The past year has shown a resurgence of reservoir projects after a big “slow-down” caused by the 2008 recession. The agriculture industry understands the value of water to their survival and success and is now in a position to pursue various means of procuring it. Stuntzner Engineering & Forestry, LLC is a major player in the area for designing rural, earthen dams. We help implement the project from the very start — applying for the water rights from the State, meeting various government agency requirements, designing the dam, surveying for construction, and construction observation.
In January of 2014, planning for a 131.1 acre-ft reservoir near Yamhill, Oregon was started. It is located next to Grande Moraine Winery on NE Woodland Loop Road. Stuntzner staff members Bill Flatz, Dylan Hitner, John Hoshall and Nick Blundon worked diligently on the various phases of this project. After 1 year and 1 day from when Stuntzner was hired for this project, approval to close the gate valve on the dam was given by Oregon Dam Safety on January 8, 2015.
The height of the dam is 27 feet and it has been given a Hazard Rating of “Significant” by Dam Safety. The reservoir, constructed by Eyman Equipment Inc, inundates an area of approximately 12.9 acres and is now approximately 1.7’ from being full. Inspections for the initial fill of the reservoir are still on-going. Minor improvements to the dam as well as wetland improvements are proposed for the summer of 2015.