Reclamation looks at demolition, removal project

The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review a Draft Environmental Assessment evaluating the effects of a proposed federal action to implement the Carson River and Derby Diversion Dam tender houses demolition and removal project in Churchill and Storey counties.

Dam tender houses were historically built by the bureau to provide on-site housing for operators of the diversion dams associated with the Newlands Project. The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District operates the Carson River and Derby Diversion Dams under a BOR contract. The Reclamation houses at the two dams were once used by thedistrict, but they are no longer needed by the district or Reclamation for Newlands Project purposes.

The purpose of the proposed action is to demolish and remove the two dam tender houses and all of their associated structures (garages, outbuildings, fences, utility lines). Given their relatively isolated locations, age, condition and unoccupied status, these structures are an unattractive nuisance and present health, safety and security risks for the District and Reclamation. Reclamation would retain the acquired lands where the houses are located for Newlands Project purposes. The EA assesses the potential environmental impacts that could result from the proposed action. Public comment on the Project will help identify any potential environmental issues, concerns and alternatives that should be addressed in the Final EA.

The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and may be viewed online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=20845. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

The EA is also available for public review at the Churchill County Library, 553 S. Maine St., and the Storey County Library, 95 S. “R” St., in Virginia City.

Written comments are due by close of business March 27 to Selena Werdon, Bureau of Reclamation, 705 N. Plaza St., Suite 320, Carson City, NV 89701. Comments may also be faxed to 775-882-7592 or emailed to swerdon@usbr.gov. For additional information, contact Werdon at 775-884-8366.