News Release Archive

Reclamation Preparing Environmental Assessment on Stampede Dam Safety of Dams Modification

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5101, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: September 09, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public input to help identify additional issues and concerns to be considered during the preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed Safety of Dams Modification to Stampede Dam, located on the Little Truckee River about 11 miles northeast of Truckee, Calif. The Draft Environmental Assessment is scheduled to be completed in fall 2011.

Reclamation proposes to correct safety deficiencies identified by Safety of Dams (SOD) studies at Stampede Dam to prevent potential loss of life, water storage, property damage, and other losses due to dam failure. Several alternatives were considered and eliminated during the study. The two proposed alternatives for the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) are No Action and what is called a “Mechanically Stabilized Earth Raise.” Under the No Action Alternative no federal action would be taken.

Reclamation initially conducted scoping for the Stampede Dam SOD EA in January 2010. Several refinements have recently been made including constructing saddle dikes, installing temporary water control structures, modifying roads and identifying borrow and staging areas in the Tahoe National Forest, Truckee Ranger District. Reclamation is the lead agency in developing the EA and the U.S. Forest Service will be invited to participate as a Cooperating Agency. Details on the proposed Stampede Dam SOD Modification are posted on Reclamation’s website at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=8182. If you encounter problems accessing the website, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Completed in 1970, Stampede Dam is 239-feet high and has a crest length of 1,511 feet. The reservoir provides water primarily for fishery enhancement along the Truckee River as well as Pyramid Lake Fishway operation. Stampede Dam is part of the Washoe Project and is operated by Reclamation.

Written comments should be sent by close of business Monday, October 10, 2011, to Jane Schmidt, Bureau of Reclamation, 705 N. Plaza St., Room 320, Carson City, NV 89701, faxed to 775-882-7592, or e-mailed to jcschmidt@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Ms. Schmidt at 916-718-5815 (TTY 775-882-3436).

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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.