperation among the water quality being affected by heavy traffic, various interested parties. sewage, and fish wastes. Aquatic Designations Shoreland Features The navigational access channel and areas of The shorelands are heavily developed within the possible approved future realignment of that port area with moorage and service facilities, boat channel are designated Development. The aquatic repair and storage, commercial activities and area fronting the Port of llwaco between the Port's offices. On either side of the port are residences. The property lines and out to the state line is designated town park is located at the base of Yellow Bluff. Development. The tidal marshes on the east side of There is little bird and wildlife value due to the this subarea are Natural, except for a 50 foot Con- developed nature of the area. Adjacent areas have servation buffer along the shoreline and along the moderate habitat value for small animals. Soils in edge of the Development area at the Port. the port area consist entirely of fill material. Shoreland Designations Human Use The shoreland area is designated Development, Existing land and water uses are dominated by the except for the fill land at the Port of Ilwaco, which is Port of Ilwaco. Activities include moorage (1,000 Water Dependent Development. berths), commercial and industrial operations, Subarea Policies offices, and boating. On either side of the port, there are residential uses of the shorelands. Aquatic areas 1. Port of I lwaco and its entrance channel expansion are undeveloped. should be done so as to minimize damage to the There is a mixture of tideland ownership, in- aquatic productivity, maintain water quality and cluding the Port of llwaco, State of Washington, and flushing, and avoid aggravating the shoaling prob- private individuals. Shorelands are either port or lem of the Bay. Before any further aquatic areas are privately owned, filled, existing land areas should be fully utilized Town of Ilwaco zoning in this area consists of a and economically feasible upland alternatives commercial zone (the port area) and a residential exhausted. Dry boat moorage should be considered zone to the southwest and east. The shoreline man- as an alternative to basin expansion. agement designation is Urban, except for the water area east of the port, which is Conservancy. 2. Unless a suitable upland disposal site can be found, the port should consider maintaining a stock- Issues and Findings pile site so that material from the mooring basin and The Port of Ilwaco has significant potential for inner channel can be rehandled. expansion. The CREST Marina Study (1978) found 3. The Development Aquatic designations which substantial unfilled demand for both recreational are provided to accommodate potential future and commercial fishing vessel moorage. The new expansion of the Port do not automatically create the 200 mile economic zone has stimulated additional presumption that dredging, filling or other alterna- demand for moorages for larger commercial fishing tions will automatically result. Specific proposals for vessels. The Port of Ilwaco is ideally situated, close Port expansion must be justified in terms of avail- to the mouth of the river, to accommodate this able alternatives, water quality impacts and demand. economic benefits, and must meet other require- ments of the permit process. iv- 118 4. This plan recognizes and suggests remedies for Dredged Material Disposal the navigational access problems in Baker Bay. Local There is one dredged material disposal site in this governmental bodies, relevant agencies and inter- subarea [1(S)], located at the Port of Ilwaco on fill ested parties shall continue to pursue the resolution land. The site is used as a stockpile for basin and of those problems. Approved channel realignments entrance channel maintenance material. (cf and/or improvements shall be permitted notwith- Dredged Material Management, 56.40, 59.50.) standing the environmental designations of this plan. AQUATIC SHORELAND c Waters Wet, -0 - lands,' Naiwal Comemation Ruml D@elp-@t Wate@ D@Pendmt 3' Depth ontour I D@elopmmt Shoreline I Non-oquaficVeg. F, Planning Boundary I L W A C 0 CITY LIMITS ST. LAKE 0 _j A 01 fo 1000, IV - 119 45.08 FORT CANBY NORTH General Descr iption Human Use This subarea includes the shorelands from the Existing land and water uses include boating, fish- northern boundary of the state park boat launch ing, and housing. Adjacent uses include forest man- ramp to the Ilwaco city limits. The in-water boundary agement, park development, Coast Guard resi- is the western edge of the entrance channel. Juris- dences and operations, and the developed area in diction is by Pacific County. Ilwaco. Tidelands are owned by the Department of Aquatic Features Natural Resources or State Parks. The shorelands are Fish support values in this subarea are probably owned by the state and federal governments. high, though data are lacking. Primary production is Aquatic Designations high along the shoreline marshes, while secondary Wetland areas, including marshes and tidal flats, production is high in the flats. Extensive sedge and are designated Natural, with a 50 foot Conservation bulrush marshes have developed in the smaller buffer abutting the shore, in areas where the shore embayments in this subarea and have been inten- is privately owned, and adjacent to the Develop- sively studied. Water depths are extremely shallow ment area in the adjacent Ilwaco subarea. Water between the marshe's and the channel. The physical areas up to the edge of the channel are Conserva. and biological processes of Baker Bay have been tion. discussed under 45.05. Shoreland Designations Shoreland Features The shorelond designations in this area are Shorelands include forested areas inland to the Natural in the undeveloped portion of the state park limit of Shoreline Management jurisdiction. Bird and north of the boat launch ramp; and Rural north to wildlife values are high and include deer and the city I i mits of I lwaco. smaller furbearers. Soils in this area are Yaquina Subarea Policy and Zenker associations, and slopes are moderate to The existing loop trail should be extended along steep. Some very old forest exists along the shore- the shoreline to the Town of Ilwaco. I ine, predominantly Sitka spruce. 51 z 0 X 0 a C < 0 "s 0wo a Ix 0 u0poJoIsad z NI . .. ....... ... .... ....... . ..... . . ..... 1000, W - 120 45.09 CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT General Description Issues and Findings This subarea extends from the tip of the North The Coast Guard has indicated that it is consider- Jetty, east to the western side of the entrance chan- ing expanding its dock faci I ity at its present location. nel. The shoreland area, all of which is in Fort Canby This project may involve limited filling and place- State Park or the Coast Guard Base, includes 200 feet ment of piling. Other potential developments would of Benson Beach north of the jetty, all of Cape depend on future plans in the state park. Provision Disappointment, the accreted lands to the east of has been made for expansion of parking facilities at Jetty A, and the shorelands of Baker Bay north to the the North Jetty. northern boundary of the state park boat launch. Aquatic Designations Aquatic areas include portions of Baker Bay west of. The rocky interticlal areas of Cape Disappointment the navigation channel between Jetty A and the have been classified Natural, the Coast Guard pier northern boundary of the subarea; the waters and waters between the shore and channel and between Jetty A and the North Jetty in the main within 50 feet on either side of the Coast Guard pier Columbia River; minor sloughs and wetlands behind have been classified Development to provide for the North Jetty. Jurisdiction is by Pacific County. maintenance and improvement of the present faci- Aquatic Features lities, and all other aquatic areas have been classi- Plankton populations, benthic production and fish f i ed Conservation. support values are high, both in Baker Bay and in the Shoreland Designations Columbia River portions of the subarea. Recreation- The North Jetty, Jetty A, the developed- parts of al and commercial crabbing is popular south and the Coast Guard base, the Cape Disappointment west of Cape Disappointment; recreational fishing is lighthouse, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, popular off the North Jetty. the boat launch, and the state park concession Water depth ranges from tidal flats east of Jetty A stands are designated Development. The outermost to more than 60 feet off the tip of Jetty A. The state park parking lot is designated Conservation Columbia River side of this subarea is extremely and should not be expanded. The second parking lot dynamic; currents are strong, wave action is signi- is designated Development with an expanded area ficant, sediments are coarse, and the water is deep. to accommodate future demand. Designated Con- This area is adjacent to the main entrance channel servation are the low-lying areas east of the head- and small boats sometimes run along the North Jetty land and Jetty A, the lands north of the North Jetty, for protection. The Baker Bay side of the channel is the other low-lying undeveloped parts of Fort Canby much less dynamic, being protected by Jetty A and State Park, and the 50 foot buffer strips surrounding Cape Disappointment. Sediments become pro- Development areas. Other state and federally gressively finer to the north along the channel, owned land at Cape Disappointment, including the though they are still largely sand in this subarea. rocky bluffs on the south and east, and the old There is a severe shoaling problem in the outer part growth forested areas are designated Natural. of the Baker Bay West Channel, just inside Jetty A. The Baker Bay parts of this subarea are further des- Dredged Material Disposal cribed under 45.05. There is one dredged material disposal site in this Shoreland Features subarea, east of Jetty A, south of Cape Disappoint- Shorelands include beach areas (Benson Beach) ment [2(5)]. The site could be used to deposit the rocky promontories of Cape Disappointment' material from maintenance dredging of the Ilwaco Channel or expansion or relocation of the channel. and accreted land east of Jetty A. Wildlife value Is (cf Dredged Material Management, 56.10, 59.50.) high in the state park area for deer and smaller fur- bearing animals. On the cliffs, gulls, pelagic cormo- sonts and other marine birds predominate. Soil as- sociations include dune land (north of North Jetty and east of Jetty A) and Umbric Dyetrochrepts (on Cape Disappointment). There is a potential flooding and erosion hazard on the dune land. Uplands are steep and rocky. Human Use '51 wl, This subarea is entirely in public ownership. The State of Washington owns the state park and the federal government owns Cape Disappointment. 1xisting land and water uses include fishing, boat- ing, shipping, state park recreational activities, and a Coast Guard rescue facility which includes both operations and housing. Zomp IV Compleat Photographer IV - 121 AQUATIC SHORELAND Waters Wet- 0 la nds cofts@fion RUMI Developnimt HaterDepmdmi 3'DepTn ontou Developnimt Shorel ne k Non-aquatic Veg. Planning Boundary It A K E CD B A Y 0 os ul co + D, qu w (L or@ Uj C L U 1W A CL 0 PART V DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 50. SUMMARY AND PLAN DEVELOPMENT .................................................... V - 2 51. POLICIES AND STANDARDS ........................................................... V - 3 52. DREDGING TECHNOLOGY AND COSTS .................................................. V - 7 53. DREDGING DISPOSAL OPTIONS ........................................................ V - 9 54. IMPLEMENTATION AND SHORELAND DMD SITE MANAGEMENT .............................. V- 12 55. ESTUARY-WIDE PROJECTS ............................................................. V - 14 55. 10 Corps of Engineers Projects ...................................................... V- 14 55-11 Columbia River at the Mouth ................................................ V- 14 55.12 Lower Columbia River Estuary ............................................... V- 14 55.13 Upper Columbia River Estuary ............................................... V-15 55.20 Private Projects ................................................................ V- 17 56. BAKER BAY PROJECTS ................................................................. V - 17 56.10 Baker Bay West Channel: ....................................................... V- 17 56.20 ChinookChannel .............................................................. V_ 18 56.30 Future Projects .................................................................. V_ 19 56.40 Portof Ilwaco, ................................................................. V - 19 56.50 Port of Chinook ............................................................... V - 20 57. YOUNGS BAY - ASTORIA PROJECTS .................................................... V - 21 57.10 Hammond Channel .......................................................... I I V - 21 57.26 Hammond Boat Basin ........................................................... V - 21 57.30 Tansy Point ................................................................... V - 22 57.40 Skipanon Channel ............................................................. V - 22 57.50 Warrenton .................................................................... V - 22 57.60 Youngs Bay and River .......................................................... V - 24 57.70 Astoria Turning Basin .......................................................... V - 24 57.80 Port of Astoria ................................................................. V - 24 57.90 Tongue Point ................................................................. V - 25 58. UPPER ESTUARY PROJECTS ............................................................ V - 26 58.10 Grays Bay ..................................................................... V - 26 58.20 Skomokawa .................................................................. V - 27 58.30 Price Island ................................................................... V - 28 58.40 Cathlamet .................................................................... V - 28 58.50 Puget Island .................................................................. V - 28 58.60 Bradwood .................................................................... V - 29 58.70 Wauna-Westport .............................................................. V - 29 59. DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITES .................................................... V - 30 59.10 OceanSites ................................................................... V - 30 59.20 Estuary Sites .................................................................. V - 30 59.30 Flow-Lane Sites ................................................................ V - 31 59.40 Beach Nourishment Sites ....................................................... V - 31 59,50 Sloreland Sites V - 33 V-1 50. SUMMARY AND PLAN DEVELOPMENT Purpose will exceed its capacity by eighty six percent, though this situation is mitigated somewhat by beach More material is dredged from the Columbia River nourishment options for the Brooks Slough work. estuary than can be used constructively and shore- The Dredged Material Management Plan meets land disposal sites will be exhausted or developed these issues through its implementation process: during the next twenty years. All dredging occurs Shoreland DMD site use should be coordinated to within certain economic and environmental facilitate development and provide for sediments constraints. Suitable disposal options are needed for that cannot be disposed of in-water. both new project and maintenance dredging, and placement of dredged material on a site should be Plan Development compatible with its proposed final use. Development of the Dredged Material Manage- The Dredged Material Management Plan consists ment Plan involved two distinct phases: dredging of three major parts. Section 51 consists of dredging, and dredged material disposal (DMD) policies and disposal and site selection policies and standards, standards; and dredged material disposal site section 52 describes dredging technology and costs, selection. section 53 describes disposal options, and section 54 Dredging and disposal practices were developed discusses implementation. The plan describes the from existing state and federal regulations as they major dredging projects in the Columbia River relate to the Columbia River estuary area. The estuary with an analysis of disposal options (55-58). dredging and disposal policies and standards allow Finally, section 59 lists designated dredged material disposal (DMD) sites. Project and DMD site descrip- for maintenance, improvement and establishment tions are cross-referenced with each other and with of navigation channels and water dependent de- the Land and Water Use Plan (Part IV). velopment while protecting wetlands and other The objectives of the Dredged Material Manage- important estuarine natural resources. These prac- ment Plan are to: tices are coordinated with the Columbia River � Provide policies and standards for dredging and Estuary Land and Hater Use Plan (cf. Part IV) so that dredged material disposal that will minimize dredging and disposal operations are consistent with damage to wetlands and other estuarine re- existing and projected development. sources; Draft policies and standards were developed by a � Describe environmentally, technically and technical subcommittee involved in planning for the economically acceptable disposal sites for Lower River and Islands area. This committee, expected dredging during the next twenty composed of representatives from state and federal years; and natural resource agencies, the Corps of Engineers, � Coordinate dredged material disposal use with local ports and other dredging interests, participated other uses designated in the Columbia River in workshops on February 1-2, 1978 and May 2-3, Estuary Land and Water Use Plan. 1978, and published draft policies in the Lower River and Islands Plan. The plan was published for review Critical Issues and comment in July, 1978 and based on comments, was revised and placed in a different format. Over the twenty-year horizon of this plan, in- For dredged material disposal sites, the first con- creasing reliance will be placed on ocean disposal sideration was to identify all possible in-water and of dredged materials. Even within the planning reusable sites. Whether the site is flowlane, beach horizon, five areas will have difficulty finding share- nourishment, or ocean disposal, the major issues are land disposal sites unless regional dredged material environmental and technical: Will the site allow for management develops resources and cooperation disposal of dredged material without adverse conse- that are now only conceptual. quences? Next, shoreland sites were identified, and Of the large private projects, the Brusco work at it was soon apparent that sites that would meet en- Cathlamet Channel has shoreland site capacity for vironmental and economic standards are not of eight more years. sufficient capacity to provide for disposal needs over Warrenton has adequate DMID site capacity but the next 20 years. The major issues with shoreland use of those sites for Skipanon related dredging, as sites were economic feasibility, environmental indicated in this plan, may preclude development damage, compatibility with existing and planned because the f ine sediments are too unstable. use, ownership and site protection. Tongue Point development has adequate DMD The first regional coordination for dredged capacity only if nearly half the dredged material can material disposal had occurred through cooperation be used as fill during the construction. If the facilities between the Corps of Engineers and state and are built largely on pilings, four million cubic yards federal resource agencies and resulted in the DMD disposal capacity will need to be found. sites identified in the Corps' 1975 EIS on the Colum- Disposal sites for Grays Bay projects are all priority bia River 40 Foot Channel. An April 1977 CREST two and have nearly half a million cubic yards workshop evaluated potential DMD areas and capacity less than wil I be required. restoration/mitigation areas and the results were Projects at Skamokowa Creek, Brooks Slough and published in the CREST Columbia River Estuary Steamboat Slough use the same shoreland site and Inventory The most important result of this V-2 workshop was the development of environmental, public review on May 1, 1979 and another technical economic and engineering criteria for site selection. committee workshop wab held on that date. The Lower River and Islands Technical Committee The f i na I Draft DMMP was prepared f rom the May began initial site selection work for the main ship 1979 TAC workshop. This draft was mailed to all channel in 1978. In November, 1978, the Committee individuals, local officials, and state and federal conducted a workshop and did field evaluation of agency representatives who had participated or some potential DMD sites in the Youngs Bay-Astoria expressed an interest in the planning process. All area. Washington sites were reviewed at a March, affected property owners were notified by mail. 1979 workshop, where a refined list of Oregon sites After comments had been evaluated and appro- was also presented. The Draft Dredged Material priate changes made, the CREST Council formally Management Plan was released for agency and adopted the Draft DMMP in June, 1979. 51. POLICIES AND STANDARDS ,51.10 Dredging and Dredged Material should not be approved unless adequate disposal Disposal Policies sites are available for both the initial and any future Dredging and dredged material disposal are ac- maintenance dredging. tivities of estuary-wide significance that may involve 51.16* Dredging as a source of material may be per- several planning jurisdictions, are necessary for the mitted if no alternative source is feasible and the economic health of the region, and can have major dredging site is of low biological productivity or.for impacts on the estuarine environment. dike maintenance if no alternative source is avail- able and environmental damage is minimized. 51.11 Dredging should be for the purpose of main- Oregon LCDC Coastal Shorelands Goal 17 exception required taining, improving and establishing navigation (cf Appendix B) channels and access to water dependent facilities. Dredging and dredged material disposal should dis- turb the minimum area necessary for the project and 51.20 Dredged Material Disposal Site should be conducted so as to protect or enhance' Selection Policies wetlands and other estuarine resources. More material is dredged from the Columbia River 51.12 Loss of productive habitat and other environ- estuary than can be used constructively, shorelines mental damage should be minimized by the loca- have been altered and new land a 'reas have been tion, design and construction of both facilities re- created by deposition of dredged materials, and the quiring dredging and sites for dredged material shoreland capacity for dredged material disposal .disposal. Disposal of dredged materials shall be at will be exhausted in the next twenty years. Iden- an approved site where the biological productivity tification of dredged material disposal sites is an and physical characteristics are appropriate to re- estuary-wide concern. ceive the material. Dredged materials shall not be 51.21 Dredged material disposal sites should be placed in productive habitat unless part of an ap. designated for their final use with a Development proved development project. Shoreland disposal overlay for disposal use and should be managed for should enhance or be compatible with the final use the benefit of the final use, the public, and the of the land. Except for flow-lane disposal and beach estuarine environment. nourishment, in-water disposal inside the estuary may be substituted for ocean disposal only when sea or weather conditions pose a hazard to the dredging vessel. UftM fl-@ W", 51.13 Adverse hydraulic effects from dredging and disposal, such as over-channelization, clestabiliza- tion of fine-textured sediments, erosion, siltation, increased flood hazard, and undesirable circulation changes, shall be avoided. 51.111A The timing of dredging and disposal opera- tions shall be coordinated with state and federal re- T source agencies, local governments, and private interests to protect marine productivity, minimiz e interference with fishing, and insure proper flushing. 51.15 The effects of both initial and subsequent maintenance dredging shall be considered prior to Official Corps of Engineers Photo approval of new dredging projects. New projects V-3 51.22 Shoreland disposal sites should be selected 51.30 Dredging Standards for the conformity of the final use, after deposition of dredged materials, to the comprehensive plan or The removal of sediment or other material from a shoreline management plan. stream, river, estuary or other aquatic area for the Emphasis should be placed on sites where: purpose of deepening a navigation channel, moor- � Materials may be stockpiled for future use; ing basin or other navigational areas, or obtaining � The land use designation is already Develop- fill material. ment; � Materials will help restore degraded habitat; AREA STANDARDS * The final development or recreational use will New Projects: benefit from deposition of dredged materials; Conservation Aquatic (C) 51.3001 -51.3010, or 51.3013 � toxic or polluted materials will present minimal Rural Aquatic (C-OR) (PS-WA) 51.3001 -51.3010, health and environmental hazards. 51.3013 Sites with significant agricultural, habitat, scenic, Development Aquatic (PS) 51.3001 - 51.3010 recreational, archaeological, or historical values and sites where the present intensity or type of use is Maintenance of Projects: inconsistent with dredged material disposal should Natural Aquatic (C) 51.3001 -51.3012 be avoided. Conservation Aquatic (C) 51.3001 -51.3012 Engineering factors to be considered in site selec- Rural Aquatic (PS) 51.3001 -51.3012 tion should include: size and capacity of the site; Development Aquatic (PS) 51.3001 -51.3012 dredging method; distance from dredging opera- Obtaining Fill Material: tions; elevation; and the costs of site acquisition, preparation and revegetation. Conservation Aquatic (C) 51.3001 -51.3012 51.23 Approved shoreland disposal sites should be Rural Aquatic (C) 51.3001 -51.3012 given either a high, medium, or low priority on the Development Aquatic (PS) 51.3001 -51.3012 basis of site suitability as specified in 24.22 above. High priority sites should not be developed until 51.3001 Dredging in aquatic areas shall be per- their use for dredged material disposal is completed. mitted only: Development of medium priority sites may be (1) For navigation or navigational access; or delayed if use of the site for dredged material dis- (2) In conjunction with a permitted or condition- posal can occur within an acceptable period and ally permitted water dependent use of waters or such use prior to development is in the public adjacent shorelands for which there is a demon- interest. Low priority sites may be used for dredged strated public need and for which no feasible al- material disposal, but will not be reserved for that ternative exists; or use. (3) As part of an approved restoration project; or 51.24 In-water disposal sites should be chosen on (4) As a source of material, as per standard the basis of low benthic productivity and the low 51.3008 below, or for mining or mineral extraction, degree of adverse hydraulic effects from the use. as provided in the Mining and Mineral Extraction Long-term use of disposal sites within the estuary standards (33.12); or should be permitted only when no alternative exists (5) For dike maintenance, as provided in 33.2102, and the bio-physical impacts are minimal. 51.3011, and 51.3012. (6) In conjunction with a permitted or conditional- 51.25 Flow-lane disposal sites should be shown able ly permitted bridge (33.07), for which there is a to transport sediment downstream without excessive public need and no other feasible sites or routes shoaling, interference with commercial or sports exist. fishing, undesirable hydraulic effects, or adverse 51.3002 When dredging is permitted, the dredging effects on benthic productivity. shall be the minimum necessary to accomplish the 51.26 Beach nourishment sites should be selected to proposed use. offset the effects of active erosion, but should not be 51.3003 Erosion, sedimentation, increased flood used to create new beach or land areas. hazard and other undesirable changes in circulation shall be avoided in dredging and the disposal of dredged material. Tidal marshes, tidal flats and other wetlands should not be adversely affected. The applicant may be required to demonstrate the absence of adverse effects by correlation of field data and mathematical models or the Corps of Engi- neers' model. 51.3004 Bottom sediments and pore water in the dredging and disposal areas shall be adequately characterized by the applicant before the operation begins. Information that may be required includes, as appropriate: particle size distribution, organic National Fisherman content, nutrients, sulfides, oxygen and heavy V-A metals, benthic studies or other tests. This require- 51.40 Dredged Material Disposal Standards ment may be waived for clean Columbia River sands and gravels. The deposition of dredged material in aquatic 51.3005 The timing of dredging and disposal shall areas or shorelands. Methods include land disposal, be coordinated with state and federal resource in water disposal, in water disposal to create land, agencies, local governments and private interests to b.each nourishment, flow-lane disposal, ocean dis- ensure adequate protection of biological producti- posal, and other in water disposal. vity (fish runs, spawning, benthic productivity, wild- life, etc.) and to minimize interference with fishing in-water disposal is the deposition of dredged activities. In general, disposal should occur during material in a body of water. periods of adequate river flow to aid flushing of Flow-lane disposal is the in water deposition of suspended sediments and downstream transport of dredged material in or adjacent to the maintained dredged material reaching the bottom. navigation channel and within the natural channel 51.3006 Adverse short-term effects of dredging and or the slopes adjacent to the natural channel. The disposal such as turbidity, release of nutrients, purpose is to avoid perm@nent deposition and allow, heavy metals, sulfides, organic material or toxic the material to continue downstream. substances, dissolved oxygen depletion, disruption Ocean disposal is the deposition of dredged ma- ,of the food chain, loss of benthic productivity, and terial in the ocean. disturbance of fish runs and important localized Land disposal is the deposition of dredged ma- biological communities shall be minimized. terial on land. Beach nourishment is the deposition of dredged 51.3007 All relevant state and federal water quality material in shoreline areas where active erosion is standards shall be met by dredging and dredged occurring, as a way of preventing further erosion of material disposal activities. the bankline. It is not a way of creating new land or 51.3008* Dredging as a source of material for fill or beaches where beaches have not previously construction should not occur in productive, shallow existed. sub-ticlal areas, tidal flats, or tidal marshes. When AREA STANDARDS dredging as a source of material is necessary, be- cause feasible upland sources of material are ab- Conservation Aquatic (C) 51.4001 -51.4008 sent, dredging should occur in areas of sandy bottom Rural Aquatic (C) 51.4001 -51.4006, sediments, where biological productivity is low. and 51.4008 unwanted shoaling has occurred. Development Aquatic (PS) 51.4001 -51.4006, 51.3009 Destabilization of fine-textured sediments, 1 51.4008 erosion and siltation in areas adjacent to the dred- Conservation Shorelands (C) 51.4001 -51.4002, ging project and other undesirable changes in cir- 51.4007 - 51.4012 culation patterns, such cis a substantial reduction of Rural Shorelands (PS) 51.4001 -51.4002, flushing time, shall be avoided. 51.4007 - 51.4012 51.3010 In the evaluation of any dredging project Development Shorelands (PS) 51.4001 -51.4002, during the permit process, the adverse effects of 51.4007 -51.4012 both the initial dredging and subsequent mainten- Water Dependent Develop- 51.4001 - 51.4002, ance dredging must be considered. ment Shorelands (PS) 51.4001 - 51.4012 .51.3011* In all aquatic areas, minor dredging may 51.4001 Selection of dredged material disposal sites be permitted to the minimal extent necessary to shall be in accord with the Dredged Material Dis- open drainage channels from tide boxes out to posal Plan, Site Selection and Use Priorities, 53. deeper water, 51.3012* In all aquatic Iareas, dredging of shallow 51.4002 Standards 51.4002 - 51.4007, Dredging, biologically productive areas adjacent to dikes as a apply. source of material for dike maintenance may be 5.1.4003 With regard to in-water disposal in the allowed upon the applicant's demonstration that: river, estuary and ocean: (I Alternative sources of material are not avail- (1) Consideration shall be given to the need for able or are not economically feasible; and the proposed disposal, the availability and desira- (2) The dredging method selected will not leave bility of alternate sites and methods of disposal that potholes.where juvenilesalmon and otherfish might might be less clarnaging to the environment. No site be stranded at low water; and should be used if insufficient sediment type and (3). Other disruption of tidal flats and tidal marsh- benthic population data are available to provide a es is minimized. general idea of the biological value of the site. (2) The size and chemical characteristics of the 51.3013 New navigation project dredging in Conser- dredged material should be compared with those of vation and Rural Aquatic areas may be allowed the disposal site, and consideration should be given only for minor navigational improvements and to matching the dredged material to the capabilities limited to shallow draft. Such dredging shall not of the site. result in major alteration to the estuarine ecosystem. (3) In7water disposal requires either a water quai- ity certification or a short-term exemption. Dredged Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission Estuarine Resources Goal 16 Exceptions required (cf Appendix B) V-5 material disposal shall not be permitted in the vicin- streams, wetlands and drainageways. Leaching of ity of a public water supply intake. disposal runoff into the waterway must be controlled 51.4004 Flow-lone disposal shall- be conducted so and all disposal runoff water must enter the water- that: way through an outfall at a location that minimizes circulation and flushing. Underground springs and (I) 'The material is not deposited upstream from aquifers must be identified and protected. the dredging site. Disposal should not occur under (2) Dikes shall be well constructed and large fresh water flow and tidal conditions where the pre- enough to encourage proper "ponding" and to pre- dominant sediment transport at a site is upriver. vent the return of solids into the waterway or es- (2) Use of the disposal site does not interfere with tuary. Ponds should be designed to maintain at least fishing activities by causing major changes in the one foot of standing water at all times to further circulation patterns or bottom configurations. of the encourage proper settling. Weirs should have proper disposal site. crest heights. 51.4005 Ocean disposal shall be conducted so that: 51.4010 Disposal should be compatible with the in- (11) The amount of material deposited at a site is tended land surface use after disposal. Disposal of compatible with the benthic populations and other dredged material should occur on the smallest* uses of the area. possible land area consistent with Standard 33.2312 (2) Interference with sport and commercial fish- below, in order to minimize the quantity of land that ing is minimized. is disturbed. Clearing of land should occur in stages (3) Disposal is strictly confined to the designated only as needed. Reuse of existing disposal sites is disposal sites. preferred to the creation of new sites in order to 51.4006 Except for flow-lane disposal and beach minimize the total land area covered by disposal nourishment, deposition inside the estuary should material. It may, however, be desirable to clear and be substituted for ocean disposal only when sea or fill an entire site at one time, if the site will be used weather conditions are a hazard to safe navigation for development immediately afterfilling. for the dredging vessel. 51.4011 Where appropriate, revegetation of land 51.4007 In Comervation Aquatic areas, only sites disposal sites should occur as soon as possible, in designated in the Dredged Material Management order to retard wind erosion and to restore wildlife Plan may be used for disposal. habitat value of the site. Native species should be used; the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the 51.4008 Beach nourishment shall be conducted so SCS Inter-Agency Seeding Manual should be con- that: sulted. Efforts should be made to minimize the time (1) Erosion or deposition downstream from the necessary to achieve leaching of salts from the soils. disposal site does not occur. Particular care must be Revegetation of areas that will be reused is strongly taken that erosion of the dredged material does not encouraged, to help prevent erosion before reuse. smother marsh or other shallow productive areas. 51.4012 Hei ht and Slope requirements: The final (2) The volume and frequency of dredged mate- 9 rial disposal is such as to maintain a stable beach height and slope after each use of a land dredged profile, as nearly as possible. Dredged. rnater ia I sha material site should be such that: be graded at a uniform slope and contoured t (I ) The site does not enlarge itself by sluffing and reduce cove and peninsula formation, to minimize erosion at the expense of adjacent aquatic areas. juvenile fish stranding. (2) Loss of material from the site during storms and freshets is minimized. 51.4009 For land disposal: (3) Interference with the view from nearby resi- (I ) Proper diversion of surface discharge must be dences, scenic viewpoints and parks is avoided. provided to maintain the integrity of the natural V-6 52. DREDGING TECHNOLOGY AND COSTS Rm-g.w"M, 4'y M @@VMRRMMM -101, Dredges available in the Pacific Northwest today include pipeline dredges, seagoing hopper dredges 5 clamshell and barge, or land based equipment suc@ fli,@',RNIN ......... EMU as drag line and back hoe. Pipeline and hopper C@&A dredges are commonly used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Clamshell and barge equipment is commonly involved in port and private dredging jobs; their design is not specific to the dredging in- "N' HOUNJIIIRHWI@ clustry. Consideration for use of land based equip- ment and subsequent job costs can best be achieved through individual discussions with local contrac or representatives that own and operate that equ p_ ,ment. The discussion of relative costs for pipelire, hopper and clamshell dredging does not include t e cost of disposal site preparation. Officiat Corps of 11--ngineers Photo Pipeline Dredges time, thus allowing the dredge to move forward, as Pipeline dredging plans have been developed it swings back and forth. Dredging can be almost specifically for dredging of bed sediments from the continuous, except for changes in anchor positions nation's waterways. Pipeline dredges usually consist and addition of pipeline sections. of a large centrifugal pump mounted on a non- The major limitation of the pipeline dredge is that propelled, specially designed barge. Bottom mate- disposal areas must be relatively close to the rials are pumped up through a large diameter dredging operations. The main advantage is the suction pipe to the barge, and then on to the dis- large volume of material that can be dredged in a posal area through a pipeline network. The end of short period of time. the suction pipe is equipped with a revolving cutter- The Corps of Engineers currently operates only head that breaks up the bottom material for easier one pipeline dredge in the estuary, the Oregon. This transport. The suction pipe with cutter-head is dredge can move 2,000 to 3,000 cubic yards of mate- lowered to the desired depth by a large hinged rial an hour. It has a maximum dredging depth of 85 ladder controlled by cables, that extend forward feet and a minimum dredging depth of 12 feet. from the bow of the barge. The cutter-head is turned There are also commercial pipeline dredges avail- by a shaft that extends down the ladder and is able in the region. powered by a motor on the barge. The pipeline Pipeline dredges are typically classified by the network is floated on pontoons, extending as for as diameter of their discharge pipeline. Dredges avail- 4,000 feet to the disposal site. Greater distances can able in the Pacific Northwest range from a minimum be attained through the use of booster pumps. size of 8 inches to a maximum of 30 inches. Pumping Pipeline dredges are towed to the dredge site, distance and production capability of the pipeline and the pipeline is assembled. During operation, the dredges is directly related to pipeline diameter; dredge is held in position by anchors, swing lines, larger diameter yields greater discharge distances and spuds. Spuds are long, steel shafts that pass and higher production capability. through openings in the barge and can be raised Production Capabilities and lowered independently. When the barge is in The effects of pipeline size, length and dredge position, the spuds are dropped and anchors are horsepower prevent consideration of dredge pro- placed on each side. Swing lines attached to the duction in the form of a simple multiplication factor. anchors can then be tightened or loosened to swing The Corps of Engineers devised c: table that lists the the bow and cutter-head back and forth in a small production rate for each size dredge for three critical arc. During dredging, only one spud is placed at a pipe lengths based on pumping free -flowing sand (South Atlantic Division Circular 1130-2-1, February 4, 1975). A minor revision to the Corps of Engineer's production rates has been made based on consultant experience. Length Dredge CY/ CY/ (WITH CY/ Size Length FIR Length FIR Booster) HR 8" 1500 180 2500 100 3000 150 12" 2500 270 4500 180 7500 240 16" 3500 500 6000 330 10000 445 20" 4000 800 7000 520 11500 780 24" 5000 1200 7500 780 14500 1060 Official Cort)s of F'ntzinv(",.s Plioio 30" 6500 1800 10500 1170 17000 1590 V-7 These production rates are modified by the bank cubic yards in the Lower Columbia River vicinity. factor, material factor, and booster factor when Substantially higher dredging quantities will tend to booster pump is required. cause the relative cost factor range of Table 3 to The speed of the dredge's advance (fleeting) may decrease, or in other words to cause all values to control production when the bank or cut height is approach 1.0. less than the cutterhead diameter. In general, main- Mobilization and demobilization of the dredging tenance dredging activity will have shallow bank plant is a major fixed cost that is independen't of the heights with a bank factor less than 1.0, while new quantities to be dredged. Thus, mobilization costs work activity will have deep bank heights and a have a greater impact on small projects. It was bank factor approaching 1. 1. assumed that the dredge plant would be moved onto The dredgeability of the material also impacts the project from Portland, and would not require an upon production rate. The production capabilities ocean tow. The plant rental cost is a function of table (p. V - 7) was based on free flowing Columbia dredge and attendant plant time required to move River sands and the factor for sand material is 1.0. the project quantity at the established production Finer sediments are given a value greater than 1.0 rate. Labor cost for the operation of the dredge and and rock or shale materials have a factor less than 1.0. attendant plant is a function of the time required to The operation of an additional pumping plant in remove the project quantity at the established the discharge line will create operation problems. production rate. There are two types of costs asso- These problems tend to decrease production and are ciated with pipeline. One is for the placement of in general more severe at the start of a job, then shore pipe and is typically given in dollars per foot. decreasing after a prolonged dredging operation The second is for wear and tear on the pipeline and time. is given in dollars per cubic yard pumped. No other production control factors were consider- ed necessary for this analysis. Actual bid estimates, however, should take into account narrow channel PIPELINE DREDGING RELATIVE COSTS design, debris and subsequent pump clearings, changing plan location on job, minor operating Dredge Pumping Relative Cost repairs, and numerous other factors that would tend Size Distance Maintenance New Work to decrease net production time. 8" 1,500 0.765 0.66 Cost Factors for Pipeline Dredging 2,500 1.225 0.9A5 The dredging industry has made large capital in- 4,000 w/booster 1.15 0.895 vestments in recent years toward technical improve- 12" 2,500 0.81 0.815 ment of dredging equipment and those investments 4,500 1.06 0.99 have provided better numerical information on 7,500 w/booster 1.175 1.035 pipeline plant capabilities. The U.S. Army Corps of 16" 3,500 1.04 0.91 Engineers has attempted to take advantage of that 6,000 1.355 1.17 information to standardize their dredging estimation 10,000w/booster 1.465 1.19 procedures on a nationwide level. An Engineering Regulation, ER 1110-2-1300, dated February 15, 20" 4,000 0.955 0.82 1978, provides a "cookbook" approach to assist the 7,000 1.24 1.025 District offices in preparing government estimates 12,000 w/booster 1.36 1.08 involving pipeline dredging. The following discus- 24" 5,000 0.985 0.82 sion incorporates the Corps approach and provides 7,500 1.245 1.00 local factors to improve on the more general nation- 14,500 w/booster 1.40 1.08 wide aspect. 30" 6,000 0.965 0.785 This plan will not provide a detailed cost estimate 10,500 1.205 0.945 suitable for contract bid purposes, but does provide 17,000 w/booster 1.41 1.085 general data and a relative value to use in compari- son of alternate disposal sites and dredging plant. Hopper and Clarnshell Dredges The presentation assumes that a budget cost esti- mate is necessary, with early project decisions or Sea-going hopper dredges and clarnshell with alternatives sti I I to be made. barge provide an alternative mode to pipeline The numerical values in the Pipeline Dredging dredging. At this time there are no privately owned Relative Costs table compares costs for pumping hopper dredges available for private contract distances and various dredge sizes, assuming other dredging work. However, private contractor owner- factors are constant. With this table, two or more ship of hopper dredge plants may occur in the near disposal sites at varied distances from the dredging future. can be compared. The table also suggests the Present use of hopper dredges and barges suggest pumping distance capability of the various sized that they are not suitable for use with shoreland pipelines. disposal sites. No pump ashore facilities exist for the When the production rates are established for west coast hopper dredge fleet. Clamshell equip- various pipeline lengths, assumptions must be made ment could be used to rehandle materials from a for the amount of material to be dredged. This table barge to an upland site, but this has not been was based on a one time average dredging project standard due to economics and acceptable alter- quantity ranging from 60,000 cubic yards to 310,000 native dredging methods. V-8 The production rate for clamshell with barge is dock and hook up pump ashore equipment . Haul based on the Fisher work at the Astoria Turning distance for a clarnshell with 2 barge operation is Basin, 1976. Production rate for the hopper dredge is effectively reduced by a factor of 50% and cost for a based on the Biddle values provided in Study of second clarnshell to rehandle material at the Maintenance Dredging at Coastal Entrances, U.S. disposal site is added. Army Corps of Engineers, December, 1973. These The relative cost factors for sea-going hopper production rates occur when dredging free flowing dredge or clamshell with barge equipment below Columbia River sands, and must be modified when are directly related to the pipeline dredging costs. dredging other types of sediments. The dredgeability of the material, as with the CLAMSHELL AND HOPPER DREDGE pipeline dredge, affects production rate. In general, RELATIVE COSTS the hopper dredge will not load as well with finer sediments because the overflowwill carryfines, that Distance to have settling rates slower than sand, out of the Type of Dredge Disposal Site Relative Cost hopper. It will take longer for the hopper dredge to Clamshell Up to 20 miles 2.02 load and subsequently will reduce the production Hopper Dredge 2 miles 0.77 rate. A clamshell, however, can overload in fine 10 miles 1.70 sediments on each grab and subsequently increase 20 miles 2.73 production. Neither clarnshell nor hopper dredge 'is as effective in hardpan or rock. Overdredging A hopper dredge equipped with hydraulic pump Overdredging takes into consideration the capa- and trailing dragheads can out-produce a clarnshell bility of any dredge plant to control its dredge depth. while at the dredging site. The hopper dredge must While working on the water surface, a dredge leave the dredging site to dispose of its loaded operator in the Lower Columbia Region cannot see sediments. Thus the total production rate is de- the bed surface, and the water surface elevation creased by the time to and from the disposal site. A fluctuates due to tidal and river flow change. When clarnshell can continue to dredge material into one excavation is accomplished by hydraulic pipeline barge while a second barge is travelling to the cutterhead with digging spuds in contact with the disposal site, releasing sediments and returning to bed, some control is provided that is not obtainable the dredge site. A two barge disposal operation from a barge mounted clarnshell, or a trailing where each barge has 2000 cubic yards capacity or suction hopper dredge. Shore side equipment, such greater can have an approximate 200 mile run to the as a Pnuema or Ciozer dredge lowered from the disposal site, and 'still return before the second dock, has an even better control of actual dredging barge is filled. For this analysis, an approximate 17 depth because their work platform is at a fixed to 18 mile haul is the break-even point on relative elevation. Still, the operator cannot see the bed costs for hopper dredge versus a clarnshell with two surface and must rely on remote measurements such 2000 cubic yard disposal barges. as lead line or fathometer sounding to assure all In general, mobilization costs for hopper or clam- materials have been removed. shell equipment would be less than for a pipeline Experience suggests that control from clockside dredge because less attendant plant is required, and equipment is limited to a one foot overdredge equipment set-up at the site is quicker. elevation; from cutterhead barge with spuds to a Shoreland disposal sites are possible but require two foot overdredge elevation; and for clamshell double pumping or rehandling of the sediments. The mounted barges and trailing suction hopper dredges cycle time for a hopper dredge is increased by the to approximately three feet. time to pump sediments ashore, plus the time to 53. DREDGING DISPOSAL OPTIONS 98 dredged material disposal (DMD) sites are iden- dependent oh proximity to dredging projects or tified in this plan. The 52 shoreland sites are the most water access for transfer from barges. Clean coarse valuable because materials may be stockpiled for fill can be used for beach nourishment; 22 sites have reuse, sites can be improved for projected develop- been identified where the effects of beach erosion ment, and toxic or polluted materials can be safely can be off-set by the deposition of dredged mate- isolated from the environment. However, these sites rials. will be either developed or filled to capacity during Certain sediments can simply be dispersed by the next twenty years, and increasing reliance will tidal, river and ocean currents. Flow-lone disposal is need to be placed on other alternatives. used by the Corps for nearly one third of the naviga- Fine, clay-like material is excellent for use in tion channel dredging in the upper estuary. Within repairing and maintaining dikes. This plan has iden- the estuary and in the ocean, dredged materials tified general areas where dikes could be improved have also been placed where they will not reenter using DMD. However, use of these dike sites is V-9 the channel or where dispersal is relatively slow. for certain sediments. A brief discussion of envi- Estuary disposal sites, where there is strong ebb and ronmental and engineering considerations accom- flood tidal flow, presents a much more complex hy- panies each shoreland site description (cf 59.50). draulic problem and need careful evaluation to ensure their use does not worsen shoaling problems Dike Disposal in marginal bays or other areas. The hydraulic DMD on dikes may prove cost-effective for the dynamics at ocean sites are also complex and need combined goals of dike maintenance and disposal careful physical and biological analysis to ensure of otherwise unused, fine-sediment dredged ma- adverse effects are minimized. terials. The major environmental consideration is Each type of DMD site has its own advantages and that the material be deposed in such a way that it not disadvantages. Economics generally favor sites close slough into productive aquatic areas. The major to the dredging. Shoreland sites are generally engineering issues would be effective clewatering of superior if the material must be isolated from the the sediments and careful dike stabilization, pre- environment. Flow-)one and beach nourishment ferably through revegetation, after DMD use. Given sites are often most convenient, while ocean the locations of existing dikes, it is not expected that disposal has the advantage of removing the material this will become a major disposal option. Potential from the estuary altogether. However, shoreland dike DMD areas are included in this plan to facilitate sites have a finite capacity, flow-lane, estuary and communication between dredging contractors and beach nourishment sites can contribute to shoaling dike owners. in other areas, and ocean disposal may be too expensive for certain projects. Beach Nourishment Environmental Considerations Beach nourishment poses few environmental or engineering problems at the approved sites. Gener- The dredging and disposal policies call for mini- ally, beach sites are suitable for coarse sandy sedi- mal disturbance of the DMD site and region con- ments similar to sediments already at the beaches. sistent with minimizing adverse environmental and Benthic and shoreland productivity are generally hydraulic impacts. The disposal standards specifi- low and beaches return to normal rapidly after DMD cally protect tidal marshes, tidal flats, wetlands, and use, if clean channel sands are disposed. Beaches other valuable habitat which, in the context of using are migration routes for juvenile fish. Sites should an approved DMD site, means that the biological not be left so flat that fish could strand. Because productivity of areas adjacent to the DMD site should deposition is largely on shore, turbidity is not usually not be affected. The standards also require that a problem but, for a discussion of in-water disposal undesirable circulation changes be minimized. To issues, see In-water Disposal - Flow-lane, Estuary and meet these goals, the standards require the appli- Ocean Sites, below. At all sites in this plan, hydraulic cant for a dredging permit to show that the bottom pipeline equipment would be used, and site prepar- sediments and pore water at the DMD site have been ation is minimal. Beach nourishment sites may re- adequately characterized, deposition of particular quire some revegetation and adjacent sensitive or sediments will be compatible with materials already productive areas may require protection ago.inst present, and short term effects such as turbidity and movement of the deposed sediments. Where such pollution will be minimized. These performance issues have been identified, they are noted in the standards apply to all types of DMD sites. beach nourishment site descriptions (cf 59,40). DMD use should be coordinated with adjacent property Shoreland Sites owners. The major factors controlling choice of a shore- In-water Disposal - Flow-lane, Estuary and land site are cost, land use and availability. In- creased distance from the dredging operation and Ocean Sites extensive site preparation both increase costs. The In either the estuary or the ocean, a site may be sediment to be deposited must be suitable for the chosen for long term storage of material, as in a future use of the site: for example, fine sediments sump, or for hydraulic redistribution. In the river, will not produce stable land for industrial develop- flow-lane disposal assumes that material will be ment while coarse sands will not enhance produc- transported downstream. In the estuary or ocean, tive farmland or be useful for dike maintenance. more complex hydraulics exist and site specific and The principal engineering consideration is the model studies are needed to determine the fate of degree of confinement that the site and the pro- dredged materials which is deposited. posed deposition will require. The Corps of Engi- In-water sites are not contained by dikes or berms. neers has developed specific guidelines for de- They are selected because of the suspended and signing containment areas at the DMD site which bottom sediment transport characteristics of the both maximize the site's capacity and control waterway and the water and sediment quality of the effluent quality. The guidelines address such tech- dredged material. The difference between a ques- nical issues as possible geochemical changes after tionable and an acceptable in-water site is depend- DMD use that cause release of contaminants and ent on both physical and biological factors. The effective clewatering of the sediments. In general, Columbia River Estuary Inventory of Physical, Biolo- diking around the DMD site offers maximum con- gical and Cultural Characteristics includes an excel- finement while berming, the creation of low lent discussion of suspended sediment (section mounds of sediment during deposition, may suffice 208.3) and bottom sediment (section 208.4) trans- port. V-10 The source of suspended sediment in a river is Clean sediments pose minimal water quality normally the slow erosion of lands in the river basin. problems and even sediments with heavy metals or This material is carried in suspension by the turbu- other toxins may not release contaminants to the lance and differential shear stresses in the vertical water. However, the release of organics and water column. Very high current velocities can carry nutrients from sediments may cause local toxic sand, silts and clay particles in suspension. Sus- effects and the depletion of available oxygen. pended load content will increase with increasing Turbidity is a concern in that it diminishes rec- river flow, which result in higher current velocities reational values. Turbidity may also be a sign of and water levels, which erode banks, lift finer, water quality problems because the swirling sedi- lighter sediments into suspension, and provide a ments offer a greater opportunity for release of greater capacity for suspended sediment transport. toxins. Finally, turbidity can be a sign that the sedi- In the estuary, the river widens dramatically, ments will not settle properly and may dispose as a causing reduced net downstream current velocities fluid-mud layer that may be very detrimental to which result in a decrease in downstream transport benthic organisms. While some studies indicate that capacity, with heavier sediments settling out to turbidity does little environmental harm to adult cause shoals. organisms, the impacts on juveniles is detrimental The suspended sediment load conditions in the and impacts associated with turbidity have led re- Columbia River estuary are particularly complex be- source agencies to regulate it carefully. Dredge cause flows change rapidly under the influence of operators are able to comply with these regulations rains, storms and winds, upstream river reservoir without excessive cost. regulation, and tidal variations; the cross section of The smothering effect upon benthic organisms the estuary also varies greatly. Thus, the travel depends upon the animal species, the depth of distance of sediment particles after they have been burial, and the type of sediment. At approved sites, released from a dredge or barge is not constant with where benthic productivity is low and organisms are sediment size alone. The river stage, tide stage, and adapted to a sandy bottom environment, deposition site location all affect the in-water disposal results of sandy sediments does little long term damage to and averages of measured flow characteristics over populations beyond the larval stage. The larval a period of weeks must be applied to predict the fate stage of most organisms is seasonal and, proper of disposed sediments. timing should minimize this effect. Bedload is the material moving along the bottom The other major effect on benthic populations is of the streambed and not in suspension. The lighter the degree to which the populations can absorb of these materials may "saltate" or jump from the contaminants, leading either to poisoning of the bed for short distances but do not remain in sus- species or directing the contaminants into the food pension. chain. Unfortunately there are no clear trends and The sediment characteristics of the dredged mate- bioassys are often necessary for case by case rial and the bed material must be determined, in- evaluation. cluding the sediment grain diameter and physical The lower Columbia River reach is virtually blan- and water quality characteristics. Water velocity keted by gillnet fishing drifts. These drifts are values and directions must be established to allow cleared of snags prior to the fishing season which calculation of sediment movement while in sus- normally occurs during the months of August pended transport. The number of measurements is through November. Other conflicts include fish dependent on the depth of the disposal site and migration, rough winter water conditions in the depth of dredged materials at time of release into lower reaches and high velocity flows in May and the waterway. June. Resource agencies restrict in-woter disposal Knowledge of bottom topography prior to disposal during fish migrations. Gillnet fishermen attempt to is also very important in the analysis of impacts from restrict site use during snagging - July and August - in-water disposal. Completion of a detailed hydro- and during the fishing seasons, August through graphic survey prior to velocity measurement and November. sediment sampling at the disposal site is important. Winter weather seriously limits ocean and lower The survey helps establish probable flow lanes for reach use from November through February, while the water currents, predominant movement of bed- high reiver discharge limits the entire reach use load and other geomorphological aspects. The during May and June. Disposal timing recommend- fathometer tracings can also reveal the size and bed ations must be carefully coordinated after site selec- forms that exist, such as the sand waves. Use of the tion and quantity calculations are made. side scan sonar system further enhances the total The acceptable sites, as determined by research picture of the bed and allows improved theoretical information available, must be in water depths of computation of bedload transport. approximately 25 feet minimum to 50 feet maxi- In-waterr disposal poses controversial environ- mum. Shallower depths have greater fisheries use., mental issues, many of which center around water less sediment transport and related biological stress quality,, turbidity, and the tolerance of benthic or- in general, while deeper depths are energy holes ganisms to rapid sedimentation. These issues must with deposited sediments often transported out too be dealt with on a site specific basis during the fast, causing navigation or biological problems else- 40 permit process, and the burden of proof is on the where. The slope of both bed and disposed sediment project applicant to show that.adverse effects will be must be sufficiently gradual to prevent excessive minimized. transport. The sites must also be in or near the main V-11 river flow, having predominant downstream move- Sediments that have less than 10% fines (silts and ment, thus avoiding back channel deposition. clays) are usually acceptable for in-water disposal. Materials should be placed in a site downstream Smaller grain sizes will cause increased turbidity, from the dredging location. Controlled placement by generally have higher organics, will not move by pipeline, hopper dredge or hopper barge, or by bedload transport, and will tend not to settle. barge and clarnshell could be acceptable. 5A. IMPLEMENTATION AND SHORELAND DMD SITE MANAGEMENT The key to full implementation of this Dredged Site Priorities Material Management Plan is the management of In this plan, sites have been ranked with one of the shoreland DMD sites by local jurisdictions. This three priorities. Priority 1 sites are essential to meet section discusses the actions that local jurisdictions current dredging needs and should be reserved for will need to take in zoning and comprehensive plans DMD use. Priority 2 sites are necessary to meet or coastal zone management programs. The first part current and the more probable projected dredging deals with actions required for DMD site designa- needs, but their importance may or may not justify tions and some aspects of the management respon- efforts to reserve them. Priority 3 sites may be re- sibilities. The second section explains site priorities quired in the future as long range development while the third discusses the various techniques that proposals are made, but the need for these sites has might be used to reserve sites for DMD use. The last a low priority and they should not be reserved from part sketches local jurisdiction review procedures other uses unless a more firm need develops. that might off ect DMD sites. Local jurisdictions should adopt a priority system into their ordinance procedures, such that a higher DMD Site Designations priority site will be utilized before a lower priority In the Columbia River Estuary Land and Water Use site and development proposals for priority I and 2 Plan (Part IV), all aquatic DMD sites are either in an sites can be temporarily frozen, if necessary, to area designated for development or are designated permit DMD use or site acquisition (cf Localjurisdic- with a Development overlay for the purpose of DMD tion Review Opportunities, below). use only. On shorelands, DMD sites are given a land use designation consistent with their proposed even- DMD Site Reservation Techniques tual use. Site use procedures and standards should Practicality and zoning will protect many of the be incorporated into zoning ordinances. DMD sites identified in this plan: some sites cannot It is important that local jurisdictions designate all be developed at all without fill and all priority sites acceptable DMD sites listed in this plan because the in this plan have property owner cooperation. How- absence of the designation may allow development ever, ownership and development plans can change to occur before any DMD use. it is also important that and it may be necessary to take some action 'to local jurisdictions have a process for adding DMD ensure DMD use at a given site prior to some pre- sites which are not currently foreseen. For example, emptory use. much farm land could benefit from deposition of . Local jurisdictions can reserve the use of share- appropriate sediments and certain sites where de- land sites until DMD use is completed through land velopment is permitted could be improved by DMD use controls, property acquisition, easements, pur- use. Instances of this sort could be handled by chase of development rights, condemnation, special DMD siting procedures in the zoning and property exchanges. In the case of private ordinance. dredging projects for which disposal would be on The general management responsibility of a local private land, it may be appropriate for the dredging jurisdiction for its DMD sites is to prevent preemptory applicant and site owner to work out whatever uses of the site prior to DMD use. This responsibility is agreement is to their mutual benefit. No federal or fulfilled through the implementation of ordinance state programs which might fund DMD site acquisi- procedures discussed here and the review proce- tion have been identified and this financial respon- dures discussed at the end of this section. The local sibility remains with the dredging applicant, but jurisdiction may also bear some financial responsi- local jurisdictions can provide assistance to ensure bility for DMD use: the Corps of Engineers has a best use of DMD sites. For this reason, the following stated, though often waived, policy requiring that discussion is primarily from the perspective of a local the agency sponsoring a dredging project pay for Wriscliction with land use planning authority. DMD site preparation. Actual payment depen n Several of the site reservation techniques, however, how much a particular site is needed and how uch may be used by port districts and private parties. the deposition would benefit the site pro rty owner. Land Use Controls - Local jurisdictions may use a combination of special zoning and limited freezing of development proposals to reserve DMD sites for DMD use. v- 12 Any use other than dredged material disposal DMD site. The first two occur in the normal state and should be designated as conditional for high priority federal permit processes and may be together or DMD sites. The conditional use standards should re7 separated. Local land use permits will be required quire the developer to show either that the proposed for the third situation. use is compatible with future DMD use or that the Dredging Permit Review - Local jurisdictions costs and benefits (including environmental, eco- must have a procedure to review dredging opera- nomic, social, and regional dredged material man- tions that occur within their boundaries (cf. Federal agement considerations) clearly.establish a greater Consistency, section 73). At the local level, review is public benefit from development than from reser- for consistency of the dredging and the final use vation for DMD use. with the local comprehensive plan policies and A limited freeze on development proposals can be standards. used to modify the burden of proof for a preemptive use of priority 2 DMD sites. Thus, the development Disposal, Dredging Permit Review - Even where could be permitted if no dredging interest acts to the dredging occurs outside the jurisdiction, disposal acquire use of the site within a specified time, either may be a concern to the local jurisdiction. In ninety or-one hundred and eighty days. addition to reviewing for consistency, the local No land use controls are recommended for reser- jurisdiction should be able to encourage early use of vation of priority 3 sites. DMID sites that for some reason should be used first. The basic tools for this action include using the site Easements - The property owner may enter into priority system to evaluate complete consistency of an easement agreement whereby the right to place the proposal, and negotiation with the dredging dredging materials on the land is granted to some 'permit applicant. other party. The property owner retains full use and ownership rights and specifies conditions for DMID Development Proposals - A property owner may use. Easements are most ap ,plicable where the elect to apply for a zoning action or building permit property owner either desires fill to enhance cleve'l- at any time, and there may be no zoning or code opment potential or has no objection. Because the objection but for the fact that the site should be used owner retains control and because DMD use may for DMD first. In such circumstances, local jurisdic- financially benefit the owner, easements are often tions could freeze any action on the property for a obtained at little or no cost. specified period (e.g. 90 or 180 days) during which time relevant agencies could negotiate for DMD use Purchase of Development Rights - Property of the site. If such negotiations are not brought to a ownership carries with it certain development rights conclusion within the specified time, then the that are transferrable on either a temporary or original application would proceed through normal permanent,basis. Purchase of development rights for channels. some definite term would make it economically A second option for local jurisdictions could be feasible for certain property owners to forego cle@ through a limitation on the site's property taxes, as is velopment until after DMID is completed. already provided through Sections 5 and 6 or ORS Fee Purchase - Purchase of the DMID site is more 308.370 dealing with Exclusive Farm Use Zones and expensive than an easement but may entail several the- concept of a frozen assessed valuation as pro- advantages. Some of the shoreland sites identified vided in Urban Renewal Areas under ORS 457. While in this plan will not receive DMD use for some years the legal precedent is clear, specific enabling legis- and the current owner may be unwilling to wait that lation may be necessary before local jurisdictions long before developing the site. If a local jurisdic- can take such actions on DMD sites. tion (or private dredging party) simply purchases the land, it can resell after DMD use. Local jurisdictions REGIONAL COORDINATION could make use of a revolving fund to purchase DMD The importance of regional dredged material sites that would otherwise be lost to DMID use, with management stems from three significant problems: resale of specific parcels supplementing the fund for -Disposal in one jurisdiction may affect other further acquisitions. Use of public bonds and other jurisdictions; techniques may be necessary to finance the in- -Dredging projects and their related disposal creased front-end costs of this method. If purchases sites are not always within the some jurisdic- are combined with easements, purchase of cleve - tion; and opment rights, and land use controls, the amount f -Disposal sites for projects within a jurisdiction property that must be purchased can be minimize . may prove unsuitable. Property Exchange - In some instances, a local For example, Warrenton appears to have DMD jurisdiction or dregding party may acquire DMD sites capacity to meet foreseeable needs from Skipanon through an exchange of property with the DMD site dredging. However, the silts from the Skipanon owner. might, if deposed without added coarse sediments on the designated sites, preclude planned industrial Local Jurisdictio'n Review development. Warrenton's DMD capacity can only be considered adequate if a mechanism insures that There are three situations where a local jurisdic- Warrenton's fine sediments can be suitably deposed tion must review dredging or disposal issues: dredg- and stabile coarse 'sediments can be found for I 0 d ing within the jurisdiction, disposal within the juris- planned development. diction, or a development proposal for a designated This mechanism must be regional because it is 13 unlikely that one jurisdiction will find another single jurisdictions. For example, mobile pump-ashore jurisdiction with exactly complimentary needs. The facilities could facilitate use of coarse sediments role for CREST described in Intergovernmental Coor- now deposed at sea and could make possible the dination, 74, provides for this regional dredged use of shoreland sites which are not included in this material management. plan because they are too far from the river for The second aspect of regional coordination will be current methods. to develop facilities that are too expensive for single 55. ESTUARY-WIDE PROJECTS 55. 10 Corps of Engineers Projects obtain project dimensions and provide extra over- depth dredging to maintain project depths for a 3-5 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland Dis- year period. trict, maintains the entrance channel to the mouth of The entrance dredging is performed by trailing the Columbia River and a navigation channel up- draghead hopper dredges, which use in-water stream to Vancouver. An attempt to engineer a self- disposal sites where depths are greater than 25 feet. scouring channel has been partially successful. Flow The majority of sediments are disposed at ocean control structures such as pile dikes and channel sites A, B, E, F and G, with some disposal as estuary islands have been extensively used throughout the site D. Columbia River. The arrangement of pile dikes at- MCR dredging activities will probably not require tempts to restrict and direct natural flow within upland disposal sites, because open ocean condi- maintained portions of the channel. Maintenance of tions require use of hopper dredge equipment. existing channel islands and beaches also con- Pumping ashore from hopper dredges is used on the tributes to decreased dredging operations. East Coast, because the fine-bed sediments are often Pile dikes and related structures do not, however, polluted. The materials at the MCIR site are clean fully control shoaling of the navigation channel; sands and do not require pumping ashore to avoid sediment and hydraulic conditions cause deposition pollution. Unless an economic demand for material of material where it presents a hazard to navigation offsets the additional cost realized by pumping and must be removed. The following table summa- ashore, pumping will probably hot be used during rizes post maintenance, and indicates the annual the 20-year study time. volume of material removed from the navigation The Corps attempts to determine optimum sites for channel is 10 million.cubic yards. Three regions re- estuary disposal through its MCR hydraulic/mathe- quire- annual removal and cause associated matical model at Vicksburg. Several experimental problems: sites are being studied for various bio-physical -the mouth of the Columbia River, where an parameters related to in-water disposal. Continued average of 5.8 million cubic yards (cy) has been in-water disposal is to be expected, based on open removed annually, channel research. -the lower Columbia River estuary to Rice Island, 55.12 Lower Columbia River Estuary where I million cy have been removed annual- The Corps project provides a channel 40 feet deep ly, and and 600 feet wide from the mouth of the Columbia -the upper Columbia River estuary, east of Puget River to Vancouver, Washington. Included in the Island, where 3.2 million cy have been re- authorized project are a number of side channels moved annually. and projects discussed later. 55.11 Columbia River at the Mouth (MCR) The portion of the channel upstream to about Rice The Corps' project provides a channel 48 feet deep Island is distinct from the rest of the channel within and one-half mile wide over the ocean bar, secured the CREST region for several reasons. At about this by two converging rubble mound jetties, a spur jetty point, which varies with river level and tidal stage, (Jetty B) on the north shore, and by maintenance downstream flow conditions change, and the dredging. Jetty B has not been constructed; Jetty A transport of sedimentary material is affected. Most was constructed in 1939 along with rehabilitation of port and other development projects are also con- the north jetty. centrated in this lower reach of the estuary. Incre- A proposal to deepen the entrance bar is presently mental impacts of dredging and development from under study by the Portland District of the Corps. A far upstream combine with existing local use of the 53-foot maintained depth is quite likely to be pro- estuary to magnify problernsand conflicts. vided for future vessel traffic. In this part of the estuary, channel material is Typically, shoaling occurs between river mile usually dredged by trailing suction hopper dredge, -1.0 and river mile +2.0. Annually, quantities re- with in-water disposal at the Harrington Point Sump, moved average 6 million cubic yards. Even this estuary area D, Tansy Point (limited use), or in ocean amount does not maintain full project depth year- sites A, B, E and F. Site G is used on an . experimental round, because of rapid infill rates. The Portland basis,and the Corps has proposed a site H. Recent District removed 9.2 million cubic yards in 1977 to discussions with the Corps, CREST and resource V-14 agencies have resulted in temporary termination of been limited to reaches upstream of Rice Island and the Tansy Point disposal site and restricted use of to the Harrington Point Sump, until model studies Area D. The Astoria Turning Basin was constructed by can evaluate the transport rate for bed sediments in clarnshell and barge, with disposal at sea. Area D reaches of the lower estuary. was used when the bar was impassable because of The Corps' hopper dredges presently carry mate- weather and wave conditions. rials from Tongue Point upstream to Harrington Point 55.13 Upper Columbia River Estuary and may soon begin bringing material downstream Upstream of Rice Island, the 40 foot navigation from the upper estuary. This material would be re- channel closely -parallels the Wahkiakum County handled by pipeline during the month of June and shoreline. An average annual volume of 3.2 million placed on Rice Island [DMD 55(S)]. This would result cubic yards of material is removed from this reach, in enlarging Rice Island approximately 20% over the causing significant present and even more signifi- next 20 years. cant long-term implications for dredged material The Corps anticipates future maintenance will use management. Upland disposal options, historically the identified upland sites and in-water flow lane acceptable, are decreasing as available land is sites but some question on use of estuary sites down- diverted to other uses. Accordingly, in-water stream of Harrington Point remains, which may not disposal options have increased in importance. Most be answered even when model studies are com- upland disposal sites fall under jurisdictions dis- pleted. As long as bed sediments are clean heavy cussed elsewhere. Rice Island, Miller Sands and Jim sands as presently exist, in-water disposal is a Crow Sands are traditional Corps disposal sites. natural option. Environmental costs for this alter- The Upper Reach flow-lane disposal operations native, however, need more consideration. and dredging are performed by both pipeline and Nonetheless, private contractors are preparing for hopper dredges at selected sites adjacent to the future dredging assignments requiring clamshell navigation channel and at Harrington Point Sump, dredges with bottom dump barges and trailing drag- Flow-lane disposal has, by general agreement, head hopper dredge equipment. COLUMBIA RIVER MAIN NAVIGATION CHANNEL MOUTH AND LOWER ESTUARY Project Volume Dredged DMD Sites* Columbia River Bar/Clatsop Shoal 5,800,000 cy/yr A, B, E, F, G, H, 6(E), 7(E), D RM - 1.5 to - 1.0 and -0.2 to 2.6 Desclemonio Shoals 368,000 cy/yr D, E, I I (E), 15(E) RM 5.0 to 7.8 Flavel/Astorio Shoal 373,000 cy/yr D, 11 (E), 36(E), 15(E), 54(E) RM 11.3 to 11.6 and 12.5 to 12.6 UpperSands 293,000 cy/yr D, 54(E), 39(E) RM 16.3 to 16.6 Tongue Point Shoal 233,000 cy/yr 39(E), 54(E) RM 18.7 to 19.1 *Sites in boldface are the primarily used sites for the project. V_ 15 Project Volume Dredged DMD Sites UPPER ESTUARY - Hopper Disposal Lower Miller Sands Bar 158,000 cy/yr 54(E) RM 21.4 to 22.5 Upper Miller Sands Bar 106,000 cy/yr 54(E) RM 23.5 to 24.6 Lower Pi I lar Rock Bar 138,000 cy/yr 59(F) RM 25.0 to 26.0 Upper Pillar Rock Bar 143,000 cy/yr 59(F) RM 26.4 to 27.9 Lower Brookfield Bar 88,000 cy/yr 59(F) RM 28.7 to 29.7 Upper Brookfield Bar 115, 000 cy/yr 59(F) RM 31.4 to 32.2 Welch Island Bar 68,000 cy/yr 68(F) RM 32.6 to 34. 0 Skamokawo Bar 56,000 cy/yr 58(F) RM 35.0 to 35.9 Puget Island Bar 200,000 cy/yr 73(F) RM 37.4 to 38.7 Wauna Bar 52,000 cy/yr 73(F), 81 (F) RM 40.5 to 41.5 Lower Westport Bar None 8 1 (F), 95 (F) RM 42.0 to 43.3 UPPER ESTUARY -Pipeline Disposal Lower Miller Sands Bar 413,000 cy/yr 55(S), 56(B) RM 21.4 to 22.5 Upper Mi I ler Sands Bar 147,000 cy/yr 56(B) RM 23.5 to 24.6 Lower Pi I lar Rock Bar 13,000 cy/yr 57(B), 58(B), 61 (B), 60(B) RM 25.0 to 26.0 Upper Pillar Rock Bar 134,000 cy/yr 60(B), 61 (B), 62(B), 63(B) RM 26.4 to 27.9 Lower Brookf i eld 39,000 cy/yr 63(B) RM 28.7 to 29.7 Upper Brookfield 53,000 cy/yr No site at present RM 31.4 to 32.2 Welch Island Bar 82,000 cy/yr 66(B), 65(S), 70(B) RM 32.6 to 34.0 Skarnokawa Bar None 70(B),71(D) RM 35.0 to 35.9 Puget Island Bar 54,000 cy/yr 71 (1)), 72(B), 77(B), 78(S), RM 37.4 to 38.7 79(S), 80(B) Wauna Bar 92,000 cy/yr 83(S), 84(B), 88(B), 82(B), RM 40.5 to 41.5 86(S), 87(B) Lower Westport Bar 156,000 cy/yr 87(B), 91 (B), 88(B), 82(B), RM 42.0 to 43.3 86(S), 87(B) Middle Westport Bar 326,000 cy/yr 91 (B), 94(B), 92(B) RM 44.4 to 45.4 V- 16 55.20 Private Projects a larger amount of dredging or disposal. Certain Throughout the Columbia River estuary, numerous private interests require periodic dredging to pro- private parties dredge and dispose of dredged vide access for boats necessary for their business. material. Private property owners with waterfront Because of the large number and diverse nature property may want better boat access or a new dock, of these projects, little would be gained by describ- and there is an occasional need for bank protection ing each one. Recurring dredging activity is listed requiring replacement of eroding shorelines or here. inadequate dikes. Less frequently, a private de- veloper proposes a more extensive project requiring PRIVATE PROJECTS DMD Sites Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Crown Zellerbach 10,000 cy/yr 33(S) 256, 000 cy/ 10' 1 Lewis and Clark River 50,000 cy/5 yr 200,000 cy/20 yr Barbey Packing Company 2,000 cy/yr 46(S) 2,000,000 cy/3' 1 (Astoria) 10,000 cy/5 yr 40,000 cy/20 yr Coast Guard Dock 2,000 cy/yr 46(S) 2,000,000 cy/3' I (Astoria) 10, 000 cy/5 yr 40,000 cy/20 yr Crown Zellerbach 3,000 cy/yr (Deep River) 15,000 cy/5 yr 60,000 cy/20 yr Crown Zellerbach 2,000 cy/yr 74(S) 1, 440, 000 cy/ 10' 2 (Elochoman Slough) 10,000 cy/5 yr 76(S) 320, 000 cy/ 10' 1 40,000 cy/20 yr Brusco 40,000 cy/yr 76(S) 320, 000 cy/ 10' 1 Cathlamet Channel 200,000 cy/5 yr 800,000 cy/20 yr Crown Zellerbach 3,900 cy/yr 90(S) 2,720, 000 cy/ 10' 1 (Wauna) 19,500 cy/5 yr 78,000 cy/20 yr 56. BAKER BAY PROJECTS Baker Bay projects include the Corps of Engineers 56.10 Baker Bay West Channel maintained channels at Ilwaco and Chinook, the ports of Ilwaco and Chinook projects, and two future A navigation channel 10 feet x 200 feet is author- development possibilities in Baker Bay itself. In- ized from the entrance at Sand Island for a distance cluded in the discussion of existing projects are of .5 miles, then is reduced to a 10 foot x 150 foot future channel or basin improvement projects. channel for 2.5 miles to the Port of Ilwaco. This The two long-range development possibilities channel also provides access for the Coast Guard at evident at this time both have potential for extensive Cape Disappointment and for a public boat romp at dredging and associated material disposal. A po- Fort Canby. There is significant shoaling at the tential mineral extraction operation, not specifically entrance to the channel, at Cape Disappointment located at one site in Baker Bay, and future naviga- Shoal, and at the final approach to the Port of Ilwaco .fion channels are as shown for discussion only. at Ilwaco Shoal. Little maintenance has been neces- Serious future consideration of either project will sary in recent years for much of the West Channel require more extensive study and planning. (cf 45. between these two shoals. Po I i c i es 3, 6; 45.03; 45.05; 45.07) The Coast Guard Station at Cape Disappointment requires navigational access in the Ilwaco West Channel from the entrance at Sand Island to a point almost two miles north in the present channel. Periodic maintenance dredging for existing moorage and new construction dredging will be V - 17 required. This should have a minimal effect upon deepening the remainder of the existing channel, Baker Bay and continued use of this facility is a and dredging a straighter channel to replace the public benefit. The Coast Guard has lease rights to inner two miles of channel; this last option needing the land area 'east of Jetty A. Part of this area has extra consideration, in light of the need for some potential for use as a disposal site. Coordina- continued access to the Coast Guard and Fort Canby tion with the Coast Guard should limit serious ob- facilities. The only alternative within the $2 million jections to such use. Any future plans for the l1waco cost ceiling of a Section 107 project is improvement West Channel must take into account the Coast of the old channel to 300 feet x 16 feet for the first Guard facility and its operational needs. mile and to 150 feet x 14 feet for the remaining Several dredging techniques have been used to distance. maintain the West Channel, with varying success. Improved access in the Baker Bay West Channel Propwash agitation has been used regularly will require extensive modifications to the entrance throughout the entire length of the channel to channel and related structures. Project dimensions remove specific shoaling problems. The severity of will probably be increased, regardless of whether a the Cape Disappointment Shoaling has necessitated new channel is authorized, resulting in increased occasional use of hopper dredging. The Ilwaco annual maintenance. Large quantities of dredged Shoal has been maintained by pipeline dredge. The material will require upland disposal for any major Cape Disappointment material is clean sand suitable channel improvements; upland sites will continue to for in-water disposal, but the Ilwaco Shoal consists be needed for maintenance of the l1waco Shoal of nonpolluted silty material requiring upland dis- area. Future channel maintenance by hopper posal. The material between the two shoals has not dredge would require in-water disposal at existing been sufficiently characterized to determine the best or new sites. Continued maintenance of the mid- method of disposal. channel by propwash agitation will need review as The Corps is studying ways to improve naviga- information on the hydraulic system of Baker Bay tional access to the Port of Ilwaco. Possible improve- becomes available or when channel improvements ments include reducing shoaling at the channel are made. entrance, realigning the entrance, widening and BAKER BAY WEST CHANNEL DMD Sites Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Mid-Channel Shoals 20,000 cy/yr E(O) Ocean Disposal 100, 000 cy/5 yr 400,000 cy/20 yr llwacoShoal 10, 000 cy/yr 3(S) 360, 000 cy/ 10' 1 RM 2.9 to 3.1 50,000 cy/5 yr 4(S) 1, 280, 000 cy/ 10' 1 200,000 cy/20 yr 5(S) 1, 520, 000 cy/ 10' 3 Cape D Shoal 20,000 cy/yr E(O) Ocean Disposal RM 3.0 to 4.0 100,000 cy/5 yr D(E) Estuary Disposal 400,000 cy/20 yr 2(S) 500, 000 cy/ 10' 2 3(S) 360, 000 cy/ 10' Channel Improvement 4(S) 1, 280, 000 cy/ 10' 1 16' outer channel 665,000 cy/5 yr 2(S) 500, 000 cy/ 10' 2 14' inner channel 5(S) 1, 520, 000 cy/ 10' 3 Channel realignment E(O) Ocean Disposal 3 56.20 Chinook Channel Channel material from the entrance at Sand Island to mile 1.1. is clean sand and silty sand suitable for A navigation channel 10 feet x 150 feet is author- in-water disposal. The channel material from mile ized from deep water near the east end of Sand 1.1 to the boat basin is slightly polluted silty sand Island for a distance of two miles to the Port of and silt requiring upland disposal. Presently, the Chinook mooring basin. Extensive shoaling through- Corps plans to maintain the outer 1.1 miles with the out the channel requires frequent removal activity. "Pacific", with disposal in area "D". Contract pipeline dredge has been used for three out Some increase in project dimensions will probably of the post four years for parts or all of the channel. occur, especially if hopper dredging becomes the Propwash agitation by the "Salvage Chief" was tried standard maintenance option for the outer mile of with limited success in the channel outside the port channel. Similar depths probably cannot be main- breakwater in 1976 and 1977. A limited amount of tained for the inner mile without periodic dredging hopper dredging occurred in the outer mile of by clarnshell and barge or pipeline. The extensive channel near the entrance at Sand Island. V-18 shoals on the east and west sides of the channel, Area -D- is presently needed for maintenance of coupled with a cross-current, make maintenance the Chinook Channel. An upland disposal site would operations hazardous. Removal of the Chinook Jetty be required in the near future, if navigational access to help restore circulation in Baker Bay could change is to be maintained to the Port of Chinook. the present shoaling patterns in Chinook Channel. CHINOOK CHANNEL DMD Sites Project Volume Dredged Number Capacity Priority Inner Channel 45, 000 cy/y r 9(S) 1, 600, 000 cy/ 10' 2 RM ].I to Basin 225,000 cy/5 yr 8(S) 1, 250, 000 cy/ 10' 3 900,000 cy/20 yr Outer Channel 20,000 cy/yr D(E) Estuary Disposal RMO to 1.1 100, 000 cy/5 yr 400,000 cy/20 yr Deepening Channel to 16' 230,000 cy/20 yr 9(S) 1, 600, 000 cy/ 10' 2 8(S) 1, 250, 000 cy/ 10' 3 D(E) Estuary Disposal 56.30 Future Projects 56.40 Port of 11waco Beach Mining, Incorporated is a mineral process- The Port of Ilwaco operates a mooring basin, ing venture interested in commercially valuable served by the Baker Bay West Channel, that provides "black sands" deposits in Baker Bay and other berths for 1000 private, 'commercial and charter areas. According to the Washington Department of boats. During peak seasonal use, 1300 to 1500 boats Natural Resources (DNR), a mining contract has use the port facilities daily; several hundred boats been in effect since 1968, Under DNR regulations, a are on a waiting list for permanent moorage, Three royalty of $2.50 per acre, per year, plus $2.50 per fish processors at Ilwaco are served by a growing acre, per year of development work is required to number and variety of commercial craft. The Port's maintain the contract. The contract life of 20 years proximity to the mouth of the Columbia River makes will expire in 1988; it is expected that Beach Mining, itattractive. Inc. will seek the necessary permits to begin produc- The presently authorized basin at Ilwaco is 1200 tion before that time. feet long by 650 feet wide with depths to 14 feet. "Black sands" mining is essentially a strip-mining This basin was last dredged to these dimensions in operation, where sediments are dredged, minerals 1974, and no maintenance has been needed since. extracted, and sediments returned to the bay. Such A disposal site on the southeast corner was used in an operation would not be allowed under the poli- construction of the 1974 expansion and again in 1976 cies and standards concerning dredgin'g and in- for dredging of the channel entrance to the Port. The water disposal adopted by CREST. Port has received a favorable report by the Corps on P New channels could provide better access to exist- the feasibility of im' roving the Baker Bay Port West ing ports and decreased maintenance dredging. The Channel. The Port is also seeking assistance in Corps of Engineers is studying the present channels planning for expansion of port facilities to accom- for possible future improvements; local interests modate an expected increase in numbers and sizes want better access and the Corps wants to decrease of boats calling at Ilwaco. its maintenance dredging problems. Dredging 'new Expansion of the mooring basin at llwaco is some- public navigation channels would require a thor- what limited by environmental constraints to the ough study to determine the appropriate manage- area south of the existing breakwater. Expansion ment options. CREST has identified potential upland would require relocation of the breakwater and disposal sites suitable to retain fine-grained or extensive dredging. A study of the environmental polluted sediments, should this be necessary. Sites impacts associated with such work and ways of 3(S), 4(S), and 5(5) on Sand Island are adjacent to mitigating those impacts would also be required. the potential Ilwaco channel and site 5(S) is also Other improvements feasible or necessary would close to the "new" Chinook channel. All three sites include dry storage for small craft and restructuring are within reach of pipeline disposal from the of present moorages to accommodate larger fishing "new" Chinook channel. craft. Disposal needs at the Port of Ilwaco relate to im- provements within the existing basin and new con- struction dredging outside the present breakwater. Material in both areas is silty, requiring shoreland disposal; the basin material may also be polluted, V_ 19 requiring complete retention by dikes. The existing dredging would require more extensive disposal, diked disposal site at the port should be studied for which would need to be addressed in any plan the reuse, as it would be an economical site for disposal Port of Ilwaco develops. The only existing site for of mooring basin dredged material deposited by such material is a previously used site on Sand small pipeline or clamshell. New construction Island, almost 7000 feet away. Dredging and Disposal Needs - llwaco DMD Sites Project Volume Dredged Number* Capacity Priority Basin 10, 000 cy/5 yr i(S) 240,000 cy/20 yr 1 40,000 cy/20 yr Basin 350,000 cy/20 yr 3(S) 360,000 cv 1 Expansion 4(S) 1, 280, 000 cy I 5(S) 1,520,000 cy 2 i(S) 240,000 cy I *Boldface indicates preferred sites 56.50 Port of Chinook nel. Expansion of the mooring basin at Chinook is The Port of Chinook operates a mooring basin, limited on the east by the present disposal area and served by the Chinook Channel, and provides berths extensive shoaling. To the west are the Chinook and for 323 commercial fishing and recreational craft. Bumble Bee facilities and a fringing tidal marsh Use of the moorage is seasonal, with heaviest use adjacent to the maintained channel inside the during summer months and the gillnet seasons. The breakwater. Expansion would probably involve re- Chinook Packing Company operates a fish receiving locating all or part of the present breakwater into the station and cannery adjacent to the Port. Chinook is waters south of the Port. Expansion of the Port would the third largest port in the CREST area and provides also increase demand for associated services, parti- access both to the mouth of the Columbia River and cularly sewage treatment. the northern si-cle of the estuary. The present disposal site appears adequate for The authorized basin at Chinook is 500 feet by 590 maintaining the mooring basin, provided there is a feet, with depths to 18 feet. The Port has a small local demand for the material deposited there. Due hydraulic dredge used to remove up to 20,000 cubic to the rapid shoaling of the Chinook Channel for yards of material from the mooring basin annually. most of its length, a need exists for extensive share- A retention site for disposal of this dredged material land disposal capacity. The Corps has exhausted is located at the southern end of the port, with access presently available land sites and now looks to the for removal of material for local reuse. The Port Port and town to provide alternatives. Pending would like to expand the basin but must first resolve availability of such sites, the Corps plans to use the maintenance problems plaguing the Chinook Chan- hopper dredge "Pacific". Dredging and Disposal Needs - Chinook DMID Sites Site Project Volume Dredged Number Capacity Priority Basin 20,000 cy/yr 10(S) 20,000 cy/use I 100,000 cy/5 yr 9(S) 1, 600, 000 cy 2 400,000 cy/20 yr v - 20 57. YOUNGS BAY-ASTORIA PROJECTS 57.10 Hammond Channel The Corps maintains an entrance channel from the Columbia River into the boat basin at Hammond. This 10 foot by 100 foot channel is maintained by pipeline dredge, with upland disposal at site Annual dredging is not necessary; approximately 15,000 cubic yards are removed every 3 to 5 years. DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Hammond Boat Basin 15,000 cy/5 yr 13(S) 48, 000 cy/ 10' 1 Entrance 60,000 cy/20 yr 12(S) 480, 000 cy/ 10' 2 57.20 Hammond Boat Basin craft moorage, which would involve construction dredging of 20,000 cubic yards. Construction of both Dredging for the Hammond Boat Basin includes the eastern section of the basin and the northern the Corps maintained entrance and the basin portion of the basin would bring total moorages to dredging maintained by the Town of Hammond. 600 to 700 berths. Entrance dredging amounts to 3,000 cubic yards per The dredging site is too confined for easy access year, while dredging of the basin involves 8,000 by hopper dredge; ocean disposal would be by cubic yards per year. Total annual dredging for the ocean going barge utilizing a bucket dredge for the Hammond Boat Basin is 11,000 cubic yards per year, entrance channel and slips. Ocean disposal would or a total of 120,000 cubic yards for the 20 year cost substantially more than hydraulic pipeline planning period. The Mooring Basin is 170 berths, disposal, and would require that sediments and lead most with electricity and water, and are available and other heavy metals concentrations be within for charter and recreational vessels only. prescribed non-polluting limits. Expansion plans at the Hammond Mooring Basin Three potential disposal sites are associated with include development to the east side of the Mooring Hammond Mooring Basin, including the existing Basin for small craft moorage, which would require disposal site, which can be used again. The total approximately 250,000 cubic yards of construction dredging needs exceed the disposal capacity locally dredged material and increase annual maintenance available. Options to provide needed capacity are: dredging by an estimated 5,000 cubic yards. The (1 ) disposal at sea, especially for construction second phase of construction would include de- dredging, and (2) filling disposal sites to a greater velopment north of the present gas dock for small depth (20 feet). Hammond DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Basin 8,000 cy/yr 14(S) 48, 000 cy @ 10' 1 Maintenance 40,000 cy/5 yr 12(S) 480, 000 cy @ 10' 2 160,000 cy/20 yr East Basin 250,000 cy/5 yr 12(S) 480, 000 cy @ 10' 2 Expansion and maintenance 160,000 cy/ .20 yr South Basin 17,500 cy/5 yr 12(S) 480,000 cy @ 10' 2 Expansion and maintenance 32,500 cy/20 yr North Basin 20,000 cy/20 yr 12(S) 480, 000 cy @ 10' 2 Expansion and maintenance V- 21- 57.30 Tansy Point will require continued annual removal of at least 110,000 cubic yards. The Corps presently plans a No waterfront development now exists at Tansy pipeline dredging operation during 1979 that would Point, but the Tansy Pointarea has been identified as require over 200,000 cubic yards of shoreland dis- a potential site for long-term development of a deep posal. Shoreland disposal Of an additional 200,000 water facility. Development plans include construc- cubic yards will be needed for the next 20 years of tion of a ship berthing facility and supporting shore dredging. facilities. Full development of the Tansy Point area Hopper dredge disposal of entrance shoal sands at would require about 250,000 cubic yards of construc- the Tansy Point site has been temporarily dis- tion dredged material. Once construction dredging continued. This site and other estuarine in-water were completed, very little maintenance dredging sites are being analyzed for eventual fate of sedi- would be required. Twenty year disposal needs for ments and for estuarine resource impacts. Disposal the Tansy Point area would be about 265,000 cubic of clean sediments from the Skipanon waterway can yards. be placed at sea by ocean going barges or hopper Tansy Point dredged material could quite easily be dredges. Materials from construction dredging will hopper dredged and disposed of at sea. Construction most likely be placed on land. Material from the dredged material should be clean sand suitable for Skiponon waterway is predominantly fine sediment ocean disposal. Disposal in-water in the estuary upstream from the mouth and is generally con- would be dependent on the outcome of on-going sidered unacceptable for in-water disposal. studies. Dredging after the initial construction dredging may Three potential disposal sites are associated with be able to utilize in-water disposal. Using in-water the potential Tansy Point development [ 16(S), 17(S), disposal sites would require sediment analysis and 18(S)]. These sites could also be used for pipeline extensive coordination with Federal and state dredging from the Skipanon Peninsula. The identi- resource agencies. fied disposal sites have capacity of 1,344,000 cy. The land disposal sites associated with the Skipo- non waterway can meet the 20 year disposal needs. 57.40 Skipanon Channel Not all of these sites will be required, since some of The Skipanon waterway is an authorized channel the construction dredging for Pacific Fabricators and two miles long, 30 feet deep, and 200 feet wide other developments will be used for site develop- from the Columbia River to the railroad bridge. ment. Recent dredging of the waterway has been accom- Land disposal sites adjacent to the airport are plished by the hopper dredge "Pacific" at the river generally too great a distance for pipeline dredged mouth to maintain a 16 to 18 foot channel cle th. The material disposal. One major site in this area has p been identified for stockpiling of material to be dredge removed 110,000 cubic yards per year from utilized for dike maintenance. The remaining sites 1972 through 1976. Disposal from hopper dredging are identified because of the probability of future was in the Columbia River adjacent to Tansy Point. development in the Warrenton area. Maintenance dredging of the Skipanon waterway Youngs Bay - Astoria Corps Projects DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Skipanon Channel 110, 000 cy/yr E(O) Ocean Disposal I entrance 550,000 cy/5 yr 15(E) Estuary Disposal 3 2,200,000 cy/20 yr 11 (E) Estuary Disposal 3 36(E) Estuary Disposal 3 Skipanon Channel 200,000 cy/5 yr 23(S) 2,016, 000 cy/ 10' 1 (inner channel) 400,000 cy/20 yr 25(S) 2,080, 000 cy/ 10' 1 20(S) 384, 000 cy/ 10' 2 22(S) 240, 000 cy/ 10' 2 19(s) 240, 000 cy/ 10' 3 20(S) 384, 000 cy/ 10' 3 21(S) 288, 000 cy/ 10' 3 24(S) 1, 120, 000 cy/ 10' 3 26(S) 208, 000 cy/ 10' 3 27(S) 144, 000 cy/ 19 3 57.50 Warrenton sels up to 100 feet in length. Maintenance dredging The City of Warrenton maintains a boat basin on has not been a problem in the mooring basin, but the east bank of the Skipanon, near the bridge. shoaling in the Skipanon Channel has reduced Access is via the Corps-maintained channel in the depths to less than 30 feet. Present plans are for Skipanon, which is authorized to a depth of 30 feet. extensive dredging by the Corps sometime in 1979, The mooring basin provides over 300 berths for ves- which would require shoreland disposal of over V- 22 200,000 cubic yards of fine, polluted sediment. ments and resource impacts. Within a 20 year time frame, an additional 200,000 .Disposal of clean sediments from the Skipanon cubic yards of similar sediment would need waterway can be placed at sea by ocean going shoreland disposal (cf 57.40; but note that cy/yr barges or hopper dredged. Construction dredging estimates are averages). would most likely be required to be placed on land. A wide variety of construction projects could Material from the Skipanon waterway is predomi- dramatically increase dredging demands in the nantly fine sediments upstream from the mouth and Skipanon waterway. The City of Warrenton has re- is generally considered unacceptable for in'-water quested channel maintenance upstream to the disposal. These sediments may also prove un- bridge to a depth of 20 feet to provide for recrea- suitable for construction fill unless mixed with coarse tional/commercial vessel traffic (" 2 0' sediments. Future dredging after the initial construc- Channel/Bridge"). Pacific Fabricators has proposed tion dredging may be able to utilize in-water dredging adjacent to their bulkhead and an disposal. The- option of utilizing in-water disposal entrance channel to the east bank, and Warrenton sites would require sediment analysis and extensive Lumber Company is evaluating their need for coordination with Federal and state regulatory dredging for ship berthing at the northern end of the, agencies. west side of the Skipanon. Land disposal sites adjacent to the airport are . Twenty year projections for all projects indicate a generally too great a distance for pipeline dredged total dredging demand of 6 million cubic yards. material disposal. One major site in this area has Currently, hopper dredge disposal of entrance been identified for stockpiling of material to be shoal sands at Tansy Point has been temporarily utilized for dike maintenance. Future maintenance discontinued. This site and other estuarine in-water of the authorized channel in Youngs Bay may re- sites are being analyzed for eventual fate of sedi- quire use of one of the airport sites. Warrenton DMID Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Boat Basin and Turning Basin Maintenance minimal 25(S) 2,080, 000 cy @ 10' 1 Expansion and maintenance Expansion data not. 23(S) 2,016, 000 cy @ 10' 1 available 20(S) 384, 000 cy @ 10' 2 .22(S) 240,000 cy @ 10' 2 19(s) 240,000 cy @ 10' 3 21(S) 288, 000 cy @ 10' 3 24(S) 1, 120,000 cy @ 10' 3 26(S) 208, 000 cy a 10' 3 27(S) 144, 000 cy @ 10' 3 .20' Chan nel/Bridge 300,000 cy 25(S) 2,080, 000 cy @ 10' 1 construction 23(S) 2,016,000 cy @ 10' 1 100,000 cy/yr 20(S) 384, 000 cy @ 10' 2 500,000 cy/5 yr 22(S) 240,000 cy @ 10' 2 2,300,000 cy/20 yr 19(s) 240,000 cy @ 10' 3 21(S) 288, 000 cy @ 10' 3 24(S) 1, 120,000 cy @ 10' 3 26(S) 208, 000 cy @ 10' 3 27(S) 144, 000 cy @ 10' 3 East Bank 500,000 cy Ocean Disposal and Development construction construction f ill (Brown & Root) 86,000 cy/yr 430,000 cy/5 yr 2,220,000 cy/20 yr Warrenton Lumber 200,000 cy 25(S) 2,080, 000 cy @ 10' 1 Company development construction 23(S) 2,016, 000 cy @ 10' 1 75,000 cy/yr 20(S) 384,000 cy @ 10' 2 375,000 cy/5 yr 22(S) 240, 000 cy @ 10' 2 1,700,000 cy/20 yr 19(s) 240, 000 cy @ 10' 3 21(S) 288, 000 cy a 10' 3 24(S) 1, 120,000 cy @ 10' 3 26(S) 208, 000 cy a 10' 3 27(S) 144,000 cy @ 10' 3 v - 23 Warrenton (cont.) Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Lewis and Clark entrance channel Unknown 32(S) 2, 000, 000 cy @ 10' 2 31(S) 384, 000 cy @ 10' 3 30(S) 176, 000 cy @ 10' 3 33(S) 256, 000 cy @ 10' 1 Youngs River/Bay 50,000 cy/20 yr 32(S) 2, 000, 000 cy @ 10' 2 31(S) 384, 000 cy @ 10' 3 30(S) 176, 000 cy @ 10' 3 Middle Skipanon development 100,000 cy estimate 23(S) 2,016, 000 cy @ 10' 1 24(S) 1, 120, 000 cy @ 10' 3 26(S) 208, 000 cy @ 10' 3 27(S) 144, 000 cy @ 10' 3 57.60 Youngs Bay and River the Youngs River. Surveys obtained by the Corps The authorized project provides a channel 10 feet indicate a minor shoal, with 9-foot soundings at deep and 150 feet wide from the Columbia River to approximate river mile 2.0 up to 2.3, giving a cal- the foot of Haven Island (21/2 miles across Youngs culated quantity of 8000 cubic yards to be removed. Bay and 4 miles in Youngs River). A project modifi- Normal Corps procedures would be to not dredge cation under Section 107 was approved in 1970 to this channel until a predominant 8-foot or 7-foot provide a channel in Lewis and Clark River but was sounding existed, since smaller vessels utilize the never constructed. The project was last dredged in tide and do not require the full 10-foot depth. How- 1967 by pipeline, removing 47,003 cubic yards. Prior ever, a recent trend to larger fishing vessels with to that, the project was last dredged in 1939. Ma- greater draft could revise this approach. The re- terial was disposed in the bay by end dump from the mainder of the channel, up to river mile 3.0, is 10 or discharge pipeline. more feet deep and should not require future The Portland District has a recent request from maintenance. Bumble Bee Seafoods for maintenance dredging in DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Youngs Bay/River and 50,000 cy/20 yr 32(S) 2, 000, 000 cy/ 10' 2 Lewis and Clark River Entrance 28(S) 448, 000 cy/ 10' 3 29(S) 640, 000 cy/ 10' 3 30(S) 176, 000 cy/ 10' 3 31(S) 384,000 cy/1 0' 3 57.70 Astoria Turning Basin the channel. The Fisherman's Dock and Marina As part of the authorized navigation channel, the Mooring Basin is dredged about twice a decade. The Corps maintains an 800 feet by 4250 feet by 40 feet East End Mooring Basin has never been maintained. turning basin adjacent to the Port of Astoria, which is Current shoaling conditions of the East End Mooring dredged as needed and in conjunction with hopper Basin impair mooring use. dredge operations using in-water disposal. Approx- Sediments found in the mooring basin and pier imately 100,000 cubic yards of sediment are re- slips are fine grained (50% greater silt and clay) moved annually from the turning basin, sediments often affected by adjacent use. Sediments generally contain high concentrations of oil and 57.80 Port of Astoria grease, high nitrogen, and have a high chemical oxygen demand (COD), enough so that sediments Three major project areas along the Astoria water- are often classified as polluted. Thus, disposal of front require maintenance dredging: Port of Astoria mooring basin and pier slip material will often need pier slips; Fisherman's Dock and Marina Boat Basin; to be placed on shoreland sites. In the past, dredg- and East End Mooring Basin. Port of Astoria pier slips ing of the pier slips and mooring basin has utilized require annual maintenance of approximately both shoreland sites and ocean disposal. Material 115,000 cubic yards. The Port recently installed a from the pier slips is reported to make good agri- "Ventrovac" air bubbler system to decrease shoal- cultural topsoil. ing at the port slips. This system has been installed The Astoria waterfront is the site of most current on a trial basis, with hopes of substantially reducing maintenance dredging demand in the Astoria area. the required maintenance dredging. The Port may Any additional development of waterfront facilities also experiment with flow-lane disposal just beyond will increase the demand for construction dredging. V -24 Plans for expanding Fisherman's Dock and Marina cumulated in the port slips, mooring basin, and would require construction dredging totalling 80,000 moorage areas for seafood companies may include cubic yards and would increase the maintenance fine sediments and contaminants that would require dredging by an estimated 1500 cubic yards annually. land disposal. Flow-lone disposal in the estuary is Plans for increasing mooring capacity at the East End not likely but may be possible, depending upon the Basin would require substantial redesign of the outcome of ongoing studies. Hauling dredged breakwater and substantial construction dredging material to sea for ocean disposal is a more ex- (100,000 cubic yards estimated). Maintenance pensive possibility. dredging would probably be needed after re- Two potential disposal sites are associated with construction. the Astoria waterfront area, both of which can be Major reconstruction of the Port of Astoria pier used for pipeline dredging in the East End Mooring slips is planned within 20 years. About 150,000 cubic Basin. The identified disposal sites do not have yards of dredging would be needed to expand Pier capacity for the increased dredging needs of the port A, which would result in further increased main- slips or marina, and the developed nature of the tenance dredging demands. Over the 20 year time Astoria waterfront precludes establishment of other horizon, total dredging needs for the Astoria water- disposal sites in the immediate vicinity. front area could approach 3 million cubic yards. The Land disposal of dredged material from the As- majority of the total dredging need results from toria waterfront will require barging to an accept- expanded construction and maintenance of that able shoreland disposal site elsewhere or pumping construction. The estimates of maintenance needs (with booster pumps) to an acceptable land disposal are conservative and do not take into consideration site. The alternative to land disposal sites may be the potential for decreased maintenance due to the disposal of certain approved materials at in-water bubbler system installed by the Port. ocean sites. Disposal of fine grained material from Dredged material from the Astoria waterfront is waterfront areas will be a chronic problem to the not easily taken to sea. Dredging the port slips, Port of Astoria. Development plans at present port marina basin and mooring areas for seafood pro- slips and future plans otTongue Point will need close cessors is generally conducted by small pipeline coordination to provide long range solutions to dredges or bucket dredges that remove the material maintenance needs. to barges or shoreland disposal sites. Material ac- Astoria DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Port of Astoria slips maintenance 12 1, 000 cy/yr Ocean Disposal 605,000 cy/5 yr 46(S) 2,000,000 cy @ 3' 1 2,420,000 cy/20 yr Fisherman's Dock and Marina 4,000 cy/yr Ocean Disposal 20,000 cy/5 yr 38(S) 2AO, 000 cy @ 10' 2 80,000 cy/20 yr 46(S) 2, 000,000 cy @ 3' 1 100,000 cy expansion East End Basin 100,000 cy/5 yr 37(S) 112,000 cy @ 10' 2 175,000 cy/20 yr 38(S) 240, 000 cy @ 10' 2 46(S) 2, 000, 000 cy @ 3' 1 Pier 4 construction 250,000 cy/20 yr Ocean Disposal 36(E) Estuary Disposal 15(E) Estuary Disposal 39(E) Estuary Disposal 57.90 Tongue Point be studied as engineering design proceeds. Sediment borings in the MAR.AD Basin indicate 41/2 The Tongue Point area has received close scrutiny to 5 feet of fine grained material overlying Colum- by the Port of Astoria as a potential development bia River sands. Surface material is dark and shows site. The Port of Astoria plans to acquire the property indications of point chips and contaminants from from the General Services Administration and de- past use of the basin as a mooring area for Navy velop it as a container yard. Development would re- vessels. Disposal of the material dredged from quire substantial con 'struction dredging. Construction Tongue Point may be required to be placed on-land dredging for the first ph@ci'se would be betweerfabout to prevent water quality degradation. 2.8 and 3.8 million cubic yards. Second phase Development plans for the Tongue Point area construction dredging is estimated at about 3 million foresee substantial areas of fill being required to cubic yards. The maintenance dredging requirement complete development potentials. The use of con- associated with development at Tongue Point would struction dredged material for fill will decrease the V - 25 requirement for sites to dispose of dredged material cess, development plans for specific projects or sites within the area. Specific site development plans and should take a regional approach. In the case of environmental studies will lead to better estimates Tongue Point, the potential value of a relatively low- of construction and maintenance dredging and asso- maintenance deep water port should be compared ciated disposal needs. to the value of existing port facilities. Current dis- As has been repeatedly emphasized throughout posal problems are well documented and will the dredged material management planning pro- probably increase in severity with expansion of the present Port of Astoria faci I ities. Tongue Point DMID Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority 250'x4O'channel 1,000,000 cy 40(S) 1 920,000 cy @ 20' 1 construction Pier slips 4, 000, 000 cy 2 27,000 cy/yr 41(S) 128,000 cy @ 10' 1 1,540,000 cy/20 yr 42(S) 1, 240, 000 cy @ 10' 2 43(S) 480,000 cy @ 10' 3 44(S) 720, 000 cy @ 10' 3 Ocean Disposal 400'x 40'channel 2,470,000 cy 40(S) 1, 920, 000 cy @ 20' 1 construction Pier slips 4,000,000 cy 2 38,000 cy/yr 41(S) 128, 000 cy @ 10' 1 3,230,000 cy/20 yr 42(S) 1, 240, 000 cy @ 10' 2 43(S) 480, 000 cy @ 10' 3 44(S) 720, 000 cy @ 10' 3 Ocean Disposal 250'Channel/Turning Basin 2,800,000 cy 40(S) 1, 920f 000 cy @ 20' 1 construction Pier slips 4,000,000 cy 2 26,000 cy/yr 41(S) 128, 000 cy @ 10' 1 3,320,000 cy/20 yr 42(S) 1,240,000 cy @ 10' 2 43(S) 480, 000 cy a 10' 3 44(S) 720, 000 cy @ 10' 3 Ocean Disposal 58. UPPER ESTUARY PROJECTS 58. 10 Grays Bay Wahkiakum County's Port District Two is petition- In Grays Bay, authorized projects consist of a ing the Corps concerning Grays River dredging. channel in Deep River and hazard removal in Grays Grays River dredging is not authorized, however, River. The Deep River Channel was completed in and it may be sev6ral years before any decision is 1928, providing a channel 8 feet by 100 feet at the made. Some channel improvement can be mouth and, 8 feet by 60 feet to the town of Deep expected, however, within 20 years. Dredging an 8 River at river mile 6. The Grays River project was foot by 100foot channel in Grays River to river mile I completed in 1909,. removing obstructions from the would generate about 350,000 cubic yards. An 8 foot channel and banks from the mouth to the town of by 60 foot channel to the town of Grays River would Grays River at river mile 8. remove about 240,000 cubic yards more. In Deep River, the channel depth is still 8 feet to Increasing the depth by 6 feet from the mouth of river mile 2.25 and log rafts move at least to river Deep River to Rocky Point would require removing mile 4. The lost Corps condition survey was 1975. In about 1,000,000 cubic yards of material. Completing Grays River, the channel is 2 feet or shallower to the authorized channel in Deep River would proba- river mile 6.5. Heavy siltation at the mouth and bly require removing about 400,000 cubic yards. obstructi'ons in the channel limit navigational access Completion of the Deep River channel could occur and increase flood potential. Additionally, access to within the next five years, if there is local demand. the main ship channel about 3 miles distant is Authorizing and completing a channel in Grays River limited by poorly marked natural channels and or Grays Bay is less likely to occur in five years, but is shallow depths in Grays Bay. a possibility within 20'years. Most of the channel V- 26 dredging in the rivers would probably be done by The projects would require DMD capacity of clamshell 'and barge, clamshell with bank disposal, 1,990,000 cy. The plan identifies 6 DMD sites with a or small pipeline. combined capacity of 1,500,000 cy. Grays Bay DMID Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Deep River 400,000 cy/5 yr 48(S) 240, 000 cy @ 10' 2 400,000 cy/20 yr 49(S) 320,000 cy @ 10' 2 50(D) 150,000 cy Grays River 350,000 cy/5 yr 51(S) 320, 000 cy @ 10' 2 entrance 350,000 cy/20 yr 52(S) 320, 000 cy @ 10' 2 53(D) 150,000 cy Grays River 240,000 cy/20 yr 51(S) 320, 000 cy @ 10' 2 channel 52(S) 320,000 cy @ 10' 2 53(D) 150,000 cy - Grays Bay 1,000,000 cy/20 yr 48(S) 240, 000 cy @ 10' 2 52(S) 320, 000 cy @ 10' 2 50(D) 150,000 cy 53(D) 150, 000 cy 58.20 Skamokawa channel improvement seems likely within five At Skamokawa, the channel 6.5' x 75' x 1600' is years. The channel in Steamboat Slough does not maintained to Brooks Slough. An authorized channel appear to be a probable development within the 24' x 160' x 2640' in Steamboat Slough was never next five years, but may be viable within a 20 year dredged. The channel to Brooks Slough has been perspective. A minimum improvement of the author- maintained by the "Sandwick" (prop-wash dredge) ized channel to Brooks Slough would require re- since 1974, and a controlling depth of two feet was moving about 40,000 cubic yards requiring disposal. last reported. The "Sandwick" is estimated to re- An improvement of the channel in Steamboat distribute about 10,000 cubic yard 's annually. The Slough for shallow draft use would probably require channel in Steamboat Slough has never been 88,000 cubic yards of dredged material disposal. dredged, and the project has been recommended Clean sand material from Brooks Slough would be for cleauthorization. welcomed by local interests. The Skamokawa Park Port District Two of Wahkiakurn County is petition- site was filled by main channel maintenance and a ing the Corps regarding dredging in Brooks Slough. future stockpile site is being leased west of the park. With the planned Skamokawa Park and increasing Fine grained or polluted sediments would need a private and recreational, use of the area, some portion of the existing stockpile site for retention for a suff icient period for clewatering. Skamokawa DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Skamokawa Creek Channel 10, 000 cy/yr 65(S) 176, 000 cy @ 10' 1 50,000 cy/5 yr 200,000 cy/20 yr Brooks Slough improvement 40,000 cy/5 yr 65(S) 176,000 cy @ 10' 1 40,000 cy/20 yr 66(B) Beach Nourishment Steamboat Slough 88, 000 cy/20 yr 65(S) .176, 000 cy @ 10' 1 South End of Price Island minimal 69(S) 1, 200, 000 cy @ 10' 2 port development V - 27 58.30 Price Island Depths are considered adequate in Cathlamet Chan- nel, and no maintenance dredging has been re- Price Island has been a source of conflict over cently needed. The Corps has not dredged in Elocho- potential development of the county owned upriver man Slough since before 1964, with the exception of end. The remained of the upland and the adjacent that required for construction of Elochoman Marina. mainland are administered by the U.S. Fish and The extreme upriver end of Cathlamet Channel Wildlife Service as critical habitat for Columbian (near the east end of Brown Island) has experienced White-tailed deer. Before being obtained by the shoaling believed related to pile dikes and in-water U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a portion of the disposal from the main navigation channel. clownriver end of Price Island was used for disposal No development plans exist in the Cathlamet area by the Corps of Engineers. This part of the island is that would require dredging or disposal. Local inter- also adjacent to the potential channel in Steamboat ests have expressed a desire to improve navigation Slough. access to Cathlamet Channel at the upriver end of Price Island is undeveloped and has no land ac- Brown island. Further study of this shoaling will cess. Deep water along the Columbia River is due, in indicate action necessary to alleviate the problem; part, to active erosion of the shoreline. This deep some dredging may be required. Continued devel- water access is what Wahkiakum County wishes to opment by private interests in Elochoman Slough can exploit. Because of the nature of the conflict, there is be expected. The existing marina is being improved little certainty that the proposed deep water facilit@ but will probably not be expanded. Some new will materialize. In light of the past dredged mate- dredging will probably occur in Elochoman Slough. rial disposal and proximity to Skamokawa, it would Dredging in Cathlomet Channel will probably appear more logical to negotiate a development site produce clean sand, but sediments in Elochoman at the clownriver end of Price Island. Slough are fine grained and probably polluted. A previously used disposal area on the tip of Hunting 58.AO Cathlarnet Island would be sufficient to accommodate anti- An authorized channel 10' x 300' is maintained cipated upland disposal needs in Elochoman Slough. from the Columbia River near the clownriver end of Present commercial use of dredged material from Puget Island to Elochoman Slough; also authorized Cathlamet Channel would indicate constructive use are a marina at Cathlamet on Elochoman Slough, a could be made of any dredged material from future channel 10' x 100' for 1.5 miles up Elochoman dredging at the upriver end of Cathlamet Channel. Slough, a large log-handling facility up Elochoman Future disposal by the Corps of Engineers at the up- Slough, and an active dredging permit in Cathlamet river end of Brown Island may alleviate the present Channel upstream from the Puget Island bridge. shoaling problem. Cathiamet DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Elochoman Marina minimal 74(S) 1, 440,000 cy @ 10' 2 76(S) 320,000 cy @ 10' 1 Elochoman Slough improvement 20,000 cy/5 yr 74(S) 1, 440, 000 cy @ 10' 2 at entrance 20,000 cy/20 yr 76(S) 320, 000 cy @ 10' 1 Cathlamet Channel unknown 76(S) 320,000 cy @ 10' 1 58.50 Puget Island Housing and other futufre development will An extensive dike improvement project is under- probably be concentrated along the southwestern way on Puget Island, using stockpiled dredged shoreline (Sunny Sands, Welcome Slough, Bernie material from Corps channel maintenance. Channel Slough, and Jackson Slough). Beach nourishment for maintenance material has been deposited along the Sunny Sands and the area west of Welcome Slough shoreline on the Columbia River side of Puget Island will probably be necessary as erosion occurs and in the past, resulting in wide beaches. Several pile property owners require it. These sloughs and Grove dikes upriver of Brown Island have had adjacent in- and Net Rack Sloughs are poorly maintained for water disposal and dredged material has been de- boating and drainage, and will probably require posited on Brown and White Islands. some future maintenance dredging. Local interests V - 28 have petitioned the Corps for dredging at Welcome, the dredging. Only in Welcome Slough is the mate- Jackson and Bernie Sloughs. rial likely to pose a disposal problem due to pollu- Future local dredging projects on Puget Island will tion and needed upland disposal. A potential site is require feasibility studies, probably under the Corps available, but neither the magnitude of the present of Engineers Section 107 authority. The amounts of problem nor future remedies can be addressed dredged material will probably be small enough to without further study. be utilized by adjacent landowners benefitting from DMID Sites site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Welcome Slough development unknown 85(S) 160,000 2 58.60 Bradwood investigations into development suitability and re- No active development exists at the Bradwood quirements for the site have not been made, and area. The site was used as a mill, with a large wharf estimates of construction or maintenance dredging for shipping lumber. The wharf is not serviceable at volumes are not available. the present time. A portion of the site has been used Dredged material from the Bradwood area could in the post for disposal of channel maintenance possibly utilize flow lane disposal, depending on the materials. type of material to be dredged and approval by state Development potential of the Bradwood site has and federal agencies. Three potential disposal sites been identified by the Port of Astoria and the State exist. Two have been used in the past for channel Department of Transportation. Development is not maintenance disposal. believed to involve substantial dredging, but recent DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Port of Astoria development not substantial 78(S) 450,000 cy 2 58.70 Wauna-Westport lumbia River and Westport Slough. Currently, a wood processing facility at Wauna Little dredging would be required for most future extends west from Driscoll Slough, with an author- development, but a significant amount of filling ized 28' x 200' x 3500' channel in Westport Slough would occur. Potential disposal sites are related to that has not been maintained since 1966. The Puget Corps maintenance dredging. Future use as devel- Island-Westport Ferry operates out of Westport opment sites would depend upon resolution of con- Slough. A private residential development is located flicts over resource values and dredged material on part of the property east of Westport Slough. disposal. Beach nourishment east of Westport Some potential for industrial development exists Slough would also depend upon maintenance along the entire area from Westport Slough to the dredging needs and owner acceptability. The land Bradley cliffs. Crown Zellerbach will probably disposal sites in East Clatsop County do not have the expand to the east and west boundaries of their capacity to meet the 20-year dredging requirements property. Warrenton Lumber Company, on the west for Corps projects. There is no available capacity for side of Westport Slough, plans to develop a wood new construction dredging. Flow lane disposal could processing facility, with ship access to both the Co- possibly alleviate the land disposal requirement for East Clatsop County, if further study so indicates. DMD Sites Site Project Amount Dredged Number Capacity Priority Westport Slough not maintained 90(S) 2,720,000 cy I Waterfront development not substantial 90(S) 2,720,0M cy I 83(S) 1, 120,WO cy 2 V - 29 59. DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITES 59. 10 OCEAN SITES DISPOSAL SITE E -Ocean DISPOSAL SITE F - Ocean Location 46112'38"N, 124106'30"W @ Location 46115'27"N, 124' 5'37"W Ca Location 46'12'00"N, 124009'00"W (a RM - 2.5 RM 0.5 RM - 4.5 Size 5000' x 2000' Size 4000' x 1000' Size 1800' x 1800' Depth 65' Depth 60' - 70' Depth 125' Biological Density Moderate Biological Density Low (cf 41.01, 55.11) Sediment Transport Some Clatsop Spit Sediment Transport Stabile during sum- Beach Nourishment, most stabile. mer; During winter, some material DISPOSAL SITE G - Ocean (cf 41.01, 55.11) goes westward with natural sediment Location 46'1 1'30"N, 124106'00"W Ca to the outer tidal delta while the re- RM 3.5 DISPOSAL SITE B - OCEAN mainder moves northeast, either over Size 3000' x 6000' Location 46114'10"N, 124110'30"W @ Peacock Spit to the northern beaches or Depth 80' RM -4.0 behind the North Jetty. (cf 41.01, 55. 11 Size 5000' x 2000' (cf 41.01, 55.11 Depth 110' DISPOSAL SITE H - Ocean Biological Density Moderate Location 46'14'30"N, 124'08'30"W Sediment Transport Northerly, parallel Size 4200' x 4200' to coast Depth 40' (cf 41.01, 55. 11 (cf 41.01, 55.11) 59.20 ESTUARY SITES 6(E) - Estuary (CoE "Jetty A") I II(E) - Estuary (CoE "Point Adams") 39(E) - Estuary (CoE "Tongue Point") Location 46115'40"N, 124102'23"W @ Location 46112'45"N, 123156'30"W @ Location 46112'55"N, 123145'40"W @ RM 2.9 RM8.5 RM 18.0 Size 1600'x 1000' Size 900' x 300' Size 1800' x 900' Depth 100' Depth 25' Depth 100' Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- Relative Biological Density Moderate nel: Clatsop Shoal (RM -0.2 - 2.6); nel: L. Desdemona Shoal (RM 5.0 - 7.8); Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- Outer Shoal (RM - 1.5 - - 1.0) U. Desdemona Shoal (RM 8.7 9.4); nel: Tongue Point Shoal (RM 18.7 - Comments Large scour hole; can accept Flavel/Astoria Shoal (RM 11.3 11.6, 19.1 ) U. Sands Shoal (RM 16.3 - 16.6). both coarse and fine sediments 12.5 - 12.6). Also Skipanon Channel Also Astoria Turning Basin and Pier 4 7(E) - Estuary (CoE "Sand Island") Entrance and Astoria Turning Basin. construction. Location 46115'43"N, 124001'22"W @ 15(E) - Estuary (CoE "Tonsy Point" ". CLT- 54(E) - Estuary (CoE "Harrington Point RM 3.5 10.0-1w) Sump", #CLH-21-IW) Size 900' x 300' Location 4611 1'40"N, 123155'30"W 9 Location 46114'30"N, 123142'30"W Ca Depth 40' RM 10.0 RM 21.0 Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- Size 1500' x 700' Size 8400' x 450' nel: Clotsop Shoal (RM -0.2-2.6); Depth 45' Depth 41' Outer Shoal (RM - 1.5 - - 1.0) Relative Biological Density Moderate Relative Biological Density Moderate Sediment Transport Downstream with Sediment Transport Downstream D -Estuary (CoE "D") probable channel return near Ham- Access Good Location 46114'27"N, 123'57'00"W @ mond. Traffic Density Low RM Access Good Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- Size 5000' x 2000' Traffic Density Moderate, . but high nel: Tongue Point Shoal (RM 18t7 - Depth 38' during charter season. 19.1); U. Sands Shoal (RM 16.3 - 16.6); Relative Biological Density Moderate Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- L. Miller Sands Bar (RM 21.4 - 22.5); U. Sediment Transport fines towards Baker nel- U. Desdemona Shoal (RM 8.7 - Miller Sands Bar (RM 23.5 - 24.6); Flov- Bay 9.4). Also Skipanon Channel Entrance, el/Astoria Shoal (RM 11.3 - 11.6, 12.5 - Access Good Astoria Turning Basin, and Pier 4 con- 12.6). Traffic Density Low struction. Related Projects Used in place of ocean I disposal for many projects when bar 36(E) - Esturay (CoE "Bridge") conditions are rough. Location 4611 1'47"N, 123*51'30"W @ RM 13.2 Size 2 100' x 900' Depth 60' - 70' Related Projects Main Navigation Chan- nel: Flovel Shoal (RM 11.3 - 11.6). Also Skipanon Channel Entrance, Astoria Turning Basin, and Pier 4 construction. V - 30 59.30 FLOW-LANE SITES 59(F) - Flow-Lane (CoE RM261W) 68(F) - Flow-lons (CoE RM341W) 81 (F) - Flow-lone (CoE # RM401W) Location 46115'17"N, 123136'45"W @ Location 46115'21"N, 123'27'10"W @ Location 46010'55"N, 123125'32"W @ RM 26 RM 34 RM 40 Size 4000' x 800' size 750' x 3000' Size 300'x 1000' Depth 30' Depth 40' Depth 35' Related Project Main navigation chan- Related Project Main Navigation Related Project Main Navigation Chan- nel: L. Pillar Rock Bar (RM 25.0 - 26.0); Channel: Welch Island Bar (RM 32.6 - nel: Wauna Bar (RM 40.5 - 41.5) U. Pillar Rock Bar (RM 26.4 - 27.9); L. 34.0); Skamokowa Bar (RM 35.0 - 35.'9). (cf 41.01, 41.04, 55.13) Brookfield Bar (RM 28.7 - 29.7) (cf 41.04, 55.13) (cf 41.04, 55.13) 95(F) - Flow-lone (CoE # RM461W) 73(F) - Flow-lone (CoE # RM371W) Location 46168'AO"N, 123120'00"W Location 46013'46"N, 123'25'25"W @ RM 46 RM 37 Size 750' x 6500' Size 750' x 2400' Depth 25' - @ Depth 65' Related Project Main Navigation Chan- Related Project Main Navigation Chan- nel: U. Westport Bar (RM 46.8 - 48.4); nel: Puget Island Bar (RM 37.4 - 38.7); Eureka Bar (RM 51.4 - 52.0) Wouna Bar (RM 40.5 - 41.5) (cf 41.01, 41.04, 55.13) (cf 41.03, 41.04, 55.13) 59.40 BEACH NOURISHMENT SITES .56(B) Beach Nourishment (CoE #0.23.5) 58(B) - Beach Nourishment 61(8) - Beach Nourishment (CoE Location RM 23.5, Miller Sands, 1600' to Location RM 26, Elliott Point, 1000' to L. W. 26. 8) L. Miller Sands Bar, 800' to U. Miller Pi I lor Rock Bar Location RM 26.5, Elliott Point, 1500' to Sands Bar Size, 4 acres U. Pi I lar Rock Bar Size 120 acres Ownership Private Size 4 acres Ownership Federal, wildlife refuge Designation Conservation Ownership Private Designation Conservation Current Use Recreation Designation Conservation Current Use Wildlife Refuge Future Use Recreation Current Use Recreation Related Projects 40' navigation channel Future Use Recreation Future Use Wildlife Refuge 26.0) Related Projects 40' navigation channel Related Projects 40' navigation channel - L. Pi I lar Rock Bar (RM 25.0 to - Upper Pillar Rock Bar (RM 26.4 to - Upper Miller Sands Bar (RM 23.5 to Bio-Physical Description Eroding estuary 27.9), Lower Pillar Rock Bar (RM 25.0 to 24.6) sand beach bordered by a rocky share- 26.0) Bio-Physical Description Horseshoe land and woody area; approximately Blo-Physical Description Estuary sand shaped estuary sand islans; northern 2000' long with some DMD at west end beach less than 50' wide for 1600', dogleg active DMD site; flat sandy spit, and less than 100 feet of beach and widening to almost 200' at the eastern less than 20 feet high with a shallow vegetation between river and road; end (where post disposal has occur- area separating it from the southern mature trees adjacent to road north of island; experimental marsh habitat site with little vegetation on the site red); from 50 to 200 feet of vegetation creation at the eastern end; population itself. between beach and road; mature trees of bird species; ticla I marsh habitat. (cf 44.05, 55.13) adjacent to road; little vegetatio n on Environmental Concerns Protect existing the beach. island by periodic beach nourishment; 60(B) -Beach Nourishment (CoE # 0. 27.2) (cf 44.05, 55.13) future habitat experimentation may be Location RM 27.2, Jim Crow Sands (Pillar appropriate; without periodic replen- Rock Island), 900 feet to U. Pillar Rock 62(6) - Beach Nourishment ishment this sand spit will probably be Bar Location RM 27. 1, Pillar Rock, 1500' to U. breached by wind and water erosion Size 70 acres Pi I lar Rock Bar (RM 26.5 to 28.0) adversely affecting protected interior Ownership Federal Size 4 acres tidal marsh. Designation Conservation Ownership Private (cf 41.05, 55.13) Current Use Wildlife Refuge Designation Conservation Future Use Wildlife Refuge Current Use Recreation 57(B) - Beach Nourishment Related Projects 40' navigation channel Future Use Recreation Location RM 25, Near Altoona, Washing- - U. Pillar Rock Bar (RM 26.4 to 27.9), Related Projects 40' navigation channel ton; I 3W to L. Pillar Rock Bar Lower Pillar Rock Bar (RM 25.0 to 26.0) - Upper Pillar Rock Bar (RM 26.5 to Size 18 acres Blo-Physical Description Estuary sand 28.0) Ownership Private island one mile long and 800' at widest Bio-Physical Description Gravelly Designation Conservation point; a few trees on the western half estuary beach 1000 feet west of can- Current Use Recreation along with scattered grasses and nery; approximately 250' wide within Future Use Recreation shrubs; the eastern half revegetated 100 feet of road; mature trees along Related Projects 40' navigation channel with gross and shows good cover. roadsic!e; little vegetation on site. - Lower Pillar Rock Bar (RM 25.0 to 26.0) (cf 41.05, 55.13) (cf 44.05, 55.13) Blo-Physical Description Estuary sand beach bordered by steep forested up- land, beach approximately 1700 feet ong and 400 feet at widest point; estuary beaches support planktonic forms which support a variety of juven- 'ile and'adult fish species. (cf 44. 05, 55.13) V-31 63(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE 72(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE # 0. 36.8) 82(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE W. 28.2) Location RM 36.8, beach on S.E. side of W.40.9) Location RM 28.2, Jim Crow Point, 2000' Tenasillahe Island, 900 ycls to main Location RM 40:9, north of Welcome to U. Pillar Rock Bar ship channel Slough, 200 yards from main ship Ownership Private Size 10 acres channel Designation Conservation Ownership Federal Size 30 acres Current Use Recreation Designation Conservation Ownership Private Future Use Recreation Current Use Wildlife Refuge Designation Conservation Related Projects 40' navigation channel Future Use Wildlife Refuge Current Use Recreation and DMD - U. Pillar Rock Bar (RM 26.5 to 28.0), Related Projects 40' navigation channel Future Use Recreation and DMD Lower Brookfield Bar (RM 28.7 to 29.7) - Puget Island Bar (RM 37.4 to 38.7) Related Projects 40' navigation channel Bio-Physical Description Sand and Blo-Physlcal Description Eroding - Wouna Bar (RM 40.5 to 41.5) ravel beach extending from Jim Crow shoreline; predominantly sand beach, Bio-Physical Description A river beach 9 interticlal flats outside an existing dike; outside the road dike around Puget Point 2000' west; western half about 100' wide and eastern half about 250' beach probably supports planktonic Island; predominantly sand; small at widest point where post DMID has forms which support a variety of juven- temporary stockpile site located in the occurred; mature frees and some vege- ile and adult fish species; valuable southern portion; material currently tation on western end; mostly lb@re fishing drift located in the river along used for dike maintenance purposes on beach on remainder of site. this area. Puget Island; sport fishing site; some (cf 44.05, 55.13) (cf 41.08, 55.13) small spots of large trees. Comments The main concern with this (cf 44.01, 55.13) 66(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE area is that the commercial fishing drift W. 33.4) along side be protected. 84(B) -Beach Nourishment (CoE # 0.40.8) Location RM 33.4, Skamokawa, 800' to Location RM 40.9, immediately down- Welch Island Bar, 400' to entrance to 77(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE 4 0.38.3) stream from the Wouna Mill. Brooks Slough Location RM 38.3, south tip of Tenasilla- Size 3500 by 500 feet Size 5 acres he island, .3 miles from main ship Ownership Private Ownership Port District #2, Wahkiokum channel Designation Development County Size 10 acres Current Use DMID Designation Development Ownership Federal Future Use DMD, Development Current Use DMD Site Designation Conservation Related Projects 40' navigation channel Future Use Park Current Use Recreation and DMD - Wouna Bar (RM 40.5 to 41.5) Related Projects 40' navigation channel Future Use Recreation and DMD Bio-Physical Description DMD site; con- - Welch Island Bar (RM 32.6 to 34.0) Related Projects 40' navigation channel tinuous erosion of shoreline; no vege- and Brooks Slough improvement - Puget Island Bar (RM 37.4 to 38.7) tation. Bio-Physical Description DMD site on Bio-Physical Description Southern part (cf 43.13, 55.13) west bank of entrance to Skamokawa/ behind the existing pile dike is a broad Brooks Sloughs; dredged sand fills sand beach with a steep, eroding slope 87(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE about 1300' along the river extending on the channel side; area to the north W.41.8) almost 1000' back toward the highway; is lower and partially submerged; Location beach south of Welcome trees and undergrowth on both east major portion of the island to the south Slough, I/A mile from main ship chan- and west sides of the site with no vege- is channel sand with little wildlife nel tation on site. value; northern and western portions Size 5 acres (cf 44.04, 55.13) are tidal marsh with a few willow Ownership Private (disputed with State) trees. Designation Development 70(8) - Beach Nourishment (CoE Environmental Concerns After each dis- Related Projects 40' navigation channel W.34.4) posal the area may be seeded for - Wouna Bar (RM 40.5 to 41.5) and Location RM 34.5, Price Island, 1500' to water fowl winter feed increasing BiLower Westport Bar (RM 42.0 to 43.3) Skamokawo Bar waterfowl habitat area. O-Physical Description Sand beach Size 5 acres Comments This disposal site is currently outside road dike around Puget Island; Ownership Wohkiakurn County used and is accepted (with certain predominantly sand with occasional Designation Conflict restrictions) by permit agencies. Area clumps of large trees along beach. Related Projects 4V navigation channel has conflicts with wildlife people - (cf 44.01, 55.13) - Skamokawo Bar (RM 35.0 to 35.9), that whole area was once a DMD site. Comments Major concerns with this area Welch Island Bar (RM 32.6 to 34.0) (cf 41.08, 55.13) are controlling the material, not allow- Bio-Physical Description Unaltered low ing encroachment into water, and re- area with small creek draining into 80(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE taining existing woody vegetation. Steamboat Slough; extensive forest W. 38.7) Access from main channel dredging is cover with large stands of tall trees; Location RM 38.7, north tip of Puget limited by Coffee Pot Island and may :upports population of bird species, Island, 100 yards from main ship prohibit future beach nourishment. mall mammals and terrestrial fur- channel bearers; wetland area. Size 20 acres 86(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE (cf 44.03, 55.13) Ownership Private W. 41.3) Designation Development Location RM 41.3, north Coffee Pot Island Current Use Recreation andDMD Size 6 acres Future Use Recreation and DMD Ownership Private Related Projects 40' navigation channel Designation Conservation - Puget Island Bar (RM 37.4 to 38.7) Related Projects 40' navigation channel Blo-Physical Description River beach - Wauna Bar (RM 40.5 to 41.5) and outside the road dike around Puget Lower Westport Bar (RM 42.0 to 43.3) Island; predominantly channel sand Bio-Physical Description Estuary sand dredged material; DMD stockpile site island; low and flat; Coffee Pot Island by Wahkiakum County at the northern has been used extensively for DMD; end; some mature trees and shrubs lo- predominantly willow and large trees; cated along the east side of the beach sand beaches along the southern peri- above the high water level and also in meter; woody area supports small some spots along the beach. mammals and foraging bird species. Environmental Concerns New sand (cf 44.01, 55.13) should not encroach into waterway and existing vegetation should be maintained. (cf 44.01, 55.13) V-32 91(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE 4 94(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE 4 97(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE W. 43. 8) W. 45. 0) W. 51.3) Location RM 43.8, E. Sunny Sands or Pan- Location RM 45.0, 'White Island, 700 Location RM 51.0, County Line Park, cake Point, 600 yards from main ship yards from main ship channel 10W to Eureka Bar and 2500' to Lower channel Size 40 acres Eureka Bar Size 20 acres Ownership State Size 12 acres Ownership Private (disputed with State) Designation Consemation Ownership Private Designation Conservation Related Projects 40' navigation channel Designation Conservation Related Projects 40' navigation channel - M. Westport Bar (RM 44.4 to 45.4) Current Use Recreation - Lower Westport Bar (RM 42.0 to 43.3) Blo-Physical Description Beach along Future Use Recreation and Middle Westport Bar (RM, 44.4 to river side of estuary sand island; low Related Projects 40' navigation channel 45.4) and flat. - Eureka Bar (RM 51.4 to 52.0) and L. Blo-Physical Description River beach (cf 44.01, 55.13) E u re ka Ba r (RM 49.9 to 50.5) outside the road dike around Puget Bio-Physical Description Estuary sand Island; predominantly sand beach with 96(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE beach west of County Line Park; private a steep, eroding bankline; numerous W.46.3, W.46.0) residences adjacent to beach; upland private homes adjoin the beach out- Location RM 47. 1, east of site 55 on south slope increases to the west; scattered side of the protective dike; sport f ishing tip of Puget Island, 600 yards from vegetation, predominantly beach areas are located along the beach. main ship channel grass, located on beach; forested (cf 44.01, 55.13) RM 46.3, south tip of Puget Island, 650 slopes bordering on the north and west yards from main ship channel sides. 92 (B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE Size 139 acres (cf 44.02, 55.13) 0.44.4) Ownership State Location RM 44.0, 250 yards from main Designation Conservation 98(B) - Beach Nourishment (CoE ship channel Current Use Flow Control W.51.3) Size 50 acres Future Use Flow Control Location RM 51.3, County Line Park, 600' Ownership Private Related Projects 40' navigation channel to Eureka Bar Designation Conservation - Westport Bar (RM 45.7 to 46.7) and U. Size 2 acres Current Use Beach Nourishment; DMD Westport Bar (46.8 to 48.4) and Cath- Ownership Wahkiakum County Related Projects 40' navigation channel, lamet Channel Designation Conservation Middle Westport Bar (RM 44.4 to 45.5) Bio-Physical Description Sand island in Current Use Recreation Bic-Physical Description Low-flat sand river used for flow controls; low and Future Use Recreation beach outside dike; eroding. flat; little wildlife value; beach along Related Projects 40' navigation channel (cf 43.13, 55.13) river side of estuary sand island. - Eureka Bar (RM 51.4 to 52.0) Comments There are conflicts over flow- Bio-Physical Description Narrow river control and shoaling in Cathlomet sand beach adjacent to a park site pro- Channel; local interests want the gaps tected by rip-rap; small drainage chan- filled. nel at eastern end of site; site is be- (cf 44.01, 55.13) tween two pile dikes and is an eroding area; no existing vegetation. (cf 44.02, 55.13) 59.50 SHORELAND SITES II(S) - Shoreland Priority 1 2(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Location Baker Bay at Port of Ilwaco, Location RM 2.7 just southeast of Cape Comments Revegetation and land- adjacent to Port and Ilwaco Shoal Disappointment, East of Jetty A, 2200 scaping after DMID would enhance Size 8 acres feet to Cape D Shoal, 4000 feet to Mid- environmental attributes and public Ownership Port of I Iwaco Channel Shoals, 7500 feet to Ilwaco use potential. The use of this site will Capacity Stockpile for reuse, can handle Shoal depend upon a change in the current 12,000/yr or 240,000/20 yr Size 30 acres dredging practices or a change in the Designation Water Dependent Develop- Ownership Federal channel. if it became feasible to pipe- ment Capacity 500,000 cy at 10 feet line dredge the Cape D Shoal or if a Current Use DMD stockpile site Designation Conservation new channel were to be dredged into Final Use Port development Current Use Limited DMD use Baker Bay, this site would be useful. Related Project Port of Ilwaco basin and Related Projects Baker Bay West Chan- (cf 45.09, 56. 10) entrance maintenance nel - new channel alignment or im- Blo-Physical Description Present sand provement, Cape D Shoo I (RM 3.0-4.0). DMID site; retention areas next to Bio-Physical Description Generally flat, breakwater on south and east sides; sandy area with no authorized public some development adjacent to basin; access; southern shoreline has steep sand area with sparse grasses and little eroding beach; northeast beach has a habitat value. low slope; upland dunes sparsely Engineering Present acceptable DMD vegetated with dune grasses; low in- site; reevaluate routing of effluent tensity use by foraging birds. material to minimize impacts to sur- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredging rounding area; a portion should be re- /disposal; no site preparation if clean served for reuse. channel sand material; retention berm Environmental Concerns If disposal is needed for finer or less clean material; contained to existing area no adverse only existing upland area should be environmental impacts expected. used for DMD; revegetation should Comments Future development plans occur following DMD. may conflict with use of this site, but Environmental Concerns No substantial continued upland disposal is important environmental impact from DMID be- for basin and entrance maintenance. cause there is little important habitat at Future development of site may mean this site. relocation of this stockpile to another site. (cf 45.07, 56.40) V - 33 3(S) - Shoreland Priority I 5(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Location RM 3.0, Sand Island, 1000 feet Location RM 4.0, Sand Island tions pose some problems. If fine to Cape D Shoal, 6500 feet to Ilwaco Size 95 acres material is disposed of at this site, the Shoal, 5000 feet to Mid-Channel Capacity 1,520, 000 cy at 10 feet area could be suitable for pasture fond Shoals. 3,040,000 cy at 20 feet (but not structures for a number of Size 23 acres Ownership Federal years after operation), Capacity 360,000 cy at 10 feet Designation Conservation (cf 45.04, 56.20) 720,000 cy at 20 feet Current Use Wildlife habitat 9(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Ownership Federal Final Use DMD, then wildlife habitat Location RM 7.0, Chinook, 3000 feet to Designation Conservation Related Projects Baker Bay West Chan- Port of Chinook, 4000 feet to Baker Current Use Active DMD Site nel, Cape D Shoal (RM 3.0-4.0), Ilwaco Shoal Final Use Wildlife habitat Shoal (RM 2.9-3.1), channel improve- Size 100 acres Related Projects Baker Boy West Chan- ment or realignment, Port of Ilwaco Capacity 1,600,000 cy of 10 feet nel - Cape D Shoal (RM 3-4), Ilwaco Basin expansion. Ownership Private Shoal (RM2.9-3.1), Port of Ilwaco Basin Sio-Physical Description Open dune expansion. area on southeast side of Sand Island; Designation Rural Bio-Physical Description Dunes area relatively low and flat with high wind Current Use Vacant/Wildlife Habitat with densely vegetated shorcland erosion potential; sparsely vegetated Final Use Agriculture bordering the east side; active DMD with grass and has been overgrazed by Related Projects Chinook Channel, inner site surrounded by containment berm; cattle; gorse dominates western part of channel and channel expansion; Port of Chinook Basin. some shrubs and fairly dense dune the site and grass-forb over rest of the Bio-Physical Description Low, seasonally gross cover; possibly some foraging site; tidal marsh exists along eastern wet shoreland area northeast of Chin- birds. side; low wildlife value. ook; drainage canal along road on the Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- west side, Chinook River on the east; ing/disposal; possible maintenance or ing/disposal; berming required; care- portion if forested freshwater wetland; heightening of existing berm necessary ful control of routing of effluent ma- most has been logged and semi-clear- before new disposal operation. terial to avoid impact to nearly tidal ed- shrubland composed of older sap- Environmental Concerns Tidal marsh marsh; channel sand and silt material; lin@s, elderberry and Indian peach. bordering northern edge and upland present use is minimal. e Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- habitats on the east need protection; Environmental Concerns Loss of gors ing/clisposal; berming and cross diking area should be revegetated; loss of and gross-forb; no other substantial en- required to allow for periodic filling; beach grass and shrubs will occur; no vironmental impacts. small amount of clearing required; other substantial environmental im- Comments This site should be considered routing of effluent material must be pacts. if the existing gap in Sand Island is carefully controlled to protect sur- Comments Possibility of habitat im- used for a realignment channel into rounding area and Chinook River provement by landscaping after use of Chinook or llwoco. Due to the greater water quality; fine sediment from Chi- the site is exhausted. Addition of finer distance to possible dredging areas, nook Channel to be disposed of at this material to the sandy upland dune this site is included only for future site. area has enhanced ground cover. study. Environmental Concerns Loss of poten- (cf 45.05, 55.10, 56.) (cf 45.05, 55.1.0, 56.) tial forest land and habitat for bird spe- 4(S) - Shoreland Priority I S(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 cies, small mammals and terrestrial Location RM 3.3, Sand Island, 1000 feet Location RM 6.0, northwest of Chinook furbearers; major concerns are filling to Cape D Shoal, 5000 feet to Mid- 4000 feet to Port of Chinook, 5200 fee@ in wet areas and loss of riparian habi- Channel Shoals, 6500 feet to llwaco to Baker Shoal (Chinook Channel) tat. Shoal Size 80 acres Comments Ticlegate on Chinook River Size 80 acres Capacity 1,250,000 cy at 10 feet limits tidal influence on wetlands. Pro- Capacity 1,280,000 cy at 10 feet Ownership Private (Gile Investment Co.) tection of existing wetland or other 2,620,000 cy at 20 feet Designation Rural valuable habitats must be balanced Ownership Federal Current Use Open space with need for port existence. Timing Designation Conservation Final Use Agriculture or rural develop- and sequence of use of this site should Current Use limited DMD use ment be coordinated with local interests. Final Use DMD, then wildlife habitat Related Projects Chinook Channel; inner 110(S) - Shoreland Priority I Related Projects Baker Boy West Chan- channel and channel expansion. Location RM 7, Port of Chinook, adjacent nel - Cape D Shoal (.3-4), Ilwaco Shoal Sio-Physical Description Low, wet share- to Port (RM, 2.9-3.1), new channel alignment, land area west of highway; several Port of Ilwaco Basin expansion drainage canals from highway to Baker Size 3 acres Blo-Physical Description Flat, sandy Bay; small upland berm parallel and Capacity 20,000cy/use dune area extending south to an next to river is 5 feet higher than rest of Ownership PortofChinook Designation Developnient eroding area onshore from two pile site; residential area between port and Current Use DMD stockpile dikes at the entrance to Ilwaco Chan- this DMD site; part of area is forested Final Use DMDslockpile nel; dune grasses; less vegetated than wetland, predominantly older to the Related Project Port of Chinook Basin Site 3(S); supports small mammals and south, mixing with Sitka spruce to the maintenance. foraging birds. north; fringing tidal marsh along Baker Bio-Physical Description Existing DMD Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Bay; supports large population of bird site with surrounding dikes and drain- ing/clisposol; containment berm species, small mammals, and terres- should enclose area with return flow trial furbearers. age into Baker Bay; little vegetation, routed to protect habitat on the east Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- only sparse grass, mostly on dikes. and the tidal marsh to the north; limit- ing/disposal; should be bermed and Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- ed DMD use due to access. cross diked into smaller portions for ing/disposal; silt with some contami- Environmental Concerns Loss of present periodic use; extensive clearing re- nants; preservation of site for stockpile gross and shrub cover should not cause quired; routing of effluent material and reuse should be considered. significant environmental impact; carefully controlled to protect tidal Env .ironmental Concerns Very little enz vironmental value associated with site: should be revegetated. marsh to the north and water quality of no environmental impact. Comments Best site for present main- Baker Boy; DMD use dependent on Comments Reuse of this site can occur tenance for channel if pipeline owners plans. as rapidly as the material is transported disposal is needed, and for any new Environmental Concerns Loss of substan- away. Existing site is acceptable to re- channel alignment or modification. tiol forested wetland and wildlife habi- source agencies. Indications are that landscaping and tat would occur. (cf 45.03, 56.50) revegetation would substantially en- Comments This area will probably be hance future use by wildlife. logged in the near future. Distance and (cf 45.05, 55.10, 56.) access from present dredging opera- V - 34 12(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 14(S) - Shoreland Priority I 17(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Location West of existing DMD site at Location West of Hammond Boat Basin Location Bounded on east by Gardenia Hammond Boot Basin. including current DMD site and area to Street, on south by N.W. I I th Street, size 30 acres the immediate south. and on north by N.W. Warrenton Ave- Capacity 480,000 cy at 10 feet Size 3 acres nue, in Warrenton. Ownership Federal Capacity 48,000 cy Size 50 acres Designation Development Ownership Federal, leased to Hammond Capacity 800,000 cy at 10 feet Current Use Natural area Designation Wafer Dependent Develop- Ownership Private parcels Future Use Ft. Stevens Park parking lot ment Designation Development Related Project Hammond Boat Basin Current Use DMD Site Current Use Agriculture expansion and maintenance. Final Use DMD Stockpile or high spot Final Use Residential Bio-Physical Description Forested low- Related Project Hammond Boat Basin Related Project Potential dredging for land on sandy substrate; relatively f lot; maintenance (Town of Hammond) deep draft ship access adjacent to Tan- bordered on east by disposal site for Bio-Physical Description Northern por- sy Point. Hammond Mooring Basin [14(S)] and tion is DMID site; remainder 'lightly Bio-Physical Description Relatively flat; on west by residential development; vegetated; flat with sandy soils; DMID drained by Tansy Creek through the dominated by red alder 50 feet high; site 'revegetated with salt gross and center of the site; class IV loamy fine understory of Hooker's willow and Pa- herbaceous species; disturbed area sand soils; postured with bentgrass and cific willow at 35 feet; occasional Sitka dominated by Scotch broom; some other species; Tansy Creek surrounded spruce; subcanopy of salmon berry, small mammals and birds. by strip of alder; small population of trailing blackberry,' and twinberry; Engineering Pipeline or ciamshelldred- wildlife, small mammals and birds. Lyngbey's sedge and occas ional sword ing/disposal; requires berming for Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- fern at ground level; supports large pipeline operations; removal of exist- ing/disposal; requires cross diking and population of bird species, small mom- ing disposal material for use elsewhere berming to protect Tansy Creek and Mals and terrestria) furbearers, rep- is being considered; dike, berm, weir, subdrainages; discharge should be tiles, and amphibians. and land discharge design to be devel- controlled such that effluent entering Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- oped. Tansy Creek will not degrade water ing/disposal; minimize visual obstruc- Environmental Concerns No substantial quality on Alder Cove or Tansy Creek. tion to Fort Stevens;, vegetate peri- impacts; site should be revegetated to environmental Concerns Minor reduc- Meter; requires berming with interior stabilize sides and prevent wind ero- tion in county open pasture habitat; diking, depending on boat basin sedi- sion. contamination of Tansy Creek and ments, return flow should pass through Comments The existing site is not fully Alder Slough should be prevented by basin. utilized. The final use and landscaping cooperation With DEQ, USFW, EPA, and Environmental Concerns Disposal will of highs'pot need planning. This site NMFS. produce substantial impacts on pre- should be used for maintenance dredg- Comments DMID use should be depend- viously undisturbed area; significant ing. ent on a demonstrated need for, Port impact on wildlife; minimal effects on (cf A2.01, 57.20) development and the unfeasibility, of regional biota; possible effects on ocean disposal. This site is adequate Swash Lakeand other habitat if diking 16(S - Shoreland Priority 2 for DMD use from Tansy Point. Disposal and set-back no, adequate;' requires Location Between Burlington Northern should utilize small portions sequen- coordination with DEQ and ODFW in Railroad and N.W. Warrenton Drive tially. both placement and timing. I north of 14th Street in*Warrenion. (cf 42.02, 57.30) Comments Substantial biologic'al value Size @ IS acres of site should preclude its use for main- Capcity 144,000 cy at 5 feet 18(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 tenance dredging; it may be needed Ownership City of Warrenton (Mr.'E.H., Location South of N.W. 14th Street, west' for development of Hammond Boat Carruthers has deeded to City of War- of N.W.Warrenton Street, in Warren- Basin. The current designation for open deed restrictions) ton. space could be compatible with DMD Designation Development arid Water Size 25 acres' use if there is adequate revegetation Dependent Development Capacity 400, 000 cy at 10 feet and site design. Current Use Vacant Ownership, County and private (cf 42.01, 57) final Use Residential/commerical/in- Designation Water Dependent DEVELOP Dustrial/park ment 13(S) - Shoreland Priority 1 -Related Project Potential dredging for Current Use Vacant/residentiol Location West of Hammond 'Boat Basin, deep draft- ship access adjacent to Final Use Residential. or water related' north of 14(S). Tansy Point. development Size 3 acres Bio-Physical Description Interclunol area Related Project Potential dredging for Capacity 48,000 cy at 10 feet. between two sand, ridges utilized by deep draft ship access adjacent to Ton- Ownership Feclercil the railroad and highway; appears to sy Point. Designation Water Dependent Develop. have been disturbed in the past; domi- 610-physical Description Flat with sandy ment noted by Scutch biroom -ond beach- materis; drains south to Tansy Creek; Current Use DMD Site grass; suppo,rts small mammals and with no permanent channels; domin- Future Use DMD Stockpile or higlspot fordging'birds. ated by older with undertory of beach- Related Project Hammond Boat Basin 'Eqpgineering Hydraulic pipeline or bucket gross and ferns; some open grass :Maintenance (Corps @entrance chan-- dredging/disposol; requires contain- meadows. ment arid nondestructive effluent dis- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- nelq). Bib-Physical Description- Generally flat charge location; discharge into Alder diking to prevent discharge into tansy, With sandy soils ; DMD site revegetated Cove should be prohibited. diking to prevent discharge into Tansy as 14 (s) Environmental.Concerns Minimal effects Creek; discharge must be routed to Co. from disposal of clean,materials; some :c0lumbio River across the railroad lines. Engineering Pipeline oi clorhis'nell dredg- tl I ...- I i d. ing/disposal; rbdluies berming from habitat,loss; Alder Cove will require Eniiirdnmental Concerns Loss 'of b r , pipeline operations; suffiiently.- dose., protection. -small mammal and terrestrial furbear to Hammond Boat Basin for, bucket. Comments.' The site could be. used if 'er fiabitat; small disruption 'of area dredging for clewatering channels-will T0.syoint were cielope, for any "older habitat; degradation of,water' need close attention. -purpose. quality in Tansy Creek, Alder Creek Environmental Concerns 'Minor loss Of (cf. 42.02, 57.30) and Alder Slough areas will be un-' foraging habitat for birds and small - a,cceptable, but could be prevented by mammals. effluent routing. Comments The existing DMD site is not Comments This is a priority site for DMID fully utilized and could be used to es- related to Tansy Point, development tablish high spot for separation of the and can be used for foreseeable main- Basin from Fort Stevens State Park. The tenance dredging. site should be used for Basin main- (cf 42.02, 57.30) tenance dredging. (cf 42.01,57) 19(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Environmental Concerns Primary con- Environmental Concerns DMD use would Location East of Alder Creek, west of cerns are water quality and visual im- preclude current agriculture; some railroad track. pact on Alder Slough; some habitat habitat loss. Size 15 acres loss. Comments While proximity to the Skipa- Capacity 240,000 cy at 10 feet Comments Filling priorto development non waterway is desirable, other siies Ownership Private will enhance the final use of the site, are available and DMD use of this site Designation Development and the site has been identified in the would eliminate agricultural opera- Current Use Undeveloped draft EIS for Pacific Fabricators' facility tions. Final Use Residential to handle channel dredged material (cf 42.03, 57.40, 57.50) Related Projects Skipanon inner chan- from a 20 fact channel in the Skipanon. nel; Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin (cf 42.03, 57.40, 57.50) 23(S) - Shoreland Priority I maintenance and expansion; 20' chan- Location Between the Skipanon water- nel above bridge; Warrenton Lumber 21(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 way and tributary to the Skipanon Company development. Location Borders Alder Slough; bounded waterway north of the Oregon Coast Sic-Physical Description Drainage along by N.W. First Avenue on the south and Highway and south of S.E. 6th Street east side; relatively flat, loamy fine N.W. Fifth Avenue on the north. in Warrenton. sands with highly organic surface soils; Size 18acres Size 128 acres southern portion riparian alder and Capacity 288, 000 cy at 10 feet Capacity 2,016, 000 cy at 10 feet willow, with isolated Sitka spruce; Ownership Private Ownership Private northern portion lowland meadow with Designation Development Designation Development older, willow and Scotch broom; use Current Use Vacant land Current Use Vacant by terrestrial furbearers, deer, small Final Use Residential Final Use Tourist Commercial/residential mammals and song birds; abundant Related Projects Skiponon inner chan- development population of rodents would support nel; Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin Related Projects Skipanon inner chan- nel; Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin high use by raptors and other preda- maintenance and expansion; 20' chan- maintenance and expansion; 20' tors. nel above bridge; Warrenton Lumber channel above bridge; Warrenton Lum- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Company development. ber Company development. ing/disposal; requires berming; ef- Bio-Physical Description Low and flat; Bio-Physical Description Low silty loam; fluent controls must be constructed to pro- surface drainage into Alder Creek on diked; northern portion is shrubland tect Alder Creek; requires clearing; the west; southern portion cleared; covered by grasses, willow and Scotch buffer between site and Alder Slough southern half is pasture with fescue, broom; southern half predominately necessary; berm and fill heights should bent grass, and other pasture species; forested wetland dominated by red be designed to create no visual ob- northern portion predominantly alder alder and an understory of willows and struction or otherwise detract from forest; disturbed by road construction sedges. . Alder Slough area. and four-wheel drive vehicles; wide Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat variety of terrestrial furbeorers, small ing/disposal; little site preparation re- for furbearers and small mammals; mammals and birds. quired; construction of weir for outfall; protect water quality in Alder Slough Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- clearing in southern portion; diking by proper design and buffer strip. ing/disposal; requires clearing of along northeast and southern portions (cf 42.03, 57.40, 57.50) forested portion, berming, and mea- to protect wetland areas. sures to identify and protect Alder Environmental Concerns Filling fresh 20(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Creek wetland areas. water forested wetland in southern Location Between Alder Slough on the Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat; portion would be major loss; DMD northeast and the railroad on the west; Alder Creek water quality; adjacent should be restricted to northern portion north of the expansion area for War- wetlands; problems could be mini- where impacts are minimal; buffering renton sewage lagoon. mized by substantial setback and ef- to protect wetlands. Size 24 acres fluent disposal rerouted to the Skipa- Comments DMD use would create an Capacity 384,000 cy at 10 feet non. area suitable for residential develop- Ownership Dant and Russell Company Comments High elevation fills would be ment, after the material has settled. Designation Development incompatible with residential develop- DMD use of the southern portion would Current Use Vacant land ment. Distance from dredging area require permits and would involve sub- Final Use Industrial creates problems, including crossing a stantial environmental impacts. Only Related Projects Warrenton Boat/Turn- major highway. Site should be used the northern portion should be used ing Basin maintenance and expansion; only if ocean disposal is not ovail- and close cooperation with ODFW, Skipanon inner channel; 20' channel able. EPA, USFWS, etc. should be main- above bridge; Warrenton Lumber Com- (cf 42.03, 57.40, 57.50) tained to ensure acceptable proce- pany development. dures. Blo-Physical Description Relatively flat 22(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 (cf 42.05, 57.40, 57.50) with no developed surface drainage; Location South of 5th Street and west of separated from Alder Slough by berm N.E. Skiponon Drive in Warrenton; to north and east and railroad dike on bounded on north by railroad. west; loamy fine soils with high organ- Size 15 acres ic materials in surface soils; northern Capacity 240,000 cy at 10 feet portion primarily riparian older and Ownership Private willow, isolated Sitka Spruce; southern Designation Development portion predominantly lowland mead- Current Use Pasture ow with older, willow and Scotch Final ' Use Industrial/commercial/resi- broom invading; terrestrial furbearers, clential deer, small mammals and song bird Related Projects Skipanon inner chan- usage; abundant rodents would nel; Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin support use by raptors and other preda- maintenance and expansion; 20' chan- tors. nel above bridge; Warrenton Lumber Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Company development. ing/disposol; needs berming, construc- Blo-Physical Description Relatively flat tion of effluent controls to protect Alder posturelond with an open drainage Creek, clearing; maintain buffer be- along the west border; gross, clover tween site and Alder Slough; design and other pasture species; small mom- berm and fill height to create no visual mals; specialty crop of artichokes. obstruction or other detraction from Enginoering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Alder Slough area. ing/disposal; requires berming. v - 36 24(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 26(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 28(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Location Bounded on east by Kings Ave- Location North of Oregon Coast High- Location Southwestern portion of Clotsop nue, on south by S.E. 11 th Street, on way, west of Youngs Bay Plaza, east of County Airport west by Skipanon Slough in Warrenton. Marlin Avenue, south of Harbor Drive, Size 28 acres Size 70 acres in Warrenton. Capacity 448,000 cy at 10 feet Capacity 1,120,000 cy at 10 feet Size 13 acres Ownership Port of Astoria Ownership Private Capacity 208,000 cy at 10 feet Designation Development Designation Development Ownership Private Current Use Agri cu Iture/shrub Current Use Agriculture Designation Development Final Use Airport related development Final Use Commercial and residential Current Use Agriculture Bio-Physical Description Diked posture- Related Project Skipanon inner channel; Final Use Commercial land; posture species of grasses, Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin main- Related Projects Skipanon inner chan- clover, etc.; supports small mammal ienance and expansion; 20' channel nel; Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin and bird populations. above bridge; Warrenton Lumber Com- maintenance and expansion; 20' chan- Engineering Dredging/disposal pro- pany development. nel above bridge; Warrenton Lumber blematic: hydraulic pipeline with Bio-Physical Description Flat; two minor Company development. booster pumps and perhaps barging drainages into Skipanon Slough; silty Bio-Physical Description Flat diked pas- bucket dredged material (5 mile round clay looms; diked on west; some resi- iure with silty clay loom soils; some trip); requires berming; very expensive dential development to north and surface drainage in the north; posture to place materials here. northeast; pasture vegetation and fresh land with bent gross, fescue, etc., Environmental Concerns Loss of pasture- water diked marshlands; buttercup, some common rush and herbaceous land. common rush, bent gross, and fescue plants; older and elderberry shrubs Comments Use for mainienance,DMD is grasses dominate; use by small mam- occur on southern portion; use by birds not practical. This site would be appro- mals and predators; amphibians and and small mammals. priate for DM stockpile for dike main- reptiles in diked marshlonds. Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- tenance. Site is adjacent to the Astoria Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- ing/disposal; requires berming, dik- Highway and would allow access by ing/disposal; DMID use will require ing, and effluent weirs. trucks throughout the lowland areas of water quality protection for Skipanon Environmental Concerns Minimal im- the Lewis and Clark Valley. Slough, a pipeline crossing for Harbor pacts expected if Holbrook Slough is (cf 42.08) Drive, and diking. protected from effluents; isolated pas- Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat tureland surrounded by development 29(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 and agricultural lands. with minimal habitat value. Location Northwest portion of Clatsop Comments At least the western portion Comments DMD use should be coor- I County Airport could be used for f uture DMD use. dinated with rehabilitation plan to Size 40 acres (cf 42.05, 57.40, 57.50) allow settling time prior to commercial Capacity 640,000 cy at 10 feet development and to ensure that the Ownership Port of Astoria 25(S) - Shoreland Priority I final height is appropeiate. Designation Development Shoreland (reevaluate boundaries) (cf 42.05, 57,40, 57.50) Current Use Agriculture/shrub Location North of Harbor Drive; bisected Final Use Airport related development by King Avenue; in Warrenton. 27(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Bio-Physical Description Western and Size 130 acres Location South of 'Oregon Coast High- southern areas are postureland; north- Capacity 2,080, 000 cy at 10 feet way, west of Holbrook Slough, in War- ern and eastern areas are lowland; sur- Ownership Port dif Astoria renton. rounded by dikes; drainage channel Designation Water Dependent Develop- Size 9 acres along northern dike into Youngs Bay; ment Capacity 144,000 cy at 10 feet lowland portion if shrubbery of willow, Current Use Limited industrial, residen- Ownership Private Scotch broom, and small alder and tial and agriculture Designation Development grasses; supports populations of deer, Final Use Industrial Current Use Agriculture terrestrial furbearers, small mammals, Related Projects Warrenton Boat/Turn- Final Use Commercial and birds. ing Basin maintenance and expan- Related Projects Skipanon inner chan- Engineering Dredging/disposal prob- sion; 20' channel above bridge; Skip- nel; Warrenton Boat/Turning Basin lematic: hydraulic pipeline with anon inner channel; Warrenton Lum- maintenance and expansion; 20' chan- booster pumps or 5 mile round trip ber Company development. nel above bridge; Warrenton Lumber barging bucket dredged material; re- Bio-Physical Description The upland Company development. quires berming, and clearing of north- areas and diked marshlands of the Pa- Bio-Physical Description Low, flat, with ern and eastern portions. cific Fabricators' site west of Holbrook silty clay soils; drained by a small Environmental Concerns Loss of deer, Slough; generally low; sand fill mate- slough into Holbrook Slough; diked terrestrial furbearer, small mammal, rial and diked tidal marsh; adjacent to marsh dominated by common rush, and bird habitats; some loss of posture- the Skiponon Channel; drains into bent gross, fescue, buttercup, etc.; land. Skipanon Peninsula directly and into use by small mammals, reptiles, am- Comments As in Site 28(S), the major Youngs Bay through Holbrook Slough; phibians, and birds. problems are economic. It will be very upland pastures with sandy soils Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- expensive to place dredged materials supporting gross, Clover, and other ing/disposol; requires berming and here. DMD use from maintenance herbaceous species; diked marshland weir construction for effluent dis- dredging is not practical. contains common rush, buttercup, bent charge; pipeline would cross both Har- (cf 42.08) grass, etc.; use by amphibians, rep- bor Drive and the Oregon Coast High- tiles, birds; supports a population a' way. short-eared owls and marsh hawks. Environmental Concerns Habitat loss; Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or bucket minimal water quality impacts because dredging/disposal; requires berming Holbrook Slough is a highly mani- to protect Holbrook Slough; overflow puloted waterway; appropriate diking weirs; existing dikes should contain and weir development can control DM. sediment. Environmental Concerns Minimal hobi- Comments This site is a low priority be- tat loss; need to protect water quality cause the multiple highway crossings and riparian vegetation along Hol- make DMD use expensive. Fill for de- brook Slough. velopment of this area could be (cf 42.06, 57.40, 57.50) brought in from sources other than dredging. (cf 42.08, 57.40, 57.50) V - 37 30(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 32(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 37(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Location Northern area of Clatsop Location Eastern portion of Clatsop Coun- Location Astoria waterfront (RM 16); east County Airport ty Airport. of the East End Mooring Basin, in As- Size 11 acres Size 125 acres toria. Capacity 176, 000 cy at 10 f eet Capacity 2,000,000 cy at 10 feet Size 7 acres Ownership Port of Astoria Ownership Port of Astoria Capacity 112,000 cy at 10 feet Designation Development Designation Development Ownership Private (Bumble Bee Sea- Current Use Vacant land/shrub Current Use Vacant/some agriculture foods) Final Use Airport related development Final Use Airport related development Designation Water Dependent Develop- Related Project Youngs Bay/River and Related Project Lewis and Clark River ment Lewis and Clark River entrance. development or channel maintenance, Current Use Undeveloped Bio-Physical Description flat diked low- Port of Astoria Slips; Youngs Bay/River. Final Use Marine Commercial, industrial land; drainage into Youngs Bay; for- Bio-Physical Description Lowland with Related Project East End Mooring Basin ested with alder; understory of shrubs dike along eastern side; many drain- Bio-Physical Description Undeveloped and grassy ground cover; supports age channels to tide box which drains low area created by sand fill on the populations of deer, terrestrial furbear- into Youngs Bay; forested with alder; Astoria waterfront; one structure on ers, small mammals, and birds. understory of shrubs and grassy ground northeast corner; little natural vegeta- Engineering Dredging/disposal prob- cover; spruce stand in eastern portion; tion or biological value. lematic: hydraulic pipeline may need marsh grass-buttercup meadow in Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- booster pumps; 5 mile round trip for southern portion; supports populations ing/disposal; requires berming, devel- barging bucket dredged materials; re- of deer, terrestrial furbearers, and opment of outflow weir, and cross- quires clearing and berming. small mammals. diking to protect effluent discharge Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat. Engineering Dredging/disposal prob- water quality. Comments DMD use of this site is co m- lematic: hydraulic pipeline would re- Environmental Concerns Minimal im- patible with expanding commercial quire booster pumps; 5 mile round trip pacts expected if water quality is main- use of airport property if appropriate for barged-in bucket dredged material tained. settling time is allowed. Use for main- from Port of Astoria; requires clearing Comments Careful engineering would tenance dredging is probably too and berming; site should be divided protect surrounding properties from expensive. and the Spruce Stand should be avoid- DMD use and water quality along the (cf 42.08, 57.60) ed. Columbia River waterfront. Filling Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat. could facilitate future commercial or 31(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Comments Use of this site for disposal industrial uses if the design and fill are Location Northeast section of Clatsop from maintenance dredging is proba- appropriate. County Airport bly not feasible, due to cost. Placement (cf 42.15, 57.80) Size 24 acres of fill here would be compatible with Capacity 384, 000 cy at 10 feet expanding commercial uses of airport 38(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Ownership Port of Astoria property. Location Astoria waterfront (RM 17); at Designation Development (cf 42.08, 57,60) west end of Astoria sewage lagoons. Current Use Vacant land/shrub Size 15 acres Final Use Commercial - airport 33(S) - Shoreland Priority I Capacity 240, 000 cy at 10 feet Related Project Youngs Bay/River and Location Lewis and Clark River, RM 7, Ownership City of Astoria Lewis and Clark River entrance. east bank. Designation Development Blo-Physical Description Lowland; diked Size 16 acres Current Use Undeveloped Capacity 256, 000 cy at 10 feet Final Use Industrial along northern side; drainage Ownership Private Related Projects East End Mooring Basin; channels into Youngs Bay; forest ed West End Mooring Basin (Fisherman's with alder; understory of shrubs and Designation Rural Dock and Marina); Coast Guard slips grassy ground cover; supports popu lo- Current Use Dredged disposal site at Tongue Point. tions of deer, terrestrial furbearers, Final Use Agriculture Bic- Physica I Description Hasbeenfilled; small mammals, and birds. Related Projects Crown Zellerbach log flat; sparse vegetation of grasses and Engineering Dredging/disposal prob- dump and Lewis and Clark River dredg- a few shrubs. lematic: hydraulic pipeline would re- ing. Engineering Clamshell or hydraulic pipe- quire booster pumps; 5 mile round trip Bio-Physical Description Low, flat; pas- line dredging/disposal; requires berm- for barged bucket dredged materials; ture beyond disposal site; dike along ing for hydraulic pipeline. requires clearing and berming. river and around disposal area. Environmental Concerns Minor impacts Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat. Engineering Clamshell or hydraulic pipe- expected if water quality can be pro- Comments Use of this site for disposal line dredging/clisposal;berming needs iecied. from maintenance dredging is proba- to be maintained to prevent overflow Comments DMD use would be compati- bly not feasible, due to cost. Placement on adjacent farm land. ble with eventual industrial use if ap- of fill here would be compatible with Environmental Concerns Minimal envi- expanding commercial uses of- ronmental value; area has been used propriate settling time is allowed. This airport'/2 for disposal in the past; little environ- site should be reserved for DMID use. mental impact. (cf 42.15, 57.80) Comments Use of this site for disposal (cf 42.09, 55.20, 57.60) from maintenance dredging is proba- bly not feasible, due to cost. Placement of fill-here would be compatible with expanding commercial uses of airport property. (cf 42.08, 57.60) V - 38 40(S) - Shoreland Priority I Final Use Marine Industrial development Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Location Mott Island esat of Tongue Related Project Tongue Point develop- ing/disposal; requires diking to pro- Point. ment tect residences and clearing of forested Size 60 acres Bio-Physical Description Fill land created area; buffer along John Day River; Capacity 1,920,000 cy at 10 feet by dredging of MARAD Basin; higher pipeline access across railroad tracks. Ownership State of Oregon at center; drainage from domed area Environmental Concerns Loss of willow- Designation Conservation to surrounding tidol Flats; dense growth alder habitat; protection of riparian ve- Current Use Wildlife refuge of alder and willow with grassy open- getation along John Day River is criti- Final Use Wildlife refuge ings on higher portion; supports a wide cal; DMD use would cause substantial Related Project tongue Point develop- variety of birds, small mammals, ter- change in water storage capacity of ment. restrial furbearers, and deer; high ha- pastures and would change agricultur- Bio-Physical Description Fairly flat low- bitat values. al use. land island created by DMD; drainage Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Comments The site is approximately 2 channels into Columbia; forested with ing/disposal; requires clearing and miles from the dredging area for older and willow; ground cover of diking. Tongue Point development. Use of the sedges and other herbaceous plants; Environmental Concerns Substantial loss site would involve expenses in pipe- shady,grossland in center; utilized by of valuable habitat; these values could line lay-oui and land acquisition from a variety of wildlife species including be recouped after disposal unless the private owners. Title for DMD use deer, terrestrial furbearers, small area is developed. would be difficult to obtain. Existing mammals, and a wide variety of birds. Comments Clarification with owner farm use effectively precludes DMD Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or bucket would be necessary prior to any DMD use dredge dredging/disposal; requires use. (cf 43.01, 57.70) clearing and diking. (cf 42.16, 57.50) Environmental Concerns Substantial 46(S) - Shoreland Priority I habitat loss; water quality could be 43(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Location Svensen Island managed by appropriate diking; hab- Location On west entrance of the John Size 400 acres itat could be restored if site is revege- Day River. Capacity 2,000,000 cy at 3 feet tated after DMD use. Size 30 acres (includes ditch) Comments Site would be needed if Port Capacity 480,000 cy at 10 feet, or Ownership Robert Reed, Charles Hag- development occurs at Tongue, Point 960,000 cy at 20 feet lund and other locations to place dredged Ownership Claisop County Designation Rural and Conservation material are not available. Site may be Designation Rural Current Use Posture and open space needed for future maintenance dredg- Current Use Forested habitat Final Use Pasture and open space ing disposal, even if not used for initial Final Use Residential or park Related Projects Port of Astoria slips; construction disposal. Related Project Tongue Point develop- Fisherman's Dock and Marina; East End (cf 42.17, 57.70) ment. Mooring Basin; Coast Guard slips. Bio-Physical Description Low diked area- Bio-Physical Description Low, flat; silt, 41(S) - Shoreland Priority I clay loom soils; high water table; pas- location South end of Tongue Point slips Bi.,physical Description Low diked area; ture and open space with are. of wil- on an abandoned athletic field and fine grained soils; forested with older; low; diked along perimeter; road trash dump. understory of willow; ground cover of along southern part of island. Size 8 acres sedges and other herbaceous plants; Engineering Clamshell and bucket Capacity 128,000 cy at 10 f eet use by variety of wildlife species in- dredging/clornshell, bucket and pipe- Ownership Federal (surplus) cluding terrestrial furbearers, small line disposal; easy barge access occurs Designation Water Dependent Develop- mammals, and a wide variety of birds. only in N.W. side of island; other parts ment Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- of island are accessible by small Current Use Undeveloped ing/disposal; requires clearing, weir barges at high tide; this has already Final Use Marine Industrial construction-and development of water been done on the S.E. side of the is- Related Project Tongue Point devel- discharge; pipeline would cross rail- land; pipelining material from barges opment. road. is also possible; much of the material Bio-Physical Description A fill area; Environmental Concerns Loss of habitat. would have to be spread out by bull- shoreward edge of rubble and debris; Comments DMD use would be compati- dozer once disposed. two minor buildings; vegetated with ble with reside n*tial development but Environmental Concerns The dredged mixture of broom, fescue and rye would not be compatible with possible material needed here is fine silts and gross; supports a variety of small mam- Clatsop County plans for park develop- clays; temporary displacement of pas- mals, foraging birds, and raptors; no ment. Any use of this site would be ture grosses would occur; DMD could high biological values. expensive. The site should be a low improve agricultural value of land and Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or bucket priority for DMD use. would reduce the flood hazard of the dredge dredging/disposal; requires (cf 43.0.1, 57.50) island; natural resource values would diking for hydraulic pipeline and re- not be heavily off ected. moval of existing structures; care in lo- 44(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Comments Dredged material is currently cation of outfall in construction of ef- Location Borders U.S. Highway 30 and being disposed of on the N.W. side of fluent weir. the west bank of the John Day River. the island and has been in the past. Owners are eager to accept DMD on Environmental Concerns Minimal im- Size 45 acres pacts expected if water quality is main- Capacity 720,000 cy at 1 Of eet their property. Of special concern is tained. Ownership Federal and Private Comments This site should receive such Designation Rural Comments Dredged material is currently DMID use if it can absorb prior to other Current Use Agriculture and residential being disposed of on the N.W. side of uses but development is tied to de- Final,Use Agriculture or residential the island and has been in the post. velopment of the Tongue Point Basin. Related Project Tongue Point develop- Owners are eager to accept DMD on (cf 42.16, 57.70) meni. their property. Of special concern is a Bic-Physical Description Diked posture- ditch just behind the north island dike, 42(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 land; relatively flat; houses on which needs to be filled to insure sta- Location South of Tongue Point, north of highway side; diked internal drainage bility of the dike (0.5 miles long, 20 mouth of John Day River. channels; bent grass, fescue, buttercup feet wide, and 4 feet deep). Size 77 acres and other herbaceous species; small (cf 43.03, 55.20, 57.60) Capacity 1,240,000cyailOfeet forested area of willow and alder at Ownership Federal (Corps of Engineers) center of site; supports populations of Designation Water Dependent Develop- small mammals, foraging birds and ment raptors. Current Use Wildlife habitat/Corps field office V - 39 48(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Comments Channel dredging and dike 65(S) - Shoreland Priority I Location Deep River RM 1.0, Deep River construction and repair throughout the Location RM 33.4, Skamokowo, 800 feet Channel from Grays Bay, on west bank Grays River valley would improve to Welch Island Bar, 400 feet to Skamo- of Deep River. flood protection. kawa Creek Channel, on west bank of Size 15 acres (cf 44.06, 58. 10) Ska m okawa/ Brooks Sloughs entrance. Capacity 240,000 cy at 10 feet Size 11 acres Ownership Private 52(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Capacity 176,000cy at 10 feet Designation Rural Location Grays River RM 0, on east bank. Ownership Leased from Boise-Cascade Current Use Agriculture Size 20 acres to Port District "2, Wahkiakum County. Final Use Agriculture Capacity 320,000 cy at 10 feet Designation Development Related Projects Grays Bay and Deep Ownership Private Current Use DMD stockpile River. Designation Rural Final Use Park Blo-Physical Description Flat, low diked Current Use Agriculture Related Project Welch Island Bar; Ska- farmland with steep slopes to north- Final Use Agriculture mokawa Creek Channel; Brooks west; residences adjacent and several Related Project Grays River/Bay Slough improvement; Steamboat form structures on site; mostly posture Bio-Physical Description Low, level Slough. grassland with forested area to north- diked farmland; adjacent residences; Bio-Physical Description Dredged sand west and tidal marsh outside dike; grassland with trees and shrubs along fills for about 1300 feet along the river small populations of small mammals dike; supports small mammals, birds, and almost 1000 feet back towards and birds. and form animals. highway; stockpile site along north- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or clam- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- west margin; forested area along west shell dredging/disposal; requires dik- ing/disposal; requires diking along boundary; river beach along south; ing around western and southern northeast border and effluent controls few trees; little wildlife and resource borders and controlled routing of ef- to protect Grays River and Bay water value. fluent to protect farm area to west and quality. Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- water quality of Deep River. Environmental Concerns Minimal im- ing/disposal; site preparation minimal Environmental Concerns Temporary loss pacts on wildlife; DMD use would take due to former use as DMID site; site of form land until resettling; possible land out of agricultural use or change berm and weir construction would be change in agricultural use; depending type of agriculture. necessary. on nature of fi I I. Comments Use of this site depends upon Environmental Concerns Expansion of (cf 44.06, 58. 10) other DMID site options for disposal of existing site to the west may encroach material from potential Grays River/ on forested wetland area. Existing site 49(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Bay projects. has little vegetation and few natural Location Deep River RM 2.0 on south (cf 44.06, 58. 10) resource concerns. Stranding of ju- bank. venile salmonids on adjacent beach Size 20 acres 55(S) - Shoreland Priority I may be a problem. Capacity 320,000 cy at 10 feet Location RM 21.0, Rice Island, 1500 feet Comments The site is needed for main- Ownership Private to Miller Sands Bar and Harrington tenance dredging but continued DMD Designation Development Point Sump, use conflicts with park development. Current Use Vacant/agriculture Size 215 acres Wahkiakum County needs a stockpile Final Use Agriculture Capacity 3,440, 000 cy at 10 f eet; site in this area. Development plans Related Project Deep River Channel. 6,800,OW cy at 20 feet and disposal options require greater Bio- Phys ica I Description Flat, lowgrass- Ownership Clatsop County (extreme coordination, but area has excellent land with occasional areas of shrubs, eastern end in Wahkiakum County, recreational development potential. sedge and older; supports small mam- Washington) (cf 44.04, 55.10, 58.20) mals and foraging birds. Designation Conservation 69(S) - Shoreland Priority 3 Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or clam- Current Use Dredged material disposal Location RM 34A Price Island, 1500 feet shell dredging/disposal; requires dik- Final Use DMID use (possible habitat area ing and drainage construction to Deep for waterfowl) to Skamokawo Bar. River to minimize impacts on adjacent Related Projects 40 foot navigation Size 75 acres areas and protect water quality. channel; Harrington Point Sump [RM Capacity 1,200,000 cy at 10 feet Environmental Concerns Temporary loss 21, Site 54(E)]; Lower Miller Sands Bar 2,400,000 cy at 20 feet of grassland habitat. (RM 21.4 - 22.5). Ownership Wohkiakum County Comments Deposition of fines would Bio-Physical Description Flat, estuary Designation Development limit development but raising the land sand island; currently active DMID site; Current Use unaltered would enhance flood protection. Stock- elevations near 30 feet in some places; Final Use Port development pile use for dike maintenance is feas- scattered vegetation, mainly beach Related Project Wohkiakum County-port ible. grasses and occasional shrubs; sup- development (southeast end of Price (cf 44.06, 58. 10) ports population of bird species; island). beaches support planktonic forms Bio-Physical Description Presently un- 51(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 which support variety of juvenile and altered low area with small creek Location Grays River RM 1.5 adult fish species. draining into Steamboat Slough; ex- Size 20 acres Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- tensive forest cover with large stands Capacity 320, OW cy at 10 f eet ing/disposal; further site preparation of tall trees; supports large population Ownership Private of bird species, small mammals and Designation Rural Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- terrestrial furbearers; wetland area. Current Use Agriculture ing/disposal; further site preparation Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Final Use Agriculture not required; disposal area should be ing/disposal; extensive clearing neces- Related Project Grays River Channel and revegetated after each disposal; ex- sary; berming to provide containment; entrance. pansion of Rice Island required to meet route effluent material to protect adja- Bio-Physical Description Diked farmland future disposal needs. cent land on island. in broad bend of Grays River; low, Environmental Concerns Expansion of Environmental Concerns Surrounded by level, with form activity and residences the island to accommodate future wildlife refuge and Conservation land adjacent; cultivated farmland. dredging needs will impact the sur- and water; significant impact on the Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or clam- rounding water area. wildlife resources should disposal oc- shell dredging/disposal; requires dik- Comments Major concerns are revege- cur. ing on southern side and effluent con- tation after disposal and expansion Comments This site would offer deep trol to minimize water quality impacts. into water area. Unless an alternative water access for future Wahkiakum Environmental Concerns Temporary loss disposal site (flow-lone or sump) is County port development, but has no of farmland. found, Rice Island will need to expand. land transportation access. Beach nour- (cf 41.03, 55,12) ishment for protection against erosion is possible. (cf 44.03, 58.40) V-40 74(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Related Projects Puget Island Bar, Brad- Environmental Concerns DMID use would Location Elochomon River, 5500 feet to wood port development. substantially decrease biological val- Elochoman Marina, north of log sorting Bio-Physical Description Approximately ues of site and result in habitat loss for and storage yard. 3-foot high berm around the edge; rail- big game mammals, furbearers, small Size 90 acres road tracks and drainage ditch along mammals, and birds. Capacity 1, 440,000 cy at 10 feet southwest edge; open site filled with Comments A small portion of this site has ownership Private Columbia River sand; no drainage de- already been used for DMID. The site Designation Development veloped; effluent has drained into log could be used for placement of chan- Current Use Forested low shoreland pond to the southeast; few weedy nel maintenance material and filling Final Use Industrial plant species on the sand fill; willow should be phased with development of Related Projects Elochoman Slough, log and alder fringe on west, south and the entire Wauna area. sorting yard expansion and mainten- east sides; little wildlife use. (cf 43.13, 58.70) ance. Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Bio-Physical Description Low flat land, ing/disposal; requires berming on 85(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 seasonally very wet, uncliked and un- northwest side to prevent effluent dis- Location RM 41.27, 50 yards south of altered; forested area with large wil- charge. Welcome Slough. low, cottonwood trees, and occasional Environmental Concerns No impacts Size 10 acres spruce; supports large population of expected. Capacity 160,000 cy at 10 feet bird species, small mammals, and ter- Comments DMID use would involve de- Ownership Private restrial furbearers. velopment opportunity and the site Designation Rural Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- should be used for disposal from Puget Current Use Posture ing/disposal; requires extensive clear- Island Bar dredging, Final Use Agriculture ing, berming, and cross diking to ac- (cf 43.12, 58,60) Related Project Welcome Slough de- commodate small amounts of material velopment. at different times; DMID use should be 79(S) - Shorel'and (Corps W-38.7) Sio-Physical Description Flat lowland coordinated with developers; DMID of inside dike surrounding Puget Island; fines would limit some development. Priority 1 eastern perimeter bordered by posture Environmental Concerns Significant im- Location RM 38.7, North tip of Puget is- land with remainder bordered by the pact on wildlife resources. land, 100 yards from main ship chan- rood dike; posture grasses; small popu- Comments Site could be used for dis- nel. lations of small mammals and birds. posal of material from Elochoman Size 8 acres Engineering Hydraulic pipeline or clam- Slough and expansion of the log sort- Capacity 128,000 cy at 10 feet shell dredging/disposal; requires dik- ing yard. Ownership Wahkiakum County ing along eastern edge; return flow (cf 44.03, 55.20, 58.40) Designation Rural and Conservation should be routed through Welcome Current Use DMD stockpile Slough and not affect adjacent posture 76(S) - Shoreland Priority 1 Final Use DMD Stockpile lands; site adequate for silts and clays. Location South tip of Hunting Island on Related Project Puget Island Bar. Environmental Concerns Impacts of loss Elochoman Slough at Cothlamet. 8io-Physical Description River beach of habitat and posture would be tem- Size 20 acres outside road dike around Puget Island; pOrary. Capacity 320, 000 cy at 10 feet predominately channel sand dredged Comments This site would be important Ownership Federal material; stockpile for Wahkiakum if Welcome Slough is developed. Designation Natural County use at northern end; aquatic (cf 44.01, 55. 10) Current Use Wildlife Refuge/former area supports planktonic forms wh;ch DMD site are used by fishes. 86(S) - Shoreland Priority I Final Use Wildlife Refuge Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- Location RM 42.4, beach south of Wel- Related Projects Elochomon Slough/Ma- ing/disposal; requires clean channel come Slough, 3/A mile from main ship rina and Cathlamet Channel. sands and effluent controls; new ma- channel. Bio-Physical Description Forested low- terials should not encroach on water- Size 15 acres land seasonally wet; large spruce, cot- way or existing vegetation. Capacity 240,000 cy at 10 feet tonwood trees and willow; supports Environmental Concerns Impacts are Ownership Wahkiakum County large populations of bird species, small temporary; area gets minimal wildlife Designation Rural mammals, and terrestrial furbearers; use. Current Use DMD Stockpile adjoins Columbian White-tailed Deer (cf 44.01, 55, 10) Final Use DMID Stockpile Refuge. Related Project Wouna Bar Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- 83(S) - Shoreland Priority 2 Bio-Physical Description DMD stockpile ing/disposal; requires extensive clear- Location North of Wouna, adjacent to outside road dike around Puget Island ing and berming, Bradley Park east of Welcome Slough; little vege- Environmental Concerns Significant Size 70 acres tation and wildlife use; low habitat wildlife impacts should be minimized; Capacity 1, 120,000 cy at 10 feet value. adjoining refuge areas should be pro- Ownership State of Oregon and Private Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- tected. (Crown Zellerbach) ing/disposal; no problems. Comments This is the most feasible site Designation Water Dependent Develop- Environmental Concerns Assuming DMID for the Cathlamet-Elochoman Slough ment Shore land of clean channel sands, the beach will area. Site 74(S) is less feasible econo- Current Use Vacant, wildlife habitat return to productivity shortly after DMD mically and more objectionable envi- Final Use Industrial use; site should be confined to prevent ronmentally. Small area has been used Related Project Wauno Bar; Wouna/ encroachment into the water or woody as a disposal site for material from Elo- Westport waterfront development areas. choman Slough and Marina. Bio-Physical Description Flat sandy soil Comments There is some dispute over (cf 44.03, 55.20, 58.40) area, little drainage, heavily vege- ownership and public access between tated; dominated by alder with upland property owners and the state. 78(S) - Shoreland (Corps 0-38.7) Priority 2 Douglas fir and Sitka spruce; under- Access from the main channel dredg- Location Portion of Bradwood north of story includes willow, salmonberry, ing area is limited by Coffee Pot Island railroad tracks. elderberry and ground cover of herba- and may preclude future beach nour- Size 28 acres ceous species; use by wide variety of ishment DMD operations. Capacity 450,000 cy at 10 feet birds, small mammals, terrestrial fur- (cf 44.01, 55. 10) Ownership Private (Starker Forests) bearers, and deer. Designation Water Dependent Develop- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- ment ing/disposal; requires clearing and Current Use Previous DMD site/vacant diking. Final Use Commercial or industrial V- 41 89(S) - Shoreland (Corps W-42.5) 90(S) - Shoreland Priority I Location RM 42.5, South Coffee Pot Is- (CorpsO-42.9 and 0-43.0) land, 300 yards from main ship chan- Location West of Westport Slough be- nel. tween the entrance of Driscoll Slough Size 33 acres and Westport Slough; bounded on Capacity 528,000 cy at 10 feet south by railroad right of way and east Ownership Federal by small slough draining into Westport Designation Conservation Slough. Current Use Wildlife hobitat/vocant Size 170 acres Final Use Wildlife habitat Capacity 2,720,000 cy at 10 feet Related Project Lower Westport Bar Ownership Private (Crown Zellerbach, Bic-Physical Description Estuary sand is- Warrenton Lumber Company) land; low and flat; created more re- Designation Water Dependent Develop- cently than northern island and not yet ment stabilized; predominately sand; some Current Use Past DMDuse/vacant willows and a few large trees on north Final Use Industrial side; little wildlife value in open sand Related Project Lower Westport Bar; area. Westport Slough and Wouna/Westport Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- waterfront development (Crown ing/disposal; materials should be Zellerbach and Wouno Mill). clean channel sands; site should not Sio-Physical Description Partially filled encroach on wooded area; area should with channel sand on western part be seeded after each use to stabilize (Crown Zellerboch); undisturbed por- sand from wind erosion and provide tion characterized by spruce, willow, winter waterfowl feeding. and older forest; southern portion Environmental Concerns DMD use would dominated by willows with skunk cab- have minimal impacts and stabilization bage and sedge understory; use by and vegetation could enhance wildlife wide variety of bird species, small values. mammals; terrestrial furbearers, and Comments Any enlargement or attempt deer. to link the two islands by in water dis- Engineering Hydraulic pipeline dredg- posal should be carefully evaluated for ing/disposal; requires clearing and negotive environmental impacts. berm i ng; berm i ng shou Id be as h igh as (cf 44,01, 55. 10) feasible for proposed development; site should be confined to prevent ex- tension into wetlands and undisturbed vegetation beyond the small slough that flows into Westport Slough be- tween the mouth of Plympton Creek and the mouth of Westport Slough; materials and timing should be coor- dinated with developers. Environmental Concerns Impacts of DMD use on previously disturbed area are minimal, but the site should be con- fined. Comments Extensive previous DMD use limits future use but this site could be used for maintenance dredging until. the surface has been raised sufficiently for industrial development. (cf 43.13, 56.20, 58.70) V-42 05, 124* 55' 56 123'45 01 101 ............ .................. ..... .......... .. . ........ ....... . ..................... .......... . . ..... ............ .- ..... ..... . ...........- 48 C@ I(S) .p .... ....... . r 9( ............ .............. :i 3(s) xp 101 p . ..... Vs) '5(S % INS S(E) .... ..... ..... E(o (E) % B(O) EJH(O) I I (E) 39(E 12(S 3(S) <@@A(O) 16(S) Of (0) WE I (S 5(E) 17(s) ISM 41 3 (S) 19(s) @@/43(s) G(o) .......... .......... 21(s) 25(S) 29(S :44(s) ms 30(s) 31(S) 2( 5( 24(S) ............... .......... VQ- 101 33(S. ...... ............ .. 0- ......... .... .......... ........ ........... CID ... ....... co . .. .......... F ....... . .... ... ..... . .......... . ........ . 0 ....... . .. ........ .. . ........ .... rn r o m m o r r -1 0 00 rn C-1 0 0 A 2 ro 9 . .... ........ . ... ..... ... ... r 0 .. .... ...... . ..... . z IT! .0 r3. z 'o z A ou z 0 z o IMP m A " on Imo co ra z m r z co r ;u m m :mm ca IT! c) m m m r z m :0 :D m -4 > m N- co Cc w x (a m T m m z m V. -4 m > w M Z V. rn 0 z > cr 0 rn z m 0 m e m z z -n al. m c V r- m N > m @REST 2 z a COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY STUDY TASK FORCE Q6 SECTION VI RESTORATION AND MITIGATION PLAN 61. BACKGROUND ................................................. ..................... V1 - 2 State and Federal Programs ....................................................... V1 - 2 Relationship of Restoration and Mitigation .......................................... V1 -3 62. RESTORATION POLICIES ............................................................... VI - 3 63. MITIGATION POLICIES ................................................................ VI -4 64. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MITIGATION ........................................... VI - 5 The Scientific Basis for Mitigation ...................................................... VI - 5 Ecological Significance of Physical Properties ............................. ............. VI - 6 Salinity and Temperature Regime ................................................. VI -6 Substrate Type .................................................................. VI -6 Tidal Exposure ................................................................... VI - 7 Slope and Area ............. I ..................................................... VI -7 Current Velocity and Pattern ........................................................ VI -7 Orientation to Solar Radiation ....................................................... VI - 7 Annual Submergence Time ....................................................... VI - 7 Biological Productivity ............... ................................................ VI -8 Habitat and Species Diversity ......................................................... V1 - 8 SUMMARY TABLE .................................................................... VI -8 65. POTENTIAL RESTORATION/RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS ............................. VI - 10 Marsh Restoration - Creation Sites ...................................................... V1 - 10 Shoal Area Restoration ............................................................... VI - 14 Eroded Shoreline Restoration Sites ..................................................... VI - 15 Shoreland Vegetation ................................................................ VI - 16 Pile Dike or Piling Removal ............................................................. V1 -16 Fisheries Enhancement .................... ! .......................................... VI -16 66. MITIGATION NEEDS ................................................................... VI -18 66.10 Hammond ..................................................................... VI -18 66.20 Middle Skipanon ... ......... *- VI - 18 66.30 Mouth of the Skipanon ......................................................... VI -18 66.40 YoungsBay .................................................................... VI- 19 66.50 Port of Astoria ................................................................. V1 - 19 66.60 Uppertown Alderbrook ......................................................... V1 - 20 66.70 Tongue Point ................................................................. VI - 20 67. IMPLEMENTATION .................................................................... V1 - 20 67. 10 The Mitigation Process ................................. I ......................... VI - 20 67.20 Mitigation Plan Content ......................................................... VI - 21 67.30 Mitigation Bank ................................................................ VI - 22 67.@O Mitigation Site Reservation ...................................................... VI - 23 V1-1 61. This section of the Regional Management Plan The Oregon Removal-Fill Low (ORS 541.605 - contains policies for restoring the natural and cul- 541.695) provides the Division of State Lands (DSL) tural values of the estuary area, and outlines pro- with the authority to require mitigation for dredging cedures for mitigating the adverse impacts of new orfilling watersof the state. For estuarine areas, DSL development in estuarine areas. Potential restora- must require mitigation for any permitted alteration tion and resource enhancement projects are des- of interticlal and tidal marsh areas as outlined in the cribed, along with suggestions to implement restora- LCDC Estuarine Resources Goal. The DSL may also tion and mitigation provisions of the plan. require additional mitigation for alteration of pro- ductive subtidril areas. Certain projects (cf. Mitiga- STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS tion policies, 63.10), are routinely exempted from The Washington Shoreline Management Act these requirements because of their minimal impact (1971 ) guidelines for local programs include a plan on the estuary. The DSL coordinates its permit is- element for restoration activities. Specifically, the suance and mitigation requirements with the guidelines suggest restoration of blighted areas and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, other state abandoned or dilapidated structures to a natural or agencies, and federal agencies. The DSL is the lead useful condition. On-site mitigation of shoreline state agency in review of federal Clean Water Act, developments by cantrol and modification of site Section 404, and Rivers and Harbors Act, Section 10, design to meet performance or other standards is permits'for filling, dredging and other alterations. also a high shoreline management priority. Addi- The Corps of Engineers, which administers these tionally, the Washington Departments of Game and federal programs, will generally not issue permits Fisheries, which administer the hydraulics permit without the concurrence of the state. program, coordinate closely with counterpart Federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Fish and federal agencies in seeking off-site mitigation or Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection compensation for adverse impacts of estuarine Agency and the National Marine Fisheries Service, alterations. also seek mitigation and compensation for federally The Oregon Coastal Management Program and constructed, funded or permitted estuary develop- the Land Conservation and Development Commis- ment activities which destroy or degrade natural re- sion (LCDC) Estuarine Resources Goal (No. 16) have sources. The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act explicit requirements concerning restoration. The (1934), the Endangered Species Act (1975), -and Implementation Requirement (7) states: agency policies and regulations provide a basis for "State and federal agencies shall assist local their decisions, which are implemented primarily government in identifying areas foi, restoration. through conditions on Corps of Engineers permits for Restoration is appropriate in areas where activi- dredging, filling or other alterations. The basic ties have adversely affected some aspect of the policies of these agencies are: estuarine system, and where it would contribute 0 Prevent natural resource losses, if possible, to a greater achievement of the objective of this 0 Recommend site plan modifications which will goal. Appropriate sites include areas of heavy lessen the impact of the proposed action, and erosion or sedimentation, degraded fish and 0 Require a mitigation plan for replacement or wildlife habitat, anadromous fish spawning compensation of unavoidable losses. areas, abandoned diked estuarine marsh areas, In addition, the Corps of Engineers, under Section and areas where water quality restricts the use of 150 of the Water Resource Development Act (1976) estuarine waters for fish and shellfish harvest and Section III of the Rivers and Harbors Act (1968), and production, or for human recreation. ' provides funding for mitigating the adverse impacts Development project mitigation is addressed in of federal navigation projects. the Goal 16 Implementation Requirement (4): "Adverse impacts to estuarine resources resulting from dredge or fill activities permitted in inter- tidal or tidal marsh areas shall be mitigated by creation, restoration or enhancement of an es- tuarine area(s). The objective shall be to im- prove or maintain the functional characteristics Salmogairdneri Steelhead and processes of the estuary, such as its natural biological productivity, habitats and species di- versity, unique features and water quality." * -A& .09 In addition, the LCDC Coastal Shorelands Goal (No. 17), Implementation Requirement (3) states: "Local government, with assistance from state and federal agencies, shall identify coastal share- land areas which may be used to fulfill the miti- gation requirement of the Estuarine Resources Goal. These areas shall be protected from new Ron P i i I (LT(I - Searep Studio, courres.y Ciatsop County uses and activities which would prevent their ultimate restoration or addition to the estuarine ecosystems." New language recommended to LCDC by the Mitigation Taskforce VI - 2 RELATIONSHIP OF RESTORATION AND MITIGATION OBJECTIVES Restoration focuses on restoring prior or, original Objectives and policies for restoration and mitiga- attributes of the estuary that were lost as a result of tion were developed by a technical planning com- past alterations, activities or catastrophic events. m*ittee with representatives from key state and Examples of restoration projects include: removing federal agencies, local ports, industry and. special fills; lowering dredge spoil islands; marsh creation; interest groups. The policies were widely distri- shoreland vegetation planting for erosion control or buted, reviewed and comments considered in re-establishment of buffer area; installing water revising the policies. Recent work of -the Oregon treatment facilities; breaching abandoned or mar- Land Conservation and Development Commission's ,ginal dikes around low-lying diked areas; removing Mitigation Taskforce has alsobeen utilized in policy old piling or structures; dredging and construction revisions. ,measures to re-estab.lish former depths or shoreline The objectives for restoration and , mitigation con 'figurations, circulation and flushing pattern 's of efforts in the Columbia River Estuary area are: ,an area of. the estuary; and rebuilding deteriorated 0 To restore and enhance the natural productivity urban waterfronts. and functioning of the Columbia River estuary Mitigation, particularly in Oregon where the re- ecosystem for the benefit of people and the quirements are explicit, focuses on lessening@- th I e natural resources on which they depe'nd. adverse impacts of propmed dredging and filling, To reverse historic trends of a uatic and riparian rather than past alterations. q Restoration and mitigation -are connected in that habitat loss, and the rapid filling,of the'estuary. certain restoration actions would mitigate adverse To restore cultural and historic resources and values of shoreline areas for the benefit and .development impacts. For example, restoration of enjoyment of people. an abandoned diked marsh to full aquatic produc- To provide for complete and reasonable mitiga- tivity by breaching- the dike would normally be tion of the adverse impacts of estuary develop- acceptable mitigation for filling-a tidal marsh in ment on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. some other area for water dependent development. However,, restoring a shoreline to its original con- figuration by filling would not be suitable to mitigate adverse environmental impacts elsewhere because one major problem in the estuary is the doss of aquatic area. 62. RESTORATION POLICIES (These policies may also be found at 22.50) The Columbia River estuary has been substantially 62.20 Habitat Creation Through Dredged Material altered over the post century to provide for naviga- Disposal tion, shoreline development and agriculture. Up- Disposal of dredged material in water and wet- river dams and watershed activities have also con- land areas for the specific' purpose of cr eating shal- tributed significantly to changes in the natural func- low water, intertidal, or island areas is strongly dis- tioning of the estuary. While it is not possible or couraged because this practice contributes to the desirable to-return the estuary to its pre-nineteenth downward t -rend of available aquatic habitat. century condition, restoration or creation of certain Habitat creation through upland 'plantings on habitat and cultural values is an important estuary existing dredged material islands is encouraged to management objective. provide wildlife habitat. 62.10 Overall Restoration Policy Marsh plantings on existing interticlal areas should continue to be evaluated and considered cis a All restoration projects should. serve to revitalize, habitat creation technique. return, replace or otherwise improve the estuarine ecosystem or highly-valued cultural characteristics. 62.30- Diked Lands Restoration Examples include restoration of natu 'ral biological Restoration of marginal and unused low-lying productivity, fish or wildlife habitat, or aesthetic, diked areas to estuarine wetland is encouraged; cultural and historic. r esources which have been a.ctive restora tion to provide potential for diverse diminished 'or lost by past alterations, activities or habitat (e.g. mudflat and marsh) as well as passive catastrophic events. restoration are encouraged. If loss of productive In selecting projects, priority should be given to farmland or significant wildlife habitat would occur, those projects which provide- substantial public breaching of dikes is strongly discouraged. Except benefits and which restore the habitat types, re- through public condemnation procedures, removal sources or amenities which are in shortest supply as of dikes protecting private lands shall not occur with-r compared to past abundance. Particular emphasis out the expressed consent of the landowner. In- should be given to aquatic and riparian habitat centives should be provided.to private landowners restoration. who restore diked areas to aquatic production. V1 - 3 62.40 Restoration of Shoalled Areas 62.60 Erosion'Area Restoration Estuary areas that have shoaled or filled at an un- Where feasible, areas with erosion problems naturally high rate, resulting in loss of a particular should be vegetated with marsh and shoreland type of aquatic habitat or loss of traditionally navi- planting to establish a natural buffer against ero- gable areas, should be restored to historic conditions sion. Beach nourishment should be used to restore as practical. Passive measures are preferred, but historic shoreline configurations where feasible. active measures or a combination may be required. Structural solutions should be used as a last resort to All such projects should be carefully evaluated to protect life and property. ensure potential ecological, economic and social 62.70 Shoreland Revegetation benefits to man and natural resources outweigh Shoreland and especially riparian areas where potential losses. vegetation has been removed for timber harvest or 62.50 Removal of Old Pilings and Structures urban development should be revegetated as soon Old piling, .navigational structures and buildings as possible. Areas of existing shoreline development which are a hazard to navigation, contribute to should be considered for revegetation for both excessIve shoaling, or pose a. danger to life and aesthetic, biological and bank stabilization values. property should be removed. Prior to any such re- 62.80 Restoration of Deteriorated Urban Waterfronts moval, however, costs and benefits should be eva- Redevelopment of deteriorated urban waterfront luated, including the potential for erosion or sedi- areas is strongly encouraged. Development should mentation caused by removal, the biological habitat be water oriented, public access should be pre- value and probable life of the structure, and the served, and recreational facilities should be im- historic and scenic value. proved, where possible. While priority should be given along the waterfront to water dependent and water related uses, provision may also be needed for other uses. Renovation and repair of historic buildings is highly desirable; removal of deterio- rated structures and pilings may be appropriate. 63. MITIGATION POLICIES (These policies may also be found at 22.60) Necessary new development projects in the Co- al and Fill Permit is not otherwise required; lumbia River estuary will have adverse environ- -Filling for repair and maintenance of existing mental impacts, regardless of how carefully the functional dikes when there is negligible projects are designed and constructed. The adverse physical or biological damage to tidal marsh effects of such development can be mitigated by the or interticlal areas; restoration or enhancement of other estuarine -Riprap to allow protection of an existing barvk areas. line with clean, durable erosion resistent material provided that the need for riprap 63.10 Mitigation for Dredging, Filling or Diking protection is demonstrated and that this need Tidal Marsh or Intertidal Areas cannot be met with natural vegetation, and The following policies fulfill the requirements of no appreciable increase in existing upland Oregon law. While Washington state low does not occurs; specifically require mitigation for dredge and fill -Filling for repair and maintenance of existing activities in intertidal or tidal marsh areas, the fol- roads when there is negligible physical or Jowing policies are strongly encouraged. Alternative biological damage to tidal marsh or interticlal forms of mitigation in Washington, including preser- areas; vation, compensation and resource enhancement, -Dredging or filling required as part of an es- are also encouraged. tuarine resource creation, restoration or en- 0 Adverse impacts to estuarine resources - resulting hancement project agreed to by local, state from dredge, fill or dredged material disposal and federal agencies; and activities (public or private) permitted in interticlal -Other proposed projects or activities where, or tidal marsh areas shall be mitigated by upon determination of the Oregon Division of creation, restoration or enhancement. of estuarine State Lands, the proposed alteration would areas. Such mitigation shall improve or maintain have negligible physical., biological and the functional characteristics and processes of the water quality impacts. estuary, such as its natural biological productivity, *Actions not considered as mitigation under habitats and species diversity, unique features Oregon Land Conservation and Development and water quality. The cost of mitigation shall be Commission (LCDC) Goal Number 16 include the included as part of project cost analysis. transfer of ownership of estuarine lands, including 0 Actions exempted from the mitigation require- wetlands and submersible lands, to public owner- ment above include: ship; the dedication of estuarine lands for certain -Removal or filling of less than 50 cubic yards natural uses; and the provision of funds for re- of material orlwhen an Oregon State Remov- search. V1 - 4 63.20 Mitigation for Dredging, Filling or Otherwise 63.40 Mitigation Sites Degrading Biologically Productive While a range of actions may be token to satisfy Subtidal Areas - mitigation requirements, mitigation sites or projects Dredging, filling or other activities or alterations should be preferentially evaluated as follows: which significantly degrade or destroy biologically Areas in close proximity to the development site productive subticlal areas should be mitigated by with physical characteristics such that when re- restoration, habitat creation, enhancement or other stored, the area will develop a similar quality appropriate means. and quantity of plant and animal life and per- 63.30 Mitigation for Degradation a ,r Destruction of form similar ecological functions; Critical Wildlife Habitat Areas in other parts of the estuary that meet the Mitigation for significant alterations which would above physical and biological criteria; degrade or destroy critical habitat for endangered or Areas or resources in shortest supply as com- threatened species, or other wildlife, shall be re- pared to past abundance, particularly tidal quired through restoration, resource enhancement, marshes and the salmon resource. preservation, or financial compensation. Mitigation Estuarine alterations for development in one state for loss of other valuable wildlife habitat, such as can be mitigated through restoration' or other actions freshwater marshes, spruce swamps and old growth in the other state. forest is encouraged. Because estuarine tidal marshes and flats are eco- logically diverse, it may be impossible to create or restore a single site with the same mixture of eco- system components as are present at the site to be altered. In such cases, more than one mitigation site may be required. All important ecological features of the development site should be created or re- stored elsewhere within the estuary, whether sep- arately or together. 64. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MITIGATION THE SC IENTIFIC BASIS FOR MITIGATION of the land; and the loss of other species from the The requirement that environmental damage in ecosystem may lead to unexpected loss of the one area be mitigated by environmentally construc- managed species and other undesirable changes, tive acts in another area is a resource management such as flooding. For this reason, an ecosystem ap- tool based on the scientific concept of an ecosystem. proach has replaced the single species approach in An ecosystem is an interacting system of organisms natural resources management ranging from fisher- and their physical environment within a definable ies to forests. area. The most important set of interactions between The Oregon Estuarine Resources Goal emphasizes the parts of an ecosystem is the flow of energy and ecosystem features with the statement that the ob- materials - the food chain. In an ecosystem, jective of mitigation is to improve or maintain the organisms have functional roles as groups of eco- functional characteristics and processes of the logically similar species, the exchange of matter and estuary, such as its natural biological productivity, energy is flexible, and the whole system has some habitat and species diversity, unique features, and capacity for self-adjustment and dynamic stability. water qua I ity. The idea of an ecosystem is not a testable scientif- In estuaries, the biotic components of the eco- ic law; it is a descriptive concept about how the system are grouped into such functional categories natural world is organized into integrated units. As as primary producers, decomposers, epifounal or such, it provides a framework for fitting human ac- infaunal herbivores, cletritivores, and predators. The tivities into'the natural order. In the past, areas were physical !components of the system are identified as often managed for the benefit of one species that fixed and dissolved plant nutrients, organic cletritus had particular value to people. For example, certain supply, surface area available for light reception, game preserves raised a large number of deer in tidal flow features, bottom sediment types, annual nearly domestic conditions to provide for the hunting salinity and temperature regimes, and other factors. season, the habitat was modified for the con- The ecological viewpoint has the advantages of venience of people, and other species were either identifying major processes and components of the accidentally diminished through the loss of habitat system and simplifying the enormous natural com- or were destroyed because they were predators. plexity. This systemic view has some disadvantages; However, experience has shown that the natural the identity of individual species is downplayed ' as order is far too complex for this approach: the are some minor processes which may be considered managed species may exceed the carrying capacity important to man by other criteria. V1 - 5 The ideal estuarine management tool would have all relevant data on component species and func- tional categories as well as restoration and manage- ment unit plans incorporated into an accurate es- tuarine ecosystem model. Simulations of proposed alterations would then predict their adverse effects on the system and prescribe mitigation actions to R Y, compensate for them while fulfilling comprehensive C" plan objectives. However, we lack detailed quanti- tative knowledge of Columbia River estuary eco- 'A @1 system components and their interactions. An al- ternative is to prevent adverse, unpredictable, and '00 irreversible trends or changes in estuarine natural systems by maintaining as much of the existing systems as possible even if the function, relative importance or even existence of the component -John A;'kiwson parts are not fully known. Some alterations of the estuarine ecosystem must take place to support desired economic growth. To ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE protect the ecosystem, mitigation sites or projects to OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES compensate for the adverse effects of these altera- tions will be selected preferentially as follows (cf Salinity and Temperature Regime 63.40): Salinity is the measure of dissolved salts in sea - Areas in close proximity to the development site water. Most organisms are limited in their upstream with physical characteristics such that, when distribution in the estuary by their tolerance to restored, the area will develop a similar quality lowered salinity. A few fish can range from sea and quantity of plant and animal life and per- water salinities near the estuary mouth to fresh river form similar ecological functions; water conditions far into the upper reaches of the - Areas in other parts of the estuary that meet the system, but most animals and plants cannot. Conse- above physical and biological criteria; quently, the annual range of salinity conditions - Areas or resources in shortest supply as com- cletermi.nes the areas which a species can occupy in pared to past abundance. the estuary when other habitat requirements are It is impossible to predict accurately how a site met. The seasonal salinity and temperature ranges used for mitigation will develop biologically and for a site describe major habitat features. The im- whether or not the resources adversely affected by mensely variable freshwater flow of the Columbia an estuarine alteration will actually be replaced. River plays a significant role in determining both. The best predictions can be made for mitigation sites Similarity of temperature and salinity regimes at two very near the altered site because proximate areas sites indicate that similar bioto will be present, if are the most likely to develop into the same habitat other conditions such as sediment types do not type as that at the altered site, and in time may differ. produce a nearly identical community with the same relation to the rest of the estuarine system. Substrate Type When it is necessary to use mitigation sites away The physical nature of the bottom materials has from the development site, exact site comparisons little meaning unless it is considerably qualified. are not possible, but physical and biological charac- Solid versus unconsolidated substrate is the major teristics of the development region can be compared dichotomy. Little solid intertidal substrate exists in to other regions wkere potential mitigation sites the Columbia River estuary and much of it is artifi- exist. The choice of actual mitigation sites would be cial, such as jetties, groins, bank riprap and pilings. based on the degree of ecological similarity to the These tend to increase with development. Most es- development site. tuarine substrates are sedimentary types varying in It may be impossible to achieve exact mitigation composition of particle types and sizes, non-living nearby or away from the development site. In such organic matter content, and chemical features. cases, habitats or resources made scarce by past Sediment types have distinctive patterns of distribu- removals may be restored or created. While such tion; tidelands in the shallow bays, sloughs, and sites may not have the some ecological qualities as tidal marshes are mostly composed of fine silt and those lost at the development site, their use for miti- clays, while sandy sediment types tend to predomi- gation recognizes that the different but important nate in the channel and slope areas and mid-estuary functions they provide to the ecosystem enhances or f lots. restores the system as a whole. The implied policy is Most estuarine organisms of sedimentary habitats .that return to the estuary of areas once withdrawn are relatively substrate specific, requiring limited for one use (e.g. agriculture) may be a condition for range of sediments. Each of these has a character- withdrawal of another for development now con- istic biotic community associated with it, depending sidered a greater economic or social priority (e.g. where it is located in the salinity gradient of the port development). This forms a link between eco- estuary. Substrate characteristics are ot similar im- logical considerations in restoration and mitigation portance to temperature and salinity in defining and the other aspects of the plan. similar ecological conditions. V1-6 Tidal Exposure teristics, thus indirectly influencing community Tidal exposure refers to the frequency and dura- composition. Those ecological features directly af- tion of exposure to the air of a given tidal level. The fected by currents can be measured in other ways, higher tidal levels of the marsh community are and it is unlikely that the details of current flow over flooded for relatively short and infrequent times, one site can be found at another and still less likely periodically undergoing many days without tidal that they could be adequately predicted before a flooding. Mid-tide levels are covered and exposed mitigation site was-created or restored. by tides daily, in complex rhythms of frequency and duration while the lowest tide levels are infrequent- ly exposed for short durations, and go long periods Orientation to Solar Radiation without exposure. Inteoidal organisms respond to The slope of estuarine tidelands is so slight over the resulting varied conditions by occupying limited large areas that they may be considered virtually flat portions of the tidal range, often with distinct upper with respect to their orientation to the sun and thus and lower boundaries. Even on a fairly uniform show no differences from place to place in this substrate, the interticlal community is distinctly property. Only when interticlal areas have appre- zoned. Only sites which extend through the some ciably steep slopes do their orientations to the sun tidal range, and consequently have a similar tidal affect light penetration, heating or drying. exposure regime, have similar communities, even if other habitat features of salinity and substrate are Annual Submergence Time the same. In both individual mitigation actions and The "Annual Submergence Method" was devel- in overall planning, consideration must be given to oped as a mitigation tool by Dr. J. J. Gonor of providing comparable areas of comparable tidal Oregon State University. It was accepted and used as elevations, at one or several mitigation sites, to an important criterion by the Oregon Division of those lost at development sites. State Lands (DSL) in the case of the proposed North Bend Airport fill in Coos Bay. This method, when -Slope and Area strictly applied, would equate areas by equalizing The angle of slope of tidelands determines the their surface area - time submerged relations. It is a total area available at different tidal heights, con- simple method to integrate several important eco- sequently the quantities of different ecological logical concepts into a simple figure. For the Co- components present in a defined area. This charac- lumbia River estuary, it probably has more validity teristic must be considered with tidal elevation. Be- and usefulness for tidal marsh mitigation than sand- cause the slope establishes the area of tideland mud flats. between tidal elevations, it could be discarded as a Dr. Gonor's assumptions in using the method are: separate consideration in favor of areal distribution The ecological value of primary and secondary at different tidal elevations. The slight slope of es- productivity of tidal waters over interticlal lands tuarine tidelands results in relatively large areas of at high tide is sufficiently high to rank it among land at different tidal heights from mid-tidal to the high priority features sought in mitigation highest tidal levels. At lower tide levels, slope often compensation. changes and drops more steeply to subticlal channel The major features to be equalized between depths. Different tidal levels have different eco- two intertidal areas to secure the above priority logical characteristics. The differing amounts of area benefit are providing equal times and water at different tidal levels of a development site require surface area for heat and light reception and separate consideration in quantifying mitigation heat exchange with the atmosphere. actions. It may be more practical to consider the Interticial heat and light reception is important major ecological values of different tidal levels to the estuary ecosystem as a whole because separately and seek a compensation method for tidal exchange spreads its effects. each among the available options of creation and The present form of the method assumes the restoration in different areas when no one site pro- values above are achieved by any equivalent vides all the required features. area of tidal water over a wide range of depth and therefore volume differences. This method Current Velocity and Pattern emphasizes different features from a related The major estuarine currents over tidelands are of tidal prism concept. It does not entirely provide tidal origin and consequently have changing an equal volume over an equal area for an characteristics of speed, duration and direction. equal time. Tidal current patterns over tidelands are strongly Additional assumptions that increase the Annual influenced by topographic and other features both Submergence Time method's acceptability for marsh within and outside tidelands, and it is very difficult lands include: to identify details of critical ecological significance. * Zonation of marsh vegetative communities is Tidelands bordering channels have distinct flow directly tied to land elevation. patterns and velocities. The ecological significance 0 Detrital export of marsh primary production in- of tidal currents derives from their transport of creases as submergence time increases. materials to and from tidelands, linking them physi- The formula for calculating annual submergence cally to the rest of the system. Currents transport time is: Tidal Inundation frequency x area x 365 sediment particles, and the maximum current velo- days = Annual submergence time in acre days. city over a tidal area will influence sediment charac- V1-7 BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTIVITY Standing crop, which is the number of weight of Natural biological productivity can be estimated organisms present at any one given time, can be a and used in comparing the biological potential of ' useful measure in mitigation. Standing crop is not sites. It also could be used as one measure in de- the same as productivity, but is a measure of the termining the area required at a mitigation site for it production held in reserve. This storage is a key to be ecologically equivalent to a development site. factor in stabilizing the estuarine.ecosystern in that it Biological productivity is the rate at which organic provides a food and energy reserve for times of the matter is produced in a system or some component year when productivity is low. Maintenance of of it. Of paramount importance for maintaining major storage components, such as tidal marshes ecosystem functions is net primary production, the and mudflats, is an important mitigation objective. photosynthetic production by plants of organic sub- stances in excess -of their maintenance needs. HABITAT AND SPECIES DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS Primary production is expressed as the rate at which Maintaining diversity, which is the number of energy or carbon is fixed by plants into organic different habitats or species in a given area, is an material, per unit area. Since net primary production important ecosystem maintenance objective. by plants fixes the amount of energy flowing Habitat refers to the place occupied by a distinct through the rest of the biotic community, conserving community, such as a tidal marsh. Habitat also can or increasing this base is important for maintaining refer to the place where one would go to look for a estuarine systems. particular organism. Habitats may thus be quite Secondary productivity is also an important eco- specific or general. For mitigation purposes, habitats system feature; it refers to the rate at which con- should be considered in the more general sense, sumers, at higher levels in estuarine food webs, though specific species, such as those which play store energy. Because a great deal of data and ana- key food chain roles or are rare or endangered, may lysis are required to estimate secondary productivity, be very important. In mitigation actions, attention it is not a useful tool in determining mitigation should be given to maintaining the mixture of needs. habitats and species. SUMMARY TABLE Marsh Restoration /Creation Site Number Location Comments 6 (M) Swash Lake/Trestle Bay dune excavation (1 -20 acres) 9 (M) Holbrook Slough - west construct new dike/ breach old (68 acres) 10 (M) Holbrook Slough - east construct new dike/ breach old (20 acres) 12 (M) Fort Clatsop - Lewis & Clark River remove ticlegate (30 acres) 14 (M) West Bank - Lewis & Clark River breach dike (I I acres) (RM 5.3) 15 (M) West Bank - Lewis & Clark River breach dike (13 acres) (RM 5.9) 16 (M) East Bank - Lewis & Clark River breach dike (30 acres) (RM 4.9) 17 (M) East Bank - Lewis & Clark River breach dike (20 acres) (RM 5.7) 18 (M) Youngs River (RM 4.4) open ticlegate (40 acres) 19 (M) Youngs River (RM 5.2) breach d i ke (135 acres) 20 (M) Youngs River/Walluski breach dike (35 acres) 21 (M) Youngs River (RM 5.8) restore/open dikes (20 acres) 22 (M) Youngs River (RM 6.3) open ticlegate (32 acres) 23 (M) Haven Island (RM 7.5) log/breach dikes (60 acres) 24 (M) Youngs River (RM 7.5) breach dike (90 acres) 25 (M) Walluski River breach dikes (20 acres) 26 (M) Walluski River breach dikes (40 acres) 27 (M) Walluski River breach dikes (60 acres) 28 (M) Klaskanine River breach d i kes (100 acres) 29 (M) John Day River breach dikes (34 acres) 30 (M) John Day River breach dikes (23 acres) 31 (M) John Day River breach dikes (28 acres) 32 (M) John Day River breach dikes (15 acres) 33 (M) John Day River breach dikes (21 acres) 34 (M) John Day River breach dikes (20 acres) V1 - 8 Site Number Location Comments 35 (M) John Day River breach dikes (17 acres) 36 (M) John Day River breach dikes (7 acres) 37 (M) John Day River breach dikes (25 acres) 38 (M) Svensen - Marys Creek restore/improve (25 acres) 39 (M) Svensen - Ferris Creek vegetate/remove dike (10 acres) 40 (M) Svensen - Ferris Creek dikes in disrepair (51 acres) 41 (M) Svensen Island breach dikes (350 acres) 44 (M) Deep River breach dike (45 acres) 48 (M) Columbia - Mi Iler Sands (RM 23.5) marsh creation/planting/ Corps of Engineers 55 (M) Elochoman River breach dike (200 acres) Shoal Area Restoration Site Number Location Comments 3 (SA) Baker Bay - Sand Islands close gap between islands 11 (SA) Youngs Bay - south of causeway breach/bridge causeway 45 (SA) Grays Bay/River dredge channel, mouth/ flood control 56 (SA) Cathlamet Channel - upstream end close gap between dredged material islands ,Eroded Shoreline Restoration Site Number Location Comments 7 (E) Hammond fill/riprap/park 8 (E) Hammond fill/beach nourishment Shoreland Vegetation Site Number Location Comments 46 (SV) Rice Island (RM 21). dredged material/vegetative stabilization (SV) Mi I ler Sands (RM 23.5) dredged material/vegetative stabilization 49 (SV) Jim Crow Sands (RM 27. 1) dredged material/vegetative stabilization Pile Dike or Piling Removal Site Number Location Comments 4 (P) BakerBoy old piling/navigation hazard/ fish traps 5 (P) Baker Bay - Chinook Jetty pile dike removal 50 (P) Snag Island Jetty pile dike/early channel Fisheries Enhancement Site Number Location Comments I (F) Wallacut River - Baker Bay habitat improvement 2 (F) Chinook River - Baker Bay habitat improvement/fish propagation 13 (F) Lewis & Clark River habitat enhance/fish propagation 32(F) John Day River - Clatsop fish/shellfish improvement 42(F) Deep River - Wahkiakum habitat improvement 43(F) Grays River - Wahkiakum fish propagation - chum/dredge 51 (F) Big Creek - East Clatsop habitat improvement/propagation 52 (F) Gnat Creek - East Clatsop habitat improvement/propagation 53 (F) Elochoman River habitat improvement/propagation 54(F) Westport Slough fisheries enhancement , 57 (F) Youngs River habitat enhance/fish propagation 58(F) Youngs River Falls fish ladder 59(F) Upper Klaskanine River I ow f I ow water storage V1 -9 65. POTENTIAL RESTORATION /RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS 0 MARSH RESTORATION - CREATION SITES 6 (M) -MARSH CREATION area created should proportionately in- 10 (M) - MARSH CREATION Site Description crease its potential to support wildlife. Site Description Considering the extent of protected dune Location: Warrenton, on Youngs Bay, Location: Swash Lake/Trestle Bay, habitat to the south, loss of terrestrial southeast of Holbrook Slough south of Clatsop Spit at the area natural values is probably small in Size: 4.25 acres of slough and river mouth comparison to potential aquatic habitat 15.3 acres of land - total Size: I - 20 acres gains. 19.55 acres Biophysical Characteristics: Accreted Biophysical Characteristics: Diked marsh- shoreland area continguous 9 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION land in the 8' - 9' range a- to iheticloi marshes of Tres- Site Description bove MLLW. Drained by Hol- tle Bay and Swash Lake; Location: Warrenton, on Youngs Bay, brook Slough. Salinity of ad- consists of stabilized sand dunes which provide a roll- east of proposed Pacific Fab- jacent estuarine waters ing landscape. Area at one ricators site, west of Hol- ranges from 0 - 10 I/oo, time was a sandy beach at brookSlough. tidal range is 8.6' and an- the river mouth; the dunes Size: 67.6 acres (7.6 acres of nual submergence time is were built up after construc- slough) 219 acre-days. Area is pre- tion of the south jetty. Vege- Biophysical Characteristics: Diked morsh- sently used to grow hay and tation is primarily coast pine, land in the 7'-9' range a- gets extensive use by small scotchbroom, solal and other bove MLLW, with a network mammals. Use by other low shrubs and ground cov- of drainage sloughs which wildlife is low to moderate. ers, such as wild strawberry. empty into Holbrook Slough. Warm water fishes are found The dune area gets substan- Salinity of adjacent estuar- in Holbrook Slough. tial use by wildlife, includ- ine waters ranges from 0 - Land Use - Plan Designation: Area in ogri- ing deer, raptors and other 10 O/oo, the tidal range is culture use and designated birds, small mammals and 8.6' and annual submer- Development Shoreland. reptiles. gence time is 2190 acre- Ownership; Port of Astoria Land Use - Plan Designation: Area is part days. Vegetation is mixture Restoration Action of Fort Stevens State Park; of pasture grasses and tus- Construct 1500 feet of new dike adjo- designated Conservation sock. The area gets some cent to railroad and U.S. Highway 101. Shoreland in CREST/County use by cattle, small mam- Breach dike and open Holbrook Slough to plan for recreation uses. mals and foraging birds. Youngs Bay. Approximate cost of restor- Ownership: Federal (Corps of Engineers) Wildlife value is low. ation would be $225,000. - leased to the State of Ore- Land Use - Plan Designation: Area is des- gon. ignated as Water Depend- Biological Potential /Impacts ent Development Shoreland A marsh intermediate between a high Restoration Action and also as a potential dred- transition marsh and cattail-bulrush Expand the size of the Swash Lake/ ged material disposal site. marsh could be created, including Trestle Bay marshes by excavating the The site should be reserved common rush Vuncus effusus), a variety adjacent sand dunes to the interticlal for either DMD use or as a of grasses and herbaceous plants, cattail, level, opening up drainage channels into restoration site. Use for ei- bulrush and sedge. Wildlife use by water- existing marsh channels. Plant native ther will require evaluation fowl, small mammals, aquatic furbear- marsh plants or allow natural marsh of the competing use. ers, wading birds and shorebirds would colonization of the area. Excavate dune Ownership: Port of Astoria increase significantly. Holbrook Slough material used to fill in dune troughs and stabilize with beach gross and scotch- Restoration Action would likely have high benthic pro- broom. One or more marsh areas of Construct 2000 feet of new dike adja- ductivity and receive significant use by variable size could be created at this cent to railroad and on northwest side of fish. general location. Holbrook Slough. After appropriate 12 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION stabilizing period, breach existing dike at Biological Potential Ampacts 200' intervals and completely open exist- Site Description Lowering the dune area to the inter- ing drainage channels out to open water Location: Lewis and Clark River - south tidal level and constructing drainage of Youngs Bay. Approximate restoration of Fort Clatsop National Me- sloughs will likely allow colonization of cost would be $350,000, exclusive of land morial. flora and fauna found in adjacent areas value. Size: 27 acres low; 16 acres high, of similar elevation and topography. These are ecologically important areas. Biological Potential /Impacts 3 acres drainage slough The adjacent tidal marsh has been e - Based on proximity to proposed Biophysical Characteristics: Diked fresh- x Youngs Bay development sites, tidal water tidal marsh, a 16-acre tensively studied. It grades from a low exposure, salinity and the protected portion higher of which is sandy marsh to a high mature marsh. location, it is expected that a highly used for grazing farm ani- Sedges, bullrushes, arrowgross, bent- productive brackish water tidal marsh mals; remainder has partly gross, silverweed and some low-solinity will develop, and include sedges (Carex reverted to a freshwater tolerant species are found in this es- sp.) bulrushes (Scirpus spp.) and cattail marsh. There is little intru- sentially freshwater marsh. The bi 0logy (Typla sp.) plus other wetland vegetative sion of salt water in this of the sloughs and drainage channels has species. Wildlife use by waterfowl, reach of the river, even dur- not been studied, but the area would be ing low flows. The diurnal shorebirds and waders, and aquatic fur- expected to have high numbers Or bearers would increase significantly. The tidal range is 8.7 feet and benthic invertebrates and receive exten- open slough area created would likely the annual submergence sive use by many varieties of fishes. have very high benthic productivity, simi- time is about 2858 acre-days These tidal marshes and adjacen tfiats for the lower north portion and sloughs get extensive use by water- lar to adjacent Youngs Bay tidal flats. Fish and 350 acre-days for the fowl and other wildlife; any new marsh usage, including juvenile salmon, is also expected to be high. higher south portion. The area is separated from the river by a road and has a VI - 10 single,lidegaie for drainage. Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture- Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - 18 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION . Rural Rural Site Description Ownership: Private (Miller) Ownership: Private (Togg) Location: Youngs River (RM 4.4), east Restoration Action Restoration Action bank Restoration would involve permanent Breach dike, construct a natural drain- Size: 40 acres opening of ticlegate and subsequent age pattern. Biophysical Characteristics: Diked former freshwater tidal marsh sep- flooding. The road could be relocated to Biological Potential/impacts arated from the river by the west but such action would sub- Area would add 13 acres of high fresh- Highway 202; ficlegate stantially increase project cost. water marsh to the aquatic ecosystem, drains the area which is well Biological Potential/impact while removing the some area from agri- managed pastureland used The area to the north is already a partly cultural productivity. Marsh species by form animals. Small developed marsh, and restoration would which would invade the restored area in- creek runs through the pri- provide full tidal action to the area. The clude sedges, bulrushes and cattails. mary drainage channel. high freshwater marsh would be similar Wildlife use would increase significantly. Diurnal ti .dal range in region to adjacent marshes and contain sedges, is 8.6 feet, average land bulrush, cattail, Pacific water-parsley, 16 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION elevation about 8.0 feet Pacific silverweed and other freshwater Site Description MLLW, submergence time aquatic species. The area to the south, Location: Lewis and Clark River (RM about 1022 acre-days and being higher, would probably revert to 4.9), east bank occasional salinity intrusion brushy riparian vegetation such as wil- Size: 30 acres occurs (0 - 10 O/oo) at low low, blackberry, older and others. Wild- Biophysical Characteristics: Diked fresh- Columbia River flows. life use of the area would probably in- water tidal marsh, presently Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture- crease, with waterfowl, small mammals used as postureland with - Rural and aquatic furbearers predominant. The grasses predominating. Dike Ownership: Private (Linehan) road would act as a dike and influence is in fair to poor condition. wildlife use in a negative way. Restoration Action Diurnal tidal range is 8.7 The land area may need to be lowered feet, average elevation 7.5 in some areas; the ticlegate would be re- feet MLLW, annual submer- moved to provide regular tidal action. 14 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION gence time 1095 acre-days, Natural drainage patterns could be con- Site Description and no salinity intrusion oc- structed. Location: Lewis and Clark River (RM curs. 5.3), west bank Land Use - Plan Designation. Agriculture - Biological PotentiollImpacts Size: I I acres Rural Area would add 40 acres of high fresh- Biophysical Characteristics: Diked fresh- Ownership: Private (Grant) water tidal marsh to the aquatic eco- system, while removing the some water tidal marsh, presently Restoration Action amount of area from agricultural pro- used for postureland with Breach dike and reconstruct natural ductivity. Marsh species which would grasses predominating. Has dra i nage pattern. invade the restored area include sedges, direct connection with river. Dike is low and not well Biological Potential/impacts bulrushes and cattails. Wildlife use would maintained. Diurnal tidal Area would add 30 acres of high fresh- increase significantly. range is 8.7 feet, submer- water tidal marsh to the aquatic eco- gence time is 642 acre-days, system, while removing the same 19 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION average elevation is about amount of area from agricultural pro- Site Description 7.0 feet above MLLW, and ductivity. Marsh species whichswould Location: Youngs River (RM 5.2)/Wal- no salinity intrusion occurs invade the restored area include edges, in the area. bulrushes, and ccittails. Wildlife use luski River Junction (north Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - would increase significantly. shore) Rural Size: 135 acres Ownership: Private (Togg) 17 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION Biophysical Characteristics: Large, diked former freshwater tidal Restoration Action Site Description marsh, presently operated Breach dike, construct a natural drain- Location: Lewis and Clark River (RM as a 250 cow dairy farm. age pattern. 5.7), east bank Area is well-monaged pas- Size: 20 acres tureland; dikes are in good Biological Potential Ampacts Biophysical Characteristics: Diked fresh- condition. Diurnal tidal Area would add I I acres of high fresh- water tidal marsh, presently range is 8.6 feet, average water marsh to the aquatic ecosystem, used as postureland with elevation is 7.0 feet MLLW while removing the some area from agri- grasses predominating. Dike and submergence time is cultural productivity. Marsh species is in fair to poor condition. 7884 acre-days, and some which would invade the restored area in- Murnal tidal range is 8.7 salinity intrusion occurs at clude sedges, bulrushes and cattails. feet, average elevation 7.5 low Columbia/Youngs River Wildlife use would increase significantly. feet MLLW, annual su6mer- flows. gence time 730 acre-days Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture 15 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION and no salinity intrusion oc- - Rural Site Description curs. Ownership: Private (Lee) Location: Lewis and Clark River (RM Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - Restoration Action 5.9), west bank Rural Breach dikes and reconstruct natural Size: 13 acres Ownership: Private (Schneider) drainage patterns. Biophysical Characteristics: Diked fresh- Restoration Action water tidal marsh, presently Breach dike and reconstruct natural Biological Potential/impacts used for postureland with drainage pattern. A large, productive freshwater tidal grasses preclominating. Has marsh could be developed if this area is direct connection with river. Biological Potential/impacts restored. However, a productive, well- Dike is low and not well Area would add 20 acres of high fresh- managed dairy form operation would be maintained. Diurnal tidal water tidal marsh to the aquatic eco-. eliminated. The area, if restored, would range is 8.7 feet, submer- system, while removing the some be invaded by sedges, cattails, bulrushes gence time is 759 acre-days, amount of area from. agricultural pro- and many other marsh species which elevation is about 7.0 feet ductivity. Marsh species which would were probably present prior to diking. above MLLW, and no salinity invade the restored area include sedges, Wildlife use and use of sloughs by fishes intrusion occurs in the area. bulrushes and cattails. Wildlife use would could be high. The marsh productivity increase significantly. would have a favorable impact on the Youngs River/Bay ecosystem. VI - I I 20 (M) - MARSH CREATION 22 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION 24 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION Site Description Site Description Site Description Location: Youngs River/Walluski River Location: Youngs River (RM 6.3), east Location: Youngs River (RM 7,5), east Junction, south shore bank bank Size: 35 acres Size: 32 acres Size: 90 acres (80 acres land, 10 Biophysical Characteristics: Diked, fresh- Biophysical Characteristics: Diked fresh- acres slough) water tidal marsh, presently water tidal marsh, presently Biophysical Characteristics: Diked former used as postureland to graze used as postureland with freshwater tidal marsh, pre- form animals. Area is fair to grasses predominating. Dike sently used as posture for well managed, but dike is is Highway 202 which is low farm animals. The dike is in low and sometimes overtop- in this area, but well rip- excellent condition and re- ped by high tidal waters. Ti- rapped. Diurnal tidal range cently ripropped by the dal range is 8.6 feet, aver- is 8.6 feet, average eleva- Corps of Engineers. The age elevation 7.0 teet MLLW, tion 7.5 feet MLLW, submer- forms are well managed. annual submergence time gence time 1068 acre-days Diurnal tidal range is 8.6 is about 2044 acre-days, and and little salinity intrusion feet, average elevation is little salt water intrusion oc- occurs, except during very 6.5 feet MLLW, annual sub- curs, except during very low low river flows. One house mergence time is 2044 acre- river flows. is located on the property. days and little salinity intru- Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture sion occurs, except during - Rural - Rural extreme low river f lows. Ownership: Private (Lee/Henry) Ownership: Private (Ordway) Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - Rural Restoration Action Restoration Action Ownership: Private (Burkholder, Cath- Breach dike at frequent intervals, Permanently open ticlegate and allow cart, Henningsen and Biork) create drainage channels following land tidal flooding, The area where the house contours. Tidal waters would be con- is located would have to be cross diked to Restoration Action tained by the existing road fill and adja- prevent flooding. Remove tidegates and breach dike at cent hill land. No new dike construction frequent intervals to allow free exchange would be needed. Biological Potential Ampact of water. Completely open all sloughs to Area would add 32 acres of high fresh- the river. Biological Potential/Impacts water tidal marsh to aquatic ecosystem, Area would add 35 acres of high fresh- while removing the some amount of area Biological Potential /impacts water tidal marsh to the aquatic eco- from agricultural productivity. Marsh Area would add 80 acres of high fresh- system, while removing the some species which would invade the restored water tidal marsh and 10 acres of tidal amount of area from agricultural pro- area include sedges, bulrushes and cat- slough to the aquatic ecosystem, while ductivity. Marsh species which would toils. Wildlife use would increase signi- removing the some amount of area for invade the restored area include sedges, f icantly. agricultural productivity. Marsh species bulrushes and cattails. Wildlife use would which would invade the restored area in- increase significantly. This area has 23 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION clude sedges, bulrushes and cattails. natural forested buffers on each upland Wildlife use would increase significantly. side, except for a small area along the Site Description The slough areas would get substantial highway. Location: Haven Island in Youngs fish usage. This site is not a high priority River (RM 7.5) site however, because of the intensive 21 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION Size: 60 acres (55 acres land, 5 management for agriculture and the past acres slough) and recent investment in dike and drain- Site Description Biophysical Characteristics: Diked island age improvements. Location: Youngs River (RM 5.8), east used in post to graze cattle, bank presently not used. Area has 25 (M) - 26(M) - 27 (M) - MARSH Size: 20 acres some alder, cottonwood RESTORATION Biophysical Characteristics: Dikes in this and spruce, but is largely area are in disrepair and the gross. Diurnal tidal range Site Description ticlegate is open. Area has is about 8.6 feet, elevations Location: Upper Walluski River (3 sites) largely reverted to high, are 5 - 7 feet MLLW, and an- Sizes: 25 (M) - 20 acres freshwater tidal marsh. No nual submergence time 26 (M) - 40 acres agricultural use is made of about 5822 acre-days. Little 27 (M) - 60 acres the area. Diurnal tide range salt water intrusion occurs Biophysical Characteristics: All three sites is 8.6 feet, average eleva- this far up the Youngs River, are diked former high fresh- tion about 7.5 feet, annual except during extreme low water tidal marshes and submergence about 1168 flows. presently used for posturing acre-days, and salinity intru- Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space form animals. Elevations are sion occurs only during very - Conservation in the 6 - 8 foot range, diur- low river flows. Ownership: Private (M. Nygaard) nal tidal range is about 8.6 Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space feet and no salt water intru- - Conservation Aquatic Restoration Action sion occurs. Vegetation are Ownership: Private Log off all timber, remove brush, primarily posture grasses. remove ticlegate and breach dikes at Site 25 (M) is managed in Restoration Action frequent interva IS. fair condition, Site 26 (M) in Remove large areas of dike to promote fair condition and Site 27 (M) better circulation and flushing action. Biological Potential/impacts in good condition. This area, since partially restored, is not This island is slightly lower than the Land Use - Plan Designation: 25 (M) - Ag- acceptable for use as a mitigation site. it adjacent Grant and Frye Islands, which riculture - Conservation; 26 is a useful site for analysis of how have well developed high freshwater (M) - Agriculture - Rural; restored areas might redevelop as tidal tidal marshes. Bulrushes, sedges, cattails 27 (M) - Agriculture - Rural marshes. and other characteristic species could be Ownership: 25 (M): Private (Coe) expected to rapidly colonize the area, if 26 (M): Private (Elliot) Biological Potential/impacts restored. Wildlife use, particularly be- More complete removal at dike will cause it is an island, free from human 27 (M): Private (several own- promote better flushing and export of influence and domestic animals, would ers) detrital material from the marsh. Since be high. Fish would use the slough areas. Resto-ration Action the area is already marsh wetland, no This is a valuable and high priority site for Breach dikes at frequent intervals; re- unfavorable land use impacts will be mitigation use. construct natural drainage patterns. caused. VI-12 Biological Potential/impacts Restoration Action as sedges, bulrushes and cattails. Since These areas would add 20, 40 and 60 Breach dikes of selected site(s) at fre- the land is not in use, there should be no acres, respectively, of high freshwater quent inte'rvals, reconstruct natural unfavorable land use impacts. Wildlife tidal marsh to the aquatic ecosystem, drainage patterns, remove ticlegates. use will change to more aquatic species. while removing the some amounts of This site is useful habitat in its present area from agricultural productivity. Biological Potential /impacts s ate and is therefore not a high priority Marsh species which would invade the Areas restored would be added back to sitte for restoration. the aquatic ecosystem, but would remove restored areas include sedges, bulrushes farmland from agricultural productivity. and cattails. Wildlife use would increase The marshes that would develop would 40 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION significantly. likely be similar to those near the river Site Description mouth, vvhic@h are dominated by bul- Location: Svensen - Ferris Creek 28 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION rushes, cattails and sedges, as well as Size: 51 acres Site Description many other species. The areas would Biophysical Characteristics: The dikes in Location: Klaskanine River contribute primary productivity to the this area have been in dis- Size: ' 100 acres estuary and would also get increased repair for several years and Biophysical Description:. Dike .cl, former wildlife use, mostly aquatic furbearers portions of the area have re- presently used as pasture- and waterfowl. verted to tidal marsh. High- land* with some timber. Dike 38 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION er portions are still in pasture grasses. The diurnal tidal is in fair condition but land Site Description range is 8.0 feet and eleva- is not well-managed.for ag- Location: Svensen, between Mary's tions range from. 7-10 feet riculture use. Diurnal tidal Creek and Bear Creek MLLW. No salt water intru- range is 8.6 feet, average Size: 25 acres sion occurs in this area of elevation is about 6 - 7 feet Biophysical Characteristics: The dikes in the river. MLLW, annual submergence this area have been in dis- Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space time is 8760 acre-days, and repair for years and the tide- - Rural Aquatic/Shoreland no salt water intrusion oc-. gate is not working. The area Ownership: Private (M. Mowe/R, Tykila) curs. has largely reverted to high Restoration Action Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - freshwater tidal marsh con- Remove areas of dike still intact to Rural sisting of bulrushes, cattails, promote better circulation and flushing Ownership: Private (Belford/Keyes) sedges and many other action. marsh plants. The diurnal Restoration Action tidal range in the area is Biological Potentia I /impacts Breach dike at frequent intervals and 8.0 feet, and elevations are More complete removal of the dike reconstruct natural drainage pattern. estimated to be in the 6-9 will promote better flushing of cletrital Biological Potential A mpacts feet MLLW range. No salt material into the estuary. The land- Area would add 100 acres of high water intrudes in this part owners, however, desire to repair the freshwater ficla I marsh to the, aquatic eco- of the 'river. dike and use the land for agriculture. system, while removing the some Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space amount of area from agricultural pro- - Rural Aquatic 41 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION cludivity. Marsh species which would Ownership: Private (C. Gifford) invade the restored area include sedges, Site Description bulrushes and cattails. Wildlife use would Restoration Action Location: Svensen Island increase significantly. Remove large areas of the existing Size: 300 acres land, 50 acres dike to promote better flushing action slough 29 (M) Through 37 (M) - and circulation. Since this area is already Biophysical Characteristics: Diked, former MARSH RESTORATION a tidal marsh, it would not be acceptable high freshwater. tidal marsh, for use as a mitigation site. It is useful as presently in agricultural use Site Description an example of how other sites in this re- for posturing cattle. Diurnal Location: John Day River gion suitable for restoration might revert tidal range in this area is Size/Ownership: 29 (M): 34 acres/Private to aquatic productivity. about 8.0 feet, and eleva- (V. Carlson) Biological Potential /impacts tions range from 6-9 feet 30 (M): 23 acres/Private (W. I More complete removal of the dike MLLW. No salt water intru- Erp) will promote better flushing and export of sion occurs in this area of 31 (M): 38 acres/Private cletrital material produced by the marsh ' the river. (Haglund). The landowner desires to repair the dike Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - 32 (M): 1 15 acres/Pri vote and bring the area back into agricultural Rural (H. Allen) production, raising a serious conflict. Ownership: Private (C. Haglund, eastern 33 (M): 21 acres/Private 130 acres; R. Reed, western 34 (M): 20 acres/Privote 39 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION 220 acres) (Larson/Lundsmah) ' Restoration Action 35 (M): 17 acres/Private Site Description (Nyman) Location: Svensen, west of Ferris Creek Breach dikes and remove ticlegaies. All 36 (M): 7 acres/Private Size: 10 acres or a portion could be restored by con- 37 (M): 25 acres/Private Biophysical Characteristics: Low-lying structing cross dikes. (Rodgers) . diked area vegetated with Biological Potentiallimpacts Biophysical Characteristics: Diked, former willow, older and scattered This area would add up to 300 acres of high freshwater marsh areas, spruce. Diurnal tidal range high freshwater tidal marsh to the aquatic presently used for low inten- in the area is 8.0 feet and ecosystem, while removing the same sity agriculture, pasture land elevation estimated to amount of area from agricultural pro- grasses are dominant. Dikes be in 7-9-feet MLLW range. ductivity. Marsh species which would are in fair to poor condition No salt water intrudes in this invade the restored area include sedges, due to low height and ero '- part of the river. bulrushes, and cattails. Wildlife use sion along the outside banks. Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space would increase significantly. This area is Diurnal tidal range is 8.2 - Conservation also designated as a dredged material feet, there is no salt water Ownership: Private (Truax/other) disposal site,. both shoreland and dike intrusion, and land eleva- maintenance. tions are in the 6' to 8' Restoration Action range. The areas get some Breach dike and allow area to be sub- wildlife use by small mam- ject to full tidal action. mals, deer and elk. Biological Potential/impcicts Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - Existing vegetation will be replaced by Rural more characteristic wetlond species such VI - 13 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION 48 (M) - MARSH CREATION 55 (M) - MARSH RESTORATION Site Description Site Description Site Description Location: Deep River Location: Miller Sands, adjacent to Location: Elochoman River near Coth- Size: 45 acres Columbia River ship chan- -lamet Biophysical Characteristics: Diked, former nel (RM 23.5) Size: 140 acres freshwater tidal marsh, pre- Size: 20 acres plus (2 acres) Biophysical Characteristics: Low-lying sently used for agriculture. Biophysical Characteristics: On the inside wetland area diked on the Elochoman River side but Vegetation is grasses with of the Miller Sands dredged large amount of tussock, in- material disposal site, marsh open to tidal waters through dicating poor drainage. plantings of sedges, bent- culverts under the rood to the west. The diurnal tidal Condition of the dike is not grass and other types have range is approximately 6 known. The diurnal tidal been made. This marsh cre- feet in this area, and no salt range is approximately 8.0 ation project has been di- water intrusion occurs, Ve- feet and there is no salinity rected by the Corps of Engi- getation on the site consists intrusion. Land elevation is neers Waterways Experi- of older, willow and some in the 6-9 feet MLLW range. ment Station in Vicksburg, spruce as we I I as marsh wet- Land Use - Plan Designation: Agriculture - Mississippi. Rural Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space land vegetation. Ownership: Private - Conservation Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space Ownership: Conflicting state/federal - Develppinent Aquatic Restoration Action claims Ownership: Private (Dournit) Breach dikes arid remove ticlegates. The road on the west side of the area Restoration Action Restoration Action would need to be built up if the entire Continued experimental marsh plant- Breach dike on Elochoman River side to area were restored. Otherwise a cross ing. provide for more complete tidal ex- dike would need to be constructed. Biological Potential/impacts change. Biological Potential Ampacts Marsh creation on existing dredged Biological Potential Ampacts Up to 45 acres of high freshwater tidal material islands is encouraged by poli- More complete tidal exchange will marsh could be added to the aquatic eco- cies of this plan. Increased primary pro- result in a gradual conversion of terres- system by restoring this area. Typical ductivity and new wildlife habitat are the trial to semi-aquatic to aquatic vegeta- marsh species that would invade include chief benefits. tion, depending primarily on elevation. bulrushes, cattails and sedges. Wildlife Wildlife use, which is high in any event, use by aquatic furbearers, waterfowl and would change to more aquatic species. other aquatic animals would increase More complete restoration, however, significantly. would conflict with development planned for the area, which is close to Colhlamet. SHOAL AREA RESTORATION 3 (SA) - SHOAL AREA RESTORATION ation projects include removal of old fish the estuary, has shoaled considerably traps 4(P) and removal of the Chinook over the post several decades. This has Location Baker Bay Jetty 5(P). been due to diversion of Columbia River Background flow southwest into the main ship chan- Baker Bay has considerably shociled 11 (SA) - SHOAL AREA RESTORATION nel toward Tongue Point, decreased river since the turn of the century. The shoaling Location Youngs Bay, behind the U.S. and tidal currents and increased sedi- has been caused by a variety of factors Highway 101 Causeway ment loads coming down Deep and Grays including construction of the North and Rivers. At the mouth of the Grays River, a South Columbia River Jetties and subse- Background bar has developed and the lower reaches quent northward migration of Sand Is- In 1964, the new Youngs Bay Bridge of the stream have shoaled excessively. lands; construction of hundreds of fish was constructed, including nearly a mile The result has been that existing channels traps which reduced circulation in the of filled causeway. This fill greatly re- hove not been able to carry the flow bay; construction of the Chinook Jetty duced near shore currents and has re- during high water periods, resulting in (pile dike); and 2 other changes.- In the sulted in an increased shoaling rate (2-4 lowland flooding, traditionally navigable gap between Big and Little Sand Islands, cm/yr). The difference in elevations east areas are also no longer useable. Fish there has been a reversed process of and west of the causeway are easily migration is also impaired at times. intense scouring; most tidal water is observed at any low tide. Restoration Action exchanged through this gap. A, more Restoration Action Dredging and maintaining a channel in complete discussion of historical shoaling patterns is shown in the Land and'Waier Removal of the entire causeway and the Grays River and Grays Bay is Use Plan (cf. Baker Bay, 45.05). replacement by a bridge on piling would proposed to alleviate the above be the most desirable in terms of im- problems. Several of the principal causes Restoration Action proving circulation, but cost would likely of shoaling are not likely to decrease Extensive dredging and/or closing of far outweigh any benefits gained. As an appreciably and a technological solution the breach between Big and Little Sand alternative, culverts could he installed at (dredging) to the above problems is Islands are proposed as possible restor- various locations to increase circulation probably necessary. ation measures, The latter seems more and flushing and to decrease sedimenta- and more realistic since the tidal scouring tion. Prior to such action, a hydraulic 56 (SA) - SHOAL AREA RESTORATION seems to be continually deepening the model should be used to determine po- Location West end of Cothlamet Channel area. In fact, encouraging the scouring tenfial beneficial, as well as detrimental (RM 46) process and possibly rerouting the Ilwaco effects of culverting. and Chinook Channels through the gap Background may eventually become desirable. 45 (SA) - SHOAL AREA RESTORATION At the upriver end of Puget Island, a Further research is needed on the hy- Location Grays Bay and River series of pile dikes have been installed to draulics and biology of Baker Bay before divert river flow into the ship channel and action is taken to alter the shoaling Background away from Cathlomet channel. Addi- problems in the bay. Other related restor- Grays Bay, like other marginal boys of tionally, the area between the pile dikes VI-14 love been and will continue to be used Rslorafio n Action to dispose of dredged material from the Complete restoration would require main ship channel [dredged material removal of the pile dikes and dredged disposal site 96 (B), cf. A4.01]. The ma- material islands. This action would likely terial placed there in a series of small increase maintenance dredging needs islands has migrated into Cothlamet for the 40' ship channel. A less dramatic Channel, reducing navigability of certain and recommended course of action areas. The reduced currents through the would be to plug the holes between the channel also result in increased sedi- pile dikes, creating a single spit upstream mentation because less material remains from Puget Island. Flows through Cathlo- in suspension. Sloughs bordering the met Channel would still be reduced, but north side of Puget Island have shooled less dredged material deposited there considerably. would enter the channel. Shoaling should be somewhat reduced. ERODED SHORELINE RESTORATION SITES 7(E)- ERODED SHORELINE RESTORATION 8(E)-ERODED SHORELINE RESTORATION Site Description Site Description Location: The shoreline just west of Location: The shoreline west of Alas- the Hammond Boat Basin ka Packers entrance Size: approximately 1000' x 50' Size: approximately 1000' x 60' Biophysical Characteristics: Interticlal (average width) beach with a moderate Biophysical Characteristics: Interticlal slope. The beach has coarse beach on the inside of de- sediments and benthic pro- teriorated riprap which was ductivity is probably low. the starting point of the ori- The shallow area imme- ginal South Jetty. Area has diately offshore is a sea- gently sloping gradient from ward migration route for approximately +10' MLLW juvenile salmon. to + 5' MLLW. The area to be Land Use - Plan Designation: Open space restored is a sandy beach - Conservation Aquatic with some invading marsh Ownership: Private (shore); State (below vegetation in the area be- MHW) tween the present shoreline Restoration Action and the jetty line. Because Dredged material from the Hammond of coarse substrate, benthic Boat Basin entrance channel dredging of productivity is probably low. from direct pipeline dredging from the Land Use - Plan Designation: Area is an adjacent deep water area would be used exceptional viewpoint and to restore the shoreline configuration to is used extensively by local what it was prior to recent erosion. people and tourists; road ac- Realistically, the shoreline would need to cess and limited parking is be ripropped to retard further erosion. available; area proposed Alternatively, it could be used as a for restoration is designated periodic beach nourishment dredged Development Aquatic and material disposal site. the adjacent shoreland is designated Water Depend- Biological Potential A m pacts ent Development. Restoration of the original shoreline Ownership: Federal (Corps of Engineers), will restore about 11/2 acres of sh&eland, leased to the Town of Ham- if it is stabilized. Ripropping the shoreline mond will be expensive and stabilization may require that one or more pile dikes. be Restoration Action constructed to further retard erosion. The Dredged material from the Hammond deep channel adjacent to this shoreline is Boat Basin entrance dredging would be migrating slowly to the south and has used to fill the 1000 x 60 foot gap be- been since at least the 1930's. This tween the jetty and.the present shoreline. natural process is probably worsened by The jetty on the outer side would be built maintenance of the ship channel in this up and reinforced to protect the new reach of the river. The biological impacts shoreline. The new shoreline would be of the restoration action would not be vegetated and developed by the Town of great, but the physical effects would Hammond as a waterfront park, asso- generally be beneficial economically. ciated with the Boat Basin. Further erosion will endanger existing Biological Potential Anipacts piers, private upland property and Restoration of the former shoreline will homes, and possibly the Hammond Boat Basin, if the erosion cut behind the east create about 11/2 acres of new shoreland, end of the breakwater. covering over about I acre of sandy beach and 1/2 acre of invading marsh vegetation. Further erosion of the present shoreline will be prevented. V1 - 15 SHORELAND VEGETATIOV There are several sites along the ship channel where islands have been created by the disposal of dredged material. Stabilization of these islands by planting vegetation to prevent erosion and provide wildlife habitat is encouraged by CREST policy (cf. 62.20). Three primary sites are identified for this activity: 46 (SV) - RICE ISLAND (RM 2 1) 47 (SV) - MILLER SANDS (RM 23.5) 49 (SV) - JIM CROW SANDS (RM 27. 1) An active disposal site, Rice Island is Just upstream from Rice Island, but on Another beach nourishment disposal relatively high in comparison to other the south side of the ship channel, Miller site, Jim Crow Sands has been the subject areas. Selecting vegetation for this area Sands is an active beach nourishment of an intensive experimental upland will require taking the lower depth of disposal site. Both upland and marsh vegetation project conducted by the water table into account. Some natural planting have been conducted success- Corps of Engineers and Soil Conservation vegetation is starting to take hold on fully on the island, which is in the shape Service. The experimental plantings hove certain areas of the island, but this of a horseshoe, but open of the top. been largely successful, have attracted process could be much accelerated. Continued experimental work and even- large numbers of waterfowl and other tual full vegetation of the site is re- birds and have resulted in stabilization of commended. large areas of the sands. PILE DIKE OR PILING REMOVAL There are thousands of pilings which are relics of fish traps, docks, 4 (P) - BAKER BAY - Abandoned Pilings piers, fish processing facilities and other structures along the waterfronts The remains of hundreds of abandoned of both Washington and Oregon. Many of these are harmless and are fish traps in Baker,Bay ore contributing to aesthetically pleasing reminders of earlier days along the waterfront. the severe shoaling problem there and Some, however, present serious navigation hazards and contribute to represent a navigation hazard which serious shoaling problems. annually takes its share of small boats. Systematic inventory and renioval of Pile dikes to control shoreline erosion or to channel river water in a these pilings is needed to correct these direction which will help stabilize the ship channel and help in self- problems. The adverse impacts are ex- scouring are numerous in the estuary area. Most do their job effectively, pected to be minimal, but high cost it a but some are believed to be principal contributors to undesirable key consideration. More details on shoal- shoaling away from the ship channel. ing in Baker Boy are contained in the Land and Water Use Plan (cf 45.04) and 5 (P) - CHINOOK JETTY (pile dike) 50 (P) - SNAG ISLAND JETTY - Shoal Area Restoration (cf 64.30). The 3500 foot long flow control struc- CATHLAMET BAY ture is believed to be a major cause of The Snag Island Jetty was installed in shoaling problems in Baker Bay, particu- larly the east end including Chinook the 1880's to help maintain the ship Channel. It is recommended that the jetty channel which of that time was adjacent be removed and monitoring occur to see to the island. Since that function is no if improved scouring occurs. More details longer appropriate, possible removal of on shoaling in Baker Boy are noted the jetty should be evaluated. above. FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT The Columbia River and estuary tributary streams have experienced I (F) - WALLACLIT RIVER The Wallocut River is heavily dramatic decreases in the production of trout and Chinook, Coho and silted in and historic fish runs have essen- Chum salmon over the post several decades. These decreases have tially been eliminated. Chum and other been due to a combination of factors including dam construction, over- salmon might be restored in the stream if fishing, logging in watersheds, and other degradation of stream and the stream were dredged, areas near estuarine habitat. Chum salmon runs in particular, have been deci- tidewater regravelled, and obstructions to fish passage by-passed or removed. mated. This is thought to be largely caused by logging operations silting More careful management of watershed in the areas just above tidewater where Chum salmon spawn. Currents strearnside vegetation will help reduce are generally too sluggish in this area of streams to remove the silt. the siltation problem. Fishery enhancement projects to improve habitat and supplement existing or former fish runs is encouraged by CREST policy (cf. 21. 10) and 2 (F) - CHINOOK RIVER would be appropriate for many estuary tributaries. Examples of fishery Siltation of the Chinook River has re- enhancement projects include regravelling of streams to provide im- cluced the historically good runs of ona- dromous fish that used the river. Because proved spawning habitat; removal or bypass of obstructions, such as old of the Sea Resources Hatchery on the ticlegates, dams or waterfalls; construction of salmon-rearing ponds to stream, however, fish runs have been provide a greater capacity for artificial replacement of lost fish stocks; kept alive. Dredging to improve fish passage and removal or bypass of ob- work with state hatchery programs and lumber companies to improve structions would improve the salmon stream habitat'and water quality. fishery potential. Regravell,ing silted in Each of the major tributary streams on the estuary is listed for po- areas and subsequent stream manage- tential fishery enhancement. Specific comments related to these ment practices to minimize further silting streams are given below. are also recommended. V1 - 16 13 (F) - LEWIS AND CLARK RIVER 51 (F) - BIG CREEK 57 (F) - YOUNGS RIVER The Lewis and Clark River has runs of Big Creek is the location of an im- The Clatsop Economic Development Chinook and Coho salmon, steelhead portant state fish hatchery. The stream Committee operates the Youngs Bay and sea run cutthroat trout. The river used and hatchery produce large run of Chi- Salmon Enhancement Program, which is to have an excellent Chum salmon run nook salmon, some Coho, steelhead cut- in its third year of operation. The project but, as in other coastal streams, they throat trout and some Chum salmon. The includes two salmon rearing ponds on hove been severely depleted. Sea run stream is well managed for control of Tucker Creek on the Vandervelt Property. cutthroat trout also have declined in stream sedimentation, but areas at or just The program is being conducted with numbers because of a shortage of habi- above tidewater could be regravelled to assistance from Oregon Department of tat. There is a severe problem with low improve habitat. Water quality should be Fish and Wildlife fish hatcheries on Big ri.ver flows in the upper river during strictly controlled, particularly non-point Creek and the Klaskanine River, state August and September. The City of War- sources related to watershed tree- grants, and contributions from local or- .renton uses.some of the river water for growing operations. ganizations, businesses and individuals. municipal needs. Expansion plans include construction of The Oregon Department of Fish and 52 (F) - GNAT CREEK a third rearing pond on the South Fork of Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries the Klaskanine River. Other work to im- Service are both experimenting with re- Gnat Creek has a good run of steel- viving the natural runs of Coho and cut- head and cutthroat trout. Careful man- prove stream habitats also has excellent throat trout by planting them in various agement of stream sedimentation and potential in this river system. When stream areas and tributaries of the Lewis water quality as it related to tree-growing fishery enhancement is used as complete and Clark River. Construction of rearing operations in the watershed will maintain or partial mitigation for the adverse ponds and extensive artificial propaga- and improve habitat in the stream itself effects of estuarine alteration, it should be accomplished through the existing tion of fish would conflict with these ef- and maintain a flow of clean, pure water Youngs Bay Salmon Enhancement Pro- forts and probably will not be permitted to the state fish hatchery. gram. in the near future. Better management of stream sedimentation and water quality 53 (F) - ELOCHOMAN RIVER 58 (F) - FISH LADDER - related to watershed tree-growing opera- YOUNGS RIVER FALLS tions will help improve habitat for all fish The Elochomon has a state salmon hatchery (Department of Fisheries) which The 65' Youngs River Falls provides an species and be particularly helpful in the produces Coho and Chinook salmon. effective barrier to anodromous passage. effort to reestablish self-sustaining runs. Bear Creek, a tributary of the Elochoman Construction of a fish ladder around the 42 (F) - DEEP RIVER well below the salmon hatchery, has a falls on the south side of the stream 43 (F) - GRAYS RIVER state trout hatchery (Department of would open up many miles of potential Game), which produces cutthroat trout spawning habitat for salmon and trout. Historically the Grays Bay system and steelhead. Coordination of these The potential for runs establishing them- runs with regard to timing of releases to supported large runs of Chum salmon, prevent i .nterspecific predation is Im- selves on a self-sustaining basis is diffi- and some Coho, fall Chinook and steel- portant in managing fisheries 0 n . this cult to estimate, but upstream areas could head. Now, much of the former spawn- stream. be planted with fish on a regular basis. ing habitat is unusable because of water- Fisheries can be enhanced by better Using proven fish ladder technology shed logging practices, and most salmon management of stream sedimentation (stairstep series of rectangular reinforced ore raised at the Grays River hatchery. and water quality related to tree-growing concrete boxes) with an estimated cost of Local fishermen operate a small scale operations. Maintenance of strecim-side $AOOO - $6000 per vertical foot, the 65' Chum salmon enhancement project on a vegetative buffers in downstream areas falls could be scaled for a cost of tributary of the Grays River. which might be developed in the future is $260,000 to $300,000. One possible Fishery enhancement on the Deep conflict is that the City of Astoria has River and Grays River should start with also important. water rights on the river and has long more effective management of stream sedimentation and water quality related 54 (F) - WESTPORT SLOUGH - range plans to construct a dam just above to tree-growing operations. On Grays PLYMPTON CREEK the falls. River, a holding pond (such as the pro- Plympton Creek, which drains into 59 (F) - KLASKANINE RIVER - posed Raistakka pond) should be con- Westport Slough at the ferry landing, has WATER IMPOUNDMENT structed, both as a rearing pond for ju- an excellent run of Chinook salmon and a River flow on the North Fork of the venile fish and a holding pond for re- small run of Chum. However, the stream Klaskonine River in August and Septem- turning adult fall Chinook. Dredging the has a problem with drainage of sewage ber is often reduced below minimum silt in stream mouth should also be eva- from Westport into the stream. installa- levels necessary to support fish, other luated. An evaluation needs to be made tion of planned sewers should correct this aquatic life and state fish hatchery opera- of current fish rearing practices which problem. Other measures are needed, tions. A dam project on the river-was have resulted in reduced runs and small- however, to control water qucdity and proposed in 1969 by the Clatsop Water er Coho salmon on the Grays River. These stream sedimentation in the watershed. Resources Committee to correct this apparently detrimental practices include substitution of the "Cowlitz Coho" in this problem, which still exists. An earth@ and other state hatcheries and genetic filled dam could be designed to provide manipulation caused by the taking of 1200 acre feet of additional water to the salmon eggs from only' certain time stream and the fish hatchery during low fromes of the returning runs. Additional flowperiods. citizen input is needed in managing the Grays River fishery. VI - 17 66. MITIGATION NEEDS The Oregon Land Conservation and Development 40 Commission's Estuary Resources Goal (No. 16) re- quires that adverse impacts of dredge or fill activities permitted in interticlal or tidal marsh areas be miti- gated by creation, restoration or enhancement of may require dredging of interticlal areas as well as another estuary area. Mitigation for adverse impacts limited filling. The area includes approximately 19 to other areas or resources, such as subticlal habitat, acres of freshwater tidal marsh and interticlal mud- riparian habitat, or upland areas, may also be re- flats. The subticlal areas are shallow. While the area quired to meet CREST mitigation policies or other flushes slowly and is subject to potential water state and federal regulations. quality problems if intensively developed, the area Mitigation. needs are outlined through reference is presently relatively productive with good water to the appropriate subarea in the Land and Water quality. The area is used by warmwater and estuary Use Plan (cf. Part IV). Adverse impacts of dredge or fishes, as well as cutthroat trout and Coho salmon. fill actions in subareas other than those discussed Benthic organisms, epifauna and plankton are rela- may also require mitigation, but, for the areas listed tively abundant in this area. below, a clear need exists to provide mitigation by Dredging, filling, and subsequent marina or other restoring, creating or enhancing other estuarine development may cause water quality degradation areas. Exemptions to the mitigation requirements and reduce plant and animal productivity. are listed in policy 63. 10. Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects 66.10 HAMMOND SUBAREA (cf. 42.01) The middle Skipanon area is very similar in habi- Potential Development Action/impacts tat types to the Youngs or Lewis and Clark River areas. Sites in either of these areas should be con- The Hammond Mooring Basin has potential for sidered as potential mitigation projects for dredging significant expansion within the existing break- or filling in the middle Skipanon subarea. Depend- waters. However approximately 9.5 acres of the ing on the extent of alterations, consideration should area is interticlal mudflat, which, according to also be given to use of the mitigation bank (cf. limited data, is a productive benthic environment. 67.30), when established. Higley and Holton, in their 1976 study of benthic organisms done for the Port of Astoria, found an 66.30 - MOUTH OF THE SKIPANON average of more than 27,600 organisms per square SUBAREA (cf. 42.06) meter at two sample sites within the boat basin. Of these, more than 5400 were polychuetes (highest 66.31 - WEST SKIPANON SPIT - ALDER COVE density of any area studied), 7500 were amphipods and 12,800 were oligochetes. Expansion of the boat Potential Development Action/impacts basin would require dredging of a portion of this The Land and Water Use Plan for this subarea area to approximately -10' MLLW. Annual or bian- describes a potential project of Warrenton Lumber nial maintenance dredging would probably be Company which may involve filling of approximate- needed. The interticlal habitat would be exchanged ly 7.8 acres of tidal marsh in Alder Cove. This marsh for a deeper aquatic habitat which will periodically grades from a high brackish water marsh to a sedge- be disturbed, and overall productivity would drop somewhat. bulrush-cattail marsh, with many characteristic aquatic plants. This area is part of the 75 acre marsh Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects which fringes Alder Cove. Filling the site, should it be permitted, would permanently change the area There are no potential mitigation sites in the im- from a productive aquatic environment to an upland mediate vicinity of the Hammond Boat Basin. The industrial site. site at Swash Lake [6(M)] or sites in the Youngs Bay, Lewis and Clark River or Youngs River should be con- Potential Mitigation Sit@Ds/Projects sidered as possible alternatives. If a mitigation bank The Alder Cove marsh, despite its proximity to the. (cf. 67.30) exists when this boat basin expansion river mouth, is still basically a freshwater marsh, takes place, consideration should be given to its use based on the dominant aquatic vegetation. Some for this project. salt marsh species are present, particularly later in 66.20 - MIDDLE SKIPANON SUBAREA the summer, when river flow diminishes and in- truding salt water becomes a more dominant factor. (cf. 42.05) Potential marsh mitigation sites include Swash Lake [6(M)], and sites in Youngs Bay, Youngs River and Potential Development Action/impacts the Lewis and Clark River. A more detailed analysis The Development designation for the aquatic area of plant communities and their salt or fresh water between the Harbor Street Bridge on the north to the nature would be useful in helping determine what 8th Street dam on the south provides for uses which type of marsh should be created or restored. V1 - 18 66.32 - EAST SKIPANON SPIT Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects Potential Development Action/Impacts CREST prepared a draft mitigation plan for the Pacific Fabricators project that never was used. The East and north of the east spit of the Skipanon project has been shelved until the market for oil rigs River, 47 acres of tidal marsh and 45 acres of inter- becomes more favorable. However, should this or tidal sand-mudflats are designated Development some similar development project be permitted, Aquatic and are subject to possible dredging or some combination of the following sites or projects filling actions. The Pacific Fabricators, Inc. proposed might serve as adequate mitigation: marsh recrea- oil rig fabrication facility would have filled or tion westof Holbrook Slough [9(M)], east of Holbrook dredged this area, as well as an additional 25 acres Slough [10(M)], lower Walluski [20(M)], Youngs of subtidal area for which the Oregon Division of River [24(M)], and Haven Island [23(M)]; fish ladder State Lands required mitigation. The specific habitats at Youngs River Falls [58fl]; and fish enhancement affected included: in the Youngs River area [57(F)]. Habitat Type Elevation Area (approx.) AREA 1: Transition marsh + 8' to + 13 MLLW) 36.55 acres (fi I I) AREA 2: Cattail-bulrush marsh + 5" to + 10') 10. 79 acres (f i 11) AREA 3: Sand-mud Flat - (+10'to -15') 36.98 acres (f i 11) Youngs Bay/Col. River AREA 4: Sand-mud Flats-Skipanon (0 to + 10') 11. 15 acres (f i 11) AREA 5: Sand-mud Flats/$lope + 10'to -20') 7.'25 acres (dredged) North Skipanon AREA 6: Sand-mud Flat/Slope - (0' to - 15') 15.45 acres (dredged) Skipanon TOTAL 118.17 acres 66.40 - YOUNGS BAY SUBAREA (cf. 42.07) 66.50 - PORT OF ASTORIA SUBAREA Potential Development Action/impacts (cf. 42.13) The dike adjacent to the Clatsop County Airport Potential Development Action/impacts runway, designated for an instrument landing sys- A 15 acre area west of Pier 3, 3 acres of which are tem, intrudes into the clear zone of that runway and intertidal sand flats, is designated Development may need to be moved waterward. The wetland Aquatic. This area is less biologically productive outside the dike is relatively high and vegetated than the more protected sand flat area to the south, with spruce, alder and various aquatic species of but still has high numbers of benthic organisms and plants. Moving the dike would require removal of gets substantial use by downstream migrant juvenile trees and other vegetation and would affect approx- salmon and other fishes. Filling the interticlal area imately one acre of wetland. will permanently remove it from aquatic productivity and require mitigation- Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects Any marsh restoration site in the Youngs Bay, Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects Youngs River or Lewis and Clark River might provide There are 'no sand flat mitigation sites per se acceptable mitigation for loss of this high spruce available; however, many of the marsh restoration swamp area adjacent to the dike. If the mitigation sites include creation of slough and mudflat areas bank is established, this project, because it involves and these could be used as a substitute. Such areas only one acre of wetland, should be considered first. would likely be equal in benthic productivity and get Because of the minimal impact on the Youngs Bay substantial fish usage. Support of fishery enhance- ecosystem and the public benefits associated with ment efforts in the Youngs River system also might the project, a waiver from the Division of State Lands be appropriate mitigation. may also be possible. VI-19 66.70 - TONGUE POINT SUBAREA (cf. 42.16) 66.60 - UPPERTOWN - ALIDERBROOK SUBAREA (cf. 42.15) Potential Development Action/impacts Potential Development Project/impacts Development of the area north of th 'e southern The East End Mooring Basin is considerably finger pier will not involve dredging or filling of interticlal or tidal marsh area and therefore not re- shoaled adjacent to the shoreline. Expansion of the quire mitigation under the LCDC Estuarine Resources basin would require dredging up to five acres of Goal, Number 16. However, the subtidal area be- interticlal mudflats that, based on other areas with tween the pier slips has high benthic productivity similar sediments and salinity, are relatively pro- and gets substantial fish usage. Because of this, the ductive biologically. Dredging, construction of docks Division of State Lands may require mitigation, and moorages, and subsequent use by fishing and should a permit be granted to fill this subticlal area. other vessels will change the nature of the aquatic The Development Aquatic area from the south of habitat and likely result in lower biological produc- the finger piers to the John Day River includes 135 tivity. acres of shoreland and 80 acres of aquatic area, of which about 65 acres are interticlal or tidal marsh. Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects Dredging or filling a portion or all of these 65 acres There are no mudflat mitigation sites in this plan; will require mitigation. Additional mitigation may however, many of the marsh mitigation sites in the be required for subtidal areas or shorelands in- Youngs Bay system or John Day River also could be volved in any development proposal. constructed so as to provide mudf lot area, as wel I as marsh, by lowering a portion of the diked marsh. Potential Mitigation Sites/Projects Such a small dredging project might also be quali- . There are nine marsh/slough restoration sites fied to use the mitigation bank, once established. along the John Day River [29(M) through 37 (M)] which could serve as potential mitigation sites for marshes and flats which might be filled or dredged in the area south of the Tongue Point piers. A portion of the Svensen Island site [41 (M)] might also be suitable for mitigation at Tongue Point. Sites up the Youngs or Lewis and Clark Rivers also could develop similar characteristics to the Tongue Point marshes, even though they are not in the same region of the estuary. 67. IMPLEMENTATION 67. 10 The Mitigation Process In addition to the agencies which administer state As .outlined in the mitigation policies (cf 63.10), and. federal permit programs, the following the State of Oregon requires that the adverse im- agencies play important advisory roles in the pacts of dredging or filling interticlal or tidal marsh mitigation process: areas be mitigated by restoration, creation or en- Federal - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hancement of an estuarine area. The mitigation National Marine Fisheries Service procedures outlined here address that specific re- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency quirement and can be used to specify additional State -Oregon Department of Land Conservation mitigation needed for any type of development and Development project, whether in Oregon or Washington. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife The most important aspect of this mitigation pro- Oregon Department of Environmental cedure is that it operates entirely within the frame- Quality work of the existing state and federal permit pro- cesses for dredging and filling. Local, state and Local - Affected general purpose government(.S)/ federal agencies all play a role in these permit port district(s) processes and therefore will participate in mitigation Affected Regional Council of Govern- decisions. Implementation of this mitigation pro- ments cedure will require an agreement between the (cf 79. Agency Roles and Responsibilities) Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Division of State Lands. The procedure calls for these two agencies to For major actions with significant environmental modify their permit processes and to address miti- impacts, the draft Environmental Impact Statement gation needs when evaluating environmental (EIS) should be used to detail mitigation needs and impacts. options. The final EIS should detail the actual miti- A - 20 gation plan. For projects not requiring a federal EIS, a separate mitigation plan must be prepared as part of the permit process. Step 1. Permit Application The applicant applies for an Oregon Removal-Fill perm it and a U. S. Army Corps of Eng i neers perm it, I n the application, information is provided on the extent of dredging and filling of interticlal or tidal marsh areas. Step 11. Preliminary Mitigation Needs Determination The Director, Division of State Lands (DSL), based 67.20 Mitigation Plan Content on information provided by the applicant, makes a The following information should be provided in preliminary determination as to whether or not miti- the mitigation plan for a development project, and gation will be required. This information is relayed incorporated into th Ie draft Environmental Impact to the Corps of Engineers, other concerned agencies and the permit applicant. Statement (EIS), if one is requ Iired. .Steplll. PublicNotices 67.21 The Development Site The Division of State Lands and Corps of Engineers The extent of dredge and fill and what specific publish public notices on the project, including the habitat types are affected (sand or mud flat, high DSL determination of mitigation needs. The Corps of tidal marsh, etc.) should be outlined. For each Engineers, based on a preliminary environmental habitat type affected by dredge or f ill,. the follow- assessment, also publishes notice of whether or not ing should be detailed: an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be Physical Description - Size of the area, listed by required. tidal elevations; the sediment types; the annual Step IV. Permit Review and Public Hearing h.ydrographic regime (tides and tidal currents, es river flow, salinity, temperature) and the extent of The public and local, state and federal agenct variations of these features in the region of the comment on the permit application and provide site. Annual submergence time should also be recommendations on mitigation and on whether or calculated since it integrates several of these not an EIS is needed. A public hearing is required if features into one numerical value. an interested party makes a legitimate request for Biological Communities Description - Plant and one. animal species present; the abundance, areal Step V. Applicant Prepares Draft EIS or, if an EIS Is extent and estimated seasonal variation of the Not Required, a Mitigation Plan most numerous or important. species; and the The draft EIS or mitigation plan shall include a biological differences with tidal elevation in the detailed description of development site's physical region of the site. The biological variation may be and biological features and ecological functions and. useful in defining acceptable limits of variation at potential mitigation site(s) and the physical and the mitigation site. biological characteristics of the region(s) in which Ecological Functions Assessment - The net export the site(s) are located. The level of detail should be of primary biological productivity should be eval- consistent with the scope of the project and the uated based on the-structure of plant communi- significance of its adverse impacts. For small ties, their areal extent, known productivity rates projects, the mitigation bank (cf 67.30), when estab- and export information. Estimates of secondary lished, should be considered as a first alternative. productivity should also be made, if data are Step VI. Draft EIS or Mitigation Plan is Published for available. Use of affected habitats by large inver- Review and Comment tebrates and fishes as nursery, feeding and mi The Corps of Engineers is the lead agency for dis- gration areas should be determined. The bottom semination of EIS's while the Division of State Lands surface area available for remineralization of disseminates Mitigation Plans. plant nutrients can be obtained from the physical description. StepVIl. Final Mitigation Decision Based on the Draft EIS or.Mitigation Plan com- Development Project Impacts - Both direct and ments and s.ubsequent project modifications tcf indirect physical and biological impacts can be minimize impacts, the DSL will decide whether or obtained by relating the type and extent of pro- not to issue a state permit, and what mitigation jected alterations 'to the known physical and bio- alternative is necessary. The Corps of Engineers then logical characteristics and ecological functions cf decides whether or not to issue the f edera]. permit, the site and region. Direct and immediate impacts publishes a Final EIS, if a draft has been prepared, are more easily assessed, but indirect, long term and details the final mitigation decision in the EIS. impacts may often be more significant. Long term impacts should therefore be given a high priority. For example, hydraulic effects of estuarine altera- tions may result in erosion and, shoaling else- where, indirectly altering more habitat than the actual dredge or fill operation. V1 - 21 67.22 Potential Mitigation Sites and Region Physical and biological characteristics and ecolo- gical functions of potential mitigation sites should be described for existing and projected conditions. This "before and after" description allows a calculation of natural resource costs and benefits of the miti- gative action. The existing characteristics and values can be obtained from direct measurements or avail- able data; projected characteristics must be esti- mated by evaluation of the characteristics and func- tions of areas already in a natural state in the same NATIONAL FISHERMAN region of the estuary. If, for example, a dike is to be beds, etc.) which might be needed in the future to breached to restore a tidal marsh, the type of plant mitigate for impacts of anticipated development. communities expected to recolonize the area can be Small developers will draw upon the bank for the estimated by studying existing nearby tidal marshes amount of mitigation required, Requirements for in- of similar elevation, For each mitigation site or kind mitigation will necessarily be more flexible for project the following should be outlined: such projects. The actual dollar cost to the developer will depend on the original cost per acre of the Site or Project Description - The site or project restoration project. These funds will be used to pur- description should include physical, biological chase future areas for restoration to maintain the and ecological function information similar to that bank. Initial funding for a mitigation bank could provided for the development site. Any historical come from a variety of sources, such as information on the former condition of an area state/federal coastal zone management, Pacific should be included here as well as an indication Northwest Regional Commission technical of present use and human alterations. assistance,, and local contributions. Restoration, Creation or Resource Enhancement The mitigation bank, when established, should be Action - The details of how the mitigation action administered by the Port of Astoria, with advice from will be carried out should be presented. This in- CREST and its state and federal Technical Advisory cludes detailed plans, engineering and cost. Committee JAC). The Port's broad powers of land Biological Potential - A projection of the biologi- acquisition and development make it the most cal communities and natural resources that should logical mitigation bank administrator. Any permit develop at the site and how restored area or re- applicant may request use of the mitigation bank. source will mitigate the adverse effects of the de- CREST and the TAC will review requests to determine velopment. if the bank should be used or if a separate mitigation 67.23 Mitigation Plan Alternatives proposal is justified. The project's size, the ecologi- cal valueof the site lost, and the technical capability Alternative sites or projects or combinations of the developer are factors that will be considered. thereof which will satisfy the mitigation needs for CREST will work with its TAC to determine objective a development project should be outlined. Each criteria for use of the bank once it has been estab- alternative mitigation plan should discuss in lished. appropriate detail how it addresses the adverse The mitigation bank should be established as soon impacts of the development project. as possible. The Port of Astoria, CREST and the CREST Technical Advisory Committee JAC) should meet to review candidate sites and initiate site acquisition by 67.30 Mitigation Bank obtaining options to purchase. A demonstration Mitigation requirements apply to small, medium grant should be sought from the Oregon Land and large projects. The development of independent Conservation and Development Committee to mitigation proposals for the small projects may design the mitigation bank project, including post- prove unworkable both because separate sites restoration monitoring. Funding should then be available to mitigate small projects (e.g. a one-acre sought from the Pacific Northwest Regional Commis- fill) are few, if they exist at all, and because small sion and other sources to purchase the land and project developers (small ports, private businesses, restore it to the estuarine ecosystem. etc.) generally do not have the technical expertise or The mitigation bank will be self-sustaining. Users financial capability to undertake development of an of the bank will purchase the acreage needed at a independent mitigation project. If mitigation is to be proportioned cost equal to the cost of the project. For accomplished for these small projects, which other- example, a 50-acre mitigation bank might cost wise meet the permit criteria, a procedure to make it $100,000 to purchase and restore. An individual feasible is needed. The "mitigation bank" serves needing 5 acres of mitigation will be required to pay this purpose. $10,000 to the mitigation bank fund (one-tenth of the The mitigation bank will consist of areas restored project cost). These funds will be invested by the Port to estuarine productivity (or created) in advance of of Astoria until the mitigation bank has been used their use for development project mitigation. Such and a second area to be restored has been found. areas will ideally have a mixture of habitat types This process will continue and provide a self- (sand-mud flats, salt and freshwater marsh, eelgrass sustaining mitigation bank, ready for immediate use. VI - 22 67.40 Mitigation Site Reservation Site Acquisition Mitigation of adverse development impacts will General purpose governments, Port of Astoria or be a means to carry out restoration, habitat creation, private developers have the option of purchasing or resource enhancement projects identified in outright potential mitigation sites. This has the ad- Section 65. Restoration sites with the best potential vantage of ensuring availability of an acceptable for mitigation use are the diked tidelands of the mitigation site, should development requiring miti- estuary. These and other potential mitigation sites gation occur in the f uture. Prior to use for mitigation, should be given protection to prevent intensive de- sites could be leased for agriculture or another low velopment which would preclude their possible intensity use. future use for mitigation. There are different actions Property Exchange which can be taken by local governments to reserve In some instances, general purpose governments, shoreland areas for possible use as mitigation sites. port districts or other developers may wish to obtain Land Use Control mitigation sites through the exchange of property. Potential shoreland mitigation sites are desig- This method would prove feasible if other land is nated Conservation or Rural in the Columbia River owned which would be useful to the owner of the Estuary Regional Management Plan. Rural Shore- mitigation site. land areas should be further protected by Clatsop Tax Limitation County with an exclusive farm use (EFU) designa- When the use of a proposed site is implemented tion. When an EFU area is proposed for use as a by means other than site acquisition, the issue of mitigation site, a balancing of agricultural value VS. property taxation must be resolved. If use of a potential aquatic value will be required to deter- privately owned site prohibits the land owner from mine if the site is acceptable. This should be carried making full use of the site, the question remains: out through a map amendment to the compre- Should the property owner carry the tax burden? To hensive plan and zoning ordinance (e.g. Rural EFU deal with this question, it may be possible to defer or to Conservation). For agricultural land to be used for fix the taxes on the property over a limited period of mitigation, the landowner must be willing to sell the time. Such a concept could be done through means property to the party carrying out the mitigation similar to the "special assessment" provisions of project. Shoreland areas designated Conservation are partly protected from intensive development by Section 5 and 6 of ORS 308.370 dealing with Ex- regulations for that land use category. clusive Form Use Zones or under concepts of a "frozen assessed valuation" as provided for in Limited Term Freeze Urban Renewal Areas under ORS 457. While the Even with normal planning regulations, a property legal precedent for such tax actions is clear, the owner may elect to apply for a zoning action or specific enabling authority may not exist for the building permit at any time. Such action could occur jurisdictions to take such actions on mitigation sites. prior to the need to use the property as a mitigation Jurisdictions should aggressively pursue the estab- site and could therefore commit the site to a perma- lishment of such authority either through interpre- nent use prematurely if the application were ap- tation of its current authority or through new legis- proved. Under such circumstances, the jurisdiction lation. could elect, at the time of application, to freeze any If it is not possible to implement tax actions, the action on the property for a specified period (e.g. 90 Port of Astoria should be prepared to negotiate tax or 180 days) during which time the Port of Astoria or payments for those sites on which use is restricted other appropriate agency could negotiate for the until their ultimate use is determined. acquisition of the property or its use rights. If no such negotiations were undertaken or completed during this period, the original application would proceed through normal procedures. 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W a 10 - 10 X M AD 0 co 2 C-1 5 -< M< Z> c 0 c 0 m T IE G) x m CAP 0 :1 m m x @4 m > m m z z r- 0 z x r x 4 -4 > m > c 0 3: z (a -0 a m 0 z m 0 co) z cza a r- ;lD m M -n rn z m m 0 09 G) c r I m z M a c: ?4 3z" > mm z ;0 0 0 z rn @REST ac, > COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY STUDY cl)m z TASK FORCE x 0 m m PART V11 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 71. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS .............................................................. VII.- 2 Washington ......................................................................... VII - 2 Oregon ............................................................................ VII - 3 72. STATE AGENCIES .............................................................. ...... VII - 4 Washington ........................................................................ VII - 4 Oregon ............................................................................. VII - 4 73. FE DERAL AGENCIES .................................................................. VII - 4 Federal Consistency ................................................................. VII - 4 Excluded Federal Lands ....................................... ....................... VII - 5 74. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ................................................. VII - 6 Local Coordination .................................................................. VII - 6 Local-State-Fecleral Coordination ...................................................... VII - 7 75. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES ........................ ; ............. VII - 8 Local Environmental Impact Assessments -Washington ............... ..................... VII - 8 Local Environmental Impact Assessments -Oregon ............. ......................... Vil - 8 State Environmental Impact Assessments -Washington .................................... VII - 8 State Environmental Impact Assessments -Oregon ............................. I .......... Vil - 9 Federal Environmental Impact Assessments ............................................. VII - 9 76. PLAN REVIEW AND AMENDMENT PROCESS ..... ........................................ Vil - 9 Scheduled Biennial Review and Amendment ............................................ VII - 9 Scheduled Six Year Review and Update ................................................ VII - 9 Unscheduled Reviews and Updates ..................................................... VII - 9 77. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY DATA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM .............................. VII - 10 78. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY INFORMATION CENTER ..................................... VII - 11 79. AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................ VII - 12 Oregon ............................................................................ VII - 12 Cities ........................................... ....... VII - 12 Clatsop County ................................................................. VII - 12 Port of Astoria .............. V11 - 12 Clatsop County Economic Develop rn-e'n't'C*o'm-rn* it*te'e** VII - 13 Clatsop-Tillamook Intergovernmental Council ....................................... VII - 13 Land Conservation and Development Commission ................................... VII - 13 Department of Environmental Quality .............................................. VII - 14 Water Resources Department ..................................................... VII - 14 Department of Fish and Wildlife ................................................... VII - 15 Department of Transportation ..................................................... VII - 15 Economic Development Commission ............................................... VH - 15 State Land Board and Division of State Lands ........................................ V11 - 16 Intergovernmental Coordination Division .......................... ................ VII - 16 Department of Energy and Energy Facility Siting Council ............................... VII - 16 State Marine Board .............................................................. V11 - 16 Washington ......................... * ............................................... VII - 17 Cities ......................................................... I ................ V11 - 17 Counties (Pacific, Wohkiakum) .................................................... VII - 17 Port Authorities .................................................................. VII - 17 Councils of Government ............................................... / ........... VII - 17 Department of Ecology ........................................................... VII - 18 Planning and Community Affairs Agency ......................................... I . VII - 19 Off ice of Program Planning and Fiscal Management .................................. V11 - 19 Parks and Recreation Commission ................................................. vil -19 Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation ...................................... VII - 19 Highway Commission ............................................................ VII - 19 Department of Fisheries .......................................................... VII - 20 Department of Game ............................................................ VII - 20 Department of Natural Resources ................................................... V11 - 20 Regional ........................................................................... VII -20 Co-Pac and North Coast Resource Conservation and Development Committees ........... VII -20 Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce ............................... ............. VII -20 Pacific Northwest Regional Commission ............................................ VII -20 Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission .......................................... VII -21 Federal ............................................................................ VII -21 Corps of Engineers .............................................................. VII -21 NOAA and Office of Coastal Zone Management ..................................... VII -22 National Marine Fisheries Service ................................................. VII -22 Bureau of Land Management ..................................................... V11 -22 Bureau of Outdoor Recreation ..................................................... VII -22 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ..................................................... VII -22 Environmental Protection Agency .................................................. VII -23 Water Resources Counci I ......................................................... VII - 23 Coast Guard .................................................................... VII - 23 Forest Service .................................................................. VII -24 Soi I Conservation Service ........................................................ VII -24 71. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- SMMP's will include all of the regional portions of ment Plan will be implemented at the local level by the Regional Management Plan, with site-specific each jurisdiction as an update to Shoreline Manage- emphasis on the Baker Bay Area Plan. Completion of ment Master Programs (Washington) or as part of the SMMP amendment process to integrate the revised comprehensive plans and ordinances Regional Management Plan is expected by Fall, (Oregon). 1979. The administration of the SMMP's will continue to be the responsibility of Pacific County or llwaco, WASHINGTON using existing procedures. Local regulation will occur through the Substantial Shoreline Develop- In Washington, local jurisdictions have existing ment Permit, issued by the appropriate jurisdiction. Shoreline Management Master Programs (SMMP) in CREST will provide technical assistance to help place. The Regional Management Plan will be used prepare or evaluate permit requests, or implement to update these programs; aquatic areas will be other portions of the plan, such as dredged material managed separately from shoreland areas, dredged disposal. material disposal/restoration will be added, and other policies and regulations will be integrated into Wahkiakurn County and Cathlarnet the local programs. All of Wahkiakum County's "shorelines of state- wide significance" and portions of other shorelines Pacific County and Ilwaco fall within the CREST planning area. As a result, The shorelines of the Columbia River are geo- Wahkiakum County has elected to completely re- graphically separate from other areas of Pacific view and revise their existing Shoreline Manage- County regulated under the Shoreline Management ment Master Program (SMMP), integrating the Re- Act. The Columbia River shorelines are also "shore- gional Management Plan provisions. Except for cer- lines of statewide significance". Because of the geo- tain portions, such as the dredged material disposal graphic uniqueness of the area and the desire to plan, the integration process, which started in Feb- have consistent policies and regulations in the Co- ruary, 1979, will be completed by September, 1979. lumbia River estuary area, Pacific County has Subsequent revisions will incorporate other material elected to integrate the Regional Management Plan as necessary. For the geographic area under their into their SMMP as a separate Columbia River seg- jurisdiction, the City of Cathlamet will use the some ment. Since the Town of I lwaco shorelines are all on SMMP regulations as Wahkiokum County. Adminis- the Columbia River, the Regional Management Plan tration of the SMMP's, just as in Pacific County, will will completely replace their existing SMMP. The be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction. V11-2 OREGON City of Astoria Estuary and shoreland areas inside Astoria and its In Oregon, each jurisdiction is in the process of urban growth boundary lie entirely within CREST's updating its local comprehensive plan to comply Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area. Astoria adopted with the Land Conservation and Development Com- its revised comprehensive plan in June, 1979, in- mission statewide planning goals. CREST was given cluding all Regional Management Plan provisions regional planning responsibility to address the Es- except dredged material disposal and restoration- tuarine Resources Goal (Number 16) and the Coastal mitigation. These will be incorporated by Fall, 1979. Shorelands Goal (Number 17) in the Columbia River The zoning ordinance includes shoreland and aquat- Estuary area. Implementation of the Regional Man- ic area zones and standards directly corresponding agement Plan will occur by integration of estuary to CREST's land and water use classification system and shoreland provisions into the overall compre- and development standards. The City will rely on hensive plans for each jurisdiction. Each jurisdic- CREST for "coastal implementation" assistance. tion's plan will also address LCDC Goals (as applica- ble) for agricultural lands; forest lands; open space, City of Warrenton scenic and historic areas, and natural resources; air, water and land resources quality; areas subject to Warrenton shoreland and estuary areas, which natural disasters and hazards; recreation needs; comprise a large portion of the city, lie entirely economy of the state; housing; public facilities and within,the Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area. War- services;, transportation; energy conservation; renton's LCDC goal compliance date is October 1, urbanization; beaches and dunes; ocean resources 1 1979; they are in the process of completing develop- The Regional Management Plan addresses many of ment of the overall comprehensive plan and are these subjects as they relate to estuary and share- directly incorporating provisions of the Regional land areas, but not always in sufficient detail. Management Plan. Warrenton's zoning ordinance For each Oregon jurisdiction, CREST will provide will include marine commercial and marine indus- "coastal implementation" assistance, including in- trial shoreland zones and aquatic development, formation and assistance to potential permit appli- conservation and natural zones with development cants, helping local governments evaluate estuary standards taken from the Regional Management and shoreland development projects, helping make Plan. CREST will provide "coastal implementation" federal/state consistency determinations, and loca- assistance to Warrenton for the estuary area. ting dredged material disposal and restoration- Town of Hammond mitigation sites. Hammond estuary and shoreland areas lie within Clatsop County the Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area. Hammond's Portions of the Baker Bay, Youngs Bay-Astoria and LCDC goal compliance date is October 1, 1979. Lower River and Islands plcin@ning areas and all of Zones and ordinance standards, as they relate to the the Eastern Clatsop planning area lie within Clatsop Regional Management Plan, will be similar to War- County. Estuary-sh ore land planning was closely renton. CREST will provide "coastal implementa- coordinated with the county to provide for integra- tion" assistance to the Town of Hammond for estuary tion into their overall comprehensive plan. Regional areas. policies and other estuary-wide plan provisions will be incorporated into the county-wide plan elements. The small area of Baker Bay lying within Clatsop County is being combined with the Lower River and W Islands area to form a "community plan" for that large region of the estuary. Unincorporated portions of the Youngs Bay-Astoria planning area fcill into the M County's Lewis and Clark region; estuary-shoreland plan provisions are being incorporated into the "community plan" for that region. Ffnally, CREST's Eastern Clatsop planning area is wholly.within the County's Northeast region, and the community plan for that region includes estuary-shoreland provi- sions. Dredged material dispos6l arid restoration sites will also be incorporated. The permitted use/ activity tables and clevelo pment standard s will be .4 incorporated into the County zoning ordinance, Clat- sop County's LCDC, goal compliance date is De- cember 31, 1979. CREST will provide "coastal Im- plementation" assistance to Clatsop County for both John Atkinson the Columbia River and Necanicum estuaries. VII - 3 72. STATE AGENCIES State agencies will implement the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan through their individual management, permit and license author- ity, and permit review procedures. Oregon Washington After incorporation of the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan into local comprehen- The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- sive plans and ordinances and subsequent plan ac- ment Plan will be incorporated into local shoreline knowledgement by the Land Conservation and De- management master programs by amendment of velopment Commission (LCDC), state agency actions existing programs. After approval by the Department must be consistent with the local plan. However, of Ecology (DOE), state agency actions must be con- projects which would alter the estuarine environ- sistent with these amended shoreline policies and ment, thus requiring a state permit under other regulations. Other state statutory requirements, such statutes, would also have to comply with criteria as "hydraulics permit approvals", are alsorequired, established by those statutes and their implementing but cannot be issued if the local substantial shoreline rules. The permit most affected will be that issued development or conditional use permit is denied. for fill or removal (ORS 541.605-541.695) by the The DOE is the state agency most involved in im- Division of State Lands. Other affected permits are plementation of coastal zone management at the listed in LCDC's State Permit Consistency Rule. Per- state level. The DOE reviews and has appeal author- mits inconsistent with the local plan must be denied ity on all substantial shoreline development permits by the state agency concerned. Permits consistent and must approve all shoreline conditional use per- with the plan may be approved or denied, depend- mits issued by local governments. The DOE also is ing on conformance with other state statute or rule the agency responsible for commenting on the con- criteria. Other state actions must also be consistent sistency of federal actions in the coastal zone. with the local comprehensive plan. 73. FEDERAL AGENCIES Federal agencies will implement the Columbia The specific types of federal activities, federal River Estuary Regional Management Plan through assistance and federal licenses and permits which their individual management and development acti- are subject to the federal consistency provisions are detailed in Washington and Oregon Coastal Zone vities, permit and license authority, and permit re- Management programs, along with procedural view procedures. , guidelines. Federal Consistency .The largest proportion of federal consistency de- cisions in the Columbia River estuary area will be for The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- Corps of Engineers Section 10 (Rivers and Harbors ment Plan, when incorporated into local compre- Act) and Section 404 (Clean Water Act) permits re- hensive plans or shoreline management master quired for dredging and dredged material disposal, programs and acknowledged by the Land Conserva- filling or construction in water or wetland areas. The tion and Development Commission in Oregon or by Environmental Protection Agency, the National the Department of Ecology in Washington, will Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wild- become part of each state's approved coastal life Service each are required to review applications management program. Federal consistency provi- for these permits to assure compliance with certain sions of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act provisions of the Clean Water Act, the Fish and Wild- of 1972 (Section 307) will then require that federal life Coordination Act, and other federal environ- actions be consistent with approved state coastal mental protection laws. If these agencies object to a zone management programs. Actions for which the project because it conflicts with federal laws or im- federal agencies will make the consistency deter- plementing regulations, the Corps of Engineers asks mination include direct federal development or the applicant to work out the problems with these other direct actions, federal applications for licenses agencies. If they cannot, the permit may be denied. and permits, and actions outside the coastal zone As noted, federal consistency decisions on federal that significantly affect the coastal zone. Actions for licenses and permits are made by the state. In Wash- which the state or local government makes the ington, the Department of Ecology (DOE) is the res- consistency decision include federal licenses and ponsible agency for consistency determinations. permits, and federal assistance. Since virtually all site-specific Corps permits require V11 - 4 a counterpart permit under the local Shoreline Man- consistency finding made; a project may be con- agement Master Program, DOE uses the local permit sistent, conditionally consistent, or inconsistent with decision as the initial basis for the federal con- local plans and ordinances. sistency determination. No new procedures are *A finding of consistency means that the pro- needed to tie local governments into the federal ject is consistent in all respects and that de- consistency decision-making process. Federal per- velopment standards have been met. mits inconsistent with the local Shoreline Manage- 0A finding of conditional consistency means ment Master Program will be denied. For actions that the project may be consistent pending consistent with the program, permits may be conformance with specified development approved or denied, depending on conformance standards. More information or redesign of with other federal laws and regulations. The Envi- the project may be required. ronmental Protection Agency has made a particular A finding of inconsistency means that the pro- point of this by noting that consistency with the ject is not consistent with comprehensive plan coastal zone management program does not auto- policies or zoning ordinances. The appro- matically lead to issuance of a Clean Water Act, priate policies, development standards or Section 404 permit. Consistency with a broad-based other reasons will be specified. plan, such as the Columbia River Estuary Regional The consistency finding is outlined in a letter Management Plan, is a funclementally different and forwarded to the permit applicant, the Depart- determination than the case-by-case procedures and ment of Land Conservation and Development, the site-specific findings required to issue a 404 permit. appropriate local, state and federal agencies, and The coastal planning process that incorporates other affected parties. Notification of the need for a Section 404 (b)(1) guidelines for discharge of local permit, if any, will be included. dredged or fill material will streamline and expedite the permit process. The above principles are incorporated into poli- cies, plans and procedures of the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan. In Oregon, the consistency of most federal li- censes and permits is determined by the same pro- National Fisherman cess used for determining consistency of state permits. A finding of consistency for a state permit (e.g. Oregon removal/fill permit vs. Corps Section Excluded Federal Lands 101404 permit) becomes, in effect, a finding of con- According to Section 304(a) of the Federal Coastal sistency for the counterpart federal permit. Ac- Zone Management Act, "...Excluded from the knowledged local comprehensive plans are the coastal zone are lands the use of which is by law basis of the state consistency, and hence, federal subject solely to the discretion of or which is held in consistency decision. Actions inconsistent with local trust by the Federal Government, its officers or comprehensive plans and implementing ordinances agent will be denied. When federal permit actions are consistent with local plans, permits may be ap- On August 10, 1976, the United States Department proved or denied, depending on conformance with of Justice issued an opinion concluding, "...the ex- other federal laws and regulations. clusionary clause excludes all lands owned by the Local governments in Oregon will be involved in United States from the definition of the Coastal the state and corresponding federal permit and li- Zone ...... cense consistency process by review of applications A subsequent request by the National Oceanic against their local ordinance standards-. These stand- and Atmospheric Administration fo@ further clarifica- ards will be based on the CREST Permitted Use/Acti- tion resulted in an informal opinion which forms the vity Tables (Tables 33-1 and 33-2) and Development basis for the language now incorporated in the Standards for activities (cf 33.20 and 33.27). The re- Coastal Zone Management Association Section 306 view process should be simple and having the regulations: following general steps: ...... States must exclude from their coastal - County Coordinator and the local jurisclic- management zone those lands owned, (eased, tion(s) concerned receive the permit public notice. held in trust or whose use is otherwise by law - County Coordinator determines responsibility subject solely to the discretion of the Federal for consistency review; if only a single jurisdiction is Government, its officers or agents." affected, that jurisdiction conducts the review; if Under this broad interpretation, a significant por- more than one jurisdiction is affected, the consis- tion of aquatic and shoreland areas in the Columbia tency review is conducted by the County Coordin- River estuary region are technically not included in ator, with advice of concerned jurisdictions. the Regional Management Plan. However, federal - Consistency review against the comprehensive agencies have cooperated fully in the planning pro- plan, the zoning map and development standards is cess in order to develop a geographically complete made; if more than one use oractivity is associated plan. This is viewed as appropriate for a relatively with a given permit application, it will be reviewed small geographic area with such a dynamic environ- against all applicable standards. ment. Actions in one part of the estuary, federal - Results of the consistency review are reviewed lands or not, often have a significant impact on other by the appropriate planning commission(s) and a estuarine or shoreland areas. Vil - 5 74. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION The Columbia River Estuary Regional Manage- The responsibilities and functions of the new ment Plan will be implemented at the local level by CREST organization are to: each individual jurisdiction as part of comprehen- 0 Provide continued planning assistance to mem- sive plans and ordinances (Oregon) or as an update ber agencies upon request to and approved by to Shoreline Management Master Programs (Wash- the Council; ington). State and Federal agencies will implement e Review local comprehensive 'plans and shore- the plan through their individual management, line management master programs and make permit and license authority and permit review recommendations which will result in coordina- authority, supplemented by state and federal con- tion of such plans and programs and conform- sistency procedures for coastal zone management. ance with the Columbia River Estuary Regional However, local, state and federal agencies have Management Plan; overlapping regulatory responsibilities and authori- 0 Provide technical information and assistance to ties, and this sometimes results in confusion, un- member and other agencies for Columbia River necessary delays and frustration, particularly at the Estuary Regional Management Plan imple- local level, where technical staff support to par- mentation; ticipate in the estuary decision-making level process 0 Act, for member agencies and other local inter- is locking. This.problem was a major one identified ests, as local liaison to the Pacific Northwest at the outset of the CREST program. River Basins Commission as they conduct the CREST appointed an Implementation Committee to six-year Columbia River Estuary Data Develop- study this coordination problem. Their objective was ment Program and, for this and other estuary re- to recommend an intergovernmental structure which search programs, act as a pipeline for local re- would provide for a more efficient, streamlined search needs and communication of results. decision-making process in which local governments a Evaluate state and federal estuary activities, play a significant, influential role. This section de- programs, developments, and project impact scribes the approach to local coordination among assessments that may affect local governments estuary-area governments and among local, state and report results to concerned jurisdictions; and federal governmental levels. 0 Coordinate with local, state and federal agen- Local Coordination cies on estuary development, research, regula- tion, project impact assessment, and plan re- The Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) view and update; organize and conduct period- operated between January 1, 1975 and June 30, ic meetings of all such agencies in the interest 1979 as a bistate local planning agency. Its primary of cooperative management; objective was to develop a coordinated, regional 9 Establish and operate a Columbia River Estuary management plan for the estuary and its shorelines. Information Center and provide library informa- Based on the recommendation of its Implementation tion searches, permit information, and other Committee, CREST was reestablished on July 1, 1979 services to the public, planners, and state and as a separate, chartered, local intergovernmental federal managers and researchers. organization. All general purpose governments (counties, cities, and towns) and port districts in the estuary area are eligible for membership. Local governments eligible for membership in the The purposes of the new CREST organization are: CREST implementation organization include: to enable member agencies jointly to implement the OREGON WASHINGTON Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan; Clatsop County Pacific County to enable the elected officials of the member ogen- City of Astoria Town of I Iwaco cies to jointly identify issues and needs which are City of Warrenton Port of I 1waco regional in scope, achieve concurrence for coopera- Town of Hammond Port of Chinook tive actions, plan, approve and recommend govern- Port of Astoria *Wahkiakum County mental action related to the conservation and de- *City of Cathlamet velopment of the natural, economic and human re- Wahkiakum Port District #1 sources of the Columbia River estuary area; and to improve communication and cooperation of mem- Wahkiakum Port District #2 ber agencies in the Columbia River estuary area, These jurisdictions have indicated that they do not wish to and to promote maximum efficiency and economy participate as a member of CREST; they retain eligibility for in governmental operations. future membership. V11-6 Local-State-Federal Coordination Local governments, through the CREST organiza- tion, have provided for coordination with state and federal agencies on estuary issues. Using the exist- ing Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) for Wash- ington State, Oregon State and federal agencies, a cooperative management process is to be utilized to promote communication and coordinated decision- making. The local, state and federal agencies in- valved in periodic coordination meetings will depend on the issue, problem or subject to the ad- ___-N 0 Fit A dressed. Loco I-state-f edera I coordination functions include: �When disagreements over regulatory functions occur, serving as a forum for discussion and resolution of problems; -John Atkinson �serving as a forum for discussion of problems related to environmental impact assessments and for information-sharing about impacts of specific projects; FEDERAL �serving as a forum for periodic review and up- date of the Columbia River Estuary Regional *Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission Management Plan, working with individual Department of the Army jurisdictions as updates are needed; *Corps of Engineers �helping formulate research needs and serving as a forum for communication of research Department of the Interior results; Bureau of Land Management �using the Columbia River Estuary Information *U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Center to communicate state and federal National Park Service interests, concerns and programs to local U.S. Geological Survey government and the general public, the center Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service will also serve as the focal point for local-state- Department of Agriculture federal coordination. U.S. Soil Conservation Service State and federal agencies that will participate U.S. Forest Service with local governments in cooperative management Department of Commerce of the Columbia River estuary include: *National Marine Fisheries Service Economic Development Administration *Environmental ProtectionAgency OREGON *Department of Land Conservation and Development Department of Economic Development *Division of State Lands *Department of Fish and Wildlife Department of Forestry Department of Geologic and Mineral Industries State Marine Board Department of Transportation *Department of Environmental Quality Department of Energy Intergovernmental Relations Division WASHINGTON *Department of Ecology *Department of Fisheries *Department of Game 7 Department of Parks and Recreation Off ice of Planning and Community Development National Fisherman Highway Administration *Department of Natural Resources Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation primary estuary management, regulatory or research agencies V11 - 7 75. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES For all development projects, a permit applicant Local Environmental Impact Assessments - must provide agencies with the information neces- Oregon sary to assess project impacts and determine how the project measures up against applicable stand- Oregon does not have a counterpart to Washing- ards. The nature and extent of information required ton's SEPA. At the local level, impact assessment, depends on the type of permit required (local, state when accomplished, is generally an informal pro- and/or federal), and the potential for environmental cess designed to evaluate a project against develop- impacts. Impact Assessment requirements at the ment standards in an ordinance. For estuarine pro- local, state and federal level'are discussed below. jects, however, the Estuarine Resources Goal (Num- ber 16) requires that "actions which would poten- Local Environmental Impact Assessments - tially alter the estuarine ecosystem shall be pre- ceded by a clear demonstration of the impacts of the Washington proposed alteration, and a demonstration of the The "substantial shoreline development permit" is public's need and gain which warrant such the regulatory mechanism local governments in modification or loss." If a local government has Washington use to control development activity exclusive permit authority for an estuarine develop- along and in the estuary. For each permit, the local ment, that government has lead responsibility for government concerned (county or city), in coopera- preparing the required impact assessment. How- tion with the applicant, must fill out the "environ- ever, most estuarine projects are regulated or re- mental checklist" required under guidelines which viewed in some manner by all government levels, implement the State Environmental Policy Act local, state and federal. (SEPA). Specific information needs or potential For projects requiring removal or fill permits under effects to be evaluated may also be specified in de- ORS 541.605 to 541.695, the Division of State Lands is velopment standards for a given use or activity. The delegated lead responsibility for preparation and local government then determines whether the distribution for the required impact assessment. action has a significant or insignificant environment- Federal environmental assessments, routinely pre- al impact. If significant, an environmental impact pared for Corps of Engineers Section 10 or 404 per- statement (EIS) is required. If insignificant, a "nega- mits, may be substituted if distributed with the tive declaration" is issued. permit notice. The assessment required for a project Every project which requires a shoreline permit need not be lengthy or complex, but it should en- must thus be evaluated for potential environmental able reviewers to gain a clear understanding of impacts. This initial assessment will generally be problems to be expected. It should include informa- accomplished by local staff members. If an EIS is tion on: required, the permit applicant generally must supply -the type and extent of alterations expected; the detailed information required. -the expected impacts of the proposed alteration on estuarine habitat, water quality, fish and wildlife resources, recreation, aesthetics, navigation, and other existing and potential uses of the estuary; the development standards for the use and activities proposed; -the methods which could be used to minimize adverse impacts, including mitigation if appropriate. State Environmental Impact Assessments - Washington The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) applies to state agency shoreline actions (permit or license issuance, direct development, etc.) as well as local actions discussed earlier. Normally, a local shore- line permit and environmental impact checklist (and EIS, if necessary) also are required for such projects. When this is the case, the local impact assessment is substituted for one that might be required at the Port of Astoria Photo state level. If not, the lead state agency must comply with the SEPA procedures. V11 - 8 State Environmental Impact Assessments - whether a full EIS is required and publishes this Oregon determination in its public notice on the project. If a more detailed impact assessment is shown to be The only specific impact assessment required at necessary, the Corps of Engineers requires the ap- the state level is that outlined in the LCDC Estuarine plicant to provide them with the information neces- Resources Goal (Number 16), described above. For sary to prepare a Draft EIS. It must include detailed removal or fill actions requiring a state permit, the information on: Division of State Lands has lead agency responsibil- e the environmental impact of the proposed ity for preparation of the required environmental action, assessment. Where state agency actions involve es- 0 any adverse environmental effects which can- tuarine alterations and a permit, that agency will be not be avoided should the proposal be imple- responsible for preparing the required assessment. mented, 0 alternatives to the proposed action, Federal Environmental Impact Assessments 9 the relationship between local short-term uses The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 re- of man's environment and the maintenance and quires preparation of an environmental impact enhancement of long-term productivity, and statement (EIS) for federal actions which are 0 any irreversible and irretrievable commitments "major" and "significantly affect the quality of the of resources which would be involved in the pro- human environment". In the estuary area, these ac- posed action should it be implemented. tions relate primarily to permit and license decisions These statements are comprehensive and often by the Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard and take a year or more to prepare. The Draft EIS, when others. issued, has a mandatory 60-day review period prior Using the Corps of Engineers Section 10 or 404 to a Final EIS being issued. For controversial projects, permit action as an example, an "environmental this 60-day period may extend many months while assessment" is prepared on every project for which disagreements are worked out. A permit cannot be there is a permit application. Based on this assess- issued until a Final EIS is produced. Work may com- ment, the Corps makes a determination as to mence on a project 30 days after release of a Final EIS. 76. PLAN REVIEWAND AMENDMENT PROCESS Periodic review and, if necessary, amendment of Scheduled Siennial.Review and Amendment the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Local plans, and the Columbia River Estuary Re- Plan or portions of it are essential to maintain flexi- bility to changing situations and to respond to new gional Management Plan on which they are based, information that is available. Each local government are to be reviewed every two years by each local, will continue to exercise its responsibility and state and federal agency concerned. Local govern- authority to review and, if necessary, amend its ments will initiate this process. Proposed changes in plan. In Washington, local governments must submit policies, land and water use designations and regu- amendments to the Department of Ecology for ap- lations should be recommended as necessary. Public proval. For Oregon areas, local plan amendments and agency coordination meetings will be held if do not require state review and approval, though significant changes are proposed. A major objective amendments do have to conform to Statewide will be to achieve a consensus on plan changes. At a Goals. minimum, such a process will ensure all viewpoints In the estuary area, because of the mixture of pri- are considered. vate, local, state and federal proprietory, regulato- Scheduled Six Year Review and Update ry and management interests, it is important that the plan review and amendment process be a coopera- A major plan review will be scheduled every six tive one where citizen and governmental agency years, in place of the biennial review. It will include views on proposed changes can be considered and a a systematic review of policies, regulations, and consensus achieved. CREST will continue to maintain plans, and a review of new information as it relates its intergovernmental coordination structure through to each geographic region of the estuary. Citizen which local plan or program amendments that involvement and local, state and federal agency would affect the Regional Management Plan can be workshops would be used to effect this review. New coordinated. Updates to the Regional Management data from the Columbia River Estuary Data Develop- Plan or local plans and programs may be minor re- ment Program and other research will also be used finements or major amendments and may be the in this process. result of scheduled or unscheduled reviews. The procedures and timing for schedulea and un- Unscheduled Reviews and Updates scheduled Regional Management Plan review and amendment are outlined below. A biennial cycle for On occasion, it may be necessary to review and reviews and a six-year cycle for major reviews is update provisions of a local plan out of the sched- established. uled cycle. in such a case, a public notice and pro- cess similar to that for biennial scheduled review and update will be used. V11 -9 77. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY DATA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM One of the primary objectives of the organizers of To assure that the program neets the needs of the Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) those who manage the estuary, an Estuary Program was to foster a major estuary research program to Subcommittee of the Program Committee has been collect data needed for more informed decision- established. To monitor the technical progress of the making. Because of this local interest and concern, program and its contractors, a Technical Advisory the Governors of the States of Oregon and Wash- Committee has been designated. Local needs will be ington requested in 1974 that the Pacific Northwest reflected by a Citizen Advisory Committee and River Basins Commission (PNRBC) undertake a study CREST. Each of these bodies will work through the of the estuary. The Commission accepted the chal- Program Manager. Annual evaluations of the pro- lenge and, with the assistance of federal agency gram will provide the opportunity for redirection of representatives and CREST, prepared in June 1976, a activities to meet changing management require- "Proposal to Study" (PTS). The PTS outlined the need ments or additional data needs. for and purposes of an estuary study, how such a The program will be accomplished in seven study would be organized and managed, and an phases over a six-year period. These include pro- estimated budget. This proposal was submitted to gram planning, contracting, implementation, three the U.S. Water Resources Council as part of the continuation phases, and summation. To undertake PNRBC total pr6gram budget request for FY 1978, these activities, a mix of federal/state, university, along with the endorsements of the Governors of the and private contractors, or individual efforts is pro- two states and CREST. The study did not receive posed. Each contractor will be reviewed annually individual authorization, however, until FY 1979. and his efforts modified on the basis of performance Authorization for the $6,204,000 six-year Columbia and the availability of funds. The outputs of the River Estuary Data Development Program was pro- program will include technical reports for each work vided by Public Law 89-90 and first-year funds in the element, "summaries" for decision-makers, an amount of $828,900 appropriated by Public Law 95- annual report which outlines program progress and 482 in October 1978. The PNRBC's FY 1980 budget results, and a series of conferences and special request seeks an appropriation of $991,000. reports for technical and lay audiences. The purpose of the Data Development Program is The research data collected should allow estuary twofold: to increase understanding of the estuary, decision-makers to better address the following and to provide information in a form suitable for use management questions: when making land/water management decisions. - How important is the estuary to juvenile The program is being managed by the Pacific North- salmonids (which species and runs)? What is the west River Basins Commission. Program participants "carrying capacity" of the estuary for juvenile are those agencies, entities, and interests which saimonids and what are the limiting factors? This have demonstrated expertise in particular technical question requires research into juvenile salmonid subjects. A detailed Plan of Study prepared for the Data migration patterns, residence time and feeding Development Program is based on the following cri- habits, as well as research into the distribution and teria: 1) the estuary will be viewed as an inter- production of important invertebrates at the lower dependent system; 2) the program will use and trophic levels of the food chain. Careful evaluation expand present agency activities, not supplant of existing work, published and unpubilshed, is them; 3) the focus will be on the biological and needed to avoid duplication of effort, physical processes of the estuary; little emphasis - What have been and what will be the effects would be placed on land resource, social or eco- of large-scale estuarine changes and alterations on nomic studies; 4) contractors will be selected on the the estuary as a whole and on peripheral areas? basis of their qualifications and the merits of their Changes such as jetties, channels, pile dikes, growth proposed research; and 5) data will be developed to of mid-estuary sand flats, increased salinity intru- both understand the estuary system and assist man- sion, shoaling, etc. should be evaluated with regard agement of the estuary. to short and long term implications for salinity, The estuary is defined for the purposes of the re- current and mixing patterms, sediment distribution search program as the area extending from the off- transport and shoaling patterns, estuarine habitats, shore bar to Columbia River Mile 46, the eastern tip key estuarine species, and navigational use of the of Puget Island. The program generally will be estuary. What predictive capabilities should be de- limited to the area below high water and will in- veloped to deal with future large-scale alterations? clude the estuarine islands and adjacent wetlands. - What is the importance of the estuary's tidal The research program will deal with the food marshes to estuarine food chains? For fish and wild- chain and its internal energy transfers; energy, salt, life habitat and feeding? For flood and erosion con- water, sediment, nutrient and particulate budgets trol, water quality, sediment entrapment, etc.? What will be used to summarize the physical environment has been the long-term impact of diking and filling a and its relationship to the biological environment. large proportion of the estuary's tidal marshes? Within this context, key management needs are - What is the importance of upriver and ocean identified in the form of research questions. nutrient and particulate inputs to estuarine food chains? Vil - 10 - How are salinity, currents, mixing processes, - What are the mechanisms causing shoaling sediment transport, shoaling patterns, anodromous and erosion in bays, sloughs, side channels, mari- fish transit and -Feeding, marsh productivity and nas, etc.? What are the effects of large scale es- benthic habitats influenced by the fresh water flow tuarine alterations (channels, jetties, etc.) on peri- cycle? What have been the effects of the managed pheral areas? What are the effects of direct altera- flow cycle? What would be the effects of future tions to the peripheral areas? What predictive capa- water withdrawals on the estuary? Should seasonal bilities are needed? minimum flows be established to protect important - What are the effects of non-point sources such ecological patterns or influence sediment move- as agricultural and forestry activities on the river, ment? What predictive capabilities are needed? estuary and tributary streams? Some industrial - What are the key plant and animal species that sources may also require consideration. play a crucial role in the estuarine food chain? That - What are the important physical, biological are particularly vulnerable or sensitive to disturb- and chemical processes occurring in the fine sedi- ances and can therefore be used as indicators of ments? What are the effects of dredging and log system's health? That are particularly important for storage and transport on water quality, sediment management of the estuary? What is the life cycle, chemistry and benthic populations? habitat requirements, and ecological interactions of each? - What are the competitive and predator-prey - What is the distribution of the major benthic interactions of wild fish and hatchery fish in the marsh and shoreland habitats? How important i's estuary and tributary streams? each to fish, birds and wildlife? - How can better wave and tidal current pre- - How should main and peripheral channel dictions be produced that take into account fresh dredging and dredged material disposal be man- water flow levels? aged? - What exotic species (e.g. nutria, warm-water How important is the estuary to other (non- fish, Corbicula) have been introduced? What salmonid) commercial and noncommercial finfish changes have occurred as a result? How should they and shellfish as a nursery, spawning ground, feed- be managed? ing area and transit path? Which species should be - Which bird species play an important role in considered key species to the estuary? Which spe- the estuarine food chain? Which habitats are most cies are currently underutilized, and where could important for resident and migrant waterfowl, shore sports and commercial fisheries be developed? birds, wading birds, raptors, etc.? Which habitats are most important for wildlife? 78. COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY INFORMATION CENTER CREST will formally establish an Estuary Informa- Functions of the Columbia River Estuary Informa- tion Center in Astoria, Oregon in September 1979 to tion Center wi I I be to: serve the special information needs of local offi- 0maintain and operate a satellite library to the cials, planners, estuarine scientists, state and Northwest Coastal Information Center. federal managers, and the general public. 0provide information services and literature Information services have been provided throughout searches to local officials, planners, state and the CREST planning program on an informal basis. federal managers, and scientists. Formally establishing the center and advertising 0cut "red tape" in the permit process by pro- available information services will increase its use- viding, in one location, accurate information on fulness to the local area. required local, state and federal permits for de- The Estuary Information Center will operate as a velopment projects in the estuary. satellite library to the Northwest Coastal Information *collect and disseminate useful information in a Center (NCIC) in Newport, Oregon. The NCIC serves quarterly estuary newsletter to keep the public both Washington and Oregon, and will provide local and others informed about important estuary area users with access to a national network of in- issues, meetings and conferences. formation sources. develop an outreach estuary educational pro- gram, working with local schools, libraries, Sea Grant, news media and others. Vill - I I 79. AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This inventory of federal, state, regional and local AW governmental authorities which operate in the Co- lumbia River estuary area describes the roles and functions of each agency with respect to activities that occur in the estuary or along its shoreline. En- abling legislation, legal authorities, responsibilities and coordination functions of each agency are also discussed. The federal Coastal Zone Management Act, 1972, Washington's Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and Oregon's land and water use planning law (ORS 197) are attempts to integrate manage- ment of coastal water, wetland and shoreland areas. In the Columbia River estuary, these laws provide a basis for the development of a coor- Port of Astoria Pit oto dinated plan for the Columbia River estuary and its shorelands. Washington and Oregon both give local Planning and regulation of activities in the estuary government the authority to initiate and implement area are a complex interplay of federal, state and estuary planning. To be successful, the plan must be local proprietary and regulatory rights. Conflict and supported locally and be consistent with state and confusion may result where all three levels of federal policy. government interact. OREGON CITIES however, counties must prepare comprehensive plans and must zone. This regulation ties in with the General planning powers of cities are defined county's role in the SB 100 planning process where under ORS 227.230 "City Planning and Zoning the counties play a coordinating role with jurisdic- Authority." tions inside county boundaries. Comprehensive planning and zoning constitute Additionally, counties play a major role in the the major mechanisms for controlling land uses planning and construction of utilities. This has in the along the estuary. Although recent years have seen past, been mainly limited to road construction and a growth in the state's interest and control over this maintenance, but can be extended to include water authority, planning and zoning are still largely de- and sewer services. cided at the local level; Senate Bill 100 and LCDC Coastal Goals have established guidelines for local governments to follow during the development of PORT OF ASTORIA their comprehensive plans. Recent court decisions have altered the historical relationship between the The Port of Astoria operates and functions under Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, in ORS Chapter 777 and its various subchapters, which that zoning must adhere to comprehensive plans. regulate port activities in Oregon. The ports, under The cities have authority to establish subdivision this chapter, are authorized to: controls under ORS 92.042 and, like zoning, the sub- 0 Acquire, develop and manage lands for future division ordinance must adhere to the adopted industrial parks; comprehensive plan. The cities also have general 0 Develop and operate industrial parks; planning powers in such areas as performance 9 Make channel and basin improvements and regulate navigation consistent with federal and standards for industry, regulating air and water state regulations such as Oregon's Fill and Re- emissions, alterations of water bodies by filling or moval Law (ORS 541.605 to 541.655), and the construction, and protecting lands through land- Corps of Engineers' sections 10 and 404 permit scaping and restrictive uses. program; 0 Develop and manage marinas; CLATSOP COUNTY * Own and operate railroad terminals and build and operate rail lines between water facilities Under ORS Title 215 and associated subchapters, and common carriers; counties in Oregon have roughly the some zoning * Distribute water for urban uses. and subdivision authority as cities. Unlike cities, V11 - 12 CLATSOP COUNTY ECONOMIC mental impacts, wise use of natural resources and DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE appropriate land use. Items that are reviewed in this manner include agricultural and economic devel- The Clatsop County Economic Development Com- opment; flood control; small navigation projects; mittee (CCEDC) serves as an aid and advisory unit for air, water and land quality; education; health, social the Economic Development Commission, created and rehabilitation services; housing and urban de- under ORS Chapter 184. Under subchapter 184.030, velopment; outdoor recreation; law enforcement; the CCEDC is given the responsibility of developing manpower administration; transportation; and water an overall economic development program (OEDP) resources planning. for Clatsop County and serves as the County's guide for enhancing its economic conditions. LAND CONSERVATION 8 DEVELOPMENT The program will be reviewed for approval by the COMMISSION 9 DLCD Federal Economic Development Administration, in relationship to possible future federal funding of Oregon's 1973 Land Use Act (Senate Bill 100) local public improvement projects. It must conform created the Land Conservation and Development to guidelines established by the Office of Economic Commission (LCDC) and its administrative arm, the Development of the Department of Commerce, Department of Land Conservation and Development which requires that the program (OEDP) proposals (DLCD), which implements the Commission's have broad community support and that the program policies. The Act charged LCDC with the responsibil- show relationship to other plans for the local area ity for developing statewide Goals and Guidelines involved. for coordinated comprehensive planning and related actions of all levels of government. (ORS CLATSOP-TILLAMOOK 197.230) INTERGOVERNMENTAL COUNCIL The Act requires that each city and county develop a coordinated comprehensive plan, zoning, and CTIC is a council of governments within Clatsop subdivision ordinances which are in conformance and Tillamook Counties authorized under ORS with the adopted Goals and Guidelines. State Chapter 190 and associated subchapters. the mem- agency and special district plans and actions must ber governments are represented by elected offi- also conform with the Goals and local comprehen- cials at its meetings. Its purposes are: sive plans. � To enable the elected officials to jointly identify Other functions of LCDC as set forth under SB 100 problems and to make planning decisions on are to: matters such as public health, safety and wel- 9 Review plans for conformance with statewide fare, transportation, parks and recreation, Goals; water and sewer facilities, and education. 9 Hear and resolve appeals regarding possible � To attain a greater degree of intergovernmental conflicts of plans or actions with statewide cooperation and communication in dealing with Goals; issues such as urban growth. * Issue permits for activities of statewide signi- � To pool resources to get greater economy of f i ca nce; governmental dollars. 9 Recommend to the legislature areas to be des- ignated as areas of critical concern and plans The staff of CTIC performs a number of functions to for the management of those areas; assist local government. They are presently helping 9 Coordinate planning efforts of state agencies to to coordinate planning as called for under SB100, assure conformance with statewide Goals and and they also perform routine planning assistance to local comprehensive plans; and some of the member governments. 0 Insure citizen involvement in all phases of the Another important function of CTIC, which ties into process. their role of coordinating local planning activities, is Goals and Guidelines their A-95 review authority as outlined in the Office of Management & Budget Circular No. A-95 (Re- To guide comprehensive planning, the 1973 Act vised). The A-95 name comes from a circular from directed LCDC to adopt planning Goals and Guide- the federal Office of Management and Budget lines which carry the full authority of the State to describing the rules and regulations they have achieve the purposes of the Act. Guidelines are promulgated to provide cooperation between suggested directions that would aid in achieving the federal, state and local governments in the evalua- mandated Goals. They are intended to be instruc- tion, review and coordination of Federal assistance tive, directional, and positive; but they do not limit programs and projects. Under this process, CTIC is governments to a single course of action when some described as a "regional clearinghouse" and is other course would achieve the same result. The authorized to notify affected parties and local juris- Goals and Guidelines are to be used by state and dictions of proposed federal projects or federal federal agencies, cities, counties, and special dis- assistance projects within their jurisdiction, and seek tricts in preparing, adopting, revising, and imple- public comments on the proposals. CTIC studies the menting comprehensive plans. The Goals, and the proposals and evaluates them from the standpoint of fulfilling planning objectives of the area, environ- V11 - 13 process for identifying, developing, approving, and DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL implementing these Goals, form the foundation for QUALITY Oregon's land use management activities, as well as for compliance with the requirements of the Coastal The Department of Environmental Quality has the Zone Management Act. responsibility for regulating the following areas of In December, 1974, LCDC adopted 14 planning ORS Chapters: (ORS Ch. 454) Sewage Treatment and Goals and supporting Guidelines which apply to the Disposal Systems; (ORS Ch. 459) Solid Waste Con- entire state. The first two goals are procedural and trol; (ORS Ch. 467) Noise Control; and (ORS Ch. 468) refer to citizen involvement and land use planning. Air and Water Quality. The remaining Goals address specific resource ele- DEQ regulates environmental quality concerns ments or uses: agricultural and forest lands; open through a Permit System which sets forth the criteria spaces, scenic and historic areas, and natural re- of conditions by which "point sources" of pollution sources; air, water, and land resources quality; (air, water, solid waste, noise and sewage,pollution) areas subject to natural disasters and hazards; rec- are to meet state standards. The Department also reational needs; economy of the State; housing; plays a role in the state's review of Corps of Engi- public facilities and services; transportation; energy neers permit requests. conservation; and urbanization. These Goals apply to all areas of the State, including the coast. In 1975, a fifteenth goals was adopted that pertained only to WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT the Willamette Greenway. The Water Resources Department consists of the In December, 1976, four additional planning goals Water Policy Review Board, the Water Resources were adopted that relate specifically to the coastal Director and employees or assistants. area. These goals supplement the original fourteen goals by addressing, with greater specificity, the The Water Policy Review Board is composed of particular needs and problems of the Oregon coast. seven (7) members appointed by the Governor, The coastal goals address estuarine resources, under ORS Chapter 536. One (1) member is ap- coastal shorelands, beaches and dunes, and ocean pointed from each of the four (4) federal con- resources. The coastal goals and guidelines form the gressional districts and three (3) members from the basis for compliance with two requirements of the state at large. ORS Ch. 536 also establishes the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, establishing Board's responsibility for establishing the State of priorities of use for areas within the coastal zone, Oregon's water program. and identifying areas of particular concern. Under the various subchapters of ORS Ch. 536, Coordinated Comprehensive Plans the Board has the following responsibilities and areas of authority: Senate Bill 100 sets forth as legislative policy the 9 Develop policy statements, plans and programs, necessity for properly prepared and coordinated for al I water resources of the state; comprehensive plans. These comprehensive plans, * Designate exact land areas in the policy state- which are expressions of public policy, establish the ment as Flood Plan Areas for future reservoir basis for specific local government rules, regula- sites; tions, and ordinances, which must be consistent with 0 Distribute policy statements to all affected state and designated to implement the individual plans. agencies and organizations before the policy is Procedures exist for reviewing and, as necessary, approved by the Board ; revising the comprehensive plans to keep them 0 Classify water as to highest and best use and consistent with the changing needs and desires of quantity of use, enforce laws concerning loss of the public. water rights and prescribe preferences for par- The completed plan will serve as the single, ticular future uses ; common basis for decisions regarding conservation 0 Promulgate rights tu withdraw unappropriated and development in that area. In order for plans to waters from appropriation. Establish procedures be adequately coordinated and -considered com- and conditions for withdrawal of water from plete, city, county, state and federal agency, and appropriation. special district plans and interests must be incor- Under ORS Chapters 536, 537, 538 and 539 and as- porated into and be consistent with the compre- sociated subchapters, the Board is responsible for hensive plans. the appropriation and adjudications of ground water as well as the determination of water rights initiated prior to the February 24, 1909, law requiring a permit to appropriate water. ORS Chapter 540 and associated subchapters authorizes the Board to provide for changes in use of water, the transfer and abandonment of water rights, and the responsibility for the protection of existing water rights. 0 ,National Fisherman V11 - 14 The Water Resources Department under ORS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Chapter 537 is responsible for preparing and admin istering Well Contractor's License Exams, Well Drill- The D.O.T. has the responsibility and authority as ing Machine Operator's License Exams and for re- outlined in ORS Chapter 184.610 to develop and ceiving and reviewing Well Log Records from any maintain a state transportation policy and a com- person constructing or altering wells within the prehensive, long-range plan for a multimodal trans- State. A copy of such log shall be received by the portation system for the state, which encompasses Department within 30 days of completion of the economic efficiency, growth, safety and environ- construction or alteration. mental quality. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, aviation, highways, mass transit, pipe- ORS Chapters 540 & 542 provides the Department lines, ports, rails & waterways. The Transportation with the authority and responsibility for the super- Commission has the responsibility to coordinate and vision over construction of all dams in Oregon for the administer such programs. It is the recipient of all assurance of their safety. Also, the Department is federal funds paid to or to be paid to the state to authorized to make surveys, investigations and provide the programs and services assigned to the prepare plans, specifications, estimates and other Department. data necessary to accomplish the purposes of the DOT, Parks and Recreation Division, is empowered Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. to purchase, develop and manage state parks. It is The Water Resources Department Director, under the overseer of the state's network of parks, way- ORS Chapter 537 has the responsibility to initiate sides, access points, botanical gardens, etc. It pro- proceedings for the determination of a critical vides areas for recreation as well as research and ground water area on his own motion, discretion, or preservation of historic sites and unique natural upon receipt of,petition, whenever he finds that the areas. ground water level, supply or purity is below ac- cepted standards. The Director shall issue an Order defining the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Critical Ground Water Area Boundaries and control provisions closing the area to further development Under ORS Chapter 184 and associated sub- and ground water use. chapters, the Commission is authorized to: * Establish a comprehensive policy and plan for DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE the balanced economic and community devel- opment of the State of Oregon which will pre- serve and enhance all facets of Oregon's econ- Under ORS 496.012, the Department is directed to omy and environment and which will give parti- manage, propagate and research fish and wildlife cular recognition to the needs, problems and re- to provide the optimum recreational and aesthetic sources of the rural and under-developed areas benefits for present and future generations of the of the state. citizens of the state. In addition, the new Depart- Define priorities necessary to implement this ment has assumed the duties of the old Fish Com- policy and plan, and proceed with the imme- mission to conduct research and, where appropriate, diate implementation thereof. manage fishes of Oregon. The Department of Economic Development is to Most of this Department's input in controlling ac- act as the state's official liaison agency between tivities in Oregon's estuaries is achieved by pro- persons interested in locating industrial or business viding concerns and recommendations to those state firms in the state and to coordinate authority that the and federal agencies that do have statutory author- Department is serving as state coordinator for the ity to regulate activities. For example, the Division of Clatsop Counties Overall Economic Development State Lands regulates fill and removal, the Depart- Program planning. ment of Environmental Quality regulates water quality, the Water Resources Department regulates Recent legislation has transferred the Ports Divi- water uses, the Land Conservation and Development sion to the Department of Economic Development. Commission, cities and counties regulate land use, This division is established to be the state-wide and Corps of Engineers regulates fill, removal and coordinating, planning and research agency for all structures. These agencies, by low, must coordinate ports and port authorities in this state to insure the their decisions with the Department and for the most most orderly, efficient and economical development part, consider their recommendations in making de- of the state port system. cisions. In the administration of the state's fill and removal low, the Department's recommendation is Syngnathus griseolineatus Bay Pipef ish most often the state's position, as finalized by the Division of State Lands. Ron Pittard - Searep Studio, courtesy Clatsop County Vil - 15 STATE LAND BOARD AND DIVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY and STATE LANDS ENERGY FACILITY SITING COUNCIL The State Land Board and their administrative The Oregon State Department of Energy and agency, the Division of State Lands, are authorized Energy Facility Siting Council were created under 41 under ORS Titles 274 and 541 and associated sub- ORS Chapters 469.030 and 469.450. chapters. The Department of Energy operates under the The State Land Board, composed of the Governor, supervision of the director who is appointed by the the Secretary of State and the Treasurer, act for the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, State as owners and stewards of the submerged and and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The submersible lands of all navigable streams and Department's responsibilities include: collecting lakes in this state now existing or which may have data on energy resources; providing information to been in existence in 1859 when the state was ad- the public about energy problems and methods of mitted to the Union, or at any time since admission, conserving energy resources; research; serving as a which have not become vested in any person. clearing house for energy research; preparing contingent energy programs to include all forms of Under the authority of ORS Title 274 the State Land energy not otherwise provided (pursuant to ORS Board also receives compensation for private use of 757.710 and 757.720); maintaining an inventory of the waterway. Uses subject to royalty fees or leasing energy research projects in Oregon; and compiling include sand and gravel royalties, oil and gas and analyzing energy statistics, data and informa- leasing and general waterway surface-use leasing. tion. The Energy Facility Siting Council consists of seven The Division of State Lands, under ORS 541 and public members, appointed by the Governor and associoted subchapters, has permit authority for fill confirmed by the Senate. The Council's major duties and removal of 50 cubic yards or more of material in are to: waterways up to the line of non-aquatic vegetation, 0 Conduct and prepare studies, investigations, (the Fill and Removal Law). The low stresses that the research and programs relating to all aspects of navigational, recreational and biological aspects of site selection; waterways, under which the Division has the 0 Conduct public hearings for the purpose of des- responsibility to coordinate the State Resource ignating sites for energy facilities; Agency's review of the Corps of Engineers permit 0 Adopt safety standards and promulgate rules for application for any alteration and construction acti- operation of all thermal power plants and nu- vities in navigable waters, maintain priority of con- clear installations; sideration. 0 Establish programs for monitoring the environ- MENTAL COORDINATION mental and ecological effects of the construc- INTERGOVERN tion and operation of thermal power plants and DIVISION nuclear installations. Under ORS Title 190 and associated subchapters, The Council also has jurisdiction over transmission the Intergovernmental Relations Division of the lines, pipelines, power plants and shore facilities for Executive Department has been designated the coor- energy raw materials. dinating authority of the State's "one-stop" permit system and to serve as the "State Clearinghouse" in the A-95 review and comment process. The "one- STATE MARINE BOARD step" system has three essential elements: � A central information service for state permits, The Oregon State Marine Board has the respon- I icenses, fees or certifications. sibility for enforcing all laws pertaining to the use of � An optional one-step review. Rather than con- watercraft used, or capable of being used, as a tacting state agencies independently, an appli- means of transportation on the water, as outlined in cant may, instead, get in touch with the Divi- ORS Chapter 488.011, excluding: airplanes capable sion. Anyone needing two or more state permits of landing on the water; foreign boats operating for a new project may submit a master appli- temporarily in the waters of this State; a boat owned cation, which the division will circulate to all and operated by the United States, a state, or an state permit-issuing agencies for comment. entity or political subdivision of the United States or After 30 days, the division will forward to the a state, except recreational public vessels; and any applicant the specific permit application and other vessel exempted by law. regulations for required permits. The board is also responsible under ORS Chapter � If hearings are required, both the applicant and 488-875 for the distribution of funds foi boating the agencies may ask for a consolidated hear- facilities and establishing priorities on applications, ing. based on water pollution controls and general en- This program coordintaes all the regulatory pro- hancement of the water quality. grams of the state, which distinguishes it from the Washington Master Application Program which deals only with Environmental programs. Vil - 16 WASHINGTON CITIES PORT AUTHORITIES Cities are general purpose units of government Ports are authorized under RCW Chapter 53.08, to and carry out the duties usually associated with such promote maritime commerce. The Public Port District public corporations, including activities related to Act, since its inception, has been expanded to public safety, public transportation, utilities, parks permit activities ranging from industrial develop- and recreation, public works, enforcement of build- ment to marinas for recreational boating to airports. ing regulations, and planning. Cities are A port district is an autonomous unity of local empowered to undertake planning activities government (defined as a municipal corporation by including the establishment of zoning regulations statute) governed by a board of commissioners. Port through their general police powers under the state districts are created by a vote of the people in the constitution, RCW Chapter 35.63 relating to muni- area to be served. cipal planning commissions, and provisions within individual city charters. Cities are also allowed to Funds to support activities are derived from oper- join regional planning organizations and may es- ating revenues (leases, tariff fees, . landing fees, tablish boards of adjustment. docking charges, etc.), property taxes, and general Cities have the same authority granted to counties obligation and revenue bonds. under the Shoreline Management Act of 1971. None of the cities in Washington that border the estuary have used this authority. COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENT The Pacific County Regional Planning Council has, COUNTIES (PACIFIC, WAHKIAKUM) among its members, three CREST member govern- ments; Pacific County, the City of I lwaco and the Port Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties are political sub- of llwaco. divisions of the State of Washington. As general The Cowl itz-Wahk iaku m Governmental Con- purpose units of government, they can carry out the ference has two CREST members, the City of Cath- duties usually associated with such public corpora- lamet and Wahkiakum County. tions, including activities related to public safety, public transportation, utilities, parks and recreation, Within the authority of RCW 36.64.080 regional public works, enforcement of building regulations planning agencies can provide planning coordina- and planning. tion among local units of government, develop County authority under the Shoreline Manage- regional plans, provide specific planning assistance ment Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, the to member governments, and meet the objectives of Environmental Coordination Procedures Act are dis- various federal laws and regulations relating to cussed under the Department of Ecology. interlocal planning and coordination. For example, Cowl itz-Wahkiakum Governmental Conference is The State's Planning Enabling Act (RCW Chapter presently assisting Wahkiakum County in preparing 36.70) provides for the appointment of county a comprehensive plan. planning commissions and boards of adjustment and These regional councils of government serve as sets forth requirements and grant authority for long- local "clearinghouses" in the A-95 review process. range planning and environmental controls. As such, it is their responsibility to circulate requests Planning commissions, once created, are required to for federal assistance to their members and solicit prepare a comprehensive plan consisting of at least their review and comments. a land use element and a circulation element, with appropriate supporting documents, which are to be Besides participating actively in the A-95 review submitted to the county legislative body by law, process, regional councils also provide the frame- though in most counties, commission recornmencla- work for the development or comprehensive region- tions are accepted in about 90 percent of the cases. al plans as well as area-wide plans for such things as The Planning Enabling Act also authorizes counties water and waste management, parks and recrea- to establish certain land use controls, the most im- tion, and transportation. portant of which are zoning ordinances. Pacific County has zoned its lands that border the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, and Willapa Bay. The balance of that county is unzoned. Wahkiakum County is not zoned. V11 - 17 DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY Nothing in SEPA diminishes or alters an agency's authority to implement action. it merely requires the The DOE is composed of the consolidated trans- SEPA process of study and evaluation take place ferred authorities of three state agencies - Water prior to such action. Pollution Control Commission, Department of Water Shoreline Management: The Shoreline Manage- Resources and the Air Pollution Control Board and ment Act of 1971 requires and defines a planning the solid waste program of the Department of program and a regulatory permit system, both of Health. This consolidation vests in the Department which are initiated at the local level under state responsibility for programs in three areas: 1. water guidance. The planning program for each local resources (Act of 1971; 2. water pollution control government consists of a comprehensive shoreline (Act of 1973); and 3. air quality (Washington Clean inventory and a master program for the regulation of Air Act of 1973). Since its formation, the DOE has shoreline uses. The inventory covers existing land been given two additional major functions-shore- and water uses, generalized ownership patterns, line management and responsibility for the admin- and natural shoreline characteristics. The master istration of the State Environmental Policy Act. These program utilizes the inventory information and is functions are discussed below: essentially a comprehensive land use plan with a Water Resources: Concerns are the allocation of distinct environmental orientation. The master pro- surface and ground water rights; weather modifica- gram includes basic goals and objectives, the des- tion certificates and permits; adjudication of water ignation of all shoreline areas into a categorization rights; reclamation project funding; flood control; system, and specific regulatory language. The entire preparation of a state water plan; water rights planning function is conducted in conformance with claims registrations; establishment of minimum guidelines prepared and adopted by the Department flows and levels in lakes and streams; and inspec- of Ecology (DOE). The resulting local master pro- tion of dams for safety. grams are subject to state review and approval and are then adopted as state regulations. The regulato- Water Pollution Control: Program handles waste ry permit system is overseen by a state administra- discharge permits for industrial and commercial tive appellate body created for the purpose by the operations; sewage drainage basin planning; pollu- Act. tion control tax credits for industries; certification The management program established in the and disbursement of state and federal funds for local Shoreline Management Act applies to all "shore- sewage treatment projects; regulatory orders, civil lines of the state," including both "shorelines" and penalties and damage claims; surveillance and "shorelines of statewide significance." In a nutshell, monitoring; and oil spill investigation and clean-up. the Act applies to all marine water areas of the state, Air Quality Control: Establishes and enforces air to streams with a mean annual flow of 20 cubic feet purity standards; provides technical training; and per second or more, and to lakes larger than 20 coordinates regional, state and federal programs acres. It also applies to adjacent land areas extend- from a technical and financial standpoint. ing landward 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark and to all marshes, bogs, swamps, f loodways, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA): This act is river deltas, and floodplains associated with water patterned after the National Environmental Policy bodies subject to the Act. Act (NEPA). SEPA outlines a systematic and inter- Environmental Coordination Procedures Act: The disciplinary approach to studying and evaluating Environmental Coordination Procedures Act was proposed actions. This approach is required of all passed in 1973 to simplify procedures by giving an state agencies prior to undertaking actions that rhay applicant for certain environmental permits the have impacts upon man's environment. SEPA's goal option of submitting a Master Application form for is to stop further independent actions by different certain environmental permits. If an applicant elects agencies, each of which has a different mission, and require that they work together toward the accom- to take advantage of this service, the Department of plishment of both their own missions and environ- Ecology will act as a permit coordinator and will mental protection and enhancement. assist from the beginning through final disposition of Under the SEPA approach, an environmental the application. impact statement is to be prepared for every recom- Upon receipt of the application, the Department of mendation or report on proposals for legislation and Ecology will distribute copies to the appropriate state for "other major actions significantly affecting the agencies. Concerned agencies must then respond quality of the environment." The information con- within 15 days to the DOE, who will notify them tained in those statements is to include: 1 ) the envi- regarding agency requirements and will provide the ronmental impact of the proposed action; 2) any un- necessary forms. avoidable adverse environmental effects; 3) alter- If one or more of the agencies involved should natives to the proposed action; 4) relationships be- decide that a public hearing is required, only one tween local short-term uses of the environment, and public hearing will be held for all involved maintenance and enhancement of long-term pro- agencies. ductivity; and 5) any irreversible and irretrievable The DOE incorporates all agency decisions into commitments of resources that would be involved if one document which incorporates the final decision the proposed action were to be implemented (RCW of all agencies. 43.21C.030[2] [C]). The Master Application approach is especially useful to the applicant who is unfamiliar with state regulations. Vil - 18 PLANNING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Although the Commission plans the use and ac- AGENCY quisition of park and recreational lands, local and Under RCW 43.63A, the Planning and Community federal park operations are left outside their scope. Affairs Agency has been charged with responsibility for preparing a: INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR "State comprehensive plan as the state's long- OUTDOOR RECREATION range public declaration of intent in develop- mental policy, for programming its facilities and The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recrea- services and for guidance of private activities and tion (IAC) was established by favorable passage of public programs at all levels of government." the Marine Recreation Land Act of 1964 (Initiation The elements of this plan include: "transporta- 215, Chapter 5, Laws of 1965, RCW 43.99). tion, scenic highways, public facilities, recreation, The membership of the Committee which was open spaces, natural resources, patterns of urban established by the 1964 legislation and amended in and rural development, and quality of the natural 1971, consists of twelve members, including five (5) and manmade environment" (RCW 43.63A.070). No citizen members who are appointed by the Governor regulatory powers were provided under this statute. for three year terms, and the directors of the follow- The PCAA was also given responsibility for assisting ing seven (7) state agencies: The Departments of local governments in their planning and, for en- Commerce and Economic Development, Ecology, couraging coordination of local planning programs Fisheries, Game, Highways, Natural Resources and with each other. the Parks and Recreation Commission. By law, the chairman of the committee must be one of the citizen committee members. OFFICE OF PROGRAM PLANNING & The Committee administers designated state and FISCAL MANAGEMENT recreation funds provided under RCW 43.99 for eligible state agencies, local political sub-divisions, The Office of Program Planning and Fiscal Man- and Indian tribes for the acquisition and develop- agement has been given broad authority (under ment of outdoor recreation and facilities. The Com- RCW 43.41) including many of the same planning mittee also acts as the state coordinator with the U:S. functions as the Planning & Community Affairs Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Rec- Agency. Both have been granted comprehensive reation, to administer funds allotted to the state from planning powers, although the legislation is am- the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. biguous about which of these agencies has precisely In addition, the Committee has the responsibility what powers. and authority to prepare, maintain and update the OPP&FM has been granted authority to perform Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and "comprehensive planning functions and processes Open Space Plan (SCORP). The Statewide plan is necessary or advisable for state program planning comprehensive in nature and covers all levels of and development." Although the act establishing government authorized to provide outdoor recrea- OPP&FM does not specify the elements of the com- tion opportunities. This includes, insofar as possible, prehensive plan, it has since been interpreted to all recreation factors of statewide and local signifi- grant the following functions to OPP&FM: 1)prepar- cance, both public and private. The plan provides a ation of general physical plans with respect to the total framework to which the specific needs and pattern and intensity of land use, 2) programming of projected plans of both state and local recreation capital improvements, 3) coordination of related agencies can be related. governmental plans, 4) inter-governmental coor- dination, and 5) preparation of regulatory and ad- HIGHWAY COMMISSION ministrative measures to support the above. bPP&FM is the state's A-95 clearinghouse for state agency applications for federal assistance grants. The five-member Highway Commission has com- plete authority within RCW Title 47 over the state- designated highways. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION The Department of Highways is headed by a director who is appointed by the Commission. The The Commission's functions under RCW 43.51 are Department is responsible for the planning, con- to supervise and regulate state parks and parkways, struction, and maintenance of the state's highway make recommendations concerning additions to the system. For. administrative purposes, the Depart- system, and study and coordinate the various park/ ment's operations are divided into seven districts. recreation functions exercised by state agencies. Onl@ those roads designated by the state legis- The Commission may select and acquire lands for lature are to be a part of the state's highway sys- park purposes. The Commission also has jurisdiction tem. Roads outside incorporated cities and towns over certain tidelands and trust lands as well as which are not included by the legislature as part of historic properties. the state highway system are county roads and are administered and maintained by the county in which the road is located. V11 - 19 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OF GAME in 1932, under RCW Title 75, the State of Wash- The Washington Department of Game (WDG) is ington separated its agencies dealing with food fish charged by state statute, RCW Title 77, with pre- and game fish. The Department of Fisheries was serving, protecting and perpetuating wildlife and thereby created to protect, propagate and manage game fish resources of the state. The Department is fish resources in the waters of the state and offshore also involved through Fish and Wildlife Coordination waters, with a goal of having stocks retain their Act, Federal Power Act, National Environmental capacity to produce at the highest levels. The De- Policy Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, State partment manages 139 species of fish, including Environmental Policy Act, Shorelines Management shellfish. The annual gross product value from the Act, Hydraulics Approval Act, and other laws and harvest of these species amounts to $100 million. regulations in planning, coordination and occasion- The Department is organized into seven divisions: ally regulation of most activities listed as impacting Administrative services, Management and research, the estuary. Engineering and construction, Hatcheries, Fisheries patrol and enforcement, Stream improvement, and DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Program planning and coordination. The director is empowered to set rules and regula- The Washington State Department of Natural Re- tions to control the commercial and sports harvest sources is administered by the Commissioner of and protect stocks. The long range goal is to make Public Lands, an elected official, and operates under available to the people of Washington the maximum the guidance of the Board of Natural Resources. economic, recreational and aesthetic use and bene- Under RCW 43.30, the Department was created to fit of the food fish resources of the state. manage all state-owned lands, including one Specific goals of the Department include: I ) Man- million acres of state tide and shore lands, harbor agement of recreational fisheries in such a way that areas and beds of navigable waters. Under its the current rates of fishing success continue for an governmental function the Department protects expanding population; 2) Provision of a continuing state, federal and private forest land from fire and supply of salmon, marine fish and shellfish in order insect i -nfestations, promotes maximum forest to provide an adequate livelihood for those en- growth, polices the transportation of logs in naviga- gaged in commercial fishing and related activities; ble waters, promotes techniques of surveying and and 3) Provision for the increased participation of mapping, promotes use of mineral resources and Indian fisheries in the commercial fish harvest. provides for outdoor recreation on state lands. Marine lands are considered a public trust to be managed for the maximum public benefit. Revenue is not necessarily the prime management tool. REGIONAL CO-PAC & NORTH COAST RESOURCE CON- COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY STUDY SERVATION & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES TASKFORCE (CREST) Resource Conservation and Development projects The CREST role is completely explained in sections are locally initiated efforts to provide improved use 74 and 76-78 above. The major planning role in each and conservation of natural resources. The make-up area consists of assisting local jurisdictions imple- of RC&D committees varies from place to place, but ment the Re gz'onal Management Plan, developing generally they encompass an area of two or more plan revisions, and proviiing technical assistance. counties and have a membership of elected and ap- CREST's implementation roleinvolves assisting local pointed officials, with interested citizens serving on jurisdictions and developers: CREST has no funding resource committees. or regulatory role. The USDA Soil Conservation Service has been given administration responsibility for initiating and PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGIONAL directing the RC&D projects. An RC&D can provide COMMISSION technical, financial, and loan assistancefor resource conservation and development activities that have The Pacific Northwest Regional Commission community benefits. Project measures are initiated, (PNRC) is one of the seven multi-state Commissions reviewed or promoted by RC&D Resource Commit- established and funded pursuant to Title V of the tees. Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended. The Commission is a Federal/ State partnership whose purpose is to initiate, coor- dinate and implement Regional plans and programs V11 - 20 to improve the overall economic well-being of the The Commission at its meeting on December 4, three-state area of Idaho, Oregon and Washington. 1975, adopted a report describing its future role as The PNRC consists of four members: The three follows: Governors of Idaho, Oregon and Washington, who 0 Continued service as a form for energy plan- represent the interest of their respective states, and ning, including assistance to the Energy Re- a Federal Representative appointed by the Presi- search and Development Administration and its dent. consultants; 0 Assistance in the determination of instream Since its inception on December 11, 1972, the flows and development of control measures PNRC has focused its development efforts on: and the coordination of activities of various energy, forest productivity, tourism trade expansion interests and studies to arrive at an agreed- and natural resource development. The Commission upon plan and follow-up for implementation; seeks to enhance the economic well-being and Coordination of land use studies involving quality of life of the people of the Pacific Northwest. urban growth pressures, land area require- ments, determination of key areas for regula- tion, development of alternative growth PACIFIC NORTHWEST RIVER BASINS patterns and others; 0 Coordination among various entities involved in COMMISSION water quality management; The River Basin Commission is a Federal Interstate 9 Provide an interface between studies of fisher- Compact organization established by Executive ies and follow through to insure that a com- Order of the President in 1967 (79 Stat. 244, 42 USC prehensive management plan for the anadro- 1962 et seq) under authority in the Water Resources mous fishery of the Columbia River and tribu- Planning Act of 1965. The jurisdiction of the Commis- taries is developed and implemented, a plan sion is generally the area within Oregon, Washing- which does not now exist; ton, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming that drains into Coordination and assistance in forming interim the Columbia River system and the coastal drainages management plans for the Columbia River es- of Oregon and Washington. Its members are made tuary which would be followed by studies lead- ing to a more complete management program up of representatives from the above states, as well to be refined and updated in subsequent years; as representatives from a number of federal agen- Coordination of Canadian-United States water cies concerned with water and related resources problems of the Okanogan-Methow, Kootenai development. and Flathead River Basins; The Commission's authority, granted under the Coordination of recreation master planning ac- Water Resources Planning Act is to: tivities providing, among others, for the use and � Coordinate federal, state, interstate, local, and management of public lands and resources on non-governmental plans for water and related Columbia River, following the theme "Stew- resource development within its jurisdiction; ards of the River," a concept which recognizes � Prepare a coordinated plan for water and the river's diverse cultural, historical, geolo- related resource development; gical, aesthetic and recreational values; � Recommend long-range prioities for the collec- Submission of a priorities report beginning in tion and analysis of basic data and for investi- 1977, using the comprehensive, coordinated gation, planning and construction of projects; joint plan and state water plans as a basis. and � Foster and undertake water and related land re- sources studies as needed. FEDERAL CORPS OF ENGINEERS management. The Corps serves as the federal Department of Army government's primary regulatory agency, under the River and Harbor Act of 1899, Sec. 10, in the use and Activities undertaken by the Corps of Engineers development of the navigable waters of the United can be broadly classified as: a) engineering respon- States.. It issues permits to private parties and public sibilities, like construction, operation, maintenance agencies to fill, dredge, or build in, on, over, or be- of levees, harbors and waterways, and the removal neath navigable waters. Corps approval is also re- of sunken vessels and floating debris endangering quired for the transport of dredged material for the navigation; b) regulatory functions; and c) research purpose of dumping into ocean waters. and planning activities such as conducting flood Under administrative procedures established by plain information studies, predicting flood occur- the Corps in compliance with the Federal Water rences, and planning for regional water resources Pollution Control Act, applicants must obtain all re- V11 -21 quired state approvals prior to the final granting of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia which have Section 10 or Section 404 p .ermits. These approvals been affected by dam construction. include the state water quality, certification called In addition, NMFS routinely advises the Corps of for under Section 404 of the FWPCA and will include Engineers on permits for dredging, bank stabiliza- certification that projects meet requirements of the tion programs and other alterations and construc- state's coastal zone management program. The only tions covered by the Corps Section 10 permit author- exceptions are in the case of special national inter- ity. ests or when a state does not act in a timely manner in conducting its review. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NOAA & OFFICE OF COASTAL ZONE Dept. of Interior MANAGEMENT Under Public Law 94-597 (90 Stat. 2743), the Dept. of Commerce Bureau of Land Management is responsible for the management of the national lands and their re- In Public Low 92-583, Congress designed a method sources. It also administers the mineral resources to stimulate state leadership in planning and man- connected with acquired lands and submerged lands agement of the coastal zone. The Act encourages a of the Outer Continental Shelf. new partnership among various levels of govern- Resources managed and leased by the Bureau in- meni, through which each may exercise its unique clude timber, minerals, geothermal energy, wildlife management capabi I ities. habitat, livestock forage, recreation and cultural The low is administered by the Secretary of Com- values, and open space. The Bureau also manages merce, who determines whether federal approval, watersheds to protect soil and enhance water when sought by a state, should be given to that quality; develops recreational opportunities on na- state's management plan. Responsibility for imple- tional resource lands; and makes land available menting the Act is delegated to the Commerce De- through sale to individuals, organizations, local partment's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- governments, and other federal agencies when such ministration. Within NOAA, this is carried out by the transfer is in the public interest. Office of Coastal Zone Management. Three types of grants are offered under the Act. BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION The first two, under Section 305 and Section 306, Dept. of Interior deal with planning and management. The third grant can be used to set up estuarine sanctuaries as As outlined in 16 U.S.C. No. 4602, the Bureau is natural field laboratories to be used for education responsible for coordination and development of and research. Oregon anticipates completing its effective programs relating to outdoor recreation. Coastal Zone Management Program under Section The bureau carries out most of the responsibilities 305 by late spring or summer of this year. Wash- delegated to the Secretary of the Interior under the ington has completed its work under Section 305 and Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as has received federal approval of its Coastal Zone amended. Under that Act, the Bureau administers a Management Program. program of financial assistance grants to states and Approval of the Section 305 CZM programs is an their political subdivisions for comprehensive plan- important step for the states. The Act directs federal ning, land acquisition of federal lands and water agencies to adopt their activities within a state to be areas for recreational purposes; and the Bureau consistent to the "maximum extent practicable" with participates directly in the planning, coordination, the state's intentions, as set out in an approved man- and establishment of uniform policies relating to agement program. Furthermore, it qualifies the recreation and fish and wildlife benefits and costs of states to receive Section 306 grants, which are pre- federal multi-purpose water resource projects. sumed to have a higher level of funding. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Bureau reviews federal actions having an impact on outdoor recreation. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE Department of Commerce Major responsibilities of the NMFS are to help the U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE fishermen through fisheries re@earch, analysis of Department of Interior economic aspects of fisheries operations and rates As outlined in the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (70 and the development of new methods for improving Stat. 1119), the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsi- fish. ble for the protection of wild birds, mammals Title 16, Chapter 9, U. S. C. authorizes the NMFS (except certain marine mammals), inland sport under direction of the National Oceanic and Atmos- fisheries, and for conducting specific fishery re- pheric Administration to engage in a number of pro- search activities. The Fish and Wildlife Service grams that directly affect the Columbia River guides the conservation, development, and man- Estuary. Their Columbia River Fisheries Development agement of the notion's fish and wildlife resources Program is designed to restore and enhance runs of and administers a national program which provides V11 - 22 opportunities to the American public to understand, agencies with respect to the impact of their opera- appreciate, and wisely use these resources. Exten- tions on the environment, and it is specifically sive coastal zone involvement is required of the Fish charged with making public its written comments on and Wildlife Service in order to manage wildlife environmental impact statements. refuges and process Corps of Engineers and related EPA is active in the following areas: permits. d Air and waste management: This includes devel- In the Columbia River Estuary area, the Fish an opment of national programs, technical policies, Wildlife's Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and regulations for air pollution control; develop- manages two refuges, the lewis and Clark National ment of national standards for air quality, emission Wildlife Refuge and the Columbian White-Tailed standards for new stationary sources, and emission Deer National Wildlife Refuge. standards for hazardous pollutants; technical direc- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal tion support, and evaluation of regional air activi- agency through which the. Federal Government ties; and provision of training in the field of air carries out its responsibilities for conserving the na- pollution control. tion's wild birds, mammals and fish for the enjoy- Water and hazardous materials: The function of ment of all people. this program includes development of national pro- Under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, and the grams, technical policies, and regulations for water Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, the pollution control and water supply; water quality Service, has direct responsibility for migratory birds, standard and effluent guidelines development; technical direction, support and evaluation of re- and indirect responsibility for resident fish and other gional water activities; development of programs for wildlife. The primary responsibility for management technical assistance and technology transfer; and of resident wildlife species rests with the states. provision of training in the field of water quality. The Under. these acts, the Service is also responsible for activities include regulation of pesticides. the wild birds, mammals (except certain marine mammals), sport fishing and for conducting specific fishery and wildlife research activities, management WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL of wildlife refuges, processing Corps of Engineers and other agency permits, and coordinate fish and Executive Branch wildlife aspects of Federal water resource projects and activities. The Water Resources Council was established under Statute No. 2A4, 42 U.S.C. et seq. om 1962, to Under the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and maintain a continuing study of the adequacy of Wildlife Service is responsible for the conservation supplies of water necessary to meet the require- and enhancement of certain species of animals, ments in each water resource region in the United plants and their habitats. The Fish and Wildlife States to coordinate the relationship of regional or Service manages two refuges within the Columbia river basin plans and programs to the requirements River Estuary area; the Lewis and Clark National of larger regions of the nation and check for the ade- Wildlife Refuge, and the Columbian White-tailed quacy of administrative and statutory means for the Deer National Wildlife Refuge. coordination of the water and related land resources The Fish and Wildlife Service also works under the, policies and programs of the several federal agen- following additional acts pertinent to the Columbia cies. The Counsil also reviews the plans of the river River Estuary Area: Estuary Protection Act; Migratory basin commissions and transmits these plans with its Bird Treaty Act; the Anadromous Fish Conservation recommendations to the President for review and his Act; Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972; Nation- transmittal to Congress. The Council administers a al Environmental Policy Act; the Water Resources program of federal financial grants to states to aid Planning Act; and the Federal Water Pollution Con- them in comprehensive water and related land re- trol Act of 1972. source planning. COAST GUARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Department of Transportation Executive Branch The Coast Guard, was transferred from the Treas- The Environmental Protection Agency was created ury Department to the Department of Transportation by Executive Order 1170 in 1970 under the National under Public Low 89-670 (80 STAT. 931) on October Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to permit coor- 15, 1966, but is also a branch of the Armed Forces dinated and effective governmental action on and operates as a part of the Navy in time of war or behalf of the environment. EPA endeavors to abate when the President directs. The Coast Guard en- and control pollution systematically, by proper inte- forces or assists in the enforcement of all federal gration of a variety of research, monitoring, laws upon the high seas and waters subject to U.S. standard setting, and enforcement activities. As a jurisdiction; promulgates and enforces regulations complement to its other activities, EPA coordinates for the promotion of water safety; assists in the en- and supports research and antipollution activities by forcement of water pollution and oil spill regula- state and local governments, private and public tions; develops, maintains, and operates aids to groups, individuals, and educational institutions. maritime navigation, ice-breaking facilities, and EPA also reinforces efforts among other federal rescue facilities; and maintains a readiness to func- V11 - 23 tionas a specialized service in the Navy in time of SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE war. Department of Agriculture The Coast Guard, for example, would play a major role in the areas of safety and water pollution The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was establish- control if out-of-service tankers are stored in the Lois ed by the Soi I Conservation Act of 1935 to provide for Island, Tongue Point Basin. the protection of land resources against soil erosion and for other related purposes. FOREST SERVICE SCS is responsible for developing and carrying out Department of Agriculture a national program of conservation of soil, water and related resources. Programs administered by The U.S. Forest Service has the Federal responsi- SCS include basic sail and water conservation, bility for national leadership in "forestry". This re- watershed protection, flood prevention, cooperative sponsibility is derived from two acts: The Creative river basin surveys and investigations, Great Plains Act of 1891 (86 Stat. 1103; 16 USC 471) which es- Conservation, resource conservation and develop- tablished the authority for the President of the ment, and others as assigned by the Secretary of United States to set aside public lands as public Agriculture. reservations and; The Organic Administration Act of 1897 (30 Stat. 34, as amended; 16 USC 473-478, 479- 482, 551 ) which established authority for the Secre- tary of Agriculture to manage the National Forests. Although there are more than 140 Federal laws defining various Forest Service authorities, the two most recent legislative acts that significantly affect Forest Service programs for State and Private Forests are: (1) The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Re- sources Planning Act (RPA), (PL 93-378, 1974) which provides for long-range planning in managing the Notion's renewable resource. It requires the Secre- tary of Agriculture to make a periodic assessment of forest and rangeland resources; public and private. It calls for Forest Service Programs to meet future needs; (2) The National Forest Management Act, (P.L. 94-588, 1976) amends RPA; and specifies cer- tain National Forest Management direction, empha- sizes research and cooperation with state and local governments and private landowners. Under this mandate the Forest Service can provide funds and technical assistance to private owners. The Forest Service also provides active technical assistance through RC&D (Rural Conservation and Develop- ment) programs. V11 - 24 PART Vill APPENDICES APPENDIX A, SELECTED GLOSSARY ...................................................... Vill - 3 APPENDIX B, OREGON GOAL EXCEPTIONS .............................................. Vill - 7 APPENDIX C, CREST CHARTERS ......................................................... Vill - 21 APPENDIX D, CREST PROGRAM PARTICIPATION .......................................... Vill - 24 APPENDIX E, STATE AND FEDERAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES ..................... Vill - 25 APPENDIX F, HISTORY OF STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY INVOLVEMENT IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT ... Vill - 27 APPENDIX G, CREST CHRONOLOGY OF MAJOR EVENTS .................................... Vill - 28 APPENDIX A @SELECTED GLOSSARY (Please note that land and water use designations, classification terms, and all uses and activities covered by this plan are defined in Part III, Sections 31, 32, and 33 respectively. Agencies which play a role in the estuary are defined in Part VII, Section 79). A clean dredged m aterial Material collected from a accretion The build-up of land along a beach or dredging project and are uncontaminated according shore by natural processes. to EPA. standards; may include resources such as advection A local change in a system that occurs in sand and gravel. Columbia River Datum * Datum established at low the presence.of a current; as sediment transport, water and low flow in 1911 and used for engineer- salinity intrusion, etc. ing purposes. (cf datum) aerobic Life.processes that require the presence of community A group of plants and animals occupy- oxygen. (opp. onerobic) ing a habitat and having close interactions, especial- algae Small plants (usually microscopic) living in ly through food chains and webs. ocean, estuary and river water. Algae use sunlight, compensate To take an appropriate and counter- carbon dioxide, and other inorganic nutrients to balancing action to offset environmental damage produce plant tissue and they are the basis of caused by a development project or activity. aquatic productivity. comprehensive plan A legal document often in the anadromous Organisms that migrate from the ocean to lower salinity waters to spawn. form of a map and accompanying text adopted by aquifer An underground area containing. water. the local legislative body. conserve To manage a resource in a manner which archaeological resources Districts, sites, buildings, avoids wasteful or destructive uses and provides for structures, and artifacts with material evidence of future availability. prehistoric human life and culture. (cf historical re- contour Line on a chart or map connecting land source) points of equal elevation. avulsion Rapid erosion of shoreland by storm consumer An organism that eats other organisms as waves. a source of energy and nutrients; includes herbi- vores, carnivores, omnivores. B converter An organism that cannot make its own food, but relies on other organisms (producers or beach Zone of unconsolidated material extending other converters) or their remains for its energy and landward, from the low water line to the seaward nutrients. edge of shorelond vegetation. CREST Planning Area The water and submerged beach nourishment Deposition of dredged material lands of the Columbia River estuary and its tributary to offset shoreland erosion. streams to tidewater, the associated tidelands, wet- bed-load Sand, gravel, or heavy rock fragments that lands, and shorelands within Pacific and move along the bed of a stream. Wahkiakum Counties in Washington and within benthic Pertaining to organisms occurring at or on Clatsop County in Oregon. the bottom of a body of water. current A horizontal movement of water. berm The nearly level barrier shoreward of the face of a beach; a long mound of sediment formed to D contain dredged material at a disposal site. biological potential . The ecological characteristics data (pl.) Set of facts. (cf datum) and functions that an area serves or could develop datum (sl.) A fact; a numerical or geometrical after restoration, habitat creation, or enhancement. quantity that serves as a reference for other quan- tities. (cf chart datum, Columbia River Datum, C datum) decomposer An organism that breaks down dead canopy The treetop zone in a forest where light is plants (litter), dead animals (carrion), or their feces not a limiting factor. or remains into simpler parts for its nutrition. carrying capacity The ability of an ecosystern to deep-water port A port area with a draft of more support organisms. than 22 feet. channels The deeper areas of the river and estuary depth curve Line on a chart or map, like a contour, that carry most of the flow. that connects aquatic points of equal depth. chart datum Datum to which sounding refer. (cf Columbia River Datum, datum, soundings) Vill - 3 F detritus All types at biogenic material in various stages of microbial decomposition. Detritus is an fathom Common unit of depth equal to 6 feet or energy source to consumer organisms. 1.83 metres. dike A wall or mound built around a low-lying area fill Material such as sand, soil, gravel or rock used to prevent flooding or to contain dredged material. for the creation of a beach or dry upland by deposi- diversity Species richness; the number of separate tion of the materials into a shoreland or water area. species living in a specified area. fixation The process in which gaseous substances, dominant Having a major role in a community, as of especially nitrogen, are removed from the atmos- plants or animals, because of number, size, or acti- phere and incorporated into organisms. vity. flats Interticlal and shallow subticlal areas with low dredged material Material removed from sub- slopes and current velocities, often productive with merged lands or wetlands by dredge. relatively fine sediments. dredged material disposal Disposal of dredged flocculation A lumping together of suspended material on land, in the water or at sea. colloidal clay-sized material into a fluffy, slow- dredging Removal of earth from the bottom of a settling precipitate. Flocculation occurs in estuaries body of water, usually for the purpose of deepening where fresh and salt water are mixed. a navigational channel or obtaining bottom floodplain The area adjoining a stream, tidal materials. estuary or coast that is subject to regional flooding. A regional (100-year) flood is a standard statistical E calculation used by engineers to determine the probability of severe flooding. It represents the ecosystem The living and non-living components of largest flood which has a one-percent chance of the environment which interact or function together, occurring in any one year in an area as a result of including plant and animal organisms, the physical periods of higher than normal rainfall or stream- environment, and the energy systems in which they flows, extremely high tides, high winds, rapid snow- exist. All the components of an ecosystem are inter- melt, natural stream blockages, tsunamis, or related. combinations thereof. ebb current Movement of tidal current away from flow-lone The natural channel and the slopes adja- shore or downstream. cent to the natural channel, including the navigation ebb tide Low tide. channel. effluent A discharge of pollutants into the environ- flow-lane disposal Disposal of dredged material in ment. tLie flow lane, in a location where the prevailing ellutriate The water and dissolved substances that sediment transport is in a downstream direction. are contained between the grains in a sample of flushing time The length of time required to remove dredged material, after free water has been re- an introduced pollutant from a body of water moved from the material. through tidal or fresh water flow. energy regime The range and variability of tidal, food chain A linear sequence of predators and prey. current, wave and wind energy that impinges upon food web A model showing nutritional interrela- an area over a given period of time. High energy tionships of the organisms in a community and de- estuarine areas are characterized by coarse sedi- picting the web-like interconnections of numerous ments, sparse vegetation and lower biological pro- food chains; a road map of who eats whom; a ductivity. Low energy estuarine areas are charac- complex network of pathways by which energy terized by medium to fine-grained sediments, moves within a biotic community, from producers emergent vegetation and higher biological pro- through all the interconnecting trophic levels of ductivity. consumers. epifauna Aquatic animals living on the surface of bottom sediments. H erosion The removal of soil or sediments by wind or water. habitat The place where an organism lives; the estuary A body of water semi-enclosed by land, place occupied by an entire community, such as a connecting with the open ocean, and within which freshwater tidal marsh community. salt water is diluted by freshwater derived from the habitat creation To bring into existence at a parti- land. cular location a new aquatic or terrestrial habitat. Estuary Area The water and submerged lands of the habitat enhancement To raise the biological value Columbia River estuary and its tributary streams, the and desirability of a habitat or natural resource. associated tidelands, wetlands, shorelands and herbivore An organism that gets its nutrition by tributary watersheds within Pacific and Wahkiakurn eating green plant material; grazer; primary con- Counties in Washington and within Clatsop County sumer. in Oregon. historical resource Those districts, sites, buildings, eutrophic Nutrient-rich; characteristic of old or structures, and artifacts which have a relationship to polluted lakes, supporting high biological pro- events or conditions of the human past. (cf archaeo- duction. logical resources) Vill - 4 hopper dredge Sea-going dredge with storage overlay (as used in this Plan) A Development desig- capacity for dredged material aboard. Disposal 'is nation applied to an aquatic or shoreland area that usually at a distance from the dredging site. permits dredged material disposal. The basic desig- nation for the area defines all other permitted uses -and activities. infouna Aquatic animals living beneath the surface P of the bottom sediments. interticial The area between Mean Lower Low Water phytoplankton Planktonic plants (see algae) and Mean Higher High Water. pile dike A partial barrier to water flow, constructed invertebrates Animals that do not possess a of wooden piling, that is designed to direct river backbone. flow in a particular direction. They are commonly in-water disposal The disposal of dredged material erected perpendicular to the shore. in the estuary, river or ocean. pipeline dredge A suction dredge that pumps the dredged material to the disposal site by pipeline. L plankton Organisms that live in the water and whose horizontal movement is controlled by the land disposal Dumping dredged material on upland water; may be plants (phytoplankton), animals (zoo- areas or on shorelands behind a dike. plankton) or bacteria. limiting factors Ecosystem characteristics, such as polluted dredged material Dredged material con- availability of light, nutrients, food, habitat and taining toxic substances or excessive amounts of space which limit species diversity or abundance. organic matter. preserve To protect natural resources or habitat M from harm or destruction, usually by setting aside a particular area for limited use. marsh A low-lying wetland characterized by primary productivity The rate at which producers, emergent vegetation such as typha which is pre- such as marsh plants and microscopic phytoplank- dominantly herbaceous. (cf swamp.) ton, manufacture plant tissue from simple inorganic Mean High Water The average height of all high substances and sunlight. waters over a 19-year period. productive areas Those areas that are above aver- Mean Higher High Water The average height of the age in biological productivity at the primary, higher high waters over a 19-year period. secondary or higher levels in the food chain. Mean Low Water The average height of all low public access A means of physical approach to and waters over a 19-year period. along the shoreline available to the general public. Mean Lower Low Water The average height of the public gain The net gain from combined economic, lower low waters over a 19-year period. social, and environmental effects which accrue to mitigate To alleviate the negative impacts of a the public because of a use or activity and its subse- particular action. quent resulting effects. N R navigation channel The authorized channel(s), restore To revitalize or bring back to a former or maintained by the Corps of Engineers. original condition features which have been dimin- null zone The area in an estuary where bottom ished or lost by past alterations, activities, or catas- flood and ebb currents are nearly balanced; gener- trophic events. - ally an area of sedimentation. active restoration Use of specific positive reme- nutrients Inorganic substances such as nitrates, dial actions to bring about restoration. phosphates and carbon dioxide -used by plants to passive restoration Use of natural processes, se- produce organic matter during photosynthesis. quences or timing, or removal or reduction of ad- verse stresses. 0 riparian habitat The ecosystem pertaining to or stIry situated on the bank of a river or other body of water open space Land used for agricultural or fore (excluding the ocean). uses, and any other land area that would, if pre- riprap A layer, facing, or protective mound of served in its present use: conserve and. enhance stones randomly placed to prevent erosion, scour or natural or scenic resources; protect air or stream or sloughing of a structure of embankment; also, the water supply; promote conservation of soils, wet- L stone so used. In local usage, the similar use of -other lands, beaches or tidal marshes; and accomplish hard material, such as concrete rubble, is frequently other ends as set out in Oregon State-wide Planning Goal #5. included as riprap. over-channelization Diversion of flow from shallow areas into the main channel by dredging, pile dikes or other means to the degree that circulation is markedly decreased and sedimentation increased in the shallow areas. Vill - 5 S submerged lands Lands normally covered by water; lands below Mean Low Water (Oregon); Lands salinity intrusion The movement of salty ocean below Extreme Low Water (Washington). water into an estuary along the bottom. The water is submersible lands Lands between Mean Low Water then mixed vertically into the overlying, fresher river and Mean High Water (Oregon) or between Extreme water by the circulation in the estuary. Low Water, and Mean High Water (Washington). salinity regime The range and variability of salt sub-tidal Below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). content in estuarine waters over a given period of swamp A wetland characterized by predominantly time at a particular location. woody vegetation. (compare ... marsh.) salmonid A fish of the family salmoniclae; includes the salmons, trouts, chars, and whitef ishes. T salt marsh A marsh in which the water is salty or brackish, with salinity greater than fresh water but textural characteristics Surface properties, as the less than sea water, and containing halophytic size distribution, the mean size, the median size, the vegetation. sorting (standard deviation), and skewness (asym- secondary productivity The rate at which con- metry). sumers, such as zooplankton, fish and people manu- tidal marsh Emergent wetlands from the line of facture animal tissue (thus storing energy) through non-aquatic vegetation down to the end of vege- feeding on plants or other animals. tated flats, which is approximately the Lower High sediment The organic and inorganic particulate Water (LHW) level. materials that cover the bottom of the river and ticlegate A structure designed to allow drainage of estuary, including gravel, sand, silt and clay. diked areas while preventing their inundation by the sediment transport The movement of sediment tides. along the bottom (bed load) or suspended in the tidelands Submersible lands. water (suspended load) toxic substances Materials that interfere with shallow water port A port area with draft less than normal biological functions of one or more species; 22 feet. including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, shorelands The area adjacent to the estuary and its organics, and other substances. tributary streams and wetlands. The lower boundary turbidity The content of suspended particles in the of the shoreland is the line of non-aquatic vegeta- water. tion, or in cases where this cannot be defined, Mean Higher High Water. The upper boundary is the land- W ward extent of tidally influenced soils (those deposited by Columbia River water), or in the ab- water dependent A use or activity which can be sence of tidally influenced soils, 200 feet inland carried out only on, in, or adjacent to water areas from Mean Higher High Water or the line of non- because the use requires access to the water body aquatic vegetation. Shorolands extend upstream in for transportation, recreation, energy production, or estuary tributaries to tidewater. Exceptions to this source of water. definition may be defined during the planning water related Uses which are not directly de- process. pendent upon access to a water body, but which shoreline The boundary between shorelands and provide goods and services that are directly asso- water. Wetlands may extend shoreward of the ciated with water dependent uses, and which, if not shoreline. located adjacent to water, would result in public loss significant areas An area of more than local signi- of quality in the goods or services offered. ficance; so designated because it possesses import- waters The overlaying water and the submerged ant natural, scientific, historical, cultural and/or lands located below Extreme Low Water in a ticlally- archaeological resources. influenced body and below -6 feet relative to siltation Sedimentation; the clesposition of secli- Ordinary Low Water in non-tidal bodies. ment in an area. wetlands The overlying water and lands where tidal species diversity The number of different plant or water determines the nature of soil development animal species in a given area. and the types of plant and animal communities standing crop The number or weight (biomass) of living at the soil surface. Wetland soils retain suffi- individuals (plants or animals) present at any given cient moisture to support aquatic or semi-aquatic time in a given area; a measure of the balance be- plant life. In marine and estuarine areas, wetlands tween production, predation and decomposition; are bounded at the lower extreme by Extreme Low should not be confused with productivity. Water, in fresh-water areas, by the depth of 6 feet. stockpile The temporary storage of dredged mate- Lands below wetlands are submerged lands. The rial prior to its use for some definite purpose. shoreward boundary of wetland's is the line of non- aquatic vegetation, or in areas where this line can- not be defined, Mean Higher High Water. Vill - 6 APPENDIX B OREGON GOAL EXCEPTIONS 81. GOAL 16 EXCEPTION TO ALLOW'DREDGING FOR CERTAIN NON-WATER DEPENDENT USES 81.10 DESCRIPTION and making the entire drainage network of ditches The Estuarine Resources Goal #16 requires that and sloughs behind dikes disfunctional. Dredging dredging in estuaries be only for navigation or other shoal areas in front of ticlegates is needed to keep water dependent uses. The goal can be applied these drainage systems in good working order and except in three instances: protect life and property in areas served by dikes. � When clean sand fill material is needed for 81.30 ALTERNATIVES shoreland construction activities and no eco- nomically feasible alternative exists; Alternatives to dredging as a source of material � When the material is needed for dike main- for fill or dike maintenance are upland material or tenance and other sources are not economically dredged material from an authorized dredging feasible, damage is minimized, etc.; project at the time of dredging for clearing of � When the area in front of tide boxes or gates shoaled areas in front of ticlegates. Both alternative. has shoaled in preventing proper operation of sources of material for fill or dike maintenance are the ticlegate and the associated land drainage preferred alternatives to dredging for the material. network behind the dikes. In all cases, an applicant will have to show that All such dredging activities will be evaluated on a these alternative sources are not available or not case-by-case basis. economically feasible. Fill material must have an adequate load bearing 81.20 NEED capacity for buildings and other proposed structures. Coarse sand or gravel makes good fill for construc- 81.21 Clean fill material with good load bearing tion and is available at certain upland sources such capacity is needed to raise shoreland development as gravel pits and stockpiles of dredged material. areas above the 100 year flood level, thereby re- Clean sand dredged from the deep channel areas of ducing potential hazards to life and property. Much the river also makes excellent fill material for of the area designated for residential, commercial construction. This sandy material does not make for or industrial development in the CREST plan is in the productive agricultural land, however, because of a floodplain. In some cases, alternative sources of fill lack of organic material, nutrients and inability to material may be prohibitively expensive or not hold sufficient water to nourish vegetation. feasible because of site access limitations. Material to maintain dikes should normally be 81.22 Dikes protect approximately 20,000 acres of fine clay and silts which compact or stick together shoreland which otherwise would be inundated preventing erosion by tidal waters and rain. Sandy periodically by tidal and river waters. These dikes material, even when stabilized by vegetation and protect most of the farmland in the estuary area, rip-rap, tends to be more erodible. Sources of fine, much of which is zoned exclusive farm use (EFU), as compactable material for dike maintenance are well as certain areas of urban development in often available from upland sources, often at a more Warrenton, Miles Crossing and elsewhere. Construc- economically feasible cost and should be used. ted early in this century, nearly all of these dikes are However, dredging of fines from adjacent mud flats below Corps of Engineers standards. Many are in is sometimes the only feasible alternative, and is the need of maintenance and some are in total dis- proper consistency for dike maintenance. repair. Winter floods regularly overtop some dikes and sometimes ticlegates and areas of dikes have 81.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES been ripped out. Regular maintenance of dikes and 81.41 Fillfor Construct1*0n, the removal of coarse upgrading of certain areas is needed. Access to sandy material from channel or shoal areas of the dikes on the land side is sometimes poor and suit- river, has few adverse environmental effects. Few able fill material from upland sources is sometimes benthic dwellers inhabit areas of coarse sediments not available. because currents and sediment transport create an 81.23 The elevation of wetland areas in front of unstable environment. Consequently, few benthic ticlegates must be such that the ticlegate can operate organisms are disturbed, though a pipeline suction properly and the areas must have drainage channels dredge probably draws in some fish and inverte- away from the ticlegate. Shoaling sometimes creates brates. Since filling and overall shoaling in the bars, preventing the proper operation of ticlegates, estuary is occurring at an abnormally high rate, Vill - 7 removal of the less productive sandy sediments and tected from flood hazards. Where such fill is on depositing in shoreland areas may actually have a agricultural land, productivity will be lost. favorable impact in that this filling trend is retarded. 81.52 Maintenance. of dikes and ticlegate drainage Filling of low shoreland areas and subsequent de- will protect existing investments in agriculture and velopment may result in loss of agricultural land, urban development in low-lying areas. Exclusive wildlife habitat and have environmental impacts form use resource lands will be protected. Dredging attendant with urbanization. for this purpose will in some cases allow main- 81.42 Dike Maintenance dredging of shallow', often tenance to be economically feasible, where it would productive areas adjacent to dikes may have signi- not be otherwise. Flood control will be provided. ficant adverse environmental effects on aquatic life. Periodic dredging of certain of these areas will 81.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES destroy benthic dwellers such as amphipods and When dredging is more economically feasible for copepods. These areas are important to small fish dike maintenance or as a source of fill for construc- and juvenile salmon as feeding and resting areas. tion, the primary savings is likely to be in fuel costs Dredging may leave potholes where these fish could for truck or other transportation. Since fossil fuels are be stranded at low water (dredging standards mini- a non-renewable resource, energy use impact will mize this) and turbidity and release of toxics and be favorable. organics caused by dredging will spread the adverse effects away from the immediate dredged area. 81.70 COMPATIBILITY Temporary water quality degradation will occur and it will be difficult to control effluent from the mate- 81.71 Dredging from channel areas as a source of rial placed on dikes. Fringing tidal marshes, where fill material does not have a significant impact on present, will be disturbed by barge clam shell or other uses since it is temporary and has few envi- dragline dredging. Removal of sediment from ronmental impacts. Navigation may temporarily be shoaled areas will have the favorable impact of impaired. Placement of the dredged material on removing sediment from the river and its tributaries, specific shoreland areas may or'may not be com- which are shoaling at a more rapid rate than might patible with adjacent uses and must be evaluated naturally be expected. individually. 81.43 Tidegate Channels requiring dredging will 81.72 Dredging shallow, productive areas for dike usually be in areas of fine sediments. Impacts will maintenance and ticlegate drainage will be incom- be similar to those for dike maintenance above, patible with aquatic resource areas, often desig- though creation of an exit channel will ensure fish nated Conservation or Natural. The low frequency, standing is minimized. periodic nature of this dredging, however, does not create a serious problem in most areas. Dike main- 81.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES tenance and ticlegate drainage are not only com- patible, but essential for protection of agricultural 81.51 Shoreland development on fill material ob- and urban developed areas protected by dikes. tained from dredging (or other sources) will be pro- 82. GOAL 17 EXCEPTION TO ALLOW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT NORTH SIDE OF NW WARRENTON DRIVE (cf 42.02) 82.10 DESCRIPTION 82.20 NEED An 8-acre area on the north side of NW Warrenton 82.21 The city of Warrenton recognizes the need to Drive, in close proximity to the Columbia River will maintain the diverse environmental, economic,and be designated for single-family residential use. The social values of - the Columbia River shorelands. western boundary (NW 17t-h) of this parcel is about Adequate shoreland areas for water dependent 1500 feet to the east of the Warrenton/Hammond commercial and industrial uses should be reserved, city limit line and the eastern boundary (NW 16th) is but social values, such as the aesthetic and scenic about 1500 feet to the west of Tansy Point. In order to qualities of the waterfront, must be recognized and allow for non-water-dependent residential use, an protected as well. A blending -of land uses will exception is taken to the Goal #17 (coastal share- maintain and utilize the diverse values of these lands) requirement that shorelands in urban and or- coastal shorelands. ban 'izable areas especially suited for water 82.22 The proposed action would promote a diver- dependent use shall be protected for water de- sity of uses along the Columbia River waterfront and pendent recreational, .commercial and industrial prevent the monotony of continuous industrial de- uses. velopment along the entire Columbia shoreline from Hammond to Tansy Point. Vill - 8 82.23 There is not a need to reserve additional lands the city of Warrenton. The site could be developed to within the city for water dependent commercial or accommodate 15 to 25 single-family residences. industrial development. A sufficient amount of land 82.52 The action would not significantly affect the has been reserved for these uses. (cf 82.50) total amount of land within the city available for 82.24 The parcel provides a superb site for a small water dependent commercial and/or industrial use. scale residential development. The land is The involved property has an area of about eight composed of solid foundation soils with a sufficient acres with 560 feet of frontage on the Burlington elevation to allow development without filling. As Northern Railroad right-of-way, which adjoins the soon as construction is completed on a planned Columbia River. The city has taken action to reserve sanitary sewer line along NW Warrenton Drive, over 400 acres of land within the city for water complete municipal services will be available to the dependent commercial and industrial use. These site. Residences could utilize the property's scenic Water Dependent Development shorelands include riverfront view of the Columbia River. almost four miles of frontage adjoining deep draft 82.25 The combined qualities of this site make it channels along the Columbia and Skipanon Rivers. unique to the residential land stock within The city also has designated additional commercial Warrenton. Most residential land within the city is lands adjoining the Skipanon River within a tourist flat, low land with natural development limitations, co.mmercial zone with the intent of encouraging a such as high-surface water levels, weak foundation mixture of water dependent and water oriented soils, or locations within designated flood plain commercial uses. Through these actions, the city has areas. The limited stable dune ridges near the city reserved ample land for potential water dependent center have been extensively developed. uses. 82.26 The pro .perty would add flexibility to the local 82.53 The proposed residential use would not housing by providing residential sites suitable for restrict industrial development to the east at Tansy higher quality dwellings. Point. A proposed waterfront park site adjoining the involved property to the east will form the western 82.30 ALTERNATIVES boundary for any future Tansy Point industrial de- velopment. The involved residential site is separated- 82.31 There are other lands along the Columbia by a park from the industrial site to the east. The city riverfront to the immediate east and west that have has designated more than 30 acres to the south of similar characteristics to the involved parcel. Both of NW 14th, which can be combined with approximate- these alternative sites would also require a goal ly 20 acres to the north to create a 50-plus-acre exception to allow non-water-dependent use. The contiguous industrial tract at Tansy Point with access land to the west has been reserved for marine in- to the Columbia River channel. dustrial uses due in part to the existence of func- 82.54 The proposed designation will provide for a tioning industrial uses. The property to the east has refreshing mixture of residential, park and water been reserved for water dependent uses to allow for oriented industrial uses along Warrenton's Columbia a waterfront park and for future development at River waterfront. This mixture would represent the Tansy Point. only non-industrial use along Warrenton's extensive 82.32 There are no other potential residential sites Columbia River, Youngs Bay and Lewis & Clark River within the city with the combined scenic attraction, waterfront areas. soil-bearing capacity and public facility character- istics that are found at the involved site. Some dune 82.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES ridge areas to the west of the present city center Since the involved site is served by existing, would provide solid foundation soils and an attrac- municipal streets and water lines, and will soon tive residential setting for these would be sensitive have access to the sanitary sewer system, devel- to disturbances in vegetative cover and would have opment would be timely and would require no limited access to developed public facility systems. major public facility extensions. Potential develop- 82.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ment would-be more energy-eff icient than other de- velopments which would require facility extensions. 82.41 The action would result in minimal environ- mental impact. The involved land is not an envi- 82.70 COMPATIBILITY ronmentally sensitive area, but is a relatively high, 82.71 The proposed residential usage would be level, well-drained site, covered with scattered compatible with the existing pattern of development underbrush and trees. to the immediate west@ This area has been devel- 82.42 The potential for future adverse environ- oped with a mixture of single-family residential mental impacts from development on the site would dwellings interspersed with a low profile industrial be greater for an industrial use than for a residential machine shop use. use. 82.72 The proposed residential usage would blend 82.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES in well with the anticipated waterfront park to the immediate east. The park would provide a natural 82.51 The action would make an additional eight buffer between any future development at Tansy acres available for residential development within Point and the involved residential area. Vill - 9 83. GOALS 16 AND 17 EXCEPTIONS TO ALLOW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SKIPANON RIVER WEST BANK (cf 42.06) 83.10 DESCRIPTION 83.30 ALTERNATIVES A 7.8-acre area on the west side of the west pen- 83.31 Port of Astoria docks (Smith Point) - Currently insula of the Skipanon River will be designated De- logs and lumber from Warrenton Lumber mill are velopment Aquatic to allow for future water de- transported to the Port of Astoria docks for shipment. pendent uses. The area is being considered by the The availability and usefulness of the port facility Warrenton Lumber Company as a back-up site which will be diminished or curtailed in the future because would be utilized if the company constructs a deep of siltation of the pier slips, anticipated demand on draft docking facility along the west bank of the these facilities, and changes in competitive patterns Skipanon. An exception is taken to the Goal #16 confronted by log and lumber producers. (Estuarine Resources) requirement that major salt 83.32 Tongue Point - The existing facilities at marshes and tidal flats be designated Natural and Tongue Point provide a sheltered docking area to the Goal #17 (Coastal Shorelands) requirement which has been used for limited log storage pur- that major marshes and significant wildlife habitat poses. However, a combination of factors severely areas be protected in accordance with their natural restrict the potential of this site as a log and lumber values. shipment facility. the Port of Astoria is presently at- tempting to acquire a large portion of this site for the 83.20 NEED expressed purpose of developing a container 83.21 The Beeman Report (December 1978) states handling facility. The port acquisition attempts have that 20 acres of back-up land is the minimum neces- been complicated by state and federal ownership sary for the support of a log loading dock facility. In conflicts. Further, extensive dredging would be re- order to provide a 20-acre back-up site (with rough quired to provide a channel depth which would be dimensions of 480' x 1500') alteration of the involved adequate to accommodate log handling vessels. 7.8 acres would be required. Additional negative factors which must be consider- ed are the distance increases both for ships from the 83.22 A loading facility at the mill site would result Pacific Ocean and for trucks from the Warrenton mill in considerable cost savings to the company. site. Use of the Tongue Point facility would require $3.23 The Warrenton Lumber Company is the largest truck transport of logs and lumber through the employer in the city of Warrenton. commercial center of Astoria, 83.24 While other parts of Oregon will have de- 83.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES clining timber production, the northwest coast area 83.41 There will be a loss of primary marsh cletrital will have as much as a 22% increase over present export from approximately 4.2 acres of marsh below production by the year 2000 AD (Beuter Report of mean high water and 3.6 acres above mean high 1976) and additional shipping facilities are needed. water, a total of 7.8 acres out of the 75 acres of to handle the increase. marsh in Alder Cove and 11,457 acres of marsh in 83.25 There would be less congestion in the City of the Columbia River estuary. Warrenton from log and lumber trucks which pre- 83.42 There will be some undetermined impact on sently haul to the Port of Astoria, less need for water- roduction on several species of plankton and log loading and storage, and fewer delays on the p Youngs Bay Bridge from the proposed dock and benthic invertebrates in Alder Cove as well as some back-up foci I ity. effect on salmon smolt, white and green sturgeon, 83.26 CREST regional policies 21.20 and 23. 10 are juvenile starry flounder, anchovy and herring. met by the proposal. 83.43 Some wildlife habitat will be lost through loss 83.27 The Columbia River estuary, including the of cover for feeding shoreland birds and water fowl. Skipanon River, is classified as "deep draft devel- 83.44 There will be a need to dispose of dredge opment." Portions of LCDC Goal #16, requiring des- spoil from the basin (75,000 c.y. annually) and from ignation of certain areas for development and the the Skipanon channel maintenance. second priority of use encouraging water dependent 83.45 Less water-log loading and transportation will uses in estuaries so classified, are met. The fill result in better water quality. would be for a water dependent use. The portion of 83.46 The air and noise pollution levels associated LCDC Goal #17, dealing with the requirement that with the diesel truck transport of logs and lumber shorelands within urban areas especially suited for from the mill to port docks would be lessened if the water dependent industrial and commercial uses be materials were shipped direct from the mill site. protected, is met. 0 Vill - 10 83.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES $3.59 Additional water dependent industrial devel- opment along the west bank of the Skipanon would 83.51 Twenty acres of back-up land will be provided allow' for a greater use of the Skipanon River water- for future water dependent industrial use. way. In past years, the city has expended significant $3.52 .A Skipanon River loading facility would result. funds to improve and upgrade this waterway. In- in a cost saving to the Warrenton Lumber Company. directly, the involved use would represent a con- On the basis of figures provided in the Beeman Re- tinuation of the city's past commitment to the de- port on port facilities, an income potential of $1.24 velopment of the Skipanon waterway. million as projected against an annual cost Of $900,000 yields a net economic benefit of $360,000 83.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES from construction of facility under present prices and 83.61 "Bringing the ship to the origin point of the costs. cargo is the most energy-efficient solution." (Bee- 83.53 The present economic advantages of the man Report, page 24). facility will increase. 83.62 There would be a reduction of truck hauls 83.54 The west bank development site is a unique from the mill site to the present Port of Astoria resource and one of very few potential deep draft loading area. port sites along the Columbia. This site, along with other potential sites, represents unrealized resources 83.70 COMPATIBILITY for Warrenton's economy, as well as that of the state 83.71 The proposed designation would be compat- and nation. ible with the existing mill site operations to the 83.55 The employment multiplier of 1.8788 south, the deep draft Skipanon River channel and (OCC&DC, Economic Survey of the Coastal Zone, Nov' the proposed marine industrial development on the 1974, p. J-5) and the fact that $1.00 spent in lumber east bank of the Skipanon. production yields $1.2599 in direct and indirect 83.72 Post fill improvement techniques, such as the effects on the economy (CREST Inventory, June 1977, planting of natural vegetation along the western p. 404-17), mean a significant impact on the econo- edge of the back-up area, will enhance the com- my of the city if the mill and auxiliary operations are patibility of future uses with the adjoining marsh to not maintained as a viable economic entity. the west. 83.56 There will be a need to maintain the Skipanon 83.73 The buffer requirements of the conservation Channel at a 30-foot depth. area between Alder Cove and the development 83.57 It is not economically feasible to locate the area will aid compatibility. back-up area elsewhere because double handling 83.74 There will be a minimum loss of estuarine of logs and lumber would be required. habitat (7.8 acres) compared with the 75-acre area 83.58 The Warrenton Lumber Company site will be of Alder Cove marsh and the 11,457 acres of major maintained in a'competitive position, thus avoiding tidal marsh in the Columbia River estuary. the phasing out of the mill and possible loss of 135 83.75 The back-up area will have little effect on mill jobs as well as 62 woods jobs. There would be circulation and flushing in Alder Cove because the an increased activity from the dock facility. fill is relatively small compared to the side of the cove and is above MLLW. 84. GOAL 16 EXCEPTION TO ALLOW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SKIPANON EAST BANK ALONG YOUNGS BAY (cf 42.06) 84.10 DESCRIPTION 84.20 NEED A 77 acre acre in the vicinity of the eastern penin- 84.21 A Development Aquatic designation is re- sula of the Skipanon River is designated Develop- quired for the development of a steel structure fabri- ment Aquatic. This area includes 36 acres of transi- cation yard which would construct offshore oil and tion marsh, 11 acres of cattail bulrush, and 30 acres gas production platforms. Such a fabrication yard of intertidal sand-mud flats. To allow a Development has been proposed by Pacific Fabricators, Inc. The Aquatic designation, an exception is being taken to Oregon Division of State Lands is ready to issue a the state estuarine resources goal requirement that removal/fill permit upon submission of an adequate major tracts of salt marshes and tide flats be desig-. mitigation plan. noted Natural. Vill - i I 84.22 The proposed fabrication yard requires altera- Astoria, docks, Astoria), Tongue Point (near Astoria), tions in aquatic areas for: construction of a graving and an area east of Driscoll Slough (near Westport). dock for fabrication of large, extremely heavy plat- All six of these sites should probably be consider- forms; providing adequate navigational access to ed scarce resources and reserved primarily for water the graving dock; construction of skidways for fabri- dependent uses. Each can satisfy some of the re- cation of smaller platforms; building dikes and bulk- gion's waterfront industrial needs because each has heads; and undertaking other development asso- unique advantages. The Skipanon River's eastern ciated with the facility. peninsula is more suitable than: -the western peninsula or Smith Point for new 84.23 The Skipanon River's eastern peninsula is one industries requiring large acreages; of only six sites in the lower 50 miles of the Colum- -Tansy Point for water dependent uses that rely bia River having significant potential for deeper substantially on intercity truck or railroad trans- draft navigational access. If not used for the pro- portation or uses that need waterfront locations posed fabrication yard, the peninsula would be protected from strong currents; highly desirable for wood processing, fish process- -Tongue Point for industries utilizing extra deep ing, and a variety of other water dependent uses. draft ships; and Many of these uses would also require some altera- -the area east of Driscoll Slough for water de- tions in nearby aquatic areas. pendent uses needing a wide range of urban 84.24 Use of the eastern peninsula for water de- services or close proximity to a large supply of pendent development is consistent with the deep housing for employees. draft development estuary designation given to the 84.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Columbia River estuary by the state, the state coastal shorelands goal requirement that shorelands ir, 84.41 Transition Marsh - This 36 acre area is 8'- 13' urban areas suitable for water dependent uses are above MLLW, dominated by common rush and grass- protected for such uses, and Columbia River Estuary es, and used by domestic cattle. Wildlife value is Study Taskforce (CREST) regional policies. The state low to moderate, some plant material is exported to estuarine resources goal indicates that aquatic de- the estuary by occasional higher tides, and the area velopment areas need to be designated in deep provides a buffer area between more intensively de- draft development estuaries in order to provide for veloped upland and lower tidal marshes and flats. navigation and water dependent uses. Filling will totally alter this area and remove it from 84.25 Advantages of the eastern peninsula for water the aquatic system. Natural habitat value and dependent industrial uses include the relatively productivity, while low, will be completely lost. short distance to the mouth of the Columbia River, 84.42 Cattail - Bulrush Marsh - This 10 acre area is in close proximity to the Columbia River Channel, the 5'-10' above MLLW elevation range, is well extensive frontage along' the Skipanon Channel, flushed by daily tides, is dominated by cattail, bul- direct access to the Burlington Northern Railroad, rush and sedges, and has high wildlife value and good access to U.S. Highway 101 via another arterial use for feeding, resting and nesting. Fish usage street (East Harbor Drive), large size of the indus- (feeding, migration route, spawning) along the trially zoned area, soils with few development limi- edge of the marsh fronting the water is likely high at tations on the northern portion of property, fairly high tide, based on beach seining of adjacent tidal level topography, consolidated land ownership flats. Juvenile salmon, shiner perch and surf smelt pattern, and the undeveloped nature of most of the are abundant. Vegetation production is moderate to property. high. Bulrush produce 609 grams per square meter per year of dry matter with 80% export and sedge, 84.30 ALTERNATIVES 1746 grams per square meter per year with 100% 84.31 Steel structure fabrication yard alternative export in similar Neholern marshes. The marsh also sites were discussed in the draft environmental provides an erosion buffer for upland and assists in impact statement for the Pacific Fabricators, Inc. maintenance of good water quality by removing facility. Only one site-the Skipanon River's eastern excess nutrients from water. Development could peninsula-met all the site selection criteria. Other completely alter this area, removing it from the locations considered were Anacortes, Washington; aquatic ecosystem. Productivity, habitat value and Everett, Washington; Port Angeles, Washington; other ecosystem benefits could be lost. Loss of feed- ing area for juvenile salmon would have economic Grays Harbor, Washington; Port Townsend, Wash- as well as ecological significance, but there is not ingion; and Coos Bay, Oregon. Among the problems enough data to assess this with any degree of @on- found for one or more of the locations were: in- ficlence. sufficient acreage,.a need for excessive amounts of fill, and the long term nature of an existing lease. 84.43 Sand-mudflat along Youngs Bay - This 30 acre 84.32 Other water dependent uses requi .ri.:ng deep area is in the + 10' to MLLW elevation range, over- draft naidgational access could also use this site. The lying waters are low salinity (0-5 parts per thou- sand), flushing is excellent, sediments fine sand, Skipanon River's eastern peninsula is one of only six benthic productivity moderate to low, epi .benthic sites in the lower 50 miles of the Columbia River with populations high (mysids, shrimp) and the area is a significant potential for deep draft navigational relatively high energy zone. The area provides access. The other five sites are: the Skipanon River's habitat for bottom dwellers and many species of western peninsula, Tansy Point, Smith Point (Port of V111 - 12 fish (notably juvenile salmon) relatively sheltered 84.52. Water Dependent Uses Requiring Deep Draft fish nursery area (though not as important as most Nawkation A ccess other more sheltered areas of Youngs Bay), and a & Use of the site for these water dependent uses shallow area migration route along Youngs Bay and will generate considerable economic returns for Columbia River for juvenile salmon. other sectors of the economy. Development may interrupt the shallow fish 0 The assessed valuation of property in the area migration route and divert small fish into deeper will be substantially increased. water as they head down stream. Any dredging 0 New or expanded community facilities and ser- north of the site will compound this impact. Feeding vices will be needed and housing prices may and nursery functions may be lost or degraded. increase. Sediment dwelling organisms may lose habitat 0 Fewer high school graduates and other resi- while mobile organisms (fish, epibenthos) could be dents will need to leave the area to find work. displaced. * A wider variety of goods and services will be Physical alterations may cause shoaling of areas available to area residents. adjacent to the site, with possible additional loss of * The rural character of the area will be diminish- sand-mudflat to invading marsh plants. Use of area ed. for shorebirds, waders and waterfowl will be nulli- 0 There will probably be a need to maintain the fied for the most part by alteration of the shallow Skipanon Channel at greater depths. areas. These animals will be displaced to other locations. 84.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES 84.44 Dredged Material Disposal - There will be a 84.61 Construction of offshore oil and gas pro- need to dispose of dredged material from alterations duction platforms will help the United States achieve ,near the end of the peninsula, in Youngs Bay,.and in energy self-sufficiency. the Skipanon River-including Skipanon Channel 84.62 The property's proximity to the mouth of the maintenance. (Potential disposal sites have been Columbia River will reduce energy use for certain located. cf 57.50) types of shipping activities. 84.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES 84.63 The location of the site near the population center of the area will reduce energy consumption 84.51 Steel Structure Fabrication Yard by workers. 0The facility will have an operational labor force 84.64 Local energy use will be increased some by of approximately 1,030 of which about 75 per- traffic congestion resulting from industrial use of the cent or 773 employees are expected to be in- property. migrants*. 0Expenditures resulting from plant activities will 84.70 COMPATIBILITY WITH NEARBY USES stimulate the hiring of about 824 workers by other sectors of the area's economy of which 84.71 Alterations permitted in the area for which an about 60 percent or 494 are expected to be in- exception is being taken, as indicated by the sub- migrants*. area policies, must be carried out in a manner which 0The area's population will increase by approxi- minimizes adverse environmental impacts on pro- mately 3,459 of which almost 35 percent or ductive tidal marshes, mud-sand flats, wildlife, fish- approximately 1,210 people are expected to eries, and other important natural resources, and live in Warrenton*. complies with restrictive zoning ordinance stand- sThe plant will have an annual payroll of at least ards. $17 million, spend about $3.5 million annually in the area for materials and supplies, and have 84.72 Aqautic areas to the north are associated with an assessed value which may amount to $100 the Columbia River Channel and are classified De- million. velopment Aquatic. 0There will be greater diversity in the area's 84.73 Aquatic areas to the west are associated with economy, high seasonal unemployment rates the Skipanon Channel and are classified Develop- will decrease, and per capita earnings will in- ment Aquatic. crease. 84.74 Nearby portions of the Skipanon River's Temporary increases will result from the hiring of workers to eastern peninsula are Water Dependent Develop- construct the fabrication yard. ment Shorelands and are included in the marine in- clustrial district. Vill - 13 85. GOAL 16 EXCEPTION TO ALLOW DIKE REALIGNMENT AIRPORT (cf 42.08) 85-10 DESCRIPTION could not be feasibly placed to the north of this runway due to interference of railroad tracks and the An area to the immediate east of runway 25 will ILS could not be shifted to the south along this be designated Development Aquatic to allow for the runway without closure of the airport's other two relocation of a flood control dike along Youngs Bay. runways. The dike relocation project will remova approxi- mately eight acres of forested tidal swamp. An ex- 85.33 The "no ILS improvement" option would result ception is taken to Goal #16 of Estuarine Resources to in continued restrictive use of the Clatsop County permit the filling of an estuarine area for the accom- Airport. Without the ILS improvements, the Coast modation of a non-water-depenclent use. Guard would not be allowed to pursue its plans to locate the HU-25 jet aircraft at the Astoria air base. 85.20 NEED This option would also limit future general and commercial aviation use of the airport. 85.21 The dike relocation is one element in an im- provement project which will provide an Instrument 85.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Landing System (ILS) for the Clatsop County Airport. 85.41 The Developm&nt Aquatic designation is in- 85.22 The need for this airport improvement project tended to accommodate the relocation of 1000 feet is identified in the preliminary Clatsop County Air- of flood control diking and the associated filling of port master plan prepared by Parametrix, Inc. for the eight acres of forested tidal swamp. Port of Astoria. 85.42 The forested tidal swamp area loss will reduce 85.23 An ILS system provides electronic guidance to the total estuarine area which contributes detrital an aircraft with sufficient accuracy to allow the air- export to the estuary. The cletrital material is part of craft to make a precision approach to a runway in the food supply for the lower members of the food extreme weather conditions. The ILS is composed of web. A minor decrease of food particulate to the a sophisticated electronic guidance system and a benthic invertebrates could result, which may affect series of guidance approach lights. The dike reloca- the resident and transitory fish by altering the food tion is required to insure proper functioning of the ecosystem butshould not be significant. electronic guidance system and to provide an in- creased primary surface area for safety. 85.43 The forested tidal swamp also provides food and shelter for many aquatic and terrestrial species 85.24 Provision of the ILS will allow for all-weather of wildlife. Species affected by the area loss could use of the airport. This is required by the U.S. Coast include aquatic furbea-rers, waterfowl and Guard for the landing of their HU-25 jet aircraft numerous other species of birds. which will be used for monitoring fishing activities and possible oil discharges within the 200-mile limit. 85.44 The ILS improvements, of which the dike Instrument landings for general and commercial modification is an element, would lead to increased aviation will be facilitated. air traffic activity at the airport which, in turn, would create indirect noise impact upon the city of Warren- 85.30 ALTERNATIVES ton and surrounding areas. Wildlife use of the area would also be adversely affected by the increased 85.31 Two options were considered in the airport noise. master plan involving the placement of the ILS on 85.45 The dike relocation activity would most likely Runway 7-25. involve a single-action environmental alteration. � Placement of the ILS improvements along Run- Once this relocation is completed, only normal way 7-25 at a distance of 714 feet to the east maintenance activities are anticipated. was judged to have a greater environmental impact because it would have required a 85.46 The chosen scheme for the installation of the greater amount of dike relocation work and ILS improvements will have lesser environmental would have eliminated 28 acres of forested impact than other alternatives. tidal swamp. � Placement of the ILS improvements along Run- 85.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES way 7-25 at a distance of 586 feet to the west would require a 600-foot extension the west 85.51 Without acceptance of the 8-acre fi I I, the Port end of the existing runway, which would inter- of Astoria would be unable to complete the ILS im- fere with an exiiiing slough system. The runway provements proposed in the Parametrix master plan, extension would displace 22 acres of pasture and the airport would be unable to handle the Coast land and create associated habitat losses. Guard HU-25 jets. The local economy would not realize the potential positive employment and 85.32 The master plan reviewed the option of economic spin-off that would result from the in- placing the ILS on Runway 13-31. This option was creased activity at the Coast Guard air base. Future rejected because the ILS lighting improvements prospects for the continued use of the air base as a Vill - 14 helicopter base could be endangered if the airport 85.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES were unable to accommodate the HU-25 jets. The 85.61 One of the factors which was considered by existing helicopter air station operates with a crew the Coast Guard in its selection of the Clatsop County of 21 officers and 95 enlisted personnel. Airport as a potential HU-25 jet base was its central 85.52 The proposed ILS improvements, including the location along the Pacific Ocean coastline. The loca- dike relocation and associated fill, would provide tion provides for timely dispatching of aircraft and for a more intensive utilization of an existing trans- also results in substantial fuel savings as compared portation facility. The existing airport facilities to inland airports or airports located on the extreme should be viewed as a public asset with a potential north or south coast. for expansion in areas such as commercial and 85.62 The chosen ILS improvement option is the passenger service. Minor improvements, such as the most adaptable alternative to the existing airport installation of an ILS, could open the door for greater facilities. It will not require energy consumptive use of the airport. Airport improvements could also improvements such as runway extension paving. lead to increased development of airport-related industries at the Port of Astoria's industrial park. 85.70 COMPATIBILITY 85.53 The potential socio-economic benefits which 85.71 There are no other intensive uses in the im- could result from improvements at the Clatsop mediate vicinity of the proposed dike relocation. The County airport would affect the City of Warrenton, area adjoins Youngs Bay to the north and the Lewis the City of Astoria, the County of Clatsop and the and Clark River to the east. Land areas to the south entire North Oregon coastal region. The airport is the and west are devoted to airport open space. only facility of its size and potential on the north coast. Its location, in close proximity to the popula- 85.72, There are indirect use impacts which can be tion centers of the area, would allow for maximum tied to increased air traffic use of the airport. In- private and public use. A national interest is also in- creased air traffic will result in proportional volved, since the proposed improvement work increases in noise levels, airway congestion and would directly accommodate the federal enforce- accident potential. ment of the 200-mile fishing zone. 85.73 Controls on dike relocation and filling methods could be utilized to reduce environmental impacts. Techniques such as vegetative replanting or buffering could be used tolminimize impacts upon adjoining wildlife habitat areas. 86. GOAL 16 EXCEPTION TO ALLOW PORT EXPANSION WEST OF PORT OF ASTORIA PIER 3 (cf 42.13) 86.10 DESCRIPTION provide a working area adjacent to the proposed pier. An additional twenty six acres of vacant land Approximately 2 acres of interticlal sand flat west (eleven acres are a paved cargo storage yard) exist of the Port of Astoria Pier 3 is designated Develop- west of Pier 3; approximately eleven more acres of ment Aquatic to allow for port expansion. This area port land might be available as backup area for Pier is part of,'the productive sand-mud flats of Youngs A; and a total of approximately fifty-two acres, Bay. An exception to allow this designation is being including Pier 4, could be made available for new taken to the Estuarine Resources Goal 16 require-, shipping activities. ment that major tidal flats be designated Natural. 86.22 With the potential for two berths and about 86.20 NEED fifty acres of backup land, the existing port area has the potential to attract a small scale container cargo 86.21 Thirteen acres of subticlal area north to the or bulk operation. This diversification is essential to pierhead line have been designated Development maintain the economic viability of the Port of As- Aquatic in addition to the two acres of this excep- toria. Log exports, the current mainstay of port tion. This area slopes rapidly to depths of thirty to income, are likely to phase out in the near future. thirt@-five feet at the pierhead line and is the loca- Many port and longshore jobs would be lost if log tion of a proposed Pier 4. The adjacent deep water exports cease and diversification has not occurred. out to the ship channel is also Development Aquatic to provide for pier access and westward expansion 86.23 The exact requirements of a new shipping of the existing turning basin. facility west of Pier 3 are difficult to determine. The The two acres of tidal flats need to be Develop- size and location of the proposed Pier 4, the engi- ment to provide for an adequate connection be- neering requirements for pier access, and the cargo tween Pier 4 and the land. These two acres, com- storage needs will all contribute to the design deci- bined with the thirteen acre area to the north, will sion, which will be made through the federal and V111 - 15 state permit processes. The Development Aquatic quired for Columbia River access and land trans- designation of the two acre tidal flat and adjacent portation must pass through Astoria and over Youngs subticlal area provides needed flexibility for de- Bay. signing the port facility while protecting the large 86.34 Tongue Point has more backup land, existing sand-mud flats to the west. (though antiquated) port facilities, protection from 86.24 According to the Lower Columbia River Ports wind and waves, and good land transportation to Region Study (Oregon Department of Transportation, the east. However, Tongue Point is further from the 1975), the existing port facility in Astoria and the river mouth (RM 18), property ownership remains an area west of Pier 3 is one of only six sites in the issue, shallow water will require extensive dredging lower fifty miles of the Columbia River which has and filling (some in productive interticlal and sub- potential for water dependent development with tidal areas), proximity to the Lewis and Clark Na- deep-draft navigational access. tional Wildlife Refuge may cause development to 86.25 Advantages of this site include: interfere with existing wildlife use, and recreational � Immediate access to the deep draft ship chan- fishing of the area may be reduced. nel; 86.35 Westport has more land (225 acres), excellent � Close proximity to the river mouth (RM 12); rail and highway access, and is closer to market � Existing port facilities to support new develop- areas and north-south transportation routes. How- ment; ever, Westport is further from the river mouth (RM � Some available backup land, 11 acres of which 43), development may require filling of freshwater are newly paved cargo storage yard; wetlands, private owners have other plans for the � Access to railroad, US Highway 101 to the south, site (paper mill expansion and lumber mill), and the and US Highway 30 to the east. potential for adverse impacts on the white-tailed 86.26 Disadvantages of the site include: deer population is unclear. � Potential for minor impact on adjacent natural 86.36 Other upriver sites include Port Westward, resources and possible interference with migra- Longview, Rainier, St. Helens, Vancouver, and Port- tion routes and feeding area for downstream land. Actual site availability is not considered in this migrant salmon; plan. In general these areas offer well-developed � Development is limited by the size of the back- transportation and proximity to major distribution up area; centers. However, their great distance from the river � Development which increases rail or truck traf- mouth would place future constraints on either the fic will worsen the already serious traffic con- river channel or the size of skips, and increased river gestion in downtown Astoria; activity over a greater distance increases the risk of � The potential for shoaling problems at the pro- oil spills and collisions. posed Pier 4 is great, particularly if present pat- terns are disrupted by fi I I. However, certain de- 86.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES signs might lessen shoaling at the existing pier 86.41 The whole CREST planning area contains slips. Costly hydraulic studies of alternative 42,564 acres of wetlands, of which 31,500 are sand designs may be needed. or mud flats and 11,000 are tidal marsh. The 680 86.30 ALTERNATIVES acres of this wetland area which are designated De- velopment Aquatic are 1.6% of the total wetlands 86.31 Expansion to the proposed 80 acre area west of and the 2 acres for which this exception is written Pier 3 area would increase the development po- are about 0.0005% of the area's wetlands. From a tenticil for the existing port facility and would resolve regional perspective, the impacts of development at (by using as construction fill) the dredged material this site appear small. The impact on fisheries would disposal problems in the port slips. However, addi- be higher than this simple proportionate loss of tional wetlands and productive tidal flats would be wetlands. taken out of aquatic productivity, with significant 86.42 Based on studies undertaken by the Port of impacts on juvenile salmon and other fishes; a larger facility would increase traffic congestion in Astoria in connection with their earlier proposal to the port area and downtown *Astoria; and the altera- fill 80 acres west of Pier 3, the 2 acre development tions could cause major shoaling problems in area is highly productive for the amphipod Coro- Youngs Bay. phium and other bottom dwellers. Corophium is a primary food item for downstream migrant juvenile 86.32 Tansy Point (cf 82.) is closer to the river mouth salmon, which have been collected in large num- (RM 9), less dredging may be required, and little or bers near the site. Filling or other alterations would no fill \Would be needed. However, a deed restric- remove a small portion of this important fish feeding tion prevents all but residential use on a portion of area from aquatic production. the site and land transportation must pass through 86.43 Filling or other alteration.of areas west of Pier both Astoria and Warrenton, as well as over Y .oungs 3 may cause shoaling or erosion in other areas be- Bay- cause of changed hydraulic conditions. The effect on 86.33 East Bank of the Skipanon is closer to the river sand transport from Youngs Bay around Smith Point mouth (RM 1 1),and has more available land (200 may create shoaling at the proposed Pier 4 site. acres) but extensive dredging or filling might be re- Dredging may alsocause unforeseen shoaling or Vill - 16 erosion. Changes of habitat type caused by shoo - ling worsened and rail traffic through Astoria would be or erosion may increase or decrease productivity increased. and the potential effects will require careful eval- 86.55 Recreation and public access will be either un- uation. affected or improved. Existing access to the site is 86." Impacts on air and water quality are expected poor and recreational use is low. There are no rec- to be small and difficult to measure. The effects are reational clam beds in the area. With proper design largely dependent on the type of facility developed. (as in the Astoria People Place Plan), public access 86.45 Adverse impacts on wildlife are expected to could be provided for observation of port opera- be minimal. The 2 acre wetland is used by shore- tions. birds, wading birds, and gulls, but the small area 86.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES involved will not greatly affect wildlife use. In- creased activity and noise on the site, once devel- The site's proximity to the mouth of the Columbia oped, may displace species sensitive to human ac- River will reduce energy use for certain upriver tivity. shipping. Ship turn-around time will be reduced. Development at this site will make maximum use of 86.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES existing facilities, thus reducing energy consumption associated with construction. 86.51 Economics and employment will be improved. A new port facility on this site will create new port 86.70 COMPATIBILITY WITH NEARBY USES and longshore jobs in the Astoria area. For every 86.71 Location of a new port facility at this site direct job created, at least one service job will be would be highly compatible with existing port created. The Port of Astoria will become more operations to the immediate east. Noise impacts economically viable and increased income will might create some problems for residents of nearby allow improvement of other facilities, including boat homes overlooking Smith Point. Transportation basins. Development on this site will provide a problems through the city create an additional in- return on the one million dollar investment in the compatibility. To the north, the turning basin and eleven acre cargo storage yard west of Pier 3. The main ship channel are compatible with new port Port will become less reliant on the shaky log-export operations. The proposed limited development west market. Development of this site also ties in well of Pier 3 would be incompatible with maintaining with the approved six hundred foot Pier 4 proposal. the natural resources of Youngs Bay. However, a Only a proportion of these favorable impacts can be Conservation Aquatic buffer zone is provided in the ascribed to the exception area. Land and Water Use Plan. 86.52 Housing and public facilities can accommo- 86.72 Any alterations carried out in the exception date this growth. The City of Astoria Comprehensive area must conform with the city comprehensive plan Plan makes provision for -the new demand on policies and zoning ordinance standards, and state housing and public facilities that would be caused and federal regulations. Review of any by this development. development proposal against these criteria during 86.53 Historical and archaeological sites will not be the permit process will ensure that adverse conse- affected: none have been identified in the area. quences are minimized. Before any alterations could occur, an impact assessment would be re- 86.54 Transportation impacts will be negative in quired. that congestion in downtown Astoria would be 87. GOAL. 16 EXCEPTION TO ALLOW PORT DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN PORTION OF TONGUE POINT (cf 42.16) 87.10 DESCRIPTION 87 .20 NEED A 180 acre area south of the existing piers at 87.21 This area, along with the nothern porti 0n of Tongue Point and west of the MARAD Basin Is desig- Tongue Point, can provide a total of 415 acres of noted Development Aquatic. This area consists of land area to be used in conjunction with deep-draft 100 acres of tidal marsh and 80 acres of mud flats. To port.activities. The primary use of the land created allow an aquatic clevelopment designation, an would be for a container storage and handling yard exception is being taken to the Estuarine' Resources used as part of the "land bridge" concept of cargo Goal requirement that major tracts of salt marsh and movement. The idea of d land bridge is to provide a tide flats be designated for inclusion in natural link between Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf ports by rail. management'units. Ocean going cargo would be shipped to and from the East, West or Gulf Coast, transported by rail to another seaboard, and then loaded onto ships for transport to its final destination. This concept is Vill - 17 becoming more attractive economically because Astoria and over Youngs Bay; greater exposure ships being currently designed will be wider than during adverse weather, wave and tital current the 104 foot Panama Canal limit. The large volumes conditions; no barge or ship la@-up in close proxim- of cargo movement will necessitate adequate sized ity; and limited size (approximately 115 acres). storage areas. Because of the rapid expansion of 87.33 East Bank of the Skipanon River advantages container shipping volume on the west coast in are: less initial dredging may be required; closer to recent years, the number of sites large enough to river mouth (RM 11 ); existing ownership is clear and accommodate the volume of cargo is very limited. the site is available for development; and up to 300 The exact nature of the need will be influenced acres (200 shoreland and 100 development aquatic) by volumes.of future shipping, changes in foreign of land available. Disadvantages are: no barge or markets, changes in technology, the useful life of ship lay-up in close proximity; greater exposure to the Panama Canal, the continuance of the trend to adverse wind conditions; extensive filling required; larger and less maneuverable ships, and economic and rail and truck traffic would pass through Astoria. conditions in the United States. Thus, proposed Port of Astoria development of the whole Tongue Point 87.34 Westport advantages are: deep water access; area is phased. The area for which an exception is 225 acres of shoreland and Development Aquatic being taken is in Phase 11. Development of Phase 11 area; adequate rail and highway access; available will occur only "after full utilization of the northern lay-up area at Westport Slough; and ownership portion and upon a demonstration that the unique clear. Disadvantages are: filling of fresh water wet- development potential of the area will be fully lands; distance up river (RM 43); property not utilized." presently in port ownership; and potential adverse 87.22 According to The Lower Columbia River Ports impact on white-tail deer population. Region Study Tongue Point is one of only six sites in 87.35 Price Island - the advantage of this site is its the lower 50 miles of the Columbia River which has existing deep water-draft, up to 70 feet. Disadvan- potential for water dependent development re- tages are: no rail and highway access; distance from quiring deep draft navigational access. major market hubs; limited back-up` land (75 acres); 87.23 Advantages of Tongue Point as a site for water and distance from the river mouth (RM 34). dependent industrial or port development include: 87.36 Upriver Sites - This group of sites includes: Port proximity to the Columbia River's 40 foot channel; Westward, Longview, Portland, Rainier, Vancouver proximity to the mouth of the river (RM 18); existing and St. Helens. Available sites in these areas have port facilities; natural depths of 20-30 feet; large been subject to much less analysis than previous amount of existing or potential backup land; lower sites. As a group their advantages include well de- probable shoaling rates than other estuarine loca- veloped transportation and proximity to a major tions; access to rail and highway transportation; manufacturing and distribution center in Portland. location to the east of Astoria with minimal impact of The disadvantages of these sites are: distance from rail and truck traffic on the city; protection from high the river mouth; possible future constraints of river winds and waves; anchorage space; and dredge channel on size of ships; and increased risk of material disposal sites in close proximity. accidents and oil spil Is. 87.24 Disadvantages of Tongue Point as a site for 87.37 Others - Major coastal port facilities exist at water dependent industrial or port development Grays Harbor, Coos Bay, Son Francisco/Oakland, Los include: filling of productive tidal marsh and mud Angeles/Long Beach. Alternative sites in these loca- flat areas; loss of productive fish habitat; proximity tions were not analyzed. to a major wildlife refuge; impact on recreational fishing opportunities, particularly sturgeon fishing; 87.40 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES time involved in clearing ownership questions. 87.41 There are a total of 42,564 acres of wetlands, 87.30 ALTERNATIVES consisting of 31,500 acres of mudflats and 11,000 acres of tidal marsh, within the CREST planning area. 87.31 Sites in Astoria: The major alternative site in 680 acres are proposed for a development designa- Astoria is the existing Port facility, consisting of ap- tion by the CREST plan, 1.6% of the total wetland proximately 50 acres. Advantages of the site are: area. The 180 acres for which the exception is being less dredging and filling required; proximity to river taken are about four tenths of one percent of the channel; closer to the river mouth (RM 13); rail and total wetland area. highway facilities available; and existing port facili- 87.42 Development could result in the loss of up to ties. Disadvantages of the site are: inadequate land 100 acres of fresh-water tidal marsh consisting of area for a major facility; and cargo would have to be sedges, bulrushes and cattails, resulting in a loss of moved through Astoria by rai I or truck. primary biological productivity, wildlife habitat, 87.32 Tansy Point advantages are: proximity to the cletrital export, and favorable water filtration. river mouth; little dredging required; and limited 87.43 Development could result in a loss of up to 80 impact on estuary, small amount of filling required. acres of tidal flats. Tidal flats provide feeding and Disadvantages are: deed restriction prohibiting all resting areas for juvenile salmon and other fishes, as but residential use on a portion of the site; rail and well as for shorebirds and wading birds. The results truck traffic would pass through Warrenton and of recent research indicate that the number of am- Vill - 18 phipods, copepods, and other organisms important analyzed using the. 1978 Clatsop County Input- as food sources for juvenile salmon, are equal or Output Model. Full development of the Tongue Point greater than those in the most productive portions of area could create 200 direct jobs and 243 indirect Youngs, Bay, Grays Bay and Alder Cove. Tidal flats jobs and a direct and indirect monetary impact of also play an important role in the recycling of 21.5 million dollars annually. Only a portion of these minerals and nutrients. impacts can be ascribed to the exception area. 87." All of Cothlamet Bay is an important feeding 87.52 The city's comprehensive plan makes provi- area for juvenile salmon from the Big Creek hatch- sion for the demand on housing and public facilities ery. A recent study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife that a port development of this magnitude would Service found that fish from the Big Creek hatchery require. and upriver salmon use this area. Alteration would 87.53 No hi Istorical or archaeological sites have remove a portion of this feeding area. The MARAD been identified. Basin and other portions of this area are popular for sturgeon sports fishing. Dredgingi in association with 87.64 Full development "of the Tongue Point facility development, will have an unknown impact.on this would require improvement of the rail line east to fishery. However, according to local sources, pre@ Portland. Potential need for a second track is un- vious dredging of the MARAD Basin did not sub- certain. stantially affect fishing activity. 87.55 Existing sports fishing, can .oeing, small 87.45 Alteration will result in a loss of wildlife pleasure boating and bird watching activities would habitat for wading birds, shoreland birds and water- be displaced. Public access to this area is presently fowl. Migratory bird and wintering waterfowl use of poor, except via the John Day River. With proper the MARAD Basin, which is presently high, will be port facility design, public access to the immediate affected to an undetermined extent. There may also area could be enhanced. be an impact on waterfowl use of the Lewis and 87.56 Port activity will increase the amount of noise. Clark National Wildlife Refuge, though to a lesser Because of its location, impacts on residential areas degree, than in the MARAD Basin because of the should be minimal. Noise may displace present buffer created by Lois and Mott Islands. eagle activity in the area. There is an inactive eagle nest on the west side of Tongue Point. The adjacent area is designated 87.60 ENERGY CONSEQUENCES Natural. The exception area is about one mile from the nest. 400 feet is the recommended buffer used The site's proximity to the mouth of the Columbia by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for protection of River will reduce the energy use for certain types of eagle nests from logging practices. Two active eagle shipping activities. ,nests have been identified by the Nature Conser- vancy on the upper John Day River. These nests are 87.70 COMPATIBILITY several miles distant. During a survey of the lower 87.71 The aquatic area and the shoreland areas to Columbia River in the winter of 1978, 18-20 eagles the north are designated Development and Water were sighted at the downstream end of the Lewis Dependent Development respectively. These desig- and Clark Wildlife Refuge. Overall, port activity may nations are similar to those for the exception area. displace some present eagle activities in the area. 87.46 Air quality impacts associated with container 87.72 ' Lois and Mott Islands are to the esat of the shipping operations are minimal. Present air quality exception area. Both are in the Lewis and Clark is excellent. The sr-hall increase in air pollution National Wildlife Refuge. The western portions of should not exceed allowable increments under the these islands have been designated Conservation, region's Class 11 status. to serve as a natural vegetative buffer and to allow for limited dredged material disposal on Mott Island. $7.47 Port activity will lead to increased risks of oil The operation of a major portfacility within a mile of spills. Oil spills would have a major impact on adja- these islands could disrupt, and to some extent cent fish and wildlife habitat. Location of oil spill displace, wildlife use. These islands would buffer containment equipment on site should lessen the the effect of port activities on the remainder of the potential for widespread impacts. wildlife refuge, much of which is Natural, including 87.48 Filling will modify circulation patterns slightly. the eastern edge of both islands. Because existing tidal currents are relatively low in 87.73 The area to the west of Highway 101 is desig- velocity, it is not anticipated that filling or piling nated rural residential in the draft Clatsop County construction will result in significant erosion or lplan. Major port development will affect the present shoaling in other areas. rural character of this area. 87.49 Development for port activity will result in 87.74 Any alterations carried out in the exception additional dredging. Dredging will result in the area will have to conform to city comprehensive alteration and disruption of the existing aquatic plan policies, zoning ordinance standards, and state habitat. Disposal of dredged material will disturb and federal agency regulations. Review of the shoreland vegetative habitats. proposal against against these criteria during the permit processes will insure adverse effects are 87.50 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES minimized. Before any alterations could occur, an 87.51 The impact of the proposed container facility impact assessment is required by the planning goals. on the economy of Astoria and Clatsop County was Vill - 19 APPENDIX C CREST CHARTERS CHARTER AND AGREEMENT COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY STUDY TASITORCE (CREST) 1979-80 This Charter and Agreement is made pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 190 and the Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 39.34, and ant red t into this Ist day of July, 1979, by and between the member agencie aZat same manror but My be either an also ad or appointed adopted the attached resolution. offic i:1 representing that member agency. All representatives will a zve at the pleasure of the member agency's governing 1. Definitions: body. 1.1 Council: The group of persons (Delegates or Alternates) 6. Meetings: appointed by the member agencle vested Swl!tb the responsibility 6.1 A regular meting of the full Council shall be held at least of the management of the affai@: of CRE T and the formation of policy. once each month unlestes oth rwise designated by theaChairman; the Exe ative Commite sh:ll meet once or as nece sary. 1.2 Executive Committee: The five member administrative group 6.2 All meetings of the Council shall be in compliance with Oregon composed Ofx'our,of ficers of the Council ax,d the past chair- and Washington rules and regulations on public meetings. man. The E ecut ve Committee is vested With the responsibility for the da ily supervision of the administration of CREST, and for other executive or administrative duties as assigned. 7. Procedures and voting: 1.3 Member Agencies; The local governmental entities that belong 7.1 The Council shall elect officers as listed in Paragraph 8.1. to CREST. New officers shall be elected at the first regular Cou=il Met ng of the calendar year 0 serve until replaced. Officers 1.4 Delegates lt-nates,:Th. person: select by each member wi llibe also ted by secret halltot from the voting representatives. agency to ::@vA a at the pleasure of th membera@lency as a representive on the CREST Council. 7.2 Each Voting member agency of CREST shall have one vote to be exercised by its Delegate. 1.5 Estuary Area: The estuary area is defined as the water and 7.3 Alternates shall each have one vote in the absence of the submerged land of the Columbia River estuary and its Delegate. tributary streams, the associated tidelands, wetlands, shore- lands ributary watersheds within Pacific and Wahkiakum 7.4 Decisions of the Council on procedures to be followed by CREST Cc i:ndit unt a n Washington and within Clatsop County in Oregon. with regard to the conduct of its business shall be made by 2. Establishment! The Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce, herein- an affirmative majority vote of a quorum. A quorum shall be a after referred to as CREST, is hereby continued by agreement among simple majority of Delegates or Alternates from member agencies its member agencies. in good standing. Na -a Agreement. REST operated between J -u ary 1, 1975 and June 7.5 Decisions of CREST which involve recommendations for assessment at or xpen 30t 9709fa. a b ate local planning agency. Its primary objective diture of funds or which involve financial agreement 1, 1 to develop a coordinated ' r gional management plan for the between two or more member agencies sha 1 require an affirmative r a . hes majority vote of the Delegates or Alternates from the member e.tua y and it horelin a. T i mended Charter and Agreement is agencies of CREST. entered int by cities, counties and port districts in the estuary area in rec@gnitiou of the special need for continued local coordination 7.6 The rules of parliamentary procedure comprised in Robert's Rules and c ion estuary issues as the management plan "'"nicat on implemented, through local comprehensive plans in Oregon and Shore- of Order shall govern CREST deliberations. The Chairman my line Management Master Programs in Washington. di.cuss business under consideration without relinquishing the gavel. 3.1 Nothing contained in'this Charter and Agreement shall 8. Officers: authorize CREST to i tervene in matters which are basically within the domestic jurisdiction of any member agency with- 8.1 There shall be a Chairman, Vice Chairman , Secretary and out it. consent. Treasurer. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer 3.2 This Charter and Agreement and all actions of CREST shall be shall be Delegate members of the Council. within the framework0f the law of the States of Oregon and W S 8.2 Duties of the Chairman : The chairman shall preside a ashington and their subdivisions. n C u-il, uncil t all Mott gs of the 0 call meetings of the Co and 3.3 The actions of my committee or group authorized by this rest. committees and appoint persons to serve on such Charter and Agreement are of an advisory nature md not committees at the pleasure of the Council. The Chairman shall bindin ?a on an member agency of CREST without the member be authorized to repr:.e.t the Council in contractual or Y administrative matter. The Chairman shall be entitled to agency approval and consent. vote on all matters before the Council. 3.4 All member agencies in order to insure to each of them the and benefits' an 8.3 Duties of Vice Chairman: The Vice Chairman shall assume the rights re Iting from membership, shall fulfill duties of the Chairman in his absence. in good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with this Charter and Agrement. 8.4 Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary ahall beresponsible 4. Purpose: The purposes of this Charter and Agreement are: for maintaining minutes of the proceedings of the Council. 4.1 To enable the member agencies jointly to carry out the 8.5 Duties of the Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep - accurate Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan. record of the fi`-` ial position of CREST. The Treasurer shall submit a finmo ial report to the Council on request. 4.2 To enable the elected officials of the member agencies jointly He/She shall preside at meetings in the absence of the Chair- to identify issues'and needs which are regional in scope, man and Vice Chairman. achieve concurrence for cooperative actions, plan, approve and 9. Permanent Committees: _command governmental action related to the -nservation and d,v' 1*rent of the natural, economic and human resources of 9.1 Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall provide the Columbia River estuary area. supervision of CREST staff and shall see that the orders and 4.3 To improve communication and cooperation of member agencies in polio ies are duly and properlytcarried out by staff and the the Columbia River estuary area, and to promote maximum Executive Direc tor. The Execu ive Committee shall supplement e fi the Council ma 9 f ciency and economy in governmental operations. Council Metinna ement of CREST during the periods between the ge and advise and ... ist the --tive Director S. Membership: in the management Of CREST. The E@-tive Committee shall - have such additional duties, responsibilities and limitations 5.1 General purpose governments and port distric tin the estuary as assigned by the Council and as stipulated by this Charter area shall be eligible for membership in CREST. and Agreement. 1*2 The governing body of any eligible local government entity may 9,2 Citizen Ccumitte- no Citi... Committee will make recommend- attain membership by adapting a resolution approving this ations to the Council on development issues of regional Charter arid Agreement. .ignificance, on action plans to address regional problems, on aStuary information and research needs, and on other matters. 5.3 Each member agency shall be entitled to a Delegate and Representatives to.the citizen Committee shall he appointed by Alternate on the Council. The Delegate from each member agency CREST member agencies, shall be selected from and designated by its elected governing 10. Functions and Duties; CREST my have the following functions and body. The Alternate shall be selected and designated in the duties subject to provisions contained in Sections 3.3 and 7.5. V111 - 21 10.1 Provide continued planning assistance to member agencies upon 11.5 To designate a member agency as fiscal agent, which agent shall request to and approved by the Council. Review local with consent, provide financial, purchasing, personnel and comprehensive plans and shoreline management master programs other auxiliary services to CREST and which shall account to and make recommendations which will result in coordination of CREST. such plans and programs and conf-co With the Columbia River Estuary Regional Management Plan. 11.6 To make, adopt, and amend by-laws consistent with this Charter 10.2 Provide technical information and assistance to member and and Agreement. other agencies for Columbia River Estuary Regional Management 11.7 To employ staff, retain consultants, or obtain the personal plan implementation. services of individuals or employees of other agencies. 10.3 For member agencies and other local interests act as local [email protected] To terminate committees appointed by the Chairman and to I s o t Pi f is 0, t he Pacif c Northwest River Basins @ormni sio as discharge committee members and advise the Chairman o new the, c..dc tthe six-year Columbia River Estuary Data Develop- appointments. ment Program. For this and other estuary research programs, act as"apipeline for local research needs and communication 11.9 To take such actions as are necessary to enable CREST to carry of results. out its functions and duties. 10.4 Evaluate state and federal estuary activities, programs, 12. Staff: The Counc il shall appoint an Executive Director who shall developments and project impact assessments that my affect administer the business o f CREST. He shall employ such staff as local governments and report results to concerned jurisdictions. the Council shall authorize. 10.5 Coordinate with local, state and federal agencies on estuary 13. Duration and Termination: development, research, regulation, project impact assessment a. plan review and update. Organize and conduct periodic 13.1 This Charter and Agreement shall continue and remain in full mee tings of all such agencies in the interest of cooperative force and CREST shall not be dissolved unless by a majority management. vote of the member agencies constituting the participatIng member agenc ies provided, however, that any such dissolution 10.6 E:taDlish and operate a Columbia River Estuary Information shall not become effective until such time as any contracts C nter and provide library information searches, permit to which CREST is a party have been fully performed or are no information' and other services to the public, planner., and longer in effect. In the event of such d iesolution, all state and federal managers and researchers. assets on hand shall be distributed to, the member agencies in proportion to their contributions for the acquisition of such 11. Poue,rs; The Council acting on behalf of CREST may have the power assets. subject to provisions contained in Sections 3.3 and 7.5 a. full-.: 13.2 Any member agency may withdraw as a participating member 11.1 To enter into agreements with the United states of America, agency in CREST under this Charter and Agreement by submitting State of Oregon, State of Washington or any subdivision or written notice to the Council at least three months prior to agency of either, or any municipal corporation for the purpose the effective date of its intended withdrawal. of obtaining financial aid or@ other participation in attaining the objectives and purposes of CREST. 13.3 In the event of withdrawal by a member agency, the Council shall determine the portion of CREST's assets, if any, to 11.2 To enter into contractual relationships with private agencies which the withdrawing member agency shall be entitled. Any or firms. indebtedness inc,urred by CREST on behalf of a member agency whic h is withdrawing shall remain an obligation of that member 11.3 Adopt a budget indicating the anticipated receipts and agency. expendi tres of CREST. 14. Amendments: This Charter and Agreement my be amended by a majority 11.4 To seek and accept gran loans, and donations in the affirmative vote of member g vernments. The CREST Council will n t%egifts' approve proposed amendments.o Written notice of proposed amendments, ame of CREST, a member a ncy or other public or quasipublic agencies. i-cl ding its full text, =at be submitted to each member government of C=T for their review and approval. CHARTER AND AGREEMENT COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY STUDY TASK-FORCE This Charter and Agreem nt is made and entered into this 22nd Day of Sept. , effecti and hereby agree to bring all such to the attention of CREST 1976, by and between th: member agencies that adopted the following resolution. f. its review and recommendation. 3.1 Nothing contained in this Charter and Agreement shall authorize CREST 1.0 Definitions. to intervene in matters which are basically within the domestic iuris- diction of any member agency without its consent. 1.1 Council: The group of persOnZh(Delegates of Alternates) appointed by 3.2 This Charter and Agreement and all actions of CREST shall be within the tmember agencies vested wi the responsibility for the management the framework of the laws of the States of Oregon and Washington and of he affairs of CREST -11 the format ion of policy. their subdivisions. 1.2 Executive Committee; The five member administrative group composed 3.3 The actions of any committee Or group authorized by this Cbarte and off u th ncil and the -st chairman. The Execu ti' itt isce' d wie Agreement are of an advisory nature and not binding on any member 7 . .ffi espon. @ y fo da,l C.- e. e:t.f thCotue r ibi it r the , supc vision of the administration of CREST, and for other executive or dmini.t@- agency of CREST without the member agency's approval and consen tive duties as assigned. 3.4 All member agencies, in order to insure to each of them the rights 1.3 Steering Committee; The Steering Committee is composed of the Executive and benefi ts resulting from ma@uership, shall fulfill i ' good faith Committee and four appointed citi.en., who hall guide and review the the obliq&ticcs ..--d by the in ....rd.- ith this Charter and development of the Columbia River Estuary Management Program. Agreement. 1.4 Member Agencies: The local governmental entities that belong to CREST. 1.5 Delegates and Alternates: ThLpersons asgelected by each member agency 4.0 Purpose. The purposes of this Charter and Agreement are: to serve at t@e pl easure oftmember ency as a representative on 4.1 To enable member agencies to jointly develop a coordinated management - the CREST Council. plan for the Columbia River estuary. 4.2 To enable the elected official. of themember agencies to jointly 2.0 Establishment. The Columbia Rtver Estuary Study Task-force, here- identify issues and needs which are regional in scope, achieve con- i-afte referred to as CREST, is hereby established by agreement among currence for cooperative actions, plan, approve and recommend govern- i@tsMer agencies. mental. action in are.. of gove-ent.1 concern related to the conser- vation, development, utilization and modification of the natural, 3.0 Nature of Agreement. The member agencies hereby recognize the need economic and human resources of the Columbia River estuary area. to jointly plan for facilities, utiliti.and servi es of an area wide 4.3 To improve communication and cooperation of member agencies in the or muIt i agency nature within the Columbia River esZary, in order Columbia River estuary area, and to promote maximum efficiency and to strengthen local governments and better serve the public. The economy in governmental operations. member agencies also recognize the need to inform each other of proposals, plans, developments and operations which have an area wide Vill - 22 5.0 Membership. 10.0 Functions and Duties. 5.1 The following local govermental entities shall be eligible for CREST my have the following functions and duties subject to provision. membership in CREST: Clatsop- County Wahkiakum County' the Cities contained in Sections 7.5 and 7.6. of Astoria and Warrenton, the Townsf-Cathlmet, Hammond and and Ilwaco, the Port of Astoria. One member agency shall be designated from the 10.3 Upon request, and in cooperation with other advisory agencies, commissions, pertdistricts of Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties. and boards, CREST may; 5 2 The governing body of any illeble local government entity may A. Initiate,conduct or cause to be conducted, planning studies attain membership by adpopting a roltion approving this Charter of area wide or multi-agency significance and Agreement. B. Prepare or have prepared, and adopt, comprehensive plans, program, 5.3 Each member agency shall be entitled to a Delegate and Alternate on or policies pertaining multidogency or area wide faciiities, the Council. The Delegate from each member agency sha11 be selected utilities, and service, ; and prepare and adopt plans, policies, and from and designated by its elected governing body. The Alternate programs recommending the goverental and organizational devices shall be selected and designated in the same manner but may be either or at structures necessary for conservation and development of the anelected or appointed official representing that member agency. resources of the Columbia River estuary. All representatives will serve at the pleasure of the member agency's C. Prepare, adopt, and recommend policies and program to alleviate governing body. area wide problems. D. Prepare and propose policies, resolutions, ordinances, codes, law, and regulations for submission to public and private agencies for 6.0 Meetings. their consideration. 6.1 0f the Council shall be held once each month 10.2 Render advile and technical assistance to public and private agencies A regular meeting of the Council shall be held once each month and citizens. unless otherwise designated by the Chaiman. 6.2 All meetings of the Council shall be in compliance with Oregon and 10.3 Review public and private agency policies programs, and projects of an area wide or multi agency nature with respect to consistency with Washington rules and regulations on public meeting adopted policies, programs or plans. 10.4 Review the plans, program and planning activities of individual agencies 7.0 Procedures and Voting. and governments within the Columbia River estuary and make recommendations which will result in the coordination of such plans, program and planning 7.1 The Council shall elect officer as listed in Paragraph activities in conformity to adopted policies, plans and programs officers shall be elected at the first regular Council meeting of the calendar year, to serve until replaced. Officers will be elected by secret ballot from the voting representatives. No person shall 11.0 Powers. The Coun cil acting on behalf of CREST my have a subject Serve more than two consecutive terms in the office of Chairman or to provisions contained in Section 7.5 and 7.6 as follows: 11.1 To enter into agreements with the United States of Merica, State of 7.2 Each voting member agency of CREST shall have one vote to be exercised Oregon, State of Washington or any subdivision or agency of either , or by its Delegate. any municipal corporation for the purpose of obtaining financial aid or other participation in attaining the objectives all purposes of CREST. 7.3 Alternates shall each have one vote in the absence of the Delegate. 11.2 To enter into contractual relationships with private agencies or firm. 7.4 excisions of the Council on procedures to be followed bay CREST with gard to the conduct ofitbusiness shall be mde by affirtive 11.3 Adopt a budget indicating the anticipated receipts and expenditures majority vote of a quorum. A quorum shall be no less than three of CREST. Delegates or Alternates from member agencies of CREST in good standing. 11.4 To seek and accept grants, gifts, loans and donations in the of CREST, 7.5 Decisions of the Council which involve recommendations for planning a member agency or other public or quasi-public agencies. stud ies or the implemtation of plans or which involve agreement. between member agencies hall require an affimatie majority vote 11.5 To designate a member agency as fiscal agent, which agent shall with of the representative from the member agencies of CREST including consent, provide financial purchasing, personnel and other auxiliary an affirmative vote by Delegates or Alternates who represent the services to CREST and which shall account to CREST. affected member agency or agencies. 11.6 To make, adopt and mend bylaws consistent with this Charter and Agent. 7.6 De isions of CREST which involve recomendations for assessment or exenditure of funds or which involve financial and between two 11.7 To employ staff, retain consultants or obtain the personal services of more member agencies shall require an affirtive majority vote of individuals or employees of otheragencies. the Delegates or Alternates from the member agencies of CREST, inclu- ding an affirtive vote by Delegate: and Alternates who represent 11.8 To terminate committees appointed by the Chairman and to discharge the affected for agency or agencies. committee members and advise the Chairman of new appointments. 7.7 The rules of parliamentary procedure comprised in Robert's Rules of 11.9 TO take such other actions as are necessary to enable CREST to carry Order ha11governes liberations. The Chairman may discuss out its functions and duties. business under consideration without relinquishing the gavel. 12.0 Staff. The Council shall appoint an Executive Director who shall administer the busines CREST. He shall employ such staff as the Council, shall authorize. 8.0 Officers. 13.0 Duration and Termination. 8.1 There shall be a Chair, Vice Chairmn, Secretary and Treasurer. 13.1 This Charter and Agreement shall continue and re-in in full force The Chairman, Vice Chairman Secretary and Treasurer shall be reg- and CREST shall not be dissolved unless by a majority vote of the ular voting members of the Council. member agencies constituting the participating member agencies pro- vided, however, that any such dissolution shall not become effective until such time as any contract to which CREST is a party have been fully performed or are no longer in effect. In the event of such 8.2 Duties of the Chairman - The Chairman shall preside all meetings dissolution, all assets on hand shall be distributed to the member n agencies in proportion to their contributions for the acquisition of of the Council, call meetings of the Council and create committees such assets. 13.2 Any member agency may withdraw as a participating member agency in and appoint persons to serve on such comittee at the Pleasure of Crest under this Charter and Agreement by submitting written notice the Council. The Chairman shall be entitled to vote on all matters to the Council at least three months prior to the effective date of before the Council. its intended withdrawl. 8.3 Duties of Vice Chairman,The Vice Chairman shall assure the duties 13.3 In the event of withdrawl by a member agency the Council shall determine of the Chairman in his absence. the portin of CREST's assts, if any, to which the withdrawing member agency shall be entitled. Any indebtedness incurred by CREST on 8.4 Duties of the Secretary - The Secretary shall be responsible for behalf of a member agency provided that such remain an maintaining minutes of the proceedings of the Council. obligation of that member agency provided that such indebtness 8.5 Duties of Treasurer - The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record received the affirmative vote of that member agency on behalf of which of the financial position of CREST. The Treasure shall submit I indebtedness was incurred at the time the obligation was incurred, and is evidenced by written agreement or memorandum. financial report to the Council on request. He/She shall preside at meetings in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman. 14.0 CREST shall complete its mission and dissolve on or before June 30, 1978. 15.0 Amendments. This Charter and Agreement may be amended by a majority affirmative vote of member governments. The CREST Council will 9.0 Permanent Committees. approve proposed amendments. Written notice of proposed amendments, including its full text, must be submitted to each member government 9.1 Executive Committee -The Executive Committee shall provide supervision of CREST who shall respond within 30 days. of CREST ,staff and shall see that the orders and policies are duly and 14.0 (PLEASE NOTE: SIGNATURES NOT NECESSARY, RESOLUTIONS ATTACHED.) properly carried out by staff and the Executive Directory. The Execu- tive Committee shall supplment the Councilment of CREST during 15.0 the persons between the Council meetings advise and assist the Executive Director in the nagent If CREST. The Executive Committee have have such additional duties, responsi- bilties and limitations as assigned by the Council and as stipulated by this Charter and Aggreement. 9.2 Steering Committee - The Steering Committee shall provide guidance and direction to the CREST Program. The Steering Committee shall forward its recommendations for action to the CREST Council or Executive Committee appropriate-Citizen members will be appointed by the CREST Chairman and serve as the pleasure of the Council until replaced. V111 23 APPENDIX D CREST PROGRAM PARTICIPATION CREST COUNCIL MEMBERS NORTHEAST CLATSOP COUNTY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Delegates Alternates Wally Erp, Astoria Helen Lahti Astoria Clatsop County Max Kelly, Astoria Dave Megrath Miran Johnson St. & Judy McIntyre, Astoria Lyle Ordway Don Corkill Gaxy Johansen, Astoria Orvo Nikula ('79) Cheryl Johnson, Astoria City of Astoria Evelyn Mason, Astoria Bob Chopping ('77) Jean Hallaux John Wall, Westport City of Warrenton Jim Van Osdol, Astoria Rod Gramson Fred Andrus Burt Zurcher, Astoria Della Wilson Don Lampi Jim Caad, Astoria Hugh Mason Lisett Haglund, Astoria Town of Hammond Ed Johnson, Astoria Richard Carruthers Gail Hocchalter Dick Skipper, Oregon Department of Forestry (75) Warren, Department Of Fish and wildlife Chuck Marlow Richard Carruthers Port of Astoria Al Rissman Gail Packard Henry Peal Brook Robin Harry Utti Earl Moore, Cathlamet Hugh Null, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wahkiakum County Robert Torppa ('76) Bill Canham Irene Martin, Skamokawa Walter Kendoll Leon Almer Bernie Cossette, Washington Department Of Fisheries Al Thayer, Cathlemet City of Cathlemet William Anderson Mel souvenir, Cathlamet William Schwarze George Dormit Ruth E. Hall, Skamokawa John Elliott, Rosburg Pacific County Eldred Penttila ('78) Bill Crossman Dale Rhoads, Cathlamet Tom Irving, Cathlamet Town of Ilwaco Gerald Faddis Patrick Schenk Walter Kandoll, Naselle Toby Beard Bob Bacon, Cathlame Ladean Peek, Cathlamat Port of Ilwaco Bob Petersen Veryl Chabain, Grays River John Pulli John Hendrickson, Cathlamet Wayne Carrell, Rosburg Russell Clark, Naselle Bi11 Schwarze, Cathlamet Walter Kato, Deep River LOWER RIVER AND ISLANDS PLANNING COMMITTEE Year served as Chairman of council listed after Delegates name. Paul Benson, Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal Subcommittee Harry Utti, Port Of Astoria Bob Bell, Pacific County Mel Souvenir, Wahkiakum County Stan Hamiliton, Oregon Division of State Land Floyd Shelton, Oregon Department of economic Development Brent Forsberg, Oregon Department Of Fish & Wildlife Doug Magoon, Washington Department of Natural Resource Jack Howerton, Washington Department of Game REGIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE Ron Lee, Environmental protection Agency Nancy Ellifrit, U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Jean Hallaux, Astoria Bob Watson, Alternate, Corps of Engineers Jim Bergeron, Astoria Greg Hartman, Corps Of Engineers Gail Packard, Astoria Bob Dodge, Alternate, Corps of Engineers Christine Stricklin, Warrenton Jim McAvoy,Columbia River Bar Pilots Fred Andrus, Warrenton Hank Niemi, Columbia River Fishermen's Protective Union Lyle Ordway, Clatsop county Ernie Jager Raymond Fisheries subcommittee Andrea Gilbertson, Cathlamet Jim Bergeron, Marine Extension Agent Irene Martin, Skamokawa Jim Lauman, Oregon Department of Fish Bob Peterson, Ilwaco Clyde Sayce, Washington Department of Fisheries John Wolcott, Seaside Sally Cramer, National Marine Fisheries Service Doug DeHart, Corps of Engineers Jim Athern, Alternate, Corps Of Engineer LAND AND WATER USE; PLANNING COMMITTEES Rex Pollitt, Columbia River Pilots John Wolcott, Crown Zellerbach Corporation YOUNGS BAY-ASTORIA COMMITTEE Roger shearer, Troller Don Morden, Astoria Jack Harrell, Charter Boat Operator Gail Collins, Astoria, ROY Takalo, Columbia River Fishermen's Protective Union Bob Urbrand, Astoria George Potter, Clatsop Environmental Council John Altstadt, Astoria Restoration and Mitigation Subcommittee Martin West, Astoria Bob Peterson, Port of Ilwaco Don Leah, U.S. Soil Conservation Service Don Edy, Astoria Brook Robin, Port Of Astoria Marsh Hoffman, Astoria Jim Laumen, Department of Fish & Wildlife Colleen Simonsen, Hammond Gary Gustafson, Land Conservation & Development Commission Luella Kerr, Warrenton Stan Hamilton, Oregon Division of State Land Jack Marincovich, Astoria Miriam Laukers, Washington Department Of Ecology Warren Knispel, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Jack Howerton, Washington Department of Game Herb Palmberg, Warrenton Don Peterson, Washington Department of Ecology David Pratt,Clatsop County Bob Moulton, Corps Of Engineers Nancy Ellifrit, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Don Leach, U.S. Soil Conservation Service BAKER BAY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chuck Walters, National Marine Fisheries Service Don Morden, Bioproducts, Inc. Bob Be11, Ilwaco Jack Harrell, Charter Boat Operators Toby Beard, Ilwaco Roger Shearer, Troller. Glenn Eager, Chinook George Potter, Clatsop Environmental Council Frank Heer, 1lwaco Bernice Barr, Willapa Hills Audabon society Jim Hilderman, Seaview Ralph Jones, Washington State Parks Refuge Management, Public Access and Recreation Subcomittee Carolyn Glenn, Long Beach Don Corkill, Clatsop County Mel Lebeck, Chinook Tom Hal:, Wahkiakum County Sandy Lipovsky, National Marine Fisheries Service Jean Hallaux, city of Astoria Alan Cook, Oregon state Parks Rev. John Mann, Seaview Bob Petersen, Ilwaco Dave Heiser, Washington State Parks Ann Saari, Ilwaco Hugh Null, U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Clyde Sayce, Washington Department of Fisheries Chuck Mason, Corps of Engineers Gene Drals, Heritage Conservation Service Russ Bristow , Hunter/Trappers [An underlined name or year designates the Chairman] Dave Hughes, Sport fisherman Vill - 24 Implementation committee members Crest Staff Members Gail collins, Astoria John Perry 7/75-4/76 Orvo Nikula, Astoria Jan Stewart 1/75-2/75 Micky Schulbach,Astoria Betty Hucheson 1/75-10/75 Dick Carruthers,Astoria Bruce De Young 1/75-9/75 Jean Mckinney, Astoria Ruth Newman 10/75-12/75 Dorothy Riekkola,Astoria Shelly Bartlett 1/76-2/76 Martin West, Astoria Jim Good 2/76-6/79 Jean hallaux,Astoria Judy Crosby 6/76-2/78 Toby Beard, IIwaco Bob Blanchard 8/76-10/79 Frank Beer,IIwaco David Jay 9/76-5/79 Elred Pentilla,Long Beach Kurt Buchanan 10/77-9/78 Ana Sarri,IIwaco Magdalena Cristobal 7/77-6/78 Bob Bacon,Cathlamet Barbara Chipman 4/77-5/77 Walter Kandoll, Naselle Donna Sue Mansfield 2/78-6/79 Bob Torppa,Grasys River Margaret Seaman 3/77-4/78 Gary Gustafon, Department of land consevatation and development Dale Deason 4/78-6/79 Miriam Laukers/Joe williams, department of ecology Kim Maree Johannessen 7/78-6/79 Steve Chesser 12/78-6/79 Dredged Material Dispoal/Restoration and Mitigation Technical Advisory Committee Agency Representatives Federal: Army Corps of engineers-Chuck Galloway E.P.A- ron lee U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services- Nancy Ellifrit NMFS-Chuck Walters SCS- Don Leach, Oregon Greg Fischer, Washington Oregon: USL- Stan Hamilton ODF&W-Jim Lauman DLCD- Gary Gustafon DEQ- Bruce Sutherland Washington: DNR- Bob Flye DOG-Jack Howerton Bob Ziegler DOF Clyde Sayce DOE-Gary Hanson Howard Steely Local Representatives: Port of Astoria-Brook Robin Harry Utti Port of IIwaco- Bob Peterson Port Chinook- Glenn Eager Wahkiakum County- John Henderickson (Irene martin, Secretar) Bob Bacon Diking Districts: Deep River-Carlton Appelo L. Grays River- Wayne carrel; Skamokawa- Elmer Ingleson or Lester Cook Wildlife Refuge- Hugh Null Puget Island- Tom Irving or Gordan Olman or Bob Busk Lewis and Clark River-John Shepard Youngs River- Micky Schulbach Westport- ed Johnson Professional Services Pacific Northwest River Basins Commision Bob Holton,osu Paul Benson Wilsey& Ham Planning Consulants George "Strider" Potter Dana Mckinney Norman Kujala Paul Torian Valerie Lingg Michael frazier Walter Lindstrom Marcia Benad Dennis Berry Ian McColgin OREGON TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREST FEDERAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE PACIFIC NORTHWEST RIVER BASINS COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF LAND CO SERVATION AND DEVELOPME Paul Benson (through J-, 1978) TAC Coordinator G y a is ar Gu Stafson - TAC Coordinator ck Johnson Neal Coe en Clarence Parker DEPARTMENT OF ARMY Corps .1 ,,i ... r. DEPARTMENT OF F STRY Ken Johnson Bill Dryden Jerry Hadley Chet Reed Gail Gronewald DEPARTMENT OF GE Y AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE John Beaulieu National Marine Fisheries Service Charles Walters STATE MARINE B Sally Cramer Dan Stack It- We Ido Oh-t Jim h:I Economic D:V poent Administration DEPARTMENT OF WAT R RESOURCES Tom Current Neil Peterson Doug Bennett DEPARTMENT OF I ERIOR Ken Fulcher DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY George Van Janten Bruce Sutherland U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Nancy Ellifrit DIVISION OF STATE LAND Ron W aver Stan Hamilton Jay Watson DEPARTMENT OF T SPORTATION U.S. Geological Survey Don Thurston Dave Harris Paul Norris Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Kelly Cash STATE PARKS DIVI SION Gene Drals All . Cook National Park Service Bob Franklin Edwin Arnold DEPARTMENT OF EN RGY Peter Klindt Dame Philbrick Bureau of Land Managm nt Art Oakley DEPARTMENT OF FI H AND WILDLIFE Robert Borovicka Jim Lauran DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF BOON MIC DEVELOPMENT Bi 11 Coffield Floyd Shelton John I .... --il C....-::in Service Robert Corthell Maurice Jernstadt U.S. Forest Service John Nunan DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Bonneville Pwer Administration Arthur Evans ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Do a Karns Ron Lee DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION U S.Coast Guard CDR. G. A. Pennington Vill - 26 APPENDIX F HISTORY OF STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY INVOLVEMENT IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT Jan., 1975 - June, 1979 Youngs Bay-Astoria Unit -January, 1977 - Locally-based agency representatives appointed to local Federal Office of planningi committee (Federal Soil Conservation Service Conservationist and Coastal Zone Management Oregon Fish and Wildlife Field Biologist). 'February-March, 1977 - Several agencies make information presentations to State of Washington State of Oregon local planning committees (National Marine Fisheries Service, Oregon Dept of Ecology Land Conservation & Devel. Division of State Lands). CZM 06 Funds in Regional Planning grant., CZM 305&306 Funds - no local match At least 33 "local -April 7, 1977 Tac meeting - Report on planning process. in kind match for 305 and at least 20% local -June 29, 1977 - Published Plan map alternatives, for this area, with in-kind match for 306 request to state/federal agencies to review and comment on what they wanted to see in a draft plan. .July 14, 1977 TAC meting - Held in Astoria, agency representatives were asked to present their ideas and recommendations to the local planning committee. Detailed comments and explicit map recommendations were given CREST CREST by several agencies ; others failed to respond. FY 77 (July through June) 20,000 1/75-6/79 30,000 -November, 1977 - Based on alternatives comments, draft plan produced and FY 78 (July through June) 55,000 7/75-12/75 17,819 publishe for public and agency review meeting on November 17' 1977 presented draft plan to state/ federal agencies.Comments were received FY 79 (July through June) 50,000 1/76-6/76 19,167 through January 19, 1978. 6/76-12/76 30,000 -January 10, 1978 - TAC meting to review detailed agency concerns ever 1/77-6/77 30,000 draft Plan. Agency involvement, plan organization and format, implementa- FY 78 81,804 tion issues and issue and site-specific concerns were expressed. PY 79 90,250 -Spring 197 - Comments were reviewed, summarized and work began on i resolving conflicts which were net site or issue-speo fic. This information was used to reorganize plan document format and modify the planning process 125,000 299,040 for subsequent plans to provide for more direct agency input. -State and Federal agencies who communicated disagreements war provisions of the plan were directly involved in the conflict resolution phase of the LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS CREST land and water use Planning process. Meetings were held February 14' 1979 to discuss Tongue Point/Astoria conflicts and March, 197 9 0 resolve WarrentonHammond area conflicts. Some conflicts were resolved, FY 75 15,000 but agreements could net be reached on several areas. FY 76 39,oo FY 77 5,700 Baker Bay Unit FY 78 ZO,451 -July, 1977 - Committee selected included locally-based representative. from FY 79 Z2,420 several stat d and federal agencies (N tiOrial Marine Fisheries Service, Washington Dpartment of Fisheries, Washington state Parks). TOTAL lZ3,371 -November 17, 1977 TAC meting status riport on progress with Baker Bay planning. febuary tac meeting Held with Washington late and federal ag nc as ng with the Office of Coastal Zone Management representatives 10 introduce the draft. This month review and comment period established. HISTORY OF STATE AND FEDER- AGENCY INVOLVEMENT IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT -State and federal agencies who expressed disagrement with draft plan REGIONAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT provisions were directly involved in conflict r solution, held April 17, 1979. All conflicts were resolved in this.case -December 8, 1975 - Agency representatives participated in a workshop to identify policy needs for the estuary. Lower River and Islands unit -Local Committee selected to develop policies; CREST requested each agency Committe a selected by CREST Council in December, 1977 - included are to pride to the committee agency policies for review and resource epr sentatives from all key state and federal resource agencies. ms'rial (August 31, 1976 TAC meting). 'February 8, 1977 - Two-day workshop to start planning work. Policy , ober 19, 1976 7AC me:ting - reiterated request for assistance in development sessions for dredged material disposal, restoration and t mitigation, fisheries and recreation held. Agency representatives providing agency.policto CREST for use in draft policy development directly involved. (for those agencies who had not re ponded). 'AP il 7, 1977 TAC meeting to review draft Iregional policies and ansWer -Kay 2-3, 1978 - Two-day workshop to develop draft plan and draft policies; agr at agency representatives directly involved. enly questions on draft which had been mailed earlier. Reque ad all agencacy comments as soon as possible. *October, 1978 - Draft plan released for public and agency roview - -Used agency comments on draft policies to r.vi.e Policies. comments from agencies dealt primarily with policies on dredged material disposal and restoration/mitigation which were addressed during further *Submitted revised policies to CREST Council for adoption as "interim planning in thesaefforts. No significant land and water use conflicts glty management guidelines" in July, 1911, Subsequently forwarded to were identified. Xie fo formal review with request to forward information concerning any conflicts with agency policy. Wahkiakum Countv Unit 'Fa 11, 1978 - Requested agencie s to review policies and report any problems 'December, 1977 - Selected local planning advisory committee which included or conflicts (there will so be a local review). USEWS Wildlife Refuge Manager and Washington Department of risheries fish hatchery manager. Ispring,1979 - Revised policies as necessary for inclusion in final plan; significant conflicts with agencies existed. Omarch-May, 1978 - Agency presentation of concerns and needs given to Clit:eq,,.inclded federal agencies (Corp., JFFWV,, KMFS) and sta to LAND AND WATER USE PLAN genci. UR, DOE, DG, OF, State Parks) October, 1978 - Draft plan released for agency review and comment - *October 19, 1976 Tac meeting - Held agency workshop to identify Planning numerous problems identified. subar c0ceas oftthe estuary,,including criteria for establishing shoreland, wetland, wa er, and ups aqm boundaries. -May 16, 1978 - Conflicts resolution session held in Skamokawa, Washington. -November - Mailed agencies draft report on planning subarea identification several issues were resolved but several were left outstanding. and planning methodology , requested detailed review and comment. Thi ' Eastern Clateov County Unit report also outlined the actual role state and federal agencies would have in development of the plans. Agency recommendations at previous TAC -Committee selected in January, 1978. Included members from Oregon Depart- meting and written comments on draft provided the major content of this final report, which was adopted by the CREST Council in December, 1976. ment of Fish and wildlife and Oregon Department of Forestry. -March-Ma 197 - and f eral agencies made presentations to the February '977 - Held TAC workshop to develop a "Land and water Area/ ply Star. v localanS committee on tehdeir concerns, needs and policies. En iro=ent classification System" and an associat%d permitted use/ activities matrix". use/activity standards were also discussed. Agency recoomendations provided the major content of these planning tools, which were published in April, 1977 for another round of reviews. Vill -May 1, 1979 - Draft DMD plan rel:eased for.agency and public review - *September, 1978 - TAC meeting will be held to present the draft plan to state and federal TAC workshop to review the draft. agencies and allow them to determine conflicts prior to public -Conflict resolution meetings - DMD sites were reviewed and considered at distribution. opportunity will be provided for agencies to meet with the planning committee directly if desired. each of the conflict meetings held for the Land.and Water Use Plan. -September, 1978 - Draft plan published for agency review and comment; IMPLEMENTATION numerous minor conflicts and one major conflict noted. *June 5, 1979 - Conflict resolution meeting with agencies held; Some 'The TAC coordinators from WDOE, ODLCD and PNRBC were appointed as member. resolution of issues regarding Wauna/Westpoft area made - other issues of the CREST Implementation Committee in February, 1978. All key resource resolved to satisfaction of agencies. agencies receive all mailings and invitations to participate in monthly committee meetings. Several have done so. DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL AND RESTORATION/MITIGATION PLAN -July, 1978 - Agencies received report On "Intergovernmental Coordination Alternatives" for interlocal and local-state-faderal coordination along with a questionnaire soliciting their recommendations. -April 21, 1977 - State and Federal agency workshop to make a preliminary identification of potential dredged material disposal and restoration -June-July, 1978 - Agency representatives interviewed by CREST Staff and/or sites using physical, biological and economic criteria. Corps of Consultant hired by CREST to develop use/activity standards to be associated Engineers provided substantial assistance in putting On this workshop. with the land and Water use plan. Agency policies and regulations used heavily in development of recommended CREST standards. *Using Lower River and Islands Unit subcommittees (February-May, 1978), developed a policy base for dredging and dredged material disposal and 'December, 1978 - Agen,cy comments considered heavily in decision to restoratiOn/mitigAtion which are published as an appendix to the Lower establish a local-state-faderal coordination mechanism to help implement River and Islands Draft Plan (all key agencies were directly involved). the plan. -November, 1978 - Workshop with Oregon and federal agencies to inspect -Spring, 1979 - Agencies invited to participate in Implementation Committee potential dredged material disposal and restoration sites in the Youngs meetings to review and evaluate development standards. Agencies Bay area. participating included WDOE and ODLCD. @March, 1979 - Major workshop with full technical committee to review Oregon and Washington DMD sit- APPENDIX G CREST CHRONOLOGY OF MAJOR EVENTS September, 1976 - Draft plan for Youngs Bay-Astorid area published for 1974 - Series of organizational meetings to discuss local participation and local, state and federal review. forum for an estuary study. - States were en,couraging such a study and asked the Pacific Northwest July, 197E@October, 1977 - Draft plans for other areas of the estuary River Basins Commission to coordinate federal participation and put Baker Bay, Lower River and Islands, Eastern ClatsOP and Wahkiakum together a research program for federal funding. County developed by local citiz@n advisory committees. July, 1977 - Columbia River Estuary Regional Policies developed, reviewed late 1974 - Framework for a local organization established - the Columbia in draft form and adopted by CREST Council as "interim management River Estuary Study Taakforce (CREST) - a "Charter and Agreement" guidelines" and -'plan development guidelines' - subsequently used developed and adopted by 10 local jurisdictions: as basis for CREST comment on Corps and state fill/dredging permits Washington City of Cathlanet as well as other major estuary development projects. Wahkiakum County June, 1978 - Columbia River Estuary Data Development Program (the research Pacific County program sponsored by the Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission Port of Ilwaco as a support for CREST planning) receives Congressional authorization Town of Ilwaco and FY 79 appropriation of $929,000. Oregon City of Astoria City of Warrenton July, 1978 - CREST extends its "Sunset provision" for planning to July, 1979. Town of Hammond September, 1978 - CREST's Implementation Committee recommends establishment Clateop County of (1) a permanent local estuary management organization, and (2) Port of Astoria execution of a local-state-federal "cooperative management agreement" CREST Council adopts recommendations after thorough local government January, 1975 - Hired a local study coordinator - received CZM funding from review. State and federal agencies concur with recommendations, Oregon LCDC to develop a planning program. January, 1979 - CREST "Conflict Resolution" process begins with objective Spring, 1975 - Hired a consultant, Wilsey and Hams, to put together . Work of local-state-federal concurrence on policies, land and water use program for a CREST study. plans, and development standards for uses and aCtivities; CREST September, 1975 - CREST Phase I Report published - established a Phase IT continues work on a Dredged Material Disposal plan and Restoration/ and III Work program for policy development, research and data Mitigation Plan. development, atc. June 1979 - CREST will publish a final report including: 1. Regional Policies February-June, 1976 - Conflicts in the local organizatioh, withdrawal by 2. Land and water use plans Clatsop County/Port Of Astoria - eventually rejoin and presently are 3. Development sta=3rds for permitted/conditional uses two Of =at supportive members. 4. Dredged Material Disposal Plan June, 1976 - Program reorganized to focus on, both policy and a land and 5. Restoration/Mitigation Plan water area pl= that -ld allocate certain areas for protection 6. Future Intergovernmental Coordination structure anti others for different levels of development. 7. Plan review and update procedures December, 1976 - A management plan framework and a detailed planning process July, 1979 - CREST follo-on organization starts operation and will assist adopted by CREST - pla@ning begins in the Youngs Bay-Astoria ar Isa. local governments in program implementation through technical assist- V111 - 28 ;%', . .1 7 @, - , . ll@ I I . , ,I .., @111 1@1 9111111 1 - 001 1512 @A' , - @ 1 11, . - 3": - I I I , . ,