WATER TECH NEWS

Officials sign agreement to remove San Clemente Dam	<<>
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
CARMEL, CALIF. — Federal, state and local officials joined representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in signing a “Collaboration Statement” with California American Water to commit the parties to work together to remove the San Clemente Dam, according to a press release. Built in 1921, the 106-foot high San Clemente Dam is located on the Carmel River and supplies water to the Monterey Peninsula, the release stated. Officials said the dam does not meet modern seismic stability and flood safety standards, and its removal would be beneficial to the local ecosystem, according to the release. “Dam removal will help us improve river habitat and comply with a directive from the Department of Safety of Dams,” said California American Water President Rob MacLean. “We’ve altered our operations over time to minimize impacts to the river and the dam no longer serves its original purpose as a water storage facility for our customers. Instead, its removal provides an opportunity to work in partnership with natural resource agencies toward protection of the river and its habitat.” U.S. Congressman Sam Farr added, “Removing San Clemente Dam will bring the Carmel River back to life and restore critical habitat for threatened species, including one of the most important populations of steelhead trout on the Central Coast.” To read the entire article, click here. For related information, click here.