Kachess Dam Safety of Dams Modification Project Environmental Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Aerial photograph of Kachess Dam and Reservoir taken by Reclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you explain how this project is different from the Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant (KDRPP) in the area?
This project is completely independent of KDRPP. This project is solely related to modifying and improving the dam on the Kachess Reservoir.
2. What is the proposed federal action?
The proposed federal action is to modify and improve elements to reduce risk of internal erosion failure of the Kachess Dam. The Dam is an earthfill structure located on the Kachess River about 2 miles northwest of Easton and 14 miles northwest of Cle Elum. The Bureau of Reclamation owns and operates the Kachess Dam. Kachess Dam is a feature of the Yakima Project in Washington and was constructed by Reclamation between 1910 and 1912. The reservoir formed by the dam was built at the terminus of a natural lake and has an active storage capacity of 239,000 acre-feet at “normal water surface elevation” of 2,262 feet, or the top of active conservation pool. Kachess Dam has a structural height of 115 feet and a crest length of 1,400 feet at crest elevation 2,268 feet.
3. Why is the proposed federal action necessary?
Internal erosion in the dam has led to seepage along the dam outlet tunnel. The risk of internal erosion is high enough (and with high enough confidence in the portrayal of risk) that it has earned a Dam Safety Priority Rating of DSPR 2, or “urgent” priority category. Permanent action to reduce risk is justified. Accordingly, the goal of these improvement projects would reduce deterioration of the dam and the safety risk that it imposes.
4. What are the benefits of the proposed federal action?
Improvements and modifications to the dam will effectively reduce the safety risks it imposes for the downstream public.
5. How will Reclamation engage Native American tribes?
Reclamation has a duty to consult with Native American Tribes on the proposed project. Reclamation will engage the Tribes to identify sacred sites, Indian Trust Assets, and other concerns. The Tribes have a long history and deep cultural ties to Kachess. Consultation under Section 106 of the National Historical Protection Act and close coordination under NEPA will be the primary means of engagement.
6. Who are the cooperating agencies?
Reclamation is the lead federal agency under NEPA for development of the EA. While there are no formal cooperating agencies for this project, Reclamation anticipates close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the NEPA and subsequent permitting process.
For more information on the Kachess Dam Safety of Dams modification project environmental assessment, please contact Candace McKinley, supervisory environmental protection specialist at BOR-SHA-KSODNEPA@usbr.gov.
To be added or removed from the mailing list, please contact Alli Yamnitsky at alli.yamnitsky@empsi.com.