News Release
| Release Number: | 04-010 |
| Dated: | 1/18/2004 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
> > The Dalles, Ore. – Recovery and assessment operations continue today in response to an oil spill at The Dalles Dam Thursday. Crews are working between The Dalles and Bonneville dams to understand the full extent of the oil spill.
Environmental crews have recovered more than 600 gallons of oil within the dam project. More oil is being recovered from the sluiceway, also confined within the dam project. In addition, more than 4,000 feet of boom has been deployed at the mouths of creeks and streams and in sensitive areas to capture residual oil on the water.
Workers have drained more than 7,000 gallons of the light mineral oil from the three-phase transformer. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the transformer had been partially drained earlier this winter. This information will help response officials more accurately calculate how much oil has been released into the river below The Dalles Dam.
Oil was found to be leaking from the three-phase transformer after water-filled cooling pipes broke as a result of last week’s freezing conditions. The transformer is located on the roof of the powerhouse and exposed to the outside weather.
According to state and federal fish and wildlife officials, there have been no reports of oiled birds as a result of the spill. Crews continue to assess affects to wildlife 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. Federal, state and local health officials are advising residents and anglers that the risk of exposure to the public is extremely low.