18-083 Debris cleanup to temporarily close access upstream of Mill Creek Dam

Published Aug. 1, 2018
Map of the forebay work zone at Mill Creek's diversion dam.

Map of the forebay work zone at Mill Creek's diversion dam.

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Work to clear debris from the forebay of the Mill Creek Project diversion dam, located about 2 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington, will begin today, Aug. 1, requiring temporary access closures to land areas surrounding the work zone, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operations officials.

Access to recreation areas and the Mill Creek Trail will not be affected by the work activity. However, the entire area immediately upstream of the dam will be closed to the public. This includes the north shore levee upstream of the dam, the contractor’s staging area at the east end of the levee and a narrow strip of land along the south shore of the forebay area will be temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety while work occurs.

The work, awarded under Corps contract to KEU Inc., of Vancouver, Washington, will involve removal of vegetation, debris and sediment from within the dam forebay for maintenance purposes. Other work activities will include constructing access and a working zone, repairing crib and cable barrier, and rehabilitating the site. Work may include installation of a temporary road to allow for excavation equipment access to the areas. An estimated 3,000-5,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the forebay area. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Visitors should be aware of construction vehicles and trucks entering and exiting the work site near the entrance to Rooks Park. This additional traffic will continue throughout the work period.

Routine forebay maintenance is necessary to prevent large accumulations of debris from being carried downstream during high flows, creating a higher risk of flooding due to a debris blockage at bridges within the confined concrete channel running downstream through the City of Walla Walla, said Alex Colter, project manager for the forebay cleanup work.

A graphic-map of the construction area is available on the Walla Walla District website http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/.

For more information about this project or for general information about Mill Creek Dam and Bennington Lake, call the Mill Creek office at 509-527-7160.
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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 18-083