DWR releases dam reports amid criticism
munity,” said DWR acting Director Bill Croyle in a press release. “We’re committed to making information available by posting these reports and through briefings as we continue work at Oroville.”
The reports were released with critical energy infrastructure information (CEII) redacted. DWR evaluated the final reports and redacted informa- tion they felt met criteria under CEII. The CEII was developed as a response to terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and is intended to shield critical design features of structures.
In a press release, state Sen. Jim Nielsen and Assemblyman James Gallagher said they appreciate DWR’s efforts to improve transparency.
“Moving forward, we will continue to encourage DWR and the Governor to openly communicate with our constituents and strike the right balance that ensures maximum transparency while protecting legitimate national security concerns,” they wrote in the joint release.
“Improving communication and openness with the public will go a long way to help relieve the distrust that our constituents already feel.”
The Board of Consultants is composed of four engineering experts, convened and compensated by DWR. Changes to the board may be made as different technical expertise is required. Of note in the reports:
“The Board acknowledges that both spillways may not be able reach their full design capacities by November 1, 2017. However, they agree the preliminary design criteria for the November 1, 2017 deadline will be adequate which can pass flows well beyond the historical maximum storms.”
“The BOC concludes that since 1968, the concrete within the spillway has not had any significant damage during its life, but acknowledges that spalling and cracking through the years has occurred and was continuously repaired.”
“The BOC recommended a final design of a fully-lined emergency spillway may be needed, but also noted further exploration and investigations are needed prior to selecting a final design.”
“A program to ensure engineers have a detailed understanding of the geologic conditions of the site. A geologic exploration program includes drilling holes into the ground to determine the rock’s characteristics.”
According to David Gutierrez, former chief of the California Division of Dams and DWR consultant, the reports show how DWR arrived at the proposed repair and reconstruction plans it released on April 17.
The pace of construction and repairs required this board to meet earlier than normally would be expected, said Gutierrez. He also advised media in a conference call not to look at these reports a final documents.
“Think of these reports as an interactive process as things continue to change,” said Gutierrez of the board’s reports. “It is a preliminary look at the design and shows how the process happens.”