Projects
Water Re-Use Project
GID begin working with the City of Corvallis several years ago on the possibility of using Corvallis' treated effluent as irrigation water. Corvallis and GID entered into a MOU for the purpose of further study, and a great deal of work was done conceptually by Kennedy-Jenks Engineers on the viability of the project. Infrastructure included over 11 miles of pipeline and mixing the effluent with Willamette River water. In the last year or so, other alternatives that may be more cost effective have emerged, and the project remains under analysis in a time of budgetary constraint.
Finley Wildlife Refuge
About 4 years ago Finley Wildlife Refuge and the GID begin discussing the usefulness of additional water on the refuge in anticipation of GID infrastructure coming on line. Finley reviewed their resources and determined that should water of sufficient quality be available they could consider developing seasonal and permanent wetlands, as well as irrigate pasture for geese. These discussions are proceeding positively in the context of the refuge writing its Comprehensive Conservation Plan at this time. GID infrastructure would bring additional water to the refuge.
2010 Appropriation Request Link
Energy Conservation Projects
GID has partnered with Consumers Power, and working closely with the Bonneville Power Administration has studied the patterns of existing and potential electrical use on the district and made design and operation changes accordingly. The GID has benefited from a BPA program to cost-share certain infrastructure components, decreasing peak and overall energy use.
Water Conservation Projects
While the GID infrastructure is current and energy and water efficient, it is still possible to achieve additional efficiencies through close monitoring and control. These include precise application of water, measurement of need and deliveries at field level, and scheduling on a system wide basis. GID will be adding increasingly sophisticated means of achieving a high degree of control through a cost-share grant with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Habitat Conservation
GID is exploring opportunities to make improvements in habitat and water quality. Conversations with Finley Refuge, staff of the Marys River Watershed Council, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, landowners, and others are occurring. Of particular interest is the Western Pond Turtle, as in cooperation with Finley Refuge, significant habitat in two drainages exists in close proximity.
