The 2009 WRIA 48 Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) for the Methow River Basin identified surface water and groundwater storage to improve water supply for instream and out-of-stream uses. Aspect worked with the Methow Watershed Council to identify storage opportunities, develop and apply screening criteria, and analyze the potential benefits of each use. After our preliminary analysis of three potential projects, the Council selected one with potential to restore summer streamflow and improve irrigation water-supply.
WRIA 31 Watershed Assessment and Planning
Aspect assisted WRIA 31 Policy Advisory Group with each phase of watershed planning. We expedited Level 1 watershed assessment in 10 months so that Phase 3 tasks could proceed, including development of the Watershed Management Plan that focused on water availability and quality, and fish habitat. We developed applications for Ecology grants to initiate Level 2 water quality and water storage projects, including aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) using Columbia River water to meet peak municipal demands. In Phase 4 we identified a preferred water-storage alternative to increase water supplies in the Horse Heaven Hills area using surface and subsurface reservoirs, and assisted the county in obtaining grants to move the preferred alternative into an appraisal assessment.
Col Solare Vineyard Water Supply Development
Aspect assisted with acquisition and transfer of existing water rights and oversaw the siting, construction, aquifer testing, and permitting of a high-capacity wellfield to support vineyard development in the Red Mountain appellation area. We sited wells based on detailed stratigraphic and structural analysis of the Columbia River Basalt system and hydraulic continuity of specific water-bearing units with the Yakima River. We helped Ste. Michelle reach agreement with Ecology on permitting of a water-right transfer from surface to groundwater, as well as pump design and operations (combined capacity greater than 1,500 gpm).