News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation issues Final Environment Assessment on plan to rehabilitate Asaayi Dam and Spillway

Media Contact: Patricia Cox , (623) 773-6214, pacox@lc.usbr.gov
John McGlothlen, jwmcglothlen@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: March 16, 2006

Reclamation has issued a final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on proposed modifications to Asaayi Dam and spillway located on the Navajo Nation in northwest McKinley County, New Mexico.

The proposed project, a joint venture between Reclamation, the Navajo Nation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, is being carried out to correct safety deficiencies associated with Asaayi Dam and spillway. Proposed corrective measures include increasing the spillway capacity, modifying the outlets works, repairing the toe drain system, and increasing the crest height of the dam. Project construction will necessitate draining the reservoir and diverting inflows from Bowl Creek. Temporary closure of recreation areas near the dam is anticipated during construction.

The construction will be phased over a two-year period beginning in 2007. Improvements will include a new spillway, revamped outlet works, and improved vehicle access to the dam.

The final EA and FONSI can be obtained by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at (623) 773-6251, by e-mailing rkonst@lc.usbr.gov , or by downloading it from the Phoenix Area Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/ Questions may be directed to John McGlothlen at 623-773-6256.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.