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- Reclamation Delays Onsite Construction of Nelson Dikes Safety Modifications to 2016
News Release Archive
Reclamation Delays Onsite Construction of Nelson Dikes Safety Modifications to 2016
Media Contact:
Jack Conner, (406) 247-7300
For Release: March 19, 2015
BILLINGS, Mont. -- Bureau of Reclamation is delaying the majority of onsite construction work for the Safety of Dams (SOD) Modification to Nelson Reservoir Dikes, located in Phillips County approximately 25 miles northeast of Malta, Mont. The schedule delay will push the project back one year from the fall of 2015 to the fall of 2016. Brent Esplin, Montana Area Manager, said, "Award of the construction contract may still occur in 2015. However, the majority of onsite work, including the required reservoir drawdown, will not occur until fall 2016." Work will require the reservoir to be drawn down approximately 14 feet lower than normal operating levels during the winter of 2016-2017. This change minimizes the required timeframe that reservoir levels will be drawn down.
Reclamation proposes to correct seepage-related safety deficiencies for the two largest dikes at Nelson Reservoir. According to Esplin, "Interim measures have been implemented, and frequent monitoring is being carried out to ensure public safety until the modifications are completed."
An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the modification has been finalized and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been signed. The public can access the final EA and FONSI on Reclamation's website at http://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/nelson/.
For additional information or questions, please call 406-247-7300.
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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.
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