 |
|
Regulatory Brief
Cascade Reservoir, Cascade, Idaho
Contents:
- Summary
- The Issue
- Update/Resolution
Summary
The Bureau of Reclamation recently released their Environmental Assessment (EA) for Cascade
Reservoir. The EA calls for restriction of seaplane operations to the main body of the reservoir,
a restriction that puts seaplane pilots at risk without any justification.
The Seaplane Pilots Association is challenging the Bureau of Reclamation's facts, basis for
recommendation, and recommendation itself.
|
| Impact: |
Cascade Reservoir access and Bureau of Reclamation policy
|
|
| Reference: |
SPA Comment Letter to Bureau of Reclamation (PDF, 95KB)
|
|
| Timeline: |
November 1, 2001 - Meeting between Bureau of Reclamation, SPA members Kurt Becker and Ed Dickman, the Idaho
Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics, and the FAA to discuss the Bureau of Reclamation's
Environmental Assessment.
November 1, 2001 - SPA President Michael Volk writes to the Bureau of Reclamation challenging the Bureau
to justify the claims made in the Environmental Assessment.
January 27, 2002 - Bureau officials agreed that a conflict between a seaplane and
boat has not been demonstrated, and withdrew the proposed restrictions.
|
|
| History: |
Cascade Reservoir is visited infrequently by seaplanes, and up until now has not
been restricted with regard to seaplane operations.
|
|
The Issue
The Bureau of Reclamation's recently released Environmental Assessment for Cascade Reservoir
recommends that seaplane operations be confined to the main body of the reservoir. This
restriction is not only unnecessary, it also places seaplane operators at higher risk during
both glassy and rough water conditions.
The Seaplane Pilots Association is challenging the Bureau of Reclamation to justify their
recommendation or delete it. Following are some key points in the case:
- Seaplane operations are safer when conducted on protected water surfaces.
- Seaplane operations are infrequent, and conflicts are non-existant. There is no
apparent reason why the Bureau's permissive policy should be changed.
- Claims of potential conflicts and related safety hazards between seaplanes and
boats are unsubstantiated by the Bureau, and unsupported by fact.
Update
The Bureau of Reclamation has agreed that there has not been a demonstrated conflict between
a seaplane and boaters, and that until such a conflict has been demonstrated, the restriction
is unwarranted. The Bureau has as a result withdrawn the proposed restriction.
|
|