Drilling platform designed for study of crack at Wanapum spillway

BEVERLY - Grant PUD contractor Kuney-Goebel JV was designing a drilling platform last week for further study of Wanapum Dam spillway pier monolith No. 4, according to Public Information Officer Thomas Stredwick.

After initial drilling tests the previous week were delayed because of weather conditions, Grant PUD and contractors determined that constructing the platform was necessary, Stredwick said. The drilling will resume once the temporary platform is installed.

The platform will be used to conduct investigative drilling to determine the geometry of the fracture that was discovered in the structure on Feb. 27.

According to Public Information Officer Thomas Stredwick, the PUD continues to investigate the cause of the fracture. It is modeling and testing the spillway to determine how best to repair the structure.

All of the Wanapum reservoir shoreline remains closed, including Grant PUD and WDFW public-access boat launches, recreation sites and beaches. The Wanapum Lower Boat Launch, Wanapum Heritage Center and day-use park also remain closed.

Grant PUD continues to work with irrigators affected by the Wanapum reservoir drawdown. Affected irrigators can access information from the Department of Ecology on a web page devoted to the situation.

The utility is also working with stakeholders and regulatory agencies to develop plans so the fish ladders at Wanapum Dam are operating by the start of the fish migration season in mid-April.

Under the low reservoir conditions, Wanapum Dam is generating about half of the electricity it would produce this time of year. However, Grant PUD continues to meet customer electricity needs with its current power-supply portfolio.