Full Annoucement: USACE Willow Creek FOA<\/a><\/p>\nFunding Opportunity No: W81EWF-20-SOI-0007<\/h3>\n
CFDA No: 12.630<\/p>\n
Statutory Authority: 10 USC 2358<\/p>\n
Program Title: Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies<\/h3>\n
Announcement Type:\u00a0 Initial announcement<\/p>\n
Issue Date:\u00a0 6 January 2020<\/p>\n
Statement of Interest\/Qualifications Due Date: 5 February 2020<\/p>\n
Full Application Package Due Date, if Invited: 28 February 2020<\/p>\n
Estimated Total Funding:\u00a0 $100,000.00 per year for potentially 5 years for a total of $500,000.00<\/p>\n
Estimated Number of Awards:\u00a0 1<\/p>\n
Section I: Funding Opportunity Description<\/p>\n
Background:<\/h4>\n
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.\u00a0 Water quality issues that plague the lake include: dense cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) blooms, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and high nutrient concentrations.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Each summer, Willow Creek Reservoir is posted with health advisories warning users of the potential hazards associated with recreating on the lake.\u00a0 Furthermore, fish kills, foul odors and other nuisances are common in Willow Creek Reservoir affecting the community\u2019s ambiance, limiting tourism and recreation on the lake.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 Research results will provide public benefit through enhanced water quality in Willow Creek Reservoir producing public recreation opportunities and natural resource benefits.<\/p>\n
Brief Description of Anticipated Work:<\/h4>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Objective 2: Develop a whole-lake hydrodynamic model to evaluate reservoir water quality trajectory under future management strategies.<\/p>\n
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).\u00a0 Once evaluation of equipment is complete, efficacy of aeration system within the reservoir could lead to a long term study.<\/p>\n
Objective 4: Present research results at public and technical meetings to disseminate findings.<\/p>\n
Public Benefit:<\/h4>\n
Willow Creek Reservoir is considered eutrophic, dominated by severe cyanobacteria blooms in the summer months.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The HABs also cause fish kills and the overall deterioration of reservoir water quality and lake ambiance.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Section II: Award Information<\/h4>\n
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.\u00a0 The estimated level of funding for FY20 is approximately $100,000.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
Government Involvement:<\/h4>\n
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.\u00a0 Water quality equipment including multi-parameter probes, continuous water samplers, water temperature probes, and weather station equipment will be provided by the Portland District.\u00a0 The Portland District will review reports and offer advice and opinion on the restoration solutions that are proposed.\u00a0 The Portland District will also facilitate and participate in coordination and meetings with local, state and federal agencies as needed.<\/p>\n