North Unit Irrigation District Modernization Project

Lead Agency: NRCS Oregon
Sponsoring Local Organization: Deschutes Basin Board of Control & North Unit Irrigation District 

Project Description

The North Unit Irrigation District Modernization Project is located in Jefferson County, Oregon and will install 27.5 miles of gravity-pressurized, buried pipe; upgrade 153 turnouts; and construct four 1,000 cubic-yard retention ponds, each approximately 0.5 acres in size. The project will improve water conservation on District-operated laterals; improve water delivery reliability and drought resilience to NUID irrigators; reduce NUID’s operation and maintenance costs; reduce operational spills into natural waterbodies; and improve streamflow, water quality, habitat, and habitat availability in the Deschutes River.

NEPA Analysis

On January 11, 2023, NRCS Oregon released a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the North Unit 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

Project is in construction.

Project Documents

Contact Information

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