News Release Archive

Exploratory Drilling to Begin at Pueblo Dam

Media Contact: Kara Lamb, (970) 962-4326, klamb@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: January 20, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation is beginning an exploratory drilling program on the southern earthen embankment of Pueblo Dam. On Thursday, January 26, crews will arrive at the dam. They will be drilling a series of small holes to collect samples and to place monitoring equipment.

Pueblo Dam is safe and has been performing well for 30 years. The drilling work is proactive in nature and will determine how the embankment would perform under a variety of conditions. This work will help assure that the dam continues to perform safely well into the future.

The drilling exploration is part of Reclamation's regular agency-wide Safety of Dams Program, which provides an ongoing assessment of Reclamation's dams and dikes in the 17 Western United States. In addition to continual monitoring and inspections, drill sampling is conducted to allow Reclamation engineers to evaluate potential hazards using contemporary design and construction standards.

Reclamation owns and operates Pueblo Dam and Reservoir.

For additional information, please contact Kara Lamb at Reclamation's Eastern Colorado Area Office, (970) 962-4326, or e-mail, klamb@gp.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.

Relevant Link:

Great Plains Home Page

Eastern Colorado Area Office Home Page