News Release Archive

Exploratory Drilling to Begin at Pueblo Dam

Media Contact: Kara Lamb, (970) 962-4326, klamb@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: June 10, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation is beginning an exploratory drilling program on the southern earthen embankment of Pueblo Dam. On Monday June 13, crews will start constructing a road for the drill rig across the face of the southern embankment. Later this summer, drillers will begin a series of holes to pull small samples from the dam's embankment and foundation.

The exploration is part of Reclamation's regular agency-wide Safety of Dams Program, which provides an ongoing assessment of Reclamation's dams and dikes in the 17 Western United States. In addition to continual monitoring through inspections, drill sampling is conducted to allow Reclamation engineers to evaluate potential hazards using contemporary design and construction standards.

A focus of the exploration is to determine how the embankment could perform under a variety of conditions. Pueblo Dam has been performing well for 30 years. The upcoming work will help assure that the dam remains safe.

Reclamation owns and operates Pueblo Dam and Reservoir.

For additional information, please contact Kara Lamb at Reclamation's Eastern Colorado Area Office, (970) 962-4326, or e-mail, klamb@gp.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:

Great Plains Home Page

Eastern Colorado Area Office Home Page