NID Seeking Public Input on Centennial Dam Proposal

The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is planning to construct a new 275 foot-tall dam and reservoir on the Bear River between the existing Rollins and Combie reservoirs. NID is currently seeking public input on the proposed Centennial Dam and will host two local scoping meetings in early March to inform the public as they announce the first steps in planning, financing and construction of the dam and associated facilities with the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

All interested parties and stakeholders are invited to attend these meetings and provide feedback to NID.

WHAT: NID’s Centennial Dam Proposal Scoping Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 6:00-8:00pm
WHERE: Holiday Inn Express, 121 Bank Street, Grass Valley

WHAT: NID’s Centennial Dam Proposal Scoping Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, March 10, 6:00-8:00pm
WHERE: Forest Lake Christian High School, 12515 Combie Road, Auburn

NID is accepting written comments through March 17, 2016.

While the Bear River is a different watershed, the Bear is not separate from the Yuba. More than half of the headwater flow from the Yuba is diverted to the Bear River. Most of the summer flow in the Bear River is Yuba River water, and new uses or demands on that water may have implications for the Yuba.

SYRCL is actively engaged in closely monitoring NID’s proposal in coordination with our colleagues in the Foothills Water Network. SYRCL invites interested community members to engage in this process, especially during this critical environmental review phase of the project.

Learn more about NID’s proposal at: https://www.centennialreservoir.org/ and https://yubariver.org/issues/nids-centennial-dam-proposal-for-the-bear-river/. To get involved in the effort contact Traci Sheehan at: traci@foothillswaternetwork.org or 530-919-3219.