EASTON, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking comments on the draft environmental assessment for the Kachess Dam safety project. The proposed project will implement cost-effective measures to reduce long-term risks per Reclamation’s Public Protection Guidelines, maintain water deliveries throughout the Yakima basin, minimize impacts to the environment, and maintain water flow for endangered species. The 30-day public comment period will be open through March 30, 2022. The project area is located in Kittitas County, two miles north of Easton.
Reclamation is committed to ensuring its dams do not present unacceptable risk levels to people, property, and the environment as part of its Safety of Dams program mission. Kachess Dam is performing as designed; however, over years of operation, voids have formed along the outlet works due to erosion from seepage. The proposed modifications address issues important to the long-term functionality. There is no immediate safety threat; the dam is rigorously monitored for any changes in performance.
The draft EA analyzes two actions:
- Proposed Action: Reduce long-term performance risks by constructing an access road; preparing the site to develop staging areas to support construction and long-term maintenance; extend and line the conduit; and install a filter and stabilization berm.
- No Action Alternative: Do not reduce risk by performing the improvements listed in the Proposed Action.
The draft EA is available at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/sod/kachess/index.html. Written comments can be sent to Candace McKinley, supervisory environmental protection specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia-Cascades Area Office, 1917, Marsh Road, Yakima, WA 98901. Comments also can be submitted via email at [email protected].