News Release Archive

Reclamation Schedules Full-Scale Security Exercise at Folsom Dam

Media Contact: Margaret Gidding, 916-978-5100, mgidding@usbr.gov

For Release: April 14, 2014

FOLSOM, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department/Folsom Dam Security Bureau, City of Folsom Police and Fire Departments, California State Parks, Sacramento Office of Emergency Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Sacramento County Department of Technology, will conduct a full-scale security exercise at Folsom Dam on Wednesday, April 23.

The exercise will simulate emergency response activities at Folsom Dam. The exercise will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. and will allow emergency response agencies to check security systems, practice tactical skills and perform multi-agency coordination.

An Incident Command Post will be established close to Reclamation’s Central California Area Office, which is located at Folsom Dam. The public may see emergency response vehicles and personnel throughout the day participating in the exercise.

Folsom-Auburn Road and the Folsom Lake Crossing bridge will remain open throughout the exercise. Although it is unlikely the public will notice any unusual activity at the dam or on the surrounding federal property, they should be aware that the exercise is under way. Normal business will continue at CCAO during the exercise.

Reclamation regularly conducts exercises at its facilities in coordination with local emergency response agencies to practice plans and operating procedures, develop expertise and build good working relationships and communication with local responders. Reclamation’s top priority is the safety of the public, employees, property and facilities. Practicing these emergency response plans is essential to being prepared in the event of a real emergency situation.

For additional information, please contact Janet Sierzputowski at jsierzputowski@usbr.gov or 916-978-5112 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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.