Unapproved Dam Now Approved

In an apparent lesson on how to get things done in Washoe County, the dam allegedly built without permits above Washoe Valley on Joy Lake has be subsequently approved by the state, after the fact. Ted Gourley, property owner of the dam sent us this note on January 31st:

“Gentlemen:
I own 80 acres including Joy Lake which you have referred to in an article dated Nov 21, 2008.  The article is factually incorrect in a number of ways.  The small dam was designed and engineered by Nortech Geotechnical Engineers and constructed to the design. The Nevada Division of Water Resources Dam Safety Engineer has reviewed the design and construction, inspected the dam, and issued the attached letter (tiff) stating that the dam is authorized under pertinent Nevada Revised Statutes.
Ted Gourley”

We responded requesting corrections to things “factually incorrect” to set the record straight and are still waiting. The note from Mr. Gourley had a letter from the state Division of Water Resources saying that, upon review, the dam “has been constructed to a high standard and should provide lengthy safe service.”

I feel better. The letter goes on to instruct Mr. Gourley that in spite of his success otherwise, he is to apply to the state before he constructs anything in the future.

A valuable lesson for how to get things done in Nevada.