Staff member reports river monitoring after heavy rains; investigation and summer data collection planned

A staff member told the advisory group that heavy rains over the previous weeks pushed river levels up but did not reach flood stage and that staff began tracking GSI river levels beginning Friday.

"It was raining a lot over the last couple weeks. We saw river flows really bump up," the staff member said, adding that the rise prompted field visits on Tuesday to observe conditions.

The speaker said the group is preparing an investigation report and that additional data collection is scheduled for the summer. "We were tracking GSI river levels… we're crunching in right now to get [the] investigation report out to everyone," the staff member said. They said a scientist visit may occur in August.

The update included a reminder about an upcoming seasonal burn period and a request for added characterization to address outstanding questions about groundwater and longer-term risks. The speaker emphasized the need to balance risk concerns with gathering the data necessary to evaluate impacts to the river and groundwater.

According to the presentation, the advisory group will review a concept model when it is available and provide group comments on data interpretation and criteria for remediation options. The group did not announce a formal decision or funding action during the meeting.

The meeting record shows staff will continue sampling and analysis over the summer; the advisory group plans to consider the forthcoming investigation report and concept model at a future meeting.