OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services hired Floyd|Snider to perform a project-specific environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Capitol Lake/Lower Deschutes Watershed. The Seattle-based firm was selected after a competitive process.

The EIS is Phase 2 of long-term planning for the 260-acre waterbody. An EIS is required before short-term actions are taken, such as initial dredging, and before a long-term management plan can be put in place.

The Legislature approved $4 million in funding for the EIS earlier this year. An EIS provides information on potential project benefits and environmental impacts, and how to avoid, reduce or offset impacts. The EIS also will help identify a preferred alternative for decision makers to consider. Long‐term management options identified as part of Phase 1 planning include a managed lake, a restored estuary, and hybrid options.

What’s next

Enterprise Services and Floyd|Snider will develop project management and public involvement plans, and will share information once they are complete.

Learn more

For background on the EIS process and on long-term management planning for Capitol Lake/Lower Deschutes Watershed, view the Frequently Asked Questions and Long-Term Planning for Capitol Lake/Lower Deschutes Watershed web pages.