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- Draft EA/FONSI Available for Old Camp Nine Bridge Removal at New Melones Lake
News Release Archive
Draft EA/FONSI Available for Old Camp Nine Bridge Removal at New Melones Lake
Media Contact:
Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov
For Release: April 01, 2008
The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to demolish and remove the Old Camp Nine Bridge, located on the upper arm of the Stanislaus River spanning between Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties. The bridge is situated downstream of the Stanislaus Afterbay Dam and about 7 to 8 miles east of the junction of Camp Nine Road and Parrotts Ferry Road near Vallecito, California.
The Camp Nine Area is used extensively for recreation activities including fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Reclamation has determined that in its current condition, the Old Camp Nine Bridge poses a significant hazard to the public due to deteriorated decking, damaged bridge supports, eroded abutments and lead-based paint on the railings. Additionally, the bridge poses a hazard to navigation when New Melones Lake levels rise and the bridge becomes submerged under water. If not corrected, this hazard could result in serious injury to the public or damage to boats. Removal of the bridge will reduce impacts on recreation, improve fish passage, and help protect the historical significance of the Old Camp Nine Road.
Reclamations proposed project would demolish and dispose of Camp Nine Bridge and restore the site for safe utilization by visitors. Due to fluctuating lake levels, the onsite demolition work will have to be performed during the months of August and September 2008 when water levels remain low. Until the bridge is removed, Reclamation will maintain barriers on both approaches to the bridge to deter access. During high-water periods, buoys will be placed on the bridge to warn boaters of underwater hazards.
The Draft EA/FONSI was developed under the National Environmental Policy Act and is available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=3093. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or e-mail lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.
Written comments on the Draft EA and FONSI are due by close of business Thursday, May 1, 2008, to Ms. Peggi Brooks, Bureau of Reclamation, 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora, CA 95370, or pbrooks@mp.usbr.gov, or fax 209-536-9652. For a copy of the document or for additional information, please contact Ms. Brooks at 209-536-9094 x211.
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