The SPLASH Newsletter Feb., 2008
issued by the Thurston County Storm & Surface Water Utility News in local mailboxes last week had a story titled “Help for Yelm and Thompson Creeks”

To quote the article,

“Thurston County will be collecting data on the changing hydrology along Thompson Creek near Yelm thanks to a grant from the state Department of Ecology. Homes, roads and bridges [and private wells] in the area have been damaged over that past several winters due to localized flooding.

The county will be gathering streamflow, precipitation and ground water data to help planners shape current and future land-use decisions.

The city and Thurston County will also use the data to re-evaluate flood zone maps and update Jointly-adopted flood hazard plans.

The Thurston County Storm and Surface water Utility is also providing funds for the project, along with the state grant.”

This grant is being provided through the Department of Ecology’s Flood Control Assistance Account Program. They will be monitoring flows along Thompson Creek from about 93rd St. in Yelm to SR-510.

They will also be measuring shallow groundwater levels at several locations. The ultimate purpose is to generate a baseline for existing hydrology and shallow groundwater performance.

On January 29, 2007, there was a multi-agency meeting open to the public about Yelm’s Thompson Creek flooding with officials from the Washington State Department of Ecology & the Department of Fish & Wildlife to gather information related to Thompson Creek flooding conditions and increased creek sedimentload.

The Dept. of Ecology had received several complaints in regards to flooding issues, water quality issues, wetland filling, channel modifications and other activities that have affected Thompson Creek in Yelm, as reported a year ago on the Yelm Community Blog.

More information is found in the:
ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARD IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
THURSTON COUNTY FLOOD HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN
September 12, 2007