The Naches River in the reach where CoY and Gleed diversions are located was significantly altered through the creation of the current alignment of SR12 in 1970. At that time a complex structure of levees and grade breaks was established that allowed continued operation of the Gleed intake and the creation of the City of Yakima intake structure.  Natural geomorphic changes have led to reconfiguration and degradation of the riverine structures to the point that significant investment is required to allow continued operation of both structures. In addition, the Gleed site is no longer safe to maintain and does not adequately protect fish life.

For these reasons, Reclamation, WDFW, City of Yakima and BPA (Stakeholders) began a discussion in February, 2014 to consolidate the Gleed and the City of Yakima structures. There were three options considered. The first option was to consolidate the City of Yakima at the Gleed site. Due to the amount of infrastructure and investment at the existing City of Yakima site and due to the change in elevation from the current City intake and Gleed, this is not a preferred option. The second option is to maintain the two separate facilities in their current locations. This is not a preferred option as the Gleed site will continue to wrack debris leading to ongoing maintenance issues. The third (preferred) option is to consolidate the Gleed with the City of Yakima facility.  The City of Yakima has undertaken geomorphic investigations to establish riverine stability for their intake and have proposed instream work to ensure sufficient water at their site.  

Goals of Feasibility Study:  Prior to final decision on consolidation, all engineering and legal constraints need to be identified. The goal of the feasibility study is to confirm that consolidating Gleed at the CoY facility is physically possible.  This needs to occur at a level of detail adequate to make this determination, but short of actual design.  In accomplishing this goal, any technical, legal or financial obstacles identified will be assessed to determine if they constitute  fatal flaws that would rule out the preferred alternative.

Objectives of this study include:
• Identify water rights (POD application process, etc.) and other legal obligations to consolidating Gleed screens at the CoY site.
• Determine the  engineering feasibility of consolidating at the City of Yakima site, including how new screens would be appended to the existing site and how the Gleed water would be conveyed to and provided at the Gleed ditch.
• Determine whether and to what extent an abandoned Gleed facility would need to be decommissioned for biological and liability reasons.
• Identify alternatives for consolidating Gleed at the City of Yakima intake structure consistent with results of ongoing Golder study of instream improvements needed to sustain existing CoY diversion.

If the feasibility study results indicate that the consolidation is technically, politically and financially feasible, and BPA and the stakeholders decide to proceed, BPA and City of Yakima intend to award the design, permitting assistance and construction management tasks to the City via amendment to this contract.