For More Information Contact:
Joe Harwood, 341-1879
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Aug. 17, 2009

Work on rock barriers finishes 10 days ahead of schedule

A Eugene Water & Electric Board project to repair two of the chevrons in the north channel of the McKenzie River, immediately downstream from the Walterville Power Canal diversion, has been completed 10 days ahead of schedule.

The work, started Aug. 10 and originally expected to last until Aug. 26, required the use of a large excavator in the north channel. The excavator placed boulders measuring between 1 foot and 5 feet in diameter in order to repair the chevrons. The presence of the excavator required EWEB to close the north channel to boaters and other river users.

The quick completion of the repair project means boaters are no longer limited to using just the south channel. The Walterville Boat Landing at the canal diversion is now open to those boaters seeking to put in and take out at that location.

EWEB installed the first three chevrons – which act as rock barriers that direct more water volume into the Walterville Power Canal – in 2002. Three additional structures were built in 2006.