Added security costs Grant Co. PUD big bucks

EPHRATA - Patrolling the shoreline behind Wanapum Dam is costing the Grant County PUD about $411,210 per month in 2015. That's about $225,000 less than the PUD was paying for shoreline security last summer.

Debbie Lowe, the PUD's director of support services, gave a report on the patrolling of the riverbank during the regular commissioners meeting two weeks ago.

Public access was prohibited along the shoreline after officials discovered a crack in the dam's structure in February 2014. The water should be back to the dam's traditional operating level by late March or sometime in April, PUD General Manager Tony Webb said.

The shoreline was reopened in December, when the water level was raised about halfway.

Lowe said the cost for security was about $650,000 in July 2014. Commissioner Larry Schaapman asked how much of those costs were in excess of the security budget. Dick Roberts, head of PUD security, said all of those are extra costs.

Some parts of the shore are still closed, Lowe said. One reason was that the low water and erosion exposed new historical sites. Currently the river is about the same level as it was 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, she said.

Roberts said PUD officials hired law enforcement and extra private security to patrol the shoreline, especially to keep people away from the newly exposed sites. River patrols have also been increased, Roberts said.

The PUD has been working to post no trespassing signs and extra law enforcement patrol around the protected sites, so that people know what is and isn't open, Roberts said. It's difficult for people to find out what's closed until they actually get down on the riverbank and see for themselves, he said.

So far citations have been issued to four people, he said. All four had previous contacts with security along the shoreline, he said. Two other people were warned but not cited, he said.

In answer to a question from Schaapman, Roberts said two boat launches have reopened since the water was raised in December. Because of the fluctuations in river level, it's easier to use the launch at Wanapum State Park, as opposed to the Upper Wanapum site, he said.

So far, there have been no encroachments or thefts at any historical-cultural site, Roberts said.

Schaapman asked where the river level would have to be to cover the historical sites. Roberts said the water would have to be at 568 feet above sea level, which is how the water level is measured.