Reclamation seeks public comment on draft environmental document for Conconully Dam safety modifications

CONCONULLY, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public input on the draft environmental assessment for the Conconully Safety of Dams Modification project. The 30-day public comment period will be open from June 10 to July 10, 2025. The project area is located in Okanogan County, 17 miles north of Omak in north-central Washington.

As part of its Safety of Dams program mission, Reclamation is committed to ensuring its dams do not present unacceptable risk levels to people, property, and the environment. The proposed project will implement cost-effective measures to reduce long-term performance risks per Reclamation's Public Protection Guidelines, maintain water deliveries and flows for irrigators and endangered species, and continue to provide recreational benefits and fish and wildlife habitat.

Conconully Dam was constructed between 1907 and 1910 using hydraulic fill methods and is performing as designed; however, the resulting puddled-core embankment is known to be susceptible to liquefaction and increased risk of failure in the event of substantial seismic activity. The proposed modifications address issues important to public safety and the long-term functionality of the facilities. Reclamation rigorously monitors the dam to ensure the safety of downstream residents and continued irrigation project operation.

The public can provide input and participate in two, in-person public meetings held June 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT at the Conconully Community Town Hall, 219 N. Main Street, Conconully, WA 98819, and 6 to 8 p.m. PDT at the Okanogan County PUD Auditorium, 1331 2nd Avenue N., Okanogan, WA 98840. The meetings will include an open house, presentation, and opportunities for the public to submit comments. A virtual public meeting room website also will be accessible 24 hours a day. Visitors can view information about the project, pose questions, view frequently asked questions and answers, and submit formal comments. The virtual public meeting room website is available at https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/conconully-dam-safety-ea.

Comments can be submitted during the in-person meetings, via email at bor-sha-consod@usbr.gov, through the virtual public meeting room website, or by postal mail. Written comments can be sent to Jason Sutter, Reclamation NEPA lead, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region, 1150 Curtis Road, Boise, ID 83706-1234. Comments must be submitted/post-marked
by July 10.

For more information, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/sod/conconully/index.html.