Public Notice: Water Quality Certification of Yakima River Floodplain Restoration

Summary

On March 25, 2025, EPA received a request from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation for a water quality certification for the Yakima River Mile 89.5 Floodplain Restoration Project Phase 2 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District project number NWS-2019-344-1).

Section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act requires applicants for federal permits and licenses that may result in discharges into waters of the United States to obtain certification that the discharge will comply with applicable provisions of the Clean Water Act. Where no state agency or Tribe has authority to give such certification, EPA is the certifying authority.

In this case, the proposed project is within the Yakama Reservation. Therefore, EPA is the certifying authority for this proposed project.

According to the application, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation proposes to impact wetlands and waters in order to conduct aquatic habitat restoration. The project is located in the Yakima River near Toppenish in Yakima County, Washington (latitude 46.3840774, longitude -120.2531153).

EPA is requesting comments on its Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for this proposed project.

Project Description

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation proposes to impact approximately 7.2 acres of wetlands, and 15,632 linear feet of waters, by excavating approximately 13,500 cubic yards and discharging approximately 116,000 cubic yards of fill material.

The project seeks to restore approximately 900 acres of historical floodplain in the Yakima River basin by reconnecting side channels, constructing large wood structures, and revegetating the project site.

A copy of the application is available upon request by contacting Jeff Brittain (brittain.jeffrey@epa.gov), 206-553-0532.