News Release Archive

Columbia River Dams to Conduct an Emergency Response Exercise

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Lynne Brougher, lbrougher@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: February 25, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation and BC Hydro of Canada, along with international, federal, tribal, state and local agencies, will conduct an emergency response exercise at several dams along the Columbia River, including Grand Coulee Dam on Feb. 29 - March 6. Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia River in Wash.

"The purpose of the exercise is to ensure that emergency procedures for Columbia River dams are tested and updated as necessary," said Lynn Brougher, Grand Coulee Dam Public Affairs Officer. "The safety of communities and facilities is of primary importance."

Exercises such as this are conducted on a regular basis to ensure that agencies and communities are prepared to respond effectively to an emergency. The exercise will also gauge the ability of participating agencies to coordinate with each other and respond in the event of an emergency.

Participating communities along the Columbia River will also test and evaluate their Emergency Operations Plans. Emergency response agencies will work with counties and towns to implement local Emergency Operations Plans.

"Although the exercise will be closed to the media and public, it is important that people are aware this exercise is happening and that issues of safety and security are taken seriously," Brougher said. "By informing the public that this exercise is taking place, we hope to prevent the distribution of any erroneous information that an actual emergency is happening."

Participating agencies include: BC Hydro of Canada, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, National Weather Service, National Park Service, Washington State Patrol and counties and cities along the Columbia River.

This is only a training exercise  there is no threat to any Columbia River dams or communities. All dams will continue to function as normal throughout the training exercise.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.