[env-trinity] Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Assessment for Buckhorn Dam/Grass Valley Creek Toe Drain and Channel Rehabilitation Project

[Tom Stokely]

Mid-Pacific Region
Sacramento, CA

MP-11-173

Media Contact:  Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero at usbr.gov

For Release On:  November 17, 2011

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Assessment for Buckhorn Dam/Grass Valley Creek Toe Drain and Channel Rehabilitation Project

The Bureau of Reclamation and Trinity County Resource Conservation District have released for public review a Draft Environmental Assessment/Initial Study for the Buckhorn Dam/Grass Valley Creek Toe Drain and Channel Rehabilitation Project, about 13 miles southeast of Weaverville, Calif., near the Buckhorn Summit.

The Buckhorn Dam/Grass Valley Creek Toe Drain and Channel Rehabilitation Project (Project) would involve excavation of the Buckhorn Dam outlet channel to allow lowering of surface water elevations for measuring water seepage through the earthen dam, as required in dam safety protocols. During construction, Reclamation proposes to create additional off-channel juvenile holding habitat for coho salmon and steelhead that are common in the area. The constructed habitat will provide slow water refuge in proximity to vegetation and large wood cover habitat. The Project construction is proposed for the summer of 2012.

The Draft Environmental Assessment/Initial Study (EA/IS) was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and can be viewed online athttp://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=8562 or on the Trinity County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD) website at http://www.tcrcd.net. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 916-978-5608) or e-mail mppublicaffairs at usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by close of business Friday, December 16, 2011, and should be mailed to Alex Cousins, Trinity County Resource Conservation District, P.O. Box 1450, Weaverville, CA 96093. Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Cousins at 530-623-6006, or e-mailed to acousins at tcrcd.net.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/IS, please contact Mr. Cousins at 530-623-6004. Copies of the draft document may also be viewed at the Trinity County Library, 211 Main Street, Weaverville; Reclamation’s Trinity River Restoration Program Office, 1313 S Main Street, Weaverville; or the TCRCD Office, #3 Horseshoe Square, Weaverville.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov.


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