News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for Stampede Dam Safety of Dams Modification

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, 05/18/2012 12:19

For Release: May 18, 2012

TRUCKEE, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) for the Stampede Dam Safety of Dams Modification project on the Little Truckee River about 11 miles northeast of Truckee, Calif., in Sierra County.

The Draft EA was released for a 30-day public review on November 22, 2011, and 12 comment letters were received on the document; those comments have been addressed in the Final EA/FONSI.

Reclamation proposes to correct safety deficiencies identified by Safety of Dams studies at Stampede Dam to prevent potential loss of life, failure of downstream Boca Dam, property damage, water storage and other losses due to dam failure. The preferred alternative uses a mechanically stabilized earth raise to increase the dam height 11.5 feet to provide additional temporary floodwater 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. Two small earthen dikes would be constructed in low-lying areas on the south rim of the reservoir.

The Final EA/FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=8182. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

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

To request a copy of the environmental documents or for additional information, please contact Andrea Meier at 916-978-5041 or ameier@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:

EA/FONSI