News Release Archive

Truckee Canal repair plan proposes to address long-term operation

Reclamation releases final Environmental Impact Statement on proposed extraordinary maintenance project to reduce risk of canal failure

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: September 25, 2020

Truckee Canal lined near Derby DamCARSON CITY, Nev. – Today, the Bureau of Reclamation released a plan to address potential structural repairs associated with long-term operations of the Truckee Canal. The canal is part of the Newlands Project, one of the oldest Reclamation projects in the country.

“We are pleased to reach this important milestone working together with eight partner agencies including the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District,” said Terri Edwards, Lahontan area office manager. “This plan provides the foundation for TCID to restore long-term operations in a safe manner.”

The canal originates at the Derby Diversion Dam on the Truckee River, approximately 20 miles east of Reno, and ends at Lahontan Reservoir.

The 1996 operation and maintenance contract with the TCID requires Reclamation to evaluate the district’s request to improve the canal’s structural integrity.

The canal improvements identified include embankment repairs, structural enhancements such as replacing check structures, and lining additional segments of the canal. The upgrades will restore safe, long-term canal operations for Newlands Project water right holders. The canal is currently operated at a lower stage, or height of water, until improvements are completed.

The final Environmental Impact Statement considers and addresses all comments received during the draft EIS public review period and is available at www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=25717. For additional information on the project, visit www.usbr.gov/mp/lbao/programs/truckee-canal-eis/index.html.

Contact Laurie Nicholas for more information on the Truckee Canal Extraordinary Maintenance final EIS at 775-884-8360 or lnicholas@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.