Amon Creek Wasteway: Difference between revisions
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Amon Creek is not identified as being impaired by The Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Quality Atlas web tool<ref>Washington State Department of Ecology Waster Quality Atlas. https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/waterqualityatlas/wqa/map</ref> (Accessed July 31, 2025). | Amon Creek is not identified as being impaired by The Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Quality Atlas web tool<ref>Washington State Department of Ecology Waster Quality Atlas. https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/waterqualityatlas/wqa/map</ref> (Accessed July 31, 2025). | ||
Limiting Factors | Limiting Factors | ||
Stream water temperature, | Stream water temperature, Limited stream complexity (large wood, pools), water quality (fines), non-native species (smallmouth bass). | ||
Revision as of 16:28, 31 July 2025
Overview
Amon Creek Wasteway is the lowest tributary on the Yakima River at river mile 2.7. The majority of flow is derived from irrigation return flows from the Kennewick Irrigation District, with a small amount coming from natural sources. The drainage area is approximately 62 square miles.
Habitat Conditions
Flows
Historical flows to Amon Creek prior to irrigation, where likely low. Smith et al. (2006)[1] calculated natural stream flow estimates the Amon drainage between 250-500 acre-feet per year, or 0.51 cubic feet per second per day of discharge. Amon Creek currently serves as a conveyance for irrigation return flows from the Kennewick Irrigation District, where excess water from the main canal is spilled. The wasteway also conveys stormwater runoff for the City of Richland and the City of Kennewick.
Stream Temperature
There have been a few studies on stream temperatures in Amon Creek including Child et al. (2010)[2] and more recently by Sheibley et al. (2024)[3]. Both studies detail Amon Creek having stream temperatures exceeding the 21 degree Celsius criteria. However, Amon Creek was cooler than the mainstem Yakima River by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the months of June through September, potentially providing thermal refuge for salmonids.
Water Quality
Amon Creek is not identified as being impaired by The Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Quality Atlas web tool[4] (Accessed July 31, 2025).
Limiting Factors
Stream water temperature, Limited stream complexity (large wood, pools), water quality (fines), non-native species (smallmouth bass).
Habitat Restoration Projects
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Benton Conservation District, has developed an environmental impact statement to review alternatives to re-locate Amon Creek, USACE 2025[5].
Fish Use
Fish, including Salmon and steelhead have been documented in the lower portions of Amon Creek (Child et al., 2010). Salmonids may also use the confluence and lower portions of Amon Creek as thermal refuge during adult migration when Amon Creek is cooler than the mainstem Yakima River.
Citations
- ↑ Smith, David L., Gardner Johnson, and Ted Williams. Natural Streamflow Estimates for Watersheds in the Lower Yakima River. Cramer and Associates, 2006. http://www.svid.org/images/Natural%20Streamflow%20Report%20Revised%20for%20website.pdf.
- ↑ Child, David, Ian Courter, and Shadia Duery. Suitability of Amon Wasteway for Salmonid Production. 2010. https://www.kid.org/ wp- content/ uploads/ 2014/ 05/ 2010- Amon- Aquatic- Habitat- Report.pdf.
- ↑ Sheibley, Richard, Marcella Appel, Rachel Little, and James Foreman. Extent and Duration of Cold-Water Areas Associated with Side Channels and Tributaries of the Lower Yakima River, Washington, September 2018–20. Scientific Investigations Report Nos. 2023–5140. Scientific Investigations Report. 2024.
- ↑ Washington State Department of Ecology Waster Quality Atlas. https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/waterqualityatlas/wqa/map
- ↑ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Yakima River Delta Coldwater Refuge Project Amon Creek Wasteway Relocation. Project File Number: PPL-C-2024-0057. Walla Walla District, 2025. https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Portals/28/Draft%20Amon%20Creek%20Final_1.pdf.