Vermont Business Magazine The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the 90’s and Vermonters will be looking to cool off. Green Mountain Power is reminding customers that you need to be careful around all waterways, and while those around hydroelectric facilities are beautiful, there can be additional hazards. Public waterways around GMP facilities have some great recreation areas providing access to rivers and reservoirs. Vermonters need to be aware that conditions in waterways associated with hydroelectric facilities may change rapidly. Pay attention to warning signs and markers as some spots are off limits to the public for safety reasons. Recent low water conditions have exposed many areas in rivers and streams that are usually not accessible.
Vergennes hydro. GMP photo.
“Safety is a top priority for our customers and employees, and there was recently a near miss when a group out fishing got stranded downstream from a dam,” said Jason Lisai, GMP’s Director of Generation Operations. “They were in a marked, high-risk area when water levels began rising. Local emergency responders with assistance from GMP were able get them out of the area, and luckily everyone was OK. We want to raise awareness to ensure everyone stays safe and can enjoy this summer.”
Water flow, speed, and elevations can fluctuate around dams, river and reservoirs, and there can be electrical shock hazards in the facilities. Boat barriers, signs and fencing alert visitors to these higher-risk areas.
Anyone choosing to swim, boat or fish near a facility should pay attention, and stay away from those marked areas. Some potential hazards include:
- Currents both above and below dams can be strong and unpredictable.
- Spillways in by-pass areas can operate but may not visible from your location.
- Discharges can be sudden from dam gates and remote operations.
- Surfaces around dams can be slippery and uneven, leading to falls in steep areas adjacent to flowing water.
GMP operates 36 hydro plants around the state, which provide clean, reliable power to customers.
You can learn more about GMP’s hydro power here: https://greenmountainpower.com/learn/understanding-power/
Source: GMP 6.28.2018