Drought, Clean Water Act, ESA, & Other Challenges Facing Irrigated Agriculture

Transcription

1 Promoting the protection and use of water rights and the wise stewardship of water resources since 1912 Drought, Clean Water Act, ESA, & Other Challenges Facing Irrigated Agriculture April Snell, Executive Director 2015 PNWA Summer Conference Presentation

2 Overview Who is OWRC Major Challenges Drought Clean Water Act Endangered Species Act Columbia River Treaty Aging Infrastructure Food-Water Disconnect Opportunities

3 Nonprofit membership association representing irrigation districts, water control districts, drainage districts, improvement districts, and other agricultural water suppliers Our members deliver water to 1/3 of all irrigated land in Oregon Promoting the protection and use of water rights and the wise stewardship of water resources since 1912

4

5 Irrigated Agriculture Farmers, ranchers, nursery, and other agricultural users putting water to "beneficial use" growing food, forage, fiber products, stock water, etc. Supplemental water use activities include: Flow augmentation for water quality, fish/wildlife benefits Hydropower (traditional & small in-conduit) Sources of water: Surface water diversions, stored water, groundwater wells Average acre of irrigated land is worth $4,140 compared to $1,190 for non-irrigated acres

6

7

8 Canals, pipelines, ditches, and other water delivery systems

9

10 Sources of water

11

12 Fish Passage & Fish Screens Promoting the protection and use of water rights and the wise stewardship of water resources since 1912

13

14 Drought Governor Brown has declared drought in 19 of Oregon s 36 Counties 4 th dry year in a row, driest water year on record for some Reduced water deliveries to farms, cities, industries Low streamflow impacting fish, recreation Expect increased food prices and reduced availability of local produce

15

16

17 Clean Water Act Rule issued by EPA & ACOE to change definition of Waters of the U.S Designed to clarify what waters are jurisdictional Concerns from agriculture about ditches and canals and related removal-fill activities Unlikely to change status quo for regulation May lead to increased litigation Pending Congressional action may limit or block implementation

18 Endangered Species Act (ESA) Various species protected under ESA by threatened or endangered or critical habitat listings Districts increasingly managing flows for fish and other aquatic wildlife Different flow needs/life cycles of species Limited funding to support fish passage/fish screen upgrades Litigation destroys cooperative partnerships

19

20 Shortnose Sucker Photo: Oregon Spotted Frog Photo: Chinook Salmon Photo:

21 Columbia River Treaty Treaty between Canada and U.S for primary purpose of flood control and hydropower US Entity (ACOE, BPA) submitted Regional Recommendation in 2014 Currently being renegotiated Regional recommendation includes ecosystem functions; increased U.S flood control responsibilities Concerns by agricultural community regarding potential impacts to water storage; lack of discussion on water supply Broader water management strategy needed Regional partnerships more viable than international treaty Funding needed to support fish passage

22 Aging Infrastructure Many irrigation projects were built years ago Reservoirs, canals, pipelines, and other infrastructure Repairs needed to maintain usability and safety Upgrades or replacements to modernize Fish passage, screens Pressurization to increase efficiency, reduce power Lining and piping to increase efficiency and conservation

23 Ideal Funding World Mix of grants and loans (state and federal) Viable funding programs that support: Local planning by stakeholders to identify water needs at watershed or sub-basin level Feasibility analysis of potential supply, conservation, efficiency projects Implementation/construction of feasible projects Financial incentives to increase environmental benefits versus permit requirements to protect environment needs to pencil out either way!

24 Water/Food Disconnect Loss of connection with food and water source, particularly in urban areas Value of irrigated agriculture not understood Population shifts causing land use conflicts Canals seen as aesthetic water features Confusion over purpose of districts Urban development encroachment

25 Opportunities Necessity drives creative solutions Increasing education and outreach Working with diverse partners to support balanced funding for water projects Districts developing projects with multiple benefits In-conduit hydropower Voluntary flow augmentation

26 Questions? April Snell, Executive Director (503)