Deschutes Estuary Feasibility Study Net Benefits Assessment

Client: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Location: Olympia, WA

Summary: Capitol Lake in Olympia, WA was created in 1951 when the state constructed a dam where the Deschutes River flowed into the Budd Inlet section of the Puget Sound, in Olympia, Washington, converting a functioning estuary into a lake. The Washington Department of General Administration (GA), operator of the dam, and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) undertook an evaluation of the feasibility of restoring the Deschutes tidal estuary. An Cardno ENTRIX economist collaborated with WDFW, US Geological Service, and other environmental consulting firms, to estimate the net benefits of restoration. Based on technical reports on the physical effects of estuary restoration, Cardno ENTRIX staff quantified where possible the net economic benefits including 1) flood control, 2) water quality, and 3) recreation. The feasibility investigation resulted in a recommendation from GA to remove the dam.