Pipestem Dam Article Isaias Enriquez

This year sees the start of the Pipestem Dam Safety Modification Project outside of Jamestown, ND. The
three-year, $131.5 million project was awarded to Barnard Construction Company, Inc. on September
22, 2022, and notice to proceed was given on October 6. The project will consist of modifications to the
existing earth- cut emergency spillway to reduce the risk of spillway erosion . Figure 1 shows an
overview of the modification project features. A terminal structure will be added to the downstream
end of the existing spillway to reduce the risk of initiation of erosion. The Terminal Structure, shown in
Figure 2, will consisting of a reinforced concrete labyrinth weir, roller- compacted concrete (RCC)
stepped chute and stilling basin, and ,reinforced concrete training walls and approach walls. and stilling
basin. Additionally, the work includes excavation of the existing spillway channel to accommodate
emergency flows, extension of existing seepage blanket, and construction of earthen training dikes with
an internal soil cement key on each side of the spillway channel to direct flows to the terminal structure.

Figure 1: Overview of mmodification project features.

 Figure 2: View of terminal structure configuration.

Current work at the site consists of excavation at the terminal end to begin construction of the stilling
basin, earthen dike construction, and installation of a dewatering system. The project benefits from
experience from the Isabella Dam Safety Modification Project. John Devito, Quality Assurance Chief, and
Adam Gamblin, on- site lead engineer Geotechnical Chief, both joined the Pipestem Dam Modification
Project from Isabella. The project is also receiving support from the Portland District through four
geotechnical engineers that are working at the project in month-long rotations. Two Dam Safety
Strategic Interns (DSSI) from the Dam Safety Modification Center (DSMC) are also assisting. Isaias
Enriquez and Matt Salamon are providing assistance as Project Engineers (both) and Forward Project
Manager (Isaias). Current support also includes rehired annuitant Randy Braley who is acting as the
Deputy Chief of Quality Assurance. Future support at the site will include Andrea Pickerell (DSMC),
Materials Engineer, and Barbara Bass, Concrete Quality Assurance, previously from Isabella. For
questions, please reach out to Isaias Enriquez, Dam Safety Strategic Intern, at
Isaias.enriquez@usace.army.mil.
Stripping of coulee alongside site of future spillway terminal structure to and ongoing installation of
wells for dewatering system to be used during construction of the terminal structure
 Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Pipestem Dam Modification Project performed on May 26, 2023

Left to Right

1. Sheila Newman, Chief, Operations Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District
2. Peter Sturdivant, Chief, Engineering Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District
3. Dwaine Heinrich; Mayor, City of Jamestown, North Dakota
4. Ted Streckfuss, District Deputy Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District
5. Col. Mark Himes, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District
6. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.
7. Mike Fuller, Vice President Operations Manager, Barnard Construction
8. Ely Johnson, Project Manager, Barnard Construction
9. Robert “Bob” Worden, Civil Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District
10. Tim Howe, Project Superintendent, Barnard Construction