UPDATE: December 7 at 4:00 p.m.
One of the turbine/generator sets at the dam overfilled with mineral oil during maintenance, resulting in 84 gallons of oil being spilled into the Columbia River, the Department of Ecology said in a weekend update.
Initial estimates suggested up to 240 gallons could have been spilled, but these were precautionary to ensure a thorough response.
Ecology announced today that a very light oil sheen is visible upriver of McNary Dam on both the Washington and Oregon sides.
Cleanup operations are focused on protecting the fish ladders and juvenile downstream passage facilities with the assistance of Grant PUD and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The investigation and cleanup process is expected to continue for the next few days as authorities work to minimize environmental impact. Additional updates will be provided as the situation develops.
UPDATE: December 4 at 3:30 p.m.
Crews from Grant PUD and GrayMar Environmental resumed efforts to clean up a mineral-oil spill in the Columbia River at Priest Rapids Dam, PUD announced.
The spill occurred on December 3 during maintenance of a generating unit.
“While these kinds of spills are rare, we do take them very seriously,” said Jeff Grizzel, Grant PUD’s Senior Vice President of Power and Marketing Operations. “We have a spill response plan that includes regular training. We are now following that plan and using that training to work as quickly as possible to safely remove oil from the river.”
Absorbent booms were installed at Vernita Bridge, about nine miles downriver from the dam, to address the spill. The cause and quantity of the spill remain under investigation.
Grant PUD is working with the state Department of Ecology on the cleanup.
Boaters are advised to avoid the river between Priest Rapids Dam and Pasco during this effort.
Those spotting oiled wildlife downstream are urged to contact the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife at 800-222-4737.
DESERT AIRE, Wash. – The Washington Department of Ecology and Grant PUD are addressing a spill at Priest Rapids Dam after approximately 240 gallons of mineral oil leaked into the Columbia River during maintenance, Ecology said in a release.
Ecology is urging the public to avoid entering the river between Priest Rapids Dam and Pasco as containment efforts are underway. The Vernita Bridge boat launch is also closed as response efforts are coordinated from there.
If you encounter oiled wildlife, contact the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife at 800-222-4737.
More information about the spill is expected by noon on Thursday, Dec. 4.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: December 3 at 11:00 p.m.
