The purpose of the proposed Tacoma Water project is to remove the concrete scour-prevention structure protecting its pipeline crossing under the White River (WRIA 10.0031). The objective of this project is to restore unimpeded fish passage in the vicinity of the existing concrete structure (river mile 23.3). The concrete structure was constructed in the 1920s to protect the City of Tacomas municipal water supply pipeline (installed at a shallow depth under the river in 1912) from the scouring action of the White River. Tacoma Water proposes to replace the existing length of pipe under the river channel with a new length pipe. The new pipe, however, would be buried deep enough under the river to preclude the need for a dam. Thus, the dam and fish ladder could be removed and a fish passage barrier would be permanently removed.
