USDA is investing $73 million to rehabilitate dams across the nation in an effort to protect public health and safety and evaluate the expansion of water supply in drought stricken areas. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing in approximately 150 projects and assessments in 23 states.
FY 2015 Watershed Rehabilitation Program Summaries
In Oregon, Plat I and Cooper Creek Dam projects received a combined $3.9 million dollars in funding this year. The Pilcher Creek Dam and the Wolf Creek Dam received a combined $60,000 this year for assessments.
Plat I (OR-R-475)
Sponsor: Sutherlin Water Control District
The Plat I dam was constructed by the Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service) in 1966 to provide irrigation water to agricultural producers in the Sutherlin watershed area, located in southwest Oregon in Douglas County. It also provides flood storage and recreational opportunities to the area. The dam is reaching the end of its 50-year design life. NRCS, in conjunction with the Sutherlin Water Control District, is proposing to rehabilitate the dam and address aging infrastructure issues. The two parties are working together to evaluate the dam and develop and implement rehabilitation recommendations. NRCS is currently working on a series of studies, investigations, modeling, and analyses to assess and document the current state of the dams and to provide a basis for developing more detailed engineering plans for the dams. These engineering plans will detail work needed to bring the dams up to current environmental, engineering, safety, and seismic standards. Throughout this process, NRCS and the District will be conducting public meetings and will be coordinating with state, federal, and local agencies.
Cooper Creek (OR-R-496)
Sponsor: Sutherlin Water Control District
The Cooper Creek dam was constructed by the Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service) in 1969 to provide supplemental water supply for the City of Sutherlin, located in southwest Oregon in Douglas County. It also provides flood storage and recreational opportunities to the area. The reservoir stores the flow of Cooper Creek, a tributary of Sutherlin Creek. The dam is located about eight miles upstream from the North Umpqua River. The dam is reaching the end of its 50-year design life. NRCS, in conjunction with the Sutherlin Water Control District, is proposing to rehabilitate the dam and address aging infrastructure issues. The two parties are working together to evaluate the dam and develop and implement rehabilitation recommendations. NRCS is currently working on a series of studies, investigations, modeling, and analyses to assess and document the current state of the dams and to provide a basis for developing more detailed engineering plans for the dams. These engineering plans will detail work needed to bring the dams up to current environmental, engineering, safety, and seismic standards. Throughout this process, NRCS and the District will be conducting public meetings and will be coordinating with state, federal, and local agencies.
Pilcher Creek Dam (OR-R-835)
Sponsor: Powder Valley Irrigation District
Status: Assessment
The Pilcher Creek Dam is located in Baker County, Oregon. Pilcher Creek Dam is owned and operated by the Powder Valley Water Control District. A Watershed Work Plan for the Wolf Creek watershed was completed by the Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and its partners in 1966. Pilcher Creek Dam was constructed in 1984 to provide storage and regulation of irrigation water. Pilcher Creek Dam was constructed with funding from Public Law 566 (PL-566) Section 14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. The assessment is a preliminary investigation of the condition of the dam to provide the Sponsor with information on whether to proceed with rehabilitation of this aging dam. The assessment shall include information about the condition of all structural components, the designed and current potential hazard classification, and the associated risks for loss of life and property.
Wolf Creek Dam (OR-R-577)
Sponsor: Powder Valley Irrigation District
Status: Assessment
The Wolf Creek Dam is located in Union County, Oregon. Wolf Creek Dam is owned and operated by the Powder Valley Water Control District. A Watershed Work Plan for the Wolf Creek watershed was completed by the Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and its partners in 1966. Wolf Creek Dam was constructed in 1975 to provide flood protection, irrigation, and recreation. Wolf Creek Dam was constructed with funding from Public Law 566 (PL-566) Section 14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. The dam is reaching the end of its 50-year design life. The assessment is a preliminary investigation of the condition of the dam to provide the Sponsor with information on whether to proceed with rehabilitation of this aging dam. The assessment shall include information about the condition of all structural components, the designed and current potential hazard classification, and the associated risks for loss of life and property.
Additional Information
NRCS Oregon FY 2014 Watershed Rehabilitation Project Descriptions
NRCS Watershed Rehabilitation Program Information
Contact
Ronald W. Smith, P.E.
State Conservation Engineer
(503) 414-3252
