Capitol Lake – Deschutes Estuary Environmental Impact Statement
Client: Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
Overview of Floyd|Snider Contributions
Project Summary
The Capitol Lake – Deschutes Estuary includes the 260-acre Capitol Lake Basin.
The Capitol Lake – Deschutes Estuary includes the 260-acre Capitol Lake Basin. Historically, the Deschutes Estuary was used by local tribes for subsistence and ceremonial purposes. Capitol Lake was formed in 1951 following construction of a dam, which restricted flow between the Deschutes River and Puget Sound, and transformed the expansive estuary into a freshwater lake. The sole purpose of the dam was to create a reflecting pool of water for the Washington State Capitol Campus. Today, Capitol Lake is closed to active public use. It is plagued by environmental issues including the presence of invasive species, violations of water quality standards, and inadequate sediment management. The stakeholder discourse regarding the resource has been polarized for decades given the stark difference in management options for this vast landscape and waterbody in downtown Olympia, which include a Managed Lake, Estuary, or Hybrid Alternative.
Our Approach
In 2018, Floyd|Snider was selected to lead the EIS process on behalf of Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.
In fall 2022, the Final EIS was issued. The Estuary Alternative, which would remove the dam, was identified as the Preferred Alternative. Floyd|Snider developed a custom decision-making process for this project, which numerically scored the alternatives against a broad range of criteria, including and incorporating stakeholder input. The Final EIS did not receive an appeal.
Floyd|Snider also led the negotiations with local governments and other key stakeholders for a Memorandum of Understanding to provide shared funding for increased sediment management in West Bay through 2050. This will allow the vibrant Olympia waterfront, with boating, to be maintained in the restored Deschutes Estuary.
Through this project, Floyd|Snider implemented a public and stakeholder engagement approach that convened Executive, Technical, and Funding and Governance Work Groups, and a Community Sounding Board. Purposeful, structured, and timely engagement allowed these stakeholders to provide meaningful input throughout the EIS process.
Project Milestones:
2021. Draft EIS issued
2022. Final EIS with Preferred Alternative issued
In 2018, Floyd|Snider was selected to lead the EIS process on behalf of Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. The interdisciplinary analysis considered potential impacts to the downstream land uses, including a working port and marinas that could be impacted from sediment transport if the dam were removed; to the shoreline vegetation and overall ecosystem health; to restoration of recreational opportunities that are currently restricted; and to the overall visual and economic landscape in the center of an urban community, among other considerations of the natural and built environments.
In fall 2022, the Final EIS was issued. The Estuary Alternative, which would remove the dam, was identified as the Preferred Alternative. Floyd|Snider developed a custom decision-making process for this project, which numerically scored the alternatives against a broad range of criteria, including and incorporating stakeholder input. The Final EIS did not receive an appeal.
Floyd|Snider also led the negotiations with local governments and other key stakeholders for a Memorandum of Understanding to provide shared funding for increased sediment management in West Bay through 2050. This will allow the vibrant Olympia waterfront, with boating, to be maintained in the restored Deschutes Estuary.
Through this project, Floyd|Snider implemented a public and stakeholder engagement approach that convened Executive, Technical, and Funding and Governance Work Groups, and a Community Sounding Board. Purposeful, structured, and timely engagement allowed these stakeholders to provide meaningful input throughout the EIS process.
Project Milestones:
2021. Draft EIS issued
2022. Final EIS with Preferred Alternative issued