DILLON, Colo. -- Steps were being taken by the Town of Dillon Monday to drain Old Dillon Reservoir located above Dillon Dam Road, southwest of the main Lake Dillon dam.

The draining of the reservoir is a result of the State of Colorado Engineers report of the annual inspection conducted in July, 2008.

In its report, the engineers sited two reasons for drainage of the reservoir. First, the condition of the reservoir has deteriorated significantly since the previous year's inspection, with large dead pine trees on the downstream slope due to pine beetle infestation. And second, the increased deterioration of the metal pipe spillway.

The engineers report stated that the soft surface around the trees could easily topple and uproot resulting in significant damage to the dam. Also, avenues of piping through the dead root systems could occur. The invert of the pipe spillway has deteriorated enough that a failure due to piping along the invert of the pipe could occur.

The report noted that no seepage is occurring in the areas of concern. It is the opinion of the Sate Engineer that the current condition of the dam poses a threat to public safety and the Town of Dillon must immediately drain the reservoir. The Town of Dillon had intended to drain the reservoir in the Fall to prepare for the reconstruction and expansion of the reservoir.

The public is encouraged to aid in the removal of fish from the reservoir by fishing. Other impacts include loss of aesthetics until the dam is re-filled, after the planned improvements are completed. “The process to correct the condition of the dam will begin immediately,” Eric Holgerson, Public Works Director for the Town of Dillon, stated.

Old Dillon Reservoir is a small, oval reservoir next to Lake Dillon.