News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues FONSI and Final EA for Safety Modifications at Arthur R. Bowman Dam in Oregon

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 03/05/2010 15:26
Jim Taylor, jbtaylor@usbr.gov

For Release: March 05, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Final Environmental Assessment(EA) for Safety of Dams Modifications at Arthur R. Bowman Dam located on the Crooked River about 20 miles southeast of Prineville, Ore.

This FONSI and Final EA outline Reclamation's analysis to correct safety deficiencies which show a potential threat of a dam failure exists should the structure be overtopped during a major flood event.

The Final EA documents Reclamation's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and addresses two alternatives: Alternative A - No Action; and Alternative B - the Proposed Action calling for the construction of a concrete parapet wall.

The concrete parapet wall would be 1-foot thick and 6-feet-high and located on the upstream side of the dam crest. It would provide about 30,000 acre-feet of additional emergency storage and reduce the potential risk of loss of life. The emergency storage would not be available for added project benefits.

The Draft EA was made available in November 2009, with copies sent to governmental agencies, elected officials, Native American Tribes, irrigation districts, and the interested public. Comments received on the Draft EA are addressed in the FONSI and Final EA which are available on Reclamation's website at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/oregon/bowman/index.html

Hard copies of the report may be obtained without charge by contacting Mr. Jim Taylor at the Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Regional Office, 1150 North Curtis Road, Ste 100, Boise ID 83706-1234, or by email at jbtaylor@usbr.gov.

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Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/oregon/bowman/index.html