A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a section of the Columbia River in Washington State as a study area for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and for other purposes.
PL 100-605 (H.R.3614), enacted 11/04/1988

PUBLIC LAW 100-605—NOV. 4, 1988 
102 STAT. 3043 
Public Law 100-605 
100th Congress 
An Act 
To authorize a study of the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, and for other 
Nov. 4, 1988 
purposes. 
[H.R. 3614] 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. COMPREHENSIVE RIVER CONSERVATION STUDY. 
The Secretary of the Interior ("Secretary"), in consultation with Washington. 
the Secretary of Energy, shall prepare a comprehensive river con-
servation study for that segment of the Columbia River extending 
from one mile below Priest Rapids Dam downstream approximately 
fifty-one miles to the McNary Pool north of Richland, Washington, 
as generally depicted on the map entitled "Proposed Columbia River 
Wild and Scenic River Boundary" dated May 17, 1988, hereinafter 
referred to as the "study area" which is on file with the United 
States Department of the Interior. The study shall identify and 
evaluate the outstanding features of the study area and its imme-
diate environment, including fish and wildlife, geologic, scenic, rec-
reational, natural, historical, and cultural values, and examine 
alternatives for their preservation. In examining alternatives means 
for the preservation of such values, the Secretary shall, among other 
things, consider the potential addition of all or a portion of the study 
area to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and rec-
ommend a preferred alternative for the protection and preservation 
of the values identified. The Secretary shall cooperate and consult 
State and local 
with the State and political subdivisions thereof, local, and tribal governments, 
governments, and other interested entities in preparation of such a 
study and provide for public comment. The study shall be completed 
and presented to Congress within three years after the date of 
enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 2. INTERIM PROTECTION. 
(a) For a period of eight years after the enactment of this Act, 
within the study area identified in section 1 of this Act: 
(1) No Federal agency may construct any dam, channel, or 
navigation project. 
(2) All other new Federal and non-Federal projects and activi-
ties shall, to the greatest extent practicable: 
(A) be planned, designed, located and constructed to mini-
mize direct and adverse effects on the values for which the 
river is under study; and 
(B) utilize existing structures and facilities including, but 
not limited to, pipes, pipelines, transmission towers, water 
conduits, powerhouses, and reservoirs to accomplish the 
purposes of the project or activity. 
(3) Federal and non-Federal entities planning new projects or 
activities in the study area shall consult and coordinate with 
the Secretary to minimize and provide mitigation for any direct 
102 STAT. 3044 
PUBLIC LAW 100-605—NOV. 4, 1988 
and adverse effects on the values for which the river is under 
study. 
(4) Upon receiving notice from the entity planning the new 
project or activity, the Secretary shall, no later than ninety 
days after receiving such notice and consulting with the entity: 
(A) review the proposed project or activity and make a 
determination as to whether there will be a direct and 
adverse effect on the values for which the river segment is 
under study; and 
(B) review proposals to mitigate such effects and make 
such recommendations for mitigation as he deems nec-
essary. 
(5) If the Secretary determines that there will be a direct and 
adverse effect that has not been adequately mitigated, he shall 
notify the sponsoring entity and the Committee on Interior and 
Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
United States Senate of his determination and any proposed 
recommendations. 
(b) During the eight year interim protection period, provided by 
this section, all existing projects that affect the study area shall be 
operated and maintained to minimize any direct and adverse effects 
on the values for which the river is under study, taking into account 
any existing and relevant license, permit, or agreement affecting the 
project. 
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There are authorized to be appropriated not more than $150,000 
for the purpose of conducting the study pursuant to section 1 of this 
Act. 
Approved November 4, 1988. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 3614: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 100-960 (Comm. on Interior and Insular Affairs). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): 
Sept. 26, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 12, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Oct. 19, House concurred in Senate amendment.