News Release
| Release Number: | 04-052 |
| Dated: | 3/25/2004 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
> > Portland, Ore. - Maintenance crews at The Dalles Lock and Dam reported seeing an oil sheen below the dam's powerhouse this morning, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today.
The 20-foot by 20-foot sheen was first noticed around 8:30 a.m. as crews were stopping and starting the generating units so trash racks on the upriver side of the powerhouse could be inspected. The source of the sheen has not been identified.
Wade Stampe, acting operations manager, said dam personnel are looking for the source. He went on to say the sheen was not recoverable and completely dissipated in the turbulent waters below the powerhouse.
Stampe also said the sheen looks like hydraulic oil, the type of oil used to operate the turbines and generators within the powerhouse.
The sheen has been reported to National Response Center and the states of Oregon and Washington. The Corps reported a maximum potential spill of 20 gallons, but believes the actual quantity to be less than 2 gallons.