News Release Archive

Reclamation releases environmental documents for Minidoka Powerplant Unit 7 maintenance project

Media Contact: Edna Rey-Vizgirdas, 208-378-5212, ereyvizgirdas@usbr.gov

For Release: August 06, 2018

MINIDOKA COUNTY, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation has issued the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the Minidoka Powerplant Unit 7 draft tube bulkhead structure, located at Minidoka Dam in Minidoka County, Idaho.

The purpose of the proposed action is to improve the structural integrity of Minidoka Powerplant Unit 7, such that dewatering for regular maintenance is feasible, and to avoid further deterioration leading to potential structural failure. The current state of the Unit 7 structure, which has undergone degradation over its 75 years in service, has created the need for this action.

The work would require short-term dewatering in the tailrace to perform removal and replacement of components, as well as placement of new concrete reinforcement structures. No long-term impacts to recreation are expected since the project area is closed to public access.

The final EA and FONSI are available athttps://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/minidokaunit/index.html.

If you have any questions about this project or would like to obtain a printed copy of the final EA and FONSI, please contact Ms. Amy Goodrich, Natural Resource Specialist, Snake River Area Office, at 208-383-2250.

# # #

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation's second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov, and follow us on Twitter @USBR.

# # #

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.