News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Comments on Snow Lake Water Control Structure Draft Environmental Assessment

Media Contact: Erika Lopez , (208) 378-5101, 10/02/2017 13:46
Amanda Smith , amanda_smith@fws.gov

For Release: October 02, 2017

CHELAN COUNTY, WA – The Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are seeking comments on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed removal and replacement of the existing Upper Snow Lake tunnel water discharge control valve with a new valve. The water control structure is located on land owned by USFWS surrounded by the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in Chelan County, Washington.

The existing valve has exceeded its expected 10-year service life and cannot meet the 80 cubic feet per second discharge capacity needed required by the Icicle and Peshastin irrigation districts and Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in the late summer, when cool, high-quality water is necessary for fish production. Reclamation and the USFWS have prepared this draft EA to evaluate the environmental impacts of removing and replacing the valve, including the means to transport materials, equipment, supplies, and contract personnel to the remote location.

The draft EA analyzes three actions: two Proposed Action Alternatives (implementing the project as described above) and a No Action Alternative (non-implementation). Reclamation and USFWS are co-lead agencies for the draft EA and have prepared it in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The draft EA is available at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/snowlake/index.html. Please send written comments to Mr. Stephen Kolk, Wenatchee Subbasin liaison, Bureau of Reclamation, 301 Yakima Street, room 319, Wenatchee, WA 98801-2966 or via email at BOR-PNR-SnowLakeEA@usbr.gov no later than Oct. 17, 2017.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Mr. Kolk at 509-667-8494.

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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:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/snowlake/index.html

https://www.fws.gov/