Plans for repair to the Steinaker Dam won’t take place until 2018. In September of 2014, a crack was observed in the dam. While it has been taken seriously, the Bureau of Reclamation stated from the beginning that the dam was never in danger of failing but that repair work would eventually need to be done. Initial plans were to drain the reservoir this fall to begin work and in addition to repairs to the dam, crews would also take measures to reinforce the reservoir for earthquakes. The Bureau of Reclamation held a meeting last week at the Uintah Conference Center to review the findings of the Environmental Assessment in compliance with NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as announce a new timeline for repairs. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the Environmental Assessment shows a Finding of No Significant Impact. It was also announced that rather than this fall, repairs would not begin on the dam until the fall of 2018.
