Relationship of the Ben Franklin Dam Alternative to Water and Land Uses, Plans, Policies, and Controls for the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River.
Abstract
The construction of Ben Franklin Dam at RM 348 would flood lands along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River to 400 feet mean sea level an upriver to about the Vernita Bridge. The Hanford Reach, the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River, would be flooded and converted to a reservoir. Virtually all of the islands, the Taylor flats, Ringold Flats, and portions of the Hanford townsite, Wahluke settlement, and White Bluffs settlement would be inundated. Flooding of the islands would destroy existing goose/gull nesting and deer fawning habitat. the salmon and steelhead spawning grounds would be eliminated except in the uppermost portions. Numerous archaeological sites would be inundated; the most important of these sites should be excavated before filling of the dam reservoir. Fish and wildlife habitat and public recreation (hunting and fishing) areas would be destroyed. The existing Ringold fish hatchery would be inundated; the facilities would have to be relocated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA111345