News Release
| Release Number: | 05-091 |
| Dated: | 6/24/2005 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.— On May 18, 2005, the intake tower at Cougar Dam became operational to provide temperature control on the South Fork and main stem McKenzie rivers in Oregon. This event represents the culmination of a multi-year effort by many agencies, organizations and individuals who share a common objective of improving water quality on the McKenzie River.
To recognize this accomplishment, the Corps invites media representatives to cover the dedication and open house at noon on Friday, July 8, 2005, at the Cougar Dam Intake Tower. For security reasons, please RSVP with the Corps’ Public Affairs Office at (503) 808-4510 no later than July 6 if you plan to attend.
District Engineer Col. Richard Hobernicht will provide opening remarks, followed by a video documentary depicting the construction of the tower, and the dedication ceremony.
For your benefit, a timeline of construction efforts is provided below:
* June 2000: The first phase of the construction began when the
diversion tunnel, used to redirect the river during initial dam
construction, was excavated and reinforced. Gates were
subsequently installed to control the flow of water from the
reservoir during tower modifications.
* February 2002: The old diversion tunnel plug was removed and
the gates in the diversion tunnel were tested.
* April and May 2003: Gates in the diversion tunnel were opened
and the reservoir was drawn down to about one-third its normal
size. The low pool was needed to allow the south face of the
intake tower to be fitted with a new wet well and adjustable
weir gates for mixing water from various levels to create
temperatures that more closely match natural conditions.
* January 2002 through May 2005: USACE and Wildish Building Co.,
of Eugene, Ore., worked to complete intake tower
modifications: Rush Creek was diverted, a cofferdam
constructed, intake tower modifications made, new hoists and
regulating gates were installed and tested for operation.
* January 2005: The Corps began refilling the reservoir.
* May 18, 2005: New weir gates were set and temperature control
was "on line.”
* Total Cost of Project: $50.5 million dollars through 2005.