News

GRDA reminds the public to stay safe around hydroelectric facilities

Jun 06, 2019

Grand River Dam Authority News Release
For immediate release: 5/2/19

GRDA reminds the public to stay safe around hydroelectric facilities

With recent heavy rains in the Grand River watershed, along with floodgate operations at both Pensacola Dam (Grand Lake) and Robert S. Kerr Dam (Lake Hudson), the Grand River Dam Authority wants to remind the public that “safety first” is a top priority at these locations. The signs, buoys, sirens, fencing and flashing lights in place around the dams are there to notify those in the area when floodgates are open, generators are operating or water is rising swiftly.

• SIGNS: Posted at GRDA hydroelectric facilities (Pensacola Dam, Robert S. Kerr Dam and the Salina Pumped Storage Project) to warn of extreme danger in floodgate areas. Please be aware of other signs near GRDA facilities that notify you of no trespassing areas, no diving areas, or unstable footing.

• BUOYS: Red buoys and cabling above and below spillway gates and the hydroelectric powerhouse restrict access to dangerous areas associated with power generation or floodgate releases.

• FLASHING LIGHTS: At hydroelectric facilities, flashing lights are activated when floodgates are opened or generation is taking place.

• SIRENS: These are located at various locations around the hydroelectric facilities and are utilized prior to the operation of hydroelectric generators and/or floodgates.

• FENCING: In place to identify borders and to restrict access to certain areas near the hydroelectric facilities.

• FINALLY, the GRDA Police Department reminds the public that it is illegal to enter floodwater discharge.

Please keep these safety precautions in mind when you are near GRDA hydroelectric facilities.

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: employees, electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship and efficiency.

Contact: Justin Alberty
Vice President of Corporate Communications
(918) 256 0618
jalberty@grda.com
www.grda.com