HomeMy WebLinkAbout2760 Resolution RESOLUTION NO. c /N)
A RESOLUTION in support of the issues and concerns raised by the Columbia-
Snake Rivers Irrigators Association in the Notice of Intent to sue NOAA Fisheries
regarding the 2000 Biological Opinion
WHEREAS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries,
formerly the National Marine Fisheries Service, established the 2000 Biological Opinion (BiOp)
as the fish and wildlife program for the Columbia River Basin; and
WHEREAS, the 2000 BiOp governs through the "Jeopardy Standard" the operation of
Columbia River and Snake River dams; and
WHEREAS, the 2000 BiOp has established a"No-Net Loss"policy for new withdrawals
from the Columbia River and has hindered the issuance of new water rights; and
WHEREAS, the Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association (CSRIA) has been an
active participant with NOAA Fisheries, Bonneville Power Administration, and the Northwest
Power Planning Council regarding the data and science used in establishing the 2000 BiOp; and
WHEREAS, the CSRIA has raised valid issues and concerns with the 2000 BiOp
regarding scientific interpretation, failure to account for the impacts of ocean conditions, failure
to include data from the years 2000, 2001, and 2002, and possible misapplication of the
"Jeopardy Standard"; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO:
That the City of Pasco concurs with the issues and concerns identified by CSRIA in the
July 15, 2003 Notice of Intent to Sue.
Be it further resolved, that the City strongly requests the Regional Administrator of NOAA
Fisheries to reevaluate the interpretation of the"Jeopardy Standard," ensure all relevant scientific
information is considered, including ocean conditions and data collected since 1999, and give
serious consideration and fair review to the CSRIA challenge to the 2000 BiOp.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco this 18th day of August 2003.
AdMA�� r
V
Micha l darrison, Mayor
ATTEST: OV AS TO FORM:
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Sandy KeWorthy, Deputy Cit Jerk Leland B. Kerr, City Attorney
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