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, located on the Washington State Capitol Campus.
The Capitol Lake – Deschutes Estuary includes the 260-acre Capitol Lake Basin, located on the Washington State Capitol Campus. Capitol Lake was formed in 1951 following construction of a dam, which restricted flow between the Deschutes River and Puget Sound, and transformed expansive tidal flats into a freshwater lake. Historically, the Deschutes Estuary was used by local tribes for subsistence and ceremonial purposes. Today, it 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, 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 to evaluate long-term management options.
The Floyd|Snider approach to this work focuses on centering goals common to all stakeholders. Floyd|Snider developed a project-specific process to objectively screen alternative components, and engaged stakeholders including local officials, resource agencies, and the community in review of technical methodologies proposed for analysis of key disciplines and it the development of an objective decision-making process.
Floyd|Snider leads and implements a public and stakeholder engagement approach that engages Executive, Technical, Funding and Governance Work Groups, and a Community Sounding Board. Purposeful, structured and timely engagement allow these stakeholders to provide meaningful input throughout the EIS process.
The EIS draws upon previous work by Floyd|Snider, including an analysis of environmental permits required before long-term management actions could be taken.
Project Milestones:
2021. Draft EIS issued
2022. Final EIS with Preferred Alternative will be issued
In 2018, Floyd|Snider was selected to lead the EIS process on behalf of Washington State Department of Enterprise Services to evaluate long-term management options. The interdisciplinary analysis considers 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 environment.
The Floyd|Snider approach to this work focuses on centering goals common to all stakeholders. Floyd|Snider developed a project-specific process to objectively screen alternative components, and engaged stakeholders including local officials, resource agencies, and the community in review of technical methodologies proposed for analysis of key disciplines and it the development of an objective decision-making process.
Floyd|Snider leads and implements a public and stakeholder engagement approach that engages Executive, Technical, Funding and Governance Work Groups, and a Community Sounding Board. Purposeful, structured and timely engagement allow these stakeholders to provide meaningful input throughout the EIS process.
The EIS draws upon previous work by Floyd|Snider, including an analysis of environmental permits required before long-term management actions could be taken.
Project Milestones:
2021. Draft EIS issued
2022. Final EIS with Preferred Alternative will be issued