
SURFACE WATER
RIVERS, LAKES & COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

Matilija Dam and Sediment Removal
Ventura County, CA
Dams
Goldsborough Creek | Matilija Dam | Hawaii
Dam Break Analysis |
Piedra Liza Dam
Matilija Dam is located on Matilija Creek, a major tributary to the
Ventura River in Southern California. The dam was constructed
in 1946 for water supply and flood control, but has since largely filled
in with sediment and no longer provides significant benefit for flood
control. Ventura County, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
and the Corps of Engineers (Corps) are investigating the dam to improve
fish passage and habitat, restore the natural sediment regime and enhance
recreational opportunities. The Corps contracted with Tetra Tech,
Inc. to prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for removal of
the sediment in the reservoir via a slurry pipeline or conveyor in
conjunction with removal of the dam, and also to evaluate the potential
significant environmental impacts for this and several other dam removal
alternatives identified by the USBR. Additionally, beneficial
uses of the sediment were identified, including beach nourishment and
habitat enhancement. This study effort was incorporated
into the Bureau’s Initial Appraisal Report. The total cost of
the project developed including dam removal is estimated at $162 million.