PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

The commission must build dams, settling reservoirs, and related works to keep mining waste, natural erosion, and other material in the tributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin River systems from harming the rivers, any navigable tributaries, or nearby land. They can place these works upstream of where boats can travel, on main tributaries or branches, or at nearby sites. They may do this only when Congress provides money or when the debris fund has enough money for the work. The structures must be made of durable materials so they are safe and long-lasting. The commission must use the plans in Executive Document No. 267 (Fifty-first Congress, second session) and Executive Document No. 98 (Forty-seventh Congress, first session) as the basis for this work.

Title 33, §685

Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Said commission, in order that such material as is now or may hereafter be lodged in the tributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin River systems resulting from mining operations, natural erosion, or other causes, shall be prevented from injuring the said navigable rivers or such of the tributaries of either as may be navigable and the land adjacent thereto, is directed and empowered, when appropriations are made therefor by law, or sufficient money is deposited for that purpose in said debris fund, to build at such points above the head of navigation in said rivers and on the main tributaries thereof, or branches of such tributaries, or any place adjacent to the same, which in the judgment of said commission, will effect said object (the same to be of such material as will insure safety and permanency), such restraining or impounding dams and settling reservoirs, with such canals, locks, or other works adapted and required to complete same. The recommendations contained in Executive Document Numbered 267, Fifty-first Congress, second session, and Executive Document Numbered 98, Forty-seventh Congress, first session, as far as they refer to impounding dams, or other restraining works, are adopted, and the same are directed to be made the basis of operations.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Executive Document Numbered 267, referred to in text, contained a report by a board of engineers created by act Oct. 1, 1888, ch. 1057, 25 Stat. 498. Executive Document Numbered 98, referred to in text, contained a report of Lieut. Col. G. H. Mendell, Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., dated Jan. 26, 1882, prepared pursuant to a provision in act June 14, 1880, ch. 211, 21 Stat. 196.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

California Debris Commission abolished and functions transferred to Secretary of the Army by Pub. L. 99–662, title XI, § 1106, Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4229, set out as a note under section 661 of this title.

§685 Construction by Commission of Restraining Works, Etc.; Use of Debris Fund