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http://rlenews.com/03/031211c.html The NEWS index
Hayer Dam Citizen Advisory
Committee Meeting
by Jay O'Brien
The Hayer Dam Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting was held
Wednesday, December 3, at the Rio Linda Junior High School. It was
hosted by the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA).
SAFCA's Tim Washburn led the meeting and covered the work done by SAFCA
and SAFCA contractors since the last CAC meeting in October. There were
22 attendees, including the staff personnel. Unfortunately the meeting
was held at the same time as the McClellan Restoration Advisory Board,
perhaps reducing the audience.
The project is working to use a "construction window" of July 1 to
September 30 for in-stream work, so as to not impede fish travel in Dry
Creek.
The original cost estimate for the project was $425,000; that has
increased since the last meeting to between $700,000 and $800,000.
Washburn assured the audience that SAFCA "has the money".
An environmental document will be distributed on the project this month.
The project will be on the February SAFCA Board agenda for approval.
SAFCA's Mick Klasson said he would prepare a detailed report on this
meeting for The NEWS. Some of the issues Mick may discuss in detail
include the following:
-The latest plan eliminates the pond that has been present behind the
dam in the summer. The new design, one that does not include a manually
controlled dam, precludes the pond, raising the concern of some
residents. SAFCA says water will still be retained in the creek,
however, similar to conditions during summer 2003.
-The use of the present bridge structure has not been decided. The
present bridge was privately built by Roy and Erwin Hayer. In order for
the County to accept responsibility for the public use of the bridge,
it must be determined exactly what the capabilities and limitations are
of the existing bridge. Otherwise, it must be removed and a new bridge
constructed. The cost for certification of a bridge that may be removed
was a sticking point with SAFCA; after discussion at the meeting, it
appears that SAFCA will now investigate the potential for retaining the
present bridge or abutments if possible.
-The new design of the channel will encourage the fish to a deeper
portion in the center of the stream; concern was expressed about the
potential predator problem thus created; both human and other predators.
It is planned that SAFCA will host the next Hayer Dam CAC meeting on
February 5, 2004, at the Rio Linda Junior High School.
