Pipeline project moves forward
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Ordnance Regional Water Supply and Aquifer Restoration Project is moving closer to reality. This month, Umatilla County went out for bids for both the pipeline valves and the gear for the pipeline’s pump station. Board of Commissioners Chairman John Shafer says that marks the start of the project to use Columbia River water.
“Phase 1 to the northeast corner of the depot will have water flowing by April 1, 2024,” Shafer said.
The Ordnance Project is expected to increase water supply reliability for irrigated acres while also providing a water resource for economic and environmental benefits. The county opened the door on the project by entering into an agreement with Grimmway Farms to use a portion of its Columbia River intake facilities with the stated goal of constructing a pipeline. That pipeline will aid in the development of the former home of the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot.
Westland Irrigation District is working with Farmers Conservation Alliance to develop an irrigation modernization strategy to assist in evaluating how to best take advantage of the pipeline as well as other potential improvements for increased efficiency in water delivery.
