Master Manual review and revision, 1989-2004
Controversy over the operation of this reservoir system began during the 1980s drought. In 1989, after being sued by the upper basin states, the Corps initiated a review of its Master Water Control Manual (“Master Manual”) governing the operation of these dams.
Initially, the primary issue driving the controversy was how the system should be operated during drought periods. Upper basin (reservoir) states wanted significantly more drought conservation during such drought periods to reduce reservoir drawdowns and their negative impacts on reservoir recreation. Downstream (river) states wished to maintain flows for navigation and water supply, including cooling water for power plants.
During the course of the master manual review, environmental issues, especially endangered species issues, became very significant.
On February 27, 2004, after 15 years of effort, the Corps published its Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) on the Missouri River Master Manual Review. The Final EIS’s selected alternative included increased drought conservation, seeking to better balance the needs of the upper and lower basin states. In regard to endangered species issues, the Final EIS provided no specifics on flows changes to meet endangered species needs in its selected alternative. Instead, the Corps stated that these needs would be addressed through a Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) and the use of adaptive management processes.
Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC)
To address issues pertaining to Missouri River recovery, the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) was established in the fall of 2008. Issues include environmental degradation, including the effects of flow and habitat loss on threatened or endangered species like the Pallid Sturgeon, Piping Plover and the interior region of the Least Tern.
The Committee's purpose is to make recommendations and give guidance on the Missouri River Ecosystem Recovery Plan (MRERP), which is a study of the Missouri River and tributaries, and activities in the existing Missouri River Recovery and Mitigation Program (MRRP).
The Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) was authorized by Congress in Section 5018 of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). To review the MRRIC Charter and other background documents such as the MRRIC Operating Rules and Procedures and the 2010 MRRIC Annual Report, visit the MRRP Library.
MRRIC Members
The Missouri River Basin is home to 28 Native American Tribes, as well as many stakeholders with interests ranging from farming and outdoor recreation to hydro and thermal power. The Committee is composed of 28 seats designed to represent the broad range of stakeholders, as well as representatives of the States, Tribes, and federal agencies. Thus the committee is comprised of nearly 70 members. Earl Lewis, Chief Engineer, is the Governor-appointed representative for the state of Kansas. Michael Armstrong with Water District No. 1 of Johnson, KS is also a member of the MRRIC. See the MRRIC Members page for a full list of members.
MRRIC Meetings and Work Groups
The Committee meets face-to-face four times a year. Much of the work of the committee occurs in its various work groups, which conduct work between meetings via face-to-face meetings and conference calls. MRRIC’s meetings are open to the public. For more information on recent meetings, including meeting summaries and presentations, visit the MRRIC hompage. For more information on the work groups, visit the MMRIC Work Groups page.
MRRIC Work Plan and Accomplishments
The current work plan and a summary of the most significant recommendations and accomplishment of the committees can be found on the MRRIC Recommendations page.
Among recent emphases in MRRIC’s work are review of the Corps' work plan related to the Missouri River Recovery and Mitigation Program and working with the Corps in the development of an Independent Science Advisory Panel and interacting with it toward completion of its first charge: to review the science related to the spring pulse and adaptive management.
Other
The States replaced the former Missouri River Basin Association (MRBA) with a new organization called the Missouri River Association of States and Tribes (MoRAST) which will include a director from each States’ fish and game agencies, in addition to a water management director from each state.
Kansas continues to work with the Corps to resolve its concern with the Corps’ use of Kansas basin reservoirs to support Missouri River navigation. Kansas believes the negative impacts of this use far outweigh the benefits. Kansas is looking for a permanent solution to the problem.
Page last updated November 4, 2020.