Dustin Duncan, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, announced recently that a working group of federal, provincial and state officials will be established to develop a plan for management of the Souris River Basin reservoirs in 2012.
Officials from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority met with The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, North Dakota State Water Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota congressional staff and the North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple on December 8 at the Army Corps district's headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Under the 1989 International Agreement for Water Supply and Flood Protection in the Souris River Basin, Saskatchewan has obligations to provide a level of flood protection for the United States. Watershed Authority also manages flows arising in Saskatchewan to secure water supplies for the province.
In its October 7, 2011, report on findings of its special dam review, the Watershed Authority noted Alameda Dam may not have an adequate level of safety when the reservoir exceeds full supply level. More investigation is warranted to determine if modifications to the embankment are required.
In follow up to that report, Duncan announced today that the Watershed Authority has contracted the engineering firm Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. to conduct further investigations and analyses on Alameda Dam and identify any necessary remedial options to ensure safety of the dam.
Further, the work group will develop operations plans for 2012, which ensure that Alameda Dam remains safe while still providing flood protection, Duncan said. The agencies will hold further meetings to finalize operational plans for spring runoff.
"Ensuring safety of the dams is a very high priority for us," Duncan said. "With these two steps of engaging an engineering firm to develop a long term solution, and developing a modified operating plan this year, we will continue to provide flood protection, maintain an adequate level of safety of the dam and safeguard water supplies for the benefit of Saskatchewan."
