DESCRIPTION
Mill Creek is designated as a major spawning area for salmon and steelhead in the Walla Walla River. High quality salmonid spawning and rearing habitat exists in the upper reaches of the river however are disconnected from the middle and lower river by the flood control structure through the city of Walla Walla. Currently, the Tri-State Steelheaders are completing a fish passage assessment and design over the entire floodway. The assessment has been directed primarily at providing adult passage; however some attention has been directed toward creating a low flow channel. A low flow channel in this reach would benefit salmon partially by providing passage out of the reach as flows diminish and by concentrating low flows reducing high summer water temperatures. This project will evaluate the feasibility of modifying Mill Creek flood control channel to include a low flow channel, adequate water supply, subsurface flood control system, or other modifications that maintain flood control capacity while enhancing fish passage/migration capability. Pending the outcomes of the Fish Passage Assessment his study may be a assess design project or a design build project if solutions are not built into previous designs.