News Release Archive

Reclamation to conduct a boom deployment test exercise along the Colorado River near Yuma

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix, 702-293-8391, dhendrix@usbr.gov
Chris Wallis, cwallis@usbr.gov

For Release: April 19, 2019

Yuma, Ariz. – Reclamation announced today that on Wednesday, April 24, maintenance workers will be deploying and testing oil containment equipment on the Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona. The purpose of the exercise is to practice deployment techniques, determine personnel, equipment, and oil capture program readiness, and evaluate the effectiveness of the overall spill response strategy.

As part of the river-based exercise, agency personnel will place contiguous lengths of oil boom along the river starting at Gateway Park and ending at Ocean to Ocean bridge. Boat and recreational access in and out of the river will be permitted during the test.

The oil spill response exercise is scheduled to occur from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be no oil products introduced into the water during any part of the drill.

For further information about this upcoming boom deployment exercise, please contact Reclamation Environmental Protection Specialist Don Black at (928) 343-8135 or via email at dblack@usbr.gov.

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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.