Kachess Safety of Dams Field Studies and Environmental Assessment, WA
CLIENT: Bureau of Reclamation Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region
Fieldwork at the Kachess Dam
FAST FACTS:
Conducted pre-NEPA field studies and completing an EA for proposed dam safety improvements
Performed sensitive species surveys and archaeological field investigations
Completed wetlands delineation and collected data sufficient to complete a wetlands rapid functional assessment
Shoreline near the Kachess Dam
The Kachess Dam, constructed in 1912, is an earthfill structure located on the Kachess River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Reclamation is proposing safety improvements to the Kachess Dam, and EMPSi and its subcontractors are conducting wetland surveys, archaeological field investigations, and Northern Spotted Owl surveys to support the EA.
We conducted a wetlands delineation and collected data sufficient to complete a wetlands rapid functional assessment to inform Reclamation about potential Clean Water Act permitting issues. Archaeological field investigations included records searches in Washington’s WISAARD database and identification of previously recorded archaeological sites, National Register of Historic Places-listed properties, and cultural resources in the project vicinity. Northern Spotted Owl surveys will take place in 2021 and will comply with USFWS protocols for disturbance-only projects.