Tulloch Reservoir – Tri-Dam Project

Tri-Dam operates Tulloch Reservoir under the guidelines of a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Like many reservoir throughout the Country, electricity is generated at a powerhouse structure located adjacent to the dam at the south end of the reservoir. While many of the lands around the reservoir are privately owned, part of the FERC license requires Tri-Dam to review and issue permit for construction activities in and around the reservoir for all projects located at the 515’ contour elevation and below. Types of activities for which permits are required are the installation, remodel or replacement of docks, excavation, homes, decks, and erosion control devices/seawalls. In addition to obtaining permits from Tri-Dam, permits from other agencies may also be required including the County of Calaveras and/or Tuolumne, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and Homeowners Association. Public access to the Reservoir is available at South Shore (Lake Tulloch Marina & Campground) via Tulloch Dam Road off of Highway 108. For recreation information please visit:
http://www.laketullochcampground.com. Access to the reservoir along the North Shore via O’Byrne’s Ferry Road is primarily by private homeowners’ facilities and privately operated commercial marinas.

Tulloch Reservoir Permitting Process

As noted above, Tri-Dam is required through its license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and authorize any activity in and around the reservoir within the boundaries established by FERC. For Tulloch Reservoir, the FERC defined project boundary includes all lands at the 515’ contour elevation and below. These elevations are based upon the elevation of the dam, and adjacent benchmarks which are also linked with water level elevations. Tri-Dam processes permits for all activities, both residential and commercial including but not limited to docks, decks, structures, erosion control devices, seawalls, excavation and marinas. FERC requires agencies such as Tri-Dam to develop a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) which contains the rules and regulations governing facilities within the FERC project boundary. A link to that document is listed below.

The following links will help to explain and guide landowners through the development process:

Application Process Overview
Application Contents and Instructions
Application Form—This application form is used for all types of permits requested, including docks, erosion protection devices/seawalls, decks, homes and related structures. This same form is also used for remodels/repairs/additional to existing permitted facilities.
Pre-Application Form. This form is to be used when applicants would like a formal pre-application review and meeting.
Extension of Time Form. To be used when requesting an extension for an active permit.
Variance Application Form
Shoreline Management Plan.

Tri-Dam’s goal is to administer a straightforward and efficient permitting process, while also adhering to FERC directives, environmental considerations and the regulatory authority of other local, State and Federal agencies who also may also have jurisdiction based upon the specific project. Recognizing that these regulations, along with the concept of development along a reservoir may seem complex, Tri-Dam welcomes any questions that you might have about the permitting process. Please contact Susan Larson at slarson@tridamproject.com or (209) 965-3996, x 148 with any additional questions that you might have.

Tulloch Reservoir Permit Fees

In order to offset some of the costs associated with the processing and administration of permits at Tulloch, Tri-Dam’s Board of Directors has adopted the following application fees. Please read the 2021 FAQ for Tulloch Permits.

New Facilities, including replacement facilities.	$1,500.00
Additions to existing permitted facilities.	$750.00
Request for Variance Application	$750.00
Pre-Application Consultation (2-3 hours).	$250.00
Pre-Application Consultation (4-5 hours).	$500.00
Extension of Time	$150.00
Performance Deposit	$3,000.00
Performance Deposit for Vegetative Management	$1,000.00
Low Water Supports	$250.00
Personal Water Craft Port Replacement Only	$150.00
Vegetative Management Facilities	$500.00
Permit Change Request	$400.00
Re-inspection Fee	$150.00
“After the Fact” Additional Permit Fee *Added to the Specific Permit Fee	$250.00-$3,000.00*

Elevation

The reservoir level at Tulloch (expressed as an elevation in feet above sea level) fluctuates on a daily and seasonal basis, depending upon the operating needs of the US Bureau of Reclamation, the operators of New Melones, and the needs of Tri-Dam Project. During the winter months, the reservoir levels are lower to provide flood storage space if needed, and during the summer months water level fluctuations due to power generation can also occur. Residents and visitors are always urged to exercise care in and around the reservoir.

Tulloch Reservoir Updates

News and updates regarding Tulloch Reservoir are listed below. Click on any link for more details.