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County approves DNRC grant application and prepares for Flint Creek dam inspection and FERC review
Summary
Granite County approved a $125,000 DNRC RRG grant application for Flint Creek dam improvements, scheduled a comprehensive HDR inspection starting Monday and discussed FERC’s upcoming IC/PFMA reviews; commissioners temporarily cut Georgetown Lake releases to 25 CFS until May 15.
Granite County commissioners on May 12 authorized submission of a DNRC Renewable Resource Grant application requesting $125,000 toward an estimated $155,000 Flint Creek dam improvements project, with the county providing a $30,000 match.
Project representatives said the signed application and commitment letter would be forwarded to complete the submission. Commissioners also received coordination details for a comprehensive dam inspection by HDR Engineering scheduled to begin the following Monday. HDR outlined logistics including confined-space safety procedures, access needs (ladders and a boat) and an alarm test in coordination with the sheriff’s office.
During the meeting commissioners and staff held a quarterly coordination call with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) representatives about the Georgetown Dam (Flint Creek) project. FERC emphasized the need to submit the Digital Project Archive (DPA) ahead of the Independent Consultant (IC) review and advised that extension-of-time requests for required dam-safety documents were under review.
Separately, based on USGS gauge data showing Georgetown Lake about 6.84 inches below full pool (6,428.93 feet), the board voted to reduce outflows to 25 cubic feet per second (CFS) until May 15, when releases will increase to 30 CFS, subject to agency approval. Public commenters recommended more conservative releases (20 CFS) to conserve the reservoir; commissioners said maintaining minimum stream flows was necessary to protect stream banks and meet imminent irrigation needs.
County Attorney Blaine Bradshaw clarified that the public may attend the initial gathering point for the inspection but that the inspection tour would be restricted for safety. HDR and county emergency management staff discussed confined-space protocols, use of blowers, gas monitoring and retrieval systems to support a non-permit confined-space entry during the inspection.
Commissioners approved the DNRC grant application and authorized signature of submission documents. HDR representatives confirmed inspection start times and logistical needs; FERC staff reiterated documentation expectations for the IC and PFMA reviews.
