DWR: 5 Hurt When Oroville Dam Wall Fails

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

DWR: 5 Hurt When Oroville Dam Wall Fails

Oroville Dam Wall Fails; No Flood Threat

OROVILLE, CA - Five workers at Oroville Dam in Butte County were hurt Wednesday when a 10-foot wall failed in the dam during a routine test, according to authorities.

The workers, all employees of the California Department of Water Resources which operates the dam were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Ted Thomas with DWR said one person sustained moderate injuries and the other four received minor injuries.

Water flow and electricity production have been halted for an investigation of the incident, said Thomas.

There was no danger of flooding because the failure was in a diversion tunnel, according to Thomas. He added that damage to the dam was minor so its operation should resume soon.

Oroville Dam is the second largest water-holding capacity dam in the state.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009