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The Yuba Water Agency is assessing a penstock failure at the New Colgate Powerhouse, with a focus on site safety and environmental impacts.
YUBA COUNTY, Calif. — The Yuba Water Agency is assessing damage the day after a pipe burst at the New Colgate Powerhouse in Dobbins.
The agency says today’s efforts will focus on investigating the cause, securing site safety and responding to potential environmental impacts in the Yuba River.
“Right now, we’re focusing on doing everything we can to prevent any additional debris from entering the Yuba River and continuing to secure the site ahead of forecasted rain tomorrow,” said Yuba Water Agency General Manager Willie Whittlesey in a statement.
Friday afternoon, Officials said there was a serious incident at their penstock pipe, which moves water from New Bullards Bar Dam to their powerhouse on the Yuba River. Officials said the dam remains safe and stable and was not affected by the incident.
The agency said the penstock suffered a “catastrophic failure,” which resulted in an unplanned release of water. All personnel have been accounted for following the incident and one person remains hospitalized, officials said.
A PG&E spokesperson said when the pipe broke, it flooded a PG&E substation, which caused about 15,000 customers to lose power around 3 p.m. Friday. The substation was described as a switching station south of Dobbins.
Yuba Water said it is conducting surveys of the North and Middle Yuba rivers to map debris and identify high-concentration areas.
Crews are also assessing the impact of the break on hillside erosion, and people should avoid Lake Francis Road and its surrounding area.
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