Yosemite National Park announces the opening of the public comment period for the Cascades Diversion Dam Removal Environmental Assessment (EA).
The National Park Service proposes to remove the dam in order to restore the natural free flowing condition of the Merced River. The dam was constructed in 1917 as part of a hydroelectric generating facility that was taken off line in 1985, and no longer serves a useful purpose. Additionally, the structure is dilapidated and currently poses a threat of possible uncontrolled and sudden failure.
The environmental assessment evaluates the potential impacts of the following three alternatives that are identified and analyzed:
* Alternative 1 - No Action
* Alternative 2 - Complete Dam Removal (the "preferred alternative"
* Alternative 3 - Partial Dam Removal (retains the river right dam abutment and intake structure)
The Cascades Diversion Dam Removal EA will be available for public review and comment from February 20th, 2003 to March 24th, 2003. Comments must be received no later than March 24th, 2003. To request a copy of, or submit comments on this project, write to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, ATTN.: Cascades Diversion Dam Removal Project, PO Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389. Fax (209) 379-1294 or email to YOSE_Planning@nps.gov.
