MATTAWA, Wash. — A tugboat leased by a contractor working on a Grant PUD project that sank upstream of Priest Rapids Dam overnight Sunday, June 28, has been recovered from the Columbia River.
Contractor and Grant PUD staff worked over the past few days to secure the vessel and prevent any additional diesel from spilling. The Washington State Department of Ecology was also on site during the process to help ensure environmental impacts were minimized.
The tug was refloated from the riverbed Thursday morning using specially constructed barges. It was then lifted from the river by crane and placed on containment pads along the shoreline. The cause of the sinking and the amount of diesel released are not yet known. Additional investigations will be conducted to determine both.
“We are grateful for the coordination and cooperation among our contractors, state agencies and Grant PUD during this incident,” said Rey Pulido, vice president of power production. “By working together, we were able to resolve this event quickly.”
Media contact: Annette Lovitt, Grant PUD, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
About Grant PUD: Established by local residents more than 80 years ago, Grant PUD generates and delivers energy to millions of customers throughout the Pacific Northwest.
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