News Release Archive

Drilling to be Conducted at Altus Dam

Media Contact: Leon Esparza, (450) 606-2905, lesparza@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 02, 2003

Beginning the week of May 5 a drill crew will be operating a drill rig for about six weeks in the area around Altus Dam, according to Larry Walkoviak, Oklahoma-Texas Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation.

Walkoviak said, "It is important that area residents know they will see crews and equipment working at the dam." He said the drilling is designed to collect geological information to help in the ongoing evaluation of the dam's performance.

He said the concrete dam, which is operated and maintained by the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District, was completed in 1945. It stores water for irrigation and municipal use and provides fish and wildlife and recreation benefits.

There are also five earthen dikes which help impound the reservoir in low-lying areas. Drilling will occur on the dikes later in the summer, according to Walkoviak.

# # #

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.

Relevant Link:

Great Plains Home