TV: Is cracked dam a radioactive ticking time bomb?

TV: Is cracked dam a ticking time bomb? “Next 24-48 Hours Critical” — “Preparing for worst-case scenario” — No ‘immediate’ threat — Feds monitor structure, ‘sudden release’ possible — “Very few have faced this” — NPR: New photo shows ‘pronounced curve’ — Docks near Hanford nuke site closed (VIDEO & PHOTO) http://enenews.com/tv-is-cracked-dam-a-ticking-time-bomb-next-24-48-hours-critical-they-are-preparing-for-worst-case-scenario-no-immediate-threat-downstream-very-few-have-faced-this-before?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_c

KAPP-TV, Mar. 4, 2014 (emphasis added): It’s been almost a week since workers at the Wanapum Dam made a startling discovery. A 65 foot crack along one of the spillways underwater […] The utility district says the crack poses no immediate threat to people living downstream.

NPR, , Mar. 4, 2014: A photo posted by the utility [right] shows what the county employee saw last week: a pronounced curve in a conduit and part of the concrete, just below the guardrail

One Newss (Columbia Basin), Mar. 4, 2014: “It’s something that we’re taking very seriously,” [PUD spokesman Chuck Allen] said. […] [Dawn Woodward, PUD hydro director] told the commissioners it’sunknown what caused the crack and how deep it is. The lower water level ensures asudden release of water from the dam will fit into the river’s existing channel, Allen said. The utility and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission continue to monitor the dam to see if anything else occurs with the structure. The utility has closedthe boat launches and docks at Wanapum and Priest Rapids[“near the Hanford nuclear reservation”] dams for safety precautions and because of the drop in the water elevation. It remains unknown how the crack can be fixed. Allen said. […]

KHQ, Mar. 3, 2014: As dozens of engineers and technical experts continue to inspect a 65-foot crack found Thursday in one of the 12 spillways of the Wanapum Dam, inspectors believe the risk of public danger is low, but they are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Stephanie Vigil, KHQ anchor: Is the Wanapum Dam aticking time bomb? […] There was a hidden danger no one knew about until a few days ago.

Watch the KHQ broadcast here

KHQ,, Mar. 3, 2014: ‘The Next 24-48 Hours Are Critical’

Kelsey Watts, KHQ reporter: Federal officials, dozens of engineers and technical staff are on the ground with the top priority of stabilizing that compromised section.
Thomas Stredwick, Grant County PUD spokesperson: “It’s something that we haven’t faced before – and there are very few hydroelectric plants that have faced this before.”
Watts: Despite this 65 foot crack being discovered — one of the largest engineers are aware of here at one of the dams they operate –They say the risk to the public tonight is still very low. However they are monitoring this very closely in the coming days and weeks to determine what danger may exist for the people in this area.