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10/04/2005: "What Happens If SJ Dam Fails?"

What would happen If the Trout Lake Storage Dam on San Juan Island failed? According to an inspection made by the DOE (Department of Ecology), there is little risk to the public. A letter sent by DOE to the Town, stated there could be "damage to 4 county roads, possible overtopping and breaching of 3 downstream earthen dams, and crop damage in the lower San Juan Valley", but a "direct threat to downstream residents does not exist".

Even so, DOE found there are some things the Town of Friday Harbor -who owns the dam that stores the town drinking water- could, and should do. As a result of the DOE comments, the Town will discuss entering into a contract with an off-island consulting firm to provide a Operator and Maintenance Manual and an Emergency Action Plan for the dam.

The draft contract with Brown & Caldwell will be discussed, and possibly accepted, at the October 6th Thursday meeting of the Town Council. The projected cost of the work is a not to exceed $58,800.00 amount, and the work will be on a time and material basis.