City to hold public meeting on West Wash Dam rehabilitation project
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) — The City of Reno is inviting residents to a public meeting to discuss the West Wash Dam Rehabilitation Project in Northwest Reno. The meeting is set for Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Reno City Hall Council Chambers.
The meeting will also be available virtually, with registration open online.
About the dam
The West Wash Dam is located in the Peavine Mountain Watershed. It is included in a rehabilitation partnership project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). The dam provides protection against flooding to about 30,000 Nevadans who live and work downstream, according to the city.
Mary Horvath, senior civil engineer with the city’s Utility Services Department, said the West Wash and East Wash dams are 60 years old and were built with an approximate lifespan of 50 years.
“They are currently fine to work in everyday normal storm events,” Horvath said. “They just are high-hazard dams, and they need refurbishment because of their age, mostly.”
Horvath said the dam is completely safe and that safety is not currently a concern.
The dam was constructed in 1960 under the direction and authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law 83-566). The original watershed plans used an evaluated life of 50 years. Having reached over 50 years in age, the dams are eligible for rehabilitation through the NRCS’s Watershed Rehabilitation Program.
Purpose of the meeting
The meeting will provide a project update and discussion of the recently released Draft Supplemental Plan and Environmental Document for the project. An initial public scoping meeting was held Oct. 19, 2021, and an additional project update meeting was held Jan. 31, 2023.
Horvath said the project is meant to address geotechnical issues with the dams. The project will lower the emergency spillway and increase the height of the regular portion of the dam.
“This is a multi-million dollar project that the NRCS has identified,” Horvath said.
Horvath said the city has a preferred alternative for the project, which includes refurbishment of both the East and West Wash dams, excavation in the upstream detention basin, and reinforcement of the dam structures, including changes to the elevations of some of the spillway.
“This is an important opportunity for residents to learn more about the West Wash Dam Rehabilitation Project and share their input on a vital piece of City infrastructure,” said Ward 5 Councilmember Devon Reese. “I encourage everyone to attend the meeting and work together to make decisions that will help improve our community for years to come.”
Project cost and timeline
Horvath said the project is estimated to cost about $19 million for design and construction. The project has a 65% federal match, with the city responsible for providing 35% of the funding, which Horvath said will most likely come from the sewer fund.
Construction is expected to begin around 2028 and take about three years to complete, Horvath said. During construction, there will be temporary closures of the upstream area, which is used for hiking with dogs and other recreation, though Horvath said the city will provide as much access as possible during the work.
Horvath said the next steps include receiving public comment, incorporating that comment into the final environmental document, and proceeding with design.
How to comment
The public comment period runs 14 days after the Oct. 20 meeting. Residents can provide comment verbally or in writing at the meeting, or submit comments through the city’s website.
For more information on the project, or to view the draft environmental document, visit the City’s West Wash Dam Rehabilitation Project page.
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