March 27 GRDA Weekly Update

March 27, 2018

Safety reminder Signs like this one, below the Grand River Dam Authoritys Robert S. Kerr Dam, provide important safety messages to the public, especially during times when floodgates are open at these facilities. GRDA also has buoys, flashing lights, sirens and fencing in place around its hydroelectric facilities

With spring’s arrival and a forecast calling for heavy rains in the days ahead, it is a good time for the Grand River Dam Authority to again share some important information about staying safe around hydroelectric facilities (dams).

Of course, “safety first” is always the top priority and GRDA works to share this message with signs, buoys, sirens, fencing and flashing lights that are all intended to notify those in the area when floodgates are open, generators are operating or water is rising swiftly.

Here is a brief look at all of these safety reminders in place around GRDA’s Pensacola Dam, Robert S. Kerr Dam and Salina Pumped Storage Project. Please keep this in mind as you visit these areas, not only in the spring but all year round:

SIGNS: Posted at all GRDA hydroelectric facilities, these signs warn of extreme danger in floodgate areas. Please be aware of other signs near GRDA facilities that also notify the public of no trespassing areas, no diving areas, or unstable footing.
BUOYS: Orange or 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. These flashing lights mean that the area will be subject to high levels of water discharge, so you should remain at a safe distance. Also, please be reminded that it is against the law to enter any floodwater discharge. Stay well clear of these areas.
SIRENS: These are located at various locations around the hydroelectric facilities and are utilized prior to the operation of hydroelectric generators and/or the opening of floodgates. When the sirens are sounded, you should be aware that water levels will rise quickly, so you should be moving to higher ground.
FENCING: In place to identify borders and to restrict access to certain areas near the hydroelectric facilities. All of this is intended to help keep visitors to the area of safety.

Understanding Severe Weather Outlooks

Officials Stay Busy at 2018 BMR

With an estimated crowd of over 14,000 people attending the annual John Sumner’s Big Meat Run in the off-road areas below Pensacola Dam, GRDA officers stayed busy this weekend monitoring the activities. Officials imposed parking restrictions on Beach Drive this year in an effort to remedy the congestion on the main road leading to the event areas. Also new this year was an outdoor concert and the BMR Poker Run that was held on Friday, drawing a large crowd of spectators. Officers maintained active patrols in the off-road areas with several medics accompanying the officers beginning Thursday night till early Monday.

GRDA Police investigated several injury incidents on the trails and rock crawling areas of the GRDA properties. Most incidents resulted in minor injuries, with one roll-over crash resulting in one person being transported for treatment of minor injuries.

GRDA Police are still investigating the death of one adult male that was a front seat passenger of a vehicle that rolled on Saturday afternoon. The Jeep the victim was riding in was attempting to drive down a steep incline when it rolled, ejecting both of the two unrestrained passengers from the open vehicle. The adult male front-seat passenger received serious injuries, was treated at the scene and transported to a Vinita hospital where he was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. The preliminary investigation indicates he was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet. This is the first death investigated at the BMR in recent years, but the second fatality collision involving a roll-over investigated by police in the off-road areas below Pensacola Dam in the past year. No seat belts were in use at the time of both deaths.

Officers issued dozens of citations for violations they observed during the event, primarily for drivers that were Transporting an Open Container of alcoholic beverages and for Reckless Operation of vehicles. Officers made two arrests during the event, but for the vast majority of people attending the BMR, everyone was well behaved and had a great time!

Did You Know?

True or False: A dock or slip should always be approached at clutch or idle speed.

Answer: True. A safe boater always operates at a reasonable speed at all times, especially in crowded waterways or near docks and slips. Safe boating requires you to always be in control of your watercraft, taking time to perform all maneuvers with adequate precision. Plus, you are required by law to operate at idle speed within 150 feet of any structure including any dock, ramp, bridge or pier.

Boating Laws

Suspicious Mail or Packages

Boating Tips From the GLSPS

The most cautious boaters can sometimes experience unexpected problems on the water. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sport users, take advantage of the free Vessel Safety Check program every year.

The Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron has certified vessel examiners that can do a courtesy safety check at your boat – whether in a slip, at the launch ramp, or in your driveway at a mutually-convenient time. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat. They are also qualified to issue the GRDA safety inspection decal. If your boat does not pass, no report is filed. Instead you are provided a written report that aids you in correcting any discrepancies noted.

To arrange a vessel check by the local power squadron go online to www.usps.org/grandlake and click on vessel safety check. Then click on VSC request and complete the form.

Interested in becoming more confident in your boating skills? Boat Smart from the start and take a course from America’s Boating Club, the United States Power Squadrons. For local information visit our website at: usps.org/grandlake or on Face Book at GLSPS.

Bassmaster Elite Comes to Grand Lake

The 2018 Bassmaster Elite tournament will be held on Grand Lake on April 26-29 at the Wolf Creek Park boat ramp in Grove. The public is welcome for an early morning look at 111 of the best bass anglers in the world beginning their day on Grand Lake. Takeoff will begin with the national anthem at 6:15 a.m. CT. The location for the takeoff is Wolf Creek Park.

After a day on the water, you are welcome to watch the Elite Series anglers weigh in their catches on stage with B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer and Tournament Director Trip Weldon. Weigh-ins are scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m CT at the same location as takeoff, Wolf Creek Park.

In order to accommodate the national tournament, officials will be closing the Wolf Creek boat ramp to all public boat traffic the week of April 23-29. The tournament is expected to draw 700 to 1,000 boat spectators, with as many as 5,000 on land at Wolf Creek Park at the weigh-in. The tournament will also be televised on ESPN.

Boater Safety Tip

By the Book

The Administrative Regulations of GRDA describe the organizations, operations, and procedures for the Grand River Dam Authority with respect to its administration, rulemaking, and other activities and are intended to supplement and interpret pertinent provisions of state statutes.

The following information are excerpts of the GRDA Administrative Regulations Title 300 Chapter 35 that are provided in an effort to educate the public about what regulations are enforced on GRDA waterways and properties. Many of these regulations have changed effective September 11, 2017. All GRDA regulations are available for review at GRDA.com.

PERMITS FOR WHARVES, LANDINGS, BUOYS, BREAKWATERS AND DOCKING FACILITIES

300:35-11-1. Private use

No person, firm, association, partnership or corporation may construct, modify the footprint, install, relocate, transfer or operate any private wharf, dock, landing, anchorage, boat house or breakwater (or any other type of floating structure) on waters or lands of GRDA until the applicant submits a completed application and written permission has been issued by GRDA.

Approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) may also be required prior to installation or modification. Upon completion of any modification, installation, or relocation, the private wharf, dock, landing, anchorage, boat house or breakwater shall be subject to a final inspection by GRDA prior to the issuance of a permit. Such inspection will include verification that the wharf, dock, landing, anchorage, boat house or breakwater was constructed, modified, and/or installed in accordance with the application submitted to GRDA and also in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and building codes.

300:35-11-2. Commercial use

No person, firm, association, partnership or corporation may construct, modify the footprint, install, relocate, transfer or operate any wharf, dock, landing, anchorage, boat house or breakwater (or any other type of floating structure) for pecuniary profit or gain, directly or indirectly, on waters or lands of GRDA until the applicant submits a completed application and written permission has been issued by GRDA. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must also approve all commercial dock applications prior to installation or modification. Upon completion of any modification, installation, or relocation, the commercial wharf, dock, landing, anchorage, boat house or breakwater shall be subject to a final inspection by GRDA prior to the issuance of a permit. Such inspection will include verification that the wharf, dock, landing, anchorage, boat house or breakwater was constructed, modified, and/or installed in accordance with the application submitted to GRDA and also in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and building codes.