Tumalo Irrigation District Modernization Project

Lead Agency: NRCS Oregon
Sponsoring Local Organization: Tumalo Irrigation District 

Project Description

The Tumalo Irrigation District Modernization Project will modernize up to 1.9 miles of Tumalo Irrigation District’s canals and 66.9 miles of laterals to improve water conservation, water delivery reliability, and public safety. The project will occur in phases over 11 years. By converting open irrigation ditches into a closed piped system, the project will reduce water loss from canals by up to 48 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 4.9 billion gallons per season. Water saved from the project will be permanently protected in the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek, benefiting fish and wildlife habitat. The project also will deliver water to irrigators in a safer, more efficient manner and reduce energy consumption from pumping. 

NEPA Analysis

On August 20, 2018, NRCS Oregon released a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the project. NRCS and project sponsors determined the project will not cause significant local, regional or national impacts to the environment. On September 21, 2018, NRCS Oregon authorized federal assistance for the Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment. 

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