News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Environmental Documents on the Lewis Wasteway Replacement and Low Head Hydroelectric Project

Media Contact: Louis Moore, 916-978-5100, wmoore@usbr.gov

For Release: July 10, 2014

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact which authorize the Lewis Wasteway Replacement and Low Head Hydroelectric Project.

The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District requested Reclamation issue a Lease of Power Privilege Agreement and an Additions or Alterations to Conveyance and Distribution Facilities Permit to use facilities under Reclamation’s jurisdiction for hydroelectric power generation that is consistent with Reclamation project purposes in Churchill County, Nevada.

The project consists of two primary actions:

TCID is proposing to reconstruct the Lewis Wasteway structure; the original structure failed in June 2008 and was replaced with a compacted earthen embankment. The system remains non-operational.

The replacement of the Wasteway would restore the ability to evacuate the V-Line Canal during an emergency event, allow TCID operational flexibility in delivering water to the Newlands system, and reduce the risk to urbanized reaches of the V-Line Canal.

In addition, TCID is requesting the authorization, development and implementation of a LOPP Agreement and the issuance of a permit for the construction and installation of a small conduit low head hydroelectric unit and related appurtenances at two structures located within the Newlands Project. One small conduit would be installed at the replaced Lewis Wasteway and would be a maximum 250-kilowatt unit, and the second small conduit low head hydroelectric unit would be installed at A-C3 Panicker Drop and would generate a maximum of 125 kilowatts.

The comment period for the Draft EA ended June 23. The comments received have been addressed in the Final EA and FONSI.

The Final EA and 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=17601. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

To request a copy of the environmental documents or for additional information, please contact Julia Long at 775-884-8372 or jlong@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.