Truckee Canal Extraordinary Maintenance for Public Safety EIS, NV
CLIENT: Bureau of Reclamation and Truckee Carson Irrigation District
Truckee Canal near Reno, NV
The 31-mile Truckee Canal conveys irrigation water to shareholders in the Truckee Division of the Newlands Project and conveys the remaining water to the Lahontan Reservoir. On January 5, 2008, the Truckee Canal’s north embankment was breached after a storm event, resulting in an uncontrolled water release that caused flooding and damage to 590 properties, along to the canal itself. EMPSi worked with the Bureau of Reclamation to prepare an EIS for NEPA compliance, along with Endangered Species Act consultation and issues related to the National Historic Preservation Act, for a project to improve the structural integrity and safety of the Truckee Canal. The main issues with the aging canal are internal erosion (seepage), overtopping from ice jams, additional floods, and seismic activity.
EMPSi led the EIS effort, including the specialist surveys, mapping, data analysis, and public outreach. Some of these specialist efforts include field surveys for threatened and endangered aquatic and terrestrial species, wetlands delineations and associated US Army Corps of Engineers 404 permitting, cultural resource surveys, and Tribal consultation.
FAST FACTS:
Resolves damage from a catastrophic breach in 2008 of the Truckee Canal
Addresses aging canal infrastructure
Improves structural integrity and safety of the Truckee Canal
Coordinated with two Tribes, the irrigation district, and other stakeholders
Truckee Canal