SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District released the Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Study’s draft environmental impact statement March 16 for public review. The document outlines and evaluates proposed actions to address known risks at Isabella Lake’s two dams and their effects on the environment, natural resources and daily life of affected residents.
The Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Study is looking to address seepage, seismic and overtopping risks identified with Isabella Lake’s main and auxiliary dams to reduce the risk of dam failure or catastrophic downstream flooding during a significant storm event.
The draft EIS is published on the district’s website at www.spk.usace.army.mil, under “In the news” on the left side of the page. It is also scheduled to be published in the Federal Register March 23, officially beginning the 45-day public comment period, which closes May 7.
Written comments can be submitted through the postal mail or by email to the addresses listed in the draft EIS. Comments will also be accepted during a series of public meetings in the project area.
The Corps will host three public meetings April 17-19 to present the findings of the draft EIS and to solicit comments on the project. The environmental review process and ongoing associated environmental studies will also be outlined at the meetings.
A final environmental impact statement is tentatively scheduled to be released in fall 2012.
Completed in 1953, Isabella Lake and Dams are located approximately 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The lake is impounded by two earthen dams on the Kern River and Hot Springs Valley. Today, Isabella Lake and its dams help reduce flood risk for Bakersfield and the surrounding region, and are a primary water source for water users throughout Kern County.
Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Study Public Meetings
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.