More than 30 emergency responders from multiple local agencies conducted a live “spill drill” in late October on the McKenzie River above Leaburg Dam. Participants practiced containing a fictitious fuel spill using the McKenzie Watershed Emergency Response System (MWERS).
We’re doing our part by making investments to prepare, replace and maintain our community's electric and water systems. Here are some of the ways we work proactively to keep the lights on and the tap water flowing.
We are taking steps to prepare for an emergency in our community. The emergency water supply program would include several permanent distribution sites located throughout the community using groundwater wells, as well as mobile water trailers.
A fuel tanker was carrying approximately 11,000 gallons of gasoline when it crashed along the McKenzie Highway one mile east of Leaburg on June 13, 2017. While there are a number of potential hazards that could impact our water supply, chemical spills from transportation accidents is one of the highest threats to the McKenzie watershed.
A recent water pipeline assessment that relied on a free-swimming acoustic sensor called a "SmartBall" is an example of using innovative, cost-effective methods to maintain our infrastructure.