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Regional Box Elder dam upgrades planned; Wellington to fund share included in CIP
Summary
Officials updated trustees on proposed improvements to Box Elder Basin dams (B2, B3, B4) after high‑hazard reclassification. A regional study recommended monitoring, emergency planning and an escrowed repair fund; Wellington’s five‑year CIP includes roughly $487,000 toward the regional fund and an estimated $12–13k/year ongoing share.
Town and regional officials briefed the Wellington Board of Trustees on progress toward upgrades and regional cost‑sharing for the Box Elder Basin (BDAMS) flood‑control dams.
Background and findings: Bob Gowing explained that five earth‑embankment dams in the Box Elder Basin protect Wellington and downstream communities. State reclassification to “high hazard” triggered a reassessment: consultants found the dams have a low likelihood of failure but a high potential consequence if they did, including significant downstream flood depths and velocities. The recommended mitigation package includes an early‑warning system (rain and depth gauges), an operations/maintenance plan, emergency action planning, and an escrowed repair fund to cover major repairs.
Regional funding and Wellington share: A cost‑allocation model prepared by consultants apportioned funding across stakeholders; Wellington’s planned five‑year contribution is reflected in the town’s CIP (about $487,000 over five years) and ongoing annual operations/maintenance share is estimated at roughly $12–13k. Staff said attorneys from participating entities are reviewing a draft intergovernmental agreement that would formalize cost shares and governance; the agreement envisions periodic updates and model recalculations as development and risk profiles change.
Trustee concerns: Trustees asked about future growth (Montava and others), whether partners could exit the agreement and how costs and decision authority would align with contributions. Staff said the draft includes update provisions and emphasized that nonparticipation would leave downstream protection at risk and undermine prior floodplain assumptions used in FEMA mapping and local stormwater planning.
Quote: "Without the BDAMS, Wellington just wouldn't be able to exist," Bob Gowing said, emphasizing the regional reliance on the structures.
