Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

January 14, 2020

USACE RSOI: Willow Creek Water Quality Research & Eval Studies

Request for Statements of Interest

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Engineer Research and Development Center

3909 Halls Ferry Road

Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199

Full Annoucement: USACE Willow Creek FOA

Funding Opportunity No: W81EWF-20-SOI-0007

CFDA No: 12.630

Statutory Authority: 10 USC 2358

Program Title: Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies

Announcement Type: Initial announcement

Issue Date: 6 January 2020

Statement of Interest/Qualifications Due Date: 5 February 2020

Full Application Package Due Date, if Invited: 28 February 2020

Estimated Total Funding: $100,000.00 per year for potentially 5 years for a total of $500,000.00

Estimated Number of Awards: 1

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

Background:

The overall goal of this project is to improve water quality conditions in Willow Creek Reservoir for the benefit of the community in and surrounding Heppner, Oregon. Water quality issues that plague the lake include: dense cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) blooms, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and high nutrient concentrations. Blooms of cyanobacteria are known to produce toxins, thereby threatening the aquatic ecosystem and potentially exposing humans and animals to risk of death or chronic illness such as neurodegeneration and liver damage. Each summer, Willow Creek Reservoir is posted with health advisories warning users of the potential hazards associated with recreating on the lake. Furthermore, fish kills, foul odors and other nuisances are common in Willow Creek Reservoir affecting the community’s ambiance, limiting tourism and recreation on the lake.

This analysis draws upon prior research, readily available data, and new research and data to develop and implement an evaluation program for the restoration of Willow Creek Reservoir and its upper basin. Research results will provide public benefit through enhanced water quality in Willow Creek Reservoir producing public recreation opportunities and natural resource benefits.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work:

Objective 1: Conduct biweekly monitoring of in- and outflows and a site in the reservoir to continue the long-term dataset development for Willow Creek Reservoir to support management decisions and evaluate their effectiveness if and when implemented.

Objective 2: Develop a whole-lake hydrodynamic model to evaluate reservoir water quality trajectory under future management strategies.

Objective 3: Re-evaluate the currently installed aeration system for efficiency, modification in operation (e.g., timing, or air vs pure oxygen) or deployment (physical location in reservoir, and specific configuration). Once evaluation of equipment is complete, efficacy of aeration system within the reservoir could lead to a long term study.

Objective 4: Present research results at public and technical meetings to disseminate findings.

Public Benefit:

Willow Creek Reservoir is considered eutrophic, dominated by severe cyanobacteria blooms in the summer months. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) result in Oregon Health Authority (OHA) public health advisories which affect the tourism and recreation on the lake each year. The HABs also cause fish kills and the overall deterioration of reservoir water quality and lake ambiance. Issues like these have led to growing pressure by Willow Creek community leaders, requesting that the Corps employ lake restoration efforts and improve water quality conditions in Willow Creek Lake.

The research and data collected through this project will be used to develop a comprehensive lake restoration plan for Willow Creek Reservoir aimed at improving overall water quality conditions in Willow Creek Reservoir for the benefit of the public.

Section II: Award Information

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for studies to be sponsored by the Portland District and the Engineer Research and Development Center to provide research and evaluation services in Willow Creek Reservoir. The estimated level of funding for FY20 is approximately $100,000. Additional funds of $100,000/year for 4 additional years may be available, providing the potential funding of $500,000 over 5 years to the successful Recipient/Awardee. Depending on findings in the early years of this effort, funding needs may increase above the anticipated $100,000/year in subsequent years of this project; however, total funding will not exceed $500,000 over the life of this cooperative agreement.

Government Involvement:

The Portland District will provide full access to Willow Creek Reservoir and participate in field site selection and field trip sample collection trips as appropriate. Water quality equipment including multi-parameter probes, continuous water samplers, water temperature probes, and weather station equipment will be provided by the Portland District. The Portland District will review reports and offer advice and opinion on the restoration solutions that are proposed. The Portland District will also facilitate and participate in coordination and meetings with local, state and federal agencies as needed.

Section III: Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants – This opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU).
Cost Sharing – This action will be 100% funded by USACE.
Other – n/a

Section VII: Agency Contact

Amanda Andrews, Grants Specialist

US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center