News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Assessment on Stampede Dam Safety of Dams Modification

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: November 22, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review a Draft Environmental Assessment on the proposed Safety of Dams modification to Stampede Dam, located on the Little Truckee River about 11 miles northeast of Truckee, Calif.

Reclamation proposes to correct safety deficiencies identified by Safety of Dams studies at Stampede Dam to prevent potential loss of life, water storage, property damage, and other losses due to dam failure. The preferred alternative is to use a mechanically stabilized earth raise to increase the dam height by 11.5-feet, providing additional emergency storage to protect the dam during extreme flood events. Reclamation would continue to operate the dam and reservoir according to current procedures under normal conditions.

The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and is available at http:www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=8182. If you encounter problems accessing the document, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.
Stampede Dam, completed in 1970, 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 and Pyramid Lake Fishway facilities operation. The dam is owned and operated by Reclamation and is part of the Washoe Project.

Please send written comments to Jane Schmidt, Bureau of Reclamation, 705 North Plaza, Room 320, Carson City, NV 89701, by Wednesday, December 22, 2011. Comments may also be faxed to Ms. Schmidt at 775-882-7592 or e-mailed to jcschmidt@usbr.gov.

For more information or to request a copy of the Draft EA, please contact Ms. Schmidt at 916-718-5815 (TTY 775-882-3436). Copies of the Draft EA may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Lahontan Basin Area Office at the above address. 

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov.

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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.

Relevant Link:

National Environmental Policy Act