Deschutes Estuary restoration: state opens comment period on updated environmental review through Nov. 9

The plan to remove the 5th Avenue Dam and turn Capitol Lake back into a tidal estuary has a new environmental document, and the state wants to hear from you. The Washington State Department of Ecology and the Department of Enterprise Services are taking comments on a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.

What's new in this review. The draft covers only design pieces that were updated or added since the planning-level design was finished in 2022. It doesn't revisit the alternatives already studied in the 2022 Environmental Impact Statement. The new pieces include:

• Replacing the utility and pedestrian bridge at Marathon Park
• A new berm and elevated trail at Heritage Park
• A new berm at the Tumwater Historic Brewery
• Protecting the BNSF railroad bridge
• Refined designs for river-channel dredging and habitat areas, the 5th Avenue Bridge and roadway, and recreation features

"The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project has been shaped by the many years of investment and participation from design partners and the community," said Bobbak Talebi, Ecology's Southwest Region director. "This supplemental environmental impact statement is another important opportunity to help us refine the final phases of design and permitting."

The big picture. The project would restore 260 acres of estuary and salt marsh across two miles. It would also build a new 5th Avenue Bridge with vehicle lanes, separated bike and pedestrian paths and viewing spots, and add water-access areas. The lake has been closed to recreation since 2009 because of invasive species. Design and permitting began in October 2023, and the team expects to reach 90% design at the end of this year, working with the Squaxin Island Tribe, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Tumwater and regional agencies. Construction is expected to start in 2028, pending permits and funding, and take about six to seven years.

How to weigh in:

• In person: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5:30 p.m., open house, presentation and public hearing at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW.
• Online meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m. Joining details are on Ecology's website.
• Online comment form: linked from Ecology's news release and the Deschutes Estuary project website.
• By mail: SEPA Draft SEIS for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, Washington Department of Ecology, c/o Bobbak Talebi, Southwest Region Office, P.O. Box 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775.

The agencies will review substantive comments before issuing a final SEIS, expected next year, which agencies may use in permit decisions.

Also today: The Port of Olympia Commission is scheduled to revisit its resolution on the estuary project at its meeting this afternoon. See yesterday's story for details.