Comment period extended for review of Chehalis flood reduction project

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of Ecology is extending the public comment period for the draft environmental review of the proposed Chehalis River basin flood-damage reduction project to May 27, the agency announced Thursday.

In-person public hearings will be shifted to online opportunities. The March 31 hearing date has been switched to an online date, April 21. The previously scheduled April 2 public hearing date has been shifted to an online-only format. Both online events will begin at 5 p.m. with a 45-minute presentation. Starting about 5:45 p.m., Ecology will take public comment via the webinar until 8:30 p.m. Participants will be limited to two minutes each.

The draft environmental impact statement evaluates the proposal by the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District to build a flood retention dam and temporary reservoir on the Chehalis River near Pe Ell.

To comment during online events, participants will need to register separately for each. Registration can be done in advance or at the time of the events. You can submit comments at public events, online, or by mail to Chehalis River Basin Flood Damage Reduction Project EIS, Anchor QEA, 1201 Third Ave., Suite 2600, Seattle, WA 98101.