[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 219 (Friday, November 13, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 63493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30347]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
Snake River Project, Arrowrock Dam Outlet Works Rehabilitation,
Ada County, ID
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of public scoping meetings.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), has scheduled public meetings to
collect scoping input for the proposed rehabilitation of outlet works
at Arrowrock Reservoir. These meetings will assist in determining
issues associated with the project that will be evaluated in the
environmental impact statement. The primary purposes of the proposed
action are to correct deficiencies in the values, reduce the difficulty
and environmental impacts of future inspection and maintenance of
Arrowrock Dam's outlet works, and to provide increased operational
flexibility.
DATES: The scoping meetings will be held on December 14, 1998, from 1
to 3 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.
Comments on the proposed project can be sent to the address below
and will be accepted through December 28, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The scoping meetings will be held at The Natural Resources
Center, 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, Idaho.
Comments may be addressed to the Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River
Area Office, 214 Broadway Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83702-7298.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Dunn, Natural Resource Specialist, at the above address or by
telephone at (208) 334-9844.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement was published in the Federal Register on
October 20, 1998 (63 FR 56047, October 20, 1998).
Arrowrock Dam is located on the Boise River, about 13 miles east of
Boise, Idaho. Reclamation completed construction of the dam in 1915,
and at that time it was the highest dam in the world. Arrowrock is one
of three storage dams on the Boise River. Anderson Ranch Dam is located
upstream of Arrowrock on the South Fork Boise River, and Lucky Peak
Dam, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is located on the
Boise River downstream of Arrowrock and impounds water up against
Arrowrock Dam when full. Arrowrock Reservoir is operated for irrigation
and flood control in combination with Anderson Ranch and Lucky Peak
Reservoirs. In general, water is stored in Arrowrock Reservoir during
the winter and spring, according to predicted runoff and flood control
requirements, and released through the summer for irrigation.
The ensign valves controlling releases from Arrowrock Dam are the
original valves installed in 1915. These valves have reached the end of
their useful life, resulting in complex operational and maintenance
concerns. Most of the valves have been damaged through prolonged use,
and there is an increasing need for frequent inspection and repair.
Three of the 10 ensign valves in the lower bank are no longer usable.
The existing ensign valves also limit Arrowrock Dam's operational
flexibility. The lower bank of ensign valves cannot be used under high
water pressure when the reservoir is full. This reduces the dam's
capability to release water for flood control operations in years with
high runoff.
Reclamation has developed a proposal to replace the 10 lower ensign
valves with ``clamshell gates.'' The clamshell gates would allow
releases at any reservoir level, providing more operational
flexibility. The remaining upper row of 10 ensign valves and the sluice
gates at the base of the dam could be abandoned, which would
significantly reduce maintenance. The clamshell gates would be designed
to allow inspection and maintenance without the need for dewatering.
Dated: November 6, 1998.
Kenneth R. Pedde,
Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation.
[FR Doc. 98-30347 Filed 11-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-M
