Marion County officials are asking federal agencies to extend public comment and reconsider Detroit Reservoir drawdown impacts on safety, infrastructure, recreation, and local communities.
Marion County, OR. — Marion County officials have formally raised concerns about proposed operational changes at Detroit Reservoir, urging federal agencies to extend public input opportunities and fully address potential local impacts before final decisions are made.
In a letter requesting additional time for public review, Marion County asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to extend the comment period for the Detroit Reservoir Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), citing the scope and complexity of the proposed changes. County officials said residents, emergency responders, businesses, and local governments need more time to evaluate how long-term drawdowns could affect public safety, infrastructure, recreation, and economic activity in the North Santiam Canyon.
Separate written comments submitted by the Marion County Board of Commissioners emphasize concerns about the depth, duration, and frequency of proposed drawdowns at Detroit Reservoir. Commissioners warned that deeper or prolonged drawdowns could increase risks related to slope stability, debris flows, and access for emergency services, while also harming tourism and recreation that local communities depend on…