
Managers Work To Keep Bonneville Dam Going Despite Fires
Listen
Federal workers say they are trying their best to keep the water flowing and the power going at Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River Gorge despite the wildfires.
So far, the dam is still producing energy. But even if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had to shut off the powerhouses or evacuate staff, water could pass through the dam spillways safely.
The Bonneville Power Administration says so far, only one stretch of major transmission lines that run from Bonneville to Hood River have been shut off. The town is still getting power from other lines.
So what does it take to keep a dam safe when it’s surrounded by wildfire?
Quite a bit.
The Army Corps says there are multiple crews of wildland firefighters staging at the dam. And there are teams of structural firefighters in case anything on the dam lights up. There are also roving dam crews looking for spot fires — around the clock.
Many of the dam’s staff have been told to stay home, or work remotely.
9(MDAyMTYxNjk3MDEyNzE5NzkyNzY1MDMyYQ004))
Related Stories:

How Many Vaccine Shots Go To Waste? Several States Aren’t Counting
As reports emerge across the country of health facilities throwing out unused and spoiled COVID-19 vaccines, some state governments are failing to track the wastage as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leaving officials coordinating immunization efforts blind to exactly how many of the precious, limited doses are going into the trash and why. Continue Reading How Many Vaccine Shots Go To Waste? Several States Aren’t Counting

‘There’s No End In Sight’: Mail Delivery Delays Continue Across The Country
The U.S. Postal Service has an answer at the very top of its official tracking page. A disclaimer there notes the system is “experiencing unprecedented volume increases and limited employee availability due to the impacts of COVID-19.” That combination is making it tough on those at the other end of the mailbox. Continue Reading ‘There’s No End In Sight’: Mail Delivery Delays Continue Across The Country

Washington Legislators Unveil $2.2 Billion COVID-19 Financial Relief Package
The plan includes $618 million to boost vaccination efforts and contact tracing. It also includes $668 million for school assistance, $365 million to aid renters and landlords and $240 million for grants to businesses. Continue Reading Washington Legislators Unveil $2.2 Billion COVID-19 Financial Relief Package