CUP's Big Sand Wash Dam nearly done

Workers are putting the final touches on the $34 million Big Sand Wash Dam, according to a spokeswoman for the Central Utah Project.

"They are going to allow public access at the boat ramp starting (last) Saturday" at the dam, located about half a mile north of Upalco, Duchesne County, said Chris Finlinson, CUP public affairs officer. "There will be some areas that will be restricted, of course, until the contractor can finish."

Kirk Beecher, project manager, earlier said the dam should be finished close to the end of June. It is part of the CUP Completion Act.

Finlinson, based at CUP headquarters in Orem, added that the payments for the dam have amounted to nearly $34 million to date. The Uinta Basin Replacement Project has several components, including the dam. Others pieces include an $18 million feeder pipeline.

"The overall cost could reach upwards of $70 million," she said. "But it's being done in sections."

A contractor has begun to build a pipeline to carry municipal and industrial water to the Roosevelt vicinity. It may be finished by the end of 2007.

Another component, the stabilization of upper lakes, has a less certain completion date. The area is designated wilderness, which requires special treatment. How it will be done is not yet certain. Wilderness restrictions, she said, may "make it very difficult and very complex" to carry out that part of the project.

Lakes will be returned to a natural condition, she said.

Meanwhile, the dam itself will be completed, according to Finlinson. About 12,000 acre-feet of water is already stored in the Big Sand Wash Reservoir.

"The increased capacity will come on line next year," Finlinson added. When the reservoir is full it should hold 24,000 acre-feet.

The project earmarks 6,500 acre-feet of irrigation water to be used by the Moon Lake Water Irrigation Co. in the Uinta Basin. Another 3,000 acre-feet is set aside for municipal and industrial water. More water is to be moved from the reservoir to other destinations within the CUP.

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