East Fork Irrigation District Modernization Project

Lead Agency: NRCS Oregon
Sponsoring Local Organization: East Fork Irrigation District

Project Description

The East Fork Irrigation District Modernization Project will pipe 56 miles of District-owned canals and laterals and will conserve water, reduce energy use, improve operational efficiencies, improve water delivery reliability, increase public safety, enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the Hood River watershed, and reduce sediment in irrigation water. By converting open-ditch irrigation canals into underground, closed-piped systems, the project will eliminate water losses from end spills, saving an estimated 16.6 cubic feet per second, or 5,287 acre-feet annually. The District will allocate 75 percent of the saved water, or up to 12.45 cubic feet per second, to instream use during the irrigation season.

NEPA Analysis

On July 22, 2020, NRCS Oregon released a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact for the East Fork Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project. NRCS has determined that the project will not cause significant local, regional or national impacts to the environment.

Current Status

This project is in construction. 

Project Documents

Contact Information

Gary Diridoni
NRCS Oregon Assistant State Conservationist for Watershed Resources
Gary.Diridoni@usda.gov