Transformer fails at dam, oil leak contained

STARBUCK - An electrical incident at Little Goose Dam March 18 resulted in an oil loss, which was captured in a secondary containment and has not reached the Snake River.

The cleanup is underway, along with oil recovery operations. A T2 transformer lost oil as a result of the electrical malfunction, stated representatives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District.

"We are committed to identifying and correcting the system failure that caused this spill. We take our responsibility to keep oil out of the river seriously, and will do everything possible to mitigate the risk of further oil releases from our units," an official stated.

The Walla Walla District of the Army Corps has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the leak and the amount of oil discharged.

Agencies were notified, including the National Response Center, Washington Department of Ecology and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

No units were reported to be generating through the transformer during the incident and none are thought to have been damaged. The transformer will be evaluated for possible repair. A T1 line was expected to be brought back on to power today.

The transformer is not useable now but a second transformer at the dam may transmit power to the Bonneville Power Administration.