News Release
| Release Number: | 04-009 |
| Dated: | 1/17/2004 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
> > The Dalles, Ore. – Some 2,600 feet of boom has been deployed at the mouths of creeks and streams and in sensitive areas to capture oil from a transformer leak at The Dalles Dam first reported on Thursday, Jan. 15.
In addition, NRC (Foss) Environmental response crews are using absorbent pads and skimmers to clean up oil pooling along the shoreline and on the water as far west as the Bonneville Dam.
Oil leaked from the transformer from broken cooling water pipes caused by last week’s freezing conditions. Transformers are located on the roof of the powerhouse and are exposed to the outside weather. An exact amount of oil from the leak has not yet been determined.
According to state and federal fish and wildlife officials, there have been no reports of oiled birds as a result of the spill. Crews will continue to assess affects to wildlife throughout the spill response and are poised to ramp up recovery efforts if needed. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has activated its bird line. People are advised to report any oiled or injured birds to 800-22-BIRDS. Volunteers are not needed at this time.
“I feel a lot better after making an over-flight and hearing reports from six on-the-water assessment teams,” said Steve Pribyl, Oregon Fish and Wildlife biologist. “Oiling and hypothermia are always a concern so we will be keeping an eye on our bird populations.”
On Thursday, dam officials reported finding 185 dead juvenile shad and one adult shad within the slot gates at The Dalles Dam.
Corps maintenance workers continue to remove the oil remaining in the affected transformer. This will help answer the question as to the amount of oil actually released into the Columbia River. The transformer can hold up to 6,000 gallons, but had been partially drained earlier this winter for maintenance.
Federal, state and local health officials are advising residents and anglers that the risk of exposure to the public is extremely low.
The Dalles Dam, in operation since 1957, is 86 miles east of Portland, Ore., on the Columbia River, two miles east of the city of The Dalles, Ore. The project consists of a navigation lock, spillway, powerhouse and fish passage facilities.