Marion County has joined a lawsuit to stop a project that could drain Detroit Lake for up to two years and potentially hurt farmers, the recreation industry and county tax revenue.
A federal magistrate on Sept. 25 approved Marion County as an intervenor in a lawsuit between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and environmental groups Northwest Environmental, WildEarth Guardians and the Native Fish Society.
Environmental groups are suing the federal agency to better account for federally protected fish species, leading the Corps to propose, among other things, building a water temperature control tower at Detroit Lake.
As an intervenor, Marion County isn’t chosing sides in the lawsuit, county officials said, but hoped to represent people and businesses who could be impacted by the results.
Marion County claims that building a water temperature control tower could take up to two years and lead to a cascade of economic problems.
In its filings with the U.S. District Court of Oregon, the county said the recreation industry would lose $11 million a year if Detroit Lake were drained.
“Draining the lake would mean no boating, swimming, or fishing for an extended period which would negatively impact the numerous businesses and industries that rely on water from the North Santiam River Watershed for their operation,” the county wrote in its motion to join the lawsuit.
The county also worries about farmers and food processors who tap into the reservoir, as well as its own tax revenues.
“As with the recreational industry in Marion County, the many farms and businesses in southern Marion County that rely on the North Santiam River Watershed for crop irrigation would be severely impacted by low water conditions,” wrote Tom Hogue, economic development coordinator for the county. “This impact would also affect tax revenue to the county, which funds essential health and safety services.”
The Corps hasn’t decided whether to drain Detroit Lake.
Environmental groups disagree on the long-term plans for the lake should be. They want a change to help bring back historic anadromous fish runs, but say the tower is costly and similar projects haven’t been effective.
“We want to see whatever action the Army Corps takes has meaningful impact,” said Jennifer Fairbrother, regional director for the Native Fish Society.
Reporter Aubrey Wieber contributed to this article.
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