Chapter 2 Project Description 2.1 Project Authorization and Purpose

Elk Creek Lake is a unit of the Basin Project authorized by the Act of 1962 (Public Law 87-874, 87th Congress, Second Session, House Document 566, approved 21 September 1962). The project was modified by the Public Works Appropriation Act of 1971, dated 7 October 1970, PL 91-439. Authorized purposes of the Elk Creek Lake project include flood control, irrigation, water supply, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and water quality control.

2.2 Project History

The Rogue River Basin Project (RRBP), which includes three multi-purpose dams, was designed to operate as a system to relieve flooding in the Rogue River Basin and to accomplish additional purposes as authorized. Planning for the three dam system began in the 1930's in response to recurring flood problems in the basin. A water resources development plan was submitted to Congress in 1962. Lost Creek Dam was completed in 1976, and Applegate Dam in 1980.

Construction of Elk Creek Project began in 1971 with the acquisition of project lands, relocation of residents, and relocation of some roads and utilities. The main dam contract was successfully bid in April 1975. However, the state's Water Policy Review Board and the Governor of expressed a position of non-support for Elk Creek Lake and all bids were cancelled. Construction of the project was held in abeyance for approximately seven years to permit observations and evaluations of the extent of turbidity experienced in releases from Tost Creek and to reassess the present water needs in the region in light of changing land uses. Based on water quality studies and operating experience at Lost Creek Lake, it was determined that turbidity problems are not expected at Elk Creek Lake. That issue, along with other concerns, was addressed in an EIS Supplement filed on December 24, 1980. In 1982, North Pacific Division Engineer, Brigadier General Van Loben Sels, signed a Record of Decision (Pursuant to 1978 Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing procedures on NEPA) which read: "Decision is to proceed with construction of Elk Creek Lake Project subject to approval of funds by the U.S. Congress." Funds in the amount of $10,000,000 were provided for the construction of Elk Creek Project as part of the Appropriations Act for the 1985 fiscal year.

2.3 General Project Setting and Location

*The Elk Creek Lake project is located on Elk Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River, 1.7 miles upstream from their confluence. The project is within Jackson County, about 26.5 miles north of Medford, Oregon. The Rogue River Basin drains approximately 5,000 square miles, nearly all of which lies within southwestern Oregon. The Rogue River headwaters begin in the Cascade Range and flow south and west 210 miles to the Pacific Ocean. The basin is surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range to the east, the Siskiyou Mountains

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