In collaboration with the Department of Ecology, the Port of Vancouver and other local stakeholders, Clark Public Utilities (CPU) has secured a new water right permit to develop a new well field near the south end of Lake Vancouver. The new water right essentially doubles the water supply capacity for the utility.
In a press release, CPU said the new water supply – approximately 6.52 billion gallons of water – is enough to accommodate planned growth throughout the utility’s Clark County service area for the next 40 years.
“This right is a critical piece for the future sustainability of our system and will ensure safe, reliable water supply for our customers for decades into the future,” said Wayne Nelson, Clark Public Utilities general manager. “Securing access to this water source is a significant achievement and was made possible only through ongoing collaboration with the Department of Ecology and the Port of Vancouver over many years.”
The wells associated with the newly approved water right will tap into the Pleistocene Alluvial Aquifer. Wells will be located on a 22-acre site off Fruit Valley Road, near the port.
Collaboration against contamination
According to CPU, contamination from industrial sites in and around the Port of Vancouver created a potential road block to receiving the newly-approved water rights from the Department of Ecology. However, the agency said innovative cleanup efforts by the port successfully addressed concerns about the possibility of contamination reaching the utility’s water supply.
“Even though contamination occurred many years before the port owned the properties, cleanup of the sites has been a top priority,” said Todd Coleman, the port’s executive director. “We took a proactive approach, and thankfully our cleanup efforts have been very successful. We’re also extremely pleased that the strong, ongoing partnership between the port, Clark Public Utilities and the Department of Ecology has helped make the new water right possible.”
Ridgefield taps in
The Department of Ecology also approved a significant new source of water for the city of Ridgefield, authorizing an annual withdrawal of 157 million gallons of water.
Ridgefield Mayor Ron Onslow said the new water will help accommodate Ridgefield’s anticipated growth for the next several years.
“This new water source will greatly enhance the steady growth of the city,” said Onslow. “Ridgefield has worked with the Department of Ecology since at least 2005 and we welcome their approval.”
Erica Erland, corporate communications manager for CPU, added that these new water right permits ensure that supply will not be a limiting factor for future economic development within CPU’s service area, including the Discovery Corridor.
