SEI Sustainable Ecosystems Institute has been engaged to facilitate the discussion of the scientific issues regarding the proposed Columbia River Channel Deepening project. SEI is a public benefit non-profit scientific organization, dedicated to the use of science in environmental problem solving. The institute adopts an impartial approach, and seeks to solve problems through technical resolution of disputes. The institute comprises a core staff of 12 Ph.D level scientists, with 250 associated experts in an array of fields. A detailed description of the institute is more fully discussed at www.sei.org Panel Meetings SEI is convening a panel of experts to consider the technical issues on the proposed deepening of the Columbia River. This panel will meet monthly, and evaluate materials on a range of topics associated with the project. The panel of 7 scientists is selected by SEI to include only nationally respected scientists, who are committed to an impartial evaluation of facts. The panel will be asked to review the established information on a topic, and to determine what constitutes the "best available science". Scientists from the agencies involved in the consultation may argue the issues before the panel. The panel will also be asked to evaluate the need for new studies, and the risks of proposed management alternatives. The panel will not however be asked to advise the agencies on which management option to follow; similarly the panel will not be involved in any decision-making, or advice on policy. SEI and the agencies will prepare materials to be sent to panelists. These materials will then be discussed at the panel meeting. SEI will record the proceedings, and will prepare a summary of results from this record. The summary will then be circulated to all interested parties. It is the intent of the process that the scientists preparing the Biological Assessment, and the associated Biological Opinions, will have a clear statement of the scientific issues and an impartial evaluation leading to resolution of key issues involved in the consultation The Issue The Corps of Engineers has proposed to extend dredging of the Columbia River, to deepen the channel from the existing 40 feet, to the new depth of 43 feet. Deepening of the river and estuary may impact certain listed stocks of salmonids, listed under the Endangered Species Act. An original evaluation of the issues resulted in issuance of a Biological Assessment, and a subsequent Biological Opinion, that allowed dredging to proceed. However the BO was withdrawn in the light of new scientific information. The action agency (Corps of Engineers) is now in reconsultation with the regulatory agencies (National Marine Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service) on how to proceed. Several technical issues are under discussion, and the parties are seeking to establish a common understanding of the science involved. Impacts At issue are the expected and possible impacts of the proposed action on various salmonids (several anadromous species under NMFS jurisdiction, and coastal cutthroat under USFWS). Included in these impacts will be any effects of dredging on habitat, saltwater intrusion, mobilization of toxics, sediment loads, and ecosystem function. In order to evaluate the total impact of any action, we will need to establish a framework for integrating such effects, and decide on appropriate measurement scales. Data quality will also need to be addressed, as will the consequences of management under imperfect information. Panel responsibilities Panelists will be asked to carefully review printed materials prior to each meeting. At each meeting they will have the opportunity to meet with scientists from the different agencies, to listen to presentations, and to question the parties. Panelists will then be asked to answer important, unresolved questions regarding technical issues. Examples of such questions might include: "What are the best available data? "What more information can we collect in the time available? "Have we included all relevant information? "Which model is most appropriate to the situation? "How can we evaluate the risks associated with a proposed action?" It is not expected that panelists will be experts in all subjects (fish biology, hydrology, risk management, estuarine function, etc.), but that each member be familiar with the use of science in management situations, and that the panel together will be able to evaluate the merits of different technical arguments relevant to the project The results of the Panel's work The panel will work an intensive two-day meeting. The panel will be asked to state its opinion only on technical issues: it is not the role of the group to make management or policy recommendations or decisions. The meeting summaries will be distributed as a draft for review. After that, they will become available on the SEI web page at www.sei.org