Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dams And Emergency Pumping topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission hires Bros Engineering for Upper Dam five‑year inspection; discusses dewatering pump options for Baker Lake
Summary
After discussing past inspections and available DNRC cost‑share, the Fallon County Commission voted to contract Bros Engineering to perform the Upper Lake five‑year inspection and debated pump options and a dewatering plan for Baker (Upper) Lake, including PTO‑driven and trailer pump configurations and lead times.
The Fallon County Commission voted to contract Bros Engineering to perform the five‑year inspection for the Upper Lake (Baker Lake) dam system and discussed options for dewatering equipment and an emergency action plan.
Commissioners reviewed past inspection history and DNRC involvement; staff said Mary Gru and later Rich had performed inspections in previous cycles, and DNRC’s five‑year inspection assistance funding has run out for now. A county representative recommended asking DNRC about available cost‑share support before finalizing arrangements.
Commission discussion focused on whether to combine inspection work with DNRC recommendations and which consultant to hire. One commissioner moved that Bros Engineering perform the five‑year inspection; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Separately, staff reviewed dewatering pump quotes and configurations: an 8‑inch PTO‑driven pump was quoted in multiple configurations with prices ranging roughly from $10,700 for a 3‑point hitch version up to $12,400 for an 8‑inch trailer unit, and larger 12‑inch and 16‑inch options were also presented. Staff said electric submersible pumps have longer lead times (5–12 weeks) and that trailer or 3‑point PTO options could offer flexibility to borrow county tractors for operation.
A county planner also noted the need to document inspection history and to check whether prior inspection reports and DNRC correspondence are on file; commissioners asked staff to follow up with DNRC and to pursue cost‑share options if available. The board’s approval of Bros Engineering will allow staff to request quotes and secure scheduling before the DNRC deadline for combining inspections in 2030.
The commission asked staff to coordinate logistics for pump procurement and to bring final procurement or budget requests back to a work session if purchase exceeds procurement thresholds.
