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:
Community speaks of gap in HIV care, testing in Pierce County
More than six months after the Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) closed, community members and service providers say there is still a void for people in the county seeking testing and care for HIV/AIDS.
“It’s been going on six months now that the community doesn’t have these services available to them,” said Chace Hunter in April. Hunter is the executive director of Affordable Housing and Treatment (AHAT) Homecare, an organization that provides housing to people living with HIV. Continue Reading Community speaks of gap in HIV care, testing in Pierce County
North Central Health district hires new director in Idaho
Idaho’s North Central Health District, which encompasses Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater and Idaho counties, has named a new director. Continue Reading North Central Health district hires new director in Idaho
From Vegas to Waitsburg, classroom new stage for former showgirl
Patti Jo Amerein danced in Las Vegas shows for 15 years starting in the 1980s. Now, she’s sharing her memories and lessons learned during a class for people over 50… Continue Reading From Vegas to Waitsburg, classroom new stage for former showgirl
