The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public input while considering various possibilities for removal of the Hult Dam & Reservoir in Lane County. In 2017, the BLM identified Hult Dam as a high risk to public safety downstream, including the community of Horton. During a flood, the dam could be breached or fail due to instability. After considering various options for improving the structure of the dam, BLM engineers determined that eventual removal was necessary. Removal of the dam will reduce downstream public safety hazards, save taxpayer dollars, improve fish habitat, and create new recreational opportunities.
The BLM will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Hult Reservoir and Dam Safety project in Lane County, Oregon. This EIS will analyze alternatives associated with dam removal as well as evaluate options for future recreational uses within the area. The 30-day public scoping will begin Dec. 30, 2021.
“Public input is crucial at this early stage,” said Cheryl Adcock, BLM Siuslaw Field Office manager. “We want people’s help in reimagining how current and future generations can enjoy the historic Hult Dam area.”
The Hult Lumber Company built the dam around 1950 to create a log storage reservoir to support their sawmill operations. In 1994, BLM took ownership of the dam and surrounding lands. The reservoir no longer serves its intended purpose—the storage of logs—and it does not provide flood protection or water retention. While the reservoir is not critical infrastructure, it maintains historic value and is used primarily for recreation.
In 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspected the dam and found that in the face of large flood events, the dam could potentially fail due to its age and condition. Potential dam failure could result in loss of life of downstream residents in and near the community of Horton, as well as damage to critical infrastructure such as Oregon State Highway 36.
Currently, frequent and costly maintenance, monitoring, and inspections are required annually to protect public safety and mitigate risks to those downstream. After consulting engineers and dam safety experts, the BLM proposes to remove the dam and reservoir to eliminate the risk to public safety and critical infrastructure, and to conserve taxpayer dollars.
Throughout the planning process, the BLM is committed to public safety and will continue to monitor and maintain Hult Dam until permanent action is taken.
