Perris Dam Draft Environmental Impact Report released by DWR

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DIER) for a proposed new Lake Perris emergency release facility has been released by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The DIER will be circulated for a total of 45 days for public review.  Comments on the DEIR must be received between now and October 24, 2016.

DWR identified potential seismic safety risks in a section of the foundation of the dam in Riverside County. Even as the DEIR is now available for review and comments, construction continues to upgrade the seismic safety of the state’s reservoir and dam.

The Lake Perris lake level has been lowered to ensure maximum public safety until dam repairs can be made. Additionally, the reservoir has been further drawn down to meet drinking water needs as a result of the four-year drought.

Currently, an emergency outlet is located near the southeast end of the dam.  This feature, a standard element of all regulated dams, is designed to drain the reservoir to prevent any possible failure of the dam in the event of an emergency.

Due to geographical features of the land, the existing emergency outlet directs the water flow to the southwest and across the Ramona Expressway. The water then naturally flows toward the Perris Valley Channel, a flood control facility operated and maintained by the Riverside County Flood Control District. Homes southwest of the dam, built on what was farmland when the dam was first constructed, could be at risk if the emergency outlet is not redirected.

By redirecting the water northwest through a system of levees and channels, the new emergency release facility would reduce the potential damage that could result to life and property as opposed to the current emergency outlet. The new system is designed to run parallel to the Ramona Expressway and send water directly into the Perris Valley Channel.

The DEIR can be viewed and downloaded at: http://www.water.ca.gov/lakeperris/perris_erf_deir.cfm.

Hard copies may be viewed at the following locations:

• Riverside County Library, Perris Branch (163 E. San Jacinto Ave., Perris, CA 92570)
• Moreno Valley Public Library (25480 Alessandro Blvd., Moreno Valley, CA 92553)

Written comments should be sent to: Tom Barnes, c/o California Department of Water Resources, Perris Dam Emergency Release Facility Project, 626 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90017, or email comments to: [email protected].

A public meeting will be held to receive comments on the DEIR at the following time and location:

September 27, 2016 6:00 pm

Lakeview Pavilion Lake Perris State Recreation Area

17801 Lake Perris Drive Perris, CA 92571