AHSAHKA, Idaho – An oil spill occurred at Dworshak Dam at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. An estimated total of 10-20 gallons of light-grade turbine oil was inadvertently released from hydroelectric generator Unit-3 into the North Fork of the Clearwater River as the generator was being prepared by contract workers for disassembly and rehabilitation. The exact quantity is being determined as clean-up operations continue.
Containment and recovery efforts began immediately after the oil release was reported. Sump pumps were shut down to prevent further release into the river. Downstream fish hatcheries were quickly notified. Corps reservoir managers reduced outflows from Dworshak to slow downstream movement of any oil that made it into the river to potentially assist in containment and recovery. The Corps’ spill-response team at Dworshak responded by boat and spill trailer to the Ahsahka bridge near the North Fork’s confluence with the Clearwater River to attempt recovery. A spill-response team from Pasco assisted the contractor with oil-recovery efforts. The Corps ensured appropriate federal, state, community and tribal agencies were notified of the spill.
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Release no. 16-068