Image provided by: Oregon Historical Society; Portland, OR
About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (June 22, 1982)
JUNE 22. 1982 PAGE 3 SPILYAY TYMOO Following two years of construction, the Warm Springs hydroelectric project is finally complete. It began commercial production of electricity on June 17 Warm Springs’ hydroelectric project becomes reality ; by Donna Behrend ? After what seem like'long, long years, the Warm Springs H y d ro electric p ro je c t is? com plete and p ro d u cin g electricity. Initial construction at the site began mid-year 1980 with tons Of earth being’moved to make way for the power plant and its numerous accessories. „The site has changed in appearance considerably since then. Where there were once boulders and trees, there is now an electric transfer sub-station and the core of the hydro plant, the generator. The flow of water over the dam’s spillways has also changed. What was once a gushing, powerful flow of water, is now a mere trickle. The water is now channeled through the draft tube, using the water’s power tq produce power. The plant began producing electricity on June 11 and began commercial production June 17. the power is being sold to Pacific Power and Light. Presently there are only about 15 people working at the site, doing last-minute cleart-iip and maintenance. The plant ty ill ;b e o p e r a t e d a n d m ain tain ed by PG E ^vilL computer from the Round Butte Dam. Though many may not view the plant as anything too special, the project is the only one in the United States owned by an Indian tribe. The $30 million project is one to be admired and to be proud of. Dedication ceremonies are scheduled for July 16 at the site. Over 2,000 people have been invited to the ceremonies. Watch Spilyay Tymoo for further information concerning the dedication. Spilyay Tymoo photos hy Donna Behrend To get in the hole beneath the river is quite a tricky procedure. Pumps, pumps arid more pumps are needed to keep the Hydro plant’s generator functioning After climbing down the 50 feet on rung ladder, one could get the properly and safely. This cooling water pump is necessary to keep the water at the right temperature, feeling of being, in a bottomless pit.
